United News of Bangladesh

Japan announced Friday that its seafood exports have resumed for the first time since China imposed a ban over the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant more than two years ago. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that 6 metric tons (6.6 tons) of scallops harvested in Hokkaido were shipped to China on Wednesday, the first shipment to that country since Beijing banned Japanese seafood in August 2023. Beijing announced in June that it would ease the ban and prepare for the resumption of imports, following repeated negotiations between the two sides. The ban was a major blow to Japan's seafood industry, especially scallop and seafood cucumber exports. China was the biggest overseas market for Japanese seafood. “The government takes the development as a positive move,” Kihara said as he called on China to continue to re-register pending applications for Japanese seafood exporters. A ban remains in place for seafood from Fukushima and nine nearby prefectures, which China imposed immediately after the plant's meltdowns. Kihara said Japan will also continue to urge Beijing to lift the remaining bans and resume importing Japanese beef. The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered triple meltdowns following a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, causing leaks of massive radioactive wastewater that need to be stored in tanks. The utility won Japanese government approval and support from the International Atomic Energy Agency for the gradual release of the water into the sea after treatment and dilution. Japanese officials said the wastewater would be much safer than international standards and the IAEA comprehensive report later confirmed that the discharges meet international safety standards..

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has taken a significant step to encourage its members, officials, staff, and their families to seek quality health and diagnostic services domestically instead of traveling abroad for treatment. To this end, the BGMEA on Thursday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 top-tier healthcare providers, comprising nine renowned hospitals and one diagnostic center. Under these MoUs, BGMEA members, employees, and their dependents will now be able to receive advanced medical treatment and diagnostic services from these institutions at special discounted rates. The signing ceremony, presided over by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. Attendees at the event included Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, First Vice President Selim Rahman, Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Directors Shah Raiyed Chowdhury (who coordinated the event), Faisal Samad, Md. Hasib Uddin, Nafis-Ud-Doula, and Enamul Aziz Chowdhury. The institutions that signed the MoUs are: 1. Bangladesh Eye Hospital and Institute Ltd. 2. Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital 3. Labaid Group Ltd. 4. Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Specialty Center 5. LifePlus Bangladesh Ltd. Digital Healthcare Platform 6. Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd. 7. Praava Health Bangladesh Ltd. 8. Samorita Hospital Ltd. 9. United Hospital Ltd. 10. United Healthcare Services Ltd. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan signed the MoUs on behalf of the association. Commitment to Affordable Care: In a significant announcement at the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan revealed that the BGMEA has taken the initiative to establish a hospital in the Gazipur/Ashulia region to provide quality and affordable medical care to the valued workers of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. He stated that the signed partnership with the country's leading hospitals and diagnostic centers marks the initial phase of this larger project, with these institutions being involved in the hospital's operation.

Bangladesh’s stock market extended its losing streak as both Dhaka and Chattogram bourses ended the week lower on Thursday, with major indices closing in the red. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX shed 18 points, while the Shariah-based DSES dropped 5 points. The blue-chip index DS30, however, remained unchanged. Most issues traded ended lower, with prices falling for 251 companies, rising for 102 and remaining unchanged for 37. Across all categories—A, B and Z—most shares saw declines. In the A-category, which comprises the companies offering the highest dividends, prices fell for 127 firms, rose for 63, and remained unchanged for 24. The turnover also dropped to Tk 419 crore, down from Tk 485 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares worth Tk 13 crore of 23 companies were traded, with Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries Limited leading at Tk 4 crore. Simtex Industries PLC topped the gainers’ list with a rise of over 8%, while FAS Finance & Investment Limited plunged more than 10% to become the biggest loser. The downtrend persisted at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) as well, where the CASPI index lost 70 points. Of the issues traded, 97 declined, 49 advanced, and 13 remained unchanged. Daily turnover at the port city bourse also fell to Tk 13 crore, compared to Tk 24 crore in the previous session. At the CSE, Central Pharmaceuticals Limited surged more than 9% to top the gainers, while Active Fine Chemicals Ltd slid 10%, becoming the day’s worst performer.

