United News of Bangladesh

In a major move to promote eco-friendly transportation, Bangladesh Bank has doubled the personal loan ceiling and significantly increased the limit for car loans, specifically targeting electric and hybrid vehicles. According to a circular issued by the central bank on Tuesday (May 5), a person can now avail a personal loan of up to Tk 40 lakh, up from the previous limit of Tk 20 lakh. To encourage the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, the central bank has introduced a specialized credit facility for electric and hybrid cars. Under the new guidelines, customers can now secure auto loans up to Tk 80 lakh for these categories. For conventional fuel-run vehicles, the maximum loan limit has been set at Tk 60 lakh. The central bank has also relaxed the debt-equity ratio to make financing more accessible. For conventional cars, the ratio remains at 60:40 (60 percent loan and 40 percent down payment). However, for electric and hybrid vehicles, the ratio has been enhanced to 80:20, allowing buyers to finance up to 80 percent of the vehicle’s value through bank loans. The circular clarified that while determining an individual’s total ‘credit exposure,’ any auto loans taken by their dependent family members will also be included in the calculation. The directive, sent to the managing directors and CEOs of all commercial banks today, aims to reduce the country’s carbon footprint by making high-efficiency vehicles more affordable for middle-class and professional buyers. Industry insiders believe this policy shift will provide a much-needed boost to the local automobile market, which has been shifting toward hybrid technology due to rising fuel costs and global environmental trends.

State-owned Janata Bank PLC has issued an auction notice for the assets of Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar, including the iconic 15-storey ‘Janakantha Bhaban,’ to cover for defaulted loans amounting to Tk 215 crore. Interested bidders have been directed to submit their applications to the court by 2:00 pm on April 28. Applicants must include a pay order or bank draft equivalent to 10 percent of the reserved price. The reserved price will be disclosed during the auction, and the bidding process will follow court regulations. The bank noted in the advertisement that neither the bank nor the court would take responsibility for any disputes arising after the sale of the assets. The loan was disbursed in 2021 through Janata Bank’s Dilkusha Corporate Branch, reportedly following a recommendation from Salman F. Rahman, the then-private industry and investment adviser to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Records show that in August 2020, Salman F. Rahman sent a letter to the Janata Bank Chairman recommending Tk 250 crore in working capital for Globe Janakantha. The recommendation cited financial losses allegedly incurred by the company during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government. Subsequently, in September 2021, the Janata Bank board approved Tk 225 crore in working capital for five concerns under the group. The Bangladesh Bank issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the loan two months later. Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar consists of eight entities, including Globe Metal Complex, Globe Insecticides, Globe Cables, and the daily newspaper 'Janakantha.' However, most of these units are currently inactive. In March, the daily 'Janakantha' suspended both its print and online operations. Hafizur Rahman, the group’s former Chief Operating Officer (COO), told media outlets that the industrial group is currently burdened with massive debt. Janata Bank’s Non-Performing Loan (NPL) Crisis Janata Bank is currently struggling under a heavy burden of defaulted loans from large conglomerates such as Beximco, S. Alam, Thermex Group, and AnnonTex Group. By the end of last year, the bank's total disbursed loans stood at Tk 97,934 crore, of which 74 percent has been identified as bad or defaulted loans. The Managing Director of Janata Bank, Md. Mujibur Rahman, stated that the bank prioritizes auctions under the Money Loan Court Act to recover defaults. "Response to auctions is not always positive, particularly for large amounts. If recovery through auction fails, we proceed with legal lawsuits as per the law," he said. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the bank has initiated several cases against loan defaulters. Last year, Janata Bank managed to recover Tk 900 crore in defaulted loans.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has cancelled the Trading Right Entitlement Certificate (TREC) of Sonali Securities Limited over violation of securities rules, the bourse said in a notice on Tuesday. DSE revoked TREC No. 261, issued in the name of Sonali Securities Limited, under Rule 7(3) of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission Rules, 2020, citing breach of Rule 3(2)(ga) of the same regulations. It urged all investors and clients of the company to immediately review the cash and securities balances in their respective accounts and settle any outstanding transactions without delay. DSE also called on investors, clients or other entities with pending claims, complaints or outstanding dues against Sonali Securities in connection with the cancelled TREC to submit written applications, supported by relevant documents, by May 21. Submissions may be sent to the Chief Regulatory Officer (Acting), DSE or filed online through the Customer Complaints Address Module.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said the Bangladesh-US trade agreement should be utilised for mutual benefit, stressing that there is no reason for concern over the deal. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the conference room of his ministry in the morning. The minister said international agreements are always built on mutual cooperation. “Any international agreement is shaped by both parties. It is designed to create a win-win situation, taking into account the interests of both sides. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about this agreement,” he said. He noted that the current government did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of state continuity. “A state-level agreement is not like a personal contract that can be cancelled at will. It is a reality, and we want to utilise it to expand trade and investment in the country,” Muktadir added. He also referred to a recent investigation initiated by the United States, saying Bangladesh had sought clarification on the matter and responded with its observations after receiving explanations. “We have clearly stated that such an investigation would have been more positive if it had not been initiated in the context of the existing agreement,” he said. Highlighting Bangladesh’s production and trade reality, the minister said the country does not have overcapacity in any sector and rejected allegations of dumping. “We import most of our goods. Our exports, particularly in the ready-made garment sector, operate under strict international compliance. There is no scope for labour law violations or child labour,” he said. On the possibility of cancelling the agreement with the US, Muktadir said the government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritises national interest. “If any clause in the agreement goes against Bangladesh’s interests, there is scope for amendment within the agreement itself. It has a self-correcting mechanism,” he said. The minister added that there is no reason for panic or worry regarding the issue. During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening Bangladesh-US trade and investment relations, along with other issues of mutual interest. Senior officials, including Secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Commerce Md Abdur Rahim Khan, were present.

