United News of Bangladesh

The 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara of Dhaka on Saturday. Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the business organisation, chaired the event. Current and former vice presidents and board members, members of various standing committees and general members of the organisation attended the meeting. During the session, the audited financial statements for the fiscal year (FY) 2023-24 were approved and the budget for 2024-25 was presented and endorsed. Auditors for the FY 2024-25 were also appointed. President Mahmud highlighted the current state of the garment industry, reviewed initiatives undertaken by the board over the past three months, and outlined future action plans. BGMEA delegation visits Netherlands to discuss textile waste recycling Meanwhile, BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman presented the financial report for 2023-24 and the budget for the new fiscal year. The members reaffirmed their commitment to united efforts in addressing industry challenges. Notably, this AGM was originally scheduled during the previous board’s tenure but delayed due to the government-appointed administrator overseeing BGMEA for nearly eight months prevented it from being held. The current board organised the meeting promptly after taking office reflecting their commitment to transparency and accountability toward members.

Despite campaigning in 2024 on promises to protect Black jobs and strengthen the economy, President Donald Trump’s policies have so far failed to deliver tangible gains for Black Americans. During one of his final rallies before last year’s election, Trump warned that Black workers were losing jobs at unprecedented rates and pledged that returning to the White House would reverse the trend. However, with Trump in office since January, key economic indicators show worsening conditions for Black communities. Black unemployment has risen to 7.5% in 2025, the highest since October 2021, while homeownership has dropped to its lowest level since 2021, according to Redfin. Census Bureau data also show the median Black household income fell 3.3% last year to $56,020—roughly $36,000 below the median white household income. The widening economic disparity has political implications. Black Americans, historically early indicators of broader labor trends, are facing disproportionate federal layoffs, with many government positions held by Black workers affected. Critics argue Trump’s focus on tariffs, spending cuts, and immigration enforcement has prioritized wealthy interests over the middle class. White House clarifies $100K H-1B visa fee won’t affect current holders as Trump plan sparks concern Some Black voters who supported Trump in 2024, motivated by concerns about inflation and affordability, now feel alienated. Surveys show economic stress remains high in Black households, and political analysts warn that continued neglect could jeopardize Republican prospects in key races. Meanwhile, concerns over discriminatory policies, including proposed National Guard deployments to cities led by Black mayors and redistricting efforts, have heightened tensions. Many voters say Trump’s administration appears more focused on immigration enforcement and consolidating power than addressing the financial struggles of Black Americans. Source: Agency 

The country’s two bourses witnessed an upward trend in indices during the first hour of trading on Sunday, with most companies seeing price gains. On the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX advanced by 16 points in the opening hour. The Shariah-based DSES gained 1 point, while the blue-chip DS30 rose by 2 points. Out of 387 issues traded during the period, prices went up for 221 companies, declined for 89, and remained unchanged for 77. The turnover on the DSE crossed Tk 250 crore in the first hour. Indices up at DSE, CSE in first hour of trading The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also opened higher as its overall index gained 56 points. Of the 99 issues traded, 49 advanced, 28 declined, and 22 remained unchanged. The turnover on the CSE stood above Tk 7 crore in the opening hour.

A day-long ‘Town Hall Meeting’ of Al-Arafah Islami Bank (AIBL) Sylhet Zone was held at a hotel in the city on Saturday.  Khwaja Shahriar, Chairman of the Bank, inaugurated the meeting as the Chief Guest, said a media release. Md Abdul Wadud, Chairman of the Board Executive Committee, attended the event as special guest while the Managing Director (Current Charge), Md. Rafat Ullah Khan, presided over the meeting.  The event was organized under the overall management of Pijush Kumar Sarkar, Regional Head and Senior Vice President of Sylhet, where Managers and Officers from 16 branches of Sylhet Zone actively participated. AIBL’s Chairman Khwaja Shahriar and Special Guest Md. Abdul Wadud reviewed the overall business performance of Sylhet Zone branches and provided necessary guidance. Managing Director Rafat Ullah Khan said that everyone associated with the institution is part of one family. He added that the Town Hall serves as a vital platform to connect, review progress, and chart the future course of action. “For 2025, we have adopted the tagline ‘Balancing Business with Compliance and Shariah’. This is not just a slogan, but a reflection of our responsibility and commitment.”  “We want each of our branches to enhance the quality of service through Shariah-based banking and to move forward by capitalizing on customer trust. By working together and considering everyone’s opinion, it will be possible to establish a sustainable and modern Islamic bank,” he added.  

