United News of Bangladesh

Around 60 university students and aspiring entrepreneurs took part in a daylong programme at Dhaka International University (DIU) on Tuesday, learning how to test business ideas and understand the policy and regulatory factors that can affect their ventures. The Campus Incubation Bootcamp and Smart Policy Reform Lab, organised by Preneur Lab Youth & Innovation Trust with support from Atlas Network, was held as part of StartKoro Season 5. The programme focused on helping participants identify problems worth solving and test whether potential customers need their proposed solutions, according to a press release. Mentors Alamin Pranto, director of Start2Scaleup, and M. Ashraful Tanvir, head of operations and administration at Preneur Lab, led the sessions, while university faculty members joined as guest speakers. Participants worked through ideation, market research, customer needs, product validation and the development of a minimum viable product (MVP). In the Smart Policy Reform Lab, they discussed the policy and regulatory environment for young businesses and put forward recommendations on issues that could affect startups and small businesses. StartKoro aims to support young people from the idea stage through validation and development of a first product to establishing a running business capable of creating employment. The fifth season has so far engaged more than 365 entrepreneurs, who have launched more than 60 new businesses, while Preneur Lab estimates that around 200 new jobs have been created. The organisers said entrepreneurship training alone may not be enough if licensing, taxation and access to finance create barriers for young businesses. Across five Smart Policy Reform Labs, participants have submitted more than 260 recommendations, which will be synthesised into policy research focusing on business registration, licence validity and SME finance. In July, the programme launched the StartKoro AI Hub, an AI-powered platform providing guidance on business registration, licences, taxation and business planning in the Bangladeshi context. By September, 100 entrepreneurs had accessed the platform. The organisers plan to expand the incubation programme from five cities to 10 and publish the policy research. The initiative aims to contribute to a startup ecosystem that is less concentrated in Dhaka and encourage young entrepreneurs to view policy engagement as part of running a business.

Digital banking services, including card transactions, ATM withdrawals, POS payments, e-commerce, QR code payments, and National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) transfers, across 19 banks are facing temporary disruptions due to scheduled system upgrades and maintenance. According to notices issued by the banks, the disruption stems from system migration under the Q-Cash network, which runs from 9:00 PM on October 4 until 12:00 PM on October 10. The affected financial institutions are Bank Asia, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Janata Bank, Bengal Commercial Bank, Community Bank, Jamuna Bank, Midland Bank, Meghna Bank, Mercantile Bank, Modhumoti Bank, National Bank, NRBC Bank, NCC Bank, Rupali Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Shimanto Bank, Social Islami Bank, Trust Bank, and Uttara Bank. While the service outages vary by institution—ranging from a few hours to several days—the simultaneous timing of maintenance across 19 banks has drawn widespread consumer concern, particularly over potential difficulties in obtaining cash during emergencies or completing online and card transactions. Addressing customer concerns, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that banks routinely perform technical maintenance and system enhancements after notifying the central bank. "Each bank made its decision independently, but coincidentally, 19 banks fell into the same timeline for system upgrades," Khan said, adding that central bank officials discussed the matter with the institutions to ensure advance notices and SMS alerts were issued to clients. The banks assured customers that all affected services will be restored gradually upon completion of system migration and maintenance tasks, while expressing regret for the temporary inconvenience. Branch-based counter services will remain subject to individual bank guidelines.