United Group has brought global recognition to Bangladesh by winning the “Bangladesh Operational Innovation of the Year – Energy” award at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2025, held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The award honors United Power Generation & Distribution Company Ltd. (UPGDCL), a concern of United Group, for its groundbreaking approach to operational innovation in power generation and distribution. This achievement highlights Bangladesh’s growing ability to deliver sustainable, efficient, and technology-driven energy solutions. BAJUS announces new executive committee; Enamul Haque president Organized by the Asian Business Review, the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards celebrate leading organizations across Asia that are transforming industries through innovation and leadership. Representing United Power, Shish Swapnik, Head of Group Brand & Communications, received the award at the ceremony in Singapore. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Swapnik said the achievement belongs to the entire United Power family, whose relentless commitment to innovation and efficiency continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy landscape. “It is truly inspiring to see our local efforts being recognized on a global stage,” he added. Abdur Rahim Khan appointed FBCCI administrator This milestone reflects United Group’s ongoing commitment to driving Bangladesh’s progress through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. As one of the country’s most diversified business groups, United Group continues to shape industries that contribute to national growth and global competitiveness.

Bangladesh Bank has laid out a clear two-phase mechanism for depositors of five merging Shariah-based banks to recover their funds, prioritising small savers and ensuring the security of all deposits as the banks are consolidated into a single new entity. Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur provided the assurance while to UNB on Thursday, urging depositors to have ‘nothing to worry about’ as the central bank is committed to safeguarding their money. No Compensation for Shareholders Dr Mansur said the shares held by sponsor shareholders and general investors in the five banks undergoing merger will be valued at zero. No compensation will be provided to any shareholder. “The net asset value (equity) of the five banks has now reached a negative state,” the Governor explained, adding that the maximum deficit, against the Tk 10 face value per share, stands at Tk 450, effectively rendering the shares worthless. “Neither the sponsor shareholders nor the general investors will receive any compensation. Their investment equity has been wiped out due to the substantial deficit,” Dr. Mansur added. However, while the shares currently hold zero face value, profits generated by the merged entity in the future will be distributed, according to central bank officials involved in the merger policy. The five Shariah banks -- the five banks declared 'non-viable' and placed under the merger plan are First Security Islami Bank PLC, Global Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, EXIM Bank PLC and Social Islami Bank PLC (SIBL) -- are being merged into a single institution under a central bank decision aimed at stabilising the sector. While depositors’ funds are fully protected, shareholders will bear the full impact of the banks’ negative equity, officials said.  

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has signed agreements with four companies to set up industries at the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, involving a total investment of US$111.26 million and creating employment for 7,607 Bangladeshis. The agreements were signed on Thursday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. Among the four investors, three are fully foreign-owned enterprises from China, Singapore and a China-Singapore joint venture, while one is a Bangladeshi firm. The new industries will produce footwear, processed leather, testing and quality assurance services, and garments accessories. China’s Tai Ma Shoes (BD) Company Limited is making the largest investment, committing US$55.05 million to establish a footwear manufacturing plant. The factory will have an annual capacity of 7 million pairs of formal and casual shoes and is expected to employ 5,900 local workers. Singapore-based Bangladesh Singsin Leather Company Limited will invest US$25.03 million to set up a leather processing facility. The plant will produce 36 million square feet of finished leather annually from crust leather and create 480 jobs. Anre Holding (BD) Company Limited, a China-Singapore joint venture, will invest US$20.03 million in establishing a testing laboratory. The facility will provide quality testing services for raw materials and finished products, mainly supporting industries operating in the BEPZA Economic Zone. The project will employ 770 local workers. Bangladeshi company Raptox Industries Limited will invest US$11.15 million to manufacture labels, tags, tapes, printing and packaging materials, and other garments accessories. The project, with a production capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes per year, will generate employment for 457 people. BEPZA Member (Investment Development) Md Ashraful Kabir signed the agreements on behalf of BEPZA, while representatives of the respective companies signed on their behalf. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony as chief guest. Welcoming the new investors, the BEPZA Executive Chairman expressed gratitude for choosing the BEPZA Economic Zone as their investment destination. Moazzem Hossain reaffirmed BEPZA’s commitment to providing continuous support to ensure smooth business operations. He said BEPZA is modernising its service delivery system to further enhance investor satisfaction. Moazzem Hossain encouraged the new companies to begin construction quickly and commence export operations, while also calling on them to promote investment opportunities in the electronics sector. During the event, BEPZA Member (Investment Development) Ashraful Kabir invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in the upcoming Jashore and Patuakhali EPZs, which are being developed as future industrial hubs. JC, Chairman of Singsin Group PTE Ltd, said, “We are highly satisfied with BEPZA’s services. Choosing the BEPZA Economic Zone has been a good decision for us. We look forward to progressing together.”

