Business Inspection BD

After Flight Expert & Fly Far, another scandal has hit Bangladesh’s online travel sector as ‘Travel Business Portal’ allegedly disappeared with over BDT 100 Crore. Customers & sub-agents claim the company lured them with heavy discounts on tickets, took large advance payments, then shut its website & office. This marks the third major OTA collapse, deepening trust issues across the travel industry.

In the first 20 days of October, Bangladesh received USD 1.78 Billion in remittance through banking channels, averaging USD 89 Million daily. The inflow rose 14.2% year-on-year, reflecting stronger expatriate contributions. So far this fiscal year, total remittance has reached USD 9.36 Billion, continuing the upward momentum after last year’s record USD 30.32 Billion.

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed LC conditions for baby food imports, allowing banks to set margins based on client relationships instead of a fixed 100% cash margin. The directive, effective immediately, clarifies that baby food should not fall under the earlier strict LC rule, ensuring smoother imports & stable market supply amid rising global costs.

The government has launched a plan to install solar panels on the rooftops of 46,000 schools & hospitals, expected to generate 1,454 MW of clean energy from 308 lakh sq ft of space. All power will feed into the national grid, reducing costs & boosting renewable share to 20% by 2030. MoUs were signed with five ministries, marking a major step toward sustainable energy transition.

The IMF has introduced a new condition for Bangladesh’s sixth loan installment, stating that funds will only be released after discussions with the newly elected government. Officials confirmed that about USD 800 million is pending, and the IMF will ensure commitments to ongoing reform programs are upheld before disbursing the payment.

ICY introduces Bangladesh’s first stainless steel water bottle — a locally crafted innovation blending sleek design, durability & versatility for both hot and cold beverages. Backed by RFL Houseware’s investment, this launch reflects a new era of sustainable hydration. Made for professionals who value quality, convenience & a smarter lifestyle.

Aman paddy harvest has begun in northwestern Bangladesh with strong yield expectations following a flood-free, rain-supported season. Cultivated on 59.28 lakh hectares—6% higher than last year—the crop covers 40% of total rice output. Officials expect higher production this year as favourable weather, timely rainfall & minimal pest impact strengthen the harvest outlook.

Resort & land sales surge in St. Martin’s Island as locals face income collapse under strict tourism limits. Once reliant on fishing & tourism, many families are now leaving the island after visitor restrictions allowed only two months of business last season. With no alternative income support yet in place, economic distress continues to drive residents away.

Bangladesh Bank is set to form a seven-member Shariah Advisory Board (SAB) to oversee compliance across Islamic banks & financial institutions. The SAB will guide on Shariah standards, audit, governance, & product validation in line with IFSB & AAOIFI norms. Approved under the 2025 policy, this marks Bangladesh’s first central Shariah board since Islamic banking began in 1983.

The government plans to merge all investment agencies including BIDA, BEPZA, BEZA, PPP Authority, BSCIC & Hi-Tech Park Authority into one body by February 2026. An international consultant will design the framework under a reform led by adviser Adilur Rahman Khan. The move aims to boost investment, though some officials fear merging strong & weak agencies may slow progress.