United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's capital market closed the week on a cautious note on Thursday, with both Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) recording marginal index gains while the majority of listed companies saw their share prices decline. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index edged up by just one point, the blue-chip DS30 rose six points, while the Shariah-based DSES remained flat. This offered little comfort to investors as decliners significantly outnumbered gainers. Of the total companies traded on the DSE, 201 saw price falls against 131 gains, while 62 remained unchanged. Turnover also slipped with total transactions falling Tk 30 crore from the previous session to stand at Tk 806 crore, compared to Tk 836 crore the day before. In the block market, shares worth Tk 26 crore changed hands across 38 companies, with Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC topping the block board at Tk 3.80 crore. Legacy Footwear Limited led the gainers' chart with a 6.25% price increase, while Premier Leasing and Finance Limited bore the steepest loss, shedding over 7% of its value. The CSE mirrored a similar trend, the CASPI gained nearly five points yet failed to reflect broader market health. Of the companies traded, 88 recorded price declines against 86 that advanced, while 34 remained unchanged. Daffodil Computers PLC surged nearly 10% to top the gainers' list, whereas Apex Tannery Limited shed close to 10% to finish at the bottom. Market analysts note that the divergence between index movements and broader price declines suggests selective buying in heavyweight stocks, with overall investor sentiment remaining subdued.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), a pioneer investment promotion agency, stepped into its 46th year of operations on Wednesday, marking four and a half decades of transformative impact on industrialisation, exports, and employment. Operating under the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), BEPZA’s journey began following the BEPZA Act 1980, an initiative aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the post-independence economic reconstruction. The entity officially commenced its journey via a gazette notification on April 15, 1981, eventually ushering in a new era of export-led growth with the launch of Chattogram EPZ in 1983. Chinese firm to invest $15.34m in garment factory at BEPZA Economic Zone Economic Giant on Minimal Land BEPZA has set a global benchmark for achieving high economic returns from limited land resources. Occupying only 3,550 acres – less than 0.001% of the country’s total land mass – the EPZs contribute nearly 15%-20% of Bangladesh’s total national exports. In the fiscal year FY2024-25, BEPZA’s contribution to national exports stood at 17.03%. Over the last 45 years, the authority has attracted cumulative investments worth US$7.29 billion and facilitated the export of goods valued at more than $125 billion. Current Footprint and Expansion Currently, BEPZA manages eight EPZs: Chattogram, Dhaka, Mongla, Cumilla, Uttara, Ishwardi, Adamjee and Karnaphuli, alongside the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram. Work on establishing new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali is also progressing rapidly. The agency famously revitalised the national industrial landscape by converting non-profitable state enterprises, such as the Adamjee Jute Mills and Chattogram Steel Mills, into high-performing EPZs. Employment and Women Empowerment The zones currently employ approximately 5.5 lakh Bangladeshi citizens. A significant majority of this workforce consists of women, playing a pivotal role in the country’s social development and female empowerment. Beyond employment, BEPZA ensures worker welfare through dedicated hospitals, day-care centres, and educational institutions within the zones. Diversification and Green Industrialisation While the ready-made garment (RMG) sector remains a core component, BEPZA has successfully diversified the "Made in Bangladesh" portfolio. High-value products manufactured in the zones now include automobile parts and electronic components, camera lenses and eyeglasses frames, bicycles, and high-end footwear. Furthermore, BEPZA is leading the way in sustainable manufacturing with 27 LEED-certified green factories (including eight Platinum-rated). As of March 2026, the zones produce 32 MW of solar power, with a target to meet 25% of their total electricity demand from solar energy by 2030. The ‘Brand’ of Trust With its long-standing "One Window Service" model, BEPZA has become a symbol of reliability for both local and foreign investors. By ensuring strict compliance, a safe working environment, and efficient management, the authority continues to serve as a successful model for global industrialisation. As it enters its 46th year, BEPZA remains committed to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) on Wednesday raised the price of gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate for 22-carat gold at Tk 2,50,193 per bhori, effective immediately. In a morning statement, BAJUS said the price revision was made in light of the overall market situation following a rise in the price of pure (tejabi) gold in the local market. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk 2,38,820 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 2,04,703, and traditional-method gold at Tk 1,66,737 per bhori (1 bhori = 11.664 grams). The last adjustment was made on the morning of April 9, when BAJUS had cut the price by Tk 4,432 per bhori, setting the 22-carat rate at Tk 2,47,977. So far in 2026, gold prices in the domestic market have been revised 55 times; raised on 32 occasions and reduced on 23. Silver prices also revised upward Alongside gold, BAJUS also raised silver prices on Wednesday, increasing the rate by Tk 350 per bhori. The new price of 22-carat silver has been fixed at Tk 6,065 per bhori. Other revised silver rates include: 21-carat at Tk 5,774 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 4,957 per bhori, and traditional-method silver at Tk 3,732 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 34 times so far this year; increased on 19 occasions and reduced on the remaining 15.

