United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Tuesday (11th November 2025) said that raids on retail and mid-level outlets have limited impact, as the main perpetrators behind market irregularities often escape accountability.  “Our goal is to protect consumers’ interests, not to restrict trade,” he said on Tuesday while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with edible oil delivery order (DO) traders at the commerce ministry. The adviser emphasised that facilitating both domestic and international trade is the ministry’s core function, and it has been working sincerely to achieve that objective. “As consumers ourselves, it’s only natural that my ministry and I will work in favour of consumer welfare,” he said, urging DO traders to cooperate and provide guidance in stabilising the market. Warning that decisive measures will be taken to protect consumer rights, Bashir Uddin said such steps would be taken regardless of who they affect. Read more: Govt working on Tk 100-crore fund to revive jute bags: Adviser Bashir He said the traditional practice of controlling the edible oil market through raids at retail or mid-level shops has proven largely ineffective. “The entire supply chain—from producers or importers to DO traders, wholesalers, and retailers—must come under regulatory oversight,” he said, adding that mill owners, DO traders, or both might be responsible for market instability. “It’s unrealistic to think a small retailer hiding 500 bottles of oil under his counter is causing market chaos. TV channels may show dramatic footage of oil seizures, the public may applaud, but in reality, such drives achieve nothing. The small grocer is blamed while the real manipulators walk free,” the adviser said. Bashir Uddin said the government will make sure no one can destabilise the edible oil market, and vowed to identify and act against the real offenders. At the meeting, DO traders complained about not receiving products on time from mill owners and urged the ministry to resolve the issue. Read more: Vitamin-fortified safe edible oil essential to protect public health: Speakers

After 10 consecutive sessions of decline, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) finally bounced back on Tuesday, with all major indices closing higher though turnover fell. The DSEX, the benchmark index of the DSE, rose by 12 points, while the Shariah-based DSES and the blue-chip DS30 each gained 6 points. The turnover on the DSE stood at Tk 339 crore, down from Tk 356 crore in the previous session. Out of the traded issues, prices advanced for 183 companies, declined for 144, and remained unchanged for 62. Gains were recorded across all categories—A, B, and Z—with most price increases coming from A-category stocks, which include fundamentally strong companies. In this group, 93 issues advanced while 82 declined. In the block market, shares worth Tk 9 crore of 15 companies were traded, led by City Insurance PLC with Tk 2.9 crore in transactions. Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC topped the gainers’ chart with a nearly 10% rise, while Familytex (BD) Ltd dropped by the same margin to become the day’s worst performer. Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its losing streak as the overall index fell by 4 points. At the CSE, prices dropped for 68 issues, gained for 63, and remained unchanged for 13. However, turnover increased to Tk 26 crore from Tk 14 crore in the previous session. Baraka Patenga Power Ltd led the gainers at the port city bourse with a nearly 10% rise, while Bangladesh Welding Electrodes Ltd fell around 10%, ending as the day’s biggest loser.

bKash has won four awards at the “Bangladesh Fintech Award 2025” for its contribution in ensuring digital financial inclusion and secure transactions through providing innovative technologies and solutions. This year, in the 3rd edition of the award, bKash clinched ‘Winner’ position in two categories - ‘Digital Lending’ and ‘MFS/DFS’. Besides, the Mobile Financial Services (MFS) provider has also received ‘Honourable Mention’ in the ‘Payment’ and ‘Financial Inclusion’ categories. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash received the awards on behalf of the company. Senior officials of bKash were also present at the event. The ceremony, organised by the Bangladesh Fintech Forum, took place at a hotel in the capital, celebrating organisations that exemplify innovation, impact and leadership in the fintech industry. bKash’s initiatives ‘The bKash Impact’ and ‘Pay Later’ won the Fintech Innovation of the Year awards respectively in MFS/DFS and Digital Lending categories. bKash users can win foreign trips, enjoy up to Tk 4,000 offers on travel payments Moreover, the ‘Pay Later’ service in Financial Inclusion category and ‘bKash Merchant App’ in Payment category received Honourable Mentions. This year’s event, supported by Mastercard and Prime Bank, honoured 14 winners and 12 Honourable Mentions across various categories.

