United News of Bangladesh

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has recommended a 25% cash dividend and a 3% stock dividend for the year ending on December 31, 2025, reflecting improved earnings and strong asset quality. The decision was taken at a meeting of the board of directors, according to a disclosure made by the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Thursday. The bank has reported consolidated earnings per share (EPS) of Tk 5.23 for 2025, up from Tk 4.14 (restated) a year earlier. On a standalone basis, EPS rose to Tk 5.65 from Tk 4.70 (restated). Net asset value (NAV) per share also increased to Tk 31.86, compared to Tk 27.16 (restated) in 2024, while consolidated NAV stood at Tk 31.38, up from Tk 27.09 (restated). The consolidated net operating cash flow per share (NOCFPS) climbed to Tk 20.12 from Tk 15.09 (restated) in the previous year. The bank said the stock dividend has been recommended to strengthen its capital base to support future business growth and improve regulatory ratios. It clarified that the stock dividend will be issued from current year’s profit and not from any capital reserve, revaluation reserve, or unrealised gains. EBL’s asset quality remained robust, with its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio declining to 2.24% in December 2025, significantly lower than the industry average of 30.60%. The bank will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on June 11, 2026 through a virtual platform. The record date has been fixed for May 6, 2026.

After a hiatus of nearly two months, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has resumed purchasing US dollars from commercial banks through auctions to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market and keep the exchange rate under control. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the central bank bought $50 million from four commercial banks on Thursday at a cut-off rate of Tk 122.75 per dollar. This followed a purchase of $70 million at Tk 122.70 per dollar on Wednesday. With these transactions, the central bank has purchased a total of $120 million so far in April. In the current fiscal year FY2025–26, the total dollar purchase by the central bank stands at $5.61 billion. A high-ranking official of the central bank said banks were verbally instructed earlier this week to purchase remittance dollars at a maximum rate of Tk 122.90. However, by buying dollars at a slightly lower rate through the auction, the central bank sent a clear signal to the market that its goal is to stabilise the rate around Tk 122.75. The market has recently felt some pressure due to geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding US-Iran tensions, causing some banks to acquire dollars at higher rates. However, central bank officials expect the situation to normalize soon, leading to a potential dip in the exchange rate.  

Shares around the world rose as investors grew optimistic of a ceasefire extension in the Iran war. In Europe, Britain’s FTSE 100, France’s CAC 40 and Germany’s DAX were all up by around 0.5%. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 closed 2.4% while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.7% to 26,394.26. The Shanghai Composite index ended 0.7% higher. Pakistan’s army chief is set to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday in a bid to extend the ceasefire which paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran that have killed thousands of people and upended global markets by disrupting the flow of oil.  Uncertainty remains whether the frantic diplomacy can lead to a deal. The meeting comes as President Donald Trump announced the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak later on Thursday about halting the fighting between them.  If it takes place, the conversation would be the first time the leaders of the two countries have spoken directly in more than 30 years.  Both Israeli and Lebanese governments refused to confirm a conversation.  

Bangladesh's capital market closed the week on a cautious note on Thursday, with both Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) recording marginal index gains while the majority of listed companies saw their share prices decline. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index edged up by just one point, the blue-chip DS30 rose six points, while the Shariah-based DSES remained flat. This offered little comfort to investors as decliners significantly outnumbered gainers. Of the total companies traded on the DSE, 201 saw price falls against 131 gains, while 62 remained unchanged. Turnover also slipped with total transactions falling Tk 30 crore from the previous session to stand at Tk 806 crore, compared to Tk 836 crore the day before. In the block market, shares worth Tk 26 crore changed hands across 38 companies, with Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC topping the block board at Tk 3.80 crore. Legacy Footwear Limited led the gainers' chart with a 6.25% price increase, while Premier Leasing and Finance Limited bore the steepest loss, shedding over 7% of its value. The CSE mirrored a similar trend, the CASPI gained nearly five points yet failed to reflect broader market health. Of the companies traded, 88 recorded price declines against 86 that advanced, while 34 remained unchanged. Daffodil Computers PLC surged nearly 10% to top the gainers' list, whereas Apex Tannery Limited shed close to 10% to finish at the bottom. Market analysts note that the divergence between index movements and broader price declines suggests selective buying in heavyweight stocks, with overall investor sentiment remaining subdued.

