United News of Bangladesh

The government has moved to review the previously approved export quotas for aromatic rice amid an unusual rise in prices in the domestic market. The Ministry of Commerce has asked companies that received permission to export aromatic rice to submit details of the actual quantities they exported within three working days. The directive was issued in a letter issued by the Export-2 branch of the ministry on Thursday. According to the letter, the ministry has decided to reconsider the approved export quantities in view of the current market situation and increased domestic demand for aromatic rice. Companies that failed to export their full approved quotas or exported only part of the permitted quantities are likely to have their unused quotas reviewed. A high-level meeting on the aromatic rice market was held at the ministry on August 2, chaired by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. The meeting reviewed rice production, domestic demand, market conditions and the actual export situation. Based on the recommendations from the Ministry of Food, the Ministry of Commerce had approved exports of 45,270 tonnes of aromatic rice for 278 companies in two phases – 211 companies on May 13 and another 67 companies in the second phase. The August 2 meeting found that many of the companies failed to export rice according to their approved quotas, while some exported only part of their allocations. As a result, a significant gap has emerged between approved quotas and actual exports. The ministry is now collecting updated, company-wise export data to assess the situation. Business representatives have alleged that the country’s 10 largest rice mill owners are holding large stocks of aromatic rice and creating an artificial shortage by withholding supplies from the market, resulting in higher prices. Following discussions with stakeholders, the ministry decided to strengthen market monitoring to prevent artificial shortages and excessive profiteering. The Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection and other relevant organisations have been instructed to intensify market monitoring. The government will also review whether it is justified to retain unused quotas for companies that received export permission but failed to ship the approved quantities. After verifying the information, the government will decide whether to reduce or adjust the approved export quotas. The move is aimed at maintaining adequate supplies of aromatic rice in the domestic market while ensuring that genuine exporters continue to have access to export opportunities.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang concluded a five-day visit to Bangladesh on Thursday, advancing consultations on the bank’s next Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) and discussions on key reforms, investment priorities and the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND) initiative. “Bangladesh is entering an important phase of its development journey, with a growing need to strengthen competitiveness, mobilise private investment, and build resilience,” Yang said. ADB delegation discusses banking sector reforms, financial stability with BB chief He said the discussions during his visit reaffirmed the strength of the ADB-Bangladesh partnership and highlighted the need to translate strategic commitments into sequenced reforms, bankable investments and effective implementation. As a government-led initiative, IGND provides a framework for aligning reforms, investments and institutions to unlock opportunities across regions, strengthen connectivity and productivity, and support Bangladesh’s long-term growth ambitions, he said. The visit followed ADB President Masato Kanda’s visit to Bangladesh in May. The government and ADB have identified an annual ADB pipeline of more than $1 billion aligned with the IGND initiative and begun investment promotion consultations with private sector representatives. Yang also discussed Bangladesh’s potential to emerge as a regional hub for transport, logistics, energy and digital connectivity through stronger regional cooperation and integration. During a meeting with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, discussions focused on aligning the next CPS with the government’s medium-term reform and development framework, promoting private sector-led economic diversification and strengthening resilience to shocks. They also reviewed progress and next steps for IGND implementation, including priority growth-node planning and project pipeline readiness. Banking and capital market development, renewable energy and private investment mobilisation were also discussed. In Chattogram, Yang delivered the keynote address at a national dissemination seminar on IGND, highlighting the initiative’s potential to strengthen links among growth centres, markets and regional and global value chains. He said integrated investments in infrastructure, logistics, energy, urban development and human capital could raise productivity, attract investment, create quality jobs and expand economic opportunities across regions. Yang also held consultations with senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, think tanks and other stakeholders on the next CPS. The discussions focused on private sector-led diversification and resilience to external and domestic shocks, including the reforms, investments and implementation arrangements required to deliver these priorities. During his visit, Yang met Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo; Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman; and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, among others. The meetings covered banking and capital market reforms, renewable energy, private sector participation, climate-resilient investment, digital transformation and the role of Chattogram as Bangladesh’s principal maritime and economic gateway. Yang also met bilateral and multilateral development partners to discuss complementary programming, cofinancing, technical assistance and coordinated policy dialogue. He discussed using IGND as a platform to align development pipelines and address financing and implementation gaps. In meetings with private sector representatives and think tanks, he discussed reform priorities, implementation constraints, investment barriers and opportunities to mobilise private capital under IGND. The feedback will inform the next CPS and ADB’s future operations. In Chattogram, Yang also visited activities supported under ADB’s Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program and reviewed how industry-linked training can contribute to employment, productivity and industrial competitiveness.

