United News of Bangladesh

Indices at Dhaka and Chattogram bourses witnessed a rise in the first hour of trading on Monday, as most company shares saw price hikes. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX advanced by 8 points during the opening hour of the week’s second trading day. Of the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES remained unchanged, while the blue-chip DS30 index dropped by 2 points. Out of 388 issues traded, prices of 211 advanced, 103 declined and 74 remained unchanged at DSE, with shares and units worth over Tk 185 crore changing hands. Market slips on week’s first trading day at DSE, CSE The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a positive trend as its overall index gained 18 points in the first hour. Among the 72 issues traded at CSE, the prices of 36 advanced, 26 declined and 10 remained unchanged, with the turnover crossing Tk 2 crore.

The foreign ministers of North Korea and China agreed Sunday in Beijing to strengthen bilateral relations and jointly oppose hegemonism and unilateralism, a pointed reference to their shared tensions with the United States. The meeting came three weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first summit in more than six years, pledging closer cooperation. Both leaders, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, had earlier attended a massive military parade in Beijing marking the end of World War II, signaling a show of potential three-way unity against Washington. In talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, North Korea’s Choe Son Hui reiterated Kim’s stance that advancing ties with China is Pyongyang’s “unwavering position,” according to the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Wang responded that Beijing is committed to consolidating relations, boosting strategic communications and exchanges. China’s Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as saying Beijing opposes “all forms of hegemonism” and is ready to work with North Korea on regional and global issues. Choe, for her part, expressed willingness to “closely cooperate with China in multilateral affairs, jointly resist unilateralism and power politics, and promote a fairer world order.” Trump’s moves to consolidate power, target foes draw comparisons to countries Analysts say the statements reflect both countries’ ongoing confrontations with Washington — Beijing over strategic competition and Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons program. KCNA reported that Choe and Wang reached “complete consensus” on regional and international issues but gave no details. Kim’s participation in the Beijing parade marked his first appearance at a major multilateral event in his 14-year rule. While Pyongyang has in recent years leaned on Moscow by supplying troops and munitions for the Ukraine war, experts note Kim also seeks to reinforce ties with China, North Korea’s top trading partner and aid benefactor, as he prepares for shifting dynamics when the war eventually ends. Asian markets fall after Trump announces new tariffs on drugs and goods Attention is now on the level of delegation China may send to Pyongyang for the 80th founding anniversary of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party next month, when the North is expected to stage a military parade showcasing new weapons aimed at the U.S. and its allies. Source: Agency 

Country’s tech giant Walton has announced an exciting ‘Double Dhamaka Offer’ for customers purchasing Walton desktops, laptops, all-in-one PCs, tablets, printers, and speakers. Under this campaign, customers have the chance to win a Walton Takyon Leo e-bike, enjoy up to 50% sure discounts, or receive guaranteed gifts on purchases of Walton IT products and accessories. The offer is available at all Walton Plaza outlets, authorised distributor showrooms, and through the official Walton website across the country. The announcement was made at a grand launching ceremony titled ‘Walton Computer Double Dhamaka Offer’, held at Walton’s Corporate Office in the capital on Saturday, the company said in a press release issued on Sunday. According to the release, the offer will remain valid until 31 December 2025. Walton has turned the concept of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ into a reality in the high-tech sector. With an extensive nationwide distribution network, world-class technical expertise, dedicated research and innovation teams, and a strong commitment to technological advancement, Walton has positioned itself as a leader in the country’s tech industry. Alongside a wide range of consumer tech products, Walton recently began exporting PCBA (motherboards) to the United States, further strengthening its presence in the global market. Walton Digi-Tech is currently manufacturing and marketing 44 types of IT products, including laptops, desktops, all-in-one PCs, electric bikes, tablets, projectors, HDMI cables, and converters. Renowned media personality Adil Hossain Noble, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of Axentec PLC, attended the launch event as the chief guest. Walton Plaza’s Managing Director Mohammad Rayhan was also present. Speaking at the event, Noble said, “Walton is representing Bangladesh in the global arena. We hope Walton will continue to move forward and elevate Bangladesh’s status as a hub for technology manufacturing.” Touhidur Rahman Rad, Chief Business Officer of Walton Computer Products, added, “We have already introduced various benefits including exclusive offers, exchange deals, and more. These initiatives have received a tremendous response from customers across the country, enabling them to purchase IT products and accessories at affordable prices.”  

