Standard Chartered Bangladesh recently hosted its Global Research Briefing, which provided an update on the outlook for Bangladesh’s economy. The event featured insights from the bank’s Global Research team, presenting a cautiously optimistic picture of the country’s macroeconomic conditions. According to the data, Bangladesh’s economy is showing early signs of improvement after a period of turbulence, with inflation likely having peaked, foreign exchange reserves stabilizing, and exports starting to pick up.
The bank’s research estimates that Bangladesh’s GDP growth will be around 5.0% for the fiscal year 2026. Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, noted that while short-term indicators suggest a potential turning point, the bank’s confidence is rooted in the strength of long-term fundamentals. He emphasized that achieving sustained growth will depend on coordinated policy measures, ongoing external support, and structural reforms to revitalize growth drivers amidst persistent global geopolitical uncertainties.
The research also highlighted key structural challenges that require sustained attention, including moderate private sector credit growth and elevated non-performing assets. While external debt repayments remain manageable, caution is needed, particularly as revenue growth shows signs of slowing. Fiscal consolidation and policy reforms, particularly in revenue mobilization and subsidy rationalization, will be essential for unlocking long-term growth.
The event was attended by Lutfey Siddiqi, the chief advisor’s envoy for international affairs, who thanked Standard Chartered for convening the event. He emphasized the importance of embedding sound risk management practices to manage foreign exchange and interest rate uncertainties. The government remains committed to reform efforts aimed at improving the ease of doing business and attracting foreign direct investment. Moving forward, it is essential to draw on collective expertise and align policy support to navigate global market complexities and drive sustainable, inclusive growth for Bangladesh.
Overall, the briefing presented a positive outlook for Bangladesh’s economy, with a focus on the need for sustained policy efforts and structural reforms to unlock long-term growth. The bank’s research and insights provide a valuable perspective on the country’s economic prospects, and the event served as a platform for discussion and collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable and inclusive growth for Bangladesh.