United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury has highlighted the need for stronger coordination between BIDA and the Ministry of Home Affairs to create a seamless, secure and investor-friendly environment for foreign professionals and investors in Bangladesh. He made the remarks at a high-level sensitization session on investment facilitation and security coordination held at BIDA’s Multipurpose Hall in Agargaon’s Biniyog Bhaban on Wednesday. The event, organised by BIDA in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the TEPP-II project, saw participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Immigration & Passports and relevant security agencies. “Our partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs has come a long way, as we share a joint responsibility to ensure a welcoming and enabling environment for foreigners who choose to invest and work in Bangladesh,” Ashik said. He noted that a significant portion of the work permit ecosystem, including BIDA’s work permit services and the Home Ministry’s security clearance process, has already been digitalised. “We are now actively working to digitalise the visa application process in partnership with the Department of Immigration.” Emphasising procedural harmony, he said, “It is critical that investors experience a seamless and harmonised process across institutions. When an investor applies for a work permit, there should be no unreasonable disparity between procedures at BIDA, BEZA, or any other investment promotion agency.” Speaking at the session, Md Delwar Hossain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the ministry has successfully shifted the entire security clearance process online in collaboration with BIDA. “We are now working to transition passport and related services to a fully digital platform as well.” Md Ariful Haque, Director General of BIDA’s International Investment Promotion Wing, called on field-level officers to consistently share on-ground experiences and challenges so that future policy decisions are better informed and service delivery continues to improve. Under the new online system for obtaining security clearance against work permits, which officially came into effect on 1 October 2025, foreign investors and expatriate employees must submit applications exclusively through BIDA’s One Stop Service (OSS) Portal. Once submitted, if no objections are raised within 21 working days, clearance will automatically be deemed granted. Failure to submit the application within the specified timeframe will render the permit invalid. BIDA continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs to simplify procedures, enhance transparency, and further strengthen Bangladesh’s investment service ecosystem.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday issued a public advisory following social media and media reports about a surge of counterfeit currency, reportedly entering the country from India. The central bank urged citizens not to panic unnecessarily. In a media release, Bangladesh Bank warned that such reports could create confusion and instability, and reminded the public that manufacturing, carrying, or transacting fake notes is a serious offence under existing law. The central bank said it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money. Both BB and security forces are “maintaining strict vigilance and taking regular, effective measures to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money” by monitoring the source, flow, and use of fake notes. The advisory follows a viral Facebook post by a Qatar-based investigative journalist, which prompted Bangladesh Bank and national law enforcement agencies to intensify countermeasures against fake currency. To safeguard the public, BB advised individuals to verify security features when receiving notes, including watermarks, intaglio print, security threads, colour-shifting ink, and micro-text. The bank urged the public to conduct all large-scale transactions through formal banking channels and to prefer digital payments over cash wherever possible. Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious notes immediately to the nearest police station or by calling the National Emergency Service 999. The central bank also reminded the public that detailed information on the security features of genuine notes is available on its website, www.bb.org.bd, and that instructional X-banners and posters are displayed at every bank branch nationwide.

