A high-level meeting on Bangladesh’s overall economic progress and budget management was held on 22 December 2025 under the leadership of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The meeting was attended by Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, according to a statement from the Chief Advisor’s press wing.
The discussion highlighted several positive developments in the country’s economy. Annual average inflation fell below 9% in November 2025, reaching 8.29%, the first time it has done so since June 2023. Authorities expect inflation to drop below 7% by June 2026 due to contractionary monetary policies and prudent fiscal measures. Wage increases are now more aligned with inflation; in November 2025, inflation and wage growth were recorded at 8.29% and 8.04% respectively, narrowing the gap that previously reduced real income for workers.
In agriculture, the Boro paddy harvest showed strong results, and favorable conditions for Aman paddy suggest that the government’s food grain collection targets will likely be met. As of 15 December 2025, Aman paddy production reached 16.095 million tons, while overall rice production rose by 7.2% compared to the previous fiscal year.
On the financial front, gross foreign currency reserves reached $32.57 billion as of 18 December 2025, up from about $25 billion in August 2024. Stable exchange rates, rising remittances, and higher interest rates are expected to further strengthen reserves. The current account deficit, which had been persistently negative from FY 2016-17 to FY 2023-24, improved significantly due to better financial management and anti-money laundering measures, standing at only $139 million at the end of FY 2024-25.
Remittance inflows have also grown, with 500,000 overseas job placements recorded during July–November 2025, generating $13.04 billion—17.14% higher than the same period in the previous fiscal year. Trade and imports improved as well, with restrictions eased to enhance productive capacity. Import growth for July–November 2025 rose to 6.1% from -1.2% in the same period of FY 2024-25, while letters of credit for capital machinery and raw materials increased significantly, reflecting improved trade finance efficiency.
The meeting concluded that Bangladesh’s economy is moving toward a more balanced position, with positive trends in inflation control, wage growth, agricultural output, foreign reserves, remittances, and trade finance. Officials expressed optimism that continued fiscal prudence and policy measures would sustain these improvements.