The visiting delegation of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) participated in the 6th Guangzhou Sourcing Fair on Wednesday, seeking to expand trade and investment linkages between Bangladesh and China. The delegation, led by DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, held B2B matchmaking sessions with around 150 Chinese supplier companies representing sectors, including hardware and tools, automobiles, motorcycles and spare parts, home appliances, and building and construction materials. Speaking at a bilateral discussion on supply chain issues held on the sidelines of the fair, Razeev highlighted the depth of the bilateral relationship, noting that Bangladesh and China share a long-standing multidimensional partnership spanning trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and human resource development. He said total bilateral trade between the two countries reached USD 18.89 billion in FY2025, with Bangladesh's imports from China amounting to USD 18.20 billion against exports of USD 694.49 million, pointing to a significant trade imbalance that both sides acknowledged needs to be addressed. Razeev also extended an invitation to Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh, citing textiles and textile products, machinery, chemicals, metals, plastics, minerals, and agro-based products as priority sectors. Nicole Fan, Director of Poly Jinhan Exhibition (Poly Events), which organises the fair, said the platform will serve as an important bridge between entrepreneurs of the two countries. She expressed optimism that greater Bangladeshi participation in future editions of the fair will open new avenues of collaboration with China's vast supplier network. The Guangzhou Sourcing Fair, now in its sixth edition, has emerged as a key platform for connecting South and Southeast Asian buyers with Chinese manufacturers and exporters across a wide range of industrial and consumer goods sectors. The 22-member DCCI delegation went to on Wednesday on a five-day visit aimed at strengthening Bangladesh-China economic engagement and expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

China’s economy picked up pace in the first quarter of the year, growing 5% compared to the same period last year, as it largely withstood the early effects of the Iran war, according to official data released . The January–March figures, which cover the period when the conflict began, came in stronger than economists had predicted and improved from the 4.5% growth recorded in the previous October–December quarter. On a quarterly basis, the economy expanded by 1.3% in the first three months, marking its fastest growth rate in a year. Experts say China, the world’s second-largest economy, is likely to manage the short-term impact of the war, now in its seventh week. However, rising energy prices driven by the conflict are adding to inflation pressures and weighing on global growth. Over time, weaker global demand could affect Chinese exports. The International Monetary Fund recently lowered its 2026 growth forecast for China to 4.4%, reflecting broader global economic concerns linked to the conflict. Chinese authorities had earlier set a growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, the lowest since 1991. “China can likely weather short term disruptions, but a prolonged war and sustained high energy prices could begin to slow growth in the second half of the year,” said Lynn Song. Separate data released showed China’s industrial output rose 5.7% in March from a year earlier, beating expectations as global demand for electronics, vehicles, semiconductors and robotics remained strong. However, retail sales increased by just 1.7%, falling short of forecasts and slowing from 2.8% growth in the first two months of the year, highlighting weak domestic consumer demand. China’s prolonged real estate downturn has continued to hurt consumer and investor confidence. Still, the country achieved around 5% growth last year, supported by strong exports that pushed its trade surplus to nearly $1.2 trillion, despite higher tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Economists say exports will remain a key driver of China’s economy this year, but heavy reliance on them could pose risks. “The lack of a quick resolution to the Iran war is likely to slow global growth, reducing other countries’ capacity to import Chinese goods,” said Eswar Prasad. He added that as countries focus on protecting their own economies from the impact of the conflict, demand for Chinese imports is likely to weaken. China reported earlier this week that exports grew 2.5% in March compared to a year earlier, a noticeable slowdown from the previous two months, partly due to seasonal factors. While economists believe China could still meet its annual growth target through policy support, concerns remain. Increased public investment may help sustain overall growth, but without stronger consumer demand, it could deepen deflation risks and further increase dependence on exports.

Bangladesh recorded an upward trend in remittance inflows receiving more than $1.6 billion in the first 14 days of April, with the total expected to exceed $3 billion by the end of the month. According to the latest data of Bangladesh Bank, expatriates sent $1.6 billion during April 1–14, compared with $1.28 billion in the same period last year, marking a 25.2 percent increase. In the current fiscal year (FY2025–26), cumulative remittance inflows from July to April 14 reached $27.81 billion, up from $23.06 billion during the corresponding period of FY2024–25. This represents a year-on-year growth of 20.06 percent. Analysts and central bank officials attributed the strong growth to several factors including a stable US dollar exchange rate, higher earnings among expatriates in developed economies and a gradual recovery in the global economy.  

In an interview Sunday with Maria Bartiromo of Fox News, US President Donald Trump had said fuel prices could be the same or “maybe a little bit higher” by the November congressional elections. But in a separate interview with Bartiromo, which was taped on Tuesday at the White House and broadcast on Wednesday, Trump claimed he’d been misquoted and tried to overcome the blowback from his previous comments. He said he’s happy with oil costing about $92 per barrel. “It’s going to come dropping down very big as soon as this is over,” he said, referring to the war. “And I think it can be over very soon.” Later in the interview, he predicted that gas prices, now averaging slightly above $4 a gallon, will be “much lower” by the elections. Speaking again about the war, Trump said, “When that’s settled, gas prices are going to go down tremendously.”

