United News of Bangladesh

Trading at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) began on a positive note on Thursday, while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) opened lower. During the first hour, DSE’s key index, DSEX, gained 7 points. The Shariah-based DSES also edged up by 2 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index remained unchanged. Most participating companies at the DSE saw price appreciation, with 195 advancing, 108 declining, and 73 remaining unchanged. The turnover in the first half exceeded Tk 130 crore. Meanwhile, the CSE continued its downward trend, with its broad index falling by 6 points. A total of 27 issues advanced, 50 declined, and 14 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE reached Tk 7 crore during the same period.

The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) is set to host its annual flagship event, the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) 2025, beginning tomorrow (Sunday) in the capital. The two-day conference, running from December 7 to December 8, 2025, at the Conference Hall (2nd Floor) of Parjatan Bhaban, Agargaon, will be held under the theme "Democracy and Development." In an era where the connection between governance and economic progress is becoming increasingly vital, the conference aims to facilitate a rigorous and insightful dialogue on this pivotal relationship, with a specific focus on Bangladesh's context. The comprehensive two-day program is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and policy formulation. Key features include: Research Paper Presentations: Twenty cutting-edge research papers, meticulously selected for their relevance and contribution to Bangladesh's policy domain, will be presented across academic sessions. The Planning Advisor, Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, will deliver a keynote speech, setting the stage with a strategic vision for development planning within the framework of democratic institutions. The conference will feature a high-level panel discussion session with distinguished speakers from academia, government, and the development sectors. The Finance Advisor, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, is confirmed to be present during this session. Professor Dr. A. K. Enamul Haque, Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) will chair the programme. BIDS emphasized that the participation of thought leaders and experts will immensely enrich the discussions and contribute valuable insights to the discourse on the national development strategy.

Onion prices have surged by Tk 40–50 per kg within just two days, with the kitchen markets in Dhaka now selling it at Tk 140–150 per kg. A visit to several city markets on Saturday (December 06, 2025) found wholesalers charging Tk 650–680 for a palla (5 kg), pushing retail prices up sharply. Aminul Haque, an onion trader at Uttar Badda, said, “Just on Tuesday, onions were Tk 100 per kg at wholesale. A palla was selling for Tk 485–500, which is now Tk 680.” Read more: After saving one year, onion and ginger imports to halt within three years Another trader, Robiul, said, “Prices have increased by around Tk 50 per kg in two days. The price of each sack has gone up by Tk 850–1,000.” Harunur Rashid, an onion trader from Rampura, said there is no logical reason for the sudden spike. “The early-season 'murikata' onions have started arriving. Prices should have gone down, not up.” Market visits showed that 'murikata' onions are now available in small quantities, but their prices have also increased by Tk 10 per kg. Recently selling at Tk 70–80, they now cost around Tk 90 per kg. Onion imports withheld to protect farmers: Agriculture Adviser Karwan Bazar trader Mominul said the price of old onions has pushed buyers toward murikata, but limited supply has driven prices higher. Consumers expressed frustration over the abrupt hike. “How can onion prices rise by Tk 50 in two days?” said Rabeya Akhter, a shopper at Rampura. Another buyer, Ehsanul Haque, complained about the lack of market monitoring. “Traders are running the market however they want. Without monitoring, consumers will suffer.” Buyers urged strict monitoring to stabilise the market, while experts warned that lack of oversight will make the situation more volatile. Read more: Kitchen Market: Onion prices still high, hilsa out of reach

