United News of Bangladesh

Grasping the real worth of gold starts with understanding what 'gold carat (karat)' means – a measure that reveals how much pure gold lies beneath its polished surface. This proportion of gold blended with other metals ultimately shapes the metal’s quality, character, and purpose. It distinguishes the brilliance of fine jewellery from the strength of everyday pieces. Let’s explore this spectrum by comparing the different types of gold carats (karats) to see how purity levels influence both beauty and practicality. What is Carat (Karat)? Essence of Gold’s Measurement Gold’s fineness – more commonly referred to through its carat value – serves as a precise indicator of purity. Since genuine gold is naturally soft and malleable, it cannot endure frequent wear or pressure without losing its shape. To strengthen it for practical use in jewellery, utensils, and coinage, gold is typically blended with small portions of other metals like silver, copper, or nickel. These combinations add durability, colour tone, and overall value, creating a delicate balance between beauty and resilience. Each carat represents one twenty-fourth of the total composition – meaning every unit reflects 4.1667% purity. For instance, a 14-carat piece contains fourteen parts gold mixed with ten parts alloy, while a 24-carat piece stands as the benchmark of purity, free from any metallic additions. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Comparative Analysis of Different Types of Gold Carats (Karats) Gold’s purity scale varies widely, giving each carat grade its own visual tone, strength, and value. The following comparison explores how different carat levels influence the metal’s appearance and its suitability for daily wear and investment. Type Durability Color Tone Gold Fraction Hallmark Purity (%) Common Uses 24K Very soft, scratches and bends easily Bright, rich yellow/orange hue 24/24 999 99.9 or Higher Investment (coins, bars), electronics, medical devices, ceremonial items 22K More durable than 24K, but still soft Rich, vibrant yellow, slightly less intense than 24K 22/24 916 91.6 Traditional jewelry, special occasion pieces, bangles, necklaces 21K Moderate/Soft; more durable than 22k Very rich, deep yellow tone 21/24 875 87.5 Traditional jewelry (like bangles and necklaces) 20K Moderate Durability; softer than 18k Rich, deep yellow tone, close to pure gold's appearance 20/24 833 83.3 High-quality, vintage, and special jewelry 18K Good balance of purity and durability; prone to scratches Rich, warm yellow; available in white and rose gold 18/24 750 75.0 Fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, and high-end watches, suitable for daily wear with care 15K Durable Warm, rich yellow tone, but still slightly less intense than 18k 15/24 625 62.5 Historically used in vintage jewelry; less common in modern production 14K Highly durable, resistant to wear and tear Warmer yellow, but slightly paler than 18K; available in white and rose gold 14/24 583 58.3 Most popular for everyday jewelry (engagement rings, earrings, bracelets), active lifestyle wear 12K Durable Medium yellow color 12/24 500 50.0 Often used in industrial applications, older jewelry, and items like watch cases 10K Most durable and resistant to damage Light/pale yellow, less vibrant 10/24 417 41.7 Budget-friendly, sturdy pieces for heavy use, like simple chains and rings 9K Highly Durable/Hard; resistant to scratches Lighter yellow tone; can tarnish slightly more than higher carats 9/24 375 37.5 Widely used for everyday jewelry; popular for wedding bands and items needing resilience 8K Very Durable/Hard, but can be brittle; prone to tarnishing Pale yellow, less rich than higher carats 8/24 333 33.3 Budget-conscious jewelry and items 6K Very Durable/Hard, can be more brittle Very pale yellow; often needs surface treatment or plating to achieve a richer color 6/24 250 25.0 Primarily found in extremely budget-friendly or mass-market items; Uses are very limited Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Md Abdur Rahim Khan has been appointed as the administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the country’s apex trade body. He formally took charge as the FBCCI administrator on Sunday morning. According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Abdur Rahim Khan has been appointed under Section 17 of the Trade Organisation Act, 2022. As per the order, he will hand over responsibilities to an elected board within 120 days after conducting a fair and impartial election.

Indices at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges opened higher in the first hour of trading on Sunday, as most company shares gained in price. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX advanced by 5 points in early trading. The Shariah-based DSES remained flat, while the blue-chip DS30 index edged up by 1 point. Out of the traded issues, prices increased for 167 companies, declined for 140 and remained unchanged for 86. DSE, CSE end week higher amid lower turnover The DSE recorded transactions worth over Tk 270 crore in the first hour. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also moved up, with its broad index gaining 9 points. Among the 114 companies traded, 56 advanced, 40 declined and 18 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE stood at around Tk 1 crore during the first hour of trading.  

