Debates over leasing NCT to foreign operator intensifying

The debate over whether to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port to a foreign operator is intensifying, with political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and left-leaning groups, uniting in opposition.

Two-thirds of social protection allocations not genuine

Nearly two-thirds of the allocations under this fiscal year’s social security budget do not qualify as genuine social protection spending, according to a study by the Citizens Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh.

Joblessness rises amid dull investment

Jobs in Bangladesh are not being created in line with the demand from its youth population, leading to a rise in unemployment despite the urgent need for more job opportunities.

Nagad barred from bank transfers

Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks to bar fund transfers by Nagad while keeping the mobile financial services available to customers.

The post-truce state of US-China trade looks dire

Markets appear to be writing off the latest Sino-American trade conflict as quickly as they priced it in. China’s benchmark CSI 300 index is up 1.4 percent this year, marking a full recovery from its sharp drop in early April after President Donald Trump announced a 34 percent reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods, which swiftly spiralled into triple-digit retaliatory levies. The latter has been cancelled and the former suspended for 90 days, leaving the official reciprocal charge at 10 percent, level with other countries.

Fallacies in financial reporting in Bangladesh

Credible financial reporting is a matter of public confidence, yet in many cases, it has failed to meet expectations, especially in recent times. Debates and discussions have taken centre stage, with arguments and counterarguments being fervently exchanged. Let us revisit the fundamentals.

China factory output beats forecasts

Factory output in China grew at a faster rate than expected last month, official data showed Monday, weathering a brutal trade war with Washington.

RMG workers block road in CEPZ demanding salaries, bonuses

As a result, severe traffic congestion was reported on both the Agrabad-Patenga and Patenga-Ring roads since 2:00pm

Competition commission to redefine ‘dominant players’

The authorities are drafting amendments to the Competition Commission Act, enacted in 2012, to establish clearer criteria for identifying dominant market players across various sectors, according to officials.

Economy

Economy

NBR officials postpone protests

Employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday postponed their pen-down strike after the top authority of the interim government invited them for a discussion over their demands to repeal the new Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025.

6h ago

Oilseed cultivation surges amid high edible oil prices

With frequent volatility in edible oil prices in the local market, farmers across the southern region are increasingly turning to oilseed cultivation -- both to meet household needs and as a commercial venture.

6h ago

Financial scams: Frozen fortunes to fund victim compensation

The government has decided to create a fund to compensate victims of financial irregularities by using money and assets recovered from alleged embezzlers and money launderers.

6h ago

Star Interview: Betting on a leaner budget

Bangladesh’s interim government is preparing a tighter budget to rein in the fiscal deficit while boosting job creation and stabilising the economy amid mounting debt concerns.

6h ago

ADP implementation lowest in five years

The government implemented only 41% of ADP in 10 months

10h ago

RMG export to EU rises 29% in Jan-Mar

Bangladesh shipped $5.98 billion worth of apparels to the EU in the first three months of 2025

10h ago

Opinion / How is the economy doing?

The silver lining is that the economy isn’t falling apart

11h ago

Stocks fall for second consecutive day 

The DSEX dropped 14.75 points to 4,776.33

14h ago
Global Economy

Global Economy

Samsung’s next big bet? M&A hopes rise in advanced tech

Questions remain over whether the company has the liquidity to pursue large-scale deals

13h ago

China's factory output resists tariff impact, retail sales disappoint

China's April factory output resilient despite trade war, aided by government support measures

17h ago

China's Xiaomi to invest nearly $7 bn in chips

Since 2021, Xiaomi's chip development program has already received 13.5 billion yuan in research and development funds

17h ago

Asian markets drop after US loses last triple-A credit rating

The move dealt a blow to markets, which had enjoyed a healthy run-up last week after Washington and China hammered out a deal to temporarily slash tit-for-tat tariffs

18h ago

Strained ties: non-tariff barriers and the future of Bangladesh-India trade relations

The non-tariff barriers hurt Bangladesh-India trade, increasing costs and damaging bilateral trust

19h ago

Trump tells Walmart to ‘eat the tariffs’ instead of raising prices

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Walmart should "eat the tariffs" instead of blaming duties imposed by his administration on imported goods for the retailer's increased prices.

1d ago

Moody’s downgrade intensifies investor worry about US fiscal path

A US sovereign downgrade by Moody’s has exacerbated investor worries about a looming debt time-bomb that could spur bond market vigilantes who want to see more fiscal restraint from Washington.

1d ago

Taka weakens against US dollar again

The inter-bank exchange rate hit Tk 122.78 per US dollar today

1d ago
Organisation News

Organisation News

Akij Food to raise Tk 500cr thru zero-coupon bond

Akij Food and Beverage Limited (AFBL), a concern of Akij Venture Limited, has initiated the process to raise Tk 500 crore for the company's expansion through the issuance of a zero-coupon bond.