Fourteen prominent domestic companies and industrial conglomerates have expressed keen interest in investing in closed and loss-making state-owned factories and submitted 86 investment proposals to the government, according to official sources. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is currently scrutinising the proposals, said its Public Relations officer Md Abu Hanif on Thursday. 5 private banks brought on board BIDA's One-Stop Service platform Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan said, "We have received investment proposals from various business houses. Following the passage of the Invest Bangladesh Act 2026 last month, the models for handing over closed state units—whether through long-term lease, profit-sharing, or other mechanisms—will be finalised once the framing of guidelines under the new law is completed." He expressed optimism that the process would be finalised shortly. The interested conglomerates have proposed ventures spanning agriculture and agro-processing, electric vehicles and motorcycle manufacturing, data centers and digital infrastructure, food and water processing, light engineering, and renewable energy. The government initiated efforts in June to restart closed state-owned manufacturing units. BIDA initially shortlisted 44 state-owned enterprises eligible for private sector handover. These include 13 units under the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), 12 under the Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC), 10 under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), five under the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC), and four under the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC). When BIDA invited expressions of interest (EOI), four standalone companies and 10 major industrial groups submitted 80 investment proposals, which later expanded to 86. Both Paragon Group and Kazi Farms Group have submitted proposals to invest in Thakurgaon Sugar Mills. Meanwhile, Nabil Group, BRAC Seed & Agro Enterprise, and Milk Vita have all expressed interest in taking over Setabganj Sugar Mills. The revival initiative gained momentum following a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on July 4, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to expedite the process of reopening non-profitable state-owned factories through domestic and foreign investments. Subsequently, on July 8, Industries and Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir chaired a meeting at the Ministry of Industries, where participating companies presented their viewpoints, leading to a decision to form an effective committee to finalise the investment frameworks. Major Conglomerates and Their Investment Plans- PRAN-RFL Group: Leading the pack with 35 investment proposals covering 16 state-owned factories. Their plans include single and joint investments in automobile assembly, eco-tourism, agro-industry, construction materials, ready-mix concrete, paper mills, solar power, footwear, furniture, poultry, and dairy farming. PRAN-RFL has already revived Rajshahi Textile Mill and Rajshahi Jute Mill under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), employing 3,500 people, and recently secured leases for Star Jute Mills in Dighalia, Khulna, and National Jute Mills in Sirajganj on August 11. Akij Resource Group: Submitted 12 proposals through two subsidiaries. Akij Agro & Livestock submitted three proposals for agriculture, solar power, and cold storage at three sugar mills, while Akij Electric & Electronics submitted nine proposals across light engineering, furniture, rubber, electric vehicles, power, and IT sectors. TK Group: Placed 10 proposals focusing on manufacturing automobile parts, electric vehicle assembly, leather footwear, and solar panel glass under long-term leases. BRAC Seed & Agro Enterprise: Submitted nine proposals for long-term leasing of Setabganj Sugar Mills to set up research and development, fruit and vegetable processing, organic fertilizer production, seed-potato multiplication, cold storage, and solar energy generation. Kazi Farms Group: Submitted four proposals targeting land acquisition or long-term lease of Khulna Newsprint Mills, Dhaka Leather, Pragoti Industries, Thakurgaon Sugar Mills, and Panchagarh Sugar Mills for agro-processing, corn starch, food processing, and beverage production. Transcom Group: Submitted three proposals for new investments across closed units of four state agencies. Nabil Group: Submitted two proposals targeting Rajshahi Sugar Mills and Setabganj Sugar Mills for sugar beet, integrated farming, and agro-processing projects. Paragon Group: Proposed establishing agro-processing, animal feed manufacturing, solar power plants, and rice/maize cultivation on sugar mill lands. Square Food & Beverage: Interested in agro-processing and setting up small-scale cold storage facilities. Milk Vita: Proposed installing a modern refinery with a daily capacity of 30,000 liters at Setabganj Sugar Mills. Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK): Submitted three proposals targeting electric vehicles, agricultural machinery, and sericulture. Active Fine Chemicals: Submitted a joint-venture proposal to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and biopharmaceuticals. Excellent Ceramics Group: Submitted three proposals focusing on EV assembly, battery systems, engineering, tiles, sanitaryware, and tableware manufacturing. Bengal Meat Processing Industry: Submitted proposals targeting the agro-food sector. Nahian Rahman, Executive Member of BIDA, said, “Following the Prime Minister's meeting on July 4, we formulated a draft policy within three weeks to transfer closed state units to private management.”  “We held consultations with private entrepreneurs on July 28, and we expect the policy framework—encompassing long-term leases, profit-sharing, or other models—to be passed within a month,” he added.