By receiving remittances directly to bKash account through ‘Ria’, an international money transfer operator (MTO), customers can enjoy BDT 200 instant cashback during the Eid-ul-Adha. Receivers will get the cashback once they receive a minimum of BDT 20,000 directly into their bKash accounts, excluding the government’s 2.5% incentive. The cashback can be availed once during the campaign period till May 25, 2026. The joint campaign by Ria and bKash aims to encourage expatriates to send money through formal banking channels. Through Ria Money Transfer and its app, expatriates can send remittance from around the world including the UAE, Malaysia, Italy, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany, South Africa, Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Austria directly to bKash accounts of their near and dear ones. According to Bangladesh Bank regulations, expatriates can send up to BDT 250,000 per transaction to a bKash account. FAO signs deal with bKash to enable faster cash assistance, incentive distribution Besides, relatives of the expatriates will instantly get Tk 25 per thousand as government incentives over the remittance they receive in bKash accounts through Ria. Expatriates can also enjoy the best exchange rates at Ria while sending remittances. Due to such benefits, sending remittances directly to bKash accounts through Ria has quickly gained trust and confidence of expatriates and their relatives. Meanwhile, expatriates’ relatives can cash out remittances from nearly 2,500 ATM booths of 19 top commercial banks across the country for a charge of only Tk 7 per thousand, using the bKash app or dialling *247#. Apart from cash out, dear ones of the expatriates can make various types of payment, pay utility bills, send money, recharge mobile, pay educational or government fees, donate, open savings etc with their bKash account from the comfort of home.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Monday (May 4) formally inaugurated a new day-care center for the children of its employees at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. The 'BGMEA Md. Reazuddin Day-Care Center,’ named after one of the pioneers of the RMG industry who also served as the first vice-president of BGMEA, was inaugurated by current BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan. BGMEA seeks policy support in budget to face challenges Several prominent BGMEA leaders attended the ceremony, including Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan, Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, Director Shah Rayed Chowdhury, Director Mohammad Sohel, and Acting Secretary Major Md. Saiful Islam. Speaking at the inauguration, BGMEA President emphasized the importance of the organization's staff. "The officers and employees of BGMEA are the main driving force of the organization," he said. "This modern day-care center has been launched to ensure the security and proper development of the children of our working parents. As a result, employees will be able to perform their duties with greater peace of mind, leaving their children in a safe environment," he added. According to BGMEA sources, the center is equipped with modern amenities. It offers an environment suitable for children’s play and primary education, along with experienced supervisors. The facility maintains high standards of cleanliness to support the physical and mental development of the children. Following the inauguration, the BGMEA president and other leaders toured the center’s rooms and inspected the facilities designated for the children. Employees welcomed the initiative, stating that having such a facility within the office premises would reduce worries during their professional lives. BGMEA noted that it regularly implements various welfare activities to create a worker-friendly environment.

An internal Bangladesh Bank (BB) document has revealed significant exposure of the country’s banking sector to high-risk of defaulted loans linked to six major business conglomerates. The confidential analysis highlights widespread vulnerabilities across multiple banks, raising concerns over asset quality and risk management in the financial sector. The document, titled “Selected Lead Banks, Impacted by Six Groups”, categorises affected financial institutions based on their exposure to non-performing loans associated with six business groups. The groups or individuals identified are: Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, S Alam, Beximco, Sikdar, Nassa and Orion. According to the data, Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC appears in five of the six exposure categories, indicating extensive involvement across multiple high-risk loan portfolios. Newly consolidated Sammilito Islami Bank PLC is listed under all six groups, suggesting that its balance sheet carries significant inherited non-performing assets from merged weak banks. Other banks appearing frequently across the exposure lists include First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Janata Bank, Rupali Bank, IFIC Bank, United Commercial Bank, AB Bank and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. State-owned banks such as Sonali Bank and Agrani Bank are also shown to have notable exposure to defaulted loans linked to the identified groups. In response to the rising systemic risk, Bangladesh Bank has initiated steps to assign selected institutions as “lead banks” to coordinate recovery efforts in collaboration with international firms. The criteria for selecting lead banks reportedly prioritise institutions with prior experience in handling international non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), enabling them to manage complex negotiations and recovery processes. The designated lead banks for each group are as follows: Saifuzzaman Chowdhury group: United Commercial Bank PLC (lead), Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC S Alam group: Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC (lead), Janata Bank PLC, Sammilito Islami Bank PLC. Beximco group: National Bank PLC (lead), Janata Bank PLC Sikdar group: IFIC Bank PLC (lead), Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, Agrani Bank PLC. Nassa group: National Bank PLC (lead), IFIC Bank PLC, Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC. Orion group: United Commercial Bank PLC (lead), Agrani Bank PLC. The document also states that banks undergoing or scheduled for merger will not be eligible to act as lead banks, reflecting ongoing policy considerations within Bangladesh Bank. Officials said the move indicates a shift towards a more coordinated and externally supported recovery strategy aimed at addressing long-standing default loan problems in the banking sector.