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at the 23rd Russia-India Summit, where both leaders agreed to broaden economic cooperation amid U.S. pressure on India to reconsider its longstanding ties with Moscow. The summit comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. seeks a peace deal in Ukraine and pushes for global alignment. India faces the challenge of balancing its relations with Moscow and Washington as the war in Ukraine continues. Modi welcomed Putin at the airport with a warm embrace and handshake. Following their talks, the leaders announced a new economic cooperation program extending to 2030, aiming to expand bilateral trade to $100 billion and strengthen energy partnerships. Last fiscal year, trade between the two countries totaled $68.7 billion, heavily favoring Russia. Putin highlighted ongoing plans for India to establish a free trade zone with the Eurasian Economic Union, which could further boost trade. “Russia is a reliable supplier of energy and resources essential for India’s growth,” he said, reaffirming uninterrupted fuel supplies. Modi emphasized long-standing civil nuclear and energy cooperation, as well as future collaboration in clean energy, shipbuilding, fertilizers, and labor mobility. The visit comes amid U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, with critics warning that India’s continued imports may complicate its negotiations for trade agreements with the EU and U.S. India maintains that its priority is securing energy for its 1.4 billion population, with both private and state oil companies making decisions based on market conditions. Putin and Modi to discuss strategic ties amid US pressure Defense and trade cooperation were also highlighted, including faster delivery of S-400 missile systems, joint manufacturing of defense components, and upgrades to Russian-made Su-30MKI jets. India plans to boost exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles to Russia, while seeking long-term fertilizer supplies and protection for Indian migrant workers. Putin last visited India in 2021, while Modi met him in Moscow last year and in China in September during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Source: AP 

China and France on Thursday pledged deeper collaboration on global challenges such as the war in Ukraine and trade, as France prepares to assume the presidency of the Group of Seven next year. French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping during a three-day state visit focused on diplomacy and economic ties. Macron urged Beijing to join international efforts to pressure Russia toward a ceasefire, particularly a moratorium on strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Xi did not directly respond but emphasized China’s support for peace efforts and called for agreements acceptable to all parties. Xi also announced $100 million in aid to support Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and reconstruction. The leaders highlighted stronger trade and economic cooperation, agreeing on 12 deals covering aerospace, nuclear energy, green industries, AI, panda conservation, and higher education exchanges. Xi emphasized China’s commitment to expanding market access and promoting mutually beneficial collaboration with France and the EU. Xi and Macron vow to deepen cooperation on global crises and trade Experts noted that Beijing may use bilateral agreements to strengthen ties with France individually, potentially undermining broader EU cohesion. Macron’s visit also includes engagements in Chengdu, including the giant panda research center, where France returned pandas last month that had been living in the country for 13 years. The visit underscores France and China’s intent to combine diplomatic engagement with economic initiatives while navigating global crises. Source: AP 

Bangladesh’s exported goods worth US $3.89 billion in November 2025, marking a 1.77 percent increase compared to the previous month. During the first five months of the FY 2025–26 (July–November), total exports stood at $20.03 billion, showing a 0.62 percent growth over the same period of the previous fiscal year, which recorded $19.9 billion. While exports in November 2025 registered a 5.54 percent year-on-year decline compared to November 2024, the overall monthly upward trend signals sustained resilience and adaptability within Bangladesh’s export sectors. The apparel sector remains the backbone of export performance, contributing $3.14 billion in November 2025. Both knitwear and woven garments continued to drive earnings, supported by strong contributions from leather and leather goods, agricultural products, jute and jute goods, home textiles, pharmaceuticals, ships, shrimp, and light engineering products. These diverse sectors collectively strengthened the country’s export portfolio. September export earnings down 4.5% y-on-y amid initial effect of Trump's tariff Among key export destinations, the United States and the United Kingdom maintained their leading positions, achieving growth rates of 4.20 percent and 3.04 percent, respectively. Exports to several emerging and strategic markets also rose significantly—China 23.83 percent, Poland 11.57 percent, Saudi Arabia 11.34 percent, and Spain 10.46 percent reflecting Bangladesh’s expanding global market footprint. Despite year-on-year fluctuations, the continued month-on-month growth and strong performance across major sectors underscore the resilience, competitiveness, and positive outlook for Bangladesh’s export industries in the global market.

