Provisional BBS data shows GDP to grow by 3.9pc in FY’25

Bangladesh's economy is experiencing a significant slowdown, with provisional estimates from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) indicating a GDP growth rate of just 3.97 per cent for the current fiscal year 2024-25.

This marks the lowest growth seen in several years, raising concerns among economists and policymakers.

The provisional data reveals modest growth across key sectors: agriculture expanded by 1.79 per cent, industry by 4.34 per cent, and services by 4.51 per cent.

While these figures reflect some activity, they fall far short of the government's initial ambitious target of 6.75 per cent and even the revised target of 5.25 per cent for the fiscal year.

This downward revision aligns with earlier projections from international bodies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had adjusted its forecast to 3.76 per cent for FY25, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected 3.9 per cent growth. Both organisations cited persistent economic challenges impacting Bangladesh.

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