MD ASADUZ ZAMAN

The country’s economy expanded faster in April-June than in the same period a year earlier, buoyed by stronger industrial output and export performance. However, growth in agriculture and services remained subdued during the quarter, held back by political uncertainty and frequent street protests.

According to provisional estimates released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) yesterday, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.35 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2024-25.

That compares with 2.14 percent growth in the same quarter a year earlier, indicating a recovery in overall economic activity. The industrial sector led the rebound, posting 4.10 percent growth, up from 1.08 percent in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

By contrast, agriculture slowed to 3.01 percent from 4.11 percent, while services weakened to 2.96 percent from 3.61 percent.

“This overall growth was primarily driven by the industrial sector, with exports serving as the main engine behind it,” said Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank’s Dhaka office.

According to BBS, GDP growth in the first three quarters of FY25 stood at 1.96 percent, 4.48 percent, and 4.86 percent. Based on all four quarters, overall GDP growth for FY25 at constant prices is estimated at 3.69 percent.

Hussain said industrial growth has consistently outperformed other sectors in recent quarters.

Even so, he noted that overall economic expansion has been disappointing compared with previous years.