Business & Economy
Bangladesh manufacturing leads September PMI contraction
Bangladesh’s Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 48.6 in September, indicating a mild contraction in overall activity. Manufacturing weakened particularly sharply, while construction and services also remained below the expansion threshold. Agriculture was still expanding. The figures point to continued pressure on demand and business conditions despite a more positive forward-looking outlook.
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From 9 October 2026 — Daily Brief
Bangladesh’s economy lost momentum in September according to a Purchasing Managers’ Index released on 8 October. The headline reading fell 1.3 points to 48.6, slipping below the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction in the survey.
Manufacturing was the principal source of weakness, with its index declining to 44.8. Construction fell to 48.5 and services edged down to 49.0. Agriculture, at 55.2, remained the only sector indicating expansion, although its reading also moderated.
The survey was published by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It pointed to weakness in orders and production alongside persistent cost pressures, offering a less encouraging picture of business activity than some recent headline economic indicators.
A purchasing managers’ survey is a directional measure of conditions, not an official estimate of gross domestic product. Its significance lies in providing a timely signal that businesses may still be facing weak demand and financing constraints.
Source reporting: The Business Standard · Dhaka Tribune · BSS