In Chattogram, a total of 186 garment factories have closed over the past 18 months following the July Revolution, according to industry and police data. Of these, 111 factories were permanently shut by owners, while 76 remain temporarily closed. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) confirmed that 19 of the closed factories were large-scale members, including six under the Well Group. Around 27,766 workers lost their jobs, though about 18,000 have since found new employment.

Investigations revealed that eight of the 19 large factories were owned by fugitive Awami League-linked businessmen who fled after the political upheaval, while nine others closed due to banking complications tied to merged and inactive banks. BGMEA officials said the sector’s recovery was hindered by financial instability and weak banking operations, despite improved trade conditions with the United States. Many large factories have shifted to subcontracting, leaving smaller units struggling for orders.

Industry Police reported that 55 more factories are now at risk, with concerns over paying wages and bonuses before Eid. Business leaders expressed cautious optimism that new government policies and revived banking operations could help the sector recover.

Engineer Ramanath Pujari has officially taken charge as the new Managing Director of Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL), which operates the Rampal Power Plant in Bagerhat. The appointment was announced in a company statement, confirming that he assumed the role on Tuesday.

Before this appointment, Pujari served as Project Director of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (MSTPP) at Rampal. He also held the position of Executive Director at India’s state-owned NTPC Limited, where he contributed to plant management, reliability improvement, efficiency enhancement, and compliance with environmental regulations. Under his leadership, the MSTPP achieved more reliable power generation and maintained environmental standards, while he also supported local social and township development initiatives.

Born in 1968 in Odisha, India, Pujari holds a BE in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, and an MBA from MDI Gurgaon. He has additional qualifications from IIM Ahmedabad and Harvard Business School and brings about 36 years of experience in the power sector.

Baraka Foundation has launched a low-cost iftar market aimed at supporting low-income and underprivileged people during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative was inaugurated on Monday at the Shishu Park field in Tongibari upazila of Munshiganj. The market offers essential iftar items at significantly reduced prices, such as chickpeas at Tk 60 per kg instead of Tk 80, onions at Tk 25 instead of Tk 40, dates at Tk 200 instead of Tk 300, puffed rice at Tk 80 instead of Tk 90, sugar at Tk 80 instead of Tk 98, and soybean oil at Tk 170 instead of Tk 195. In total, six items worth Tk 950 are being sold for Tk 560.

Buyers expressed relief and appreciation for the initiative, noting that it provides real assistance to families struggling with rising food costs. Locals described the program as a positive example of social responsibility that could inspire others to take similar steps.

According to Baraka Foundation, the project is funded by local expatriates and will continue throughout Ramadan to support poor and low-income communities.

Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman stated that the final decision on transferring the mobile financial service provider Nagad to the private sector depends on the new government’s policy direction. He made the remarks on Tuesday after a meeting with Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Arman said the governor informed him that the government has not yet finalized its stance on Nagad, and investment procedures will begin only if the government decides to allow private investors to take over, as the interim administration had considered.

Arman explained that discussions on bringing foreign investment into Nagad began during the interim government period, and his meeting with the governor continued that dialogue. He clarified that he is working as a professional lawyer and local representative for foreign investors, not in his capacity as a member of parliament. He also noted that potential investors are interested in Bangladesh’s digital banking sector and have expressed willingness to conduct an audit to assess Nagad’s profitability.

Addressing concerns about conflict of interest, Arman said his legal work does not conflict with his political role, emphasizing that his political activities are for public service while his legal practice supports his livelihood.

State Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque Nur said the government’s top priority over the next three months is to reopen two or more closed labor markets and set fixed migration costs for certain countries. Speaking to reporters at his office in Eskaton, Dhaka, he added that recruiting agencies accused of fraud will have their licenses suspended and accountability among registered agencies will be strengthened.

He explained that Bangladesh is working to reopen labor markets in countries such as Bahrain, Oman, and Malaysia, where restrictions remain. The government has already sent a list of compliant agencies to Malaysia to meet its ten conditions. Nur also highlighted Japan as a promising destination, with an agreement to send 100,000 workers over five years, supported by language training and potential financial aid. The ministry is also considering expanding low-interest loans for skilled workers unable to afford migration costs.

