United News of Bangladesh

Officials who held key positions in the administration during the Awami League (AL) regime are now under heightened intelligence surveillance, sparking concerns about potential transfers and being made officers on special duty (OSD). The recent decision to place former Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and secretaries under surveillance has triggered tensions in the administration. Several officials working in various ministries and departments of the Secretariat told UNB that officials and employees who were in significant roles under the AL government are now in fear of being designated as officers on special duty (OSD) or being forced into retirement. Particularly, those who served as DCs, SPs and secretaries are now under scrutiny, as a major reshuffling within the administration is imminent. Dialysis Crisis: Manikganj Hospital left with only one working machine Bureaucratic Discontent Officials who had served in the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government Division, personal secretaries to ministers, and divisional commissioners are increasingly anxious, sources said. The recent developments have further exacerbated fears of instability in the promotion and transfer process within the administration. Former DCs involved in the controversial elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 are particularly under the microscope. The interim government is taking punitive action against them. So far, 65 officers have either been sent on retirement or made OSD.  Among these, 22 former DCs (currently holding positions such as secretaries, additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries) have completed 25 years of service and are being forced into retirement. Besides, 33 former DCs have been designated as OSD, and 12 more former DCs have already been made OSD earlier. Several secretaries have also been sent into OSD or retirement. After six years of struggling to find a job, Zahid finds success in strawberry farming Crackdown on Corruption The government is intensifying its efforts to probe officials linked to corruption during the AL government's tenure. According to official sources, action will be taken against officers who amassed illegal wealth during their time in power. Even those who have retired are not beyond the radar of investigation. A source at the Ministry of Public Administration told UNB that the government’s advisory committee has compiled a list of many officials who have worked in key government departments over the past 17 years. "Many officials who served as personal secretaries (PSs) to ministers during the last three terms of the AL government have already been made OSD. Decisions regarding them will be made shortly," said the source. Government Push for Efficiency Despite these measures, the desired level of momentum and efficiency has not yet returned to the administration. Due to lack of coordination, several high-level appointments, including secretaries, PSC members and DCs, are being canceled. To resolve this issue and streamline the process, the government has formed an advisory committee led by the finance adviser to manage promotions and transfers. Retrospective Benefits for Deprived Officials In an effort to address the grievances of officials who were deprived of promotions during the BNP-era and subsequently went into retirement, the government has formed a high-level committee led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan. This committee has been tasked with compensating these officers. A total of 764 officials have been granted backdated promotions and financial benefits. These include 119 promoted to the position of secretary, 528 to additional secretary, 41 to grade-1, 72 to joint secretary, and 4 to deputy secretary. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Changes Expected in DC Positions Changes are also on the horizon for the DC positions. The government plans to appoint new DCs from the 24th batch of BCS officers. A new list of eligible candidates is being prepared by removing controversial officials, marking a significant shift in the local administration. Bigger Reshuffle in the Works There are reports of a significant reshuffling of officials across various ministries and departments. Vacant secretary positions in several ministries and divisions will be filled by regular officers from within the administration. Officials who held key positions under the previous government will gradually be moved to less significant roles or made OSD. Government’s Official Statement Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman confirmed the ongoing investigation into the DCs who were in charge of the returning officers during the 2024 elections. "We have provided the full list of those involved in the 2024 elections to the intelligence agencies. Based on their findings, those with less than 25 years of service will be made OSD, while those with more than 25 years of service will be forced into retirement," he said. Regarding DCs involved in the 2014 and 2018 elections, Mokhlesur said, "Those who have been made OSD or forced into retirement will face legal action if there are allegations of financial corruption. Others will not. Even after retirement, if there are allegations of corruption, there will be no exceptions. Cases will be filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).” The senior secretary assured that the government would not engage in injustice or biased actions. “If any officer involved in the elections during the Awami League's time is proven guilty, the advisory committee will decide on their matter. Decisions regarding OSD and forced retirement will be based on their crimes. However, the government will not engage in injustice against anyone,” he said.

