United News of Bangladesh

Prices of Sonali chicken and Hilsa have gone up in Dhaka’s kitchen markets, with traders citing supply shortages and rising demand ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year. A visit to several markets in Shantinagar, Motijheel, Malibagh, Rampura, Badda and Kuril on Friday showed while broiler chicken prices dropped to Tk 200 per kg from Tk 240, Sonali chicken prices increased further to Tk 380-400 per kg, up from Tk 350 just a week ago. At the beginning of Ramadan, Sonali chicken was selling at Tk 280-300 per kg, which rose to Tk 340-360 in the last week of Ramadan. Consumers had expected prices to ease after Eid, but the trend has reversed. “I waited thinking prices would fall after Eid, but now it has gone up to Tk 400 per kg,” said Tipu Sarker, a consumer at AGB Colony Kitchen Market in Motijheel. Traders attributed the price hike to supply shortages. “Earlier, we could bring two pickup loads of chicken from Gazipur within a day. Now we have to wait two days even after placing orders,” said Selim Ali, a trader at Uttar Badda, adding that transport costs have risen and advance payments are now required. Vendors also reported a decline in sales due to higher prices. “People who used to buy four chickens now buy two. Some even reduce to one instead of a pair,” said Sabuj, a trader at Rampura market. Alongside Sonali chicken, prices of indigenous chicken have also surged, reaching Tk 780-800 per kg, compared to Tk 550-600 before Ramadan. Prices rose to Tk 650-700 in early Ramadan and further to Tk 720-750 during Eid. Buyers termed the price hike unreasonable, though traders again blamed supply constraints. Meanwhile, beef prices remained largely stable, selling at around Tk 800 per kg in most shops, with priced between Tk 820-850 in some areas. Hilsa prices have also increased ahead of Pahela Baishakh. Hilsa weighing below 500 grams, previously sold at Tk 800-1,000, is now priced at Tk 1,400-1,500. Hilsa weighing 700-800 grams is selling for Tk 2,200-2,300, while larger fish of one kg or more is priced at Tk 2,600-2,800 per kg. Traders said Hilsa supply has declined in recent days, although it may improve toward the end of April. Besides, increased demand ahead of the Bangla New Year has pushed prices up for now. Egg prices have also risen by Tk 10 per dozen over the past week, now selling at Tk 120-130 compared to Tk 100-110. Loose soybean oil prices have increased by Tk 10 per litre, reaching Tk 200 from Tk 190 in Badda retail market, while bottled soybean oil remains in short supply in many shops. Vegetable prices remained mostly stable, with no significant change observed in potato and onion prices. But, traders warned that continued supply disruptions could lead to further price hikes in the coming weeks.

Oil prices continued to surge on worries of a prolonged Iran war but the Asian markets that were open Friday rose moderately in cautious trading, while others were closed for the Good Friday holidays. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 11.4% to $111.54 a barrel. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 7.8% to $109.03 per barrel. “A more extended conflict raises the threat to physical infrastructure, extends disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, and will entail a longer post-war recovery period, with price impacts spilling over later into the year,” according to a report from BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. The U.S. only relies on the Persian Gulf for a fraction of the oil it imports, but oil is a commodity and prices are set in a global market. The situation is very different in Asia. Japan, for example, relies on access to the Strait of Hormuz for much of the nation’s oil import needs and would need to rely on alternative routes. But some analysts say Japan and oher nations are counting on an agreement with Iran to allow transports. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 0.9% in Friday morning trading to 52,938.62. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.1% to 5,344.41. The Shanghai Composite sank 0.5% to 3,899.57. Trading was closed in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia and India. Wall Street, where trading is closed Friday, finished its first winning week since the start of the Iran war, although trading started out with a decline driven by a surge in oil prices. That came after U.S. President Donald Trump late Wednesday vowed the U.S. will continue to attack Iran and failed to offer a clear timetable for ending the conflict in the Middle East. The S&P 500 rose 7.37 points, or 0.1%, to 6,582.69. Several days of solid gains this week helped the benchmark index notch a 3.4% gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 61.07 points, or 0.1%, to 46,504.67. The Nasdaq composite rose 38.23 points, or 0.2%, to 21,879.18. Both indexes also notched weekly gains. Treasury yields remained relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to to 4.30% from 4.32%. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar edged up to 159.66 Japanese yen from 159.53 yen. The euro cost $1.1535, inching down from $1.1537.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Mostaqur Rahman has said that a policy is being formulated to directly verify large corporate loan proposals before they are sanctioned by commercial banks. The move is intended to check the rising trend of defaulted loans in the country’s banking sector, according to central bank officials. The Governor shared the plan during an exchange of views with business editors of some television channels in the central bank headquarters. Following the meeting, BB Spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan briefed journalists on the details. "Large corporate loans are typically approved by commercial banks. However, the central bank is now considering a process where it will also verify these loans before final approval," he said. “The policy is still at a conceptual level. No final decision has been reached regarding the verification process, specific policies, or whether expert manpower will be recruited for project assessment. We are announcing this early to alert the banks," Arif clarified. Central bank officials noted that bankers often recognize potential defaults early but are sometimes forced to distribute loans due to external influence or vested interests. This initiative aims to identify and mitigate such risks before the funds are disbursed. During the meeting, the Governor noted that while foreign exchange reserves are currently in a relatively stable position, inflation remains a concern and employment challenges persist. He highlighted those ongoing tensions in the Middle East, specifically the conflict involving Iran, have impacted global markets. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime trade route—has driven up the prices of oil, gas, and other commodities, creating pressure on Bangladesh’s energy supply.   Current regulations limit a bank's exposure to a single client to 25 percent of its total capital, comprising 15 percent in funded and 10 percent in non-funded loans. While these limits are somewhat relaxed for the power, energy, and green finance sectors, the central bank intends to strictly enforce these boundaries to encourage alternative financing.

