Sukanta Halder

Sukanta Halder is a staff reporter of The Daily Star, covering insurance, commodity markets, private sector and consumers.

Potato cultivation expands as prices rise

Potato cultivation has increased across Bangladesh as farmers have been getting higher prices year-round amid elevated inflation in the country.

12h ago

Hunt for OMS food grows desperate

In the bustling area of Mirpur-10 in the capital, over 300 people gathered early Monday morning, hoping to buy subsidised essentialsthat serve as a lifeline for low-income families.

1w ago

277 firms allowed to import 14.81 lakh tonnes of rice

The interim government of Bangladesh has allowed 277 private entities to import 14.81 lakh tonnes of rice as it looks to contain domestic prices of the staple grain by increasing stocks..Of the total, 10.65 lakh tonnes will be boiled rice while the rest will be sunned rice, according to do

1w ago

SMEs bear the full brunt of financial hardship

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh are struggling due to political uncertainty, high inflation and rising interest rates on bank loans, according to entrepreneurs.

1w ago

Food prices stubbornly high despite govt measures

When prices of widely consumed staples like potatoes, edible oil, sugar or onions spike and remain inflated for extended periods, it understandably hits the poor and low-income people where it hurts the most: in their wallet.

1w ago

Competitive prices lift tea exports to seven-year high

Bangladesh’s tea exports have hit the highest mark in the last seven years as competitive pricing provided an edge over major exporters like India and Sri Lanka.

2w ago

Life insurers mired in irregularities

One-fourth of the life insurance firms in the country are plagued with financial irregularities and mismanagement that have put the entire industry in danger.

2w ago

Potato prices jump as supplies shrink

Consumers in Bangladesh have been paying more for potatoes over the past week, with supplies of the tuber harvested in the previous season running low as the new season approaches..Additionally, the high profiteering tendency among a section of people in the supply chain is dealing a furth

3w ago
July 2, 2024
July 2, 2024

NBR abandons plans to cut tax for AC, fridge and bike makers

The tax administration backtracked from its decision to levy a 5 percent tax on incomes generated by manufacturers of motorcycles, air conditioners and refrigerators until 2032, raising it to the previous rate of 10 percent.

June 30, 2024
June 30, 2024

Move to get GI status for Sundarbans' honey finally gathers steam

Seven years after an application by the deputy commissioner of Bagerhat district, the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) has finally taken the initiative to register Sundarbans' honey as a GI (geographical identification) product.

June 29, 2024
June 29, 2024

16 non-life insurers fined Tk 83 lakh for irregularities

All but Bangladesh Co-operative Insurance have already paid the fines

June 28, 2024
June 28, 2024

No ray of hope for migrant workers in budget

The government has neglected to outline adequate initiatives in the proposed budget for the next fiscal year to support migrant workers, meaning the country may miss out on opportunities to raise remittance earnings on the back of a higher number of Bangladeshis going abroad.

June 25, 2024
June 25, 2024

Kaus Mia: a role model in a nation where tax noncompliance is rife

The late successful businessman had been one of the highest taxpayers in Bangladesh since 2010-11

June 21, 2024
June 21, 2024

Despite Eid-ul-Azha, broiler chicken prices rise in Dhaka

Prices of broiler chicken had decreased after Eid-ul-Azha last year, apparently due to the increased availability of beef and goat meat, but this year the situation is different in Dhaka.

June 20, 2024
June 20, 2024

Full-scale rawhide trade yet to start

Full-scale rawhide procurement across the country has yet to begin due to rainfall and subsequent delays in animal sacrifices.

June 16, 2024
June 16, 2024

‘High inflation to impact this year’s rawhide collection’

Inflation staying persistently high at over 9 percent for the past two years will lead to a lower number of animals being slaughtered this Eid-ul-Azha, the peak season for collecting rawhides, according to Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA). 

June 15, 2024
June 15, 2024

Essential Commodities: Prices go up ahead of Eid

As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, consumers brace for a hike in the prices of essential commodities, a trend seen all too often ahead of Eids.

June 15, 2024
June 15, 2024

Demand for air ambulances on the rise

The demand for air ambulances has grown steadily in Bangladesh in recent years due to rising affordability and entry of a number of operators.