, April 2 -- Bangladesh's merchandise export earnings dropped sharply in March, falling 19.78 percent year-on-year due to a combination of fewer working days, weakening global demand and domestic production constraints.

According to provisional data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the country exported goods worth $3.39 billion in March, down from $4.23 billion in the same month last year.

Export volume stood at around 420 million kilograms.

Exporters attributed the decline partly to the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays which reduced effective working days by 8-10 days, limiting shipments.

However, industry insiders said broader global factors played a more significant role including subdued demand in key Western markets and intensifying...