GDP growth was estimated at 2.22 per cent in Q3 FY2026, significantly lower than the 4.53 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of FY2025. The slowdown was driven by weaker RMG exports, global economic uncertainty and energy constraints, leading to a 0.28 per cent contraction in the industrial sector during the quarter (BBS, 2026a).

Bangladesh Bank kept the policy rate unchanged at 10 per cent for the first half of FY2027, maintaining a contractionary monetary policy stance. The central bank aims to reduce inflation to 7.50 per cent in FY2027 while maintaining macroeconomic stability and supporting economic growth (Bangladesh Bank, 2026c).

Export performance weakened in FY2026, with earnings declining by 0.58 per cent compared to FY2025. However, export earnings rebounded for the month of June 2026, increasing by 25.91 per cent compared to the corresponding month of the previous year (EPB, n.d.).
Headline inflation increased to 8.68 per cent in June 2026, while food inflation also rose to 8.06 per cent. Non-food inflation remained elevated at 9.20 per cent, indicating renewed inflationary pressures. Additionally, stagnant wage growth of 8.10 per cent continues to weaken household purchasing power (BBS, 2026b).

NBR tax collection reached 83.26 per cent of the annual target of BDT 499,000 crore during FY2026, representing an increase of BDT 44,598 crore compared to FY2025. Despite this increase, the collection still fell short of the revised FY2026 target by BDT 87,527 crore (NBR, 2026).

Author: Md. Imran Nazir, Programme Associate, CPD 
Series Editor: Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD

Publication Period: August 2026