Terming trust as the true foundation of capital markets, Tanvir Shahriar Ghani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Investment and Capital Market, on Monday emphasized that consistent implementation of financial standards and uncompromised professional integrity are essential to win investor confidence and attract sustainable global capital. “Financial reporting, accounting, auditing, corporate governance, and risk management may appear technical, but their true foundation is trust,” Ghani said while addressing as the Chief Guest at a high-level national conference in the capital. “Investors rely on the integrity and accuracy of financial information when making decisions. If that trust is broken, investors lose money, and confidence in the entire capital market suffers,” he warned. The conference, titled “Building Investor Confidence: The Role of Professional Bodies in Audit, Reporting, Governance and Risk Management,” was organized jointly by five major accounting and secretarial bodies—ICAB, ICMAB, ICSB, IIAB, and ACCA—at the CA Bhaban in Kawran Bazar to mark the 10th Annual World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, spearheaded globally by IOSCO from October 5 to 11. Ghani noted that while Bangladesh possesses the requisite institutional framework, the main hurdle lies in execution. “The challenge is not merely adopting global standards, but implementing them consistently and effectively. We must ensure comparable companies are assessed under comparable standards and strengthen professional integrity through self-discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct.” Speaking as the Special Guest, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan underlined the need to establish reasonable audit fees to ensure quality. He announced that once BSEC establishes proper audit fee benchmarks, it will roll out stringent regulations to enforce high-quality audits compliant with the IFAC Code of Ethics. Highlighting the prolonged drought of initial public offerings (IPOs) since March 2024, ICMAB Council Member Arif Khan FCMA presented a keynote paper titled “Rebuilding Corporate Confidence in Getting Listed,” citing low valuations, sluggish approval procedures, and policy uncertainty as major barriers. Drawing lessons from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, he called for market-driven pricing, predictable regulations, and faster clearance to revitalize IPO activity in Bangladesh. ICAB Vice President Asifur Rahman FCA presented another paper on investor resilience, emphasizing ICAB's Document Verification System (DVS) and strategic ties with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, and RJSC to eliminate fake financial statements. Chaired and moderated by ICAB President Sabbir Ahmed FCA, the event also featured ICMAB President Kausar Alam FCMA, ACCA Country Manager Prawma Khan FCCA, IIAB President M. Nurul Alam FCS, and ICSB President Mohammad Shahajahan FCS as panelists.

Bangladesh and Algeria have set in motion a government-to-government (G2G) initiative for long-term imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fertiliser. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the plan after a meeting with Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saidani at his ministry office on Monday. He said Bangladesh will import LNG and fertiliser from Algeria under the G2G framework. Salahuddin also urged Algeria to widen the trade basket in Dhaka's favour, saying Algiers could increase imports of Bangladeshi garments and pharmaceutical products. Salahuddin further called on Algeria to hire skilled workers from Bangladesh, including doctors and nurses. Beyond trade and energy, the two sides discussed maintaining peace and order, security cooperation, preventing and combating human trafficking, migration management, and expanding economic and commercial ties. They laid particular emphasis on specialised training to improve the efficiency and professionalism of security forces, joint workshops, and the exchange of legislative support. Recalling that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, the ambassador voiced his country's strong interest in further strengthening the historic and friendly relationship. Referring to the invitation extended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Algerian President to visit Dhaka, Salahuddin said Bangladesh is pleased that the invitation has been accepted. He stressed fixing a mutually convenient diplomatic date for the visit. At the end of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and strengthening cooperation in security, trade and bilateral diplomatic relations.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday stressed the need for advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye and strengthening cooperation in trade and investment. He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen at the Ministry of Industries. At the meeting, the two sides discussed the proposed FTA, business opportunities in fruit imports and Bangladesh's participation in international trade conferences. They also explored ways to tap Türkiye's experience and capacity in managing hazardous industrial waste, alongside expanding bilateral economic ties. Reviewing progress towards launching FTA negotiations, the two sides expressed optimism about further strengthening trade and economic cooperation. Muktadir expressed interest in holding a bilateral meeting with Türkiye's trade minister and meeting the country's investment agency during his upcoming visit to Türkiye. Bangladesh also sought contact details of Turkish fruit exporting organisations to facilitate business links between Bangladeshi and Turkish traders. The two sides discussed channelling this information to relevant Bangladeshi traders through the Ministry of Commerce. Management of hazardous waste from the electronics and ship-breaking industries also received emphasis at the meeting. In this regard, the two sides discussed possible cooperation in developing treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) in Bangladesh, drawing on Türkiye's experience and expertise in managing such hazardous waste. Discussing the leather industry, the Turkish ambassador said leather processing and tannery operations in his country have declined due to environmental concerns, while the use of synthetic leather and imports of raw materials have increased. He invited Bangladesh to attend the upcoming ministerial-level conference under the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), as well as the World Halal Industrial Summit and Halal Expo. The Bangladesh side said Muktadir will attend the main COMCEC conference, while other Bangladeshi representatives will join the subsequent events.

