Bangladesh economy surpasses USD 500b GDP milestone
The country’s gross
domestic product (GDP) reached an estimated USD 501 billion, up from USD 456
billion in the previous fiscal year. Overall economic growth accelerated to
4.14 percent, compared to 3.49 percent a year earlier.
Sector-wise, agriculture
expanded by 2.78 percent, improving slightly from the previous year, while the
services sector grew 4.59 percent, driven by stronger activity in trade and
related services. Manufacturing, however, slowed to 2.86 percent as weaker
export demand and subdued domestic consumption weighed on industrial output
amid persistent inflationary pressure.
Despite the positive headline
growth, the industrial sector’s slowdown highlights ongoing challenges in
maintaining balanced expansion across all parts of the economy.
The official figures
place Bangladesh above the half-trillion-dollar GDP threshold for the first
time, marking a significant milestone in its economic trajectory. However,
international institutions, including the IMF, had previously projected growth
below 4 percent for the year, reflecting some divergence in outlooks.
Economists note that
while the economy continues to expand, sustaining momentum will depend on
stabilizing inflation, boosting export competitiveness, and strengthening
industrial performance in the coming years.