High interest rates deepen trouble for businesses and employment
High interest rates deepen trouble for businesses and employment

The surge in inflation is eroding household incomes and employment opportunities, driven largely by rising bank loan interest rates and reduced production. While depositors may benefit from higher interest rates, the banking sector and businesses face significant challenges. Banks are struggling...

Businessmen backed against the wall
Businessmen backed against the wall

Resentment among businessmen is mounting as they feel increasingly cornered by the challenges facing the economy. With no clear guidance to revive trade and business, many have turned to Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, presenting a nine-point set of demands aimed at easing their burden....

IMF predicts steady global growth, disinflation for 2025
IMF predicts steady global growth, disinflation for 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects steady global economic growth and ongoing disinflation in 2025, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva revealed ahead of the updated World Economic Outlook release on January 17, reports Reuters. Georgieva highlighted that the U.S. economy is...

Factories closing, stagnation in investment
Factories closing, stagnation in investment

With a growing number of factory closures, Bangladeshs economic outlook is becoming increasingly uncertain; also stagnant investment is signaling a broader crisis. Private sector credit has hit a 42-month low, while rising interest rates and a faltering business environment have dampened both...

State-subsidized loans at 3% interest for Nepalese startups launching in March 2025
State-subsidized loans at 3% interest for Nepalese startups launching in March 2025

Nepalese startups will soon benefit from subsidized loans, with disbursement beginning in March 2025 under the Startup Enterprise Credit Operation Work Procedure. Eligible startups can borrow up to $18,800 (equivalent to Rs2.5 million) at an annual interest rate of 3%, aiming to boost innovation...

Maximum interest rate on credit cards increased to 25%
Maximum interest rate on credit cards increased to 25%

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has fixed the maximum interest rate on credit cards at 25 percent from 20 percent after banks insisted the central bank raise the rate to recover operation costs. According to the BB, banks will be able to charge a maximum interest of 25 percent from credit card customers....