Faruk-Ahmed | Daily Observer

Middle East war puts our $32b remittance lifeline at risk

Faruk Ahmed

In an age of deep global interdependence, no economy can claim to be distant from war. Missiles may soar over desert skies, yet their economic tremors ripple far across oceans. The true cost of conflict is rarely measured only in lives lost or cities scarred; it is also etched into disrupted trade routes, volatile energy ...

Hormuz blockade sends oil above $80, puts Bangladesh on energy red alert

Faruk Ahmed

Bangladesh has been pushed onto energy red alert as global oil prices surged to a 14-month high following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has rattled world markets and exposed the country's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern fuel supplies.Brent crude jumped $3.66, or 4.7 per cent, to settle at $81.40 a ...

A Banker or a Businessman?

Bangladesh Bank faces its most controversial appointment

Faruk Ahmed

In a seismic shake-up that has reverberated through every corner of Bangladesh's financial landscape, the government on Wednesday abruptly removed Ahsan H. Mansur as Governor of Bangladesh Bank, replacing him with a corporate magnate. The decision, executed with breathtaking speed, saw the Finance Ministry fast-track the appointment of 59-year-old Md Mostaqur Rahman relenting, and perilous. As ...

US-Iran conflict threatens country’s exports and energy security

Faruk Ahmed

The government led by Tarique Rahman is facing a mounting economic tempest as the escalating US-Israel military offensive against Iran threatens to upend Bangladesh's fragile growth. Analysts warn that surging global energy prices, disrupted shipping lanes and a potential slowdown in remittances will thrust the newly appointed Bangladesh Bank governor into a high-stakes battle to rein ...

Markets On The Brink

Global shockwaves pummel Bangladesh after US-Israel strike on Iran

Faruk Ahmed

Financial markets worldwide were jolted this week after a coordinated United States and Israeli strike on Iran injected fresh geopolitical risk into an already fragile global economy, propelling oil prices higher, dragging equities lower and driving investors into safe-haven assets.From Wall Street to Motijheel, the sell-off was swift and broad-based, underscoring how rapidly distant conflict ...

NPL surge drives call money rate to 11pc as liquidity stress mounts

Faruk Ahmed

Bangladesh banking sector is facing mounting stress as a liquidity squeeze pushed interbank call money rates to as high as 11 per cent on Thursday - the highest level in recent months - exposing deep structural weaknesses in several commercial banks.According to data from Bangladesh Bank, the weighted average call money rate hovered between 9.75 ...

High-stakes US trade pact puts Bangladesh at strategic economic crossroads

Faruk Ahmed

Bangladesh has secured duty-free access for 2,500 domestic products in the United States, while simultaneously opening its own market to 7,132 American goods under a sweeping reciprocal trade agreement that could redefine the country's export trajectory - but also expose structural vulnerabilities in its trade and industrial base.The pact, finalised on 9 February, stands among ...

Bangladesh's $100bn debt burden collides with soaring disaster losses

Faruk Ahmed

Bangladesh's hard-won economic resilience is entering a perilous phase as the twin shocks of climate change and mounting external debt tighten their grip on the economy, economists have warned, flagging growing risks to macroeconomic stability.A fresh study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) cautions that climate-induced "loss and damage" is no longer a distant ...

Peaceful polls, global 'sturdy' growth open new window for BD economy

Faruk Ahmed

Economists believe Bangladesh has entered a decisive moment following the peaceful conduct of the 13th National Election, arguing that sustained political stability could anchor economic recovery at a time when the global economy is forecast to record "sturdy" growth of 2.8 per cent in 2026.After nearly three years marked by political uncertainty, policy hesitation and ...

Economy in the balance as interim govt prepares exit

Faruk Ahmed

As the interim government prepares to hand over power this month, Bangladesh is set to confront an elected government with a fragile economy, unfulfilled promises and a trail of contentious last-minute decisions that could weigh on recovery.As of early 2026, most economists say the Bangladesh economy is navigating a phase of gradual stabilization, balancing improved ...