United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Algeria have set in motion a government-to-government (G2G) initiative for long-term imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fertiliser. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the plan after a meeting with Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saidani at his ministry office on Monday. He said Bangladesh will import LNG and fertiliser from Algeria under the G2G framework. Salahuddin also urged Algeria to widen the trade basket in Dhaka's favour, saying Algiers could increase imports of Bangladeshi garments and pharmaceutical products. Salahuddin further called on Algeria to hire skilled workers from Bangladesh, including doctors and nurses. Beyond trade and energy, the two sides discussed maintaining peace and order, security cooperation, preventing and combating human trafficking, migration management, and expanding economic and commercial ties. They laid particular emphasis on specialised training to improve the efficiency and professionalism of security forces, joint workshops, and the exchange of legislative support. Recalling that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, the ambassador voiced his country's strong interest in further strengthening the historic and friendly relationship. Referring to the invitation extended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Algerian President to visit Dhaka, Salahuddin said Bangladesh is pleased that the invitation has been accepted. He stressed fixing a mutually convenient diplomatic date for the visit. At the end of the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening and strengthening cooperation in security, trade and bilateral diplomatic relations.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday stressed the need for advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye and strengthening cooperation in trade and investment. He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen at the Ministry of Industries. At the meeting, the two sides discussed the proposed FTA, business opportunities in fruit imports and Bangladesh's participation in international trade conferences. They also explored ways to tap Türkiye's experience and capacity in managing hazardous industrial waste, alongside expanding bilateral economic ties. Reviewing progress towards launching FTA negotiations, the two sides expressed optimism about further strengthening trade and economic cooperation. Muktadir expressed interest in holding a bilateral meeting with Türkiye's trade minister and meeting the country's investment agency during his upcoming visit to Türkiye. Bangladesh also sought contact details of Turkish fruit exporting organisations to facilitate business links between Bangladeshi and Turkish traders. The two sides discussed channelling this information to relevant Bangladeshi traders through the Ministry of Commerce. Management of hazardous waste from the electronics and ship-breaking industries also received emphasis at the meeting. In this regard, the two sides discussed possible cooperation in developing treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) in Bangladesh, drawing on Türkiye's experience and expertise in managing such hazardous waste. Discussing the leather industry, the Turkish ambassador said leather processing and tannery operations in his country have declined due to environmental concerns, while the use of synthetic leather and imports of raw materials have increased. He invited Bangladesh to attend the upcoming ministerial-level conference under the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), as well as the World Halal Industrial Summit and Halal Expo. The Bangladesh side said Muktadir will attend the main COMCEC conference, while other Bangladeshi representatives will join the subsequent events.

The government is taking steps to remove administrative hurdles for women entrepreneurs, expand their access to credit and strengthen their representation at the policymaking level, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Monday. He made the remarks when a delegation of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), led by its President Sangita Ahmed, met him at his office. The minister said the introduction of a single-window system will allow women traders and entrepreneurs to obtain essential documents, including trade licences, import registration certificates (IRC) and export registration certificates (ERC), online. "Entrepreneurs can apply and pay the required fees from any corner of the country, even from abroad, to avail these services. This will reduce the need to visit government offices in person and make it easier to complete the formalities needed for doing business," he said. Speaking about SME financing, Muktadir said the loan facility for the sector has been raised from Tk 300 crore to Tk 2,000 crore. “The funds will be disbursed at a 6 percent interest rate.” He also expressed a positive outlook on restructuring the SME Board and increasing women's representation at the policymaking level to ensure maximum opportunities for women entrepreneurs. At the meeting, BWCCI representatives highlighted the lack of information, complexities in formal registration and limited coordination at the district level as key barriers to the expansion of women-owned businesses. To address these, they proposed a comprehensive database, a central compliance desk and regular central-district coordination meetings. The BWCCI delegation said there are no precise statistics on how many women entrepreneurs operate in which sectors and at what scale. This makes it difficult to assess their actual needs, formulate effective policies and deliver need-based support, they said. Along with a central database, they stressed making it mandatory for district-level women's chambers to maintain entrepreneurs' information. The delegation said women-run businesses also face various difficulties in preparing required documents and complying with regulations to come under the formal framework. They demanded a central compliance desk, or integrated service platform, which will provide guidance and support on business registration, necessary documentation and legal procedures. The organisation also proposed holding meetings twice a year with central and district-level representatives to bring district-level problems to the central level and ensure effective coordination for solutions. The minister praised the alternative service platforms that have emerged to support women entrepreneurs, and reiterated the government's positive stance on improving their access to business services and financing.