TRANSFORM, an impact accelerator led by Unilever, the UK Government, and EY, announced grants of up to BDT 10 million each for two Bangladeshi SMEs focused on climate resilience. Deshifarmer, an agri-tech platform, connects farmers directly to consumers, aiming to benefit 3,000 farmers and 20,000 consumers in its first year. Techno Plastic Solution addresses ocean plastic pollution by improving collection infrastructure and launching a pilot program in Kuakata to collect 100 tonnes of plastic waste monthly. The Bangladesh Climate Challenge, launched in October 2023, supports enterprises working on climate resilience through funding and resources. This collaboration between Unilever, the UK Government, and EY marks their first joint effort in Bangladesh. TRANSFORM has previously supported 10 other enterprises in Bangladesh, impacting over three million lives.

A proposed hike in gas prices by Petrobangla has sparked major concerns among industrialists in Bangladesh, fearing economic harm. Industrial leaders argue that the increase, if approved, could lead to factory closures, job losses, and reduced industrial output, harming economic growth and potentially causing social unrest. Critics like Kutubuddin Ahmed and Abdullah Hil Rakib highlight that rising power and production costs already challenge competitiveness. The proposal affects new and existing gas users, with significant cost increases tied to LNG imports and additional charges. Industry leaders urge the government to reconsider the proposal, warning of the detrimental impact on both industries and the broader economy.

In FY 2023-24, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) faced operating losses due to reduced trading, fewer IPOs, and increased costs. The DSE’s core revenue of Tk 125 crore fell short of expenses, causing a Tk 20 crore loss, while the CSE incurred a Tk 10 crore loss with Tk 31 crore in core revenue. Both exchanges relied on fixed deposit interest to achieve net profits of Tk 61 crore (DSE) and Tk 31 crore (CSE).

Declining daily turnovers, down to Tk 622 crore for the DSE, coupled with poor fund management and risky investments in troubled banks and NBFIs, exacerbated challenges. Experts recommend reforms, product diversification, and stronger company listings to revitalize the market. Meanwhile, 95% of brokerage houses are struggling with operating losses due to sluggish trading.