Kidney patients in Manikganj are bearing the brunt of badly needed dialysis service at the Manikganj 250-bed General Hospital as four, out of five, dialysis machines are now out of order, thanks to reluctance of the authorities concerned.   Patients now have to pay nearly three times higher charges at private hospitals compared to government facilities for the same services. After six years of struggling to find a job, Zahid finds success in strawberry farming In many cases, they are forced to seek treatment at private hospitals in nearby upazilas of Savar, enduring severe struggles, including transportation challenges and wasted time. The Kidney Unit of the hospital began its journey on September 23, 2020, with just one dialysis machine and insufficient manpower. In 2022, four more machines were added, along with an increase in staff, to enhance patient care. However, by the following year, one or two machines started malfunctioning, forcing the unit to continue operations with limited capacity. In 2023, two out of the five machines became completely inoperative, though they were later repaired. Mohammad Bahauddin, the hospital's caretaker, said that he wrote to the National Electro-Medical Equipment Maintenance Workshop and Training Center (NIMU & TC) on January 15, 2024, requesting repairs for the dialysis machines. In response, a technical team from NIMU & TC inspected the machines. On February 2, the hospital authorities also informed the director of the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) to repair the dialysis machines through another letter, mentioning that machines were delivered on September 27, 2020. The machines were fixed several times by the supplier, but after a few days the machines again went out of order. On January 22 this year, the NIMU and TC submitted a report to the higher authority saying that the machines do not have warranty period, with no service, operation manual, and contract.   Habibur Rahman, senior staff nurse and also in charge of the dialysis unit of the hospital, addressing manifold problems of the machines, including in motherboard and power supply said they can provide dialysis service to some patients once or twice a week, leaving the rest patients uncared for. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Currently, a dialysis machine is functional which can provide service to four patients a week, with 40 more patients remaining uncared, he said, adding that a patient can get dialysis services at Tk 400 for per dialysis. Shahadat Hossain, a kidney patient of Jaira village under Sadar upazila, said he has to undergo kidney dialysis every week. “I had been receiving the service from the general hospital costing Tk 400. Now, due to the failure of the machine, I have to go to a private hospital and take the service for Tk 1,200.” Talking to several other kidney patients, they all said that poor patients have become helpless by spending extra money, urging the government to address this issue immediately. Coffee, cashew cultivation helping Bandarban farmers to line their pockets Admitting the suffering of the patients, the hospital’s assistant director and also president of district unit of DAB Dr Badrul Alam Chowdhury said they appraised the higher authority to set up new machines to address the problem, but they are yet to respond to it.

After completing his graduation, Zahid Hossain Bosunia, a resident of Monoram village in Lalmonirhat, struggled for six years to try and secure a government job. But despite numerous attempts, he failed. After facing repeated setbacks in his job search, Zahid decided to turn to strawberry farming, a decision that soon proved to be a turning point in his life, making him a successful entrepreneur in the region. Zahid, who obtained an Honours degree in History, chose to pursue agriculture instead of continuing his job hunt. He began farming various crops in 2019. On December 12, 2023, Zahid embarked on his strawberry farming journey by planting 18,000 saplings on three bighas of land. He is currently cultivating strawberries on one and a half bighas. He collected tissue-cultured strawberry saplings from Bogura in December 2023 and planted them on his land. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Currently, Zahid has around 10,000 strawberry plants on his land. Usually, harvesting of strawberries began in early March and within just two days, he had sold approximately 70 kilograms of strawberries. The wholesale price of the strawberries ranges from Tk 500 to Tk 550 per kilogram. His organically grown strawberries have attracted buyers from Rangpur, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat district town, thanks to its superior quality. Zahid expected that the harvest of strawberries would continue for about a month, but with extra care and a shade built over the plants, the yield could extend for an additional two months, he said. To promote his produce, Zahid shares photos of his vibrant red strawberries on social media, especially on the social networking site Facebook, which has helped him directly connect with buyers and expand his business. Coffee, cashew cultivation helping Bandarban farmers to line their pockets "If I receive support from the Lalmonirhat Department of Agricultural Extension, I can further boost my yield and meet the growing demand," Zahid added. Shah Alam Mia, district training officer at the Lalmonirhat Agricultural Extension Office (DAE), praised Zahid's initiative. "Unable to find a job, Zahid turned to farming and has successfully become self-reliant through strawberry cultivation. His success has inspired many unemployed youths to explore strawberry farming," he said. Dhaka’s shopping malls dazzle well ahead of Eid shopping frenzy

Amid Ramadan, allegations have surfaced against certain traders for hoarding imported goods at Chittagong Port, allegedly to engineer an artificial crisis and inflate market prices. According to port officials, importers are using port yards as storage facilities by delaying goods release, creating an artificial crisis, while around 40,000 Full Container Load (FCL) containers remain in the port yard and off-docks. The Chittagong Port Authority recently announced that if these goods-laden containers are not cleared by March 9, a fourfold charge will be imposed. Coffee, cashew cultivation helping Bandarban farmers to line their pockets At present, they said, among the 40,089 containers located in various yards at Chittagong Port, 31,384 are FCL containers. These containers, carrying imported goods, were left in the port yard without clearance, leading to disruptions in the port’s normal operations, they said. Chaktai-Khatunganj Wholesalers Association General Secretary Ahsan Ullah Jahedi pointed to the limitations of Chittagong Port in handling goods clearance. He said that the increased volume of goods being moved during Ramadan has led to some delays and complications in the clearance process, causing the goods to pile up at the port. Not only at the port but also across 19 off-docks, imported FCL containers are piling up. Currently, these off-docks hold 8,700 imported and 8,300 export-bound containers. Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) Secretary-General Ruhul Amin Sikder Biplob said, "Many importers are using Chittagong Port as a storage space, leaving their imported goods-laden containers there for 20 to 21 days. This is causing an accumulation of FCL containers at the port, leading to operational issues.” Dhaka’s shopping malls dazzle well ahead of Eid shopping frenzy “When importers attempt to clear their containers, they face container congestion and traffic jams, negatively impacting the port’s operations. Therefore, it is necessary to deliver the accumulated containers at Chittagong Port as soon as possible," he said. Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruk told UNB that importers can keep goods-laden containers at the port yard for up to four days without charge. After this period, a 20-foot container incurs a fine of $6, while a 40-foot container incurs a fine of $12. This penalty increased to $24 and $48 per container, respectively, after the allowed period, he added. He said in light of the current situation, the Chittagong Port Authority has issued special instructions to clear imported goods and containers by March 9. If these instructions are not followed, from March 10 onwards, a fourfold charge will be applied to each container. The port authority has already sent letters regarding this to BGMEA and other port user organisations. Clifton Group Managing Director M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, an importer of garment products, blamed the customs authority’s manpower shortage for delays in container clearance. “The time-consuming clearance process is causing financial losses for us,” he said. Dhaka-Chattogram Highway turns deadlier; 152 lives lost in one year If the increased penalties are enforced, importers will have to pay $48 per day for a 20-feet container and $96 per day for a 40-feet container, further escalating costs, he said.

