United News of Bangladesh

Fourteen people have been confirmed dead following the crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky, with no one believed to be still missing, Mayor Craig Greenberg said Saturday. Greenberg wrote on X that the 13 victims recovered from the crash site matched the number of missing persons reported to police. “We believe the total number of victims will be 14,” he said, noting that one person had died Friday while being treated in a hospital. The Jefferson County coroner is working to identify the victims and will release their names once confirmed, the mayor added. The crash occurred Tuesday at UPS Worldport, killing the three pilots aboard the MD-11 aircraft bound for Honolulu. The plane caught fire after an engine separated during takeoff, crashing into nearby businesses and igniting a massive blaze. Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Saturday ordered all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 planes to be grounded pending inspections. UPS and FedEx had already announced similar precautionary moves on Friday. MD-11 aircraft currently make up about 9% of the UPS fleet and 4% of the FedEx fleet, according to company data. Source: AP 

Attorney General (AG) Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday urged Bangladesh’s political parties to make a firm public commitment to enact a strong and effective anti-discrimination act, saying such a commitment should be a prerequisite to gaining public confidence and votes. Speaking as chief guest at a civic dialogue on the necessity of the law, the country’s top legal officer cautioned that a weak or ambiguous legal framework would fail to ensure genuine justice and redress. “Political parties will not get our votes unless they commit to formulating this Act,” Asaduzzaman declared. “We need a strong Act, as a vague one cannot provide remedy. We must compel the Law Commission and the Law Ministry to act accordingly.” The Attorney General made the remarks during a high-level civic dialogue held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre. The event, titled ‘Towards a Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act’, was organised by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and Citizen’s Initiative (Nagorik Uddyog), with support from the UNDP and the Swiss Embassy. The discussion brought together a diverse group of political leaders, legal experts and rights advocates, including Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, BLAST Executive Director Barrister Sara Hossain, who presented the keynote paper, and economist Dr SR Osmani. Echoing the Attorney General’s call, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convener of the Citizen’s Platform, warned that delaying an effective law would weaken the very foundations of democracy. He stressed that an anti-discrimination law is a ‘pressing necessity’ in three critical areas: ensuring fair justice by protecting citizens’ right to seek redress; fostering free and inclusive elections and enabling meaningful reforms grounded in universal human rights. Debapriya also cautioned against ‘selective advocacy’, urging that the movement must address all forms of discrimination to restore universality in rights protection. Speakers noted that despite constitutional guarantees against discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 28[1]), many marginalised communities, including Dalits, Hijra (gender-diverse) people, Indigenous groups, persons with disabilities, and Urdu-speaking communities,  continue to face systemic exclusion and social barriers.

China’s exports fell by 1.1% year-on-year in October, weighed down by a sharp 25% decline in shipments to the United States, according to government data released Friday. Although trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have recently eased following an agreement between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to de-escalate the ongoing trade war, the slowdown continues to dampen global demand. Customs figures show that October’s decline was the weakest performance since February, following an 8.3% surge in September. Imports, meanwhile, grew 1% from a year earlier, far below September’s 7.4% increase. Shipments to the US have now fallen by double digits for seven consecutive months, as China seeks to expand its export markets in Southeast Asia and Africa. Analysts noted that last month’s downturn was also influenced by a high base from October 2024, when exports had jumped 12.6%, the fastest growth in over two years. Economists said China’s struggling property sector and weak domestic spending remain significant drags on growth. Japan resumes seafood exports to China after 2 years During their late October meeting in South Korea, Trump and Xi agreed to roll back some tariffs and delay new port fees, while China suspended export curbs on rare earths for one year and pledged to buy more US agricultural products. In response, Washington eased some sanctions on Chinese firms. Goldman Sachs economists forecast that Chinese export volumes could grow 5%–6% annually, helping boost the country’s global trade position. Capital Economics analysts Leah Fahy and Zichun Huang said the partial tariff cuts might slightly lift exports later this year, though the real effects would likely appear in early 2026. BNP Paribas’s Wei Li predicted that any meaningful rebound in exports to the US would begin in the first quarter of next year and accelerate in the second. Speaking at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week, Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to “free markets and free trade,” while criticizing protectionist policies that harm developing economies. Source: AP

