United News of Bangladesh

Asian stock markets largely rose on Wednesday, tracking a rally on Wall Street led by artificial intelligence-related shares, while US stock futures posted modest gains and oil prices increased by more than 1%. South Korea's Kospi jumped 6.8% to finish at 6,023.73, buoyed by strong performances from semiconductor companies. SK Hynix shares surged 11.4% to their highest level in two weeks after the memory chipmaker reported a record operating profit of 83.3 trillion won ($62.8 billion) for the previous quarter. The profit was almost seven times its level a year earlier and surpassed analysts' forecasts. Samsung Electronics advanced 9.1% ahead of its third-quarter earnings report due Thursday. Japan's Nikkei 225 climbed 1.1% to 63,954.19, while Kioxia Holdings gained 9.6% ahead of its quarterly results scheduled for Friday. Investors are also awaiting the Bank of Japan's two-day policy meeting beginning Thursday, with interest rates widely expected to remain unchanged. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index recovered 0.2% to 23,089.22 after slipping earlier, while the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.5% to 3,666.50. Taiwan's Taiex added 2%. India's Sensex, however, dropped 0.8%. The decline came despite Jio Platforms gaining 21% on its stock market debut following India's largest-ever initial public offering. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.3% to 8,847.30. In New Zealand, the Reserve Bank surprised markets by maintaining its benchmark interest rate at 2.75%. The S&P/NZX 50 Index edged up 0.1%. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 gained 0.6% on Tuesday, moving to within 1.2% of its record high reached earlier this month. The Nasdaq Composite rose 1.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added less than 0.1%. Despite declines in most S&P 500 companies, gains in major AI-related stocks lifted the index. Investors have been concerned about the growing expense of borrowing money to construct data centres and acquire AI chips. Broadcom shares rose 4% after the company announced a $63 billion financing deal involving several Wall Street firms to help artificial intelligence company Anthropic obtain Broadcom's XPU accelerators and networking solutions. Nvidia gained 0.9%, while CoreWeave, which finances purchases of AI chips and rents computing capacity through cloud services, climbed 7.9%. Companies are under increasing pressure to deliver substantial profit growth as investors maintain high expectations. Those expectations have helped drive share prices to record levels despite persistent inflation, high interest rates and other market concerns. Boeing shares fell 10.7% after the aircraft manufacturer reported a quarterly loss greater than analysts had expected. Meanwhile, US consumer confidence improved in October, according to a report released Tuesday, reversing expectations among economists that it would deteriorate further amid continuing inflationary pressures. In bond markets, US Treasury yields remained broadly stable ahead of the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate announcement. The Fed raised its benchmark rate for the first time in three years last month to combat inflation, but markets largely expect it to keep rates unchanged this time. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note slipped to 4.99% from 5.00% late Monday. Oil prices also advanced on Wednesday. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1.5% to $111.10 a barrel, while US benchmark crude increased 1.6% to $101.46. In currency markets, the US dollar weakened to 157.85 Japanese yen from 157.91 yen. The euro traded at $1.1118, down from $1.1127.