Since returning to office in January, former President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government in line with his personal will have drawn comparisons to elected strongmen in other countries who consolidated power, punished opponents, and curtailed dissent. Analysts note, however, that Trump is acting faster and more overtly than many of his global counterparts. Eight months into his second term, Trump suggested revoking licenses of U.S. television stations he perceives as overly critical—recalling Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, who eight years after taking office revoked the license of the country’s oldest private TV station. Targeting political opponents While the United States remains far from Venezuela or other authoritarian regimes, Trump has quickly consolidated authority, directed federal law enforcement toward perceived political adversaries, and removed officials considered disloyal. He has also pardoned more than 1,500 people convicted for involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and threatened judges, law firms, and institutions he sees as opposing him. Trump has publicly claimed he is seeking accountability for Democrats, saying his administration is focused on restoring integrity to the justice system and addressing “radical left-wing violence.” In recent weeks, the Department of Justice indicted former FBI Director James Comey, whom Trump blames for the Russian collusion investigation, and Trump directed a crackdown on groups he alleges fund political violence, targeting organizations linked to Democratic causes. In front of drowning nations, Trump dismisses climate change as ‘con job’ Experts warn of rapid erosion of norms Comparisons have been drawn to leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Turkey’s Recep Erdoğan, and Venezuela’s Chávez, all of whom used government levers to entrench power. Analysts note that, unlike these leaders, Trump is acting with unusual speed and visibility. “The only difference is the speed with which it is happening,” said David Smilde, a Tulane University professor who lived in Venezuela during Chávez’s rise. Harvard political scientist Steven Levitsky noted that the U.S. is “not a society prepared for authoritarianism,” unlike countries whose citizens have learned to recognize early threats to democracy. Former Turkish official Alper Coskun said Trump is following Erdoğan’s playbook more quickly than expected, while Kim Scheppele, a Princeton sociologist, observed that Orbán initially moved cautiously to avoid resistance—a tactic Trump has largely bypassed. Trump meets Pakistan PM amid signs of improving ties Still, experts note key differences. U.S. institutions, courts, and state governments have historically checked presidential overreach, as seen when Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election were blocked. Yet the rapid consolidation of power, focus on punishing political foes, and threats to media outlets mark a concerning departure from past norms. “Here, nobody has really seen this in a president before,” Smilde said. Source: Agency 

Asian shares slid on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled plans to impose new tariffs, including 100% import taxes on pharmaceutical drugs starting October 1. Trump said on his social media platform Thursday that foreign manufacturers of furniture and cabinetry were “flooding” the U.S. market, warranting tariffs for “national security and other reasons.” He also targeted heavy trucks and parts, though most are produced domestically or in North America. China gives up developing-country privileges at WTO amid tariff tensions The announcement rattled markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3% to 45,629.79, with Sumitomo Pharma down 5.2% and Chugai Pharmaceutical off 3.9%. South Korea’s Kospi tumbled 2.5% to 3,384.58, its third straight loss amid tariff worries. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng shed 0.7% and Shanghai’s Composite eased 0.1%. India’s Sensex fell 0.7% and Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 1.5%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, however, rose 0.2%. Wall Street also retreated Thursday, marking a third consecutive loss. Analysts warned that stronger U.S. economic data could limit prospects for multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts, a key driver of this year’s global stock rally. Oil prices edged higher, while the dollar slipped slightly against the yen. Source: Agency 

Indices witnessed an upward trend in both Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges during the first hour of trading on Thursday, the last working day of the week, as most companies saw gains in share prices. On the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX rose by 44 points, while the Shariah-based index DSES gained 10 points and the blue-chip index DS30 advanced 21 points. Of the 271 companies traded, prices went up for 150, declined for 64, and remained unchanged for 57. The turnover at the DSE stood at over Tk 260 crore in the first hour. Mixed trend in first hour of trading at DSE, CSE  The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw an upward trend, with the overall index gaining 59 points. Among the 107 issues traded on the CSE, prices advanced for 63, declined for 30, and remained unchanged for 14. The turnover in the port city bourse crossed Tk 4 crore in the first hour.

