United News of Bangladesh

SMEs in BSCIC industrial estates could cut more than 14.09 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, earn up to $0.40 million annually through carbon credits, and reduce operational costs by 30 to 50 per cent by adopting decentralised rooftop solar energy, a new study has found. The study, conducted by Change Initiative, also revealed that such a transition could help secure long-term export competitiveness by enabling compliance with environmental and sustainability standards. Bangladesh solar power projects fail to draw investors for rigid terms: Study Unveiling the findings at a press conference at a hotel in Dhaka o. Saturday, M. Zakir Hossain Khan, chief executive officer of the organisation, said SMEs account for more than 90 per cent of industrial units, employ around 85 per cent of the industrial workforce, and contribute 25 to 30 per cent of the country’s GDP. Yet, he noted, they operate within an energy system in which around 95 per cent of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, leaving them highly vulnerable to global volatility. Khan said the present government could raise the share of renewable energy to 20 per cent, in line with its electoral commitment for 2030, within just one year if it adopted a crash programme. He said funding would not be a major obstacle if resources were allocated efficiently and safeguarded against corruption. Replying to a question, he said Bangladesh could potentially mobilise a $5 billion renewable energy fund from development partners, while another $5 billion could be generated through carbon and pollution taxes imposed both domestically and in export destinations. He stressed the urgent need for an energy transition to strengthen energy security and sovereignty by reducing dependence on imported fuel. The research focused on four high-impact sectors within Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation industrial estates: tannery, plastic manufacturing, plastic packaging and light engineering. Together, these sectors are estimated to emit 46.99 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with a technically feasible reduction potential of 14.097 million tonnes per year. The keynote presentation was delivered by co-researchers Sabrin Sultana and Najifa Alam Torsa, who highlighted the study’s key findings. Zakir Hossain Khan said: “While global conflicts threaten to turn out our lights and air pollution steals years from our lives, our factory rooftops remain idle. Renewable energy policy must move beyond targets to ensure energy sovereignty by reducing import dependence and delivering reliable, affordable power to SMEs, which drive Bangladesh’s economy and employment. “We do not just want to survive the 2026 energy crisis, we want to lead the region. If China, India and Vietnam can accelerate their renewable energy transitions, Bangladesh too can move towards a nature-smart and sovereign future by securing energy independence, insulating CMSMEs from grid instability and shielding them from the price volatility of imported fossil fuels without losing competitiveness or jobs.” The study combines machine-level energy assessments, production mapping and verified electricity data to build a robust emissions baseline. Beyond technical solutions, the study also identifies several structural barriers hindering adoption of solar energy, including limited access to concessional finance, high upfront investment, a lack of technical expertise among relevant stakeholders, and the absence of standardised energy auditing systems. To address these challenges, the study proposes a cluster-based decarbonisation pathway built on three pillars: shared renewable energy systems at estate level innovative financing models, including OPEX and concessional renewable energy finance stronger institutional coordination through BSCIC and related agencies.

The shareholders of Pakistan-based Bank Alfalah Limited have approved the sale and transfer of its Bangladesh operations to Dhaka-based Bank Asia Limited for approximately $47.5 million (equivalent to around Tk 580 crore). A source at Bank Asia confirmed that as part of the acquisition, an internal audit of Bank Alfalah’s Bangladesh operations has already been completed. The process, which began several months ago, is now nearing its final stages following the approval by the Pakistani bank’s shareholders. Bank Asia will soon officially take over the assets and operations of Bank Alfalah in Bangladesh. The decision was announced by the stock-market-listed Bank Alfalah during its recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM). The records of the meeting were submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday. According to the approved resolution, Bank Alfalah has been authorized to transfer its Bangladesh business to Bank Asia Limited. The base consideration for the transaction is set at approximately Tk 580 crore, which stands at around $47.5 million at current market rates. However, the final sale price is subject to standard closing adjustments in accordance with applicable laws and regulations during the merger. The entire acquisition process remains contingent upon the final regulatory approvals from the central banks of both countries—the State Bank of Pakistan and Bangladesh Bank. Bank Asia, which began its operations in 1999, has a history of expanding its footprint by acquiring the local operations of foreign banks. Previously, it successfully acquired the Bangladesh operations of the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) and Muslim Commercial Bank Limited (MCB). On the other hand, Bank Alfalah is one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks, operating over 1,000 branches across 200 cities. It also maintains an international presence in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, and the UAE. Earlier this year, Bank Alfalah also initiated moves to divest its investments from Afghanistan. The State Bank of Pakistan and the Central Bank of Afghanistan have already approved Ghazanfar Bank to begin the necessary due diligence for that transaction.  

