Economic indicators offer grounds for optimism, says ABB chief

Detailed summary

He cautioned, however, that rising imports could increase demand for dollars and put renewed pressure on the exchange rate ...

Bangladesh’s economic fundamentals remain substantial despite a difficult period of adjustment, said Mashrur Arefin, chairman of the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) and managing director and CEO of City Bank PLC.

Speaking at the 5th Bangladesh Economic Conference 2026 today, he said the external, real, monetary and fiscal sectors all offered reasons for optimism.

Gross foreign exchange reserves stood at $30.12 billion under the IMF’s BPM6 method, while the exchange rate had stabilised after a prolonged period of uncertainty, he said.

He cautioned, however, that rising imports could increase demand for dollars and put renewed pressure on the exchange rate.

Remittance inflows grew 14.2 percent between July 1 and November 11 of the current fiscal year, with about $13 billion received in just over four months.

Exports have recovered after a brief dip, recording growth of around 6 percent. The recent increase in non-garment exports was encouraging, he said, stressing the need to diversify the export basket.

GDP growth rose to 4.14 percent from 3.49 percent, supported by the services and agriculture sectors.

However, Mashrur said the rate remained below the 6 percent growth recorded earlier.

He also noted that inflation had fallen to a 54-month low, although petroleum imports remained a risk.

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