China announced Wednesday that it will no longer seek the preferential treatment afforded to developing countries under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules — a long-standing demand of the United States. Officials from China’s Commerce Ministry said the step was intended to strengthen the global trading system at a time when it faces pressure from tariff wars and protectionist import restrictions by individual countries. The change will apply to ongoing and future negotiations, not existing trade agreements. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the decision, saying it removes a major source of contention and could help pave the way for reform. “It takes away one of the criticisms in the organization that relatively well-off countries were still enjoying these privileges,” she said at a summit in New York, noting that Washington’s response was “positive — but also ‘about time.’” The announcement was first made Tuesday in New York by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during a China-organized development forum on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Beijing emphasized that the move was voluntary and not meant as guidance for other developing nations. “It’s China’s own decision,” said Li Yihong, China’s top envoy to the WTO, speaking in Geneva. The WTO, with 166 member states, provides a forum for trade talks and enforces global agreements, but its effectiveness has waned in recent years, prompting urgent calls for reform. Special and differential treatment provisions give developing countries more time to implement trade rules, technical assistance, and exemptions from some obligations binding on richer economies. While Chinese officials underscored that the country remains a middle-income nation and part of the developing world, they acknowledged the distinction between “developing member” status and the WTO’s special treatment rules. “China will always be a developing country,” Li said. The U.S. has long argued that China’s position as the world’s second-largest economy is inconsistent with its claim to developing-country benefits. Increasingly, Beijing has also become a global lender, financing infrastructure projects abroad through its state-owned companies. Chinese officials did not directly mention U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on multiple countries this year, including China.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) organized the "CAMLCO Conference of Insurance Companies 2025" in Cox's Bazar to raise awareness and ensure a responsible role for insurance companies in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. The conference was held at the Long Beach Hotel from September 19-20, 2025. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur was the chief guest. Md. Fazlul Haque, a member of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), was the special guest. The event was presided over by Md. Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, acting head of BFIU. The theme of the conference was 'Building a Robust Compliance Culture against Illicit Financial Flows’, which was held from September 19-20 in a hotel at Cox's Bazar, according to a press release. Governor Dr. Mansur welcomed the participants and highlighted the insurance market as one of the four pillars of the financial market, alongside money markets, stock markets, and bond markets. He expressed concern about the banking sector's over-reliance on long-term financing and stated that the insurance sector's development is crucial for sustainable financial growth. Dr. Mansur identified the lack of public trust and the absence of mandatory insurance schemes (such as for health, cars, or factories) as key obstacles for the sector. He called for prioritizing the building of trust, strengthening regulatory oversight, implementing mergers, liquidations, or restructurings, setting sustainable premiums, and re-evaluating the investment policies of insurance companies. He also urged chief executives and anti-money laundering compliance officers to involve top management in ensuring transparency and accountability in the financial sector and to comply with BFIU's anti-money laundering directives. During the conference, speakers emphasized the importance of strict legal compliance, risk-based supervision, and technology-based solutions to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in the insurance sector. The discussions highlighted the need to implement e-KYC in customer verification, automate compliance systems, and establish whistleblowing mechanisms. Participants also called for developing skilled human resources, conducting training programs, implementing corporate governance policies, and making the sector more transparent and accountable in line with international standards. Md. Mostakur Rahman, a director at BFIU, presented on the positive and negative aspects of Bancassurance. He noted that it increases transparency in beneficial ownership and helps structure the flow and distribution of funds. However, he pointed out that a lack of trust remains a major challenge and stressed the need for robust compliance awareness programs to overcome these hurdles. A keynote presentation was also delivered by BFIU's Additional Director, Md. Moshiur Rahman.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rebounded on Wednesday after consecutive declines, while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended in the red, though most listed companies saw price gains across both bourses. At the DSE, the key index rose by 45 points at closing. The Shariah-based DSES gained 13 points and the blue-chip index DS30 advanced 18 points. Out of 397 issues traded, 289 advanced, 60 declined and 48 remained unchanged. In category-wise performance, most A, B and Z category shares closed higher. In the A-category, which features the highest dividend-paying companies, 161 out of 219 advanced, 27 declined and 31 remained unchanged. The turnover at the DSE rose to Tk 576 crore, up from Tk 467 crore in the previous session. Block market transactions stood at Tk 11 crore involving 24 companies, with Shyampur Sugar Mills Limited topping the block trade chart at Tk 1.80 crore. Intech Limited surged nearly 10% to top the DSE gainers’ list, while Regent Textile Mills Limited dropped more than 9% to end as the day’s worst loser. Mixed trend in first hour of trading at DSE, CSE  At the CSE, the overall index slipped by 2 points. Out of 198 issues traded, 104 advanced, 83 declined and 11 remained unchanged. The turnover fell to Tk 10 crore, down from Tk 12 crore a day earlier. Intech Limited also led the gainers’ list in CSE with a 10% rise, while National Life Insurance lost more than 9% to finish at the bottom.    

Bangladesh's two stock exchanges witnessed a mixed trend in the first hour of trading on Wednesday, the fourth working day of the week. The key index of Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, advanced by 13 points, while the Shariah-based DSES and the blue-chip DS30 index gained 5 points each. Out of the 248 issues traded so far, prices of 106 advanced, 71 declined and 71 remained unchanged. Dhaka stocks edge up, Chattogram declines in early trading The turnover at DSE stood at over Tk 160 crore in the first hour. However, Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) saw a downward trend as its overall index lost 14 points. Of the 89 issues traded there, 45 advanced, 36 declined and 8 remained unchanged. The turnover at CSE crossed Tk 2 crore during the first hour of trading.