United News of Bangladesh

Commerce and Industry Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday said the government has taken a Tk 300 crore (Tk 3 billion) credit wholesaling programme to support the SME sector, which is being channelled to entrepreneurs through around 15 banks and four financial institutions. “SMEs and MSMEs are the lifeblood of the country’s economy. A large part of Bangladesh’s economy remains informal, where the SME sector plays a crucial role,” he said while inaugurating the seven-day SME Baishakhi Fair 1433 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon. The minister said the allocation under the credit wholesaling programme will be gradually increased to Tk 2,000 crore in the future. He noted that strengthening the SME sector would help generate employment, diversify production and bring more people into economic activities, adding that the government will continue to play a supportive role for entrepreneurs. Muktadir also thanked the SME Foundation and other stakeholders for organising the fair and extended greetings on the occasion of the Bangla New Year. The SME Foundation has organised the fair on the premises of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, featuring more than 150 stalls showcasing products from entrepreneurs across the country. Chairperson of the SME Foundation and Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman presided over the inaugural programme, while Board Member Shamim Ahmed attended as special guest. Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury delivered the welcome address. Organisers said the fair aims to celebrate Bangla heritage and culture while offering a vibrant and safe environment for people to enjoy the New Year festivities with family and friends. Entrepreneurs are displaying and selling a wide range of products, including handicrafts, jute goods, apparel and fashion items, agro-processed products, heritage items, homemade foods and street foods, artificial jewellery, leather goods, and lifestyle products. The fair will remain open to visitors every day from morning till night until April 18.

The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) has requested the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to extend the compliance timeline for the Margin Rules 2025 by an additional three months, citing operational, technical and market-related challenges. In a letter sent to BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood on April 7 and disclosed on Sunday, DBA President Saiful Islam said the rules, which came into effect on November 1, 2025, introduced several critical requirements aimed at strengthening risk management, investor protection and overall market stability. However, the existing six-month compliance deadline ending on April 30, 2026 appears insufficient for brokerage houses to fully implement key provisions, the association said. According to the letter, brokerage firms need additional time for formulation and implementation of board-approved conservative margin loan policies, which require internal consultations, risk assessments, board approvals and integration into operational systems. Many brokerage houses are still finalising policies due to limited skilled resources, technical support and client feedback. The DBA also noted that full compliance with risk-based capital adequacy (RBCA-2019) requires significant system upgrades, staff training, internal audits and technological enhancements, warning that rushed implementation may lead to operational errors or temporary disruptions in margin services. Another concern highlighted in the letter relates to adjustments of non-marginable securities held by existing margin loan clients. The association said thousands of loan accounts currently hold non-marginable securities of significant value and enforcing the deadline could trigger distressed sales, increase market volatility, create avoidable losses for retail investors and strain liquidity. The DBA further mentioned that the capital market is already under pressure due to recent global developments, including war-related uncertainties and fuel price shocks, making immediate enforcement more difficult. Seeking a smooth transition, it proposed extending the compliance period by three months up to July 31, 2026 allowing brokers to complete system and policy upgrades without disrupting services to existing margin loan clients. The association requested the regulator’s consideration and approval for the extension to ensure orderly implementation of the Margin Rules 2025 and protect investor interests.

The Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA) held its annual conference and a reception program on Saturday honoring the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The event, held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the capital, featured a warm reception for Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain and State Minister Dr. MA Muhit, MP. Presided over by BPMCA President Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin, the conference was attended by Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain as the chief guest, while State Minister Dr. MA Muhit attended as the Guest of Honor. Prominent figures present as special guests included Mainul Islam, Chairman of Munnu Group of Industries; Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME); Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam, President of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC); and Prof. Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir Talukdar, Registrar of the Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Council. During the program, BPMCA General Secretary Prof. Dr. Md. Moazzem Hossain, Vice President Mohammad Sahab Uddin, and Vice President Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, among others, spoke at the event. The evening concluded with a cultural program featuring performances by leading national artists. Earlier in the afternoon, the association successfully conducted its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) prior to the formal reception and conference.  

