United News of Bangladesh

China's top internet regulator has launched a two-month nationwide campaign to tackle online defamation, extortion, and malicious marketing that harm businesses and entrepreneurs. Announced Thursday by the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the campaign aims to clean up the digital environment and support a healthier business climate amid the country's drive for high-quality development, Xinhua reports. The initiative targets so-called "black mouths" -- online accounts or influencers who spread false or damaging content about companies for profit or leverage. Key issues include fabricating negative claims about product quality or finances, and demanding "deletion" or "PR" fees in exchange for removing harmful posts. India's steel expansion threatens climate goals and global efforts to clean up industry: report Authorities also flagged abuse of online influence disguised as "public supervision," particularly around sensitive business moments like product launches or stock listings. The campaign will address malicious manipulation of public data and online impersonation, misquotation, and privacy violations involving business leaders. As part of the internet regulator's broader 2025 operation to promote a more orderly, credible and law-abiding online space, the initiative urges internet platforms to enhance content management, improve the handling of corporate-related complaints, and take greater responsibility for curbing online abuse.

The key index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rose in the first hour of trading on the last working day of the week, while the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a marginal decline. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index gained 12 points shortly after trading began.  Dhaka, Chattogram bourses end higher amid broad-based gains Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES index and the blue-chip DS30 index both advanced by 4 points. Share prices of most companies increased during this period. Of the issues traded, 180 advanced, 95 declined and 90 remained unchanged. The turnover on the DSE crossed Tk 70 crore within the first hour. Meanwhile, the CSE's overall index dropped by 9 points.  Share markets slump again, indices fall in Dhaka and Chattogram Out of 62 issues traded in Chattogram, 31 advanced, 24 declined, and 7 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE exceeded Tk 1 crore during the same period.  

Dhaka, May 21 (UNB) - Both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets ended with indices on the rise, accompanied by gains in the majority of listed companies on Wednesday, the fifth trading day of the week. Trading volume also increased in both the bourses. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX advanced by 6 points. The Shariah-compliant DSES index gained 2 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 1 point.  Apparel makers highlight importance diplomacy, branding eyeing 100 bln dollar industry Of the 399 companies traded, prices increased for most. A total of 227 companies saw gains, while prices fell for 105 and remained unchanged for 67. Share prices increased across all three categories—A, B and Z. In the A category, which includes companies with good dividend records, 142 of the 221 traded companies registered price gains, while 56 declined and 23 remained unchanged.  Remittance inflow stays strong as BD expats send $1.61bn in 17 days of May Nearly all of the 36 mutual funds that participated in trading saw price increases. Specifically, 35 mutual fund units posted gains, while prices for 13 remained unchanged. In the DSE block market, shares worth Tk 22 crore from 27 companies were traded. Orion Infusion Limited topped the list with block trades amounting to Tk 5 crore. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 326 crore, up from Tk 297 crore in the previous trading session. Legacy Footwear led the gainers at the DSE with a 9.85 percent rise in share price. On the other hand, Progressive Life Insurance suffered the biggest loss, dropping by over 6 percent. Chattogram Market Also Sees Gains Similar to Dhaka, indices also rose at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE). At the end of the session, the CSE's overall index climbed 29 points. Out of the 194 companies that traded, 113 saw their share prices increase, 53 declined, and 28 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the CSE reached Tk 7.84 crore, up from Tk 6.65 crore in the previous session. Legacy Footwear was also the top gainer at the CSE with a 10 percent increase in share price. Conversely, Monospool Bangladesh PLC ended at the bottom of the list with a 9.97 percent decline.

