United News of Bangladesh

Oil prices surged in early Asian trading, with Brent crude rising 4% to $112 (£84.34) per barrel, while US benchmark crude gained 3% to reach $99.27. The spike followed an attack on Iran’s South Pars gas facility, one of the largest natural gas fields in the world. In response, Iran reportedly struck a major liquefied natural gas export facility in Qatar, causing extensive damage and heightening concerns over global energy supplies. Despite the latest increase, oil prices remain below earlier highs in the conflict, when crude nearly reached $120 per barrel, though they are still significantly higher than pre-war levels. Meanwhile, Asian stock markets opened lower on Thursday. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 3%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.8%, and Australia’s ASX 200 declined by 1.6%. With inputs from BBC

Vectramind Health today announced that its’ AI-native patient experience and engagement platform, Firstpass, has received strong validation in a newly released KLAS First Look report highlighting high levels of customer satisfaction and measurable improvements in patient engagement and operational efficiency. The findings, published in the KLAS Research report ‘ Vectramind Firstpass Unified Patient Experience & Engagement Platform 2026’ , show that 100% of surveyed customers said they would buy Firstpass again and consider the platform part of their long-term plans. Healthcare organizations also reported increased patient engagement, improved patient flow, reduced no-show rates, and reduced waiting times. The KLAS Research findings, which are based on a small sample of customers, also highlight strong customer confidence in Vectramind Health as a strategic partner, with customers citing the company’s integration expertise, responsiveness, and collaborative approach to supporting healthcare organizations. Healthcare leaders interviewed by KLAS highlighted the partnership and expertise provided by Vectramind Health: “Vectramind Health has a great sales team that is consistently engaged with us. They don't treat us as their customer; they treat us more as their partner. They are very engaged to see how we are consistently growing and seeing improvements” and “In terms of patient engagement, we have been able to improve our no-show rate without even integrating the system with our EHR. In terms of patients engaging with clinics and not just the call center, we have also seen an increase without EHR integration. Those were desired outcomes that we have been able to realize.” -  Directors, interviewed by KLAS Research Firstpass is an AI-native, unified patient experience and engagement platform designed to help healthcare organizations orchestrate the entire patient journey. By connecting communication, workflow orchestration, and real-time patient journey management across the care continuum, Firstpass enables providers to engage patients before, during, and after care while reducing administrative burden for staff and improving operational efficiency. “Healthcare organizations everywhere are working to improve access, reduce operational friction, and deliver a better patient experience,” said Dr. Murali Krishna Vakalapudi, Founder and CEO of Vectramind Group. “The feedback reflected in this KLAS Research report is especially meaningful because it comes directly from healthcare leaders using Firstpass to transform patient engagement and operational workflows. Our mission is to help providers eliminate fragmented care journeys and make person-centered care operationally sustainable at scale.” KLAS First Look reports provide early insights into emerging healthcare solutions based on direct feedback from customers who have implemented the technology. These reports offer healthcare leaders a transparent view of how solutions are performing in real-world environments. Vectramind Health continues to expand adoption of the Firstpass platform among hospitals, health systems, and specialty healthcare organizations seeking to improve patient engagement while optimizing operational workflows and care delivery. About Vectramind Health Vectramind Health is a healthcare technology company focused on advancing patient access, engagement, and experience across the healthcare journey. Its’ unified platform, Firstpass, enables healthcare organizations to streamline patient access, reduce operational friction, and connect fragmented non-clinical workflows across the care continuum. By bringing together digital access, communication, and experience insights into a single operational platform, Vectramind Health helps providers create more seamless patient journeys and deliver scalable, person-centered care. About KLAS Research KLAS is a research and insights firm on a global mission to improve healthcare delivery by amplifying the provider's voice. Working with thousands of healthcare professionals and clinicians, KLAS gathers data and insights on software, services, and medical equipment to deliver timely reports, trends and statistical overviews. The research directly represents the provider voice and acts as a catalyst for improving vendor performance. Follow KLAS on Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more at klasresearch.com. Media ContactVectramind [email protected]

