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Business & Economy

Fresh foreign equity declines despite annual rise in total FDI

Fresh foreign equity investment fell to $77.42 million in April–June, about 5% below a year earlier. Total net foreign direct investment nevertheless rose 12% year on year, helped by reinvested earnings. A separate 22% fall compares the quarter with January–March.

From 13 October 2026 — Daily Brief

New foreign equity investment in Bangladesh fell to $77.42 million in April–June 2026, compared with $81.3 million a year earlier, according to Bangladesh Bank figures reported on 12 October.

The decline was 4.77%, or roughly 5%. Fresh equity captures new foreign capital and differs from profits that existing investors retain in their Bangladeshi businesses.

Total net foreign direct investment, which also includes reinvested earnings and inter-company loans, reached $346.94 million. That was around 12% above the same quarter a year earlier, with higher reinvestment helping offset weaker new equity.

However, total net investment was 22% below the January–March quarter. The annual increase and quarterly decline use different comparison periods and are not contradictory.

Economists cited in the report linked weak new investment to concerns about sovereign credit ratings and banking-sector problems. Those explanations are assessments of investor behaviour, rather than conclusions established by the investment figures alone.

Source: The Business Standard, 12 October 2026.

Business & Economy

Mongla rally backs solar expansion and demands Sundarbans safeguards

Speakers at a Mongla rally urged faster solar expansion alongside stronger protection of the Sundarbans. Khulna’s city administrator outlined the planned 442MW Rampal solar project. Environmental campaigners welcomed it while pressing for cancellation of nearby coal and proposed LNG projects, keeping ecological safeguards central to the debate.

Business & Economy

Oil climbs as Middle East supply fears intensify

Oil rose as traders weighed threats to Middle Eastern supplies and shipping. Brent exceeded $114 a barrel during 23 October trading, with further gains later in the session. Analysts pointed to risks from a wider conflict and uncertainty over how quickly disrupted transport routes could recover.

Business & Economy

Gold falls another Tk2,158 per bhori as BAJUS cuts prices again

BAJUS cut the VAT-inclusive price of 22-carat gold by another Tk2,158 per bhori to Tk224,182, effective from 10am on 23 October. The reduction follows the previous day’s cut. Silver also became cheaper, while jewellery-making charges remain dependent on the design.

Business & Economy

Tk592 crore Titas gas-well proposal set for ECNEC review

A Tk592 crore proposal for two Titas gas wells is scheduled for ECNEC consideration on 25 October, officials disclosed on 22 October. The wells could add about 30 million cubic feet of gas daily. Government and company funds would finance the project; approval and future production remain pending.

Business & Economy

Gold price falls as BAJUS cuts rates by Tk1,691

BAJUS cut the price of 22-carat gold jewellery by Tk1,691 per bhori to Tk226,340, including VAT, from 10am on 22 October. The association cited lower local pure-gold prices. Other gold categories and silver also fell. This was the second gold-price cut in nine days; one bhori equals 11.664 grammes.

Business & Economy

Bangladesh and Algeria discuss energy imports and wider industrial cooperation

Bangladesh and Algeria discussed energy imports, fertiliser supplies and textile cooperation in Algiers on 22 October. Officials said a hydrocarbon memorandum signed earlier could support government-to-government fuel trade, infrastructure and training. The talks set out areas for cooperation without announcing a quantified shipment or completed commercial supply contract.