The minister emphasized reducing excessive migration expenses, improving expatriate welfare, and reinstating state-funded repatriation of deceased workers’ bodies to Bangladesh.

The European Union Parliament has decided not to finalize its trade agreement with the United States at this time, citing uncertainty created by former President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent annulment of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, after which Trump imposed a new 15 percent export tariff on all goods. This move has led to renewed instability in transatlantic trade relations.

A vote on U.S. industrial export tariffs was expected in the EU Parliament’s trade committee on Tuesday, but it has now been postponed. European Commission spokesperson Olof Zill stated that Brussels cannot make any decision until Washington clarifies its position. He added that the EU expects a proper explanation from the United States regarding the current developments.

The delay underscores the EU’s cautious approach to trade negotiations with the U.S. as both sides navigate the implications of shifting American trade policies and their impact on global commerce.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed 35 billion dollars for the first time in 39 months, according to data from Bangladesh Bank released on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The gross reserve stood at 35.04 billion dollars, while under the BPM6 calculation method, reserves were recorded at 30.30 billion dollars.

Central bank officials attributed the increase to stricter measures against money laundering, which have boosted remittance inflows through legal channels. As a result, dollar supply in banks has risen, prompting the central bank to purchase surplus dollars from the market. Since the beginning of the current fiscal year up to February 23, remittances through banking channels totaled 21.99 billion dollars, marking a 21.90 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

During this period, the central bank purchased 5.46 billion dollars from the market, contributing to the reserve growth. Officials noted that the higher supply of dollars relative to demand has strengthened the reserve position.

The government has decided to reopen the country's sick and closed industrial enterprises, following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said that relevant ministries have been instructed to work with private entrepreneurs to implement the plan. The initiative aims to create new employment opportunities across the country.

According to the directive, closed jute mills and sugar factories will be reopened while retaining existing workers and generating additional jobs. The move aligns with Prime Minister Rahman’s electoral pledge to revive non-operational industries and expand employment. Ashiq Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), confirmed that a committee led by the Ministry of Industries has already begun work on the initiative.

The reopening of these industries is expected to stimulate economic activity and strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector in industrial revitalization efforts.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced a new email-based one-time password (OTP) system to facilitate online income tax return submissions for Bangladeshi taxpayers living abroad. Announced on Tuesday, the feature allows expatriates to receive OTPs through their registered email addresses instead of mobile phones. The initiative is part of a new 'special registration' process designed for users who previously registered with biometric mobile numbers but are now unable to access mobile OTPs while overseas.

According to NBR, expatriate taxpayers must apply for email verification by sending an email to ereturn@etaxnbr.gov.bd with copies of their passport, national ID, visa page, foreign address, overseas contact number, and proof of departure date. After verification, NBR will approve the request, enabling users to reset passwords, complete registration, and file e-returns using the verified email.

NBR reported that the online filing system has received strong response, with about 3.9 million taxpayers already submitting returns for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The authority urged all taxpayers to file their returns through the e-return system by February 28.

Bangladesh’s revenue shortfall crossed Tk 600 billion in the first seven months (July–January) of the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) report released on 24 February. The deficit stood at around Tk 460 billion by December. During this period, NBR collected Tk 2.24 trillion against a target of Tk 2.84 trillion, achieving 12.9 percent growth compared to the same period last year.

The largest shortfall occurred in the income tax segment, which missed its target by Tk 289.25 billion. Import duties fell short by Tk 156.83 billion, and VAT collections were below target by Tk 155.06 billion. In January alone, revenue collection reached Tk 370.33 billion against a target of Tk 525.45 billion, leaving a monthly gap of about Tk 150 billion.