France’s consumer watchdog has reported fast-fashion giant Shein to authorities for selling “sex dolls with a childlike appearance” on its website. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) said the dolls’ online descriptions and categorisation “strongly suggest content of a child pornography nature.” Responding to the allegations, Shein told the BBC that “the products in question were immediately removed once we became aware of these serious issues.” The company added that its team is “investigating how these listings bypassed our screening measures” and is conducting “a comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items listed by other third-party vendors.” According to French media, the DGCCRF has referred the matter to French prosecutors and Arcom, the nation’s online and broadcasting regulator. The report comes just days before Shein is scheduled to open its first permanent physical store anywhere in the world, located in a Parisian department store. Source: BBC

Barely 24 hours after raising prices by over Tk 8,000 per bhori, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a reduction in gold prices once again. In a new decision, BAJUS has lowered the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,613 per bhori, setting the new rate at Tk 200,296 per bhori, effective from Friday. The association, in a statement, said that the price of pure gold (tejabi) has fallen in the local market, prompting the latest price adjustment. According to the new rate, the price of 21-carat gold will be Tk 190,998 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 163,716, and traditional method gold Tk 136,014 per bhori. BAJUS also noted that the government-fixed 5 percent VAT and a minimum making charge of 6 percent must be added to the selling price of gold ornaments. However, the making charge may vary depending on design and quality. Earlier, on October 29, BAJUS adjusted the gold price, increasing the rate of 22-carat gold by Tk 8,900 per bhori to Tk 202,709. On October 22, the price had reached a record high of Tk 217,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history. After four consecutive reductions, the price dropped to Tk 194,000 before rising again above Tk 200,000 per bhori. With this, the association has adjusted gold prices 72 times so far this year, increasing rates 49 times and reducing them 23 times. In 2024, the price was revised 62 times, with 35 hikes and 27 cuts. Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged. The price of 22-carat silver is Tk 4,246 per bhori, 21-carat Tk 4,047, 18-carat Tk 3,476, and traditional method silver Tk 2,601 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been revised nine times — increased six times and decreased three times. Last year, the rate was adjusted three times.

The remittance inflow to Bangladesh has surpassed $10 billion in the first four months (July–October) of the 2025-26 fiscal year. According to information provided on Thursday by Bangladesh Bank’s Assistant Spokesperson Shahriar Siddiqui, the remittance inflow exceeded $10 billion within the first 29 days of October, marking a 14.5 percent increase compared to the same period in FY 2024-25. In the same period last fiscal year, total remittance inflow stood at $8.75 billion. During the first 29 days of October alone, $2.43 billion was remitted through the country’s banking channels, up 10.2 percent from $2.20 billion in October 2024. On October 29 alone, remittance inflow was $93 million. In September 2025, remittance inflow amounted to $2.68 billion, recording a 12 percent increase over September 2024. In August, remittance reached $2.42 billion, up 9 percent year-on-year. In the first month of the fiscal year, July, remittance inflow was $2.47 billion. Banking sector officials said robust growth in expatriate earnings has positively impacted the country’s foreign currency reserves, easing pressure on the dollar in the exchange market. Strict government measures against illegal money transfers and incentives to encourage sending earnings through legal channels have played a key role in boosting remittance inflow. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves currently stand at $32.14 billion, while reserves under the IMF’s BPM6 standard have increased to $27.34 billion. In FY 2024-25, remittance from overseas Bangladeshis hit a record $30.33 billion, up nearly $6.5 billion or 27 percent compared to FY 2023-24.

Both Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the week on a positive note Thursday, with major indices gaining, though turnover declined as most shares closed higher. All three indices of the DSE advanced during the day’s trading. The benchmark DSEX Index rose by 29 points to close at 5,122, up from 5,092 in the previous session. The Shariah-based DSES Index gained 7 points, while the blue-chip DS30 Index edged up by 4 points. Indices rise in first hour of trading at DSE, CSE Out of the issues traded, prices increased for 241 companies, declined for 81 and remained unchanged for 72. Gains were recorded across all three categories — A, B and Z. In the A-category, which includes the companies offering the highest dividends, 132 issues advanced, 47 declined and 37 remained unchanged. In the block market, shares worth Tk 12 crore of 21 companies changed hands, led by Prime Bank PLC with transactions worth Tk 5 crore. Despite the rise in indices and most share prices, turnover on the DSE fell to Tk 476 crore, down from Tk 503 crore in the previous session. Tamijuddin Textile Mills PLC topped the gainers’ list with a rise of over 13 percent, while Orion Infusion Ltd was the worst performer, dropping more than 4 percent. The CSE also ended higher, with its key CASPI Index up by 12 points. DSE to complete IPO process within 6 months: DSE MD Of the issues traded, 105 advanced, 64 declined and 30 remained unchanged. The turnover on the port city bourse, however, declined to over Tk 14 crore from Tk 18 crore in the previous session. Bangladesh Finance PLC topped the gainers’ list at the CSE, rising over 10 percent, while Meghna Cement Mills PLC fell more than 9 percent to end at the bottom.

The country’s stock markets began the last working day of the week on a positive note, with key indices at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) edging up in the first hour of trading on Thursday. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index gained 17 points, while the Shariah-based DSES rose 4 points and the blue-chip DS30 index advanced 2 points. Out of 385 issues traded during the period, prices of 231 advanced, 70 declined, and 84 remained unchanged. DSE to complete IPO process within 6 months: DSE MD The turnover at the bourse crossed Tk 170 crore in the first hour. A similar trend was seen at the CSE, where the overall index increased by 4 points. Of the 101 companies traded, prices of 52 gained, 32 dropped, and 17 remained steady. The turnover at the port city bourse stood at over Tk 3 crore during the same period.  