Asian stock markets advanced on Wednesday, led by gains in Japan and South Korea, as oil prices eased slightly despite a series of attacks by Iran on its Gulf neighbors. U.S. stock futures also rose 0.6% following moderate gains on Wall Street, ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day. Analysts expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged amid concerns that higher oil prices could push inflation up. Global oil and gas supply worries continue to weigh on markets. Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped 2% to around $101 per barrel, down from over $106 on Monday. U.S. crude fell 3.6% to $92.78 per barrel. Iran launched multiple attacks on Gulf countries and Israel on Wednesday after one of its top leaders was killed in an airstrike. The strikes, which included missiles designed to bypass air defenses, reportedly killed two near Tel Aviv. Despite the escalation, markets largely shrugged off the tensions. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 2.9% to 55,239.40 after February exports came in higher than expected. South Korea’s Kospi surged 5% to 5,925.03, boosted by lower oil prices benefiting major importers. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 0.8% to 26,076.00, while Shanghai’s Composite Index gained 0.3% to 4,063.77. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.3%, Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.5%, and India’s Sensex advanced 0.9%. Analysts from ING Bank noted that global oil flows remain limited, even as hopes grow that Iran may allow more vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for nearly a fifth of the world’s crude oil. The strait has been largely closed to ships linked to the U.S., Israel, and their allies. In U.S. markets on Tuesday, the S&P 500 rose 0.3%, the Dow Jones edged up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.5%. Delta Air Lines shares jumped 6.6% after raising its revenue forecast amid strong demand. Uber Technologies rose 4.2%, announcing plans to expand its autonomous vehicle partnership with Nvidia in San Francisco and Los Angeles next year. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar fell to 158.76 Japanese yen from 159.01 yen, while the euro inched up to $1.1544 from $1.1542.

Despite clear directives from the government, nearly half of the country’s industrial units have failed to clear Eid bonuses for their workers, while one-fourth are still sitting on outstanding wages for February. The Ministry of Labour and Employment had earlier instructed factory owners to clear February’s salaries by March 9 and Eid bonuses by March 12. However, data from the Industrial Police reveals that as of Monday, these deadlines have been largely ignored by a significant number of employers. According to the Industrial Police, which monitors 10,100 factories across the country, 2,544 units (25 percent) have not yet paid February’s wages. Furthermore, 5,007 factories accounting for 45.57 percent of the total are yet to provide Eid bonuses to their employees. Earlier this month, following a tripartite meeting between the government, owners, and labor leaders, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury issued the payment deadlines. To facilitate this, the government even arranged soft loans for export-oriented industries and released Tk 2,500 crore in cash assistance. Despite these measures, workers in several areas have been forced to take to the streets to demand their dues, a recurring scene ahead of the Eid holidays. Salahuddin Shapan, former Secretary General of the Industrial Bangladesh Council, alleged that some garment owners are intentionally delaying payments. "They fear that if bonuses and February salaries are paid early, workers will demand a portion of March’s wages before leaving for the holidays," he said. In Gazipur, the fate of over a hundred workers at HDF Apparels remains uncertain as the factory owner is reportedly untraceable. In Narayanganj, a potential crisis was averted after leaders of the BKMEA provided a Tk 30 lakh loan to a struggling factory to cover its payroll. Millions leave Dhaka ahead of Eid; security tightened as terminals overflow However, Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), expressed optimism. "Banks in the industrial zones will remain open this Wednesday and Thursday. We expect most factories to clear all dues and start holidays by then," he told the media. Data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) shows a better track record for its members. Out of 2,127 active BGMEA-listed factories, only 37 are yet to pay February salaries, while 76 have not yet cleared Eid bonuses. Notably, 478 factories have already provided advance wages for the current month of March. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan stated that the organization is closely monitoring the situation. "If any factory faces last-minute difficulties, we will step in to find a solution," he assured. The BGMEA further informed that the staggered Eid holidays would begin today (Tuesday) for 35 percent of its factories, followed by 45 percent on Wednesday and the remaining units on Thursday.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mohammad Mostaqur Rahman on Monday asserted that Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC (IBBL) will no longer operate under the influence of any specific group, political party, or family, marking a departure from its functioning during the previous Awami League regime. The Governor made these remarks during a high-level meeting at the central bank headquarters with the Chairman of Islami Bank, four board members, and the top 10 executives of the Shariah-based bank. "Islami Bank was once an exceptionally strong institution, but it later suffered from a severe lack of good governance," the Governor reportedly told the officials.  