6h ago

Bepza, ILO sign deal to strengthen workers’ rights in EPZs

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to implement a two-year action plan (2025–2027) focused on labour reforms, aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and enhancing workplace safety across Ba

10h ago

SMC unveils new ORSaline to mark 50 years of lifesaving impact

Social Marketing Company (SMC) has launched a new oral rehydration solution, “SMC ORSaline”, under the brand, “ORSaline-N,” featuring a fresh new packaging design..The newly unveiled pack commemorates SMC’s 50th anniversary, reflecting its enduring legacy of innovation and its remarkable i

10h ago

Techvital Systems, MAK team up to bolster healthcare

Techvital Systems Limited has entered into a strategic sales partnership agreement with Indonesia-based Mega Andalan Kalasan (MAK) during the 16th Meditex Bangladesh 2025 exhibition, aiming to enhance access to advanced medical equipment in Bangladesh..Nizamuddin Hasan Rashid, managing dir

1d ago

Yamaha Riders Club launches ‘Safe Road, Safe Ride’ campaign

The Yamaha Riders Club, a community of motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated not only to biking activities but also to promoting social awareness, has recently launched a nationwide campaign entitled “Safe Road, Safe Ride” in observance of UN Global Road Safety Week..As part of the initiative,

2d ago

Electro Mart unveils Gree's four new AC series

Electro Mart Limited, a manufacturer and marketer of electronics and home appliances in the country, has recently introduced four new series under the renowned air conditioner brand Gree -- Cosmo, Shimo, Zeno, and Clivia -- to the Bangladeshi market..The newly launched series are equipped

2d ago

PBIL, WeGro team up to expand opportunities for agri investors

Prime Bank Investment Limited (PBIL), a subsidiary of Prime Bank PLC, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with WeGro Technologies Limited, a digital platform facilitating investment in agricultural ventures..Syed M Omar Tayub, managing director and CEO of PBIL, and Md Mahm

2d ago

Sydney International School partners with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Sydney International School (SIS) signed an agreement with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

3d ago
Business Multimedia

Business Multimedia

How is Bangladesh being affected despite the US tariff suspension?

Watch today's episode of Star Explains to find out more

What's stopping the govt from breaking market syndicates?

Watch to find out more in today's episode of Star Explains with Ahsan

Which savings certificate offers the highest returns?

In recent years, treasury bills and bond interest rates have exceeded those of savings certificates

Food prices stubbornly high despite govt measures

When prices of widely consumed staples like potatoes, edible oil, sugar or onions spike and remain inflated for extended periods, it understandably hits the poor and low-income people where it hurts the most: in their wallet.

Remittance rises 21% in October

Migrant Bangladeshis sent home $2.39 billion in October

NBR officials postpone protests

Employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) yesterday postponed their pen-down strike after the top authority of the interim government invited them for a discussion over their demands to repeal the new Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025.

6h ago

Oilseed cultivation surges amid high edible oil prices

With frequent volatility in edible oil prices in the local market, farmers across the southern region are increasingly turning to oilseed cultivation -- both to meet household needs and as a commercial venture.

6h ago

Financial scams: Frozen fortunes to fund victim compensation

The government has decided to create a fund to compensate victims of financial irregularities by using money and assets recovered from alleged embezzlers and money launderers.

6h ago

Star Interview: Betting on a leaner budget

Bangladesh’s interim government is preparing a tighter budget to rein in the fiscal deficit while boosting job creation and stabilising the economy amid mounting debt concerns.

6h ago

Akij Food to raise Tk 500cr thru zero-coupon bond

Akij Food and Beverage Limited (AFBL), a concern of Akij Venture Limited, has initiated the process to raise Tk 500 crore for the company's expansion through the issuance of a zero-coupon bond.

6h ago

Competition commission to redefine ‘dominant players’

The authorities are drafting amendments to the Competition Commission Act, enacted in 2012, to establish clearer criteria for identifying dominant market players across various sectors, according to officials.

6h ago

China factory output beats forecasts

Factory output in China grew at a faster rate than expected last month, official data showed Monday, weathering a brutal trade war with Washington.

6h ago

Fallacies in financial reporting in Bangladesh

Credible financial reporting is a matter of public confidence, yet in many cases, it has failed to meet expectations, especially in recent times. Debates and discussions have taken centre stage, with arguments and counterarguments being fervently exchanged. Let us revisit the fundamentals.

6h ago

The post-truce state of US-China trade looks dire

Markets appear to be writing off the latest Sino-American trade conflict as quickly as they priced it in. China’s benchmark CSI 300 index is up 1.4 percent this year, marking a full recovery from its sharp drop in early April after President Donald Trump announced a 34 percent reciprocal tariff on Chinese goods, which swiftly spiralled into triple-digit retaliatory levies. The latter has been cancelled and the former suspended for 90 days, leaving the official reciprocal charge at 10 percent, level with other countries.

6h ago

Nagad barred from bank transfers

Bangladesh Bank has instructed banks to bar fund transfers by Nagad while keeping the mobile financial services available to customers.

6h ago