United News of Bangladesh

Paramount has launched a hostile $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery, escalating its battle with Netflix and attempting a final push to secure the media company. Netflix had appeared to win the months-long competition on Friday with a $72 billion equity deal for Warner Bros’ TV, film and streaming units, but Paramount’s surprise bid has kept the contest alive, reports Reuters. The Warner Bros Discovery board said Monday it will review Paramount’s proposal but is not altering its current recommendation in favor of Netflix, advising shareholders to hold off on any action regarding the new offer. Paramount’s $30-per-share all-cash proposal includes financial backing from Jared Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, several Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, and the Ellison family. Larry Ellison, father of Paramount CEO David Ellison and a close ally of the White House, reportedly phoned President Trump after the Netflix deal was announced, warning it could hurt industry competition. Paramount argues its bid is superior, offering $18 billion more in cash than Netflix and fewer regulatory hurdles. The company says a merger would strengthen Hollywood, theaters, and consumers through increased competition. However, the deal would also create one of the largest media conglomerates ever, raising antitrust concerns that echo lawmakers’ warnings about excessive consolidation. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said he expected the hostile bid and remained confident in closing their agreement, while criticizing Paramount’s promised “synergies” as likely job cuts—something Netflix says it aims to avoid. If Warner Bros accepts Paramount’s bid, it must pay Netflix a $2.8 billion breakup fee, while Netflix would owe $5.8 billion if the deal collapses. Both bidders face political scrutiny. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the Paramount offer a “five-alarm antitrust fire,” pointing to its ties to Trump associates. Shares of Paramount and Warner Bros rose on the news, while Netflix stock declined. Analysts say the acquisition fight is far from over as Paramount continues pressing shareholders and regulators to block Netflix’s path.

President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery “could be a problem” because of the combined company’s market share. Speaking to reporters at the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump said he would be involved in the federal review of the deal, which would bring together two of the world’s largest streaming platforms and combine Warner’s television and film assets, including DC Studios, with Netflix’s extensive library and production capabilities. “Netflix is a great company. They’ve done a phenomenal job. Ted is a fantastic man,” Trump said, referring to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, whom he met in the Oval Office last week before the deal’s announcement on Dec. 5. “I have a lot of respect for him but it’s a lot of market share, so we’ll have to see what happens.” Asked whether Netflix should be allowed to acquire the Hollywood studio behind “Harry Potter” and HBO Max, Trump replied, “Well that's the question. They have a very big market share and when they have Warner Bros., that share goes up a lot, so I don’t know. I'll be involved in that decision, too.” Trump emphasized that Sarandos made no promises regarding regulatory approval but praised his track record in the entertainment industry. “There’s no question about it. It could be a problem,” he added. If approved, the merger is expected to significantly reshape the global entertainment and streaming landscape.  

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on a positive note on Monday, with key indices and most company shares advancing in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX gained 51 points, while the Shariah index DSES rose by 11 points and the blue-chip DS30 index increased by 12 points. A majority of issues saw price appreciation, with 324 gaining against 23 losers, while prices of 40 remained unchanged. DSE, CSE begin week with indices edging lower The turnover at DSE crossed Tk 162 crore during the first half of the session. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also opened higher, with its broad index up by 22 points. Of the traded issues, 39 advanced, 22 declined, and 9 remained unchanged. The turnover at CSE reached Tk 3.70 crore in the first half.