Farmers in Bandarban district have invested in coffee and cashew nut cultivation due to favourable weather and high profitability of these crops. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), currently, cashew nuts are cultivated on 2,650 hectares and coffee on 850 hectares of land in Bandarban. Due to the region’s fertile soil and hilly terrain, yields are increasing every year. Dhaka’s shopping malls dazzle well ahead of Eid shopping frenzy MM Shah Newaz, deputy director of DAE, said that since 2021, a project titled "Cashew and Coffee Research, Expansion, and Production Enhancement" has been in operation to promote coffee and cashew farming among farmers. Under this five-year project, a total of 1,666 demonstration plots for cashew nuts and 1,469 for coffee have been established. Besides, 7,470 farmers have received training in 249 batches to improve their technical and technological skills. A private cashew processing industry, Kishan Ghar Agro Limited, has been established in Balaghata in Bandarban. Meanwhile, a coffee and cashew processing center has been set up at the Horticulture Center in Bandarban under the Year-Round Fruit Production for Nutrition Development Project, which created employment opportunities for over a hundred men and women. With the increasing production of cashews and coffee in the district, entrepreneurs have established collection and storage centers in various upazilas. “The high-yielding Vietnamese M23 cashew varieties and Arabica-Robusta coffee seedlings have been distributed to farmers. Grafted saplings have also been provided to project-affiliated farmers based on demand,” said Shah Newaz. Dhaka-Chattogram Highway turns deadlier; 152 lives lost in one year Some demonstration plots have been equipped with drip irrigation systems to facilitate watering. These initiatives have led to an increase in cashew cultivation on previously fallow land, while new coffee plantations have emerged under the shade of mango and jackfruit orchards, he said. As the cultivation of cashew nuts has been proved to be profitable, the tobacco farmers are now shifting towards cashew cultivation. Liton Debnath, Deputy Director of the Bandarban Horticulture Center, said that free sapling distribution under the project has contributed to increased coffee and cashew production. Per kg of cashew nuts is being sold at Tk 6000 per maund which was Tk 4,000 per maund, he said. Chaching Marma, Assistant Horticulture Officer at the Bandarban Horticulture Center, said trained farmers are now voluntarily taking up coffee and cashew cultivation. With a functioning processing facility at the Horticulture Center, farmers can sell cashew nuts and coffee beans at fair prices. Ruby Akhter, an employee at the cashew factory, shared that she works part-time at the factory while continuing her studies. Her earnings help cover her educational expenses and contribute to her family's needs. Saiful Islam, Manager of Kishangarh Factory, said that new research is being conducted on expanding cashew cultivation and processing using domestic technology. He added that all workers involved in this promising industry are playing a crucial role in increasing production. Asma Akhter, a female worker at the cashew factory, said that her family’s livelihood depends on her job at the factory. Ching Sa Mong, Chain Manager of Kishangarh Factory, revealed that he earlier worked at a tobacco company but switched to the cashew factory due to better opportunities. Dhaka emerges as a hub for counterfeit products With the factory in operation, local women have gained employment opportunities, he added. He also noted that grassroots plantation owners receive fair prices for their cashew sales, while entrepreneurs directly purchase coffee and cashews in bulk from farms. In some cases, wholesalers even provide advance payments to farmers for their crops.

With Eid-ul-Fitr still a month away, shopping malls and retail hubs across Dhaka have already embraced the festive spirit, adorning themselves with elaborate decorations to attract eager shoppers. The vibrant lights have not only enhanced the festive ambience but have also drawn throngs of visitors eager to explore the latest Eid collections. A visit to several shopping centres across the capital reveals the grandeur with which retailers have prepared for the season. Glittering lights, artistic decorations, and special Eid collections are prominently displayed to captivate customers. From traditional attire to modern fashion statements, shops are brimming with a variety of choices catering to different tastes and budgets. A Blend of Tradition and Modernity Dhaka’s shopping culture reaches its peak ahead of Eid, blending traditional practices with contemporary retail trends. Markets overflow with shoppers, while online platforms offer enticing discounts and promotional campaigns. Bata launches 2025 Eid-Ul-Fitr collection 'Starlight' As Bangladesh’s economy grows, so does its consumer culture, reflected in the increasing expenditure during festive periods. Whether in bustling bazaars or sleek, air-conditioned malls, the city’s retail landscape showcases its evolving identity.

