Sohel Parvez

Sohel Parvez is the Business Editor of The Daily Star.

Govt to rationalise tariffs on around 350 items

In the past two years, the NBR brought down tariffs on 60 items within the bound tariff rates based on the panel's suggestion.

3d ago

US loses cotton market share in Bangladesh

The United States is losing its market share in cotton exports to Bangladesh amid concerns about logistics and the lengthy shipment duration for American cotton, according to a recent report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

1w ago

USTR flags persistent trade barriers in Bangladesh

High tariffs, investment hurdles and entrenched corruption continue to undermine American businesses operating in Bangladesh, according to the latest report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

1w ago

Footwear exporters see opportunity in US tariffs

As the United States moves to impose reciprocal tariffs, concerns are mounting among Bangladeshi exporters, particularly in the footwear and pharmaceutical sectors, over potential implications for the country’s trade prospects.

1w ago

NBR flags tax anomalies of former CSE president, his relatives

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has detected tax anomalies amounting to over Tk 58 crore involving five individuals and their companies, including a former president of the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE).

2w ago

Soybean output, imports rise amid growing feed demand

Bangladesh’s soybean production and imports are increasing steadily as demand from the poultry, livestock, and aquaculture sectors continues to grow alongside rising domestic consumption, according to the latest report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

2w ago

Local soybean production, imports rise amid growing feed demand: USDA

Acreage and production are expected to continue increasing in MY26, with Bangladesh likely to produce 1.60 lakh tonnes of soybeans next year, according to the report released last week.

2w ago

Toiletries market brims with opportunities

Bangladesh’s toiletries market is growing and there is a significant potential for further expansion as incomes rise alongside increasing awareness and lifestyle changes.

3w ago
March 4, 2025
March 4, 2025

Maize continues to win farmers’ hearts

Maize, a little-known crop three decades ago, continues its triumph over wheat, paddy and other crops due to its higher yield and profitability.

March 2, 2025
March 2, 2025

Corruption still unbridled for businesses

Although the interim government is focusing on reforms and new measures, corruption remains a major concern for businesses. Instead of waning, demands for undue payments by public officials have increased in some cases, said a top industrialist.

February 28, 2025
February 28, 2025

Islamic bank deposits fall again on fragile confidence

Depositors continued to move their funds out of full-fledged Islamic banks in the October-December period last year, a sign that many savers have yet to regain confidence in the Shariah-compliant banks due to alleged irregularities.

February 18, 2025
February 18, 2025

Imports rebound on rising exports, remittances

This growth was largely supported by a 30 percent year-on-year surge in imports in December 2024.

February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025

No well-thought-out urban planning in the past 50 years

Bangladesh is growing horizontally and vertically, with new multistoried complexes being erected on fresh land in suburbs and towns to replace more modest structures.

February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025

Wheat acreage lowest on record

Cultivation of wheat has hit the lowest on record in the current season in Bangladesh as many producers opted to grow potato and other high-value crops on land previously used for the second most important staple food after rice.

February 9, 2025
February 9, 2025

Local AC industry seeks ‘fair’ govt procurement policy

Local air conditioner (AC) manufacturers in Bangladesh are pushing for “fair” government procurement policies, arguing that existing rules favour foreign brands despite local companies meeting global standards.

February 9, 2025
February 9, 2025

In fragile trust, economy falters

Over the last several years, Ahsan, a rickshaw puller in his 50s, has been eagerly waiting for relief from the high prices of food and other essentials. Days and months have passed, but his pursuit of a better living by escaping the curse of elevated inflation has remained a distant dream. 

February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025

Bangladesh still top shipbreaking destination

Bangladesh remained the global shipping industry’s first choice for scrapping vessels in 2024, even though the overall import fell to a six-year low amid dollar constraints and subdued demand due to economic woes. 

January 29, 2025
January 29, 2025

Farmers forced to pay more than subsidised rates for fertiliser

Farmers in different parts of the country are being compelled to buy fertiliser, a key ingredient for crop production, by paying more than government-fixed prices.