A 22-member delegation of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) will leave here for Guangzhou, China on Wednesday on a five-day visit aimed at strengthening Bangladesh-China economic engagement and expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The delegation, led by DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, comprises exporters and importers involved in food manufacturing, ceramics, information technology, automotive, industrial oil and grease, shipping and logistics services, electrical and electronics, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, defence equipment and ready-made garment sectors, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. During the visit, the DCCI team will participate in a series of business forums and B2B networking sessions with leading Chinese trade promotion organisations and chambers, including CCPIT Guangzhou, CCPIT Guangzhou Nansha, Guangzhou Nansha Association of Trade in Services, Guangdong Chamber of Commerce of Importers & Exporters, China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronics Products and Guangzhou Overseas Enterprises Chamber of Commerce. The programme will also feature participation in China’s premier international trade exhibition, the Canton Fair, where the delegation will engage in structured buyer-seller matchmaking sessions and on-site business exploration. The team is also scheduled to attend the Guangzhou Sourcing Fair. Through the visit, DCCI aims to promote international trade, strengthen private sector collaboration and support Bangladeshi enterprises in integrating more effectively into global supply chains, the release added.

Bangladesh’s potential accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could deliver positive trade and welfare gains, but also pose significant fiscal and structural challenges, according to a new study. The analysis, conducted by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and published recently, suggests that while joining the world’s largest trade bloc may not immediately transform Bangladesh’s export performance, it could act as a long-term catalyst for economic diversification, regional integration and investment inflows. RCEP, the world’s largest free trade agreement, was signed in November 2020 and came into force on January 1, 2022. The bloc brings together 15 Asia-Pacific economies, comprising the 10 ASEAN member states along with Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, and accounts for nearly 30% of global GDP and population. The agreement aims to lower tariffs, harmonise trade rules and facilitate more efficient regional supply chains. Bangladesh has expressed interest in joining RCEP and has sought New Zealand’s support to secure membership in the world’s largest trade pact. The request was made in March during a bilateral meeting between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization conference. The study finds that Bangladesh’s exports to RCEP markets could rise modestly, reflecting the country’s existing preferential access as a Least Developed Country (LDC) in several member economies. Simulation results show exports could increase by about $415 million, with an additional $80 million diverted from non-RCEP markets, amounting to less than 1 percent of total exports. “This relatively small gain should not be misinterpreted as a lack of potential,” the report notes, highlighting that Bangladesh already enjoys duty-free access in key markets such as China, Japan and Australia. However, the broader significance lies in positioning Bangladesh within the fast-growing production networks of East and Southeast Asia, where trade is increasingly driven by integrated value chains rather than standalone exports. Currently, Bangladesh’s trade with RCEP is heavily import-dependent, with nearly 70% of total imports sourced from the bloc, while exports remain limited and concentrated in ready-made garments. One of the most immediate risks identified is a sharp decline in tariff revenue following liberalisation. The study estimates that Bangladesh could lose around $4.2 billion in tariff revenue under full liberalisation, equivalent to roughly 1.7% of GDP and nearly 75% of current tariff income. The largest losses are expected from imports originating in China, followed by India and Japan, as tariff elimination and trade diversion shift sourcing patterns. Key affected sectors include electrical machinery, industrial inputs, metals and motor vehicles – products that currently generate a substantial portion of government revenue. Despite these losses, the study notes that consumer welfare will improve due to lower import prices, generating a net welfare gain of over $950 million. The modelling results indicate that Bangladesh will experience a net positive trade effect, driven primarily by increased imports from more efficient RCEP suppliers. Trade creation is expected to exceed trade diversion, although the margin remains relatively narrow. China is projected to capture the largest share of increased trade flows, followed by countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, reflecting their strong industrial base and competitiveness within the bloc. At the same time, non-RCEP partners such as India, the European Union and the United States could face reduced market share in Bangladesh due to shifting import patterns. The report emphasises that Bangladesh's real opportunity lies beyond immediate trade gains, particularly in integrating into regional value chains. Lower-cost imported inputs and improved trade facilitation could enhance competitiveness across multiple sectors, including textiles, leather goods, footwear, pharmaceuticals, plastics and light engineering. Footwear and selected non-RMG products show particularly strong growth potential, with some items projected to see export increases exceeding 100% under tariff liberalisation scenarios. Such diversification is critical as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, which will gradually erode its existing preferential market access. The study also highlights opportunities in digital trade and services, supported by RCEP provisions on e-commerce, paperless trade and data flows. RCEP accession could also serve as a signal to global investors that Bangladesh is ready to operate within a rules-based trade framework. The agreement’s investment provisions covering transparency, investor protection and capital flows could help attract foreign direct investment, particularly in export-oriented manufacturing sectors. However, realising these benefits will depend heavily on domestic reforms, including improvements in infrastructure, logistics, regulatory consistency