Bangladesh has secured the second position among countries successfully exporting value-added products to the U.S., trailing Cambodia and outpacing Vietnam, according to the latest IMF report. Cambodia leads with a 21% growth in value-added exports, while Bangladesh recorded a 20% increase, primarily driven by ready-made garments, leather goods, and handicrafts. The IMF highlights that Asian countries heavily depend on markets in Europe and the U.S. for foreign currency through exports and remittances. Strengthening value addition in products enables higher export opportunities, fostering competition among exporters. While Sri Lanka maintained steady exports, other nations saw a decline. Countries like Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, India, and Thailand lagged in boosting value-added export growth. The report also kept Bangladesh’s GDP growth forecast at 4.9% for the current fiscal year.

World Bank President Ajay Banga has warned that 1.2 billion young people will enter the global workforce over the next 25 years, but current economic growth is failing to create sufficient job opportunities. Speaking at the World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, Banga emphasized that the world must prepare now to avoid a massive generational failure. He noted that by 2050, 85% of the world’s population will live in developing countries, where lack of education, skills, and employment could trigger inequality and instability. Banga stressed the importance of job creation in five key sectors—infrastructure and energy, agriculture and agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and mineral production and processing—and urged developing countries to modernize these sectors to attract private investment. He also called for global unity and compassion, reminding that employment, climate change, and governance are shared global challenges.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will engage in discussions with Bangladesh’s next elected government before releasing the next tranche of the $5.5 billion loan package, scheduled for December, according to Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur. Speaking from Washington, where he is attending the IMF–World Bank annual meetings, Mansur explained that the IMF made this decision in light of the upcoming national elections. Bangladesh has neither objected to nor endorsed the decision, as it currently faces no financial pressure. The Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining policy continuity rather than focusing solely on disbursement. He added that conducting a full review now would be premature, given the election period. The IMF’s Article IV mission will arrive in October for a partial assessment, with the final review expected in February, following the elections. So far, Bangladesh has received $3.6 billion of the pledged loan.

Gold prices have soared past $4,200 per ounce in 2025, setting record highs and marking the strongest performance since 1979. While jewelry remains the dominant consumer of gold globally, demand is rising sharply across three key non-jewelry sectors: investment, central bank reserves, and technology. According to the World Gold Council, total gold demand in the first half of 2025 reached 2,455 tons—3% higher than last year—driven by strong investment amid economic uncertainty. Investors view gold as a “safe haven,” with investment demand reaching 1,180 tons in 2024, up 25% year-on-year. Central banks purchased 1,046 tons to diversify reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, marking their third consecutive year above the 1,000-ton threshold. Meanwhile, gold’s use in technology—especially electronics and AI hardware—continues to grow due to its excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Bangladesh has recorded a foreign exchange surplus of $480 million in the first two months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, more than double the surplus in the same period last year. According to Bangladesh Bank data, imports increased by nearly 10% to $10.88 billion, while exports rose 11% to $7.93 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.96 billion, slightly higher than last year’s $2.75 billion. Capital goods imports surged 24.5%, and intermediate goods imports grew by 8.2%. Officials attribute the improvement to reduced opportunities for illicit money transfers following recent government changes. Meanwhile, the country’s foreign exchange reserves have increased by $8 billion, surpassing $32 billion. Sustained growth in exports and remittances continues to support the positive trajectory of Bangladesh’s external sector.

The Bangladesh Bank has released a directive reminding citizens that 1 and 2 taka coins remain valid legal tender across the country. The central bank observed that in several areas, people are unwilling to accept or use these small-denomination coins in financial transactions. In its statement issued on Wednesday (October 15) by the Department of Communications and Publications, the bank emphasized that refusing to transact with legal currency constitutes a violation of existing monetary laws. Bangladesh Bank urged all individuals, businesses, and institutions to treat both paper notes and metal coins equally in cash dealings. The bank further requested public cooperation to maintain trust and efficiency in the nation’s financial system, ensuring the smooth circulation of all valid currency.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Bangladesh’s GDP growth to reach around 4.9% in the current fiscal year—slightly higher than last year’s 3.97%, but still below the government’s 5.5% target. According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook 2025, inflation, which had declined in recent months, is likely to rise again due to higher commodity prices. Economic activity and import costs are also expected to increase, widening the current account deficit as dollar spending outpaces earnings. Despite these challenges, the IMF predicts steady growth over the next few years, reaching 6.5% by 2029–30. Bangladesh’s current account deficit, once 4% of GDP in 2021–22, has since dropped to 1.4% in 2023–24, though further pressure on foreign reserves remains likely.