The government is working on a Tk 100-crore fund through the Jute Diversification Promotion Centre (JDPC) to revive the use of jute bags and bring about a cultural shift towards jute-based products, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Wednesday. “We are trying to bring about a cultural change in the market with a fund of nearly Tk 100 crore through JDPC, involving around 1,006 entrepreneurs. Like in the past, we want to see how we can reintroduce jute bags in daily use. There is a vast global market for jute as a wrapping material. Research is needed to expand the jute sector’s square metre coverage, mileage, and scope,” he said. The adviser was addressing a seminar titled ‘The Role of Jute in Sustainable Development – Hafizuddin Ahmed and Fatema Ahmed Trust Lecture 2025’ held at the auditorium of the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX). The Department of Yarn Engineering organised the event. Calling the students as ‘future captains’, Bashir Uddin urged them to adopt innovation and cost-effective production methods to enhance the commercial success of jute products, making them competitive alternatives to plastic. “You have shown refined character in many areas by saying, ‘I don’t agree’. For jute bags, we need cultural change, not compulsion. Innovation, cost reduction, and enhanced capabilities are essential for the commercial success of jute products. To beat plastic, we need coordinated efforts in policies, actions, and initiatives. Increased productivity leads to more employment opportunities. Wherever you work, strive to make your institution the best,” he said. In her keynote presentation, Prof Dr Hosne Ara Begum of the Department of Yarn Engineering highlighted the role of jute cultivation and exports in ensuring a sustainable and environment-friendly economy. She also called for the exclusive use of jute bags at the upcoming trade fair. Dhaka University’s former professor Rashida Akhtar Khanam, Director General of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute Dr Nargis Akhtar, IEB Vice-President Engr Khan Manjur Morshed, IETET Convener Engr Ahsanul Karim Kaiser, along with other faculty members and students, attended the event.  

The stock market took a major hit on Wednesday as the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) extended its losing streak, with its key index DSEX slumping by 80 points amid a broad-based sell-off. At the end of the day’s trading, the DSEX stood at 5,116 points — down from 5,197 points on Tuesday. The benchmark index began October at 5,415 points, marking a cumulative loss of 299 points in just 15 days. The Shariah-based index DSES dropped by 20 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 fell by 28 points, declining by 1.82% and 1.43% respectively over the previous session. The day saw a steep decline across most listed companies. Out of the total issues traded, only 33 advanced, while 328 declined and 35 remained unchanged. Prices fell sharply across all three categories — A, B and Z. In the premier A-category, which includes companies with the highest dividend records, only 22 issues gained, while 178 lost value. Indices dip sharply in first half of trading at DSE, CSE In the block market, shares worth Tk 6.35 crore were traded across 16 companies, with Mutual Trust Bank posting the highest transaction of Tk 1.98 crore. The turnover on the DSE hit its lowest level in October, dropping to Tk 487 crore, down from Tk 606 crore in the previous session. People’s Insurance Company Limited topped the gainers’ list with a 4.5% rise, while LankaBangla Finance PLC plunged more than 12% to become the worst performer of the day. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also mirrored the DSE’s downturn, with its overall index shedding 168 points, or 1.14%, in a single day. Out of 185 traded issues on the CSE, 30 advanced, 138 declined, and 17 remained unchanged. The turnover on the port city bourse also decreased slightly to Tk 14 crore, from Tk 15 crore in the previous session. SEML Lecture Equity Management Fund topped the gainers’ list on the CSE, surging over 9%, while LankaBangla Finance PLC also ended as the biggest loser there with a decline of more than 13%.  

The country’s major bourses witnessed a sharp fall in indices during the first half of trading on Wednesday, with most company shares losing value. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX dropped by 43 points in early trading. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES lost 10 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index fell by 17 points. Most share prices declined, with 280 companies witnessing losses against 55 gainers, while 59 remained unchanged. DSE, CSE end lower despite early gains The DSE recorded a turnover exceeding Tk 200 crore in the first half of trading. Meanwhile, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also suffered losses, as its key index slipped by 65 points. Out of the traded issues, the prices of 60 companies declined, 24 advanced and 11 remained unchanged. The CSE turnover crossed Tk 2 crore during the period.