Trading of shares of five Islamic banks has been suspended at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) as part of their ongoing merger process. In separate notices issued on Thursday (6th November 2025), the two bourses announced that trading in the shares of First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank will remain suspended until further notice. The suspension follows the banks being declared non-operational under Section 15 of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025, which took effect on November 5. Stocks tumble at opening as DSE, CSE see sharp decline According to the exchanges, Bangladesh Bank, in a letter issued on the same day, instructed that the five banks be brought under the provisions of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025, and subsequently dissolved their respective boards of directors. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur said at a press conference on Wednesday that the shareholders’ equity value of these banks had fallen below zero. “The value of their shares is effectively zero, and no compensation will be provided to anyone,” he stated. Depositors of Bangladesh’s troubled banks still anxious despite security assurances

Trading at both Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on a bearish note Thursday, with most company shares losing value in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX dropped by 49 points, while the Shariah-based DSES fell by 11 points and the blue-chip DS30 index slipped by 10 points. Out of the traded issues, the prices of 316 companies declined against 36 gainers, while 35 remained unchanged. Stocks slide again as DSE, CSE see lower turnover Shares and units worth over Tk 180 crore changed hands during the first half of the session. The downtrend continued at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) as well, where the overall index shed 50 points. At the CSE, prices of 65 companies fell, 29 advanced, and 28 remained unchanged, with the turnover exceeding Tk 5.4 crore in the first half of trading.    

Struggling Japanese automaker Nissan announced Thursday that it will sell its headquarters building in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, for 97 billion yen ($630 million) as part of efforts to strengthen its finances and accelerate modernization. Under the deal, Nissan will lease back the building and continue to use it as its headquarters, while recording 73.9 billion yen ($480 million) in gains from the sale to Tokyo-based real estate operator MJI Godo Kaisha, the company said in a statement. The proceeds will be used to upgrade internal systems at its headquarters, including the implementation of AI-driven operations and digital modernization across various departments, Nissan said. The automaker produces models including the March subcompact and Infiniti luxury cars. MJI Godo is a special purpose trust owned by the Hong Kong-listed Minth Group, a major auto parts manufacturer. The terms of the lease were not disclosed. Nissan, which is set to release its first-half financial results later Thursday, has been struggling to return to profitability, posting a 670.9 billion yen ($4.4 billion) loss for the fiscal year ending in March. The company has pledged a turnaround under new CEO Ivan Espinosa, a Mexican executive with two decades of experience at Nissan who assumed the role earlier this year. “This move reflects a disciplined approach to capital efficiency, unlocking value from non-core assets to support transformation during challenging times,” Nissan said, adding that the strategy is part of its broader efforts to innovate, stay competitive, and invest in future growth. As part of its restructuring, Nissan is cutting about 15% of its global workforce, roughly 20,000 jobs, and closing its flagship Oppama factory in Japan.   Source: AP

DoorDash reported stronger-than-expected orders and revenue for the third quarter but cautioned investors that spending will rise sharply next year as it ramps up product development. Shares of the San Francisco-based food delivery giant tumbled in after-hours trading Wednesday after the company warned of higher expenses ahead. DoorDash said total orders grew 21% year-over-year to 776 million in the July–September quarter, surpassing Wall Street’s forecast of 770 million, according to FactSet data. Revenue climbed 27% to $3.45 billion, also beating expectations of $3.35 billion. The company attributed the strong results to an increase in monthly active users and DashPass subscribers, along with growing delivery demand in new areas such as home improvement and beauty products. However, the company acknowledged that its growth is being accompanied by mounting costs. Research and development expenses rose 23% to $355 million during the quarter — the highest level in its history. DoorDash said it has more new products under development than ever before. In recent months, the company has expanded its offerings, including adding restaurant reservations to its app and unveiling “Dot,” an autonomous delivery robot that will soon begin operating in the Phoenix area. It is also developing a mapping platform and a “smart scale” to help retailers detect missing items before delivery. Abu Dhabi hosts oil summit as OPEC+ pauses early 2026 output hikes Despite solid sales, profits fell short of expectations. Net income rose 51% to $244 million, or 55 cents per share — below analysts’ projection of 68 cents. DoorDash said it expects investments to accelerate in 2026, with spending on new initiatives set to rise by several hundred million dollars compared to 2025. CEO Tony Xu told investors the short-term costs would pave the way for greater efficiency, saying the company is working to unify its technology platform across DoorDash and its newly acquired delivery services, Wolt and Deliveroo. Source: AP