China’s exports bounced back in November after a surprising decline in October, although shipments to the United States fell nearly 29% year-on-year for the eighth consecutive month of double-digit drops. Customs data released Monday showed overall exports grew 5.9% in dollar terms to $330.3 billion, surpassing economists’ expectations. This followed a 1.1% contraction in October. While exports to the U.S. remain weak, shipments to other regions, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, have surged. China’s imports also rose 1.9% in November, an improvement over October’s 1% growth, despite ongoing pressure from the property sector affecting consumer spending and business investment. The growth follows a year-long trade truce between China and the U.S., reached during a late-October meeting in South Korea between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. As part of the truce, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese goods, and China agreed to halt certain export controls on rare earths. Japan revises GDP figures, showing deeper July–September economic slump “While the trade truce and U.S. tariff reductions should support Chinese exports, we are entering a period of unfavorable base effects,” wrote ING Bank economists Lynn Song and Deepali Bhargava, noting strong export growth last year ahead of Trump’s tariff hikes. “This should keep trade growth modest.” Despite exports holding up, China’s factory activity contracted for the eighth consecutive month, and economists say it is too early to determine whether the trade truce has sparked a real rebound in external demand. Analysts generally expect China to meet its annual growth target of around 5% this year. Chinese leaders recently outlined plans to focus on advanced manufacturing over the next five years, with details expected at an upcoming economic planning meeting. However, BNP Paribas strategist Chi Lo warned that a stable global trade environment is unlikely, given the ongoing stalemate in China-U.S. relations. Still, some economists are optimistic about China’s long-term export prospects. Morgan Stanley forecasts that by 2030, China’s share of global exports could rise to 16.5% from about 15% today, driven by strengths in advanced manufacturing and high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles, robotics, and batteries. Putin and Modi announce $100 Billion trade target by 2030 “Despite trade tensions, protectionism, and active industrial policies in G20 economies, we believe China will continue gaining share in the global goods export market,” said Morgan Stanley Chief Asia Economist Chetan Ahya. Source: AP 

Japan’s economy shrank more sharply than initially estimated in the July–September quarter, contracting at an annualized rate of 2.3% as exports weakened under U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures and public investment slowed. Revised government data released Monday show the economy fell 0.6% from the previous quarter — a steeper downturn than the preliminary estimate last month, which pointed to a 1.8% annualized contraction or a 0.4% quarterly decline, according to the Cabinet Office. The annualized figure reflects how the economy would perform if the quarter’s pace continued for a full year. Exports dropped 1.2% from the previous quarter, unchanged from the earlier estimate, while private residential investment slid 8.2%, a milder fall than the initially reported 9.4%. The tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this year have weighed heavily on Japan, particularly duties targeting automobiles — a key sector. Although the U.S. scaled back planned tariff surcharges on Japanese goods to 15% in September, the trade pressure has already disrupted business confidence. During negotiations, Japan pledged to invest $550 billion in the U.S. as a conciliatory gesture. Analysts attribute the significant drop in residential investment partly to updated building regulations that curbed housing starts earlier this year. China and France pledge closer cooperation on global crises and trade Revised data also show imports dipping 0.4% during the quarter, while private consumption edged up 0.2%. The ongoing tariff disputes have strained Japan’s relations with its most critical ally, the United States. Meanwhile, Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, continues to enjoy strong public support, known for her assertive nationalist rhetoric and promises of economic revitalization — though analysts say the outlook remains uncertain. Source: AP 

Banglalink on Saturday kicked off its annual Safety and Wellness Week 2025 with a vibrant walkathon held simultaneously in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Bogura. More than 560 employees took part in the event, demonstrating a shared commitment to health, safety, and overall well-being, a company media statement said on Sunday. This year’s theme, “Strength in Action, Care in Every Step,” reflects Banglalink’s focus on fostering a people-centered workplace. The theme highlights a culture where mindful habits, daily actions, and genuine care guide how employees engage with their work, support their colleagues, and nurture their personal wellness. Throughout the week, employees will take part in a series of activities designed to promote holistic well-being. These include health screenings, one-on-one consultations, fire safety awareness sessions, live safety drills, mindfulness classes, stress management activities, and a number of interactive wellness engagements. Each initiative has been thoughtfully designed to inspire healthier routines, reinforce essential safety practices, and encourage a balanced and mindful lifestyle. The Walkathon began early in the morning with Dhaka participants starting from Banglalink’s headquarters, Tiger’s Den, while teams from other regions set off from their respective office locations. As employees walked their designated routes, the event served as a powerful reminder that well-being often begins with small and intentional steps. Chief Executive Officer Johan Buse and members of the leadership team formally inaugurated Safety and Wellness Week 2025 at Tiger’s Den. Their presence reaffirmed Banglalink’s commitment to cultivating a safe, caring, and supportive work environment. Ruhul Quader, Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer (Acting) at Banglalink, said, “The walkathon gives this week a purposeful start. It reminds us that safety and wellness are not occasional priorities but everyday habits we build together. When employee feel supported to look after their health, the entire organization becomes stronger. This week strengthens that spirit by encouraging us to care for ourselves, look out for one another, and create a workplace where well-being is a natural part of how we move forward as a team.” The company is also committed to the safety and well-being of its customers. After the recent 5.7 earthquake, Banglalink immediately offered two hours of free calling to help people connect with their loved ones.