A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Vice President for South, Central and West Asia Yingming Yang, met Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman at the central bank headquarters on Thursday. BB Deputy Governors Md Habibur Rahman and Dr Md Kabir Ahmed, along with senior officials from the Financial Sector Support and Strategic Planning Department (FSSSPD) and other relevant departments, attended the meeting. BB consolidates foreign exchange rules for import trade The two sides held positive and constructive discussions on reforms, restructuring and recapitalisation of Bangladesh's banking sector, strengthening financial sector stability and capacity, and potential ADB support in these areas. The BB governor highlighted the central bank's firm commitment to implementing necessary reforms in the banking and broader financial sectors. Welcoming the central bank's commitment to the reform agenda, ADB Vice President Yingming Yang expressed the lender's interest in continuing its assistance and support throughout the reform process. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to build a more robust, stable and sustainable financial sector in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Bank has streamlined foreign exchange regulations governing import trade, aiming to simplify procedures and align them with contemporary business needs. The central bank issued a new consolidated circular on Thursday, bringing together various directives issued over the past year into a single framework. The move is expected to facilitate international trade by making import-related foreign exchange procedures simpler and more transparent. Bangladeshi cardholders spend over Tk 1,000 crore abroad in June: Bangladesh Bank The new circular updates “FE Circular No. 33” issued on August 14, 2025. It consolidates various guidelines issued over the past year, bringing all foreign exchange regulations related to imports under a single circular. With the issuance of the consolidated circular, all previous circulars and instructions on the subject stand cancelled. However, existing reporting requirements relating to import trade will remain unchanged. The circular was issued under the powers conferred by Section 20(3) of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947, and will remain effective for one year. Any new instructions issued during this period will apply in conjunction with the circular. Stakeholders said aligning foreign trade practices with current business realities would help facilitate Bangladesh’s international trade. Experts, however, stressed that effective implementation at the field level, stronger digital infrastructure, and enhanced capacity of banks and importers will be crucial to fully realise the benefits of the new framework.

Bangladeshi cardholders spent more than Tk 1,000 crore abroad in June 2026, with overseas card expenditure surging nearly 27.5 percent month-on-month, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank data. The central bank report shows that Bangladeshi citizens spent 4.29 times more abroad using cards than foreign nationals spent using cards in Bangladesh during the same month. The data also showed a significant expansion in card adoption and usage over the past five years. Banglalink gets licence to run e-wallet service The number of debit, credit and prepaid cards nearly doubled, while total transaction volume rose by 91 percent—from Tk 23,497.10 crore in July 2021 to Tk 44,812.80 crore in June 2026. Bangladeshi travelers spent a combined Tk 1,037 crore (Tk 10.37 billion) abroad through credit, debit and prepaid cards in June, up 27.55 percent from Tk 813 crore in May. The breakdown of overseas card spending in June was: Credit cards- Tk 552.27 crore through 863,412 transactions, compared with Tk 425 crore in May, Debit cards- Tk 423.20 crore through 815,719 transactions and Prepaid cards- Tk 61.10 crore through 122,025 transactions. Departmental stores accounted for the largest share of overseas credit card spending in June at Tk 183 crore, or 33.10 percent of total expenditure. Other major spending categories included retail outlet services at Tk 97.09 crore, transportation at Tk 63.90 crore, pharmaceuticals and medicines at Tk 59 crore, clothing stores at Tk 39.70 crore, and business services at Tk 39.10 crore. The United States was the top destination for Bangladeshi credit card spending abroad, accounting for 15.40 percent of total expenditure in June. Thailand ranked second with 10.59 percent, followed by Saudi Arabia at 8.97 percent, the United Kingdom at 8.36 percent, Singapore at 7.32 percent, India at 6.79 percent and Malaysia at 6.08 percent. Bangladesh Bank statistics show substantial growth in the number of payment cards over the past five years. The number of debit cards rose from 23,620,886 in July 2021 to 40,268,746 in June 2026. Credit cards increased from 1,737,932 to 2,750,513 during the same period. Prepaid cards recorded the strongest growth, rising from 954,673 in July 2021 to 8,696,712 in June 2026—an increase of 157 percent between December 2022 and June 2026, according to the report. The report also recorded increased card use for utility bills, government services, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, commercial services and transportation. The sharp rise in card usage signals growing adoption of digital payments and could support financial inclusion, expansion of the digital economy and reduced reliance on cash. However, Bangladesh Bank identified several structural challenges to achieving a more cashless economy. These include inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas, low financial literacy, cybersecurity risks, limited trust in digital payment platforms, high transaction costs, restricted smartphone access and the continued dominance of an informal, cash-based economy. The central bank stressed the need for sustained consumer awareness and training to help users understand both the benefits and security risks associated with card-based transactions.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) has once again raised the price of gold in the local market, increasing the rate of 22-carat gold by Tk 1,633 per bhori to Tk 2,36,779, including VAT. Bajus announced the new price in a notice on Thursday, saying the revised rates came into effect from 10am the same day. The organisation said the adjustment was made in view of the recent rise in the price of pure gold in the local market, prompting an overall reassessment of VAT-inclusive gold prices. Gold prices rise again in Bangladesh Under the new rates, a bhori (11.664 grams) of 21-carat gold will now cost Tk 2,26,165, while 18-carat gold has been set at Tk 1,94,206 per bhori. The price of traditional gold has been fixed at Tk 1,58,630 per bhori. Bajus said the new prices will remain effective at all jewellery shops across the country until further notice, though making charges will continue to apply depending on jewellery design. Since VAT is already included in the sale price of gold and silver ornaments, it cannot be collected separately from customers. The association also said its existing rules on VAT, making charges and stone deductions will remain unchanged for ornament exchange and purchase. This marks the second price adjustment within a week, after Bajus last revised gold prices on August 11, when the rate of 22-carat gold was increased by Tk 1,108 to Tk 2,35,146 per bhori. According to Bajus data, the price of gold has been adjusted 102 times in the country so far in 2026, with 51 upward revisions, 50 downward revisions, and one VAT-related adjustment. Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged in the local market. A bhori of high-quality 22-carat silver is currently priced at Tk 5,073, while 21-carat silver stands at Tk 4,840 per bhori.