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has demanded strict action including cancellation of the licences of LPG operators, distributors and retailers found involved in overcharging consumers, alongside measures to ensure the sale of liquefied petroleum gas at government-fixed prices. The consumer rights body urged authorities to investigate allegations of artificial shortages, hoarding and overcharging, and to take effective action against those responsible, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The demand comes ahead of a public hearing on revising LPG prices, scheduled for Thursday by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) for both state-run and private LPG operators. In a letter sent to the BERC chairman on October 26, CAB President AHM Safiquzzaman said any fresh rise in prices or charges without ensuring supply at the fixed price would add to the financial strain on low- and middle-income families. The letter noted that the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder was raised by Tk 252 to Tk 1,837 on October 4. However, according to media reports, consumers are having to pay Tk 500-600 more than the fixed price to buy a cylinder. For households without piped gas, LPG is an essential cooking fuel, CAB said. With spending on food, housing, healthcare, education and transport already high, any additional cost of cooking fuel is hard to bear for low- and middle-income families. It stressed that enforcing the existing price should be the first priority. The letter also said importers' claims of higher costs must be verified against genuine transaction documents and audited accounts. When international LPG prices rise, local transport, storage and distribution costs do not increase in the same proportion, CAB said, so there is no justification for raising charges and commissions at every stage on the grounds of higher import costs. Consumers cannot be made to bear the same expenses counted more than once, or the burden of inefficient management, it added. CAB said no proposal to increase charges or commissions should be approved until the need is proven through audited accounts and independent technical cost assessment, and that unjustified expenses and excess profit must be excluded from the price formula. It also demanded that the commission publish separate accounts of import costs, storage, bottling and distribution charges, and pass on to consumers in due time any benefit from lower costs in the international market. The consumer body further called for a separate cost assessment of state-run LPG, with transparent allocation and distribution to ensure affordable access for ordinary consumers.= CAB also demanded that every sales outlet display an updated price list and issue receipts, and that clear instructions be issued on home-delivery charges to stop unauthorised collection of money. It also called for an easy system to lodge complaints about overcharging, non-availability of cylinders, underweight cylinders and safety issues, with redress within a specified time. CAB urged the BERC to consider the practical experiences of consumers, alongside the proposals of petitioners and the commission's technical assessment, at the hearing. It also sought a clear explanation of what expenses were accepted or rejected in the final decision and how objections raised were resolved.

The price of gold has gone up again in the domestic market, with the cost of the best-quality 22-carat gold rising by Tk 2,216 per bhori. The new rates came into effect from 10am Wednesday, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). With the latest adjustment, 22-carat gold will now sell at Tk 223,074 per bhori including VAT. BAJUS said the prices of gold ornaments were adjusted following an increase in the price of refined (tejabi) gold in the local market. Under the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been raised by Tk 2,100 to Tk 213,043 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has gone up by Tk 1,750 to Tk 182,950 per bhori. The price of gold of the traditional method has increased by Tk 1,458 to Tk 149,474 per bhori. Earlier, BAJUS had cut gold prices four times in a row on October 13, 22, 23 and 25, bringing down the price of 22-carat gold by a total of Tk 10,439 per bhori. The latest hike comes after those four consecutive reductions. Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged despite the rise in gold rates. According to the new rates, 22-carat silver will sell at Tk 3,849 per bhori, including VAT. The prices of 21-carat and 18-carat silver stand at Tk 3,674 and Tk 3,149 per bhori respectively, while silver of the traditional method will cost Tk 2,391 per bhori.

The Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) organized a workshop titled “Systemic Risk and Restoring Depositors’ Trust for Stabilization of the Banking Sector of Bangladesh” at its Mirpur campus in the capital on Tuesday. The workshop brought together policymakers, senior bankers, academics, and researchers as part of the ongoing BIBM conference program to exchange views on strengthening the resilience of Bangladesh’s financial system. The formal session opened at 9:30 AM with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Dr. Prashanta Kumar Banerjee, Professor at BIBM and Chair of the Conference Organizing Committee, delivered the address of welcome. Inaugurating the workshop as Chief Guest, Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Chairman of the BIBM Executive Committee and Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, delivered the opening speech. The technical session was led by former Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh and former Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, who also served as Chairman of Sonali Bank PLC. As Distinguished Session Leader, he presented an analysis of the key vulnerabilities facing the country’s banking sector and outlined essential measures to restore depositors’ confidence. His presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with participants. Dr. Md. Ezazul Islam, Director General of BIBM, chaired the session and delivered closing remarks, while BIBM Professor Dr. Ashraf Al Mamun offered the vote of thanks.

The Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market (BICM) organized an investment education program titled “Investment in Capital Market” for the students of the Faculty of Business Studies at the Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST), Saidpur. The program was held on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) at the auditorium of the university campus located in the Saidpur Cantonment, according to a press release. Jointly organized by BICM and the BAUST Accounting Club, the inaugural session of the program was graced by BAUST Vice-Chancellor Brigadier General Mohammad Mobarak Hossain Majumdar, psc, as the chief guest. Dr. Md. Shah Alam, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, attended as the special guest. The event was presided over by Rakibul Islam, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Accounting and Information Systems (AIS). The technical sessions of the program were conducted by BICM Associate Professor Faisal Ahmed Khan and Lecturer Imran Mahmud. The event was also attended by BICM Associate Professor Faisal Ahmed Khan, Deputy Director Md. Sirajul Islam, ACS, Lecturer Imran Mahmud, and various faculty members from different departments of BAUST. BICM regularly organizes training programs and workshops on capital market-related subjects for students of public and private universities. These initiatives are aimed at generating investment interest among undergraduate and postgraduate students, increasing awareness regarding capital market investments, and enhancing their future professional excellence.

Bangladesh's inward remittance momentum maintained a robust trajectory, with expatriate workers remitting $2.45 billion in the first 26 days of October, pushing the cumulative remittance for the July–October 26 period of the current fiscal year to $11.04 billion. According to data released by Bangladesh Bank, the country received $2,452 million between October 1 and October 26, 2026, registering a 13.2 percent monthly growth compared to $2,166 million recorded during the corresponding period in October 2025. On October 26 alone, incoming remittances stood at $122 million. Cumulatively, remittances sent between July 1 and October 26, 2026, reached $11,044 million ($11.04 billion), posting a 13.3 percent yearly growth compared to $9,752 million during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, the country's foreign exchange reserves stood at $36,411.83 million (gross) as of October 26, 2026. According to the central bank, the reserve calculated under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) BPM6 manual stood at $31,600.40 million on the same date.

Invest Bangladesh presented the country's economic potential and a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and manufacturing projects to international investors at the World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha. The session, titled "Invest in Bangladesh: The Billion-Dollar Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight," took place on Monday at the forum center stage, drawing around 100 participants, including institutional investors, global financiers, and representatives from various investment promotion agencies, according to a press release. The event is Organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and hosted by the State of Qatar, the forum runs from October 25 to 27. Nahian Rahman Rochi, Member of Invest Bangladesh and head of the Investment Development Division, delivered the presentation. He highlighted Bangladesh's competitive operating costs, young workforce, and expanding domestic market support, alongside ongoing initiatives to upgrade infrastructure and streamline investor services. The presentation spotlighted major project pipelines, including industrial-scale solar initiatives on government land, liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, port facilities, the proposed Chattogram Free Trade Zone, and the Matarbari green dockyard. It also emphasized investment prospects in advanced textiles, electronics, and medical devices, outlining entry avenues for developers, operators, and financial partners. "Investors wanted to understand how they could participate in the projects we presented. There was also interest from regional partners in exploring opportunities together in economic zones, ports, and dry docks," said Nahian Rahman Rochi, adding that follow-up efforts will focus on matching project requirements with investor and operator capabilities. On the forum's opening day, Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury joined a ministerial panel focusing on translating energy transition priorities into investable projects. He explained how the recently consolidated Invest Bangladesh framework unifies investor identification, site preparation, policy coordination, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structuring to accelerate renewable energy initiatives. He also noted that Invest Bangladesh currently has 15 industrial-scale solar projects in its pipeline for development via PPPs, including the Sonagazi solar project model. At a separate investment ministerial roundtable, the Invest Bangladesh Chairman called for greater international recognition of the developmental impact generated by investments in emerging economies. He urged UNCTAD to highlight successful investment case studies and explore risk-sharing mechanisms inspired by export credit and investment guarantee frameworks.