Commerce Minister Khondakar Abdul Muktadir said edible oil supply in the capital is gradually returning to normal levels and being sold at fair prices, after conducting an unannounced inspection of Karwan Bazar on Sunday. The minister visited several retail and wholesale shops in the afternoon, holding direct conversations with dealers, wholesalers and retailers to assess the ground-level supply and pricing situation. Retailers told the minister that edible oil availability had improved compared to previous weeks, with dealers also confirming increased supply flows. They noted a sharp rise in demand for 5-litre bottled oil, saying buyers are increasingly shifting from loose oil to packaged products. According to the Ministry of Commerce, on-the-spot checks found 5-litre bottled soybean oil selling at Tk 970–975, while previously distributed 1-litre and 2-litre bottles were available at Tk 195 and Tk 390 respectively. Consumers the minister spoke with confirmed oil was available in the market and that the supply situation had noticeably improved. “The government is working closely to keep edible oil supply stable. Supply has largely normalised already. We have held multiple meetings with dealers and companies. Some price adjustment was necessary due to global market conditions but when international prices fall, domestic prices will be adjusted downward accordingly,” the minister said after the visit. He added that such unannounced inspections would continue as part of the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in market management. Commerce Ministry Secretary (routine charge) Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Department of National Consumer Rights Protection Director General Farooq Ahmed, and other senior officials accompanied the minister during the visit.

The robust growth in remittance inflows has continued through April, with expatriate Bangladeshis sending US$3.12 billion in April of the current fiscal year FY2025-26, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank (BB) data. The figures reflect a significant surge compared to the corresponding period last year, when inflows stood at $ 2.75 billion. This represents a year-on-year increase of $375 million, or 13.6 percent, for the month of April. The upward trajectory is even more pronounced in the cumulative data for the current fiscal year FY2025-26. Total remittance receipts from July to April reached $29.33 billion, up from $24.53 billion during the same period in FY2024-25—marking a substantial 19.5 percent growth. Central bank officials noted that this momentum follows a historic performance in March 2026, which recorded the highest single-month remittance inflow in the country’s history at a staggering $3.75 billion. Other recent milestones include $3.29 billion in March 2025, $3.22 billion in December 2025, and $3.17 billion in January 2026. Financial analysts attribute this surge, in part, to ongoing instability in the Middle East, which has disrupted global foreign exchange markets. The heightened international demand for the US Dollar has pushed its exchange rate higher against the local currency. Consequently, expatriates are finding it more lucrative to send money home as they receive a higher value in Taka for their earnings. However, while the influx provides a vital cushion for the economy, economists cautioned that a prolonged Middle East crisis could pose systemic risks to Bangladesh, mirroring broader global economic threats. Experts have urged the government to prioritize the maintenance of robust foreign exchange reserves to mitigate potential future shocks.

Bangladesh’s export sector has staged a dramatic recovery, snapping an eight-month downward trend with a remarkable 32.92% year-on-year growth in April 2026. According to the latest trade data, export earnings surged over US $4.0 billion in April, up from $3.01 billion during the same month last year. This rebound highlights a resurgence in global demand and the steadfast resilience of the nation’s manufacturing industries. RMG at the forefront The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector remains the primary engine of this growth. In April alone, RMG exports jumped to $3.14 billion, representing a 31.21 percent increase compared to the $2.39 billion recorded in April 2025. While cumulative exports for the July–April period, at $39.4 billion still shows a slight 2.02 percent decrease compared to the previous fiscal, the recent monthly surge suggests a significant turnaround that could narrow this gap by the end of the fiscal year. The recovery was bolstered by exceptional performance in key Western markets. The USA market recorded a massive 43.01 percent year-on-year growth, while the UK registered a strong 23.46 percent increase. Notably, all of Bangladesh’s top 20 export destinations showed positive year-on-year growth in April, signaling a broad-based recovery and successful market diversification. The data also reveals a healthy month-on-month improvement, with exports rising 15.20 percent from March’s $3.48 billion to April’s $4.0 billion. Market analysts view this performance as a sign of renewed optimism for Bangladesh’s trade outlook. The combination of recovering demand in traditional markets and the steady dominance of the RMG sector positions the country for a stronger finish to the current fiscal year.