Overall economic growth in Bangladesh slowed to 3.03% in the second quarter (October–December) of the 2025–26 fiscal year, down from 3.53% in the same period of the previous year, according to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics yesterday (6 April).
However, growth was comparatively stronger in the first quarter, reaching 4.96%, up from 3.91% a year earlier.
According to BBS data, the country’s GDP at current prices increased to Tk15,176 billion in the second quarter, compared to Tk13,901 billion in the same period of FY2024–25. This indicates that while growth momentum has slowed, the overall size of the economy continues to expand.
Sector–wise performance
The agriculture sector maintained a positive trend, recording 3.68% growth in the second quarter, up from 1.90% in the same period last year. The sector also showed improvement in the first quarter, with growth at 2.11%, compared to a negative 0.12% a year earlier.
In contrast, the industrial sector experienced a significant slowdown. Growth dropped sharply to 1.27% in the second quarter, compared to 5.78% in the same period of the previous year. However, the sector had performed better in the first quarter, posting a 6.82% growth.
The service sector remained relatively stable, growing by 4.45% in the second quarter, up from 3.48% a year earlier. In the first quarter, growth in the sector was also similar at 4.51%.
Despite support from agriculture and services, the slowdown in the industrial sector weighed on overall growth. Experts say that boosting investment, ensuring energy supply, and recovering global demand will be crucial to reviving momentum in the industrial sector.
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