United News of Bangladesh

The inflow of remittances through formal banking channels increased in September compared to the previous two months, with Bangladesh receiving a total of USD 2.68 billion, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank. The central bank’s Monthly Workers’ Remittance Report for September shows that the highest inflow during the month was recorded in the second week — from September 7 to 13 — when expatriates sent USD 789 million through the banking system. The September figure marks the highest monthly remittance so far in the current fiscal year (FY2025–26). Earlier, Bangladesh received USD 2.47 billion in July and USD 2.42 billion in August. Remittance inflow also showed year-on-year growth, up from USD 2.40 billion in September 2024. The highest remittance inflow of 2025 was recorded in March, reaching USD 3.29 billion. Private commercial banks accounted for the majority of remittance receipts in September, handling USD 1.95 billion. Among them, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC led the chart with USD 698 million. State-owned banks received USD 466 million, with Janata Bank topping the group at USD 170 million. Specialized banks received USD 258 million, while foreign commercial banks handled a modest USD 6.24 million in remittances. But, remittance inflows declined in the five banks undergoing merger processes. Among them, Social Islami Bank and EXIM Bank received USD 4.51 million and USD 1.14 million, respectively, while Union Bank, Global Islami Bank and First Security Islami Bank recorded inflows of below USD 1 million each. Two private commercial banks — ICB Islami Bank and Padma Bank PLC — received no remittance during the month. Among foreign commercial banks, all except Standard Chartered saw negligible inflows.

After a four-day holiday, both bourses of the country opened the week on a positive note Sunday, with major indices edging up though turnover declined compared to the previous session. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX gained 31 points, while the Shariah-based DSES rose by 2 points and the blue-chip DS30 advanced by 10 points. Out of 395 issues traded on the DSE, the prices of 183 advanced, 147 declined and 65 remained unchanged. Among the three categories — A, B, and Z — most companies in the A and Z categories saw price gains, while B-category issues mostly declined. Of the 80 companies traded in the B category, prices of 41 fell, 31 advanced, and 8 remained unchanged. In the block market, shares worth Tk 14 crore changed hands across 26 companies, with Summit Alliance Port Limited leading the board by trading shares worth Tk 5 crore. But, overall turnover on the DSE fell to Tk 619 crore, down from Tk 696 crore in the previous session. EXIM Bank PLC topped the gainers’ list with a 10% rise, while Trust Bank 1st Mutual Fund was the day’s worst performer, shedding over 6%. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed higher, with its overall index gaining 99 points. Of the 194 issues traded on the port city bourse, prices of 105 advanced, 68 declined, and 21 remained unchanged. Turnover, however, decreased on the CSE as well — down to Tk 10 crore from Tk 16 crore in the previous session. On the CSE, Social Islami Bank PLC led the top gainers’ chart with a 10% rise, while Metro Spinning Limited dropped over 8%, ending as the day’s worst loser.

Indices at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges witnessed an upward trend in the first hour of trading on Sunday, the first working day of the week, as most companies saw gains in their share prices. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index rose by 43 points, while the Shariah-based DSES index gained 5 points and the blue-chip DS30 index advanced by 12 points. Out of 254 traded companies, share prices of 254 advanced, 63 declined and 62 remained unchanged during the first hour. Stocks rise at DSE, CSE as indices gain The turnover at the DSE exceeded Tk 160 crore. Similarly, the overall index at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) increased by 85 points. Among the 61 traded companies, the prices of 40 rose, 18 fell and 3 remained unchanged, with total turnover surpassing Tk 1 crore in the first hour of trading.    