Highlighting the importance of apparel diplomacy and exit policy, Sammilito Parishad panel leader Md Abul Kalam on Wednesday said they will adopt a two-pronged strategy to maintain long-term competitiveness - apparel diplomacy on the one hand, and a responsible exit policy on the other. "We have crossed a chapter in the garment industry, the next journey is on the way to a 100 billion dollar industry. Therefore, more caution is needed in this journey," he said while sharing his panel's election manifesto at a programme as the BGMEA election is approaching. Kalam said they are facing global policy changes related to business such as increasing production costs, gas-electricity crisis, sustainability, HREDD (Human Rights and Environmental Due Dilligence), CSDDD, Traceability, etc. "If we can successfully face these challenges, we are on the verge of reaching unique heights," he said. For such a time, Kalam said they need leadership composed of experience, youth and courage—who are able to work with workers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and international partners with equal skills. "We have presented a timely panel combining all those skills at your service," he said. The biennial election of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is scheduled for May 31 May and two submitted their nomination papers recently to contest the poll. The two panels are Forum and Sammilito Parishad. Apparel makers urged not to take export orders without justified rate Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu) submitted his nomination as the panel leader of the Forum. Former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan submitted the nomination paper on behalf of Sammilito Parishad panel leader Abul Kalam. Kalam shared twelve broad areas as manifesto of his panel on Wednesday. These are SME Support Cell & Policy Advocacy; Utility Security & Alternate Incentive Package; Building the Apparel Workforce of Industry 4.0: Upskilling Mid-Level Managers; Access to Finance: Green Funding Desk and Banking Support; Market  and Product Diversification: Expanding Bangladesh’s Reach Beyond Traditional Markets and Beyond Cotton Products; Alternate Incentive Benefit Policy for Post-LDC Competitiveness & Backward Linkage Strengthening; Trade Facilitation & NBR Reform: Bond Access, VAT Simplification, and Regulatory Ease; EPIC – Export Competitiveness, Policy Intelligence Cell & Digital Transformation Center; Social Compliance Enhancement Program – Toward a Unified Code of Conduct; Green Transformation with Business Value: Circularity, Renewable Energy, Decarbonization & Competitive Differentiation; Made in Bangladesh – Premium Edition: Repositioning Bangladesh in the Global Market and Trade Diplomacy & Responsible Exit Policy. Kalam said they will launch the 'Made in Bangladesh – Premium Edition' branding campaign to reposition Bangladesh from a low-cost manufacturer to a modern, sustainable, and value-driven sourcing destination. This initiative, he said, will focus on curated branding assets and storytelling content for premium global buyers, showcasing factories with innovation, ethical practices, and green credentials, supporting members in brand-building—professional photoshoots, catalogs, virtual showrooms, and sustainability profiles, partnering with EPB,  embassies, trade bodies, and major events to carry the Bangladesh premium story to the world and promoting categories like high-end knitwear, outerwear, and circular collections through “design-forward” showcases. To safeguard Bangladesh’s long-term competitiveness in the global apparel market, Kalam said they will pursue a dual approach: proactive trade diplomacy to secure preferential access and expand market reach, and a humane exit policy to support distressed factories in shutting down responsibly, protecting workers, and enabling entrepreneurial recovery. Apparel makers seek Tk 300cr for smooth exit of struggling units He laid emphasis on strategic trade diplomacy to secure GSP/GSP+ extensions, post-LDC trade preferences, and duty-free access in key markets (EU, UK, Canada, Japan). Kalam said they will launch an "Apparel Diplomacy Roadmap" aligned with embassies to promote sourcing, diversification, and foreign investment and establish a buyer accountability mechanism engaging with the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Bank, and embassies abroad. Diplomatic channels will be used to issue formal notices through Bangladesh’s embassies and high commissions, ensuring financial and reputational consequences for defaulting/non-paying buyers.

Trading in the country’s two major bourses – Dhaka and Chattogram – began on a positive note on Wednesday, the fifth working day of the week, with indices gaining and share prices of most companies edging up in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX rose by 15 points at the start of the session. Of the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES gained 4 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 advanced by 9 points. During the first hour of trading, share prices increased for the majority of the listed companies. Of the issues traded, the prices rose for 236 companies, declined for 78, and remained unchanged for 62. Market swings amid volatile trading at DSE and CSE The total turnover on the DSE crossed Tk 90 crore in the first hour. Over at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), the overall index increased by 8 points. Among the 75 companies that saw trading activity on the CSE during the same period, the prices went up for 37, declined for 19 and remained unchanged for 19. The CSE's turnover in the first hour surpassed Tk 2 crore.

