United News of Bangladesh

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.

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.