As the European Union moves to end its dependence on Russian energy and U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration urges NATO members to cut ties with Moscow’s oil, Hungary remains a staunch outlier. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government insists Russian energy is vital for Hungary’s economy, arguing that shifting to alternative suppliers would trigger an immediate economic collapse. Orbán — widely viewed as the Kremlin’s closest ally in the EU — has consistently opposed sanctions on Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He has also denounced EU efforts to target Russia’s energy revenue, saying such steps harm Europe more than they help Ukraine. While most European countries have drastically reduced their reliance on Russian fuel, Hungary has gone the other way — maintaining, and in some cases expanding, its imports. Critics say Orbán’s loyalty to Russian energy stems more from political alignment than genuine economic necessity. Orbán warns of ‘economic collapse’ without Russian fuelHungary’s leaders argue that, as a landlocked nation surrounded by other countries, it has no practical alternative to pipelines built during the Soviet era. “If Hungary is cut off from Russian oil and natural gas, then immediately, within a minute, Hungarian economic performance will drop by 4%,” Orbán said on state radio in September. “This would be catastrophic — the Hungarian economy would be on its knees.” However, energy expert László Miklós dismissed that claim, telling The Associated Press there was “no rational explanation” for Hungary’s reluctance to diversify. He said the infrastructure already exists to import non-Russian energy. Cyberattack cripples operations of Japanese beverage giant Asahi “Disconnecting from Russian supplies should not be a problem in an integrated European market,” Miklós said. “All the conditions are there — it’s the political will that’s missing.” EU’s energy cutoff and Hungary’s exemptionFollowing Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the EU imposed an embargo on Russian oil and announced plans to phase out all Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027. However, the bloc granted temporary exemptions to three landlocked nations — Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic — for pipeline-delivered oil. Miklós argued that this exemption has enabled Hungary’s government and state oil company MOL to reap major profits while continuing to funnel billions to Russia’s war budget. “People think Hungary buys Russian energy because it’s cheaper,” he said. “That’s wrong. Hungary buys Russian energy because the government wants to help Russia arm itself — the profits for MOL and the government are just a byproduct.” Alternatives through the AdriaticHungary has insisted that its limited infrastructure prevents it from ending reliance on Moscow. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in September that geography determines energy choices. “We can dream about buying gas and oil from places that are not connected by pipelines, but we cannot heat our homes or run factories with dreams,” he said. Yet neighboring countries have already made the switch. The Czech Republic, once heavily dependent on Russia’s Druzhba pipeline, declared “oil independence” earlier this year after boosting capacity through an Italian pipeline. Hungary also has access to the Adriatic pipeline from Croatia, known as the Adria. While MOL claims the pipeline cannot meet Hungary’s full annual demand of roughly 14 million tons of crude, Croatia’s oil company Janaf disputes that, saying it can easily supply both Hungary and Slovakia. Even if Adria cannot cover all of Hungary’s needs, Miklós said it could still significantly reduce Russian imports. “If they need 14 to 15 million tons per year, they could take 10 million through Adria and the rest via Druzhba,” he said. The cost of alternativesOrbán’s government has warned that cutting off Russian energy would double household electricity bills and nearly triple gas costs. Asian shares rise on Wall Street gains as tech stocks rally despite U.S. government shutdown But according to energy analyst Borbála Takácsné Tóth, Hungarian consumers already pay prices linked to European benchmarks, meaning Russian gas is not substantially cheaper. She said a shift away from Russian supplies would likely raise prices only slightly — by 1.5 to 2 euros per megawatt hour, or less than 5%. Despite the government’s rhetoric, Hungary’s national energy firm MOL has already invested heavily to diversify its supply routes. The company said its $500 million modernization project will allow it to process a wider range of crude by the end of 2026. Miklós said that whatever Orbán’s political stance, the EU’s ongoing regulations will ultimately force Hungary to adapt. “Things will not go back to the way they were,” he said. “Europe has learned that Russia cannot be trusted. Breaking away from Russian energy is a political decision — and every other country in Europe is already paying that price.” Source: AP 