The upward trend in remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis has continued into December, with the country receiving approximately US $632 million in the first six days of the month. According to the latest update from Bangladesh Bank (BB), the $632 million remittance figure for December 1-6 is an increase of approximately $38 million compared to the same period last year. In December of the previous year (2024), the country received around $594 million in the first six days. Read more: Expats send remittance over 5m times to bKash via Pubali Bank in 10-month The growth is attributed to several factors, including incentives offered for sending money through legal banking channels, increased encouragement for using the formal system, and the active role of exchange houses. Remittance inflow has shown robust growth throughout the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26). From July 1 to December 6, 2025, the total remittance inflow reached $13.67 billion. This represents an increase of $1.939 billion compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year (FY 2024-25), when the total stood at $11.732 billion. The year-on-year growth rate for the fiscal year to date is 16.5 percent. Read more: Bangladesh losing grip on Middle East remittance lifeline!

Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, has been elected President of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the tenure of 2026–2027. The election was announced at FICCI’s 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday (December 7, 2025) at a hotel in the capital. Alongside Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Deepal Abeywickrema, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Bangladesh PLC, was elected as the Senior Vice President, and Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC, was elected as the Vice President. Chowdhury will succeed Zaved Akhtar, Chairman of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd., who served as FICCI President for the tenure of 2024–2025. The newly elected 15-member Board of Directors will officially assume charge on January 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the current Board’s tenure on December 31, 2025. After the election in her remarks, FICCI President-elect Rupali Haque Chowdhury expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by member companies. “I am committed to advancing the Chamber’s mission of strengthening foreign investment and supporting the country’s economic transformation,” she stated.  

The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association has announced an increase in the retail prices of edible oil, raising the rates of bottled soybean and palm oil with effect from Monday morning. In a media release issued on Sunday evening, the association said a litre of bottled soybean oil will now be sold at Tk 195, up from Tk 189. The price of loose soybean oil has also been increased by Tk 7 per litre, setting the new rate at Tk 176, compared to the previous Tk 169. The price of a five-litre bottle of soybean oil has been fixed at Tk 955, rising by Tk 33 from Tk 922. Palm oil prices have seen a sharper rise, with the rate increasing by Tk 16 per litre to Tk 166, from the earlier price of Tk 150. According to the association, the revised rates have been set in consultation with the commerce ministry, aligning local prices with the international market.  

Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) opened the week with a decline in key indices as most listed companies saw their share prices fall on Sunday. The DSEX, the benchmark index of the DSE, gained in the first hour of trading but slipped as the day progressed, eventually closing 13 points lower. The Shariah-based DSES dropped 3 points, while the blue-chip DS30 shed 5 points. A total of 209 issues declined, 110 advanced and 68 remained unchanged. Block market transactions amounted to Tk 13 crore across 29 companies, with Fine Foods topping the board by selling shares worth Tk 6 crore. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 267 crore, down from Tk 364 crore in the previous trading session. Summit Alliance Port Ltd led the day’s gainers with a 7.5% rise, while FAS Finance & Investment Ltd fell the most, dropping 10%. At the CSE, the CASPI index remained in negative territory throughout the session and closed 62 points lower. Of the traded issues, 99 declined, 37 advanced and 18 remained unchanged. The turnover at the port-city bourse reached Tk 13.95 crore, slightly higher than the previous session’s Tk 13.81 crore. Chartered Life Insurance PLC topped the CSE gainers with a nearly 10% rise, while Premier Leasing & Finance Ltd hit the bottom with a 10% fall.