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has cut the price of gold by Tk 1,691 per bhori, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 2,29,081 per bhori, including VAT. The new price come into effect from 10am Monday, BAJUS said in a notice issued in the morning. According to the notice, the price of pure gold, locally known as Tejabi gold, has declined in the local market. Considering the overall market situation, BAJUS has revised the prices of gold, including VAT. Under the new rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 2,18,817 per bhori, while 18-carat gold will be priced at Tk 1,87,907 per bhori. The price of traditional-method gold has been set at Tk 1,53,498 per bhori. One bhori of gold is equivalent to 11.664 grams. BAJUS said making charges will apply depending on the design of jewellery. Since VAT is already included in the selling prices of gold and silver jewellery, jewellers cannot collect VAT separately from customers. For jewellery exchange, 12 percent will be deducted, while 18 percent will be deducted in case of purchase, excluding making charges and the value of stones. No separate VAT deduction will be applicable in exchange and purchase transactions, it said. The revised prices will remain effective at all jewellery shops until further notice, BAJUS said. Earlier on Sept 30, BAJUS had cut the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori to Tk 2,30,772, including VAT. At that time, 21-carat gold was priced at Tk 2,20,391 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 1,89,248 and traditional-method gold at Tk 1,54,606. The prices took effect from 10am that day. With Monday’s adjustment, gold prices have been revised 121 times in the country so far this year. Prices have been increased 59 times, reduced 61 times and adjusted once for VAT. Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged. At present, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 4,316 per bhori, including VAT, while 21-carat silver is priced at Tk 4,141, 18-carat silver at Tk 3,558 and traditional-method silver at Tk 2,683 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 73 times so far this year, with 36 increases and 37 decreases.

Terming Japan as a trusted development and business partner of Bangladesh, Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Saida Shinichi has expressed optimism that several major Japanese investment initiatives currently in the pipeline will materialize in due course. Speaking as the chief guest at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at a hotel in Gulshan on Sunday, the envoy emphasized the importance of strong governance, institutional relevance, and delivering tangible benefits to businesses in both nations. Ambassador Saida welcomed the Economic Partnership Agreement signed in February with support from JBCCI and called for industrial diversification, the development of upstream industries, the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers, and the creation of employment opportunities for young people in Bangladesh. He also stressed the need for a transparent and sustainable relationship between business and politics to support long-term economic growth, while reaffirming the Japanese Embassy’s continued support for JBCCI in expanding bilateral trade and investment. At the AGM, JBCCI formally announced its new 16-member board of directors for the 2026-28 term, with Kazuiki Kataoka elected as president. In his acceptance speech, President-Elect Kazuiki Kataoka thanked the outgoing leadership and stated that the chamber would focus on highlighting Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and business activities. He emphasized leveraging the expertise of JBCCI’s nearly 400 member companies through knowledge-sharing sessions, networking, and member-driven initiatives. Outgoing President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan welcomed participants and highlighted JBCCI’s pivotal role in bolstering bilateral ties. Secretary General Maria Howlader FCA presented the major activities from November 2025 to September 2026, noting that membership grew to 391 companies from 369 in the previous year. Joint Treasurer Md Jahangir Alam Sharker CPA presented the audited financial report, reflecting sustainable financial growth. The AGM also approved the appointment of Shafiq Mizan Rahman & Augustine, Chartered Accountants, as auditors for the 2026-27 financial year. The newly formed board features Abu Zaman Md Tariqul Islam and Syed Samiul Huq as vice-presidents, Rabiul Alam as secretary general, Kenji Kimura as treasurer, Oliver Kutz as joint secretary general, and Saumitra Kumar Mutsuddi as joint treasurer. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), Hiroaki Oura, Kabir Ahmed, Atsushi Hirakuri, AKM Ahmedul Islam Babu, Kenichiro Kawamoto, Farzanah Chowdhury, Hironori Yamanaka, and Mudassir Murtaza Moin were elected as directors, while Manabu Sugawara and Abdul Haque were appointed as advisers to the board. JBCCI Vice-President Hiroaki Oura delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the outgoing board and wishing success to the incoming leadership.  

