United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s private sector growth slowed in March, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) dropping 2.2 points from February to 53.5. The slowdown was driven by contractions in manufacturing and construction, even as services and agriculture continued to expand. The latest PMI, released jointly by the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, still indicates expansion but at a slower pace, mainly due to weaker growth in agriculture and downturns in manufacturing and construction. PMI improves in February, indicating spike in economic confidence Agriculture extended its expansion streak to seven months, though at a slower pace. Business activity and input costs grew modestly while order backlogs strengthened. However, new business and employment both declined during the month. The manufacturing sector recorded its first contraction after 18 consecutive months of expansion, driven by declines in new orders, exports, finished goods, imports and employment. Factory output, input purchases, input prices and supplier deliveries, however, continued to expand, and order backlogs returned to growth. Construction posted its second straight month of contraction amid weaker new business and activity. Employment and order backlogs rebounded, while input costs rose at a faster pace. In contrast, the services sector marked its 18th consecutive month of expansion, with slightly faster growth across new business, activity, employment, input costs and order backlogs. The future business index signalled continued expansion across agriculture, manufacturing, construction and services, reflecting sustained business optimism despite cost pressures and uncertainty. Seasonal demand ahead of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr supported some firms, though rising costs for raw materials, labour and transport continued to squeeze margins. M Masrur Reaz, chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said the March reading indicates moderating economic growth, largely due to a manufacturing slowdown linked to extended holidays and global demand uncertainty stemming from the Middle East crisis. Masrur said the inflationary pressures and potential supply disruptions could further weaken economic momentum if the situation persists.

Gold price soars Tk 6,590 per bhori in Bangladesh marketGold prices in Bangladesh surged sharply on Wednesday, with 22-carat gold rising by Tk 6,590 per bhori. Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus)  raised the price of gold in the domestic market, effective from 10:00am Wednesday. Bajus attributed the hike to a rise in the price of pure (tejabi) gold in the local market. With the latest revision, the price of 22-carat gold now stands at Tk 2,52,409 per bhori. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold has gone up by Tk 6,299 to Tk 2,40,920 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has increased by Tk 5,365 to Tk 2,06,511 per bhori. The price of traditionally-processed (sanatan) gold has been adjusted upward by Tk 4,374 to Tk 1,68,195 per bhori. The adjustment comes just two days after Bajus cut the price of premium gold by Tk 2,158 on April 6, which itself followed four consecutive rounds of increases totalling Tk 13,122 per bhori. So far in 2026, gold prices in the domestic market have been revised 53 times raised on 31 occasions and reduced on 22. Silver prices have also been revised upward alongside gold. The price of 22-carat silver has been increased by Tk 350 to Tk 5,890 per bhori. Rates for 21-carat, 18-carat, and traditionally-processed silver have been set at Tk 5,599, Tk 4,782, and Tk 3,616 per bhori, respectively. Silver prices have now been adjusted 32 times this year, with 18 increases and 14 reductions.