Bangladesh’s stock market endured another week of losses as all indices, share prices of most companies, and overall turnover declined, leaving investors frustrated after two consecutive weeks of downturn. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange’s (DSE) weekly review, the benchmark index DSEX shed 73 points over five trading days. The index, which began the week at 5,523, closed at 5,449. The other two indices also suffered losses. The Shariah-based DSES fell by 18 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 declined by 43 points.  Week-on-week, the DSES dropped by over 1.5 percent, while DS30 fell by more than 2 percent. Compared  to the same period last year, the market, however, remains in a relatively better position.  Year-on-year, the DSEX has gained over 4 percent and DS30 over 8 percent, although the DSES showed no significant change. Investor disappointment was reflected in the sharp fall in daily turnover. The average daily transaction, which used to hover above Tk 1,000 crore, dropped to Tk 700 crore during the week. Share and unit trading volume fell by 39 percent in a week. “Though the market had been performing well for a few weeks, it has once again taken a downturn. At this stage, a rebound is crucial, as prolonged decline will deter large investments,” investors told. Tariqul Islam, who has been trading for nearly a decade, said, “Ups and downs are part of the market. The problem is when Tk 1,000 crore turnover suddenly falls to Tk 700 crore. A sharp fall in transactions, good companies losing value, and bad companies gaining activity erode confidence. Just a few days ago, small investors like us started reinvesting as the market was rising, but now many are thinking of pulling out again.” Another investor, Sajeda Akter, observed, “For over a year, the Commission has been working on reforms. But whenever the market declines, weak companies tend to dominate. Many firms without any production still see share price hikes due to insider trading.” Several investors demanded the introduction of a buy-back law to delist non-performing firms. Ruhul Amin, one such investor, said, “A few shell companies are dragging the market down. They should not have been listed in the first place. A buy-back law is needed to remove them.” Among 21 sectors, prices fell in 20, with housing being the only exception, though the rise was negligible. Major sectors including banks, financial institutions, insurance, and energy experienced steep declines.  The banking sector dropped by over 17 percent, non-bank financial institutions by 54 percent, general insurance by 70 percent, and life insurance by 57 percent. The energy sector declined by more than 57 percent, telecom by 59 percent, and pharmaceuticals by 22 percent. Of the companies traded on the DSE during the week, prices rose for 68, fell for 306, and remained unchanged for 23. Brokerage houses noted that recent penalties and restrictions imposed by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) had a negative impact on the market.  They argued that whenever the regulator imposes mass fines or sanctions in a hurry, the market tends to crash. Speaking anonymously, a branch in-charge of a brokerage house in Motijheel said: “The Commission often takes big steps suddenly.  But whenever they do so, the market falls. They need to understand that the stock market is fragile and cannot withstand pressure. Reforms must be gradual.” A member of the capital market reform taskforce, also requesting anonymity, echoed the sentiment, “We always advised the Commission not to push for sudden large changes. Such moves directly hit investors and destabilize the market further.” Similar to Dhaka, indices at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also fell. The broad index CASPI lost 182 points, while the selective indices CSE-30 and CSE-50 declined by over 1 percent. Stock market shows recovery as investors return: DSE chairman At the CSE, 312 companies were traded. Prices rose for 89, declined for 195, and remained unchanged for 28. Market insiders said unless good companies are listed and weak ones are removed, no reform effort by the Commission will bring stability.

The prices of vegetables in Dhaka’s kitchen markets have shown no sign of decline throughout the month, forcing consumers to reduce purchases to 250–500 grams instead of one kilogram. Frustrated buyers say the soaring prices have put additional pressure on their daily expenses. A visit to several wholesale and retail markets in the capital on Friday revealed that vegetable prices remain unchanged from last week. Hyacinth bean (shim) is being sold at the highest rate—Tk 200 per kg—while good quality round brinjal is going for Tk 150 a kg. Tomatoes and carrots are also selling for more than Tk 150 per kg. “One round brinjal weighs more than 250 grams. That means each piece costs Tk 40–50. We cannot afford to buy more than two,” said Sumona Akhter Ruby, a shopper at Uttar Badda kitchen market. Another consumer, Monsur Ahmed, said, “A quarter kilo of hyacinth bean costs Tk 50. Tomatoes are almost the same. With Tk 500, vegetables don’t last even two days for a family of four.” Prices of chicken, beef, milk, cucumber, and vegetables increase ahead of Eid Among other vegetables, yardlong beans (barboti) are selling at Tk 120–80 a kg, while sponge gourd, snake gourd, ridge gourd and okra are priced at Tk 80–100 a kg. Bottle gourd is selling for Tk 100–120 per piece and jali kumra for Tk 50–70 each. Traders said that previously they did not sell less than half a kilo of vegetables, but due to the high prices, they are now selling in 250-gram portions. “As wholesale prices are still high and supply is limited, we are forced to buy at higher rates. Sales are also lower now,” said Asadul, a vegetable seller at Motijheel AGB Colony market. The price of leafy greens has also gone up in line with vegetables. Just a month ago, spinach, water spinach and stem amaranth were Tk 10 per bunch, but now they are Tk 20. Pumpkin leaf, bottle gourd leaf and Malabar spinach (puishak) are being sold for Tk 50 a bunch. A visit to Karwan Bazar wholesale hub, however, showed that prices have dropped by Tk 10–15 per kg compared to last week, though this decline has not been reflected in the retail markets. The prices of small fish have also surged. Kachki fish is selling at Tk 600–800 a kg, river shrimp at Tk 1,000–1,200, local koi at Tk 800–1,000, punti at Tk 650–750 and gunchi at Tk 700 a kg. Despite an abundant supply of hilsa in the market, the prices remain beyond the reach of most middle-income consumers. Large hilsa is selling for Tk 2,200–2,500 a kg, medium-sized for Tk 1,800–2,000, and small ones for Tk 1,200–1,500. Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise In the meat market, chicken prices remain unchanged—sonali chicken is selling for Tk 300–320 a kg, broiler at Tk 170, and local chicken between Tk 550 and 650 depending on location. Beef is selling at Tk 750–800 a kg, while mutton is priced at Tk 1,000–1,200 per kg. Consumers expressed frustration, saying that unless vegetable prices fall, it will be increasingly difficult to manage household expenses as a large portion of their monthly income is being spent on groceries.