Robi Axiata PLC on Sunday announced the successful completion of its nationwide network transformation initiative following the final phase of its 4G network modernization program in the Chattogram region. The final phase covered the Chattogram, Cumilla, and Noakhali regions, establishing a stronger, reliable, and future-ready "Giga Green" 4G/5G-ready network across Bangladesh, according to a press release issued by the telecom operator. The formal announcement was made at an event titled “Celebration of Robi’s 4G Network Modernization in Chattogram” held at Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View on Sunday. Under the Chattogram region program, more than 3,500 sites were modernized within 180 days with virtually no service disruption to customers. The upgrade has enhanced customers’ 4G experience by an average of up to 20 percent and expanded enhanced indoor 4G coverage to 10 percent more people. Additionally, the deployment of advanced Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology has strengthened signal quality, while new infrastructure has reduced network energy consumption by up to 12 percent, aiding carbon emission reduction goals. Speaking at the event, Robi Managing Director and CEO Ziad Shatara stated that the completion of the Chattogram region project marks the successful conclusion of the operator's nationwide network transformation. He added that this achievement follows the recent modernization of over 4,800 sites in Greater Dhaka, elevating Robi's overall network excellence. Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), termed the rapid execution of the large-scale project a remarkable engineering achievement that will strengthen the country’s telecom sector. Mohammad Abu Sufian, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-9, highlighted Chattogram's role as the nation's commercial gateway, noting that modern digital infrastructure will support trade, industrialization, and smart city management. Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain added that robust telecommunications infrastructure will accelerate economic growth and digital transformation across the region. Prior to the Chattogram rollout, Robi completed the largest network transformation in its history by modernizing over 4,800 sites across Greater Dhaka, which delivered up to a 125 percent improvement in customer experience and cut call drops by 20 percent.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has set a target of approving initial public offerings (IPOs) within a maximum of three months of application under the new rules, aiming to cut long delays in the process. "To resolve the IPO crisis in the capital market, the time taken for IPO approval will be significantly reduced under the new process. We will definitely approve IPOs within three months," BSEC Chairman Masud Khan said Sunday. He made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of World Investor Week 2026 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital. Masud Khan said that after taking charge, the commission identified complexities in the IPO rules and moved to reform them. "The new IPO rules will ensure the entire process, from application to approval, is completed swiftly." The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) and the BSEC will carry out their related activities in a coordinated manner, which the commission believes will reduce the time spent at different stages after a company applies for an IPO. "A two-year drought, an IPO drought, cannot be allowed to continue for long," the BSEC chairman said, stressing the need for quick steps to end the prolonged absence of new companies in the market. He said direct listing will also be allowed for bringing new companies to the market, though eligibility criteria will be stricter than before. Only highly qualified and strong companies will get the opportunity, he added, which will help bring quality firms to the market while protecting investors' interests. To attract multinational and large local companies, a new hybrid method will also be introduced alongside direct listing. "Under it, a portion of shares will be offered to the public, while the rest will be floated through the sale of existing owners' shares," Masud said. Highlighting the commission's reform measures, the BSEC chairman said one of its key decisions after assuming office was scrapping the floor price. He said Bangladesh's position in the index of global index provider MSCI was hurt after the floor price was introduced in 2023. "The withdrawal was aimed at restoring foreign investors' confidence." Referring to steps concerning Beximco, he said the board of the company has been reconstituted and other necessary measures taken. "Through these steps, efforts are under way to rebuild investor confidence in the capital market." Masud Khan said greater emphasis is being placed on digitisation to protect investors and boost confidence in the market. "Initiatives are being taken to bring the back-office software of brokerage houses under an integrated system with real-time connectivity, enabling the regulator to view brokers' accounts and bank balances at any given time." He said an order management system will be introduced, with a shift from paper slips to automated processes. In his words, digitisation is now the "new currency" in the capital market. The BSEC chairman said steps are also being taken for quick resolution of investors' complaints and cases. Necessary amendments, harmonising the securities law and the relevant ordinance, have been sent to the ministry for final approval. Once enacted, the commission is expected to be able to file cases directly within its own timeframe. BSEC is also focusing on developing the bond market. He said bonds worth around Tk 3,000 crore have been approved since he took office, but issuers have been required to be listed on the main board. He said the bond market needs effective linkage with the stock market, and initiatives are being taken to expand various types of bonds, including green bonds. Masud Khan said there is ample scope to increase institutional investment in the capital market. "Policy initiatives may be taken in future to allow a portion of pension funds, gratuity funds and insurance company money to be invested in corporate bonds and shares." He described the insurance sector as full of potential, saying it has long remained largely inactive and needs to be made more active in the market. He also stressed developing the mutual fund sector. The BSEC chairman said Bangladesh's market capitalisation is still low compared to many countries, and increasing it would naturally boost trading volume. As part of long-term reforms, work is also under way on a derivatives market, a review of the effectiveness of credit rating agencies, and improvement of the clearing and settlement system, he said. Masud Khan said the BSEC does not want to confine World Investor Week programmes to a single week. Work to raise investor awareness, rebuild confidence in the market and improve its structure will continue, he added.

