Bangladesh Economy Tops $500bn for First Time

Bangladesh’s economy has crossed the half-trillion-dollar mark for the first time, with the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) reaching an estimated $501 billion in the outgoing fiscal year 2025–26.

According to provisional estimates released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday, the country’s GDP growth stood at 4.14 percent in FY26, up slightly from 3.49 percent in FY25.

At current prices, the size of the economy rose to Tk61.20 lakh crore in FY26, compared with Tk55.15 lakh crore in the previous fiscal year.

Sector-wise performance showed continued momentum in agriculture, with growth increasing to 2.78 percent in FY26 from 2.42 percent a year earlier.

However, industrial growth slowed during the period, falling to 2.86 percent from 3.71 percent in FY25.

The services sector recorded moderate improvement, with growth rising to 4.59 percent in FY26, compared with 4.35 percent in the previous fiscal year.

Despite overall GDP growth, key economic indicators pointed to underlying weaknesses.

The investment-to-GDP ratio declined to 27.93 percent in FY26 from 28.54 percent a year earlier. Domestic savings also fell to 21.38 percent, while national savings dropped to 26.93 percent.

Meanwhile, per capita income increased to Tk3,68,873, or approximately $3,020, in FY26, up from Tk3,34,511 or $2,769 in FY25.

Economists said the decline in investment and savings despite higher economic growth suggests structural vulnerabilities that could weigh on the country’s long-term growth prospects.