Japanese buyers have expressed strong interest in increasing their import of high-value and fashionable apparel from Bangladesh. A visiting delegation from  Japan Textile Importers’ Association (JTIA expressed the interest during a meeting with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Dhaka. The JTIA delegation included Toshinao Kawai of MN Inter-Fashion Limited, Issei Nozawa of Kowa Company Limited, Shingo Igami of Toyoshima & Co. Limited, Norihiro Komiya, Managing Director of JTIA, and Minami Kojiro of AIT Corporation. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the discussion joined by Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu) and other vice presidents and directors. Mahmud Hasan Khan said Bangladesh’s apparel industry is strategically diversifying its markets identifying Japan as a key and promising destination. He noted that the sector is steadily moving up the value chain by transitioning from basic cotton items to high-end synthetic and technical textiles, and urged Japanese buyers to expand their sourcing from Bangladesh. The JTIA delegation praised Bangladesh’s RMG sector for its progress in social and environmental compliance, worker safety, and product quality. They observed that Bangladesh has become a trusted sourcing hub for high-value and fashionable apparel due to its consistent improvements in manufacturing standards. To strengthen trade efficiency, the Japanese representatives stressed the importance of shortening lead times and called for streamlined customs procedures and enhanced operational efficiency at Chattogram Port. BGMEA leaders sought JTIA’s support in simplifying the visa process for Bangladeshi businesspersons visiting Japan. The delegation assured that they would raise the issue with the relevant Japanese authorities. BGMEA also requested data-sharing and collaboration on market research to help identify emerging global trends. The two sides discussed various industry issues including the implications of US tariffs and Bangladesh’s forthcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Mahmud Hasan Khan urged Japan, through the JTIA, to continue granting duty-free market access to Bangladeshi apparel even after LDC graduation in 2026. He proposed that this could be achieved through an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) or a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close cooperation and work jointly to expand Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Japan.

Policymakers and development specialists on Tuesday urged the adoption of a national framework on green inclusive finance to simultaneously promote financial inclusion and climate resilience among poor and low-income populations in Bangladesh. They made the call at a discussion titled “Green Inclusive Finance: A Framework for Climate Change Response by the Poor and Low-Income Vulnerable Populations in Bangladesh”, jointly organised by the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development (InM) and the Centre for Inclusive Development Dialogue (CIDD) at the BRAC Centre Inn in the capital. The session was chaired by InM Chairman Dr Q.K. Ahmad. Presenting the keynote paper, InM Executive Director and CIDD Chairman Dr Mustafa K. Mujeri proposed a strategic framework linking poverty reduction, financial inclusion and climate response through three pathways—resilience, adaptation and transition. He noted that addressing climate change and supporting vulnerable communities cannot be treated as separate agendas. A green inclusive financial system would enable low-income households to absorb climate shocks while gradually shifting towards more sustainable and resilient livelihoods, he added. A panel discussion followed, featuring former Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau Md Rashadul Islam and Research Analyst at Change Initiative Kazi Kareena Arif. They highlighted that disadvantaged communities often remain excluded from conventional climate adaptation policies and financing mechanisms, leaving them disproportionately exposed to environmental risks. The panel underscored the need for tailored financial instruments such as microfinance, microinsurance, flexible savings schemes, emergency credit facilities and well-targeted social safety nets to strengthen resilience among climate-risk-prone populations, particularly in coastal, haor and flood-affected regions. Participants from financial institutions, microfinance organisations, development agencies and policy bodies also shared implementation strategies for advancing green inclusive finance at both institutional and grassroots levels. The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated national planning, increased local participation and focused investments in climate-vulnerable areas to ensure that the transition towards climate resilience is inclusive and leaves no community behind. A vote of thanks was delivered by Arsalan Zaman, Trustee of CIDD.

Trading at the country’s stock exchanges showed a mixed trend in the first hour on Tuesday, with the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) indices edging up while those in Chattogram slipped. At the DSE, the key index DSEX gained 12 points, while the Shariah-based DSES and the blue-chip DS30 indices rose by 8 and 7 points respectively. Out of the 213 companies traded during the period, the share prices of 213 advanced, 102 declined and 70 remained unchanged. Mixed trading at Bangladesh stock market amid index fluctuations The turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 120 crore in the first hour. In contrast, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a decline, with its overall index dropping by 10 points. Among 69 companies traded, the prices of 33 increased, 28 fell, and 8 remained unchanged. The CSE recorded over Tk 8 crore in turnover during the same period.  