Gold and silver prices soared to record levels on Monday, October 13, as renewed trade tensions between the United States and China, combined with expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, boosted safe-haven demand. Spot gold climbed 1.5% to $4,078 per ounce, while December gold futures rose 2.3% to $4,093. Silver also jumped 2.7% to $51.70 per ounce. President Donald Trump recently threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and announced new export controls on key software, prompting global market concerns. Analysts note that geopolitical tensions and market tightness are driving investment demand for precious metals. Platinum rose 2.9% to $1,635.35, and palladium increased 3.6% to $1,452.50. Since January, gold has surged 53%, fueled by central bank purchases, ETF inflows, tariff-related economic uncertainty, and anticipated Fed rate cuts. Market watchers expect further rate reductions in October and December.

Wall Street experienced a historic plunge as major U.S. stock indices suffered their largest drop since Donald Trump took office. The sudden market crash was triggered after President Trump announced the cancellation of a high-profile meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit, citing escalating trade tensions. In addition, Trump hinted at imposing significant tariffs on imported Chinese goods, fueling fears of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies. U.S. media reports indicated that by Friday’s close, all weekly gains were erased as investors reacted to the news with panic selling. Analysts attribute the rapid decline to growing uncertainty in global trade relations and potential economic repercussions. The announcement sent shockwaves across financial markets worldwide, creating heightened volatility and investor anxiety.

Gold prices have reached an all-time high, crossing the $4,000 per ounce mark for the first time as investors seek safety amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. On Wednesday, spot gold rose 0.7% to $4,011.18 per ounce, while U.S. December gold futures climbed to $4,033.40. The metal has gained about 52% so far in 2025, compared with 27% in 2024. Analysts attribute the rally to expectations of lower U.S. interest rates, a weak dollar, central bank gold purchases, and growing investment in exchange-traded funds. Independent metals analyst Tai Wong said the market is showing strong confidence, with $5,000 now seen as the next target. Political instability in France and Japan, coupled with the U.S. government shutdown, has further fueled demand for gold. Other precious metals also rose, with silver, platinum, and palladium showing significant gains.

The U.S. Senate has once again failed to pass a key spending bill required to end the ongoing government shutdown, marking the fifth consecutive deadlock. Both Democratic and Republican proposals were rejected—Democrats’ bill fell short with 45–50 votes, while Republicans’ plan was defeated 52–42, leaving federal operations paralyzed for the fifth straight day. Democrats seek to prioritize healthcare funding and restore Medicaid subsidies, while Republicans demand a “clean” bill without new spending commitments. President Donald Trump expressed willingness to negotiate but insisted that the government must first reopen. Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees continue to work without pay. The White House has begun procedures for potential layoffs if the impasse persists. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer denied claims of ongoing talks with Trump, deepening the political standoff as uncertainty grips Washington.

Mirza Yasir Abbas, son of BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, has decided to gift approximately 31.3 million shares of Dhaka Bank PLC, valued at around 360 million Taka, to his mother Afroza Abbas. The shares will be transferred outside the stock exchange trading system as a gift. Afroza Abbas, a founder of Dhaka Bank but not a current board member, will now hold around three percent of the bank’s shares, exceeding the regulatory two percent requirement for a director set by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). This strategic gift will make her eligible to join the bank’s board in the future. Sources indicate that the primary purpose of the gift is to facilitate her appointment as a director, strengthening her formal involvement in the bank’s management.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that businesses in the U.S. and other countries are bearing the major burden of retaliatory tariffs. IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said global growth remained steady in the first half of the year despite tariff uncertainties, but early signs of a slowdown are now visible. Inflation trends remain mixed: tariffs have pushed up some U.S. goods prices, while inflationary pressures are still low in China and parts of Asia. Although U.S. companies are absorbing part of the tariff costs, it is unclear how long this can continue. The IMF will publish its next World Economic Outlook on October 14, addressing the impact of tariffs on U.S. inflation and growth, followed by further discussions in November’s Article IV consultation. Kozack also noted that the Federal Reserve’s September rate cut, aided by labor market flexibility, carries inflationary risks, urging the Fed to closely monitor upcoming data.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has said extortion has sharply increased in Bangladesh since August 5 of last year, stressing that without political commitment and an elected government, it cannot be controlled. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, he explained that where extortion once demanded one unit, it now demands one and a half or even two. He noted that both new and old groups are involved, and many extortionists are also members of business organizations. This illegal practice has been pushing up commodity prices, he warned, though he emphasized that controlling it is not his ministry’s job, nor is the interim government inclined to pursue arrests. However, he expressed hope that inflation would decline to 7 percent by June next year despite these challenges.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is set to begin trial operations this December, confirmed Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.

He noted that Bangladesh had earlier requested Russia to launch the project in November, but Moscow indicated a December start. The plant has already received its fuel, and a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has provided recommendations, which are currently being implemented. Final approval from the IAEA is pending.

Electricity pricing per unit has not yet been finalized. Once operational, the two Russian-built VVER-1200 reactors will add 2,400 MW of power to Bangladesh’s national grid, marking a milestone in the country’s energy sector.