Gold prices in Bangladesh have increased by Tk 2,157 per bhori after seven straight reductions, with the new rates taking effect from Saturday. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) set the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 237,012 per bhori (11.664 grams), according to a statement issued in the morning. BAJUS said the adjustment was made in line with a rise in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market considering the overall market situation. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 226,282 per bhori while 18-carat gold is priced at Tk 193,914 per bhori. Gold produced under the traditional method will be sold at Tk 157,931 per bhori. The last price adjustment was made on March 27, when BAJUS reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 6,590 to Tk 234,855 per bhori. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 48 times in the country, with increases recorded on 27 occasions and decreases on 21. Despite the hike in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 5,365 per bhori, while 21-carat silver is priced at Tk 5,132, 18-carat at Tk 4,432, and traditional silver at Tk 3,324 per bhori. In 2026, silver prices have been adjusted 29 times, including 16 increases and 13 decreases.

Fruit prices in Dhaka have fallen significantly after Ramadan and the Eid holidays, with several imported varieties dropping by more than Tk 100 per kilogram within just a few days, offering some relief to consumers. A visit to major wholesale and retail markets—including Badamtoli, Karwan Bazar, Rampura, Badda and Shantinagar—on Friday found that prices of most imported fruits have eased notably from their Ramadan peaks. Malta, which was sold at Tk 350–380 per kg during Ramadan, is now priced at Tk 280–300. Before Ramadan, it ranged between Tk 260 and Tk 280 per kg. Apple prices have also declined, currently selling at Tk 300–340 per kg depending on the variety, down from Tk 350–400 during the fasting month. However, prices remain slightly above the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 280–320. Oranges are now being sold at Tk 380–400 per kg, compared to Tk 420–450 during Ramadan, while earlier prices hovered between Tk 340 and Tk 350. Among other imported fruits, pomegranate prices have dropped to Tk 450–500 per kg from Tk 580–600 during Ramadan, though still higher than the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 400–480. Pear has seen one of the sharpest declines, falling by around Tk 150 per kg to Tk 350, down from Tk 500 during Ramadan. In the grape market, black grapes are selling at Tk 500 per kg, red grapes at Tk 450, and green grapes at Tk 400, while most varieties had exceeded Tk 500 during Ramadan. Locally grown fruits have also become more affordable. Ripe papaya is now priced at Tk 70–120 per kg, down from Tk 140–180, while guava prices have fallen to Tk 70–100 from Tk 120–150. Watermelon, which entered the market during Ramadan, is now being sold at around Tk 50 per kg, down from Tk 100 at the start of the season. Traders attributed the fluctuations largely to wholesale market dynamics, particularly at Badamtoli, the country’s key fruit hub. Some alleged that a syndicate-like mechanism influences prices at the wholesale level which in turn affects retail markets. A fruit seller in Badda said retail prices often rise by around Tk 50 per kg after sourcing from wholesalers. Another trader noted that prices at Badamtoli are frequently determined through pre-arranged auctions, limiting competition. Consumers said that despite the recent decline, prices have yet to fully return to pre-Ramadan levels. They urged stronger market monitoring and greater competition to help stabilise fruit prices in the capital.