China’s annual “Singles’ Day” shopping festival, once known for record-breaking sales, is now reflecting the country’s cautious consumer mood as economic challenges weigh on spending. Alice Zhang, a 29-year-old marketer from Guangzhou, said she spent only about half as much this year as in 2024—roughly 3,000 yuan ($421)—after her salary was cut by more than 20%. “I’ve made a conscious effort to cut back,” she said, noting she opted for cheaper products and skipped buying new shoes altogether. The festival, created by e-commerce giant Alibaba in 2009 as China’s answer to Black Friday, has evolved from a one-day event on Nov 11 into a weeks-long sales period. Analysts say this year’s subdued enthusiasm shows consumers remain wary despite government efforts to boost domestic demand. According to Chinese retail data provider Syntun, combined sales for this year’s Singles’ Day reached over 1 trillion yuan ($140 billion) by Oct 31. Last year, the figure rose 26% year-on-year to 1.44 trillion yuan. Economists say household confidence remains fragile amid slow income growth, a cooling property market, and limited stimulus effects. “Confidence remains quite downbeat among households,” said Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING Bank. Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group, said early promotions this year reflect the efforts of major platforms like Alibaba and JD.com to “drum up business” amid weak demand. However, many consumers complained that discounts were smaller and less appealing than in previous years, while analysts observed growing “consumer fatigue.” Some shoppers also suspect that online retailers inflate prices before offering “discounts.” Guangzhou-based freelance media worker Sonia Song said she now compares prices more carefully across livestreaming apps and e-commerce sites. “I’ll only buy what’s cheapest or most cost-effective now,” she said. Meanwhile, government rebate programs for trading in old appliances and vehicles have reduced the impact of online discounts, as consumers who already benefited from earlier deals are less likely to spend again. Amid weak domestic demand, Chinese e-commerce giants are expanding abroad. Alibaba’s Taobao platform is running Singles’ Day campaigns in 20 countries, focusing increasingly on Southeast Asian markets like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines following U.S. restrictions on duty-free small shipments. Despite the slowdown, beauty, health, and wellness products continue to perform well, according to WPIC Marketing + Technologies CEO Jacob Cooke. Still, many Chinese are tightening their belts. Gao Liang, who works at a fitness club in Beijing, said he expects to spend far less this year after a 20% income drop. “Our business hasn’t been doing well because people are cutting spending,” he said. “Given my unstable income, I don’t need to hoard things.”   Source: AP

Consumers in Bangladesh may face another rise in edible oil prices, as the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) has recommended an increase of Tk 9.27 per litre for soybean oil. In a notification on Monday, the BTTC said the proposed hike is driven by higher average Letter of Credit (LC) values, increased in-bond and ex-bond costs and a rising US dollar exchange rate. The commission said the last price adjustment meeting on July 27 had set the price of bottled soybean oil at Tk 189 per litre, effective from August 3. However, subsequent volatility in international markets and a stronger dollar have significantly raised import costs. International Market Influence In the beginning of November, the international price of soybean oil reached $1,062 per ton, while palm oil hit $1,037 per ton, prompting the need for a fresh domestic price adjustment. Proposed New Price Based on the BTTC’s proposal, which uses a dollar exchange rate of Tk 122.60, the maximum retail price (MRP) for bottled soybean oil is recommended to rise from Tk 189 to Tk 198.27 per litre. The commission also suggested increasing the price of open (non-bottled) soybean oil by Tk 8.85, bringing it to Tk 177.85 per litre. According to data from the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), bottled soybean oil prices in the country have already risen around 14 percent over the past year.

The government may consider compensating small investors affected by the proposed merger of five troubled Islamic banks, Bangladesh Bank said on Monday. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of the central bank, acknowledged the concerns of retail investors and indicated that a humanitarian approach could be taken to address their losses. “If small, affected investors approach the government with an application, there is an expectation that the government may address their situation according to its capacity,” Arif told reporters at the Central Bank headquarters in Motijheel. He said the anxieties relate to investors holding shares in the affected banks through the stock market and suggested decision-makers involved in the consolidation might consider a solution beyond conventional accounting procedures. The proposed merger aims to consolidate five struggling banks into a single Islamic banking entity. Arif outlined the multi-stage regulatory process underway, clarifying that it formally began in March when the government submitted a letter of interest to Bangladesh Bank, which has since granted its consent. He stressed that the establishment of the new entity will depend on strict adherence to legal procedures, including company formation and banking authorisation.

Bangladesh Capital Market Investors Association (BCMIA) has called off its planned demonstration outside Bangladesh Bank, scheduled for Tuesday, demanding compensation for investors impacted by the merger of five Shariah-based banks. The decision comes after ongoing discussions with relevant authorities. In a press release issued on Monday, the association said it decided to withdraw the programme considering the overall situation in the country and following positive remarks from Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed regarding the shares of the merged banks. BCMIA also mentioned that it took into account the request from law enforcement agencies and the prevailing security concerns before cancelling the protest programme. The association further stated that it will not announce any programme until Wednesday, after which its next course of action will be declared. Last Thursday, BCMIA President Mizanur Rashid had announced the central bank siege programme during a press conference in front of the former Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) building in Motijheel. They also warned of intensified protests, including demands for the resignation of Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur and the Finance Adviser if their compensation demands were not met. Later that night, the central bank issued a circular stating that under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025, major shareholders of the merged banks would not be eligible for compensation. However, the government could consider compensating small investors if deemed appropriate. On November 5, Governor Mansur said no compensation would be given to investors of the merged entities—First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank and Union Bank—since their shares were in negative equity. On Sunday, Economic Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, however, said the Finance Ministry would review the matter, noting that the governor’s remarks should not be considered final. Citing the adviser’s assurance, BCMIA decided to withdraw its protest programme.