Customers can now make payments simply by tapping their phones on an NFC (Near Field Communication)–enabled QR code through bKash. This new service is designed to make digital payments more seamless, secure, and contactless, according to a media statement on Thursday. With just a tap, customers can complete transactions in seconds—without the need to enter a PIN—enhancing their cashless payment experience and strengthening the country’s digital payment ecosystem. NFC technology makes everyday transactions faster and hassle-free, especially at small and large shops, supermarkets, cafés, and other retail outlets. To pay via NFC using bKash, customers simply tap their phone on an NFC-marked QR code. After logging in, they are taken directly to the payment screen, where they enter the amount and confirm the payment. This eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting or compromising PINs while improving the security of the bKash app. Customers can make NFC payments of up to Tk 1,000 without a PIN. Leveraging technological advancements, bKash continues to introduce innovative, customer-centric services to make daily transactions easier, safer, and hassle-free. In line with this commitment, the company has launched the NFC payment service, enabling customers to enjoy cashless, contactless, and secure transactions. Gradually, this service will be rolled out at merchant points nationwide, the statement said.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Thursday said the country’s economic policy is independently formulated and not dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank. “If we follow their prescriptions blindly, the exchange rate could surge to around Tk 170–180 per US dollar, as has happened in Pakistan and Sri Lanka,” he said. The governor made the remarks while speaking as the special guest at the ‘Investment Dialogue with Local Partners’ held at the multipurpose hall of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Thursday. Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan was also present as the chief guest in the programme. Dr Mansur said inflation is expected to fall to 5 percent by the end of the current fiscal year, FY2025-26. Consequently, the policy rate would likely be reduced to 8–9 percent, with lending rates settling between 10 and 11 percent. He cautioned that reducing interest rates without controlling inflation could destabilise the exchange rate and the money market, responding to businesses’ demands for lower lending rates. Citing examples from India and China, the governor noted that their low interest rates—3 percent and zero percent, respectively—reflect their economic conditions, which differ from Bangladesh’s. “We are not currently taking IMF loan installments because some conditions cannot be fulfilled at this time for the sake of our economy. When needed, we will take IMF loans after fully meeting the global lender’s conditions,” he added. About the financial sector, Dr. Mansur said it has now emerged from previous data manipulations that had posed serious risks to the country. For instance, while official figures under the previous regime showed single-digit inflation, actual inflation was around 12–13 percent, with lending rates in single digits, leaving depositors with negative returns. Similarly, defaulted loans were underreported, shown below double digits, though they stood at around 35 percent in September 2025. Current accounts have now been corrected. On the question of recovering defaulted loans through the sale of industry assets, the governor clarified that industries should not be penalized for individual mismanagement. He cited the example of the SS power plant of S. Alam Group, which continues to operate with support from Bangladesh Bank for LC openings. The project involves about US $2.5 billion in investment, 80 percent of which is foreign-owned. Although the plant is running, S. Alam will not retain any profit, as all funds will be used to repay liabilities, he added. Dr Mansur pointed out that Bangladesh Bank has received 1,300 applications for loan restructuring, approving 250 of them. The remaining applications have been forwarded to respective banks for customer- and client-based restructuring. He projected that defaulted loans will decrease by 5 percent by March FY2025-26, but bringing overall non-performing loans to a reasonable level may take 8–10 years. Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser on International Affairs, and Mohammad Abdur Rahman Khan, FCMA, Chairman of NBR, participated in the dialogue, held Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BEZA and BIDA, in the chair.

Trading at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) began on a downward note Thursday, with most listed companies seeing price declines. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index dropped by 38 points in the first hour of trading. The Shariah-based DSES index slid 9 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index also fell by 9 points. Market data shows that prices fell for the majority of traded issues, with 284 companies declining against 48 advancing, while 48 remained unchanged. The turnover during the first half exceeded Tk 168 crore. The bearish trend persisted at the CSE as well, where the overall index lost 45 points. Only 20 issues advanced compared to 48 that declined, and 10 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE reached Tk 7 crore in the same period.    

Thailand on Wednesday lifted a 53-year-old restriction on the afternoon retail sale of alcoholic beverages, a move aimed at boosting year-end tourism and supporting businesses such as bars and convenience stores. The prohibition on selling beer, wine, and spirits between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., first introduced in 1972 during military rule, will be lifted on a 180-day trial, after which authorities will assess its impact. The amendment, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, allows alcohol sales from 11 a.m. to midnight, with patrons at nightlife venues permitted to drink until 1 a.m. While Thailand is largely Buddhist, discouraging alcohol consumption, drinking remains widespread. Authorities had expressed concerns that extending sales could worsen drunk-driving incidents. Previously, afternoon alcohol sales were inconsistently enforced, with exemptions for airports, hotels, and certain entertainment venues. Temporary bans were also imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb virus spread. The trial aims to balance public safety with economic benefits during the holiday season. Source: AP