The data reflects a gradual rebound from the previous quarters of FY25, when GDP growth stood at 1.96% (Q1) and 4.48% (Q2). In contrast, FY24 recorded 5.87% and 4.47% growth in the respective quarters.
Cumulatively, GDP growth for the first nine months of FY25 now stands at 3.81%, slightly lower than the same period a year ago.
In nominal terms, the size of the economy reached Tk14.20 lakh crore in Q3, compared to Tk12.67 lakh crore in Q3 FY24.
Growth in the third quarter was largely driven by the industrial and services sectors, while agriculture showed slower year-on-year expansion.
Industry: Posted 6.91% growth in Q3, up from 4.55% a year ago. This follows 2.44% and 7.10% growth in Q1 and Q2 of FY25, respectively.
Services: Grew 5.88%, significantly higher than 4.31% in Q3 FY24. The previous two quarters saw more modest growth at 2.41% and 3.78%.
Agriculture: Slowed to 2.42%, down from 4.02% in the same quarter last year. However, it performed better than Q1 (0.76%) and Q2 (1.25%) of FY25.
Economist Dr Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank's Dhaka office, said agriculture performed well in terms of production, especially with Aman paddy, but the high base of last year made this year’s growth appear smaller.
He also attributed the industrial sector’s strength to improved export performance, citing advance orders driven by tariff concerns in the US.
Despite political unrest during the January–March period—typically disruptive to services—Dr Hussain noted that education, transport, and linked services helped sustain growth.
“Service sector growth is often an outcome of momentum in agriculture and industry,” he added.