Today’s top 5 business stories

Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise business digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the business digest for 4th October 2026.

Foreign capital market transactions rise 37.6 per cent

Foreign investors increased their capital market transactions in Bangladesh by 37.6 per cent during the first eight months of this year compared to 2025. The total value of overseas trades between January and August reached Tk 3,701.29 crore, representing nearly 94 per cent of last year's total.

Dhaka Stock Exchange data showed foreign transactions rose to a monthly peak of Tk 831.70 crore in May before settling at Tk 318.57 crore in August. During the corresponding eight-month period last year, total trades by international investors amounted to Tk 2,687.39 crore.

DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar said the collective impact of regulatory reforms sent positive signals to international participants. She said ongoing preparations to upgrade the market alongside international index engagements supported the recent trading volume increase.

To further simplify investment procedures, Bangladesh Bank revised foreign fund repatriation rules by streamlining non-resident banking calculations. Market insiders said the proposed transition to an accelerated settlement system will improve transparency and ensure professional market management moving forward.

Source: BSS

Govt to convert raw jute into $5,000 export goods

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said the government is working to convert raw jute into high-value products. He said diversifying manufacturing beyond garments will increase national foreign exchange earnings and domestic revenue.

Muktadir said raw jute peaked last year at Tk 1.5 lakh per tonne, but packaging materials can yield up to $2,500. Additionally, developing blended fibres by mixing jute with cotton can generate up to $5,000 per tonne.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam said exhibitions encourage the domestic use of eco-friendly goods while discouraging polythene. He said authorities seek to revive national jute heritage while promoting Geographical Indication goods.

The ministry launched the JDPC Express sales outlet in Tejgaon and plans to establish overseas display centres at international airports and foreign missions. The six-day fair will run through 8 October to connect local manufacturers with commercial buyers.

Source: UNB

BTRC to seek 60 per cent allowance for employees

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission decided to seek government approval for a monthly allowance equal to 60 per cent of basic salary for its employees. The regulator approved the proposal during a commission meeting held last week.

According to commission documents, BTRC collected Tk 3,885.24 crore in fiscal 2025-26 and deposited Tk 3,402 crore into the state treasury. The regulator cited its revenue collection, specialised skills, and a six-month post-employment ban barring staff from joining licensed telecom companies.

BTRC Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari said the post-employment restriction is discriminatory and employees deserve compensation. He said no other state organisation bars personnel from joining firms in their area of expertise for six months.

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the proposed 60 per cent allowance was 'not acceptable' and 'immoral'. He said regular duties cannot justify blanket allowances as the Posts and Telecommunications Division evaluates the proposal.

Source: The Daily Star

Govt plans $300 million upgrade for Chattogram airport

The government initiated plans to transform Chattogram airport into a regional aviation hub through an 18-month fast-track project estimated at $300 million. The scheme aims to expand international passenger and cargo links.

The draft proposal allocates $115 million for runway strengthening and wide-body aircraft parking, alongside $25 million to increase cargo-handling capacity to 100,000 tonnes annually. The Economic Relations Division requested $175 million in development financing from the Asian Development Bank.

ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky said the government reached an initial decision to pursue the project. Aviation expert ATM Nazrul Islam said high domestic landing fees and fuel costs challenge international competitiveness without policy revisions.

Terminal upgrades will expand passenger capacity from 5 million to 10 million annually before future rail corridors and maintenance facilities are built. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh will submit a completed proposal to ministries ahead of formal project approval.

Source: The Business Standard

World Bank begins talks on $700 million energy financing

A four-member World Bank delegation arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to discuss energy financing, supply security and infrastructure reforms with government agencies. Led by Pankaj Gupta, the team will consult with ministries until 7 October.

Talks follow mounting financial strain from fuel markets, with World Bank assistance for liquefied natural gas imports reaching $700 million. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation incurred losses of Tk 22,876 crore between March and August, receiving Tk 4,500 crore in state loans.

In an official letter, World Bank Operations Manager Gayle H Martin said the visit aims to discuss strategies to ensure affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. The mission will also evaluate ongoing energy projects and assess pipeline ventures.

Discussions will also cover transport infrastructure, focusing on potential investments in Chattogram's Bay Terminal and the Dhaka-Chattogram transport corridor. The delegation will meet shipping, railway and water ministries to examine urban climate resilience and strategic transport planning.

Source: The Business Standard

That concludes today’s briefing. Stay with Beyond Headlines for in-depth news and analysis, explainers, opinion pieces, long reads, and more.