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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 11th October 2026.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday sought expanded Japanese investment from Marubeni Corporation in information technology, fertiliser and energy sectors. He proposed establishing a second KAFCO plant alongside an artificial intelligence data centre during a Secretariat meeting with company executives.
Discussions included launching an artificial intelligence data centre within twelve months and expanding advanced technology into agriculture. The prime minister stressed expanding longstanding bilateral cooperation involving jute products, while Marubeni expressed interest in constructing a second Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited facility.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government is working to establish a favourable investment climate to generate employment and unlock national economic potential. The visiting Japanese corporate delegation was led by Marubeni President and Chief Executive Officer Masayuki Omoto.
The meeting expressed hope that an impending Economic Partnership Agreement between Bangladesh and Japan would strengthen bilateral trade once effective. Discussions also covered government plans to train engineering graduates in information technology and cybersecurity to establish Bangladesh as an international service hub.
Source: UNB
Bangladesh ready-made garment export earnings grew by 6.10 per cent year-on-year to reach $10.58 billion during the first quarter of the 2026-27 fiscal year, according to Export Promotion Bureau data released on Saturday. The performance spanned the July to September period.
Shipments to the European Union reached $4.90 billion, accounting for 46.36 per cent of total apparel exports with 3.33 per cent growth. Exports to the United States rose 10.40 per cent to $2.22 billion, while shipments to the United Kingdom reached $1.29 billion.
Apparel Voice Chief Executive Officer Mohiuddin Rubel said garment exports maintained a positive trend despite persistent global and domestic challenges. Rubel, whose organisation operates as a think tank on ready-made garment market analysis, analysed the data released by the Export Promotion Bureau.
Non-traditional markets generated $1.81 billion, capturing 17.13 per cent of total apparel exports with 9.40 per cent growth. Across major product segments, knitwear shipments increased by 6.88 per cent, while woven garment earnings recorded a 5.11 per cent expansion during the quarter.
Source: UNB
The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries called for national export diversification by increasing the production and export of halal products on Saturday. The trade body unveiled the first issue of its quarterly journal titled 'Unlocking Export Diversification Through Halal Products' at Gulshan Club in Dhaka.
The chamber emphasised restructuring the country's existing industrial framework to support halal manufacturing across various sectors. According to BCI, securing credible halal certification and obtaining international recognition remain essential structural measures required to expand Bangladeshi goods into global markets.
BCI President Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury Parvez presided over the unveiling ceremony, where the organisation said systemic reforms are necessary to achieve export diversification. Science and Technology Ministry Secretary Md Anwar Hossain said the government welcomed the chamber's promotional initiative.
Business leaders, including Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mohammad Amirul Haque, also welcomed the initiative. BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed, BGAPMEA President Md Shahriar and BARVIDA President Abdul Haque also delivered remarks at the event, welcoming the chamber's promotional initiative.
Source: Bonik Barta
Bangladesh intensified negotiations on Sunday to secure trade agreements with 10 nations and economic blocs ahead of its scheduled graduation from least developed country status on 24 November. The initiative follows 38 completed feasibility studies covering prospective bilateral trading partners across key regional markets.
According to a Commerce Ministry report, authorities are pursuing free trade agreements with the European Union, Singapore and Malaysia, alongside comprehensive economic partnerships with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Initial talks with the European bloc are expected by late October or November, while Seoul negotiations await cabinet approval.
Research and Policy Integration for Development Chairman Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque said Bangladesh must evaluate the cost-benefit balance of every deal, describing European Union access as essential. He said losing trade preferences would strain nearly half the export basket.
Dhaka requested a three-year extension from the United Nations Committee for Development Policy, citing global economic headwinds and domestic structural reforms. Officials are seeking entry into the 19-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while aiming to conclude bilateral trade deals with South Korea and the Emirates by year-end.
Source: The Business Standard
The Ministry of Commerce moved to develop Bangladesh's first national guideline on responsible business conduct on Sunday. Headed by the commerce secretary, a 24-member committee will bring government bodies, business leaders and international partners together to establish unified corporate standards.
Under an official order issued on 28 September, the framework will incorporate United Nations business principles, OECD guidelines and core International Labour Organisation standards. It also addresses emerging European Union rules regarding corporate sustainability due diligence and environmental governance.
A senior commerce ministry official said European Union buyers increasingly assess supply chain risks, potentially requiring suppliers to report on labour conditions and environmental accountability. He said a national framework could help establish a common reference for local corporate practices.
The committee includes private sector representatives from BGMEA and BKMEA alongside international development agencies. Independent experts said subsequent implementation steps will determine how international benchmarks translate into national standards and specific responsibilities for businesses.
Source: The Financial Express
That concludes today’s briefing. Stay with Beyond Headlines for in-depth news and analysis, explainers, opinion pieces, long reads, and more.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) technical evaluation committee on Thursday proposed raising the maximum retail price of a 12kg private LPG cylinder by Tk 139 to Tk 1,976 from Tk 1,837, citing higher import, operational and financing costs.
- Headlines Today
Bangladesh's economic zones have attracted nearly US$300 million in private investment with support from the World Bank, creating around 42,000 new jobs, according to a post by the World Bank Bangladesh on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.
- Headlines Today