Dhaka-Chattogram highway, a lifeline for the country’s trade and commerce, has turned into a death trap with 152 fatalities and 137 injuries recorded in 171 road crashes between January and December last year. Despite being one of the busiest highways in the country—stretching 163.7 kilometers from Chattogram’s Alongkar area to Dhaka’s Sayedabad—the highway lacks adequate safety measures to reduce accidents. Additional Deputy Inspector General of Cumilla Highway Range Highway Police Khairul Alam told UNB that 138 cases were filed over these accidents during the same period. Eighty-eight complaints were lodged over vehicles plying the highway and final reports of 50 complaints were submitted, he said. Highway police, responsible for maintaining discipline on the route, blamed reckless driving as the primary cause. Other contributing factors include drivers ignoring lane rules, overtaking dangerously, and speeding. Unplanned U-turn at Padua Bazar on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway turns into a death trap Alongside maintaining order, highway police are also tackling smuggling and drug trafficking, said Khairul Alam. Last year, they seized 235,600 kg of cannabis worth Tk 1,884,800 and recovered 20 bottles of Indian Phensedyl worth Tk 6,000. Besides, law enforcers confiscated 2,045 CNG-run autorickshaws, 1,356 battery-run autorickshaws, 1,634 rickshaws, and 21 other illegal vehicles from the highway. To improve efficiency, several initiatives have been taken, said DIG Khairul Alam. Previously, fines for traffic rules violations on the Dhaka-Chattogram and Cumilla-Sylhet highways could only be paid via United Commercial Bank’s mobile banking service, Upay. Now, violators can instantly deposit fines into the government treasury through 21 different mobile banking services, including bKash and Rocket, as well as various bank cards, he said. Economic Significance of Dhaka-Ctg Highway The Dhaka-Chattogram Highway serves as the primary artery connecting Dhaka with Chattogram, the country's largest port and commercial hub. This highway facilitates the transport of goods essential for industries such as garments, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, which rely heavily on Chattogram Port for exports and imports. How long will Bangladesh’s highways remain deadly? Some 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade flows through this route, underlining its critical importance for sustaining the nation’s economic growth. Without prompt action to ensure road safety the country’s economic momentum will be threatened, locals and businesspeople said.

Counterfeit products falsely claiming Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution's (BSTI's) certification are flooding the market, posing severe public health risks. From food to cosmetics and electrical appliances, unscrupulous traders are deceiving consumers with fake BSTI seals, exploiting regulatory loopholes. Despite frequent raids by BSTI and law enforcement agencies, the illegal trade continues, especially during peak shopping seasons, raising urgent concerns over consumer safety. Dhaka has become a hotspot for fake products, causing major economic losses. Cosmetics trader Rafiqul Islam warns that counterfeit goods hurt legitimate businesses and put consumers at risk. "As Ramadan has begun, ensuring consumer safety is crucial. Counterfeit cosmetics are a persistent challenge," he said. According to a study by the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, fake products cost the government Tk 3,170 crore in lost tax revenues annually, while legitimate businesses lose Tk 13,680 crore in sales. Rampant Sale of Fake BSTI-Sealed Products Investigations reveal widespread sale of counterfeit edible oil, powdered milk, bottled water, soft drinks, cosmetics and electrical goods with fake BSTI labels. Many of these are produced in unauthorised factories in Dhaka, Chattogram and other cities. Traders attract consumers with low prices and misleading packaging. Some even print counterfeit BSTI stickers and holograms, making it difficult to identify fake products. Serious Health Risks Fake BSTI-certified products are not just fraud—they pose real dangers: Food Contamination: Counterfeit food and beverages may contain harmful chemicals, excessive preservatives, and poor-quality ingredients, causing food poisoning, stomach issues, and long-term health risks. Fire Hazards: Fake electrical goods, including bulbs, fans, and wires, often fail safety standards. The fire service reports that 38% of last year’s fire incidents were caused by electrical short circuits due to low-quality wiring. Fake cosmetics seized at Old Dhaka Toxic Cosmetics: Counterfeit beauty products often contain harmful substances like mercury, steroids, and lead, which can cause severe skin reactions, allergies, and long-term health complications. Futile Crackdown BSTI and law enforcement agencies “frequently raid” counterfeit factories and markets. Between October and January, 471 mobile court operations led to 428 cases, Tk 2.47 crore in fines and the sealing of 23 factories. On February 19, a BSTI-led mobile court raided a Dhaka factory producing fake cosmetics branded as Johnson’s, Sunsilk, Dove, Head & Shoulders and Pantene. A large quantity of counterfeit goods was destroyed, but no arrests were made as factory representatives were absent. BSTI officials urge consumers to stay vigilant. “We are working with law enforcement agencies to shut down illegal businesses. Consumers should verify BSTI numbers and report suspicious products,” a BSTI spokesperson said. Tougher Laws Needed Experts stress the need for stricter penalties and public awareness campaigns. Suggested measures include QR codes for easy product verification and stricter legal action against counterfeiters. “The BSTI certification should guarantee product safety. Unfortunately, many certified products turn out unreliable,” said Moumita Khan, a shopper in Mouchak’s Fortune Market. Fake license numbers and BSTI seals on products make it hard for consumers to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit items, increasing public health risks. 