At the beginning of the fiscal year, NBR’s total revenue target was Tk 4.99 trillion, later revised upward to Tk 5.54 trillion by the Budget Monitoring and Resource Committee on 10 November, the report noted.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for February 2026. The price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been lowered by 15 taka to 1,341 taka. The new rate took effect from 6 p.m. on February 23, following an official announcement on February 24. This adjustment follows the last revision on February 2, when the price was increased by 50 taka to 1,356 taka per cylinder.

According to BERC, the price reduction aligns with recent fiscal changes by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which withdrew the existing 7.5 percent VAT at the local production and trading levels and the 2 percent advance tax on imports. Instead, a 7.5 percent VAT has been imposed at the import stage. In the same notice, BERC also reduced the price of autogas by 0.28 taka per liter, setting the new consumer price, including VAT, at 61.86 taka per liter.

The adjustments aim to keep LPG prices affordable for consumers and stabilize the domestic energy market, as stated in the regulatory announcements.

Garment workers from S M Fashion factory blocked the main road in Mirpur-11, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon demanding payment of their overdue wages and allowances. The protest began around 1:30 p.m., halting traffic in the area. Workers said the factory management had promised to pay their January salaries and benefits on Monday but failed to do so, prompting them to take to the streets in anger.

Police intervened, and by 3:00 p.m. the workers ended their blockade following discussions between worker representatives and the factory management. According to Pallabi Police Station Officer-in-Charge A K M Alamgir Jahan, the factory owners assured that all outstanding payments would be made by Thursday. Traffic movement on the Mirpur-11 road returned to normal after the workers dispersed.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Dhaka’s garment sector over delayed wage payments, a recurring issue that often leads to worker protests and temporary disruptions in industrial areas.

Bangladesh Railway has announced the schedule for advance ticket sales ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure a comfortable journey for homebound passengers. According to a railway notice issued on Tuesday, online advance ticket sales will begin on March 3, with all seats available exclusively through online purchase. Return ticket sales will start on March 23. The authority also confirmed that tickets will be sold in two phases based on regional routes.

Tickets for intercity trains operating in the western region will be available each morning from 8:00 a.m., while tickets for eastern region trains will be released daily at 2:00 p.m. To accommodate the increased travel demand during the holiday, Bangladesh Railway will add 20 special trains, comprising five pairs of services.

The initiative aims to ease passenger pressure and improve convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, continuing the practice of full online ticketing introduced in previous Eid seasons.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that countries delaying trade agreements with the United States could face higher tariffs, following a Supreme Court ruling that suspended his administration’s global duties. The court ruled that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the president to impose import taxes. In response, Trump announced new global tariffs of 10 percent, later raised to 15 percent, set to take effect Tuesday under a different legal provision allowing temporary tariffs for 150 days without congressional approval.

The European Union said it would delay ratifying a summer trade deal, while India postponed scheduled talks. The United Kingdom sought clarification on whether its agreement would remain exempt from the new 15 percent tariff. British Trade Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged the uncertainty, and European Parliament trade chair Bernd Lange said the situation had become more unpredictable. The White House maintained that the ruling did not alter its trade policy, with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer stating that only the legal tools had changed.

The new tariffs are due to expire after 150 days unless extended by Congress. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned his party would oppose any effort to increase tariffs. U.S. stock prices fell about 1 percent Monday amid growing market uncertainty.

Social Welfare Minister Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain announced that the Family Card distribution program will begin simultaneously in 14 upazilas on March 10, with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman inaugurating the initiative. The program will later be expanded across the entire country. The announcement came after a meeting of the Finance Ministry’s subcommittee on the Family Card, held at the Secretariat in Dhaka under the Prime Minister’s chairmanship.

According to the minister, the Family Card will provide monthly financial assistance of 2,500 taka to three groups: the ultra-poor, poor, and lower-income families. He said the initiative aims to promote women’s empowerment and economic self-reliance. The minister emphasized that no political figures will be involved in the card distribution process.

He added that government officials in each upazila will form teams to manage the program. The selection process will include verification and two rounds of rechecking by a final committee before the cards are distributed.