A section of shop owners have announced that all shops, retail outlets and shopping malls across the country will close by 8pm daily to help ease pressure from the ongoing global energy crisis, while another major organisation says no such decision has been taken. The shop closure decision was disclosed in a statement on Thursday following a joint meeting of the standing committees of the Bangladesh Shop Business Owner’s Association and the Dhaka Metropolitan Shop Business Owner’s Association. The move is aimed at conserving electricity and fuel amid instability in international energy markets triggered by the Middle East situation. According to the decision, all shops and malls will shut by 8pm, while essential services such as hotels, pharmacies and kitchen markets will remain open beyond the deadline. Association President Md Nazmul Hasan Mahmud and General Secretary Md Arifur Rahman Tipu urged traders to comply with the directive. However, the Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association has rejected the announcement, saying no final decision has been taken to enforce an 8pm closure. In a video message, its President Helal Uddin said the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has convened a meeting on Saturday to discuss the issue. The meeting will be attended by the home minister and commerce minister, along with district-level leaders of the association, where energy-saving measures and a possible collective decision will be discussed, he added.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has selected 600 firms for VAT audit through a fully automated system, aiming to ensure transparency and reduce human intervention in the process. In a press release issued on Thursday, the revenue authority said it has successfully implemented an Automated Risk Management Module in the e-VAT system to streamline audit selection. Under the new system, entities are being selected automatically based on 20 risk criteria – each assigned a specific weightage to assess risk levels without any manual involvement. The NBR said the introduction of this module fulfils a long-standing demand from taxpayers and civil society for a transparent and unbiased audit selection process. Initially, 600 firms were selected, and the list was published on the NBR website. Of these, 405 are manufacturing entities, 98 service providers, 65 wholesale and retail businesses, and 32 are importers or exporters. The revenue board noted that the risk criteria and their assigned weightage may be revised in the future, depending on the effectiveness of audit outcomes. According to the NBR, the automated system is expected to enhance transparency, neutrality and efficiency in VAT management, while also helping prevent revenue evasion and making the system more taxpayer-friendly.

Authorities of two ready-made garment (RMG) factories in Ashulia declared an indefinite shutdown on Wednesday, leaving around 4,000 workers in uncertainty. The owners hung closure notices at the main gates of the factories in the morning, preventing workers from entering the premises. According to workers, the factories—Fashion Forum Ltd in Jamgora area and JA Apparels in Kuturia—were shut down following recent labour unrest. Workers arriving at the factories in the morning found the gates closed and attempted to stage protests but were dispersed by police. Workers alleged that the factories were closed without clearing their dues, leaving thousands of employees in distress. Later, the workers staged a human chain programme in the area, demanding reopening of the factories and payment of their wages and benefits. Additional police have been deployed in front of the factories to avoid any untoward situation. Ashulia Industrial Police-1 Superintendent Mominul Islam said discussions are underway with the factory authorities to reopen the units. Extra police have been deployed to maintain law and order, he added.

PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan has emphasized on the need to increase the number of female employees at PKSF. Noting that the institution already offers an inclusive, safe, and enabling work environment, he said that a well-thought-out initiative will be taken to encourage talented female graduates to consider careers at PKSF. He made these remarks on Tuesday at a meeting held at PKSF Bhaban-1, organized by the ‘Complaint Receiving Committee’ formed for female employees of PKSF to address issues of sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace. Such meetings are regularly arranged to help maintain an enabling work environment at PKSF, according to a press release. In line with the directives of the High Court, PKSF formed this ‘Complaint Receiving Committee’ in 2014. The seven-member committee includes two external members. Besides, ‘Complaint Receiving Committees’ are also in place in all Partner Organizations of PKSF. In his welcome remarks, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader said that the institution is committed to ensuring a safe and harassment-free workplace for all employees, including women, across PKSF and its Partner Organizations. “To this end, we are regularly implementing gender policies, raising awareness, and putting in place effective mechanisms for addressing complaints.” Highlighting PKSF’s ongoing efforts to maintain a women-friendly and enabling work environment, he noted that arrangements will be made for early childhood education at the PKSF’s daycare center. The center will be equipped with modern CCTV cameras, allowing employees to monitor their children in real time through their mobile phones while carrying out their official duties. He also mentioned that steps have been taken to provide necessary personal care items in women’s restrooms within the PKSF Bhaban. At the same time, he appreciated the active role played by male employees in helping to maintain an enabling workplace environment at PKSF. AQM Golam Mawla, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF, also spoke at the meeting. Female employees from all levels of PKSF took part and engaged actively in the open discussion session in a lively atmosphere. They expressed their appre their appreciation to the Management and their male colleagues for helping maintain a congenial work environment at PKSF.