69,000 packets adulterated Orsaline seized in Chattogram Nationwide Drive To curb food adulteration, BSTI has launched a nationwide crackdown on iftar items, fruits, baby food and cosmetics. Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said that BSTI’s surveillance is being intensified. In Dhaka, three mobile courts will operate daily in collaboration with law enforcement agencies such as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Similar operations will take place across the country with district and upazila administration support, he said. Despite so-called drives by BSTI, traders continue to produce and distribute counterfeit goods, often using fake BSTI seals to deceive consumers. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also been investigating BSTI for internal collusion and unauthorised certification. Consumers express frustration over BSTI’s inability to prevent counterfeit sales, citing corruption and weak enforcement. Some knowingly buy fake goods due to lower prices, while others are misled by deceptive packaging. Legitimate Importers Suffer Huge Losses Counterfeit products harm genuine importers and businesses, who struggle to compete against low-cost fake goods. According to the Bangladesh Importers Association, counterfeit-related losses amount to billions of takas annually. “We are losing a massive market share to counterfeiters. Consumers buy fake products unknowingly and blame original brands for poor quality,” said Rahman Hossain, a Dhaka-based electronics importer. HC seeks report on adulterated milk, curd-producing companies BSTI Director General SM Ferdous Alam reassured that their drive would prioritise the quality of iftar items, baby food, fruits and cosmetics to protect consumers from health risks.

Farmers in Sirajganj are celebrating a bumper mustard harvest this season, with the high yields complemented by favourable market prices. The success of this year’s mustard cultivation has brought much-needed financial relief to many, particularly ahead of Eid. Harvesting and threshing are nearly complete across the district, with farmers reporting increased profits due to the combination of a higher-than-expected yield and strong market demand. Mustard is currently selling at around Tk 2,700 to Tk 2,800 per maund (approximately 40 kg), significantly boosting farmers’ earnings. Expansion of Cultivation According to local agricultural sources, mustard was cultivated on 87,125 hectares of land across the district’s nine upazilas. But farmers expanded their mustard fields by an additional 2,500 hectares, exceeding initial projections. The most productive regions include Tarash, Raiganj, Ullapara, Shahjadpur, Kamarkhand, Kazipur, Belkuchi, Sirajganj Sadar and the char areas along the Jamuna River. Popular mustard varieties such as Tori-7, Bari-14, Bina-9, and Bina-14 were widely cultivated, while the uric acid-free Kelania variety was grown in the char areas. Khulna farmers reap rewards from mustard cultivation, honey production Harvesting began in the second week of February and is expected to be full completed within a week. Support from Agricultural Authorities The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) played a significant role in this year’s successful harvest, providing subsidised seeds and fertilisers to small and marginal farmers. Agricultural officers also offered guidance throughout the cultivation process, ensuring that farmers adopted best practices to maximise their yield. Ahsan Shahid Sarkar, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, highlighted the positive impact of government incentives on mustard cultivation. “Small and marginal farmers received free fertiliser and seeds, and the agriculture department provided guidance throughout the process. Due to favourable weather conditions and this support, we have seen a bumper mustard harvest,” he said. Future Prospects Farmers are particularly pleased with the financial benefits of this year’s mustard cultivation. The cost of production remained low, while profits soared due to the high market prices. Many farmers plan to use their earnings to cover Eid expenses and reinvest in their farms for the next planting season. Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey With mustard cultivation increasing year on year, Sirajganj continues to solidify its position as a key mustard-producing district in Bangladesh. As long as government support and favourable weather conditions persist, local farmers remain optimistic about the future of mustard farming in the region.