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several international partners to jointly organise the Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery Exhibition (DTG). The agreement was signed between BTMA, Shanghai Textile Association, Link Well Exhibition Co. Ltd., and ECO Expo, Bangladesh at the BTMA office in the capital. Abdullah Al Mamun, Former Vice President of BTMA and Convener of the DTG Committee, signed the MoU on behalf of the association, marking a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in the country's vital textile and garments sector. Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate on the planning, promotion, and overall management of the annual exhibition. The DTG aims to serve as a premier global platform showcasing the latest advancements in textile machinery, technology, and sustainable solutions. "Through this strategic partnership, we intend to position DTG as a leading global event that fosters innovation and facilitates trade opportunities," the participating organizations stated in a joint release. The DTG 2026 is scheduled to take place from December 16 to 19, 2026, at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.

Stock indices advanced on both bourses over the week despite a majority of listed companies witnessing price declines, reflecting a mixed trading pattern. According to the weekly market pulse of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX gained 37 points. The Shariah-based DSES rose 3 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index added 21 points. The SME index, DSMEX, posted a sharp rise of 120 points. On a year-on-year basis, DSEX and DS30 increased by 8 percent each, while DSES grew by 6 percent and the SME index by 11 percent. DSE meets Chinese investors' body to boost capital market cooperation However, market breadth remained negative on the DSE, with prices falling for most issues. Of the traded securities, 220 declined, 138 advanced and 29 remained unchanged. Average daily turnover slightly increased to Tk 669 crore, up from Tk 668 crore in the previous week. Sector-wise, only eight out of 21 sectors posted gains, while 13 sectors declined. Stocks in the ceramic, mutual fund and tourism sectors fell by more than 30 percent. Except for general insurance, all financial sector stocks ended lower. Bank stocks declined by around 5 percent, non-bank financial institutions by about 11 percent, and life insurance shares dropped nearly 20 percent. In block trading, GQ Ball Pen Industries topped the chart with shares worth Tk 20 crore, followed by Al-Arafah Islami Bank (Tk 18 crore), Fine Foods Limited (Tk 16 crore) and City Insurance (Tk 14 crore). Bangladesh Autocars Limited emerged as the top gainer on the DSE, with its share price rising to Tk 222 at the end of the week from Tk 181 a week earlier, marking a 22 percent return. On the losing side, APSCL Non-Convertible and Fully Redeemable Coupon Bearing Bond plunged over 15 percent, with its price dropping to Tk 1,115 from Tk 1,320. Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw indices close higher. The benchmark CASPI rose 73 points, while the CSE30 and CSE50 indices gained 111 points and 4 points respectively. Despite the index ending higher, most stocks on the CSE declined, with 144 issues losing value, 123 gaining and 30 remaining unchanged. Top gainers at the CSE included Sonargaon Textiles, MK Footwear, KDS Accessories, Vanguard AML Rupali Bank Balanced Fund and ACME Pesticides Limited. The major losers were Premier Leasing and Finance, MIDAS Financing, Pragati Insurance, PHP First Mutual Fund and Global Heavy Chemicals Limited.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $115.8 million loan to enhance environmentally sustainable and resilient urban services in Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) in Bangladesh. The Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project will upgrade drinking water supply, modernise drainage systems, and expand green public spaces, according to a release from the Bank. It will also strengthen institutional capacity in NCC and among local communities. The project is expected to benefit at least 400,000 residents, support the government’s efforts to ease congestion in Dhaka, and reinforce governance and service delivery in one of Bangladesh’s major urban growth centers. The ADB release said that it project will significantly improve water supply efficiency and reliability by reducing nonrevenue water to below 20% through the replacement and expansion of 230 kilometers of pipeline network, installation of metered household connections, and adoption of district metered area systems. The project will also introduce digital technologies, including supervisory control and data acquisition and strengthen online billing and revenue collection systems. NCC’s water supply capacity is expected to increase from 113 million liters per day to 162 million liters per day through the installation of new tube wells, rehabilitation of the existing water treatment plant, and upgrades to existing wells. To improve resilience to extreme weather events, reduce flooding, and enhance groundwater recharge, the project will raise the share of surface water across NCC to 51% and develop 22 kilometers of drainage infrastructure using nature-based solutions. The project will also construct inclusive green parks and rehabilitate a playground to improve livability and reduce urban heat. NCC will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of these facilities. ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hoe Yun Jeong said that Narayanganj is central to Bangladesh’s urban transformation. As urbanisation accelerates and environmental risks intensify, strengthening urban services is both a development and economic imperative. “Investments in reliable water supply, resilient drainage, and inclusive green spaces—combined with stronger institutions—will enhance productivity, support economic growth, advance environmental sustainability, and contribute to long-term human capital development,” he said.  

