The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the combined third and fourth reviews of Bangladesh’s economic programmes under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), approving a total immediate disbursement of approximately US$1.34 billion.
The Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has raised concerns over the newly announced budget, warning that its tax framework may deter investment and hinder job creation.
Although the proposed budget includes some positive steps such as inflation control, adjustments to the minimum tax, expansion of allowable deductions in various areas, widening of the tax net, and introduction of an automated return system, the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) believes it is not sufficiently supportive for creating a favorable environment for investment and ease of doing business. The budget lacks clear directives for expanding investment, improving business conditions, and reforming the CMSMEs and banking sector.
In the first ten months of the 2024–25 fiscal year, a total of 18,025 suspicious transactions have been identified in Bangladesh. This number has already surpassed the total recorded in the previous full fiscal year. In 2023–24, the number of such transactions stood at 17,345—meaning there has been a 22.96% increase in suspicious transactions within a year.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur believes that if financial security is ensured within the country, a significant portion of illicit fund transfers abroad can be prevented.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has appointed an 'unqualified' official, Kazi Fozia Naher, to the position of Flight Operations Inspector (FOI), bypassing international standards. She lacks both flight experience and a valid pilot's license.