President Donald Trump loves big numbers — and he's always happy to talk them up. Trump, who coined the phrase “truthful hyperbole” in his book “The Art of the Deal,” over the last few days has been steadily increasing the amount of money he says that countries in the Mideast pledged to invest in the U.S. when he visited the region last week. He didn't provide underlying details. The figure has gone from $2 trillion last week to potentially as much as $7 trillion as of Tuesday, according to statements by Trump and the White House. A look at how the number has bounced around: THURSDAY: With his Mideast trip still under way, Trump told reporters on Air Force One: “We just took in $4 trillion.” Opulence, business deals and a $400M plane from Qatar: Takeaways from Trump’s Mideast tour FRIDAY: A White House statement said Trump’s “first official trip was a huge success, locking in over $2 trillion in great deals.” MONDAY: “We brought back about $5.1 trillion," Trump said in remarks to the Kennedy Center's leadership. “That’s not bad. And, it’s being credited as one of the, maybe, the most successful visit that anybody's ever made to any place. There's never been anything like this.” TUESDAY: “They’re spending $5.1 trillion, probably it’s going to be $7 trillion by the time we stop,” Trump said before a U.S. Capitol meeting with Republican House members. TUESDAY: “You know, we took in $5.1 trillion in the last four days from the Middle East,” Trump said later in the afternoon in the Oval Office. The White House did not respond to a request to explain the sources of Trump's escalating claims. The White House did provide a breakdown on the $2 trillion in its Friday statement. It included $600 billion in investment from Saudi Arabia, which the country announced in January as part of a four-year commitment. There would also be a $1.2 trillion economic exchange with Qatar, as well as $243.5 billion in commercial and defense deals with that country. The United Arab Emirates committed to $200 billion in deals with the U.S., putting the initial White House total at $2.24 trillion, provided all those commitments are actually fulfilled. Not all of the investment commitments or promised jobs are sure to materialize, so the final tally might not be as much as promised. Tariffs, oil prices and other uncertainties weighing down Mideast economies, IMF says Trump said in 2017 that the electronics manufacturer Foxconn would build a $10 billion factory in Wisconsin employing 13,000 people, only for the company to back down from that commitment in 2019.

Bangladesh has received US $1.61 billion in inward remittances during the first 17 days of May, marking a robust flow of foreign currency from expatriate workers, according to a revised update from Bangladesh Bank. The data shows that remittances during this period averaged $94.70 million per day, significantly higher than the $75.1 million daily average recorded in May 2024. A breakdown of the remittance sources reveals that $493.3 million came through state-owned banks, while two specialised state-owned (agricultural) banks channelled $159.9 million. Private commercial banks facilitated $962.7 million of the total, and foreign banks brought in $313.0 million. Among all banks, Islami Bank registered the highest remittance inflow, receiving $277.8 million. From July 2024 to 17 May 2025—within the current fiscal year FY 2024–25—Bangladesh has received a record $26.14 billion in remittances. This figure surpasses the total of $23.91 billion received during the entire FY 2023–24. Reserves breach $22 bn-mark on back of strong currency, remittances Expatriates have already sent $24.54 billion between July and April of FY 2024–25, which exceeds the previous fiscal year’s full-year figure. Monthly inflows over this ten-month period reflect consistent growth: April: $2.75 billion March: $3.29 billion February: $2.53 billion January: $2.19 billion December: $2.64 billion November: $2.2 billion October: $2.39 billion September: $2.4 billion August: $2.22 billion July: $1.91 billion The steady rise in remittance inflow continues to bolster Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves and contributes significantly to the national economy, experts said.