Bangladesh’s stock markets staged a strong comeback on Wednesday, snapping a three-day losing streak, as key indices surged and most listed companies posted gains. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index jumped 94 points at the close of trading. The Shariah-based DSES index rose 12 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index advanced by 41 points. Market breadth remained overwhelmingly positive, with share prices of 327 companies rising against 39 decliners, while 25 issues remained unchanged. Turnover at the DSE also increased, with shares and units worth Tk 719 crore traded during the day, up from Tk 685 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares of 40 companies worth around Tk 30 crore were traded, with Orion Infusion PLC recording the highest single transaction of over Tk 5 crore. Among individual performers, Silva Pharmaceuticals Limited topped the gainers’ chart with a 10 percent rise, while Fareast Finance and Investment Limited ended at the bottom, shedding 10 percent. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a significant rise, with its benchmark CASPI index climbing 200 points. Most issues at the CSE closed higher, as 133 companies gained, 43 declined, and 24 remained unchanged. However, turnover at the CSE slightly decreased to Tk 42 crore, compared to Tk 45 crore in the previous session. Union Insurance Company Limited emerged as the top gainer at the CSE with a 10 percent increase, while Prime Finance and Investment Limited was the worst performer, losing 10 percent.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Mostaqur Rahman has directed all commercial banks in the country to launch ‘Bangla QR’ apps by June this year to expand digital transactions and boost revenue. The Governor issued this directive on Wednesday during an interactive session with business editors of electronic media held at the central bank headquarters. Governor Rahman emphasized that political influence has historically been a major obstacle to ensuring good governance in the banking sector. He warned that no political interference will be tolerated in banking operations moving forward. Speaking on the issue of non-performing loans (NPLs), the Governor instructed banks to implement rigorous scrutiny before approving projects. He also urged banks to exercise greater caution when disbursing high-risk loans to reduce the burden of defaults. According to Bangladesh Bank, ‘Bangla QR’ is the nationally standardized, central bank-approved QR-based payment system. The technology allows customers to make secure, contactless digital payments via smartphone by scanning a code through their respective bank apps, eliminating the need for physical cash or cards. The central bank noted that this system is designed for a wide range of users—from low- to high-income groups—and is accessible to retailers of all sizes, including small, medium, and large entrepreneurs, restaurants, and grocery stores. Customers using Visa cards from banks that have already integrated ‘Bangla QR’ into their mobile apps and received Visa certification can currently make payments using this system. One of the primary advantages for merchants is that no additional hardware or machines are required. Once a payment is completed, the shopkeeper receives an instant SMS confirmation. Additionally, a dedicated merchant app will allow business owners to track daily transactions and access features like a digital ledger (Halkhata), service sales tracking, and wholesaler payment management.

Remittance inflows to Bangladesh reached a record $3.75 billion in March, 2026, marking the highest monthly earnings since the country’s independence. According to data released by Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday, expatriate Bangladeshis sent home $3.755 billion during the month. The surge, largely driven by increased transfers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, has provided a significant boost to the country’s external financial position. According to central bank data, the March figures show a 14 percent increase compared to the same month last year. This surge is attributed to increased expatriate spending during Ramadan-Eid-Ul-Fitr and heightened tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which prompted non-resident Bangladeshis to send more funds home. Previously, the record for the highest monthly remittance was set in March last year at $3.29 billion. Other notable milestones include $3.22 billion in December 2025 and $3.17 billion in January 2026. Total remittance inflows during the July–March period of the fiscal year stood at $26.20 billion, registering a 20.3 percent growth from $21.78 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Sector insiders noted that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East has led to a more favourable exchange rate for the US dollar against the local Taka, further incentivising expatriates to send money through formal channels. Despite the satisfactory inflow, economists have warned of potential shocks to the national economy if the regional conflict escalates. In a recent meeting with Bangladesh Bank, eight prominent economists advised the central bank to prioritise the preservation of foreign exchange reserves. The experts emphasised that while the full extent of the global crisis remains unclear, any prolonged conflict will inevitably put pressure on the dollar and national reserves. They cautioned against adjusting policy interest rates prematurely and suggested that initiatives to lower bank lending rates should only be considered once the current inflationary pressures subside.