and energy supply. “RCEP can act as a strategic catalyst, but only if complemented by strong domestic policy adjustments,” the report suggests. Beyond tariffs, Bangladesh will need to align with a wide range of non-tariff measures under RCEP, including standards on customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary rules, and technical regulations. While these changes could reduce trade costs and improve market access, they would require significant institutional upgrades and regulatory capacity. The compliance burden is expected to be substantial, particularly given existing constraints in administrative and technical capabilities. The study recommends a phased approach to tariff liberalisation, allowing Bangladesh to manage revenue losses while strengthening domestic tax systems. High-revenue sectors such as fuels, machinery and chemicals may require longer transition periods to avoid abrupt fiscal shocks. At the same time, broader tax reforms, including improvements in VAT administration, will be necessary to offset declining border taxes. Overall, the report concludes that RCEP accession presents a mixed but potentially transformative opportunity for Bangladesh. While short-term export gains may be limited and fiscal risks significant, the long-term benefits – ranging from industrial upgrading to deeper regional integration – could be substantial. As Bangladesh navigates its post-LDC transition, joining RCEP could help secure more stable market access, attract investment and integrate into global production networks. However, the success of such a move will depend on careful policy design, institutional preparedness and the ability to manage the economic adjustments that come with deeper trade liberalisation.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam has expressed optimism that the long-shut Darwani Textile Mill in Nilphamari will be reopened within the next two to three months, creating employment opportunities for local people. “An international tender has already been floated for the Darwani Textile Mill in Nilphamari, and potential investors are showing interest. We expect that the mill will be reopened within two to three months, which will generate employment for local residents,” he added. The state minister said this while talking to reporters after visiting textile mills in Dinajpur and Nilphamari on Sunday, said a PID handout here on Monday. BGMEA claims RMG production dips 25-30%, seeks govt action He said initiatives have been taken in line with the Prime Minister’s election manifesto to reopen closed jute and textile mills across the country. Citing that reopening closed industrial units is one of the government’s election pledges, he said the Textiles and Jute Ministry has been working to revive long-idle textile and jute mills. Shariful Alam also said the textile mill in Dinajpur will be reopened soon. Referring to the rich heritage of jute, popularly known as the “golden fibre,” he said efforts are underway to revive its past glory. “We must work to bring back the golden days of jute,” he said, adding that steps are being taken to ensure fair prices for farmers. The government has taken initiative to raise public awareness to use jute products as an alternative to plastic items. During the visit, Nilphamari-2 lawmaker Al Faruq Abdul Latif, Textiles and Jute Secretary Bilquis Jahan Rimi, among others, were present. Later, the state minister visited a handicraft and cottage industry unit ‘Classical Handmade Products BD Limited’ at Hajiganj in Gorgram union of Nilphamari Sadar Upazila.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has voiced concern over a significant “drop” in production capacity, reporting a 25-30% decline in garment manufacturing due to the ongoing scarcity of gas and electricity. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted these figures during a meeting with Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood and State Minister Aninda Islam Amit at the ministry on Monday. The BGMEA delegation sought urgent government intervention to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply to the ready-made garment (RMG) sector to sustain global competitiveness. Production hit by severe shortages Mahmud Hasan Khan noted that while buyer confidence had improved following the national election, the industry is now grappling with fresh vulnerabilities linked to the Middle East conflict.  He emphasised that neighbouring countries are maintaining superior energy security, leaving Bangladesh’s primary export sector at a disadvantage. The impact is particularly severe in industrial hubs such as Gazipur and Ashulia, where heavy load-shedding and a shortage of diesel for generators are stalling production lines and delaying international shipments, the BGMEA chief said. This energy crisis, coupled with rising raw material and transport costs, has significantly increased the overall cost of production, he said. Strategic proposals for relief To mitigate the crisis, the BGMEA delegation presented several key proposals to the ministry. Emergency Diesel Access: Implementing special arrangements for the rapid delivery of diesel from filling stations to RMG factories. Equitable Gas Distribution: Providing emergency gas connections for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with boiler capacities of 300-500 kg and ensuring fair distribution across industrial zones near the capital. Infrastructure and Automation: Accelerating the installation of two additional Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) and simplifying the rollout of Electronic Volume Corrector (EVC) metres. Tax Exemptions: Removing all taxes and VAT on imported fuel at both import and consumer levels to lower production costs and reduce the government's subsidy burden. Transition to Renewable Energy: The association also called for a major policy shift towards green energy. They proposed slashing import duties on essential solar PV components – currently ranging from 28.73% to 61.80% -- to a nominal 1%. This will include solar panels, inverters, DC cables, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Government response The minister and state minister acknowledged the RMG sector's critical role in the national economy and assured the delegation that steps are being taken to address the energy shortfall. As an immediate relief measure, the government approved a BGMEA-designed format to facilitate the emergency supply of diesel from nearby filling stations to factories. The meeting was also attended by Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, BGMEA First Vice President Selim Rahman, and Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman.