He assured that the central bank would provide all necessary cooperation to restore the bank’s stability and maintain its performance, an official present in the meeting told this to UNB. The meeting comes amid ongoing protests by thousands of terminated IBBL officials seeking reinstatement. When asked if the Governor addressed these human resource grievances, a meeting attendee confirmed the matter was not raised during today's session. The Shadow of S. Alam Group According to a Bangladesh Bank report recently submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the S. Alam Group exerted significant influence over eight banks, four of which were directly or indirectly under its control. The group reportedly withdrew Tk 1.90 lakh crore in loans from these four institutions. Data from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) reveals that Tk 93,364 crore was laundered from these banks through fraudulent means and shell companies. Notably, Tk 1.05 lakh crore was taken from Islami Bank alone.  The report highlights that Saiful Alam Masud, head of S. Alam Group, used his influence to secure these funds either in his own name or through various intermediaries. Financial Performance in 2025 Despite past governance challenges, Islami Bank reported significant operational growth over the last year. By the end of 2025, the bank's total deposits stood at Tk 1.83 lakh crore, marking an increase of over Tk 22,000 crore within a single year. Deposits in the agent banking sector also rose by Tk 5,000 crore to reach Tk 22,000 crore. In terms of international trade and remittances, the bank collected Tk 76,000 crore in expatriate income over the past year. During the same period, IBBL’s import and export trade volumes reached Tk 60,000 crore and Tk 32,000 crore, respectively. The bank’s customer base has expanded to 30 million, with 5 million new customers joining in the last year alone. Islami Bank board meeting discusses business performance, takes policy decisions While the bank’s non-performing loans (NPLs) stood at a high of Tk 1.06 lakh crore (58 percent of total loans) as of September last year, the bank managed to recover Tk 14,159 crore in the final quarter. Currently, the bank's total defaulted loans stand at Tk 92,115 crore, accounting for 47 percent of its total loan portfolio.

Mohammad Ayub Mia, chairman of state-owned Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, has resigned. He submitted his resignation letter to the Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division (FID) under the Ministry of Finance on Monday. In his resignation letter, Ayub Mia, a former government secretary, cited personal reasons for stepping down. He was appointed as the bank's first chairman on December 7 last year following its formation. Sammilito Islami Bank was established by merging five Shariah-based banks that were struggling with severe liquidity crises. The banks are Exim Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank. The bank has an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore and a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore. Of the paid-up capital, the government provided Tk 20,000 crore, while the remaining Tk 15,000 crore is set to come from depositors' shares. The resignation of the chairman adds to the leadership challenges facing the newly formed entity. Earlier, the government appointed Nabil Mustafizur Rahman, Additional Managing Director of United Commercial Bank (UCB), as the bank's Managing Director (MD). Sammilito Islami Bank merger to continue: Governor However, he declined to join the post, also citing personal reasons. Following his refusal, the Financial Institutions Division has issued a fresh circular to recruit a new Managing Director for the bank.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing individual taxpayers to apply for an extension to submit their income tax returns for the 2025–2026 tax year. The revenue authority has made online submission of income tax returns mandatory for most individual taxpayers, with a few exceptions. According to the NBR, nearly five million individual taxpayers have already registered on its e-Return system, while around 4.1 million have submitted their returns for the current tax year. The deadline for filing returns for individual taxpayers has been extended until 31 March 2026, the NBR said in a press release on Monday. However, taxpayers who submit a written request before the deadline may receive an additional extension of up to 90 days, subject to approval by the respective tax commissioner. To make the extension process easier, faster and more transparent, the NBR has launched a dedicated online facility within its e-Return system. Taxpayers can now log in to the system and apply for additional time through the “Time Extension” menu. The concerned tax commissioner will review the application online and either approve or reject it. If the request is approved, taxpayers will be able to submit their returns within the extended deadline without any penalty or additional tax, the NBR said. However, taxpayers must be registered in the e-Return system and submit the extension request before 31 March 2026 to use the online facility. Those taxpayers for whom online filing is not mandatory may apply for an extension either online or by submitting a written application directly to the relevant tax circle. The NBR has urged all individual taxpayers to submit their income tax returns for the 2025–2026 tax year through the e-Return system by 31 March 2026, or within the additional time approved by the tax commissioner.