In the past week’s trading activities, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) saw a notable increase in its main index, accompanied by a rise in overall market transactions. These trends have been partially driven by a positive shift in the banking sector shares. Over the five trading days till Thursday (Feb. 27), the DSE's main index rose by 46.93 points. Trading, which concluded on February 20 at 5,200 points, reached 5,247 points on February 27. Mixed trends in stock markets: DSE gains, CSE declines in early trading Along with the main index’s growth, the average trading volume in Dhaka’s stock market saw an uptick. Last week, the average trading volume increased from Tk 470 crore to Tk 518 crore, marking a more than 10% rise over just five trading days. This surge is attributed to the growing confidence of investors in long-term investments, particularly in the banking sector. The collective share prices of 36 listed banks jumped by 19.55%. Banking Sector Recovery As the prices of shares in the banking sector have risen, transaction volumes have also increased. While brokerage houses and investors acknowledge that it is still uncertain whether the banking sector will fully recover within a week, the recent positive movements have sparked renewed hope for the sector. When compared to last week, the volume of banking sector share transactions has surged by nearly 60%. Among the banking institutions that saw trading, 22 experienced price increases, 10 saw declines, and four remained unchanged. Positive Movement in Financial Institutions In addition to the banking sector, the share prices of financial institutions also witnessed positive movement. Of the 23 listed financial institutions, 15 saw their prices rise, five saw declines, and three remained stable. Over the last five trading days, financial institution share prices have surged by over 105%, with the trading volume increasing by 86%. Stock market declines after 3-day rally Meanwhile, while the general insurance sector’s share prices rose by over 68%, the life insurance sector experienced a 19.61% drop in prices. Telco struggles The telecom sector, on the other hand, witnessed significant price drops. During the week, telecom sector shares fell by more than 44%. On the final trading day, shares of the listed telecom company Grameenphone fell by 4.5%, while Robi’s shares saw a slight dip of 0.35%. Blue-Chip Companies and SME Sector Despite the rise in the main index, the index of selected blue-chip companies fell by 4 points. Conversely, the Shariah-based DSES index rose by 4 points, while the SME sector’s shares continue to struggle. The index of small and medium-sized enterprises, DSMEX, fell by 18 points. Block Market Highlights In the block market, the highest number of shares were sold by Bich Hatchery Limited, with each share currently priced at Tk 109.40. Coming in second for block market sales is Jamuna Bank, where each share is priced at Tk 19.60. Most Active Stocks The most active stock in the market last week was Orion Infusion Limited, with Grameenphone taking second place. Top Performers and Decliners S Alam Cold Rolled Steels Limited, a B-category company, secured the top spot on the DSE with an impressive 53.25% return. On February 20, its shares were traded at Tk 15.40, and by the final trading day, they had risen to Tk 23.60. Stock market manipulated for political gains: Amir Khosru   On the other end of the spectrum, Sunlife Insurance Company Limited saw a nearly 10% drop, with its share price falling from Tk 75 on February 20 to Tk 68 by the end of the week. Stock Market Shrinkage and Margin Loans Between price fluctuations, a recent report from the DSE’s brokerage association, DBA, revealed that the size of the country’s stock market has shrunk by 37.6% over the past 16 years. In addition, over the last 15 years, 134 new companies have been listed on the stock market, with 42 companies now in the Z-category. Of the 350 listed companies, 103 are now in the Z-category. Investor Concerns: Margin Loans In this volatile market, margin loans continue to be a major concern for investors. Although a task force has been formed to address this issue, a long-term solution remains elusive. According to the combined reports from brokerage houses, the total margin loans in the stock market have surpassed Tk 20,000 crore, with Tk 9,700 crore of that amount attributed to negative equity. With the current positive outlook of the index, market experts believe that if investors can be freed from margin loans, confidence in the market could be restored in the near future.