Silver has reached a record-high price in Bangladesh this month, marking one of the strongest rallies the market has seen in 2025. This surge has turned silver investment into a serious conversation among general buyers, traders and long-term wealth planners. Let’s look at how the silver price has risen in 2025 so far and whether now is the best time to invest in silver. Silver Price Rising Trend in 2025 According to recent data released by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS), silver prices have witnessed a remarkable climb throughout 2025. It breaks previous records in multiple categories – 22 Karat, 21 Karat, 18 Karat, and Traditional – reflecting a year-long progression in value. Table: Category-wise Silver Price Rates as per BAJUS in 2025 Date Category-wise Price Rates (BDT/Vori) 22 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) 21 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) 18 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) Traditional October 14, 2025 6206 5914 5074 3803 September 18, 2025 3476 3313 2847 2135 August 27, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 July 8, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 June 15, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 May 22, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 April 23, 2025 2847 2718 2333 1750 March 19, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 February 10, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 January 22, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 . Read more:  5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised Profit Rates Silver market rates in Bangladesh remained mostly stable during the first eight months of 2025, followed by a sharp upswing from September onwards. The 22 Karat rate held around BDT 2,578 per vori early in the year, with minor movement until April’s BDT 2,847, then steadied again through August. A sudden leap to BDT 3,476 in September and a dramatic climb to BDT 6,206 by October marked the pinnacle of this year’s market rise. Similarly, each vori of 21-karat silver hovered between BDT 2,450 and BDT 2,718 until August, before spiking to BDT 3,313 in September and BDT 5,914 in October. The 18 Karat category stayed near BDT 2,112 through March and BDT 2,298 midyear, then rose to BDT 2,847 and finally BDT 5,074 by October. Traditional silver followed a steadier curve, moving from BDT 1,587 in early 2025 to BDT 1,750 in April, holding steady through August. Then, it jumps to BDT 2,135 in September and now to BDT 3,803. Overall, all categories showed remarkable late-year growth, suggesting heightened demand and market adjustments influenced by global price pressures and local currency shifts. Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Silver? . Global Market Influence Silver’s recent price momentum is deeply tied to structural global demand, playing a crucial role in industrial innovation. The metal is essential for manufacturing solar panels, electric vehicles, and even components used in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. As these sectors expand, particularly the clean energy transition, the pressure on silver supply is intensifying. Production levels haven’t caught up with the pace of industrial consumption, and major mining regions are already signalling reduced output. Therefore, the rising technological dependence and tightening supply point toward a medium-term bullish case for silver. This makes current prices, though elevated, still favourable for long-term investors seeking entry before demand outpaces availability further. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal Classic Supply-Demand Impact The spot market has been showing signs of tightening, with refineries and traders reporting limited physical supply. This scarcity is naturally pushing prices upward. For local investors, silver’s appeal is also growing because it remains a more attainable option compared to gold. Everyday jewellery buyers and small investors have increasingly turned to silver as gold’s price continues to surge beyond affordability. Globally, this persistent demand imbalance is fuelling a structural tailwind for prices. Even minor supply disruptions could amplify price gains, making silver a particularly attractive hedge in times of inflation or currency depreciation. In essence, the ongoing shortage is an opportunity for strategic investors. Safe-Haven Demand In times of economic and geopolitical instability, silver, like gold, becomes a safe-haven asset. The current investment climate, marked by currency fluctuations and uneven stock market performance, has made precious metals increasingly appealing. Yet, silver offers a distinctive advantage: it’s comparatively undervalued when assessed through the Gold-to-Silver Ratio (GSR). GSR = Gold Price ÷ Silver Price = BDT 2,13,720 ÷ BDT 6,206 ≈ 34.4 (For October, 2025) A ratio above 34 indicates that gold is over thirty-four times more expensive than silver per vori. This ratio offers Bangladeshi investors greater upside potential, making silver not only a protective asset but also a tactical play for value appreciation. Read more: Paribar Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised profit rates of Family Savings Certificate in Bangladesh Drawback of Price Fluctuation Volatility is a natural part of the silver market, and its recent price surge illustrates how fast momentum can shift. However, the short-term (like throughout a month) volatility is not a big fall for investors with a medium- or long-term horizon. In other words, price swings might create anxiety for speculative traders, but for those viewing silver as a strategic allocation, they offer entry opportunities. Good Reselling Value – Will the Rise Continue? The continuation of silver’s upward trajectory seems increasingly plausible. Across the year, prices have shown consistent growth with no notable dips – an encouraging sign for both short- and long-term traders. The global narrative favouring precious metals remains intact: inflation concerns and rising industrial demand all reinforce bullish sentiment. Moreover, first-time buyers have been entering the silver market at a record pace, boosting liquidity and confidence. For Bangladesh, this means silver retains strong resale potential, especially if global economic uncertainty persists. All in all, the industrial relevance, supply constraints, and investor enthusiasm suggest that silver’s rally still has meaningful distance to run. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Verdict The investment decision in silver in Bangladesh in 2025 stands at a defining moment. The price of 22-Karat hallmarked silver surged to BDT 6,206, while the 21-Karat price climbed to BDT 5,914. Meanwhile, 18 Karat silver reached BDT 5,074, and the Traditional category rose to BDT 3,803. This dramatic spike reflects tightening supply, soaring industrial demand, and rising safe-haven interest. Given these fundamentals, silver presents a strategic long-term opportunity. For investors seeking value beyond gold, 2025 may well be the year silver shines brightest.

