Bangladesh Medical University and Kunming Medical University of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a $138.2 million Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. Professor Zhueshan highlighted the foundation laid by recent high-level meetings between the two nations for long-term collaboration in health and education. He emphasized the strengths of traditional and advanced Chinese medical education. Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the agreement will significantly boost medical modernization through joint research, training, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.

A study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) revealed that Bangladesh lost an estimated Tk 2.26 trillion in tax revenue in 2023 due to evasion. Corporate tax evasion alone accounted for half of the losses—around Tk 1.13 trillion. The causes include high tax rates, weak administration, a complex legal framework, and widespread corruption in the taxation system.

Bangladesh has not yet reached an agreement with the IMF regarding the fourth and fifth tranches of its $4.7 billion loan program. The IMF said discussions will continue, with possible disbursement by the end of June if conditions are met. The IMF noted a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) and urged effective reforms. Currently, NPLs average 43% in state-owned banks and 16% in private banks—well above IMF targets of 10% and 5%, respectively.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is working to reduce its trade deficit with the US by diversifying exports. He mentioned attempts to revive GSP privileges and highlighted planned discussions with the World Bank, ADB, IMF, and OPEC Fund regarding budget support and project financing. Potential deals may also be reached concerning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, despite existing sanctions. Private sector partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, are also being explored.

A delegation led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will meet USTR representatives next week over a 37% retaliatory tariff. Adviser Bashiruddin said, “The cancellation of transshipment facilities will increase our costs by about BDT 2,000 crore. We’re engaged in round-the-clock talks.” He emphasized inflation is declining and purchasing power is improving, which may cushion families from rising product prices.

U.S. President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%. The White House cited China’s retaliatory actions, including a ban on exporting six heavy rare earth metals and magnets essential for military, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. The administration accused China of deliberately restricting critical materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony. The move is framed as part of Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

Investigations have revealed that S. Alam Group has acquired and occupied approximately 6,231 bighas of land across various regions of Bangladesh, with 5,000 bighas located in Chattogram alone. Authorities have also identified 17 luxury apartments in Dhaka and Chattogram linked to the group. The total estimated value of these assets stands at around BDT 64,000 crore. A central bank probe has found that S. Alam Group embezzled nearly BDT 2 trillion from several banks, part of which was allegedly laundered abroad, while other portions were invested in industries and land—violating the central bank’s regulations that prohibit purchasing land with commercial loans. The Financial Intelligence Unit has also traced properties under S. Alam’s name in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Canada, and Malaysia. Authorities have seized shares worth BDT 25,366 crore across multiple companies connected to the group.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have risen to $26.51 billion, driven by increased remittances and export earnings, according to central bank data. As of April 15, gross reserves stood at $26.52 billion, while reserves calculated under the IMF’s BPM6 method amounted to $21.18 billion. Reserves had dipped to $19.7 billion after a $1.75 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union in March but have since rebounded.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan warned that commitments made under U.S. pressure to rationalize tariffs on certain imports will reduce Bangladesh’s tax revenues, especially as the IMF demands increased collections. He added that similar rationalizations in income tax structures could further decrease revenue. While tax rates for individuals and corporations will remain unchanged this year, efforts will be made to address existing inequities in the next budget.

Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, announced that the recent investment summit attracted preliminary proposals worth BDT 3,100 crore. While the government spent around BDT 1.5 crore, partners contributed BDT 3.5 crore. Ashiq noted that the summit should not be evaluated by cost alone and emphasized that many deals were built on prior negotiations. Delegates from 50 countries participated, with foreign investors making up 58% of attendees. Meanwhile, ten proposed economic zones have been canceled.

The US dollar has dropped to its lowest value in three years, driven by global market instability and new tariffs imposed by the US government. According to the US Dollar Index and Forbes, the value fell to 99.01, marking an 8% decline over the past year. The steep drop followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of unprecedented import tariffs on dozens of countries. While the tariffs were later suspended for most nations, markets across the US, Europe, and Asia experienced significant disruptions.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has revealed that the country’s banking sector has become a major victim of money laundering. Over the past 15 years, approximately Tk 5 trillion (500,000 crore) has been misappropriated. He said major business groups and families have laundered Tk 250,000 to 300,000 crore abroad. One large group from Chattogram alone siphoned off nearly Tk 150,000 crore. Dr. Mansur assured that action will be taken upon receiving concrete allegations. Despite the losses, he said the country’s stock market and foreign reserves remain stable, exports are increasing, inflation is at a manageable level, and regular LNG imports are helping maintain stable electricity production.

Following the U.S. decision to impose a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, China is ramping up engagement with major trade blocs. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held virtual meetings with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Malaysian Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul. Both sides expressed eagerness to initiate negotiations on market access and electric vehicle pricing, and to redirect exports previously bound for the U.S. toward Europe. China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN and all trade partners.

Foreign and local investors attending a four-day investment summit in Dhaka were introduced to the government’s roadmap for Bangladesh in 2035. Political parties also participated. BIDA reported that the summit helped establish a long-term investment pipeline, which is expected to significantly increase foreign direct investment. According to Nahian Rahman, over 450 foreign investors attended and left with a positive impression of Bangladesh. However, it may take 18 to 24 months for these investments to materialize.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor has downplayed concerns about India’s cancellation of transshipment, stating that it will not cause significant problems for Bangladesh. He mentioned that the focus should be on enhancing domestic capacity, and that India’s sudden decision would not affect Bangladesh’s trade severely. He emphasized efforts to address infrastructural issues and rising costs while working to increase commercial capabilities and overcome any obstacles.