Fifteen customers have won 43-inch smart televisions by paying utility bills through bKash during its recent campaign from October 1 to 15, the MFS provider announced on Monday. Besides, 480 customers who were the first to pay a utility bill through bKash in each minute between 10:00am and 6:00pm got cashback every day during the campaign. Recently, winners received the smart TV coupon at an event held at bKash office in the city. The campaign will run again from November 1 to November 15, 2026. During this period, the highest utility (electricity, gas, water, internet and TV) bill paying customer will have the chance to win a smart television each day. Furthermore, during the campaign period from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, the first user to pay a utility bill in every minute can receive up to 50% cashback, maximum of Tk 100. In total, 480 customers can avail this cashback daily by paying electricity, gas, water, internet, and TV bills through bKash. At present, almost all essential utility bills including electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone, TV, educational institutions, credit cards, and government fees can be paid conveniently through bKash. Customers can also download and save an eco-friendly digital receipt after completing their bill payments.

Asian shares traded mixed on Monday while oil prices fell more than 1% after climbing to their highest levels in more than four years last week. US stock futures edged higher. Investors were preparing for major corporate earnings reports and central bank decisions expected to influence financial markets this week. Alphabet, Microsoft's parent competitor in the technology sector, and Amazon are among the major companies scheduled to report results, alongside Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and Microsoft. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 declined 0.8% to 62,189.65 as technology stocks faced renewed selling pressure. Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest dropped 3.9%, while Tokyo Electron, a manufacturer of semiconductor and flat-panel production equipment, lost 3.7%. The Bank of Japan is scheduled to announce its key interest rate decision later this week. South Korea's Kospi fell 1.5% to 5,469.47, with Samsung Electronics down 1.1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.5% to 23,206.82, while the Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% to 3,697.52. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 also recovered from early losses, advancing 0.2% to 8,809.90. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 1.4% to $110.12 a barrel, while US benchmark crude dropped 1.8% to $101.37. On Friday, Brent had surged 3.1% to $116.72, its highest closing level since June 2022. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 fell 0.5% on Friday, recording its second consecutive weekly loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2%. AI-related stocks showed mixed resilience, with Micron Technology gaining 2.5%, Intel rising 1.7%, Microsoft adding 0.7% and Advanced Micro Devices advancing 1.7%. Investors remain concerned about whether heavy spending on artificial intelligence can justify elevated stock valuations, particularly as borrowing costs remain high. “This week is less about broad conviction and more about proof,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management, highlighting pressure on major technology companies to demonstrate returns on their investments. Treasury yields edged higher as inflation concerns and government debt weighed on markets. Investors expect the Federal Reserve to maintain interest rates this week, although markets increasingly anticipate another hike in December. The US personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, is expected to show inflation at 3.7% in September, well above its 2% target. The US war with Iran has sharply reduced global oil supplies, pushing up energy costs and increasing prices for goods ranging from fuel to food and clothing. In currency trading, the dollar slipped to 156.94 yen from 156.99 yen, while the euro fell to $1.1216 from $1.1223.

Bangladesh’s stock market resumed trading on a bearish note on Sunday after the Durga Puja holidays, with all major indices and turnover ending lower. The DSEX, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), lost 18 points during the session. The Shariah-based DSES dropped 9 points, while the blue-chip DS30 slipped 1 point. Turnover at the country’s premier bourse stood at Tk 430 crore, down from Tk 502 crore in the previous session. Losers dominated the floor, with 283 issues declining against 64 advancing. Prices of 38 companies remained unchanged. All sectors except banks and real estate ended in the red. The jute sector was the worst performer, shedding 4.6 percent. Bangladesh National Insurance PLC topped the gainers’ list with a rise of over 11 percent, while Bangladesh Building Systems PLC led the losers, falling nearly 8 percent. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also closed lower. Its all-share index, CASPI, fell 22 points. Of the issues traded on the port city bourse, 86 declined, 59 advanced and 18 remained unchanged. Turnover at the CSE slid to Tk 16 crore, down from Tk 21 crore on the previous trading day. ACI Formulations PLC was the top gainer on the CSE, rising nearly 10 percent, while Information Services Network Ltd was the biggest loser, shedding almost 10 percent.