Indonesian Ambassador to Bangladesh Listyowati paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman at his office on Sunday to discuss strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on expanding trade, boosting Indonesian investment in Bangladesh, and exploring new avenues for mutual economic cooperation, according to a press release issued by the central bank. Highlighting Bangladesh’s growing economy and investment potential, the governor called for expanding Indonesian investment in the country. Discussions also focused on balancing and diversifying bilateral trade by boosting Bangladeshi exports, including ready-made garments (RMG), electronics and pharmaceuticals, to Indonesia. Expressing keen interest in solidifying economic and commercial ties, Ambassador Listyowati underscored the potential to enhance cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest. She was accompanied by Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery Wahyu Riadi, Third Secretary (Economic Affairs) Robbi Firly Harkha and Officer Sapto Rudiyanto. Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Md Sarwar Hossain and Executive Director Md Harun-or-Rashid were also present at the meeting.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku held a meeting with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) importers on Saturday to address the ongoing supply crisis and allegations of selling cylinders at rates higher than government-fixed prices. Commerce Minister Khandoker Abdul Muktadir was also present at the meeting held at the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting was confirmed in a press release issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. However, the release did not detail the decisions taken during the discussion. The high-level meeting comes amid widespread consumer complaints regarding the unavailability of LPG cylinders across various regions of the country. In many areas, 12-kilogram cylinders are reportedly being sold for Tk 600 to Tk 1000 above the government-set rate. Although the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) fixed the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder at Tk 1,585 for September, consumers in several places are being forced to purchase them for Tk 2200 to Tk2600 or more. Earlier on September 28, importers had assured government officials during a meeting with LPG operators that import volumes were adequate to meet national demand. Despite these assurances, allegations of artificial supply shortages and market overcharging have persisted. Conflicting claims have also surfaced regarding recent import statistics. One report indicated that LPG imports dropped from nearly 160,000 tonnes in August to around 120,000 tonnes in September. Importers attributed this decline to international shipping disruptions, vessel shortages, and rising freight charges. Conversely, a group of LPG operators submitted a letter to the Energy Division on October 1 claiming that September import volumes remained close to August levels. They alleged that certain importers deliberately delayed releasing imported LPG cargoes to create artificial pressure on the market, demanding an independent inquiry into the matter. Amid the worsening situation, the Energy Minister instructed District Commissioners (DCs) on September 30 to investigate whether an artificial crisis was being engineered to inflate prices. He ordered strict action against those involved in creating artificial shortages or selling above government rates, while directing measures to boost supply where genuine shortages exist.

The Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association has urged the government to allow limited beef imports to meet sector demand, ensure food security, and stabilize the domestic market amid surging prices. The organization claimed that beef prices in local markets have climbed beyond the reach of average consumers due to a significant supply shortage relative to demand. The demand was raised at a press conference held at a hotel in Purana Paltan on Saturday, where the association’s Secretary General, Imran Hassan, read out a written statement. Addressing the media, Imran Hassan stated that maintaining an uninterrupted supply of high-quality beef has become a major challenge for urban restaurants. He noted that beef is currently retailing between Tk 800 and Tk 1,000 per kilogram, making it unaffordable for ordinary citizens while supply remains inadequate. He also raised concerns regarding the shift of cattle farming into corporate hands, which he said is pushing marginal farmers out of business. Furthermore, he alleged that market syndicates have inflated animal feed prices, severely impacting rural livestock rearing and pushing small-scale farming near closure in many regions. Reading out the written statement, Association Secretary General Imran Hassan stated that along with price hikes across nearly all essential food items—including rice, pulses, edible oil, meat, fish, spices, vegetables, and eggs—operational costs involving gas, electricity, LPG, water, rent, transportation, and labor have also escalated significantly. He added that despite soaring inflation, most restaurants are unable to adjust menu prices for fear of losing customers. Consequently, overall sales across the restaurant sector have plummeted by up to 30 percent. To address the situation, the association urged the government to allow beef imports under strict oversight and specific guidelines. They argued that such a step would stabilize supply, help control prices, improve food quality, and boost the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Association leaders added that increasing beef availability would alleviate the current crisis in the restaurant industry, where elevated meat prices have forced businesses to bear heavy operational costs, ultimately driving up menu prices for customers. Earlier in May, the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association had raised a similar demand, citing high local market prices and supply shortages. Association President Shah Sultan Khokon, First Joint Secretary General Md. Firoz Alam Sumon, Organizing Secretary Toufiqur Islam, and Joint Organizing Secretary Kamrul Hasan Bipu, among others, were present at the press conference.