Oxfam and the Fair Pay Foundation (FPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Oxford, UK which is seen as a step towards transforming the tea industry and uplifting the lives of marginalised workers. This "strategic partnership" aims to build a global movement for fairness, ethical business, equality, and justice in labor-intensive industries—starting with tea plantations in Bangladesh. Policy makers, business personalities, academicians, Bangladeshi diaspora members of the UK joined the MoU signing event on May 19. Signed by Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman KGOR OBE, Ambassador and Chairman of the Fair Pay Foundation, and Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, this MoU sets the foundation for the development of a Model Tea State, Oxfam said on Tuesday.  Gold price increased by Tk 1364 per bhori from Sunday The model will showcase fair remuneration, ethical & responsible business, decent working conditions, climate-smart practices, gender justice, and economic resilience. “The signing of this MoU is more than a ceremonial agreement. It is a commitment to restoring dignity, equality, and opportunity for one of the most exploited labor forces in the world,” said Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman KGOR OBE, Chairman of the Fair Pay Foundation. As part of the partnership, Oxfam and FPF will collaborate to implement a comprehensive roadmap to operationalize the Model Tea State in Bangladesh. This includes conducting in-depth social architecture and power analyses, assessing market opportunities, promoting eco-tourism, introducing renewable energy solutions, improving housing and health infrastructure, and amplifying the voice and agency of women workers through leadership platforms. Dr Halima Begum, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, emphasised the transformative potential of this collaboration.  SAFE HVACR & Cold Chain Expo: Haier to present new horizon in indoor climate control technology "Today’s partnership towards Fair Pay as a movement shows that when we say we stand with marginalised communities, we mean it. With our investment in the Model Tea State, we are helping to build a future where workers and owners are partners, with shared ambitions and values.”  

After two consecutive days of decline, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rebounded on Monday, though the Chattogram bourse saw its key index fall. Despite the contrasting index movements, the share prices of most companies rose in both the markets. The benchmark DSEX index of the DSE gained 18 points, while the Shariah-compliant DSES added 5 points and the DS30, comprising blue-chip companies advanced 8 points.  Stock Market: Trading opens lower in Dhaka, Chattogram Out of 390 issues traded on the DSE, 221 advanced, 104 declined and 75 remained unchanged. Prices rose across all three categories—A, B, and Z. In the A category, which consists of fundamentally strong and dividend-paying companies, 106 out of 213 traded issues posted gains, while 70 declined and 37 remained unchanged. But, most mutual funds saw price declines. Among the 36 funds that traded, 13 lost value, 10 gained, and 13 closed flat. In the block market, shares of 31 companies worth Tk 23 crore changed hands. Orion Infusion Limited topped the block trade list with shares worth Tk 11 crore.  Trading in DSE, CSE begins with continued fall in indices The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 297 crore, up from Tk 288 crore in the previous session. Fu-Wang Food emerged as the day’s top gainer with a 10% rise, while United Commercial Bank (UCB) shed over 6%, making it the day’s worst performer on the DSE. CSE Index Falls While Dhaka saw a modest upturn, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) closed in the red. The overall CSE index dropped by 7 points at the end of trading. Of the 174 companies traded at the CSE, 69 advanced, 65 declined and 40 remained unchanged. Turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 6.65 crore, a sharp drop from Tk 16.10 crore in the previous session. Shamrita Hospital gained 10%, topping the gainer list in Chattogram, while Uttara Finance and Investment Limited fell by the same margin, ending as the worst loser.

Both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets opened higher on the fourth trading day of the week on Tuesday, but the early gains were short-lived as indices fell in the second hour of trading. The majority of listed companies saw a decline in share prices by mid-session. During the first half of the trading session, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) dropped by 7 points. Of the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES also declined, while the DS30 index — which tracks blue-chip shares — edged down by 2 points. Out of the companies that participated in trading, share prices rose for 129, while 164 experienced a fall, and 89 remained unchanged. Trading value at the DSE crossed Tk 140 crore during the first half of the session. Market swings amid volatile trading at DSE and CSE The scenario was similar at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index shed 4 points. Of the 102 companies traded at the CSE, prices rose for 38, fell for 44 and remained unchanged for 20. During the first half of the session, shares and units worth over Tk 3 crore were traded on the CSE.