Bangladesh’s growing poultry industry, worth approximately Tk 50,000 crore, is facing an existential crisis due to skyrocketing production costs and heavy taxation. The recent price hike of chicken and poultry products affected the market. The sector experts and analysts warn that without immediate government intervention to reduce production costs in the upcoming budget, the sector could collapse, leading to a severe protein deficiency for the next generation. Over the last five years, production costs in the poultry sector have nearly doubled, with the most significant hike occurring this year. According to data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and industry organizations, using 2021 as a base of 100 percent, production costs rose to 115 percent in 2022, 145 percent in 2023, and 170 percent in 2024, and are projected to reach 190 percent in 2025. Consequently, the industry’s growth rate has declined from 5.2 percent in 2022 to an estimated 3.2 percent in 2025. Industry leaders cited the recent hike in corporate tax—from 15 percent to 27.5 percent—along with increased import duties and Advance Income Tax (AIT) as primary drivers of the crisis. AIT was raised from 1 percent to 5 percent. Turnover tax increased from 0.6 percent to 1 percent. Currently, feed accounts for 75 percent to 80 percent of a farmer's total expenditure, yet a 5 percent advance tax remains on the import of feed ingredients. Dr. Ripon Kumar Mondal, Professor of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, said, "If you want to save the poultry industry, you must first reduce the price of food. Because 75 to 80 percent of the total cost of farming is spent on buying food. To provide food to farmers at a low price, you must reduce the cost of food production.” Since food production materials are dependent on imports, policymakers must look to reduce income tax and customs duties. In the current situation, it is important to reduce it to the lowest level, he said. In addition, Prof. Mondol suggested creating entrepreneurs in domestic food production and providing various benefits, including duty exemptions on the import of their equipment. "This is the only way out of the current situation. If this is not resolved, this source of easily available animal protein may face a deep crisis," he said. Bangladesh currently imposes the highest corporate tax on the poultry sector among its neighbours. In Pakistan, small and medium feed mills pay only 7.5 percent to 15 percent tax based on turnover. In Thailand, feed industries receive 100 percent tax exemption for five to eight years. Meanwhile in Malaysia, sales tax on raw materials has been withdrawn, with new industries receiving 100 percent tax exemption for up to 10 years. In India, there is no advance income tax on general imports, and TCS on agricultural machinery was fully removed in 2026. Impact on Marginal Farmers Farmers report that while it costs Tk 10.50 to Tk 11 to produce a single egg, they are often forced to sell at wholesale prices of Tk 7.50 to Tk 8.50. Similarly, the production cost of broiler chicken stands at Tk 150–160 per kg, while wholesale prices hover around Tk 155–165, leaving almost no profit margin. Mosharaf Hossain Chowdhury, President of the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association (BPIA), warned that if marginal farmers are wiped out, the industry will fall under the absolute control of large corporate companies. "Consumers will then be forced to buy eggs and meat at prices dictated by those corporations," he stated. As a suggestion, Dr. Md. Elias Hossain, Professor of the Department of Poultry Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University, said that all types of taxes and duties have been increased in the poultry sector in the current fiscal year, the impact of which is already being seen. He has urged the government to reduce corporate tax to 10 percent and turnover tax to 0.2 percent, lower AIT to 1 percent, simplify the refund process, and provide electricity subsidies for farms and prioritize farmers for the government's 'Krishak Card'. Eliminate tax and VAT on the sale of poultry products, he also said. “With 60 to 70 lakh people directly or indirectly employed in the sector—many of them young entrepreneurs—the collapse of this industry would lead to massive unemployment and a significant blow to the rural economy,” said Professor Elias Hossain.