Business in Bangladesh

08/09/2026

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir calls for making Bangladesh-India relations more fruitful and public welfare oriented

Desk Report:

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the need to quickly resolve the unresolved issues of the two countries through discussions to further strengthen and sustain the existing relations between Bangladesh and India.

He emphasized this when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban on Tuesday (September 08, 2026) morning.

During the meeting, the President said that if issues of mutual interest are resolved in a fair and acceptable manner to both countries, the trust and confidence between the people of Bangladesh and India will further increase.

Stating that the management of water from common rivers is directly related to the lives and livelihoods of the people of the two countries, the President called on India to take effective measures for the fair distribution of water from common rivers including the Ganges and Teesta.

In response, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi informed the President that his government was taking positive steps in this regard.

The President said that there is immense potential for expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and India in various fields including trade, water resources management, technology, communication, culture and enhancing communication and relations between the people of the two countries.

He said that Bangladesh and India can work more closely to achieve common peace, development and prosperity by utilizing the capabilities and potential of the people of the two countries.

During the meeting, the Indian High Commissioner expressed the hope that the two countries will continue to work together on the basis of mutual cooperation in the future. At the same time, he sought the President's cooperation in discharging his duties in Bangladesh.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir wished High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi a successful and fruitful tenure. He also expressed his hope to make the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India more positive, fruitful and oriented towards public welfare.

Senior officials from the President's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Indian High Commission were present during the meeting.

08/09/2026

Team Bangladesh selected from over 4,000 students for International Climate and Environment Olympiad

Diplomatic Desk:

07/09/2026

Bangladesh-India hold talks to enhance cooperation in environment and wildlife conservation

07/09/2026

India wants to increase cooperation in training and skill development in public administration

Desk Report:

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on BNP National Standing Committee member and Advisor to the Hon'ble Prime Minister on Public Administration (Ministerial Rank) Md. Ismail Zabiullah at the Advisor's office at the Bangladesh Secretariat today, Monday (September 7, 2026). The meeting discussed ways to increase mutual communication between the two countries and advance bilateral relations.

At the beginning of the meeting, High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi greeted the Advisor with flowers and exchanged greetings. During this time, they exchanged views on various aspects of bilateral relations.

Advisor Md. Ismail Zabiullah said, Bangladesh and India are friendly neighboring countries. India has a long border with Bangladesh. Reducing the killings on the border of the two countries to zero is important for understanding between the people of the two countries. He called for reducing the trade deficit between the two countries and ensuring a fair share of the Ganges water. He also stressed on increasing people-to-people relations without any affiliation with any particular party. He expressed hope that Bangladesh-India bilateral relations would strengthen under the able leadership of the current Indian High Commissioner.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi highlighted the common cultural and historical ties existing between Bangladesh and India. He also mentioned the huge demand for Bangladeshi hilsa in India. He requested to send Bangladeshi officials to India for training.

The Indian High Commissioner expressed hope that the cooperation between the two countries would further expand in mutual interest. He emphasized on resuming training and skill development programs between the public administrations of the two countries. He mentioned that it is necessary to take the relationship forward in the interest of the people of the two countries. He expressed hope to meet again.

Relevant officials of the Indian High Commission were present at the meeting.

07/09/2026

Yohei Sasakawa, the Special Envoy of the Japanese Government for National Reconciliation in Myanmar and Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today, Monday (September 7, 2026).

Video: From the page of 'PMO Bangladesh - Prime Minister's Office'.

07/09/2026

14th BTTF to begin in Dhaka on October 29, more than 20 countries to participate

07/09/2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman calls for strengthening multilateral initiatives for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis

Desk Report:

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman received a courtesy call from Yohei Sasakawa, the Special Envoy of the Japanese Government for National Reconciliation in Myanmar and Chairman of the Nippon Foundation.

In the meeting held with the Prime Minister at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (September 7, 2026), various aspects of sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas, and assistance in their rehabilitation after repatriation were discussed.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked the Japanese government for standing by Bangladesh in dealing with the Rohingya crisis. He emphasized the need for a more effective and coordinated role of the international community in a permanent solution to the crisis.

The Prime Minister said that multilateral initiatives and international cooperation need to be further strengthened for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. At the same time, all parties concerned should play an effective role in creating an environment for the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their own country.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Rohingyas after their repatriation. The importance of long-term cooperation with international partners in this regard was highlighted.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of setting up a vaccine production center in Bangladesh and expanding Japanese investment opportunities. They also exchanged views on the possibility of increasing Japanese technology, investment and cooperation in the health and manufacturing sectors of Bangladesh.

Various issues of mutual interest of the two countries were also discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was attended by relevant government officials and representatives of Japan.

07/09/2026

Bashundhara Kings overcome FIFA hurdles and become familiar again

Desk Report:

Abahani Limited, Bashundhara Kings and Youngmen's Fakir Pool Club have been freed from FIFA's temporary ban. They have cleared the initial licensing hurdle by paying their dues. This is a great relief for the country's football scene.

