United News of Bangladesh

Despite the plenty supply of vegetables with the arrival of winter, retail prices of most vegetables in Khulna’s kitchen markets continue to rise, adding pressure on household budgets already strained by increased fish and potato prices. Only a few staples, including green chillies, onions and meat, have remained stable, while egg prices have slightly fallen. Visiting the city’s Moylapota and New Market kitchen markets on Tuesday the correspondent found that several winter vegetables are selling at higher prices compared to last week. Eggplant is selling at Tk 120 per kg, yardlong beans at Tk 80, cabbage at Tk 60, radish at Tk 50, cauliflower at Tk 100, beans at Tk 120, bitter gourd at Tk 100, , papaya at Tk 40, snake gourd at Tk 60, bottle gourd at Tk 40–50 depending on size, okra at Tk 80, , spinach at Tk 60, red amaranth at Tk 50, tomato at Tk 160, pumpkin at Tk 60, ridge gourd at Tk 60 and a bunch of green bananas at Tk 40. Potato prices increased to Tk 30 per kg from Tk 25 last week while onions are selling at Tk 120 per kg and garlic at Tk 100. Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise The fish market is also seeing a sharp rise. Shrimp is selling at Tk 850 per kg while different varieties of river prawn range between Tk 550 and Tk 1,200. Golda prawn is priced at Tk 1,600 per kg and large-sized katla and grass carp are retailing at Tk 400, vetki at Tk 750, and hilsa between Tk 1,400 and Tk 3,000 depending on size. Tengra is selling at Tk 500–1,000, Pangas at Tk 240, tilapia at Tk 220, and medium-sized bele at Tk 700. Broiler chicken is being sold at Tk 170 per kg, while sonali and cockerel varieties are priced at around Tk 270. Egg prices dropped by Tk 2 from last week with a dozen selling for Tk 38–42. Traders at New Market said vegetable supply has fallen short of demand. Badal, a trader at New Market, said, “Supply is low. The volume of vegetables is far less than needed. Even a few days ago the inflow was much better.” Buyers expressed frustration as daily expenses continue to climb. Mizanur Rahman, a businessman shopping at the market, said, “Prices keep going up and down. It’s hard enough to buy basic vegetables and thinking about fish or meat is difficult.” Traders at Moylapota said when supply drops, prices rise and when supply improves  prices come down. Prices of all types of meat and chicken up while vegetables remain stable on Friday Tuhin Baulia, a customer at the market, said he expected winter to bring some relief. “Winter is here. Prices should be falling gradually. But with limited income, it’s getting very tough to manage household expenses,” he added.

