United News of Bangladesh

Another consignment of 202 metric tonnes of onions has arrived in Bangladesh from India through the Bhomra land port in Satkhira. Import of onions from India resumed through the land port after remaining suspended for four months and 20 days. Abu Musa, general secretary of Bhomra C&F Agents Association, said, “202 metric tons of Indian onions arrived in seven trucks through Bhomra port. The consignment was imported by M/s Ayon Traders. Several more trucks carrying onions are waiting at India’s Ghojadanga land port for entry.” 100 metric tonnes of Indian onion arrive at Sonamasjid Land Port Md Shawkat Hossain, assistant commissioner of Bhomra Customs, said last consignment of onions was imported through Bhomra port on March 27 this year. The import follows a directive from Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who announced the move  on August 12 in an effort to stabilise onion prices.

Expatriates sent US$1.26 billion in remittances to Bangladesh in the first 16 days of August, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. With this, the total remittance inflows in the current fiscal year 2025–26 (from July to August 16) have reached $3.74 billion. The steady inflow of remittances has boosted the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves, which climbed to $30.81 billion on Sunday, up from $25.81 billion, as measured under the IMF’s BPM6 standard. During the same period last year, remittances stood at $1.11 billion, marking a year-on-year rise of $152 million or 13.7 percent growth compared to the first 16 days of FY2024–25. In July alone, the first month of FY2025–26, remittances hit a record $2.48 billion. The central bank report also shows a strong year-on-year growth of 23.7 percent for July to August 16 of FY2025–26, compared to the same period in FY2024–25. The last fiscal year (FY2024–25) witnessed a historic milestone as remittance inflows reached $30.33 billion, a 27 percent jump from the $23.74 billion recorded in FY2023–24. This set a new all-time high amount for a single fiscal year.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a master circular consolidating all existing instructions on import transactions into a single document. The move is expected to make import-related policies clearer and simpler for all parties involved. The master circular, which was issued on Thursday, August 14, will remain in effect for one year. It provides comprehensive guidelines on various aspects of importing, including ‘Letters of Credit (LCs)’, remittances, imports under purchase agreements, supplier and buyer credit, e-delivery of software, domestic LCs in foreign currency, and imports for special economic zones like EPZs, Hi-Tech Parks, as well as for gold, silver, and jewelry. This initiative follows a similar master circular issued by the central bank last month for the export sector. Stakeholders have welcomed the new circular for the import sector, stating that it will make it easier for both importers and banks to understand the policies. They also believe it will enhance the alignment of the country's policies with international trade standards. Business leaders have expressed hope that similar master circulars will be issued in the future for areas like foreign loans, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), overseas investments, and foreign currency accounts. They believe this would further increase the transparency and ease of international transactions.

