BD economy crosses $500bn Per capita hits $3,020
Bangladesh’s economy has crossed the half-trillion-dollar milestone for the first time, with its size reaching approximately $501 billion in the outgoing fiscal year (FY2025-26), according to provisional data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices stood at Tk61,20,209 crore, up from Tk55,15,026 crore, or around $456 billion, in FY2024-25.
At the same time, per capita income has also crossed a historic threshold, rising to Tk3,68,873 or $3,020 in FY26, compared to $2,769 in the previous fiscal year.
GDP growth for the year was estimated at 4.14 per cent, slightly higher than 3.49 per cent recorded in FY2024-25, indicating a modest recovery in overall economic activity.
Sector-wise, agriculture posted improved growth of 2.78 per cent, while the services sector rose to 4.59 per cent. However, industrial growth slowed to 2.86 per cent, down from 3.71 per cent a year earlier, raising concerns over manufacturing momentum.
Despite the rise in GDP and per capita income, investment and savings ratios declined. The investment-to-GDP ratio fell to 27.93 per cent from 28.54 per cent, while domestic and national savings also weakened.
Economists say the figures highlight a mixed economic picture, with gains in headline indicators but underlying vulnerabilities in investment, savings and industrial performance.
They caution that while the milestone reflects the economy’s expanding size, the key challenge remains ensuring inclusive and employment-oriented growth that translates into real improvements in living standards.
According to economists, sluggish private investment and weakening manufacturing growth could pose risks to long-term economic momentum, even as the country continues to record steady expansion in nominal terms.
The BBS data marks a symbolic milestone for Bangladesh, but experts stress that the focus must now shift from the size of the economy to the quality and distribution of growth.