President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday in a meeting marked by friendliness, elaborate ceremony and major announcements on defense and investment. Trump praised the crown prince’s leadership, downplayed concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and touted sweeping new Saudi commitments to the United States. The visit was steeped in pomp. Fighter jets performed a flyover as the two leaders watched from a red carpet, an honor guard arrived on horseback, and an opulent dinner followed in the East Room. During a joint appearance in the Oval Office—occurring seven years after U.S. intelligence linked the crown prince to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—the two fielded numerous questions from the press, including from one reporter whom Trump repeatedly berated. Progress on defense cooperationTrump confirmed that the U.S. would move ahead with the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, saying Israel’s concerns about preserving its qualitative military edge would be addressed. Some Pentagon officials have opposed the deal due to fears that sensitive technology could reach China, a close Saudi partner. Trump insisted both Israel and Saudi Arabia “should get top of the line” equipment, and Israeli officials have indicated they could accept the sale if Saudi Arabia normalizes ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Prince Mohammed reiterated that his country would join the framework only if a credible path to a Palestinian state is secured. Trump also said Washington and Riyadh were finalizing a broader security agreement and would continue pursuing a civilian nuclear cooperation deal. The two nations additionally signed an agreement for Saudi Arabia to purchase nearly 300 U.S.-made tanks. At the evening dinner, Trump designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally, a symbolic status that enables certain defense and trade benefits. Khashoggi’s murder largely brushed asideThe crown prince’s visit was his first to the White House since the 2018 murder of Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and Washington Post columnist. U.S. intelligence assessed that Prince Mohammed likely approved the operation. When questioned about the killing and Saudi involvement in the 9/11 attacks, Trump attacked the reporter asking the questions. He described Khashoggi as “extremely controversial” and insisted the crown prince “knew nothing about it.” Trump plans to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia ahead of Crown Prince’s visit Prince Mohammed again denied involvement and said Saudi Arabia had undertaken investigations and reforms. “It’s been painful,” he said. “We’ve improved our system to ensure nothing like that happens again.” Trump also commended the kingdom for human rights progress, without specifying which reforms he meant. Full ceremonial welcomeTrump welcomed the crown prince on the South Lawn with an embrace-like gesture and a full red-carpet reception, complete with a military band and a tour of White House decorations. Calling the prince “a very respected man” and “a longtime friend,” Trump also criticized former President Joe Biden for greeting the prince with a fist bump in 2022. “You shake his hand,” Trump said, demonstrating the gesture. The evening dinner featured high-profile guests including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Tesla founder Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, golfer Bryson DeChambeau and football star Cristiano Ronaldo. Guests were served pistachio-crusted rack of lamb and a chocolate mousse pear dessert. Broad but undefined economic promisesPrince Mohammed told Trump that Saudi Arabia would increase its investment commitments in the U.S. from $600 billion—announced during Trump’s May trip to Riyadh—to $1 trillion. Specifics were not disclosed but are expected to involve technology, artificial intelligence, jet engines and other sectors. Source: AP 

Gold prices in the domestic market have been reduced once more, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) cutting the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 1,364 per bhori. The new price for 22-carat gold has been set at Tk 206,908 per bhori, effective from Wednesday. BAJUS announced the revised rates in a statement on Tuesday night, citing a decrease in the local market price of pure gold (tejabi gold) as the reason for the adjustment. According to the new price chart, 21-carat gold will now cost Tk 197,495 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 169,291 per bhori, and traditional method gold Tk 140,761 per bhori. In addition to the base price, buyers must also pay a mandatory 5 percent VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge fixed by BAJUS, though making charges may vary depending on design and craftsmanship. BAJUS last revised the gold prices on November 15, when the price of 22-carat gold was reduced by Tk 5,447 to Tk 208,272 per bhori. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted 78 times so far this year — increased 53 times and reduced 25 times. Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged, with 22-carat silver selling at Tk 4,246 per bhori.

After a prolonged downward trend, Bangladesh’s capital market has begun to recover, buoyed by three consecutive days of gains at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). At the DSE, the key index DSEX advanced by 71 points at the end of Tuesday’s trading session. The Shariah index (DSES) rose by 17 points, while the blue-chip index (DS30) gained 19 points. Most shares saw an uptick in prices, with 320 companies advancing, while 38 declined and 19 remained unchanged. The turnover also strengthened, climbing to Tk 475 crore, up from Tk 348 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares worth Tk 31 crore were traded across 34 companies, with Prime Bank topping the chart by executing trades worth Tk 13 crore. ML Dyeing Limited led the top gainers' list, surging by 10%, while Progressive Life Insurance Company Limited ended as the biggest loser, dropping more than 6%. A similar upward trend continued at the CSE, where the CASPI index gained 157 points. Here too, most issues advanced: 140 companies registered price increases, 16 declined, and 14 remained unchanged. Stocks open higher at DSE, CSE The turnover, however, slightly decreased at the CSE, totaling Tk 11 crore, compared to Tk 14 crore in the previous session. At the CSE, Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) topped the gainers with a 10% rise, while Prime Insurance Company Limited was the worst performer, losing nearly 10%.