China has taken a visionary step in drawing young talent with the introduction of the new K Visa. Officially launched on October 1, 2025, the scheme aims to support recent STEM graduates and early-career researchers in education, research, and start-up initiatives. The programme has gained wide recognition in the global academic arena, opening up new possibilities for the young Bangladeshi STEM professionals as well. Let’s break down the China K visa application process for Bangladeshi STEM graduates along with its eligibility criteria and associated costs. What is the China K Visa The K Visa marks the creation of a new category designed for young professionals in science and technology. It reflects China’s broader workforce development strategy and serves as a mechanism to encourage international cooperation. In contrast to the twelve existing visa types, the K Visa is structured to provide greater flexibility, particularly regarding multiple entries, extended validity, and longer stays. However, the government has yet to disclose full details about the benefits. The most appealing side is that applicants are not obligated to secure an invitation from a domestic employer or sponsoring entity. Read more: Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students Eligible Criteria to Apply for the K Visa The applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) discipline from an accredited university or research institution, whether in China or abroad. The scope also extends to young foreign professionals currently engaged in educational or research roles within these fields. The targeted disciplines emphasise sectors such as renewable energy, computer science, mechanical engineering, biotechnology, data science, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. By aligning eligibility with national development priorities, the K Visa positions itself as a channel for strengthening China’s talent pipeline in strategically significant industries. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online Required Documentation for Submission The application procedure for the K Visa combines digital submissions through China’s online platform with subsequent physical verification of documents. Applicants are required to prepare a set of materials in advance before proceeding through the formal steps. These include: - A passport must remain valid for no less than six months and contain a minimum of two unused visa pages - A recent (taken within a maximum of the past six months) passport-sized photograph: (48/33) mm and white background - A Visa Application Certificate generated from the New COVA System (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/) following successful online approval - Degree certificates demonstrating attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM discipline from a recognized institution - A curriculum vitae outlining research activities, technical expertise, or innovative achievementsProof of innovation potential, such as patents, academic publications, industry-based contributions, or entrepreneurial initiatives - Financial documentation showing the ability to cover travel and living expenses, such as six months of bank statements, verified income records, or letters from employers - Medical examination reports, including chest X-rays, standard health screenings, and blood testsAll documents originally issued in Bengali must be translated into English by the certified authority. Read more: Study in Lithuania: Application Process, Visa, Scholarships, Costs, and Benefits Online Application Process for Chinese K Visa The procedure is conducted primarily through the New China Online Visa Application System (New COVA System), which streamlines the submission of digital materials before requiring any physical documentation. The platform guides applicants through four sequential stages: - Form completion: Entry of personal information, academic qualifications, STEM-related credentials, and planned activities in China. A key requirement at this stage is the selection of ‘K Visa’ from the type-of-visa dropdown list. - Document upload: Submission of standard documents such as the passport bio-page and recent photograph, with additional uploads requested further by the platform if required. - Information confirmation: Verification that all details entered are accurate and consistent with submitted records. - Payment: Finalisation of fees before submission for preliminary review. Read more: Study in South Korea: Admission, Visa, Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for International Students Following completion of the online application, the materials are submitted for an initial review through the New COVA System. The platform provides status updates at each stage of the process, including a formal confirmation via email when the applicant is cleared to proceed further. Physical Document Submission and Interview Once the application status changes to ‘Passport to be submitted’ or ‘Approved’, the Visa Application Certificate, bearing a barcode, must be printed. On the following working day after successful online submission, applicants are required to appear at the embassy during designated hours for an interview. For this stage, the passport and a clearly printed copy of the visa application form must be presented. Interview sessions are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on working days, with arrival before 10:00 a.m. strongly advised. Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh Location of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh: Plot 2 and 4, Embassy Road, Baridhara Visa centre Address: 3rd Floor, Praasad Trade centre, 6 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka Following the interview, visa officers will take fingerprints, and at this time, the visa and service fees can be paid. The centre accepts both cash and bank transfer methods. The Visa Application Centre remains open for document submission on working days between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Completed visas are available for collection on working days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Read more: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H): Who’s eligible for Malaysian Golden Visa, Investor Visa? Fee Associated with the China K Visa The cost structure for the K Visa follows the general framework of China’s visa fee schedule, adjusted according to the number of entries and the period of validity. The fee for a single-entry visa is BDT 2,400, while a double-entry visa is set at BDT 3,600. Multiple-entry visas are divided into two categories: BDT 4,800 for six-month validity and BDT 7,200 for twelve-month validity. In addition to these charges, a mandatory service fee of BDT 4,520, inclusive of tax, is applied to all applications. In a Nutshell The China K Visa targets international young graduates and professionals in STEM fields, opening pathways for research and innovation. Unlike traditional categories, it removes the requirement for employer sponsorship and eases access for eligible applicants. The process runs through the New COVA System, followed by an in-person interview along with document submission, payments, and fingerprinting. Altogether, the Chinese K Visa stands out as a compelling career opportunity for Bangladeshi STEM graduates seeking entry into China’s expanding technology sector. Read more: Thailand now offering 10-year visa: Who are eligible?

Multimode Group, a leading business conglomerate, officially unveiled its new corporate logo and modernized website on Saturday. The event was graced by the presence of Multimode Group Chairman, prominent industrialist Abdul Awal Mintoo as the Chief Guest. The event was held at the group headquarters in Dhaka. Among others in attendance were the group Vice Chairman Nasreen Fatema Awal, Deputy CEO Tabith Awal, Director Tajwar M. Awal, and Director Tafsir Awal. Mahbub Anam, Managing Director of Lal Teer Seed Limited (a subsidiary of Multimode Group), along with employees and officials from different levels of the Multimode Group, were present at the function. The entire ceremony was broadcast live to two key locations of Multimode Group's subsidiaries: the Livestock Farm Office of Lal Teer Livestock, located in Uthura, Bhaluka, Mymensingh, and the Research and Development Center in Bashon, Joydebpur, Gazipur. During the event, the speakers highlighted the glorious history and progress of the Multimode Group. Senior officials also delivered inspirational speeches to motivate the employees and staff. The unveiling ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake, marking the official end of the memorable day. Attendees expressed hope that the new logo and website would add a new dimension to the Multimode Group's branding and market identity, according to a press release.