The United States has seized more than $14 billion worth of bitcoin and charged Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Holding Group, in one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency fraud cases. Prosecutors accused Chen and his associates of operating a massive “pig butchering” scam that exploited forced labor, defrauded investors, and laundered billions of dollars through luxury purchases — including yachts, private jets, and even a Picasso painting. According to an indictment unsealed Tuesday in a Brooklyn federal court, Chen, 38, faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The U.S. Treasury Department declared Prince Holding Group a transnational criminal organization, while U.S. and U.K. authorities imposed sanctions on the conglomerate, which has interests in real estate and finance. Officials said Chen oversaw a vast cyberfraud empire, authorizing bribes, violence, and forced labor to sustain the operation. He allegedly boasted that his scam network generated up to $30 million daily. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella described the case as “one of the largest investment fraud operations in history.” If convicted, Chen faces up to 40 years in prison. He remains at large. Authorities said the U.S. could use the seized 127,271 bitcoins — currently worth about $113,000 each — to compensate victims. Investigators revealed that Prince Holding Group built at least 10 compounds in Cambodia where trafficked workers were forced to run online scams targeting victims worldwide. The compounds, some linked to casinos and hotels, were heavily guarded and equipped with call centers controlling thousands of fake social media accounts. Bitcoin surges past $118,000 for first time as Crypto momentum grows Prosecutors said workers were beaten, held captive, and forced to lure victims into fake investment schemes. Some victims lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency. Photos included in the indictment showed severely injured workers. The U.S. Treasury Department said Chen personally approved at least one beating but warned that the victim should not be “beaten to death.” Witnesses said escapees from one compound were “beaten until they are barely alive.” Chen, also known as “Vincent,” is a Chinese-born tycoon who holds the Cambodian royal honorific title “neak oknha” and has served as an adviser to Prime Minister Hun Manet and former leader Hun Sen. Experts said the case exposes deep links between Cambodia’s ruling elite and global scam networks. “These actions won’t end the scam economy overnight,” said Jacob Daniel Sims, a transnational crime expert at Harvard University, “but they send a clear signal that elite crime as a governing strategy carries growing international risks.” In 2023, the UN estimated that about 100,000 people were being forced to work in online scam operations in Cambodia, alongside tens of thousands more across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and the Philippines. Source: AP 

The five-day-long 20th National Furniture Fair 2025 begins on Tuesday in the capital at the Rajdarshan Hall of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Kuril, Dhaka The five-day event is being held across Gul Naksha (Hall—1), Pushpa guccha (Hall—2), and Rajdarshan (Hall—3) of the convention center under the slogan “My Country, My Dream—Decorating Homes with Local Furniture. Organiser said that a total of 48 leading furniture companies are participating in this years fair to showcase their latest designs and innovative products across 278 stalls. Prominent participating brands include Akhtar, Hatil, Brothers, Nadia, Ayoto, Omega, JMG, Navana, Athenas, Partex, Regal, and Legacy. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser to the Ministry of Commerce opened the fair while the inaugural ceremony was presided over by Selim H. Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Furniture Industries Owners Association (BFIOA). Special guests at the opening ceremony included Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh, and Dr. K. M. Akhtaruzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association. During the inauguration ceremony, adviser to the Ministry of Commerce Sheikh Bashir Uddin expressed optimism about the sectors potential and urged entrepreneurs to increase their investments. He emphasized that Bangladesh could secure a strong position in the global furniture market by utilizing its local opportunities and resources and spoke about plans to use such fairs as a platform to expand export markets and promote more trade exhibitions in the future. At the same time, vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh Mohammad Hasan Arif statet that export diversification is essential to increase national income as the industry is a promising sector that can reach international standards by utilizing local raw materials, modern technology, and skilled labor. He mentioned that the government has identified the furniture sector as a potential export industry and that policy support and incentives will continue. Such fairs help entrepreneurs build networks and access global markets. He urged entrepreneurs to focus on innovative design, technology, and quality improvement. Bangladesh's domestic furniture industry now meets 100 percent of local demand and exports a significant volume of furniture abroad. On the opening day, a children's art competition was organized, in which 20 children received awards worth a total of 200,000 taka. The fair is being managed by the Design and Technology Center, and Access Infotech serving as partners.

Bangladesh’s stock markets ended lower on Tuesday despite a positive start, as most companies saw a decline in share prices by the end of the trading session. At the end of the day’s trading, the key index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, lost 30 points. Among other indices, the Shariah-based DSES dropped 6 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index fell 14 points. Out of 396 issues traded on the DSE, prices declined for the majority. Share prices advanced for 105 companies, fell for 233 and remained unchanged for 58. In all three categories — A, B, and Z — most companies ended in the red. Among the top-performing A-category companies that usually offer higher dividends, share prices rose for 69, declined for 119, and remained unchanged for 31 issues. Stocks open higher with DSEX gaining 38 points in first hour In the block market, shares worth Tk 19 crore of 30 companies were traded, with BRAC Bank topping the list by trading shares worth Tk 6.9 crore. The turnover on the DSE increased to Tk 606 crore, compared to Tk 530 crore in the previous session. Social Islami Bank Ltd topped the gainers’ list with a 10% rise, while Information Services Network Ltd was the day’s worst performer, losing more than 8%. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a downturn, with its overall index losing 54 points. Out of 207 issues traded, prices advanced for 74, declined for 108, and remained unchanged for 25. Indices rise in early trading at DSE, CSE The CSE’s daily turnover stood at Tk 15 crore, down from Tk 19 crore in the previous session. Social Islami Bank also led the gainers on the CSE with over 9% price rise, while Zahintex Industries Ltd suffered the biggest loss, shedding more than 10%.

Five Shariah banks undergoing a merger are facing a massive collective liability of approximately Tk 37,332 crore in fixed deposits owed to various banks and financial institutions, according to a report of the Bangladesh Bank released on Tuesday. The report studied the state of the five banks. Of them, the highest liability of Tk 10,185 crore lies with First Security Islami Bank, while Union Bank has a liability of Tk 8,631 crore. The Exim Bank has a liability of Tk 8,157 crore, followed by the Social Islami Bank with a liability of Tk 5,791 crore and the Global Islami Bank with Tk 4,568 crore. In addition to the five banks, the Padma Bank is also reportedly failing to return deposits, contributing to a broader liquidity crisis. BB to appoint administrators for merger of five troubled Islami banks Arif Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson for the BB, told UNB, "Where an institution places its money is its own business policy. The main problem here is corruption, not a lack of policy. These issues will not be resolved unless corruption is stopped.” Bangladesh Bank’s (BB) latest report exposes the fragile state of the banking sector.