The government on Tuesday approved a proposal to import one cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Singapore to meet the country’s growing energy demand. The approval came from a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) held at the secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in chair. Following a proposal from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla will procure one cargo of LNG from the spot market through BP Singapore Pte Limited, Singapore, using an international quotation method. The purchase is estimated to cost around Tk 489.88 crore, with the price per MMBtu of LNG set at $11.64. The committee also approved several major infrastructure-related proposals including the construction of a new fertiliser buffer godown and a variation in consultancy services for a major railway development project. As part of ongoing efforts to expand the country’s fertiliser storage network, the committee endorsed the construction of a 10,000-metric-ton capacity buffer godown in Satkhira under the project titled “Construction of 34 Buffer Godowns for Fertiliser Storage and Distribution (1st Revised).” Officials said the new facility will enhance regional storage capacity and support a more efficient distribution mechanism nationwide. In another key decision, the committee approved a variation proposal for consultancy services of the project “Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Track from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar and Ramu to Ghumdhum (2nd Revised).” The day’s meeting also cleared two proposals under the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.          

Trading on the country’s two major stock exchanges began on a positive note on Tuesday (November 18), with key indices posting significant gains in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index advanced by 82 points in early trading. The Shariah-based DSES gained 19 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 26 points. Of the 346 issues traded during the first hour, prices increased for most securities: 346 advanced, 11 declined, and 13 remained unchanged. Read more: Trading of five Sharia banks halted at Bangladesh’s stock market The turnover at the DSE exceeded Tk 240 crore during the period. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw an upbeat start, with its overall index climbing 85 points. Among the 106 issues traded, 85 recorded price increases, 12 declined, and 9 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE crossed Tk 5 crore in the first hour of trading. Read more: DSE opens week with fresh decline

Bangladesh Bank is set to discontinue five types of customer-level services, including the sale of Savings Certificates (Sanchayapatra) and Prize Bonds, as part of a major move to modernise its operations and strengthen security at its main offices. The central bank’s Motijheel office will initially cease these services from 30 November. The decision will be rolled out gradually across its divisional offices outside Dhaka. The five services to be discontinued are: * Sale of Savings Certificates and Prize Bonds* Replacement of torn or mutilated currency notes* Government Treasury Challan (deposit) services* Providing change for challan-related transactions*Services Remain Available at Commercial Banks Bangladesh Bank emphasised that all these services will continue to be offered at commercial bank branches. The central bank will also enhance monitoring to ensure commercial banks provide these services efficiently. An awareness campaign will soon be launched to inform the public about the changes. The Ministry of Finance has already been briefed on the decision. The move follows recommendations from a committee formed after Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur inspected the Motijheel office’s Cash Department on 22 June and issued directives to modernise the division. A key factor in the decision is the ‘Key Point Installation (KPI) security guideline,’ which categorises Bangladesh Bank as a high-security institution. Officials said controlling public access to the premises is necessary to implement enhanced security measures. Central bank officials clarified that the decision is not a direct response to a recent server fraud incident but aligns with broader security enhancements. Currently, the Motijheel office operates 28 counters providing ten types of government and Bangladesh Bank-related services. After 30 November: Twelve counters handling the five discontinued services will close The office will no longer accept cash for Savings Certificates, Prize Bonds or government treasury challans Sixteen counters will remain open for services such as: * Exchanging metallic coins* Selling commemorative coins* Settling disputes related to non-standard currency notes* Bank-to-bank transactions The Governor has issued instructions on the future phased reduction of even these remaining services, with similar directives given to other divisional offices. Savings Certificate Scandal The decision comes after a server fraud was detected at the Motijheel office last month, resulting in the embezzlement of Tk 25 lakh in Savings Certificates. Attempts to misappropriate another Tk 50 lakh by two individuals were foiled. A case has been filed against four people at Motijheel Police Station, and multiple investigations are ongoing. The sale of Savings Certificates at Motijheel has remained suspended since the incident. Bigger Picture As of September, customers held Tk 3,40,044.5 crore in Savings Certificates, with over 30% managed through the Bangladesh Bank Motijheel office, highlighting the public’s reliance on its services due to convenience and trust. Customers will now be directed to alternative channels, including commercial banks, the Department of National Savings and post offices.