Bangladesh received US$ 1.14 billion in remittances in the first 13 days of August of the fiscal year 2025-26. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bank, the amount was $889 million during the same period of the previous fiscal year. The central bank's report, released Thursday (Aug 14), shows a significant year-on-year increase of $255 million or 28.6 percent monthly growth compared to August 1-13 days of FY2024-25. The expatriates sent a record US$2.48 billion remittance in the first month of the fiscal year 2025-26. The central bank's report showed a significant year-on-year increase of 29. percent in FY2025-26 compared to July to August (13 days) of the previous FY2024-25, when remittances totalled $ 3.62 billion. In the FY2024-25 fiscal year also saw a record-breaking remittance inflow, with a total of $30.33 billion. This represents a 27 percent increase from the $23.74 billion received in the FY2023-24, setting a new all-time high for a single fiscal year, he pointed out. The continuous rise in remittance inflow is bringing stability to the economy and providing much-needed relief to the country's dollar supply, said Arif Hosain, spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has sought bank account details of three former governors and six former deputy governors of the Bangladesh Bank. The move comes following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the banking sector. The three former governors are Dr Atiur Rahman, Fazle Kabir and Abdur Rouf Talukder, all of whom served during the 15-and-a-half-year rule of the Awami League government. The allegations suggest that the country’s banking sector was systematically weakened during their tenure. The six deputy governors whose bank accounts have been subpoenaed are Sitangshu Kumar Sur Chowdhury (SK Sur), Masud Biswas, SM Moniruzzaman, Abu Hena Mohammad Razee Hasan, Kazi Saidur Rahman and Abu Farah Mohammad Naser. Allegations Against Former Governors Dr Atiur Rahman’s tenure was allegedly marked by a weak regulatory oversight, which is said to have enabled financial scandals such as the Hall-Mark and Basic Bank loan scams. He is also accused of being a ‘mastermind’ behind the cover-up of the 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve heist, an event that ultimately led to his resignation. BFIU seeks account details of Islami Bank chairman, family During his time as governor, Fazle Kabir allegedly approved the controversial takeover of Islami Bank Bangladesh and Social Islami Bank by the S Alam Group. According to the information, he allegedly approved these takeovers in the dead of night, paving the way for large-scale looting at the banks. He is also accused of relaxing loan policies to conceal default loans, keeping interest rates artificially low at 9 percent and introducing methods for loan defaulters to get off with minimal payments. Serving as governor for two years, Abdur Rouf Talukder is said to have made numerous controversial decisions. He resigned from a secret location after the fall of the Awami League government. The report claims that his tenure saw the continuation of fraudulent loan distribution and that he failed to address irregularities, with allegations that he became an accomplice to the businesspeople involved. He reportedly issued a new policy offering significant concessions to loan defaulters and allegedly had new money printed to provide funds to S Alam Group banks. According to sources, the three former governors have largely remained out of the public eye since the change in government. BFIU prepares to recover Tk 15,000 crore from seized accounts Dr Atiur is believed to have left the country following the fall of the Hasina government, although his passport has been ‘blocked’ over his alleged link to the reserve heist. Fazle Kabir is believed to still be in Bangladesh but has not appeared in public, while Abdur Rouf Talukder reportedly went into hiding after August 5, though he is also thought to remain in the country. Deputy Governors Also Under Scrutiny Among the former deputy governors, SK Sur Chowdhury and Masud Biswas, the latter a former chief of the BFIU, are now behind bars on charges of amassing wealth beyond their known sources of income. The report also makes serious allegations against the others, accusing SM Moniruzzaman of halting bank inspections during his tenure; former BFIU chief Razee Hasan of failing to act against money laundering under his watch; Kazi Saidur Rahman of triggering turmoil in the foreign currency market; and Abu Farah Mohammad Naser of crippling the banking sector by excessively relaxing loan policies.    

Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, member of the BNP Standing Committee, said that news of an upcoming election has restored confidence among investors, dispelling uncertainty and prompting many to prepare for new investments. He made these remarks during a session titled "Bangladesh's Economic Context: Growth and Potential" at the 'Foreign Investors Summit 2025' held Wednesday at a hotel in Dhaka. The summit was organised by BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited. Khosru noted that the news of an election has reached both domestic and international entrepreneurs, leading to renewed interest. He cited the presence of a large Japanese delegation at the summit as evidence of this growing interest. He emphasised that to achieve a sustainable and high-level economy, increasing investment is the only viable solution. Khosru stressed that a strong capital market is essential for long-term financing, as relying on loans or printing money is not a sustainable way to run an economy. Bangladesh’s capital market offers limitless growth opportunities: Dr Anisuzzaman He also highlighted the importance of branding products, providing technical and economic support, and ensuring direct access to the global market for investors. During the opening session, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the Chief Adviser for Finance, said that while many countries face economic crises after government changes, Bangladesh is a notable exception. He pointed out that despite the recent mass uprising and government change, there has been no significant impact on the country's GDP, and inflation has actually decreased. He called this a "miraculous achievement." Anisuzzaman also highlighted the recent success of Bangladesh's capital market, which he said reflects the country's stable economy. Last month, Bangladesh was ranked third among Asian countries for its stock market's performance, a remarkable recovery for a market that was once known for being plagued by malpractices. He added that the interim government is actively working to build a strong and well-governed capital market. He also addressed the attendees, encouraging both foreign and domestic investors, stating that it is a great time to invest in Bangladesh and that the capital market is ready for long-term investment. The panel discussion also featured speeches from M Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Md. Saifuddin, CFA, Commissioner of BSEC; Takao Hirose, managing director of Contextual Investment LLC; and Ruchir Desai, CFA, Fund Manager at Asia Frontier Investment Limited. Bangladesh economy shows modest recovery amid persistent challenges: MCCI The meeting was attended by investors, business representatives, capital market experts, and policymakers from various countries.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury on Wednesday described Bangladesh’s capital market as an emerging field for investors, offering limitless opportunities for sustainable growth. He made the remarks while addressing the ‘Foreign Investors Summit 2025’, which kicked off in Dhaka, organised by BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited. The summit aims to attract more foreign investment into Bangladesh’s capital market. Highlighting the market’s vast potential, Anisuzzaman said it presents attractive sources of funding to stimulate investment. He further assured that the government is committed to creating a sustainable capital market, where both local and international investors can invest with confidence. Other speakers at the event stressed that attracting foreign investment requires not just market stability, but also the adoption of modern technology, transparency and long-term policy support. They observed that Bangladesh is currently an ‘emerging frontier market’ on the global investment map, with the potential to become a strong investment destination through effective policies and strategic planning. The summit, held at a city hotel, brought together local and international investors, policymakers and market experts to discuss the present state, future prospects, and strategic plans for the country’s stock market. Ahsanur Rahman, CEO of BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited delivered the welcome address at the event. BSEC Commissioner Mohammad Mohsin Chowdhury, BRAC Bank PLC Chairperson Meheriar M Hasan, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) PLC Chairman Mominul Islam, and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) PLC Chairman AKM Habibur Rahman attended it as special guests.