The Tokyo Mobility Show this year is showcasing not only electric and hydrogen-powered cars but also futuristic forms of personal transport — from robotic chairs to flying vehicles. Among the highlights is Honda Motor Co.’s Uni-One, a compact, box-shaped robotic chair designed for individual transport by 2035. “It’s all about personal mobility,” said the Tokyo-based automaker known for the Accord sedan. Toyota Motor Corp. unveiled a prototype of a helicopter-like aircraft equipped with six propellers, developed in partnership with U.S. aviation firm Joby. These innovations, along with a range of more traditional vehicles, are being displayed at Tokyo Big Sight through November 9. The exhibition opened to the public Thursday after a media preview the previous day. However, excitement around the event is clouded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise auto tariffs to 15% from 2.5%, though the rate was reduced from an earlier 25%. The new tariffs could cost Japanese automakers more than 2 trillion yen ($13 billion) in annual operating profits, according to industry estimates. Mazda Motor Corp. CEO Masahiro Moro, whose company is among the hardest hit, said Mazda engineers are developing cars that can sense drivers’ emotions and promote sustainability. “We believe the joy of driving has the power to shape the future,” Moro told reporters. Nissan Motor Corp. presented a prototype of its Sakura electric car featuring a retractable solar roof — dubbed the “Ao-Solar Extender” — that generates electricity when parked. The power can be used for household appliances or as an emergency source during disasters. The concept targets eco-conscious families, Nissan said. Japan's exports and imports grow in September despite Trump's tariffs “Japan is at the center of what we do because we are a Japanese company,” said Nissan Chief Ivan Espinosa, who also met President Trump earlier this week during his visit to Japan. Espinosa described the meeting, which included discussions with business leaders and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as “constructive.” To offset trade imbalances, Nissan and Toyota said they are considering importing models built in the United States back to Japan. Meanwhile, the Japanese government has pledged to buy Ford vehicles and invest $550 billion in the U.S. Japan exports over a million vehicles to the U.S. each year while selling 4.4 million domestically. Only about 16,000 American cars are sold annually in Japan, a small share of its auto market. Japanese brands, by contrast, account for roughly 40% of vehicles sold in the U.S., many of them made in American factories. Toyota CEO Koji Sato noted that consumer preferences differ across regions, saying, “We want to be an important part of the American auto industry with a long-term perspective.” Toyota also displayed a foldable electric bicycle called the Land Hopper, designed to fit inside the upcoming Land Cruiser FJ — the latest version of the company’s iconic off-road vehicle, which debuted in 1951 as the Toyota BJ. The Land Cruiser, with sales exceeding 12 million units in 190 countries and regions, remains a flagship model. The new FJ version, powered by a 2.7-liter gasoline engine, will go on sale in Japan next year. Japanese auto exports to the U.S. have recently surged as companies try to get ahead of the tariff hike, which analysts say will begin to bite next year. “Automakers will look to increase U.S. production where possible and diversify exports to markets like Australia and Canada,” said Darcey Bowling, auto analyst at BMI. “Japan’s vehicle market will likely face challenges due to the elevated U.S. tariffs.” Source: AP

Wall Street futures edged higher Wednesday as investors awaited corporate earnings reports and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day. S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, Dow Jones futures gained 0.2%, and Nasdaq futures climbed 0.5% in premarket trading. All three indexes set record highs in the previous session for a third consecutive day. Asian markets closed mostly higher, buoyed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s optimistic remarks on relations with China and Japan during his ongoing Asian tour. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.2% to a record 51,307.65, while South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.8% to 4,081.15. Shanghai’s Composite index advanced 0.7%, trading near decade-high levels ahead of Trump’s expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tech giant Nvidia extended gains overnight, rising 3.8% to touch $207.80 per share in premarket trading, making it the first company with a market value above $5 trillion. The rally follows CEO Jensen Huang’s announcement of $500 billion in chip orders and Trump’s indication that the company’s Blackwell chips would be discussed with Xi. Industrial equipment maker Caterpillar shares jumped 4.4% after reporting a 10% revenue increase over the same quarter last year, surpassing Wall Street expectations. Later Wednesday, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Starbucks are scheduled to report earnings. Investors widely anticipate the Fed will cut interest rates by 25 basis points due to a slowing U.S. job market. Analysts note the nearly monthlong government shutdown has left policymakers with limited fresh data, prompting a cautious approach. In Europe, Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.7%, Germany’s DAX fell 0.1%, and Paris’s CAC 40 remained flat. In other Asian markets, Taiwan’s Taiex rose 1.2%, and India’s Sensex climbed 0.4%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1% following higher-than-expected inflation data. In energy trading, U.S. crude rose 25 cents to $60.40 a barrel, while Brent crude gained 24 cents to $64.07 a barrel.