2025 Recap: Reporters' picks

Bangladesh's economy in 2025 was shaped by tentative stabilisation alongside deep structural strains, as easing external pressures contrasted with stubborn inflation, weak private investment and mounting stress in the financial sector. Policy reforms, trade shocks and political transitions added to a year of uneven recovery.

Economy shows signs of recovery

The economy showed signs of recovery as balance-of-payments deficits narrowed, reserves increased and exchange rates stabilised. Remittances remained buoyant, while exports slowed and imports rose.

Inflation stays high

Inflation finally fell below 9 percent after three years in June, but stayed high at over 8 percent. Amid continued erosion of purchasing power, lower- and fixed-income groups were forced to cut their food intake.

Drought in private investment continues

Private investment growth remained subdued, with credit growth to the sector falling to a historic low of 6.23 percent in October 2025. Foreign investment, however, increased, buoyed by reinvested earnings.

Financial sector weakness exposed

Non-performing loans surged to a record Tk 6.44 lakh crore, accounting for nearly 36 percent of total outstanding credit -- the highest level since 2000. More than a dozen lenders reported default ratios exceeding 50 percent.

LDC graduation moves forward

Bangladesh moved towards graduating from a least developed country in 2025 as a fresh UN assessment reaffirmed readiness, while businesses urged deferment, citing the risk of preference losses.

Five troubled banks merged

The government merged five troubled Islamic banks into the state-run Sammilito Islami Bank, backed by an injection of Tk 20,000 crore in capital. Initiatives were also taken to liquidate nine non-bank financial institutions.

US reciprocal tariffs sparked uncertainty

A good part of 2025 was marked by uncertainty and fear over the imposition of 37 percent reciprocal tariffs by the US on local exports. Despite the tariff later being reduced to 20 percent, it affected overall shipments, including garments.

Tax reforms gain pace

The government issued an ordinance that separates tax policy from tax administration and seeks to dissolve the National Board of Revenue. The move triggered unprecedented protests from revenue officials, disrupting revenue operations, international trade, and forcing an amendment to the ordinance.

Deals with foreign firms for port terminals

Amid widespread opposition from various corners, authorities signed deals with two foreign firms for the development and operation of the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram and the management of the Pangaon Container Terminal in Dhaka's Keraniganj.

New tariffs at Ctg port

In the first major revision in nearly 40 years, authorities increased tariffs by up to 41 percent on different services at Chattogram port.

Starlink arrives, NEIR stalls

Satellite internet entered Bangladesh through fast-tracked Starlink approvals. Meanwhile, the enforcement of the much-talked-about National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) was delayed amid trader protests.

Amendment to labour reforms

The interim government brought major changes to the labour law, which included easing of rules to form trade unions, and Bangladesh also ratified three conventions of the International Labour Organization to protect workers' rights.