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Sunday issued a comprehensive policy for credit cards, doubling the loan limit to Tk 40 lakh from the previous Tk 20 lakh to encourage a cashless ecosystem. The central bank also capped the maximum interest rate on credit card loans at 25 percent. According to the new circular, banks can now provide up to Tk 20 lakh in unsecured loans (without collateral) and up to Tk 40 lakh against collateral. Previously, these limits were Tk 10 lakh and Tk 20 lakh, respectively. The policy further specifies that cardholders can withdraw a maximum of 50 percent of their total credit limit in cash. The central bank stated that the updated policy aims to reduce complexities as the use of credit cards as an alternative to cash continues to rise. The guidelines are designed to strengthen risk management, protect consumer rights, and encourage responsible lending. The policy clarifies that the maximum 25 percent interest rate can only be applied to the outstanding balance, not the total bill amount. While interest-free periods apply to purchases, no such facility will be available for cash withdrawals. Regarding fees, the central bank directed that no charges can be levied before a card is activated. Late payment fees can only be imposed once per billing cycle. Furthermore, banks must notify cardholders via written or electronic means at least 30 days before changing interest rates or other charges. To prevent harassment, the guidelines strictly prohibit banks or recovery agents from physically or mentally harassing or threatening customers. The privacy of the cardholder's family, friends, or referees must be maintained. Recovery-related communication, whether via phone or in person, must be restricted to standard office hours. Banks are also required to maintain 24-hour helplines to allow customers to block cards immediately in case of loss or theft. To obtain a credit card, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess an e-TIN certificate, and have a clean Credit Information Bureau (CIB) report. Students aged 16 who are dependents of a primary cardholder are eligible for supplementary cards. This new policy replaces the previous guidelines issued in 2004.

Ruling out any uncertainty over the country’s energy security, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Ministries Prof Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has said a midterm roadmap for energy security will be presented in the upcoming national budget. “In the upcoming national budget, we will get a roadmap on midterm energy security. In addition, we need a clear investment plan because a roadmap alone is not enough without the necessary financing,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, highlighting the government’s efforts to address the current energy situation. State Minister Anindya hopeful of significant energy in 5 years Prof Titumir said the government is taking all necessary steps to tackle energy supply challenges. He stressed that diversifying energy sources is essential to ensuring long-term energy security for the country. He said the government remains sincere and proactive in addressing the situation while acknowledging the existing challenges. “We have no reason to be worried, “ He also said a committee has already been formed and they are also exploring financing options through both domestic and international sources including support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Islamic Development Bank. Besides, the government is engaging with US companies and Southeast Asian countries to explore further cooperation in the energy sector. Government approves purchase of 3 LNG cargoes to boost energy security The Adviser said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood is now visiting Tokyo, Japan (to participate in the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum), being held on March 14-15.   The forum is co-hosted by the Chair and Vice Chair of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Akazawa Ryosei. Ministers for energy from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam are also participating in the event. During the two-day forum, participating Ministers will engage in discussions on strengthening energy security in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on ensuring the supply of abundant, reliable, affordable, secure, and dispatchable energy. In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump increasingly has been knocked on his political heels, reports AP. He’s grown more agitated with news coverage and has failed to find a way to explain why he started the war - or how he will end it - that resonates with a public concerned by American deaths in the conflict, surging oil prices and dropping financial markets. Even some of his supporters are questioning his plan and his overall poll numbers are declining, reports AP. Meanwhile, Moscow is getting a boost from the war’s early days after Trump eased sanctions on some Russian oil shipments. That, combined with rising oil prices, undercut the yearslong push to crimp President Vladimir Putin’s ability to wage war in Ukraine. Then there are Democrats, who were left reeling after Trump won the 2024 election. With control of Congress at stake in November’s midterms, the party has come together to oppose Trump’s Iran policy and point to the economic turmoil as proof that Republicans haven’t kept their promises to bring down everyday costs. Bangladesh has received reassurance from Iran regarding the safe passage of fuel shipments amid growing concerns about global oil supply disruptions. Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi on Friday said his country Iran stands ready to ensure that Bangladeshi oil tankers can pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. "I have seen that there is an energy crisis in your country. Due to the energy problem, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Energy Minister (Iqbal Hassan Mahmood) have requested the Iranian government to allow Bangladeshi oil tankers to pass through," said the Ambassador. “I have spoken with Iranian government officials and they are ready. If you have vessels willing to transport fuel, we will allow them to pass safely so that the people of Bangladesh do not face difficulties,” the Ambassador told reporters following an event in Dhaka.

The deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, driven by conflict among Iran, Israel, and the United States, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Bangladesh’s $13.5 billion in remittance earnings from the region, experts and sector stakeholders said. Following military strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the escalating tension in the Gulf region is causing widespread instability in labour markets, aviation, and employment, directly impacting millions of Bangladeshi expatriates. The conflict has already turned tragic for the Bangladeshi migrants. Reports indicate that at least three Bangladeshi nationals have been killed and seven others injured in the crossfire of the regional conflict. Specifically, casualties have been reported in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The crisis has also crippled the movement of workers. Since late February, approximately 300 flights from Dhaka and Chattogram to Gulf destinations have been cancelled over 9 days following the onset of the conflict. An estimated 55,000 passengers, mostly migrant workers, are stranded, said Reaz-ul-Islam, senior vice president, BAIRA and proprietor of Reaz Overseas. This disruption poses a double threat; workers on leave are unable to return to their jobs, while thousands of new recruits face the expiration of their entry visas, risking the loss of their life savings invested in migration, he said. Bangladesh receives $2.2 billion in remittances in 14 days of March The Middle East is the heart of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings. Data from the Bangladesh Bank reveals that nearly half of the country's total remittance is sourced from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. In 2025, Bangladesh recorded a historic high of $32.8 billion in total remittances. Over $13.5 billion of this inflow came exclusively from the Middle East, where more than 4.5 million Bangladeshis are currently employed. Analysts warn that if the war persists, the growth trajectory of the past year will be impossible to maintain. Comparative Impact: 2025 vs. Potential 2026 Indicator FY 2024-25 (Actual) FY 2025-26 (Projected/Risk) Total Global Remittance $32.8 Billion $28.5 - $30.0 Billion (Estimated) Middle East Share 45.40% Projected to dip below 40% if war persists New Labor Export 1.1 Million Workers 30% reduction expected due to flight bans The Strategic Importance of Saudi Arabia and the UAE: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a direct threat to the two largest sources of foreign exchange for Bangladesh. The largest labor market in Saudi Arabia remains the single most important destination for Bangladeshi migrants, hosting over 2.5 million workers. In the Fiscal Year 2024-25, Saudi Arabia contributed approximately $6.5 billion to the national exchequer. The conflict has led to a slowdown in infrastructure projects and the service sector in the Kingdom. If the war escalates, new recruitment under the "Vision 2030" plan—which many Bangladeshi workers were expected to join—could be delayed or suspended. Remittance inflow crosses $2 billion in just 18 days of February The high-value hub, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the second-largest contributor, often competing closely with Saudi Arabia due to its diverse job market in construction, hospitality, and retail. The UAE contributed over $4.8 billion in the last fiscal year. As a major global transit and trade hub, the UAE's economy is highly sensitive to regional security. The recent flight cancellations (over 300 in the last nine days) have hit the UAE routes the hardest, preventing thousands of workers from returning to their duties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Economists’ warnings and policy recommendations: In a high-level meeting with Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman, eight of the country’s top economists urged the central bank to prepare for a "major shock." Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, former chief economist of Bangladesh Bank, told UNB that they recommended: Anti-Hundi Measures: Strengthening the crackdown on illegal money transfer channels to ensure every dollar enters through formal banking routes. Crisis Committee: Forming a special task force under the central bank to monitor geopolitical developments and make rapid policy adjustments. Labor Diversification: Urgently searching for new labor markets outside the Middle East and focusing on exporting skilled manpower to less volatile regions. "A prolonged war will lead to job cuts and reduced wages as businesses in the Gulf face stagnation," noted Asif Munier, an immigration expert. Similarly, Shariful Islam Hasan, currently oversees the BRAC Migration Programme, highlighted the financial ruin facing workers who have already invested Tk 3-4 lakh each to go abroad but are now stuck due to flight cancellations. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury expressed grave concern over the situation. Speaking in Sylhet, he stated that while a dip in remittance is likely if the conflict lingers, the government’s "highest priority" is the safety of citizens abroad. "We are providing logistical support and medical assistance to the injured. If the situation worsens further, we are prepared to consider large-scale repatriation," the Minister added. Bangladesh’s forex reserves surge past $34 billion driven by remittance boom With the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector and remittances being the two lungs of the Bangladeshi economy, a "shock" to the Middle East labor market could pressure the national foreign exchange reserves and destabilize macroeconomic balance. The Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) has warned that new recruitment may come to a standstill if regional security is not restored soon.