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, a leading tech giant listed on the capital market, has expanded its brand business to seven new countries as part of its ambitious journey to become one of the world’s top global electronics brands. According to the Walton Global Business Division, the company entered new international markets in the fiscal year 2024–25, with Barbados, Fiji, Vanuatu, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Sri Lanka, and Singapore added to its growing global footprint. This expansion spans continents including Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Walton wins 'Excellence in Investment Award 2025' Abdur Rouf, head of Walton’s Global Business Division, said that Walton products are gaining strong traction in overseas markets thanks to their advanced features, modern design, durability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly technology. “Due to our commitment to innovation and quality, Walton has been able to earn the trust of global consumers in a short span of time,” he said. “This trust is fueling our continued brand growth in international markets.” Rouf mentioned that Walton is strategically targeting developed markets such as Europe, America, and Australia, and has already formed an efficient, smart global business team to lead this effort. The company has established subsidiaries and branch offices in multiple countries, enhancing its distribution and after-sales capabilities worldwide. Walton launches Digital Campaign Season-22 with millionaire offer To support its international ambitions, Walton has also set up a Global Research and Innovation Center in South Korea, aimed at driving product innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. Walton-branded products bearing the 'Made in Bangladesh' tag are now being exported to over 50 countries worldwide. This growing global presence has positioned Walton as a symbol of trust and confidence among investors in the capital market.

The country’s capital markets started the day on Tuesday on a positive note as all key indices and most share prices advanced in the first hour of trading on Tuesday. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index rose by 36 points, while the Shariah-based DSES gained 5 points and the blue-chip DS30 added 17 points. During the opening hour, prices increased for 243 issues, declined for 73 and remained unchanged for 72. Mixed sectoral trends mark weekly decline at DSE-CSE bourses The turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 200 crore within the first hour. The upward trend was also seen at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index advanced by 17 points. Of the 83 issues traded, 40 gained, 30 lost and 13 remained unchanged. The CSE posted a turnover of over Tk 11 crore in the opening hour.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has described the timeframe for LDC (Least Developed Country) graduation as a “time bomb,” urging a proactive approach to address the challenges it presents. He made the remarks at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) at Gulshan Club on Sunday night. “A fascist has left a time bomb in front of us. We must talk about LDC graduation, otherwise, our market access will be hindered. We are only discussing the $8 billion market in America, but we are not talking about our $48 billion market. We have to address the LDC issue and work on this challenge,” he added. Bangladesh Bank buys $83 million from 11 banks to keep dollar stable at Tk 121.50 The event was organized by the BTMA to honor the government's delegation for their successful efforts in reducing tariffs in the US market from 35 percent to 20 percent. Other notable attendees included National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce's WTO Wing, Dr. Nazneen Kaoser Chowdhury. In his speech, the Trade Advisor stated that trade negotiations are still ongoing and that the delegation may return to the US in the next couple of weeks if necessary. When asked about a "secret agreement," he responded, "Let the secret agreement remain a secret. What will be left to discuss in talk shows if everything is revealed?" Onion prices soar by Tk 25-30 in Khulna per kg; consumers concerned Sheikh Bashir also said, "We have committed to reducing the trade deficit by 75 percent within a year. There has been discussion in the country about us buying airplanes from America, but I don't think America took the matter of buying airplanes very well." He added that the government is working on import policies with the aim of liberalization, simplification, and making it easier to do business in the country. BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell gave the welcome speech at the event, while BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem also spoke at the event. Bangladesh’s banking sector pulled back from the brink: BB Governor Former leaders of different trade bodies, senior businessmen were present in the program.