A consignment of 62,150 metric tonnes of wheat from the United States reached the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Friday under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. This is the second shipment under the deal, following an earlier delivery of 58,457 metric tonnes of wheat, according to the Ministry of Food. Officials said sampling and testing of the wheat onboard have already begun, while steps are underway to ensure swift unloading of the cargo. Of the total volume, 37,290 metric tonnes will be discharged at Chattogram port while the remaining 24,860 metric tonnes will be unloaded at Mongla port. Bangladesh has so far imported a total of 467,884 metric tonnes of wheat under previous G2G arrangements, including 237,845 tonnes under G2G-01 and 230,039 tonnes under G2G-02, officials added. The country’s annual wheat demand is estimated at around 7 million metric tonnes, against a domestic production of about 1 million tonnes, leaving a significant gap to be met through imports by both public and private sectors.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have been reduced by Tk 6,590 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk 234,855, according to the Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS). In a statement issued on Friday morning, BAJUS said the new prices were set in line with the overall market situation, particularly a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. The revised rates came into effect from 10am. Under the new pricing structure, 22-carat gold is being sold at Tk 234,855 per bhori (11.664 grams), while 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 224,182 per bhori. The price of 18-carat gold now stands at Tk 192,164 per bhori, and traditional gold at Tk 156,473 per bhori. Earlier, on March 25, BAJUS had reduced gold prices by Tk 5,482 per bhori, setting the rate of 22-carat gold at Tk 241,445. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 47 times in the country, with 26 hikes and 21 reductions recorded. Despite the latest cut in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 5,365 per bhori. The price of 21-carat silver stands at Tk 5,132, 18-carat at Tk 4,432, and traditional method silver at Tk 3,324 per bhori.

General members of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) have formally requested the Ministry of Commerce to dissolve the current Board of Directors and appoint a neutral administrator to oversee upcoming elections of the trade body. In an application submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, members cited a two-decade absence of democratic elections and widespread organizational irregularities. The petition highlights that no democratic election has taken place within the association since 2004. Allegations suggest that a specific group, leveraging the influence of the previous government, has maintained control over this vital trade body for the past 20 years and continues to operate with unelected members. General members have voiced concerns regarding a "name-only" election currently being fast-tracked for the 2026-2028 term. They allege that the current president, Shamim Ahmed, is attempting to cling to power by conducting an election while remaining in office alongside his followers. Senior members, including KM Zahir Faruk and KM Alamgir Iqbal, filed the application to the ministry in this regard. They contend that individuals favored by the former administration's commerce and industry advisor, Salman F. Rahman, took unilateral and significant decisions—such as land purchases for personal gain—without conducting Board meetings, Annual General Meetings (AGM), or involving proper purchase committees. Financial irregularities cited in the application include unaccounted funds. Approximately 15 years ago, Tk5 crore and Tk 1.75 crore were allegedly placed in FDRs with a weak and nearly bankrupt leasing company for personal interest without board approval; these funds remain untraceable now. The board is also accused of illegally renewing memberships by waiving or discounting 5 to 10 years of unpaid dues for unqualified individuals to manipulate the voter list. Under these circumstances, members have demanded the appointment of an experienced and neutral administrator to ensure transparency and the development of the plastic industry. They have called for the cancellation of the "one-sided" election schedule currently set for May 17, 2026, and urged immediate government intervention to announce a fresh, inclusive schedule for a fair election.

The conflict in the Middle East (West Asia) could lower economic growth in developing Asia and the Pacific by up to 1.3 percentage points over 2026-2027 and raise inflation by 3.2 percentage points if energy market disruptions last more than a year, according to new research by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The conflict affects economies in Asia and the Pacific through higher energy prices, supply chain and trade disruptions, and tighter financial conditions. Tourism and remittances could also be impacted. ADB to help developing member countries mitigate impacts from Middle East conflict The ADB brief released on Thursday outlines three risk scenarios indicating that effects on the region’s developing economies will depend largely on the duration of disruptions. Under a short-lived conflict, energy price pressures would ease relatively quickly. More prolonged disruptions would lead to larger and more persistent impacts on growth and inflation. Adverse effects on growth will be most severe for economies in developing Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with inflation rising highest in South Asian economies. The scenarios reflect the high degree of uncertainty around how the conflict and the associated disruptions will evolve, and should be treated with caution. In addition to higher energy prices, they account for broader supply chain disruptions and a global tightening of financial conditions. ADB Chief Economist Albert Park said that Prolonged energy disruptions could force economies in developing Asia and the Pacific to navigate a difficult trade-off between weaker growth and higher inflation. “Governments should focus on containing market stress and protecting the most vulnerable, while adopting policies to improve longer-term resilience.” The brief presents four key policy responses as follows: Fistly, Policies should focus on stabilization rather than suppression of price signals. Allowing higher energy prices to pass through, at least in part, can encourage energy conservation, fuel switching, and investment in alternative energy sources. Broad price controls or generalized subsidies risk distorting incentives, delaying adjustment, and misallocating resources. Secondly, Fiscal support, where needed, should be targeted and time-bound. Priority should be given to supporting vulnerable households and the most affected industries. Well-targeted measures can cushion the social impact of higher prices while containing fiscal costs and preserving incentives to adjust to the shock. Thirdly, Central banks should focus on limiting excessive market volatility while keeping a close watch on inflation expectations. The priority should be to provide targeted liquidity support to preserve orderly market functioning. Tightening policy too aggressively risks amplifying growth headwinds and exacerbating financial volatility. While some tightening may be warranted, anchoring inflation expectations with effective central bank communication will remain key. Finally, Governments should curb energy demand where feasible. Practical measures include temperature mandates to limit air-conditioning, cuts to non-essential lighting, peak-hour electricity-saving campaigns, and work-from-home or staggered schedules. Incentivizing public transport use and car-free days in urban areas on public holidays can also help reduce transport fuel use.