Commerce and Industry Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday said the government has taken a Tk 300 crore (Tk 3 billion) credit wholesaling programme to support the SME sector, which is being channelled to entrepreneurs through around 15 banks and four financial institutions. “SMEs and MSMEs are the lifeblood of the country’s economy. A large part of Bangladesh’s economy remains informal, where the SME sector plays a crucial role,” he said while inaugurating the seven-day SME Baishakhi Fair 1433 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon. The minister said the allocation under the credit wholesaling programme will be gradually increased to Tk 2,000 crore in the future. He noted that strengthening the SME sector would help generate employment, diversify production and bring more people into economic activities, adding that the government will continue to play a supportive role for entrepreneurs. Muktadir also thanked the SME Foundation and other stakeholders for organising the fair and extended greetings on the occasion of the Bangla New Year. The SME Foundation has organised the fair on the premises of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, featuring more than 150 stalls showcasing products from entrepreneurs across the country. Chairperson of the SME Foundation and Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman presided over the inaugural programme, while Board Member Shamim Ahmed attended as special guest. Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury delivered the welcome address. Organisers said the fair aims to celebrate Bangla heritage and culture while offering a vibrant and safe environment for people to enjoy the New Year festivities with family and friends. Entrepreneurs are displaying and selling a wide range of products, including handicrafts, jute goods, apparel and fashion items, agro-processed products, heritage items, homemade foods and street foods, artificial jewellery, leather goods, and lifestyle products. The fair will remain open to visitors every day from morning till night until April 18.

The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) has requested the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to extend the compliance timeline for the Margin Rules 2025 by an additional three months, citing operational, technical and market-related challenges. In a letter sent to BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood on April 7 and disclosed on Sunday, DBA President Saiful Islam said the rules, which came into effect on November 1, 2025, introduced several critical requirements aimed at strengthening risk management, investor protection and overall market stability. However, the existing six-month compliance deadline ending on April 30, 2026 appears insufficient for brokerage houses to fully implement key provisions, the association said. According to the letter, brokerage firms need additional time for formulation and implementation of board-approved conservative margin loan policies, which require internal consultations, risk assessments, board approvals and integration into operational systems. Many brokerage houses are still finalising policies due to limited skilled resources, technical support and client feedback. The DBA also noted that full compliance with risk-based capital adequacy (RBCA-2019) requires significant system upgrades, staff training, internal audits and technological enhancements, warning that rushed implementation may lead to operational errors or temporary disruptions in margin services. Another concern highlighted in the letter relates to adjustments of non-marginable securities held by existing margin loan clients. The association said thousands of loan accounts currently hold non-marginable securities of significant value and enforcing the deadline could trigger distressed sales, increase market volatility, create avoidable losses for retail investors and strain liquidity. The DBA further mentioned that the capital market is already under pressure due to recent global developments, including war-related uncertainties and fuel price shocks, making immediate enforcement more difficult. Seeking a smooth transition, it proposed extending the compliance period by three months up to July 31, 2026 allowing brokers to complete system and policy upgrades without disrupting services to existing margin loan clients. The association requested the regulator’s consideration and approval for the extension to ensure orderly implementation of the Margin Rules 2025 and protect investor interests.

The Bangladesh Private Medical College Association (BPMCA) held its annual conference and a reception program on Saturday honoring the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The event, held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the capital, featured a warm reception for Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain and State Minister Dr. MA Muhit, MP. Presided over by BPMCA President Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin, the conference was attended by Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain as the chief guest, while State Minister Dr. MA Muhit attended as the Guest of Honor. Prominent figures present as special guests included Mainul Islam, Chairman of Munnu Group of Industries; Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME); Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam, President of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC); and Prof. Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir Talukdar, Registrar of the Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Council. During the program, BPMCA General Secretary Prof. Dr. Md. Moazzem Hossain, Vice President Mohammad Sahab Uddin, and Vice President Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, among others, spoke at the event. The evening concluded with a cultural program featuring performances by leading national artists. Earlier in the afternoon, the association successfully conducted its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) prior to the formal reception and conference.