FEDA AL HOSSAIN

What business stories did readers care about most in 2025? The answer is wide-ranging and, at times, pleasantly unexpected.

From US tariffs and dollar swings to gold ornaments and a cattle trading village in Pabna, readers showed curiosity that cut across policy, pocketbook and people. Based on website data, the following stories recorded the highest engagement.

First consignment of US wheat arrives

The arrival of the first consignment of US wheat on October 25 drew strong reader interest as Bangladesh moved to narrow its trade gap with the US.

Star Business reported that a vessel carrying 57,000 tonnes of US wheat docked at Chattogram port. The imports were meant to diversify sourcing and strengthen food security, placing the story at the intersection of geopolitics and daily bread.

Gold prices fall once again

If there were a metal of the year, gold would be a strong contender, with even slight dips making news after repeated rallies.

On November 18, Star Business reported that gold prices fell for the second time in a week. Local jewellers’ association fixed the price at Tk 206,907 per bhori after record highs in October. Price volatility kept readers hooked, amplified by gold’s role as both a financial shelter and a wedding staple.

US dollar rises against taka

Dollar shortages and a sharply weakening taka dominated headlines in earlier years, which is why news of the greenback strengthening again rang alarm bells. On October 22, Star Business reported banks selling dollars at up to Tk 122.75 amid rising import demand and higher openings of LC.

The story resonated as businesses and consumers tracked implications for import costs, inflation and external payments.

Bkash posts 67% profit growth in 2024

Almost everyone has the bKash app on their phone, right? But fewer expected its earnings to rank among the year’s most read business stories.

On May 3, Star Business reported that bKash posted a 67 percent year-on-year rise in profit to Tk 315.77 crore in 2024. Readers viewed the numbers as a window into digital payments growth and consumer spending trends.

Mothurapur: From a quiet village to a dairy cow trading hub

Not all popular stories were heavy on policy or numbers.

A November 28 a Star Business feature explored how Mothurapur, a little-known village in Pabna, turned into a cattle trading hub using digital platforms and informal networks. Readers responded strongly, a reminder that business stories are, at heart, about people.