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), a pioneer investment promotion agency, stepped into its 46th year of operations on Wednesday, marking four and a half decades of transformative impact on industrialisation, exports, and employment. Operating under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), BEPZA’s journey began following the BEPZA Act 1980, an initiative aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the post-independence economic reconstruction. The entity officially commenced its journey via a gazette notification on April 15, 1981, eventually ushering in a new era of export-led growth with the launch of Chattogram EPZ in 1983. Chinese firm to invest $15.34m in garment factory at BEPZA Economic Zone Economic Giant on Minimal Land BEPZA has set a global benchmark for achieving high economic returns from limited land resources. Occupying only 3,550 acres – less than 0.001% of the country’s total land mass – the EPZs contribute nearly 15%-20% of Bangladesh’s total national exports. In the fiscal year FY2024-25, BEPZA’s contribution to national exports stood at 17.03%. Over the last 45 years, the authority has attracted cumulative investments worth US$7.29 billion and facilitated the export of goods valued at more than $125 billion. Current Footprint and Expansion Currently, BEPZA manages eight EPZs: Chattogram, Dhaka, Mongla, Cumilla, Uttara, Ishwardi, Adamjee and Karnaphuli, alongside the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Work on establishing new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali is also progressing rapidly. The agency famously revitalised the national industrial landscape by converting non-profitable state enterprises, such as the Adamjee Jute Mills and Chattogram Steel Mills, into high-performing EPZs. Employment and Women Empowerment The zones currently employ approximately 5.5 lakh Bangladeshi citizens. A significant majority of this workforce consists of women, playing a pivotal role in the country’s social development and female empowerment. Beyond employment, BEPZA ensures worker welfare through dedicated hospitals, day-care centres, and educational institutions within the zones. Diversification and Green Industrialisation While the ready-made garment (RMG) sector remains a core component, BEPZA has successfully diversified the "Made in Bangladesh" portfolio. High-value products manufactured in the zones now include automobile parts and electronic components, camera lenses and eyeglasses frames, bicycles, and high-end footwear. Furthermore, BEPZA is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing with 27 LEED-certified green factories (including eight Platinum-rated). As of March 2026, the zones produce 32 MW of solar power, with a target to meet 25% of their total electricity demand from solar energy by 2030. The ‘Brand’ of Trust With its long-standing "One Window Service" model, BEPZA has become a symbol of reliability for both local and foreign investors. By ensuring strict compliance, a safe working environment, and efficient management, the authority continues to serve as a successful model for global industrialisation. As it enters its 46th year, BEPZA remains committed to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth for Bangladesh.

Asian stock markets mostly moved higher on Wednesday, following a strong rally on Wall Street as oil prices declined amid hopes that the United States and Iran may resume talks to end their conflict. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.4% in afternoon trading to 58,122.52. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was nearly unchanged, edging up less than 0.1% to 8,978.70. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.1% to 6,092.77. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.4% to 25,980.69, while China’s Shanghai Composite slipped slightly by less than 0.1% to 4,023.40. On Wall Street, stocks closed higher, extending gains from the previous session. The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% and is now just 0.2% below its record high set in January. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 317 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq composite surged 2%. In the oil market, U.S. benchmark crude fell 58 cents to $90.70 per barrel. Brent crude edged up 7 cents to $94.86 after dropping sharply by 4.6% a day earlier. Although prices remain above pre-war levels of around $70, they are well below the peak of $119 reached earlier. Lower oil prices help reduce costs for businesses, but analysts cautioned that the ongoing conflict still poses risks. Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said the drop in oil prices reflects growing expectations that Washington and Tehran could restart negotiations after earlier talks failed. He noted that traders appear to be focusing on the possibility of easing tensions rather than current supply concerns. Asian economies remain heavily reliant on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for crude exports from the Persian Gulf. Any disruption there can tighten global supply and push prices higher. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund said global inflation is expected to rise to 4.4% this year from 4.1% in 2025, revising its earlier forecast of a slowdown to 3.8%. The IMF also lowered its global growth outlook to 3.1% from the 3.3% projected in January. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 81.14 points to 6,967.38, the Dow rose 317.74 to 48,535.99, and the Nasdaq added 455.35 to 23,639.08. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields declined as easing oil prices reduced inflation concerns. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.25% from 4.30%. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened slightly to 158.95 Japanese yen from 158.79 yen, while the euro slipped to $1.1790 from $1.1797.