Jagaran Chakma is a Staff Reporter of The Daily Star
The demand for steel in Bangladesh has almost halved over the past two months as most construction works have been halted following the recent political changeover, according to industry people.
Automobile sales have dropped substantially since July this year amidst the economic downturn and political turmoil, denting any hopes of recovering from last year’s slump, according to market insiders.
The fate of six state-owned sugar mills remains uncertain as there has been no upgrading progress since those were closed three and a half years ago, contributing to soaring prices of the sweetener in the local market.
Meghna Automobiles, the automotive arm of Meghna Group, began selling three locally assembled sport utility vehicles (SUVs) of South Korean automobile manufacturer KIA recently.
Sales of cement nearly halved in the last couple of months as real estate developers shelved construction plans while public projects came screeching to a halt in the face of nationwide unrest and the sudden political changeover.
Tyre makers in Bangladesh are ramping up production in a bid to expand their market share by catering to a potential supply shortage that may arise from the recent destruction of the Gazi Tyres factory in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj.
Global hikes in tyre and tube-making raw materials rates and a factory rampage at local key manufacturer Gazi Tyres have caused a shortage and price hikes for the auto item used in lightweight two- and three-wheelers like motorbikes and auto-rickshaws.
Standing outside the charred ruins of the Gazi Tyres factory in Rupsi, Rupganj on September 9, Billal Hossain was staring at a bleak future.
The Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected 98.6 per cent of the poor, who have seen a decline in income, loss of jobs, the closing of shops and business activities and even a complete halt of income, a study finds.
Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry managed to grow its exports in the just-concluded fiscal year on the back of a steady demand for medicines during the coronavirus-induced economic and health crises, which have decimated other major export sectors.
The finance ministry has directed the Bangladesh Bank to make wholesale changes to the policies that could be considered systematic faults or dissuade foreign direct investment (FDI) in the post-coronavirus era.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) is all ready to start site development for an India Special Economic Zone (ISEZ), where billions of dollars in investment are expected to pour in from the neighbouring country.
The once cheery demeanour of leather goods and footwear exporters has turned into one of depression as shipments declined 22 per cent in the just-concluded fiscal year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is moving towards deals to incorporate 23 more dedicated services for investors on its website within the next two months, aiming at improving Bangladesh’s ranking in the World Bank’s ease of doing business index and attract foreign investment.
Cable manufacturers are fearing a 50 per cent year-on-year slash in revenue this year as demand for wires fell drastically in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) is looking for a path to overcome the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic in implementation of its funded projects in Bangladesh.
Motorcycle makers have urged the government to continue exempting VAT on sales of locally-made parts until 2027 to keep prices low as the purchasing power of people has seen a sharp fall due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Reconditioned vehicle importers and distributors have breathed a sigh of relief at the tax and duty structure being kept the same in the proposed budget, saying this would help keep pressure off and business stable amidst the pandemic.