Bangladesh’s capital market opened on a positive note on Monday, with key indices of both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges edging up in the first hour of trading. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX gained 35 points, while the Shariah index DSES advanced 13 points and the blue-chip DS30 rose by 8 points. Of the 311 companies traded, prices increased for 311 issues, declined for 31, and remained unchanged for 23. The turnover at DSE crossed Tk 140 crore in the first hour. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw upward momentum, with its all-share index gaining 18 points. Among 77 traded companies, prices rose for 44 issues, fell for 25, and stayed unchanged for 8. CSE recorded over Tk 5 crore in turnover during the first hour.  

Asian markets were mostly lower Monday as U.S. futures edged higher following a lackluster performance on Wall Street last week. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.3% to 50,226.67 after data showed Japan’s economy contracted 1.8% annually in July-September. The dollar rose slightly against the yen to 154.65 from 154.58. Chinese markets also declined, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng down 0.8% at 26,359.22 and Shanghai Composite off 0.4% at 3,973.31, amid heightened tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan-related comments by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. In contrast, South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.7%, led by tech stocks, including SK Hynix (+6.8%) and Samsung Electronics (+3.3%), after collaboration plans with Nvidia on artificial intelligence development. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell slightly to 8,628.60, while Taiwan’s Taiex rose 0.4% and India’s Sensex added 0.3%. G7 foreign ministers gather in Canada amid rising trade tensions with Trump U.S. futures showed moderate gains, with the S&P 500 up 0.5% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 0.1%, following mixed trading last Friday. Treasury yields and investor uncertainty remain influenced by Federal Reserve policy, interest rate expectations, and inflation trends. Crude oil prices dipped, while Bitcoin rose 1.1% to $95,400. The euro declined slightly to $1.1602. Source: AP

In a crucial move to reshape Bangladesh’s industrial recovery, Japanese–Bangladeshi ethical fashion venture REVIVAL Group Co. Ltd. and REVIVAL Projects Ltd. have announced plans to lease and revive the long-closed BEXIMCO Textile Division. The reopening marks a powerful moment of renewal for the nation’s workforce, with more than 25,000 workers poised to regain their jobs and reclaim the stability lost when the factory was forced to shut its doors, said a media statement on Sunday. Supported by US-based financing partner Ecomilli, founded by leading Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) professionals, the initiative marks one of the most significant employment restoration efforts in the country’s recent history. The reopening promises to reverse the devastating impacts felt when BEXIMCO Textile was shut down due to loan defaults after over three decades of successful operations. Huda Mohammed Faisal, CEO and Co-Founder of REVIVAL Group said, “We see this as far more than just the reopening of a factory. It is the restoration of dignity for thousands of families. Every job regained is a story of recovery and renewed confidence in the nation’s future.” Dr Farhan S Karim, President of Ecomilli, said that as a non-resident Bangladeshi, it is an honour to help revive a facility that once powered our national economy. “This isn’t about brain drain—it is about brain gain. We are proud to stand with the government of Bangladesh and REVIVAL to rebuild livelihoods and support the nation’s industrial resurgence,” he added. Osman Kaiser Chowdhury, Managing Director of Beximco Ltd., mentioned that the company had tried relentlessly to keep the textile division operational until the government-mandated shutdown. “Our primary concern was to protect the livelihoods of 42,000 workers and executives and to continue generating the nearly USD 40 million in monthly exports that sustained the business,” he said. “Despite immense financial challenges, we kept our modern machinery in running condition so the factories could restart at a moment’s notice. The revival agreement with REVIVAL now makes that possible,” he added.   Under the first phase of the partnership, REVIVAL and Ecomilli will deploy USD 20 million in back-to-back LC support, with plans to expand to USD 100 million depending on factory performance and global demand. The companies plan to resume production by December 2025, bringing back more than 25,000 workers with dignity and security. By 2027, REVIVAL projects annual profits of BDT 500 crore—revenues that will support repayment of outstanding loans and ensure long-term financial stability for the country’s largest textile brand.