The government is taking steps to remove administrative hurdles for women entrepreneurs, expand their access to credit and strengthen their representation at the policymaking level, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Monday. He made the remarks when a delegation of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), led by its President Sangita Ahmed, met him at his office. The minister said the introduction of a single-window system will allow women traders and entrepreneurs to obtain essential documents, including trade licences, import registration certificates (IRC) and export registration certificates (ERC), online. "Entrepreneurs can apply and pay the required fees from any corner of the country, even from abroad, to avail these services. This will reduce the need to visit government offices in person and make it easier to complete the formalities needed for doing business," he said. Speaking about SME financing, Muktadir said the loan facility for the sector has been raised from Tk 300 crore to Tk 2,000 crore. “The funds will be disbursed at a 6 percent interest rate.” He also expressed a positive outlook on restructuring the SME Board and increasing women's representation at the policymaking level to ensure maximum opportunities for women entrepreneurs. At the meeting, BWCCI representatives highlighted the lack of information, complexities in formal registration and limited coordination at the district level as key barriers to the expansion of women-owned businesses. To address these, they proposed a comprehensive database, a central compliance desk and regular central-district coordination meetings. The BWCCI delegation said there are no precise statistics on how many women entrepreneurs operate in which sectors and at what scale. This makes it difficult to assess their actual needs, formulate effective policies and deliver need-based support, they said. Along with a central database, they stressed making it mandatory for district-level women's chambers to maintain entrepreneurs' information. The delegation said women-run businesses also face various difficulties in preparing required documents and complying with regulations to come under the formal framework. They demanded a central compliance desk, or integrated service platform, which will provide guidance and support on business registration, necessary documentation and legal procedures. The organisation also proposed holding meetings twice a year with central and district-level representatives to bring district-level problems to the central level and ensure effective coordination for solutions. The minister praised the alternative service platforms that have emerged to support women entrepreneurs, and reiterated the government's positive stance on improving their access to business services and financing.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has cut the price of gold by Tk 1,691 per bhori, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 2,29,081 per bhori, including VAT. The new price come into effect from 10am Monday, BAJUS said in a notice issued in the morning. According to the notice, the price of pure gold, locally known as Tejabi gold, has declined in the local market. Considering the overall market situation, BAJUS has revised the prices of gold, including VAT. Under the new rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 2,18,817 per bhori, while 18-carat gold will be priced at Tk 1,87,907 per bhori. The price of traditional-method gold has been set at Tk 1,53,498 per bhori. One bhori of gold is equivalent to 11.664 grams. BAJUS said making charges will apply depending on the design of jewellery. Since VAT is already included in the selling prices of gold and silver jewellery, jewellers cannot collect VAT separately from customers. For jewellery exchange, 12 percent will be deducted, while 18 percent will be deducted in case of purchase, excluding making charges and the value of stones. No separate VAT deduction will be applicable in exchange and purchase transactions, it said. The revised prices will remain effective at all jewellery shops until further notice, BAJUS said. Earlier on Sept 30, BAJUS had cut the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori to Tk 2,30,772, including VAT. At that time, 21-carat gold was priced at Tk 2,20,391 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 1,89,248 and traditional-method gold at Tk 1,54,606. The prices took effect from 10am that day. With Monday’s adjustment, gold prices have been revised 121 times in the country so far this year. Prices have been increased 59 times, reduced 61 times and adjusted once for VAT. Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged. At present, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 4,316 per bhori, including VAT, while 21-carat silver is priced at Tk 4,141, 18-carat silver at Tk 3,558 and traditional-method silver at Tk 2,683 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 73 times so far this year, with 36 increases and 37 decreases.

