02/08/2026
Weekly News Flash | Aug 02, 2026
- More than Tk 1.08 trillion of the FY26 development budget remained unspent through May, reflecting weak project implementation and contributing to slower economic growth, weaker business activity, and reduced job creation. Economists urge stronger project monitoring and ex*****on to improve public investment efficiency.
- S&P Global Ratings revised Bangladesh's sovereign outlook to negative while affirming its B+/B rating, citing banking-sector weaknesses, fiscal constraints, external risks, and global uncertainty. The agency warned that delayed reforms, higher energy costs, and external pressures could weaken growth and the country's credit profile over the next 12–18 months.
- Listed multinational companies posted mostly weaker first-half 2026 earnings as high inflation, weak consumer demand, and rising costs pressured profitability. While Robi and Bata delivered strong profit growth, several firms including Grameenphone, LafargeHolcim, Heidelberg Cement, and Unilever Consumer Care reported weaker results amid the sluggish economic environment.
- To give general investors access to the primary market, DSE introduced a new investor category 'Private Investor' on its ESS Bangladesh platform. With this, general investors will now be able to invest in privately offered bonds, open-end mutual funds, ETFs, preference shares, and more.
