Food, Fast: Behind delivery boom lies a workforce without rights or recognition

With a signature pink Foodpanda delivery bag slung across his shoulders, Abdul Kader pedals tirelessly through the congested and pothole-riddled roads of Dhaka.

Govt plans 31% hike in food subsidy in FY26 budget

The government plans to raise the food subsidy allocation by 31 percent to Tk 9,500 crore in the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to ensure access to affordable food for poor and low-income households.

Govt to allow rawhide exports despite tanners’ objections

Although tanners have voiced opposition, the government will allow rawhide exports during the Eid-ul-Azha season with the aim of fostering demand and ensuring better prices for traders at the field level, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said yesterday.

External debt doubles in seven years

Bangladesh’s external debt soared to $103 billion by the end of December 2024, doubling from $51 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2016–17, as the sharp increase in borrowing coincided with a rapid expansion of the economy.

Salehuddin urges all to work together to overcome challenges of economy

'We are in the midst of all sorts of challenges,' says the finance adviser

Toy industry: From import reliance to export growth

In the heart of Dhaka, amid vibrant toy displays and the hum of industry conversations at InterContinental Dhaka, sector people were talking about a quiet revolution — one that could redefine Bangladesh’s export landscape and lessen its long-standing reliance on imported toys.

BPO summit to begin on June 21

A two-day BPO Summit Bangladesh 2025 is set to begin for the sixth time on June 21 at Senaprangan in the capital, bringing together firms in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector.

Mastering what doesn’t exist

There is a special breed of professionals in every Bangladeshi office, those who seem to know everything from quantum physics to kebab recipes. They speak with such confidence that even Google starts to doubt itself. But here is the twist: a new study by Stav Atir, Emily Rosenzweig, and David Dunning reveals that the more of an expert you are, the more likely you are to claim knowledge of things that don’t actually exist. Welcome to the glamorous world of overclaiming with “I know it all syndrome” or as we like to call it in Dhaka boardrooms, “Bhai, I already have the idea!” 

Gold prices hit two-week high

Gold prices rose to a two-week peak on Thursday as investors leaned toward the safe-haven asset, driven by concerns over the US government’s growing debt and soft demand for 20-year Treasury bonds, a sign of low appetite for US assets.

Economy

Economy

Govt to amend NBR ordinance

In the face of turmoil amid continued protest by employees, the government yesterday backtracked from its position and stated it would bring “required amendments” to the new ordinance that split the National Board of Revenue.

1d ago

NBR officials submit memorandum to chief adviser

Their four-point demand includes the repeal of the recently issued ordinance and the resignation of the NBR chairman

1d ago

Rules eased for sending money abroad for language courses

Students can now pay language course fees directly through banks

1d ago

Stocks break two-day gains

The DSEX lost 16.20 points to close at 4,785.11

1d ago

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s Q3 profit rises 10%

Increased revenue earnings from higher fares and vessel sales boosted the profit

1d ago

Olympic to import cookie production line worth Tk 13.19 crore

The company will bring in the equipment from a company in China

1d ago

BB should be transparent about its consumer credit rating licence

The initiative, which received little public attention at the time due to political instability, represents a critical juncture in Bangladesh's financial infrastructure development.

1d ago

MetLife settles highest life insurance claims in 2024

The company disbursed Tk 2,895 crore in claims last year, maintaining a claims settlement ratio of 97.79 percent

1d ago
Global Economy

Global Economy

Weak US economic outlook persists despite brief trade truce: poll

The outlook for the US economy remains weak despite a temporary cooling of the US-China trade war, a Reuters poll of economists showed, with a debate over the country’s fiscal health hanging in the balance.

1d ago

Weak US economic outlook persists despite brief trade truce with China: Reuters poll

Economists in a May 14-21 Reuters poll were unanimous the Trump administration's policies have hurt the economy

1d ago

Asian equities track Wall St sell-off as US deficit fears grow

All three main indexes on Wall Street ended sharply lower.

1d ago

BGMEA wants 3-month window from India to clear pending shipments

The association urges the interim government to send a letter to India seeking the opportunity

2d ago

US importers race to create bonded warehouses amid Trump tariffs

The rush to bond U.S. warehouses for goods ranging from clothing to auto parts is a bet for some that raised U.S. tariffs will be only a short-term policy by the Trump administration.

2d ago

China slams US 'bullying' over new warnings on Huawei chips

Beijing condemned new US warnings on the use of AI chips made in China

2d ago

Trump’s remittance tax plan poses threat to Bangladesh

The US House Budget Committee voted late on Sunday to move forward with President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", a proposal that could make sending money back home more expensive for three lakh Bangladeshis currently living in the United States.

3d ago

Weaker Donald Trump will struggle to keep promises

Donald Trump can still cut deals and issue orders. But the US president’s power has waned since he imposed sky-high tariffs in April, only to backtrack. In particular, the balance of power between the United States and China, which should be critical to his promise to “Make America Great Again”, has shifted in Beijing’s favour.

3d 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.

4d 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.

4d 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

4d 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

4d 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

5d 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,

6d 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

6d 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

6d 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

Without capital markets reform, Bangladesh will stay invisible to the world

Bangladesh must build an ongoing feedback loop with actual global investors—those managing billions in emerging and frontier market mandates

6d ago

NBR officials observe pen-down strike for third day 

Only international passenger services, export operations, and budget-related activities were exempted from the strike

6d ago

Crisis should be seen as an opportunity: Debapriya 

Bhattacharya said that increasing tariffs in the name of reciprocity often ends up hurting end consumers

6d ago

Vietnam steps up talks with US to reduce hefty tariff

Vietnam has the fourth-largest trade surplus among all US trading partners, worth $123.5 billion last year

6d ago

Stocks rebound in early trading

The DSEX gained 15.9 points to 4,796.95 as of 11:32 am

6d ago

US loses last triple-A credit rating as Moody's cuts over govt debt

The downgrade to Aa1 from Aaa adds to the bad news for the US president

6d ago

Govt sincere in developing telecom, IT sectors: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday said the interim government is sincere in developing country’s telecommunication and information technology (IT) sectors and it has ensured transparency and accountability in all the activities of these sectors.

1w ago

How Chattogram built its economic legacy

Picture a crowded harbour where the salty seabreeze carries whispers of far-off lands, where merchants of all creed and caste haggle over silks and spices, and where towering ships of all varieties – Chinese junks, Arab dhows, and Portuguese carracks – sway gently in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

1w ago

Who appoints CEO at Nagad now?

Govt asks postal department to take responsibility of the MFS provider

1w ago

Pubali Bank’s profit up 4% in January-March

Pubali Bank PLC saw its earnings increase in the first quarter of the financial year 2025.

1w ago