Asian share markets slipped on Thursday, while oil prices climbed back near $100 per barrel as hopes for easing tensions in the Iran conflict remained unclear. U.S. futures dropped by 0.5%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.3% to 53,603.65, while South Korea’s Kospi saw a sharper decline of 3.2% to 5,460.46. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dropped 1.9% to 24,856.43, and China’s Shanghai Composite lost 1.1% to 3,889.08. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped slightly by 0.1%, and Taiwan’s Taiex was down 0.3%. Oil prices increased again on Thursday. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose 3.3% to $100.41 per barrel after falling below $95 the previous day. U.S. crude also climbed 3.8% to $93.74 per barrel. The rise in oil prices followed Iran’s rejection of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire plan on Wednesday. The proposal, put forward by the administration of President Donald Trump, included 15 points aimed at easing tensions. Trump also delayed his earlier deadline to take strong action against Iran’s power facilities in an effort to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran carried out further attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab nations, while Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran. The U.S. is also preparing to send additional troops to the region. The Strait of Hormuz — a key route between Iran and Oman through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes — has remained mostly closed since the conflict began. As a result, oil prices have been volatile, rising roughly 40% over the past four weeks. On Wednesday, U.S. stock markets ended higher. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% to 6,591.90, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7% to 46,429.49, and the Nasdaq composite increased 0.8% to 21,929.83. Shares of Arm Holdings surged 16.4% in the U.S. after the British company announced plans to produce and sell its own chips, a move expected to boost future earnings. Meanwhile, shares of Swiss sportswear brand On Holding dropped 11.2% after its CEO Martin Hoffmann announced he would step down. The company has appointed its two co-founders as co-CEOs. In early Thursday trading, gold and silver prices declined. Gold fell 2.7% to $4,428.80 per ounce, while silver dropped 5.2% to $68.88 per ounce. The U.S. dollar edged up slightly to 159.49 Japanese yen from 159.47 yen, while the euro remained unchanged at $1.1559.

The Board of Directors of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday at the Islami Bank Tower to review the bank's recent performance and chart its future strategic course. The session was presided over by Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, Chairman of the Bank. The meeting saw the participation of the bank's top leadership and committee heads, including Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Chairman of the Executive Committee; Md. Abdus Salam, FCA, Chairman of the Audit Committee; Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, Chairman of the Risk Management Committee; SM Abdul Hamid, Independent Director; Md. Omar Faruk Khan, Managing Director; Md. Habibur Rahman, Company Secretary. According to a statement from the bank, the board conducted a comprehensive review of Islami Bank’s recent business performance. Amidst the shifting financial landscape, the directors expressed satisfaction with the bank's current trajectory and its role in the country’s Shariah-based banking sector. The board also deliberated on several ‘critical policy-related decisions’ aimed at strengthening the bank's operational efficiency and risk management frameworks. While specific details of the new policies were not immediately disclosed, the bank indicated that these measures are designed to ensure long-term stability and enhance service delivery for its nationwide clientele. The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintaining the bank's leading position in the Islamic banking industry while contributing to the overall economic growth of Bangladesh, according to a press release.