The office-bearers of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by its President Taskeen Ahmed, paid a courtesy call on Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, Taskeen Ahmed said the government has already taken several timely and effective measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the Middle East war. However, he stressed that sustaining people’s livelihoods, employment, industrial production and overall economic activities should remain a top priority. DCCI urges govt  to adopt proactive policy measures to safeguard economy amid Middle East tension   Taskeen underscored the need for effective initiatives and their proper implementation through stronger coordination with the private sector. The DCCI president also welcomed the government’s consideration to defer Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status, noting that continued engagement with relevant international institutions is essential. He urged the authorities to take more proactive measures to address post-LDC graduation challenges by incorporating private sector participation and implementing their recommendations. Highlighting the impact of multiple global shocks since the Covid-19 pandemic, Taskeen said the country’s CMSME sector has been the worst affected, despite contributing around 30 percent to national GDP and generating nearly 80 percent of industrial sector employment. To address challenges faced by SME entrepreneurs, he called for low-interest loan facilities, easier access to credit, simplified loan procedures, incentives and tax exemptions. Principal Secretary Abdus Sattar said the government remains committed to fulfilling people’s aspirations and will continue engaging with the private sector through dialogue to address emerging challenges, accelerate industrial activities and achieve future economic goals. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman and Acting Secretary General Dr A K M Asaduzzaman Patwary were also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Tuesday said depositors of the five banks merged into Sammilito Islamic Bank will receive their funds in phases under a structured repayment plan. The clarification came at a press briefing at the central bank’s Sena Kalyan Bhaban office, following a protest by depositors of the merged banks in front of the central bank headquarters.  “A specific scheme has been developed to return depositors’ money and the process is already underway in stages,” central bank’s Assistant Spokesperson Shahriar Siddique at the briefing. Under the scheme, depositors can immediately withdraw up to Tk 2 lakh and after that they will be allowed to withdraw Tk 1 lakh every three months, he said. The central bank said this arrangement will enable depositors to recover their full balances within a maximum of 21 months. For Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR) and Deposit Pension Schemes (DPS), depositors will be able to withdraw Tk 1 lakh upon maturity. The remaining balance will be renewed under a revised schedule, allowing customers to withdraw profits at each renewal while the principal remains temporarily locked, the Assistant Spokesperson said. Bangladesh Bank has introduced special measures on humanitarian grounds It said depositors suffering from severe or life-threatening conditions such as kidney disease, will be allowed to withdraw any required amount upon submission of valid medical documents. Besides, the bank’s administrator may approve withdrawals of up to Tk 10 lakh and requests exceeding this limit will require approval from Bangladesh Bank. The central bank said efforts are ongoing to establish a permanent management structure for the new bank. Recruitment for the Managing Director is in progress, and a chairman will be appointed with government approval. The merger of five Islamic banks is currently focused on technical and operational integration, he said. Overlapping branches will be merged to reduce costs, rented head offices are being closed to centralise operations and specialists are working to unify five separate core banking systems into a single platform, he added “The government and Bangladesh Bank are committed to protecting depositors’ interests and turning the merged bank into a stable and profitable institution,” Siddique said urging customers to remain patient during the transition.  

NASSA Mainland Garments will resume normal operations from Wednesday, April 8, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said on Monday. The minister made the announcement after an important meeting with officials of NASSA Group at the ministry, convened following workers’ road blockade on April 5 demanding unpaid wages. The factory had remained shut since after Eid-ul-Fitr, with the authorities citing financial constraints. On Sunday, workers blocked the Tejgaon Link Road at Mohakhali and Nabisco areas, prompting government intervention to resolve the crisis. The labour minister said the government prioritised keeping factories operational in the interest of employment and assured all-out support from the ministry in line with legal provisions. He also urged workers to cooperate with the management, including working an extra hour daily if needed, to help restore production momentum. The minister advised the factory authorities not to harass any workers or employees under any circumstances. Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin said a running factory cannot be shut down citing the absence of any individual or legal complications, stressing the need for timely measures to protect workers’ interests. Earlier, workers’ representatives sought government intervention to keep the factory operational and pledged to maximise production. NASSA Group Vice Chairman Ranjan Chowdhury highlighted financial and banking-related complications faced by the company and sought the ministry’s assistance in resolving the issues. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus, Labour Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder, and representatives from the ministries of home, law and finance, as well as BGMEA, were present at the meeting.

The price of gold in Bangladesh has been reduced by Tk 2,158 per bhori, with the new rate for 22-carat gold set at Tk 245,819, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced on Monday. The revised price took immediate effect, BAJUS said in the morning. The association attributed the adjustment to a decline in the price of tejabi gold (pure gold) in the local market and the overall market situation. Under the new rates, 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 234,621 per bhori (11.664 grams), while 18-carat gold will cost Tk 201,146 per bhori. Gold of traditional method has been set at Tk 163,821 per bhori. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on April 1, when it raised the price by Tk 3,266 to set 22-carat gold at Tk 247,977 per bhori. So far in 2026, gold prices have been revised 52 times, including 30 hikes and 22 reductions. The association also reduced silver prices alongside gold. The price of 22-carat silver has been cut by Tk 175 to Tk 5,540 per bhori. According to the new rates, 21-carat silver has been set at Tk 5,307 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 4,549 per bhori, and traditional method silver at Tk 3,383 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 31 times so far this year, including 17 increases and 14 decreases, BAJUS added.  