Terming Japan as a trusted development and business partner of Bangladesh, Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Saida Shinichi has expressed optimism that several major Japanese investment initiatives currently in the pipeline will materialize in due course. Speaking as the chief guest at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at a hotel in Gulshan on Sunday, the envoy emphasized the importance of strong governance, institutional relevance, and delivering tangible benefits to businesses in both nations. Ambassador Saida welcomed the Economic Partnership Agreement signed in February with support from JBCCI and called for industrial diversification, the development of upstream industries, the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers, and the creation of employment opportunities for young people in Bangladesh. He also stressed the need for a transparent and sustainable relationship between business and politics to support long-term economic growth, while reaffirming the Japanese Embassy’s continued support for JBCCI in expanding bilateral trade and investment. At the AGM, JBCCI formally announced its new 16-member board of directors for the 2026-28 term, with Kazuiki Kataoka elected as president. In his acceptance speech, President-Elect Kazuiki Kataoka thanked the outgoing leadership and stated that the chamber would focus on highlighting Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and business activities. He emphasized leveraging the expertise of JBCCI’s nearly 400 member companies through knowledge-sharing sessions, networking, and member-driven initiatives. Outgoing President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan welcomed participants and highlighted JBCCI’s pivotal role in bolstering bilateral ties. Secretary General Maria Howlader FCA presented the major activities from November 2025 to September 2026, noting that membership grew to 391 companies from 369 in the previous year. Joint Treasurer Md Jahangir Alam Sharker CPA presented the audited financial report, reflecting sustainable financial growth. The AGM also approved the appointment of Shafiq Mizan Rahman & Augustine, Chartered Accountants, as auditors for the 2026-27 financial year. The newly formed board features Abu Zaman Md Tariqul Islam and Syed Samiul Huq as vice-presidents, Rabiul Alam as secretary general, Kenji Kimura as treasurer, Oliver Kutz as joint secretary general, and Saumitra Kumar Mutsuddi as joint treasurer. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), Hiroaki Oura, Kabir Ahmed, Atsushi Hirakuri, AKM Ahmedul Islam Babu, Kenichiro Kawamoto, Farzanah Chowdhury, Hironori Yamanaka, and Mudassir Murtaza Moin were elected as directors, while Manabu Sugawara and Abdul Haque were appointed as advisers to the board. JBCCI Vice-President Hiroaki Oura delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the outgoing board and wishing success to the incoming leadership.  

Robi Axiata PLC on Sunday announced the successful completion of its nationwide network transformation initiative following the final phase of its 4G network modernization program in the Chattogram region. The final phase covered the Chattogram, Cumilla, and Noakhali regions, establishing a stronger, reliable, and future-ready "Giga Green" 4G/5G-ready network across Bangladesh, according to a press release issued by the telecom operator. The formal announcement was made at an event titled “Celebration of Robi’s 4G Network Modernization in Chattogram” held at Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View on Sunday. Under the Chattogram region program, more than 3,500 sites were modernized within 180 days with virtually no service disruption to customers. The upgrade has enhanced customers’ 4G experience by an average of up to 20 percent and expanded enhanced indoor 4G coverage to 10 percent more people. Additionally, the deployment of advanced Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology has strengthened signal quality, while new infrastructure has reduced network energy consumption by up to 12 percent, aiding carbon emission reduction goals. Speaking at the event, Robi Managing Director and CEO Ziad Shatara stated that the completion of the Chattogram region project marks the successful conclusion of the operator's nationwide network transformation. He added that this achievement follows the recent modernization of over 4,800 sites in Greater Dhaka, elevating Robi's overall network excellence. Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), termed the rapid execution of the large-scale project a remarkable engineering achievement that will strengthen the country’s telecom sector. Mohammad Abu Sufian, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-9, highlighted Chattogram's role as the nation's commercial gateway, noting that modern digital infrastructure will support trade, industrialization, and smart city management. Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain added that robust telecommunications infrastructure will accelerate economic growth and digital transformation across the region. Prior to the Chattogram rollout, Robi completed the largest network transformation in its history by modernizing over 4,800 sites across Greater Dhaka, which delivered up to a 125 percent improvement in customer experience and cut call drops by 20 percent.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has set a target of approving initial public offerings (IPOs) within a maximum of three months of application under the new rules, aiming to cut long delays in the process. "To resolve the IPO crisis in the capital market, the time taken for IPO approval will be significantly reduced under the new process. We will definitely approve IPOs within three months," BSEC Chairman Masud Khan said Sunday. He made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of World Investor Week 2026 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. Masud Khan said that after taking charge, the commission identified complexities in the IPO rules and moved to reform them. "The new IPO rules will ensure the entire process, from application to approval, is completed swiftly." The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) and the BSEC will carry out their related activities in a coordinated manner, which the commission believes will reduce the time spent at different stages after a company applies for an IPO. "A two-year drought, an IPO drought, cannot be allowed to continue for long," the BSEC chairman said, stressing the need for quick steps to end the prolonged absence of new companies in the market. He said direct listing will also be allowed for bringing new companies to the market, though eligibility criteria will be stricter than before. Only highly qualified and strong companies will get the opportunity, he added, which will help bring quality firms to the market while protecting investors' interests. To attract multinational and large local companies, a new hybrid method will also be introduced alongside direct listing. "Under it, a portion of shares will be offered to the public, while the rest will be floated through the sale of existing owners' shares," Masud said. Highlighting the commission's reform measures, the BSEC chairman said one of its key decisions after assuming office was scrapping the floor price. He said Bangladesh's position in the index of global index provider MSCI was hurt after the floor price was introduced in 2023. "The withdrawal was aimed at restoring foreign investors' confidence." Referring to steps concerning Beximco, he said the board of the company has been reconstituted and other necessary measures taken. "Through these steps, efforts are under way to rebuild investor confidence in the capital market." Masud Khan said greater emphasis is being placed on digitisation to protect investors and boost confidence in the market. "Initiatives are being taken to bring the back-office software of brokerage houses under an integrated system with real-time connectivity, enabling the regulator to view brokers' accounts and bank balances at any given time." He said an order management system will be introduced, with a shift from paper slips to automated processes. In his words, digitisation is now the "new currency" in the capital market. The BSEC chairman said steps are also being taken for quick resolution of investors' complaints and cases. Necessary amendments, harmonising the securities law and the relevant ordinance, have been sent to the ministry for final approval. Once enacted, the commission is expected to be able to file cases directly within its own timeframe. BSEC is also focusing on developing the bond market. He said bonds worth around Tk 3,000 crore have been approved since he took office, but issuers have been required to be listed on the main board. He said the bond market needs effective linkage with the stock market, and initiatives are being taken to expand various types of bonds, including green bonds. Masud Khan said there is ample scope to increase institutional investment in the capital market. "Policy initiatives may be taken in future to allow a portion of pension funds, gratuity funds and insurance company money to be invested in corporate bonds and shares." He described the insurance sector as full of potential, saying it has long remained largely inactive and needs to be made more active in the market. He also stressed developing the mutual fund sector. The BSEC chairman said Bangladesh's market capitalisation is still low compared to many countries, and increasing it would naturally boost trading volume. As part of long-term reforms, work is also under way on a derivatives market, a review of the effectiveness of credit rating agencies, and improvement of the clearing and settlement system, he said. Masud Khan said the BSEC does not want to confine World Investor Week programmes to a single week. Work to raise investor awareness, rebuild confidence in the market and improve its structure will continue, he added.