Bangladesh Bank has granted approval for a special pilot programme aimed at making smartphones more accessible to underserved, rural and low-income communities and enabling more people to participate in digital and financial services. The Payment Systems Department-1 of Bangladesh Bank issued a formal no-objection to SahajMobile BD Limited to operate the pilot programme under specified regulatory terms and conditions. The initiative is designed not simply to increase smartphone ownership, but to address a practical barrier faced by many low-income people who cannot afford to purchase a suitable smartphone through a single upfront payment. The pilot programme will explore a responsible and regulated model for improving smartphone accessibility. By lowering this entry barrier, the initiative has the potential to enable more people to participate in digital transactions and access a wider range of essential digital services. Under Bangladesh Bank's directive, the pilot will operate within specified policies and conditions and will be monitored by the Payment Systems Department-1. Regular reports on the progress and relevant activities of the pilot programme will also be submitted to Bangladesh Bank. The initiative is expected to provide valuable insights into how responsible smartphone financing and technology-enabled models can help deepen digital and financial inclusion, particularly among Bangladesh's underserved and lower-income communities.

Bangladesh Bank has cancelled the contractual appointment of its Chief Economist Prof Akhand Mohammad Akhtar Hossain. The decision was conveyed through an office order issued by Human Resources Department-1 on Tuesday, signed by Director (HRD-1) Md Shahid Reza. However, the matter came to light on Wednesday. Share trading of 3 NBFIs suspended after BB declares them non-viable According to the order, Akhtar Hossain’s remaining contractual tenure as the chief economist, originally made under Office Order No. HRD-1: 28/2025 dated July 1, 2025, stands cancelled effective from September 10, 2026.

To accelerate Bangladesh Bank’s universal ‘Bangla QR’ payment initiative and strengthen the cashless transaction ecosystem, bKash has conducted a series of view exchange sessions with merchants nationwide. So far, around 1,500 bKash merchants have participated in these sessions organised across 97 zones. During these sessions, discussions focused on how merchants can accelerate their businesses by adopting digital payments. A payment made through ‘Bangla QR’ goes directly into the merchants’ accounts. As a result, the risk of carrying cash and the hassle of small change are reduced, transaction transparency increases, and business bookkeeping becomes easier. Additionally, this provides the opportunity to assess the creditworthiness of individual merchants through analysing their account transactions. Based on these ratings, micro and small entrepreneurs can access instant, collateral-free digital loans to address working capital shortages. bKash, in partnership with BRAC Bank, has already piloted this short-term digital loan facility, under which a significant number of merchants have started receiving digital nano loans. Merchants were also briefed on ‘Digital Payment Speakers’ installed at merchant points for faster payment confirmation. Through this system, both customers and merchants receive immediate audio confirmation of the payment amount and transaction success, eliminating the need for manual verification. The sessions highlighted benefits for consumers as well. While scanning Bangla QR codes for instant payments, bKash customers can access ‘Pay Later’, a collateral-free credit facility that allows instant purchases even with insufficient account balances. Additionally, customers can make payments using Visa cards linked to their bKash app or add money from an extensive network of partner banks. Meanwhile, to drive the expansion and acceptance of Bangla QR, bKash is building awareness across traditional markets (haat-bazaars) and major commercial centres nationwide by constructing branded archways, installing visible promotional materials, and conducting localised public announcements (miking). Notably, bKash has already replaced regular QR codes with Bangla QR at more than 800,000 merchants across the country - ranging from grocery stores to pharmacies, restaurants, lifestyle shops, and superstores. The initiative has also significantly boosted merchant payments, generating average daily transactions worth over Tk 2 billion.