Around 100 tonnes of hilsa were sold from Friday night to Saturday morning as a nightlong Hilsa fair was held under the Hashamdia Flyover in Bhanga municipality of Faridpur district. A huge crowd of buyers from nearby upazilas were seen in the fair as a 22-day nationwide ban on hilsa fishing began from Saturday midnight to protect mother hilsa during breeding season. The ban will remain in force until October 26. Despite limited supply, prices remained within buyers' reach, according to several customers and vendors. Some traders said there were more buyers than fish but the prices didn’t rise unfairly. Hilsa was being sold at prices Tk 100–200 lower per kg than regular market rates. One kg-sized Hilsa was priced between Tk 2,000 and Tk 2,200, 500-gram-sized Hilsa fetched Tk 800–1,000 per kg and 250-gram-sized Hilsa sold for Tk 550–600 per kg.Locals said the fair is held once a year on the eve of the government’s annual Hilsa conservation ban. Vendors including Naran Dutta, Haran Saha and Zakir Hossain said the overall supply was lower than last year but prices stayed relatively stable.

Incessant rainfall has caused price hikes of all types of vegetables in Manikganj markets, with green chili seeing the steepest rise, leaving consumers worried. The price of green chili, which used to sell for Tk 100 per kilogram, has jumped four-fold to Tk 400. Other vegetables have also become more expensive as brinjal and bitter gourd are now selling at Tk 100 per kilogram, while ridge gourd, ivy gourd, and okra are priced at Tk 80. Bottle gourd is available for Tk 60 per kilogram. Onion prices have increased slightly, reaching Tk 60 per kilogram, up by Tk 10. A visit to the Manikganj Bus Stand vegetable market on Friday revealed the price hike across the board. 593 metric tons of green chilies imported from India via Benapole in two days Jagir Bandar Dhaleshwari wholesale market usually receives nearly 1,000 sacks of green chili daily from Manikganj and surrounding districts, which are then distributed to Dhaka and other markets across the country. However, due to the Puja holidays and a recent closure of Indian LCs, only 50 to 60 sacks of chili are arriving, meeting barely half the usual demand. Local wholesalers said that domestic chili arrives from western districts including Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Jhinaidah, along with regular imports from India. Recent rains have delayed harvests, while the closed Indian border has cut imports, creating a shortage. Wholesalers said the limited supply has caused chili prices to surge by Tk 200–400 per sack. Shahid Uddin, a wholesaler at Dhaleshwari, said, “Two days ago, a 5-kg pack of chili sold for Tk 1,000. Yesterday it rose to Tk 1,200–1,300, and today it reached Tk 1,500.” Chili growers in Manikganj worried over low production due to drought Market inspections also revealed that prices of other vegetables, including brinjal, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ivy gourd, and long beans, have risen by Tk 100–200 per sack due to reduced supply.

Japanese beverage giant Asahi Group Holdings said Friday that its operations have remained disrupted for five consecutive days following a cyberattack earlier this week, with reports of shortages of its popular beer and other drinks emerging in some stores. The company said its computer systems were hit on Monday, causing glitches that affected orders, shipments, and a customer call center in Japan. Overseas operations were not impacted. A company spokeswoman, speaking on condition of anonymity as is customary for Japanese firms, said the problem had yet to be resolved. While some emergency shipments were made Wednesday, employees have been forced to manually enter data into systems. Asian shares rise on Wall Street gains as tech stocks rally despite U.S. government shutdown Japanese media reported that convenience stores were facing delivery delays, with some shelves running low or selling out of Asahi products. A 7-Eleven outlet in Tokyo still had stocks on Friday evening but expected shortages soon. Asahi has canceled promotional events and postponed product launches amid the disruption. Some media reports suggested ransomware could be behind the attack, but the company declined to comment on the cause or motive. Founded in 1949, Tokyo-based Asahi produces the globally popular Super Dry beer, as well as cider, juices, candy, baby food and other products. Source: AP 

The official Facebook page of Islami Bank Bangladesh was hacked early Friday, with the attackers posting a threatening message and changing the page’s profile and cover photos. The hacking group, identifying itself as ‘Team MS 47OX’, claimed responsibility through a post at 5:42 am, warning that they were monitoring the bank’s operations and might soon launch cyber-attacks on its website and Facebook page. A review of the page showed the name remained unchanged, though the visuals were replaced with images linked to the group. Some users also reported seeing unusual posts around the time of the breach. Nazrul Islam, head of public relations at Islami Bank, said the page was hacked early in the morning and that the bank’s IT department is working to restore control.