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktaadir on Thursday said Bangladesh must enhance its economic competitiveness as the country approaches its LDC graduation, stressing that the current global realities leave no room for inaction. Speaking at a signing ceremony held at a city hotel under the SME Foundation’s Credit Wholesaling programme, the minister noted the urgent need to make the industrial sector more competitive, resilient, and innovation-driven. He emphasized timely and accessible financing for SMEs to achieve this goal. The minister also highlighted rising fuel costs, global uncertainties, and external challenges as obstacles to maintaining industrial competitiveness. He said LDC graduation has already limited concessional financing from international development partners, making internal capacity building and skills development crucial. Noting that 20–22 lakh new workers enter the job market annually, he stressed sustained GDP growth is essential to generate employment and maintain Bangladesh’s current economic position. Under the programme, SME Foundation will provide over BDT 400 crore in loans to micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, with interest rates as low as 8 percent. Loans will range from BDT 1 lakh to 25 lakh per entrepreneur. Additional financing of BDT 125 crore at 9 percent interest, supported by JICA and BIFFL, will target agro-based and food processing CMSME sectors, with a maximum of BDT 1 crore per entrepreneur. Fifteen banks and financial institutions, including BRAC Bank, City Bank, Bank Asia, and United Commercial Bank, signed the agreements alongside the SME Foundation management. Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar and Women Entrepreneurs Association president Nasreen Fatema Awal were also present.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has called for a coordinated national energy strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for renewed domestic exploration and a diversified energy mix to meet the country's soaring future energy demand. The call came during a ‘Focused Group Discussion’ organized by the AmCham Energy & Power Subcommittee at a hotel in the capital's Banani area on Wednesday. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and energy experts to address challenges in the evolving energy landscape. AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed stressed the importance of a consultative approach in policy formulation. He announced that AmCham would soon submit a comprehensive set of short, medium-, and long-term recommendations to relevant ministries based on stakeholder feedback. Eric Walker, Vice President of AmCham and President of Chevron Bangladesh, warned that national energy demand could potentially double or triple within the next 15 to 20 years. "Bangladesh must prepare for this surge through renewed drilling and government support for exploration," Walker said. He advocated for a multi-pronged strategy including expanded onshore and offshore exploration, additional LNG terminals, and increased investment in solar power. Echoing the need for domestic self-reliance, Professor M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor of IUB and former Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, noted that while gas field development takes time, the "BAPEX-only" approach has limitations. He recommended engaging international reservoir management firms to optimize output and urged a clear policy decision on domestic coal. Prof. Tamim highlighted renewable energy as the fastest solution, suggesting Bangladesh could add 5,000 MW of solar capacity—including 2,000 MW from rooftop systems—by 2030 to reduce reliance on costly oil-based plants. Dr. Sebastian Groh, Managing Director of SOL share, pointed out policy inconsistencies hindering green growth. He noted that specialized energy service companies face duties exceeding 30 percent on solar equipment, while garment factories pay only 1%, creating an "uneven playing field." He also recommended formalizing electric three-wheelers through licensing to unlock their potential as distributed energy storage. On the demand side, experts suggested innovative measures such as staggered zonal school timings, seasonal office hours, and incentives for energy-efficient domestic appliances to manage the grid more effectively. Habib Bhuyian, Country Manager at Excelerate Energy, warned that prolonged reliance on high-priced spot-market LNG could have severe economic consequences, urging a consolidated industry voice to guide policymakers. The discussion was attended by representatives from leading firms, including Chevron, Energypac, Excelerate Energy, GE Vernova, and Omera Petroleum, as well as officials from the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) management held a high-level meeting with a 19-member delegation from the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) on Thursday to discuss strategic partnerships and enhance investment opportunities in the country’s capital market. The delegation, representing over 250 Chinese companies active in Bangladesh, was led by CEAB Vice President Ma Ben. The meeting focused on making the capital market more investment-friendly for foreign entities and aligning Chinese investment with Bangladesh's long-term economic goals. DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar welcomed the delegation, noting that the exchange is currently prioritizing effective transformation of the capital market. "We are formulating strategies for the future direction of the market and emphasize close engagement with Chinese companies to achieve mutual goals," Anwar said. She added that the DSE is prepared to hold separate discussions with interested companies to facilitate their specific investment and listing processes. The DSE chief also expressed hope that China would remain a key partner as the exchange develops its upcoming five-year strategic plan.