Japan announced Friday that its seafood exports have resumed for the first time since China imposed a ban over the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant more than two years ago. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that 6 metric tons (6.6 tons) of scallops harvested in Hokkaido were shipped to China on Wednesday, the first shipment to that country since Beijing banned Japanese seafood in August 2023. Beijing announced in June that it would ease the ban and prepare for the resumption of imports, following repeated negotiations between the two sides. The ban was a major blow to Japan's seafood industry, especially scallop and seafood cucumber exports. China was the biggest overseas market for Japanese seafood. “The government takes the development as a positive move,” Kihara said as he called on China to continue to re-register pending applications for Japanese seafood exporters. A ban remains in place for seafood from Fukushima and nine nearby prefectures, which China imposed immediately after the plant's meltdowns. Kihara said Japan will also continue to urge Beijing to lift the remaining bans and resume importing Japanese beef. The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered triple meltdowns following a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, causing leaks of massive radioactive wastewater that need to be stored in tanks. The utility won Japanese government approval and support from the International Atomic Energy Agency for the gradual release of the water into the sea after treatment and dilution. Japanese officials said the wastewater would be much safer than international standards and the IAEA comprehensive report later confirmed that the discharges meet international safety standards..

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has taken a significant step to encourage its members, officials, staff, and their families to seek quality health and diagnostic services domestically instead of traveling abroad for treatment. To this end, the BGMEA on Thursday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 top-tier healthcare providers, comprising nine renowned hospitals and one diagnostic center. Under these MoUs, BGMEA members, employees, and their dependents will now be able to receive advanced medical treatment and diagnostic services from these institutions at special discounted rates. The signing ceremony, presided over by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara. Attendees at the event included Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, First Vice President Selim Rahman, Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Directors Shah Raiyed Chowdhury (who coordinated the event), Faisal Samad, Md. Hasib Uddin, Nafis-Ud-Doula, and Enamul Aziz Chowdhury. The institutions that signed the MoUs are: 1. Bangladesh Eye Hospital and Institute Ltd. 2. Dhaka Central International Medical College and Hospital 3. Labaid Group Ltd. 4. Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Specialty Center 5. LifePlus Bangladesh Ltd. Digital Healthcare Platform 6. Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd. 7. Praava Health Bangladesh Ltd. 8. Samorita Hospital Ltd. 9. United Hospital Ltd. 10. United Healthcare Services Ltd. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan signed the MoUs on behalf of the association. Commitment to Affordable Care: In a significant announcement at the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan revealed that the BGMEA has taken the initiative to establish a hospital in the Gazipur/Ashulia region to provide quality and affordable medical care to the valued workers of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. He stated that the signed partnership with the country's leading hospitals and diagnostic centers marks the initial phase of this larger project, with these institutions being involved in the hospital's operation.

Bangladesh’s stock market extended its losing streak as both Dhaka and Chattogram bourses ended the week lower on Thursday, with major indices closing in the red. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX shed 18 points, while the Shariah-based DSES dropped 5 points. The blue-chip index DS30, however, remained unchanged. Most issues traded ended lower, with prices falling for 251 companies, rising for 102 and remaining unchanged for 37. Across all categories—A, B and Z—most shares saw declines. In the A-category, which comprises the companies offering the highest dividends, prices fell for 127 firms, rose for 63, and remained unchanged for 24. The turnover also dropped to Tk 419 crore, down from Tk 485 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares worth Tk 13 crore of 23 companies were traded, with Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag Industries Limited leading at Tk 4 crore. Simtex Industries PLC topped the gainers’ list with a rise of over 8%, while FAS Finance & Investment Limited plunged more than 10% to become the biggest loser. The downtrend persisted at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) as well, where the CASPI index lost 70 points. Of the issues traded, 97 declined, 49 advanced, and 13 remained unchanged. Daily turnover at the port city bourse also fell to Tk 13 crore, compared to Tk 24 crore in the previous session. At the CSE, Central Pharmaceuticals Limited surged more than 9% to top the gainers, while Active Fine Chemicals Ltd slid 10%, becoming the day’s worst performer.

United Group has brought global recognition to Bangladesh by winning the “Bangladesh Operational Innovation of the Year – Energy” award at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2025, held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The award honors United Power Generation & Distribution Company Ltd. (UPGDCL), a concern of United Group, for its groundbreaking approach to operational innovation in power generation and distribution. This achievement highlights Bangladesh’s growing ability to deliver sustainable, efficient, and technology-driven energy solutions. BAJUS announces new executive committee; Enamul Haque president Organized by the Asian Business Review, the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards celebrate leading organizations across Asia that are transforming industries through innovation and leadership. Representing United Power, Shish Swapnik, Head of Group Brand & Communications, received the award at the ceremony in Singapore. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Swapnik said the achievement belongs to the entire United Power family, whose relentless commitment to innovation and efficiency continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy landscape. “It is truly inspiring to see our local efforts being recognized on a global stage,” he added. Abdur Rahim Khan appointed FBCCI administrator This milestone reflects United Group’s ongoing commitment to driving Bangladesh’s progress through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. As one of the country’s most diversified business groups, United Group continues to shape industries that contribute to national growth and global competitiveness.