It was difficult to imagine the 2026-27 season without Bashundhara Kings and Abahani. Since the professional league started in 2007, both these clubs have won the title six times each. This is a great testament to their influence in the football scene.

After the off-field discussions, the team formation has now begun. Mohammedan has assembled the team in a cheerful mood from the beginning and confirmed a foreign coach. On the other hand, Abahani has surprised by bringing forward Michael Babatunde, who played for Nigeria in the World Cup, to the team. Just as discussions are underway about the paper-pen strength of the upcoming league with the participation of 13 teams, the possibility of seven teams competing for the main title will make the season exciting.

Since their debut in the 2018-19 season, Bashundhara Kings have not only won five consecutive league trophies, but have also changed the culture of football management in the country. No one else in the history of football has a record of winning so many titles in a row. A total of 20 titles have been deposited in their trophy cabinet, including the women's team. Which is a unique example. The team has made a special place in the hearts of young football fans due to its professionalism, responsibility and great institutional structure.

Although the Kings have gone through a difficult path in the recent environmental crises, the board of directors maintained strong faith. The club has turned around with the management of President Md. Imrul Hasan and the continued support of Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sohban.

Not only the club management, but they have set an unprecedented example in South Asia by creating a sports infrastructure worth thousands of crores of taka through Bashundhara Sports City.

Bashundhara Kings are now looking to keep all the trophies for themselves next season. Despite the departure of some national team players, the return of Robson Robinho and a 35-member team with local and foreign veterans are providing the club with immense mental strength. Regular practice has started under an experienced local coaching panel. Bashundhara Kings are ready to prove themselves on the field and raise the flag of tradition and reputation high again.

07/09/2026

EU resolves 48 out of 61 trade barriers: New progress on Bangladesh-EU free trade agreement

Desk Report:

Significant progress has been made towards further strengthening and facilitating trade relations between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU). Bangladesh has resolved 48 out of 61 non-tariff barriers identified by the EU. The remaining issues are also in the process of being resolved quickly.

At the same time, preparatory talks on a formal Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Protection Agreement with the European Union, Bangladesh's largest export market, are about to begin.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir gave this information at a joint press briefing held at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday (September 6). The event was attended by European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Advisor to the Ministry of Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid, State Minister for Planning Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce and Foreign Affairs.

The Commerce Minister said that after assuming office last March, a delegation led by the European Union Ambassador highlighted some specific obstacles in conducting trade with Bangladesh. After that, a large part of these problems were resolved in the shortest possible time with the coordinated efforts of all concerned parties including the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and the Ministry of Shipping.

One of the important issues resolved was
* Resolving the complications related to the renewal of licenses of 100% foreign-owned logistics companies.
* Increasing the annual limit of commercial sample import from US$ 10,000 to US$ 20,000.

* Removing customs complications of scanning smart cards used to ensure traceability of exported products and determining reasonable prices.

Expecting EU cooperation in LDC graduation

Regarding Bangladesh's initiative to postpone the deadline for graduation from the LDC (Least Developed Country) list by three years, the Commerce Minister said that the recommendations of the United Nations Committee on Development Policy (CDP) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) have come out positively. The matter will be presented for final decision at the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. In this regard, the strong support of the European Union will play an important role for Bangladesh.

EU's positive response to FTA negotiations

EU Ambassador Michael Miller said that the European Commission has responded positively to the formal proposal of the Bangladesh government for a free trade agreement and investment protection agreement. Joint technical discussions on this matter may begin this week if the necessary approvals of the European Union member states are completed.

He said that in order to deepen economic cooperation between the two sides, it is necessary to ensure a transparent, stable and competitive business environment. If transparency and fair competition are maintained in the government procurement process, both Bangladesh and the European Union will benefit.

At the time, he also expressed optimism about the speedy progress of the Airbus procurement negotiations as part of increasing aviation and trade cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union.

Import decisions based on national interests

In response to a question about importing goods from the United States, the Commerce Minister said that Bangladesh always takes import decisions by considering national interests, economic rationality and the needs of the people. In the case of importing fuel (LNG) and food grains, the Government Procurement Committee approves the decisions after analyzing the competitive price, product quality and wastage rate.

He also said that Bangladesh's trade policy is not guided by the influence of any particular country; rather, the country's economic interests and the welfare of the people are the main basis of all decisions.

New horizons for Bangladesh-EU economic partnership

According to analysts, the start of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union will create new opportunities for Bangladesh's export sector, especially ready-made garments, agro-processed products, pharmaceuticals and other promising industries. At the same time, bilateral investment and technical cooperation are also likely to expand further as trade barriers are removed.

Today's progress is being considered an important milestone in transforming the long-standing trade relationship between Bangladesh and the European Union into a more sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.

07/09/2026

Health Minister vows to make all hospitals in the country broker-free