The Bank of Japan on Friday kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 0.5%, a widely expected move as inflation remains above the bank’s target but overall economic growth shows only moderate momentum. The decision came after a two-day policy board meeting. In a statement, the central bank said: “Japan’s economy has recovered moderately, although some weakness has been seen in part. Overseas economies have grown moderately on the whole.” The move follows a decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve earlier this week to cut its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing its short-term rate down to about 4.1%, its first rate cut since December. Japan has long battled deflationary pressures, but consumer prices have now been rising consistently. Government data show inflation holding between 2.5% and 3%, slightly above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target. Honda Prize 2025 Awarded to Dr. Kenichi Iga of Japan The central bank cautioned that exports could slow due to higher tariffs linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies. While shipments surged earlier this year ahead of the new tariffs, that momentum is now fading, the statement noted. Domestic political uncertainty was also flagged as a risk factor, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba steps down and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party prepares for an election to select his successor. Five candidates are expected to contest, with the party vote set for early next month. Meanwhile, Japan’s stock market has been rallying. The Nikkei 225 hit another record high on Thursday, boosted by the Fed’s rate cut, though shares slipped slightly in Friday’s morning trade. Source: Agency 

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) witnessed a marginal fall in key indices in the first hour of trading on Thursday, while the Chittagong  Stock Exchange (CSE) edged higher during the same period. On the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index dropped by 3 points in the opening hour. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES lost 1 point and the blue-chip DS30 declined by 5 points. Of the issues traded during the early session, prices of 111 advanced, 188 declined and 85 remained unchanged. Indices up at DSE, CSE in first hour of trading The turnover on the DSE stood at over Tk 150 crore in the first hour. Meanwhile, the CSE registered an upward trend, with its overall index gaining 15 points. Out of 69 issues traded, 22 advanced, 36 declined and 11 remained unchanged. The turnover on the CSE crossed Tk 1 crore in the first hour of trading.  

Asian markets were mostly higher Thursday, driven by technology stocks, following a mixed session on Wall Street that left indexes close to record levels after the Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.3% to 45,365.98, boosted by tech firms such as Disco, Tokyo Electron, and SoftBank. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan began its two-day policy meeting, with no changes in interest rates expected. South Korea’s Kospi rose nearly 1.3% to 3,455.98, supported by gains in chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. China’s markets showed mixed performance: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.2% to 26,856.02, while the Shanghai Composite gained 0.5% to 3,893.95 amid optimism over U.S.-China trade talks and a potential TikTok deal. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.5% to 8,778.60 after data showed August unemployment steady at 4.2%, with overall employment declining. India’s BSE Sensex rose 0.4%, and Taiwan’s Taiex added 1.1%. Asian shares mixed as Wall Street slips from record highs, focus shifts to Fed rate cut On Wall Street Wednesday, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, the Dow Jones rose 0.6%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.3%. The Fed’s first rate cut of the year met expectations, but its updated projections suggesting two more cuts this year and one in 2026 drew investor attention. Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that projections are not guarantees, highlighting challenges from a slowing job market and persistent inflation. In commodities, U.S. crude fell 10 cents to $63.95 per barrel, Brent lost 10 cents to $67.85. The dollar rose to 147.07 yen, while the euro slipped to $1.1813. Source: Agency 

Both bourses of the country witnessed an upward trend in indices during the first hour of trading on Wednesday, with most companies seeing price gains. On the fourth trading day of the week, Dhaka Stock Exchange’s (DSE) key index DSEX rose by 11 points, while the Shariah-based index DSES gained 2 points and the blue-chip index DS30 edged up by 1 point. Out of the 223 companies traded during the period, prices of 223 advanced, 70 declined and 97 remained unchanged. The turnover at DSE crossed Tk 300 crore in the first hour. Read: Stock market shows recovery as investors return: DSE chairman The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a positive movement, as its overall index advanced by 32 points. Among the 90 issues traded, 45 gained, 31 lost and 14 remained unchanged, with a turnover of Tk 6 crore in the first hour of trading.