Bangladesh’s Advisory Council has approved the closure of three land ports and suspension of operational activities at one more, in a decision taken at its 40th meeting chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The ports slated for closure are Chilahati (Nilphamari), Doulatganj (Chuadanga), and Tegamukh (Rangamati). Additionally, operations at Balla land port in Chunarughat, Habiganj, have been suspended until further notice.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have crossed $31 billion once more, fueled by higher remittance inflows, export earnings, and loan support from international organizations.
As of Wednesday, gross reserves stood at $31.33 billion, while reserves calculated under IMF’s BPM-6 methodology reached $26.31 billion.
Earlier in July, after clearing $2.02 billion in ACU payments, reserves had dropped to $29.53 billion. By August 24, gross reserves recovered slightly to $30.86 billion.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has revealed that the demand for cash in the country is rising by nearly 10% each year, costing the government around Tk 20,000 crore annually in printing and distribution.

Highlighting the need for digital alternatives, he said:

“A smartphone is now essential for financial transactions, bill payments, and online services.”

The central bank is working to introduce affordable smartphones priced between Tk 6,000–7,000 to ensure universal access to digital financial services.

Dr. Mansur also called for lowering internet costs and improving service quality to accelerate digital adoption.

On housing, he emphasized:

Millions of new homes are still needed across the country.

Urban migration is irreversible, making affordable housing projects urgent.

Banks could utilize their idle land by partnering with developers.

Starting today, the United States has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, bringing the total tariff rate to 50%. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the order through Customs and Border Protection.
The Trump administration said the move was a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, which helps fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The new tariff adds to the 25% already in effect since August 1. India’s exports worth nearly $87 billion—about 2.5% of its GDP—are expected to be directly affected.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of 200% or higher on Chinese goods unless Beijing increases its supply of magnets to the United States.

According to Al Jazeera, China remains highly sensitive about rare earth elements. In April, Beijing restricted exports of several rare minerals and magnets in retaliation to Washington’s tariff hikes. Currently, China controls about 90% of the global magnet market.

Meanwhile, Intel Corporation has announced that it will acquire a 10% stake in the U.S.-based semiconductor giant, which heavily relies on rare minerals. Interestingly, despite restrictions, China’s rare earth exports have reportedly increased in recent months.

The Bangladesh Bank has announced plans to issue new licenses for digital banks, raising the minimum paid-up capital requirement to Tk 300 crore, up from the previous Tk 125 crore.

According to a central bank circular, licenses will be granted under the 1991 Bank Company Act, while payment services will be regulated under the 2014 Bangladesh Payment and Settlement Systems Regulations.

Digital banks will operate without physical branches, offering services exclusively through apps and online platforms. Customers will be able to deposit and spend money digitally, while receiving access to virtual cards, QR codes, and other advanced tools. However, plastic debit or credit cards will not be issued.

Each licensed digital bank will be required to go public and release primary shares within five years of operation.

At the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the urgent need to finalize the long-discussed India-Russia Free Trade Agreement. Calling for greater Russian participation in India’s expanding economy, Jaishankar said, “India is moving rapidly towards urbanization and modernization, creating new demand across sectors. This presents a significant opportunity for Russian companies in our market.”

Highlighting areas of collaboration, he noted that Russian firms could play a pivotal role in supplying essential industrial and agricultural goods such as fertilizers and chemicals. He expressed optimism that the free trade deal would help remove existing trade barriers.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to maintaining oil supplies to India and expanding cooperation in natural gas.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has announced that Bangladesh and Pakistan are taking steps to revive their long-dormant Joint Economic Commission (JEC) to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

Speaking to reporters, he said meaningful discussions were held with Pakistan’s commerce minister, including the possibility of forming a new Trade and Investment Commission. Both countries are also exploring joint ventures in intermediate goods production.

Bangladesh requested Pakistan to withdraw its anti-dumping duty on hydrogen peroxide and restore duty-free access for Bangladeshi tea exports. Additionally, Dhaka sought support for its leather and sugar industries. Talks also covered agricultural products and fruit trade.

When asked whether Bangladesh is tilting toward Pakistan, the adviser responded:
"We are leaning toward everyone—Pakistan, the United States, even importing onions from India. Wherever national interest lies, we will engage."

In a bid to sustain business momentum, Bangladesh Bank has relaxed its lending guidelines, allowing banks to distribute loans without implementing the Internal Credit Risk Rating Systems (ICRRS).

Banks can now disburse loans based on their own risk assessments to safeguard institutional interests.

The central bank explained that the earlier mandatory ICRRS-based lending policy was causing delays due to lengthy audits and financial scrutiny of entrepreneurs. To cut through such complications, a new circular has been issued.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced that revenue collection grew nearly 25% in July, the first month of the 2025–26 fiscal year.
NBR collected Tk 27,249 crore in July 2025, up from Tk 21,916 crore in the same month last year—an increase of 24.33%.
The highest revenue came from VAT, totaling Tk 11,352 crore, marking a 32.45% growth compared to last year’s Tk 8,571 crore. Income tax and travel tax generated Tk 6,295 crore (up 21.65% from Tk 5,175 crore), while import duties rose 17.52% to Tk 9,602 crore from Tk 8,170 crore last year.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has stressed the urgent need to curb excessive cash transactions, saying they encourage corruption and make tax evasion easier.

“The foundation of a cashless society in Bangladesh is becoming stronger. Within the next 7–8 years, Bangladesh will emerge as a major hub of cashless economy,” he stated.

Highlighting mobile financial services (MFS) innovations, the governor said the concept of “nano loans” is gaining popularity, with an average of 4,000 people receiving such loans daily, amounting to Tk 7,000 crore in total disbursements.

He emphasized that restoring discipline in the financial sector remains the biggest challenge, as well as introducing innovative and inclusive financial services to strengthen the macroeconomy.

The Bangladesh Bank has instructed financial institutions to present a clearer picture of their actual liquidity status starting next month.

In a circular sent to the chief executives of finance companies, the central bank stated that although firms are required to submit monthly liquidity reports, the data currently provided fails to reflect their true position. With expanding investment avenues now available, companies have greater opportunities to grow. However, the lack of accurate liquidity reporting is obstructing proper risk assessment.

To address this, a new reporting format has been developed by Bangladesh Bank. Finance companies will now be required to submit detailed liquidity information using this format. Each month’s data must be submitted to the central bank by the 7th of the following month.

Government agencies including the ACC, CID, and BFIU have launched investigations into three former Bangladesh Bank governors—Dr. Atiur Rahman, Fazle Kabir, and Abdur Rauf Talukdar—over unprecedented looting in the banking sector during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.
They stand accused of enabling loan scams, bank takeovers, reserve theft, and printing money to bail out weak banks, much of which was allegedly siphoned abroad.
The probe also targets former deputy governor SK Sur Chowdhury and ex-BFIU chief Masud Biswas.

Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has said Bangladesh has the opportunity to take a leadership role in South Asia’s maritime technology through its growing shipbuilding sector.

“Private shipyards are making significant progress, producing vessels of international standard and exporting them abroad,” he noted.

He added that after the ready-made garment industry, shipbuilding has the potential to become the country’s next major export earner.

Bangladesh has received over $1.05 billion in remittances in the first 12 days of August, according to Bangladesh Bank — a sharp rise from $721 million during the same period last year. In the 2024–25 fiscal year just ended, remittance hit a record $30.33 billion. July alone saw $2.47 billion, marking a 29% year-on-year growth. The surge has strengthened foreign exchange reserves, now standing at $30.24 billion as of August 10, and eased pressure on the dollar market.