Bangladesh Bank has laid out a clear two-phase mechanism for depositors of five merging Shariah-based banks to recover their funds, prioritising small savers and ensuring the security of all deposits as the banks are consolidated into a single new entity. Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur provided the assurance while to UNB on Thursday, urging depositors to have ‘nothing to worry about’ as the central bank is committed to safeguarding their money. No Compensation for Shareholders Dr Mansur said the shares held by sponsor shareholders and general investors in the five banks undergoing merger will be valued at zero. No compensation will be provided to any shareholder. “The net asset value (equity) of the five banks has now reached a negative state,” the Governor explained, adding that the maximum deficit, against the Tk 10 face value per share, stands at Tk 450, effectively rendering the shares worthless. “Neither the sponsor shareholders nor the general investors will receive any compensation. Their investment equity has been wiped out due to the substantial deficit,” Dr. Mansur added. However, while the shares currently hold zero face value, profits generated by the merged entity in the future will be distributed, according to central bank officials involved in the merger policy. The five Shariah banks -- the five banks declared 'non-viable' and placed under the merger plan are First Security Islami Bank PLC, Global Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, EXIM Bank PLC and Social Islami Bank PLC (SIBL) -- are being merged into a single institution under a central bank decision aimed at stabilising the sector. While depositors’ funds are fully protected, shareholders will bear the full impact of the banks’ negative equity, officials said.  

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has signed agreements with four companies to set up industries at the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, involving a total investment of US$111.26 million and creating employment for 7,607 Bangladeshis. The agreements were signed on Thursday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. Among the four investors, three are fully foreign-owned enterprises from China, Singapore and a China-Singapore joint venture, while one is a Bangladeshi firm. The new industries will produce footwear, processed leather, testing and quality assurance services, and garments accessories. China’s Tai Ma Shoes (BD) Company Limited is making the largest investment, committing US$55.05 million to establish a footwear manufacturing plant. The factory will have an annual capacity of 7 million pairs of formal and casual shoes and is expected to employ 5,900 local workers. Singapore-based Bangladesh Singsin Leather Company Limited will invest US$25.03 million to set up a leather processing facility. The plant will produce 36 million square feet of finished leather annually from crust leather and create 480 jobs. Anre Holding (BD) Company Limited, a China-Singapore joint venture, will invest US$20.03 million in establishing a testing laboratory. The facility will provide quality testing services for raw materials and finished products, mainly supporting industries operating in the BEPZA Economic Zone. The project will employ 770 local workers. Bangladeshi company Raptox Industries Limited will invest US$11.15 million to manufacture labels, tags, tapes, printing and packaging materials, and other garments accessories. The project, with a production capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes per year, will generate employment for 457 people. BEPZA Member (Investment Development) Md Ashraful Kabir signed the agreements on behalf of BEPZA, while representatives of the respective companies signed on their behalf. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony as chief guest. Welcoming the new investors, the BEPZA Executive Chairman expressed gratitude for choosing the BEPZA Economic Zone as their investment destination. Moazzem Hossain reaffirmed BEPZA’s commitment to providing continuous support to ensure smooth business operations. He said BEPZA is modernising its service delivery system to further enhance investor satisfaction. Moazzem Hossain encouraged the new companies to begin construction quickly and commence export operations, while also calling on them to promote investment opportunities in the electronics sector. During the event, BEPZA Member (Investment Development) Ashraful Kabir invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in the upcoming Jashore and Patuakhali EPZs, which are being developed as future industrial hubs. JC, Chairman of Singsin Group PTE Ltd, said, “We are highly satisfied with BEPZA’s services. Choosing the BEPZA Economic Zone has been a good decision for us. We look forward to progressing together.”

Trading of shares of five Islamic banks has been suspended at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) as part of their ongoing merger process. In separate notices issued on Thursday (6th November 2025), the two bourses announced that trading in the shares of First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank will remain suspended until further notice. The suspension follows the banks being declared non-operational under Section 15 of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025, which took effect on November 5. Stocks tumble at opening as DSE, CSE see sharp decline According to the exchanges, Bangladesh Bank, in a letter issued on the same day, instructed that the five banks be brought under the provisions of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025, and subsequently dissolved their respective boards of directors. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur said at a press conference on Wednesday that the shareholders’ equity value of these banks had fallen below zero. “The value of their shares is effectively zero, and no compensation will be provided to anyone,” he stated. Depositors of Bangladesh’s troubled banks still anxious despite security assurances