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has called upon the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament to reconsider and amend several provisions of the Bangladesh Labor (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. In a press conference, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem expressed deep concern that some of the amendments proposed by the previous interim government were "ambiguous" and appeared to be part of a "planned effort" to destabilize the industrial sector. He alleged that "over-enthusiastic individuals" within the former administration may have designed these rules to undermine the export-oriented industry. The press conference was held at BKMEA office in Bangla Motor in the capital on Sunday. The trade body warned that certain sections of the new ordinance create administrative complexity, increase production costs, and threaten the global competitiveness of the country's readymade garment (RMG) sector. The BKMEA highlighted several specific areas where the 2025 Ordinance deviates from the industry's practical needs and the recommendations of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC). Redefining ‘Worker’: BKMEA argued that the amended definition of a "worker" is too broad and creates confusion between general employees and management/administrative officers. They are seeking a clearer distinction to prevent administrative overlap. Compensation for Resignation: Under the new ordinance, a worker is entitled to 7 days of wages as compensation (for every service year) due to resignation after only three years of service. BKMEA recommends that this benefit should only kick in after a minimum of three to five years of continuous service, with a graded scale for longer tenures (e.g., 15 days for 5–10 years and 30 days for over 10 years). Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA): BKMEA proposed that even if a facility has only one trade union, it must secure a majority (50% + 1) in an election to be recognized as the CBA. Mandatory Provident Fund: The amended ordinance makes a Provident Fund (PF) mandatory for any factory with 100 permanent workers. BKMEA has recommended increasing this threshold to 500 workers to reduce the financial and administrative burden on smaller and medium-sized units. Trade Union Registration: The ordinance allows for up to five trade union registrations in a single establishment or group of establishments. BKMEA expressed concern over the potential for industrial unrest and recommended strict oversight on these registrations. Harassment Grievance Committees: While the ordinance mandates a 5-member committee to handle complaints of discrimination and violence, BKMEA is seeking further clarity on the operational guidelines of these committees to ensure they function fairly. Impact on Sustainable Development The association emphasized that while they support the welfare of workers, the law must be "investment-friendly" to ensure the industry's sustainability. They noted that the current version of the ordinance creates "intentional hurdles" that could lead to the destruction of factories and a decline in national exports.  "We believe some provisions were drafted with the intent to destroy our industrial infrastructure," said Mohammad Hatem. "To ensure the continuous growth of the knitwear sector, it is essential to align the law with the realistic recommendations provided by the owners and the TCC," he BKMEA concluded by urging the government to engage in further dialogue to ensure the Labor Act fosters a stable environment for both workers and employers, maintaining Bangladesh's position as a leading global apparel exporter. Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA, Senior Vice President Amal Podder, CIP, and Vice President Mohammad Rashed, among others, were present in the press conference.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) held a pre-budget consultation meeting with the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCCI) at its office in Dhaka’s Agargaon ahead of the national budget for FY 2026–2027. The meeting was chaired by NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, FCMA, and attended by senior officials of the revenue authority, according to a media statement on Sunday. The BCCCI delegation, led by its President Mohd. Khorshed Alam, included Director Amanur Rahman, a representative from Xiaomi Technologies Bangladesh Private Limited, and Executive Director Md. Abu Taher. During the meeting, BCCCI placed several proposals focusing on the textile sector, chemical industry, and a reduction of VAT at the trading stage of mobile phones, aiming to facilitate trade, attract investment, and support business growth. The NBR Chairman appreciated the proposals and assured that the recommendations would be reviewed and could be considered in the formulation of the national budget for FY 2026–2027.

Bangladesh’s point-to-point general inflation eased slightly to 8.71 per cent in March 2026, down from 9.13 per cent in February, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The BBS data showed that food inflation fell to 8.24 per cent in March from 9.30 per cent in the previous month while non-food inflation rose slightly to 9.09 per cent from 9.01 per cent. Both rural and urban areas experienced a modest decline in overall inflation. In rural areas, the general point-to-point inflation stood at 8.72 per cent in March down from 9.21per cent in February 2026 though it was higher at 9.41 per cent in March 2025. Rural food inflation declined to 8.02 per cent from 9.07 per cent while non-food inflation increased to 9.38 per cent from 9.34 per cent. In March, 2025, rural food and non-food inflation were 8.81 per cent and 9.97 per cent respectively. In urban areas, general inflation declined to 8.68 per cent in March from 9.07 per cent in February. Urban food inflation decreased to 8.78 per cent from 9.87 per cent whereas non-food inflation increased to 8.62 per cent from 8.57 per cent. In January 2025, urban food and non-food inflation were 9.18 per cent and 9.95 per cent respectively.

Prices of Sonali chicken and Hilsa have gone up in Dhaka’s kitchen markets, with traders citing supply shortages and rising demand ahead of Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year. A visit to several markets in Shantinagar, Motijheel, Malibagh, Rampura, Badda and Kuril on Friday showed while broiler chicken prices dropped to Tk 200 per kg from Tk 240, Sonali chicken prices increased further to Tk 380-400 per kg, up from Tk 350 just a week ago. At the beginning of Ramadan, Sonali chicken was selling at Tk 280-300 per kg, which rose to Tk 340-360 in the last week of Ramadan. Consumers had expected prices to ease after Eid, but the trend has reversed. “I waited thinking prices would fall after Eid, but now it has gone up to Tk 400 per kg,” said Tipu Sarker, a consumer at AGB Colony Kitchen Market in Motijheel. Traders attributed the price hike to supply shortages. “Earlier, we could bring two pickup loads of chicken from Gazipur within a day. Now we have to wait two days even after placing orders,” said Selim Ali, a trader at Uttar Badda, adding that transport costs have risen and advance payments are now required. Vendors also reported a decline in sales due to higher prices. “People who used to buy four chickens now buy two. Some even reduce to one instead of a pair,” said Sabuj, a trader at Rampura market. Alongside Sonali chicken, prices of indigenous chicken have also surged, reaching Tk 780-800 per kg, compared to Tk 550-600 before Ramadan. Prices rose to Tk 650-700 in early Ramadan and further to Tk 720-750 during Eid. Buyers termed the price hike unreasonable, though traders again blamed supply constraints. Meanwhile, beef prices remained largely stable, selling at around Tk 800 per kg in most shops, with priced between Tk 820-850 in some areas. Hilsa prices have also increased ahead of Pahela Baishakh. Hilsa weighing below 500 grams, previously sold at Tk 800-1,000, is now priced at Tk 1,400-1,500. Hilsa weighing 700-800 grams is selling for Tk 2,200-2,300, while larger fish of one kg or more is priced at Tk 2,600-2,800 per kg. Traders said Hilsa supply has declined in recent days, although it may improve toward the end of April. Besides, increased demand ahead of the Bangla New Year has pushed prices up for now. Egg prices have also risen by Tk 10 per dozen over the past week, now selling at Tk 120-130 compared to Tk 100-110. Loose soybean oil prices have increased by Tk 10 per litre, reaching Tk 200 from Tk 190 in Badda retail market, while bottled soybean oil remains in short supply in many shops. Vegetable prices remained mostly stable, with no significant change observed in potato and onion prices. But, traders warned that continued supply disruptions could lead to further price hikes in the coming weeks.