United News of Bangladesh

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan on Tuesday said the abnormal rise in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices was created by retail and wholesale traders. “Some traders created an artificial crisis in the market by taking advantage of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission’s price adjustment announcement,” he told reporters after a meeting of the Advisers’ Council Committee on Government Purchase and Economic Affairs at the Secretariat. Red Hat to empower local businesses with open source solutions The adviser said the government has ordered the authorities to conduct mobile courts across the country through district administrations and police to tackle the situation.  “Those who expected LPG prices to rise saw that BERC increased the price by Tk 53 or so and many tried to take advantage of that. We have asked the Cabinet Secretary to ensure mobile courts are conducted in every district. We also discussed this at yesterday’s law and order committee meeting,” he said. There is no real reason for such abnormal price hike and this has been done through manipulation, he added.

Gold prices in Bangladesh rose sharply again within 24 hours as the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) on Monday increased the price by Tk 2,916 per bhori, following a hike a day earlier. In a notification issued in the night, BAJUS fixed the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 227,856 per bhori (11.664 grams), which will come into effect from Tuesday morning. The jewellers’ body said the latest adjustment was made considering the rise in the local market price of pure gold (tejabi gold). According to the revised rates, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk 217,534 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 186,449 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will cost Tk 155,423 per bhori. 35 bhori gold, Tk 6 lakh looted from Joypurhat shop In addition to the set price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent VAT set by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge fixed by BAJUS. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on January 4, when it raised the price by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the 22-carat gold price at Tk 224,940. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted three times in the first five days of 2026—two increases and one decrease. In 2025, gold prices were revised 93 times in the local market, with hikes on 64 occasions and reductions on 29. Gold prices rise for first time this year in Bangladesh Alongside that of gold, silver prices were also increased this time. The price of 22-carat silver was raised by Tk 385 per bhori to Tk 5,925. Under the new rates, 21-carat silver will cost Tk 5,657 per bhori, 18-carat silver Tk 4,841 per bhori, and silver under the traditional method Tk 3,639 per bhori. This marks the second adjustment of silver prices so far this year—one increase and one decrease. In 2025, silver prices were revised 13 times, with prices rising 10 times and falling three times. Oil edges up, gold jumps after Maduro arrest

Masrur Arefin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of City Bank PLC, has been elected Chairman of the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), the country’s apex body of bank executives. Ahsan Zaman Chowdhury, Managing Director and CEO of Trust Bank PLC, has been elected Secretary General of the organisation. The new leadership was elected at the 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ABB, held recently, for a two-year term covering 2026–2027. Three Vice Chairmen were also elected at the AGM. They are Hasan O. Rashid, Managing Director of Prime Bank PLC; Mohammad Ali, Managing Director of Pubali Bank PLC; and Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid, Managing Director of United Commercial Bank PLC. In addition, Tarek Riaz Khan, Managing Director of NRB Bank PLC, was elected Treasurer, while Mirza Ilias Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director of Jamuna Bank PLC, was elected Joint Secretary. Besides the office bearers, 12 Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of various banks were elected as members of ABB’s Board of Governance. Stakeholders in the banking sector expressed the hope that professionalism, policy reforms and integrated initiatives would be further strengthened under the new leadership.

Bangladesh’s newly formed Sammilito Islamic Bank has begun operations with stabilising transaction flows, signalling renewed public confidence in the country’s banking sector after a major restructuring, said central bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur on Monday. Speaking at a press conference at Bangladesh Bank, Mansur said customers withdrew Tk 107.77 crore while depositing about Tk 44 crore during the bank’s first two days of operations, from January 1 to January 4. “The absence of excessive withdrawal pressure indicates confidence in the restructuring process,” Mansur said, adding that in some areas deposits exceeded withdrawals. Inflation edges up in December The bank recorded 13,314 withdrawal transactions over the period. Customers of the former EXIM Bank accounted for the largest share, with 6,265 clients withdrawing Tk 66 crore. New deposits totalled Tk 44 crore during the same timeframe. Sammilito Islamic Bank was created through the merger of five lenders under the new Bank Resolution Ordinance, a process the Governor described as unprecedentedly fast. While establishing a new bank typically takes years, the institution moved from receiving a Letter of Intent to commencing transactions in just two months. A formal board of directors is in the process of being finalised. For now, government-appointed representatives are overseeing operations. Mansur said independent directors, including a chartered accountant, a veteran banker and a legal expert, will be appointed shortly. Looking ahead, the Governor identified system integration and accountability as the main challenges. Bangladesh Bank’s IT team is working to unify the technological platforms of the five merged banks, while a comprehensive forensic audit will examine past irregularities. “We do not intend to terminate employees. However, those involved in financial irregularities will not be spared. All five banks will come under strict forensic audit,” Mansur said. Bangladesh Bank rolls out risk-based supervision to rebuild depositor confidence The central bank said the formal inauguration of Sammilito Islamic Bank will take place on January 19. Mansur also pointed out that Shariah-based profit rates have been aligned with market standards and that new investment products will be introduced to support growth. Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, Sammilito Islami Bank Chairman Dr Mohammad Ayub Mia and other senior officials were present at the briefing.

After three consecutive cuts, gold prices in Bangladesh have increased for the first time in 2026, as the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced a fresh hike on Sunday. In a notification issued at night, BAJUS said the price of 22-carat gold has been raised by Tk 2,216 per bhori (11.664 grams), fixing the new rate at Tk 224,940 per bhori, effective from Monday. The association said prices were revised considering the increase in the local market price of pure gold (tejabi). According to the new rates, the price of gold per bhori (11.664 grams) now stands at Tk 224,940 for 22-carat, Tk 214,734 for 21-carat, Tk 184,058 for 18-carat, and Tk 153,323 for traditional gold. In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay the government-mandated 5 percent VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on January 1 this year, when it cut the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 1,458 per bhori to Tk 222,724. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted twice so far this year—once increased and once reduced. In 2025, BAJUS revised gold prices a total of 93 times, raising prices on 64 occasions and cutting them 29 times. Despite the increase in gold prices, silver prices remain unchanged in the local market. Currently, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 5,540 per bhori, while 21-carat silver costs Tk 5,307, 18-carat Tk 4,549, and traditional silver Tk 3,383 per bhori.  

Bangladesh Bank has launched a new Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) framework, marking a major shift in how the country’s banking and financial institutions are monitored as authorities seek to restore confidence among depositors after years of sectoral stress. The central bank on Sunday formally moved away from a traditional, compliance-driven oversight model to a system that prioritises supervision based on the specific risk profiles of individual institutions. Officials say the new approach will allow regulators to identify financial vulnerabilities earlier and respond more decisively. Under the RBS regime, Bangladesh Bank will abandon a “one-size-fits-all” model of supervision. Instead, banks and financial institutions will be assessed and monitored according to the level and nature of risks embedded in their operations, including governance, asset quality and liquidity exposures. To support the transition, the central bank has completed a major internal restructuring. Thirteen existing departments have been reorganised into 17 specialised units, including 12 bank supervision departments that will provide targeted oversight based on real-time data. Five additional specialised units have been created to focus on digital banking, data analytics, payment systems and policy formulation. A separate department has also been set up to monitor Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing activities, modelled on the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), signalling a stronger regulatory focus on financial integrity. The launch of the framework had initially been scheduled for January 1 but was postponed following the declaration of state mourning over the death of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, said the reorganisation process has been completed and the full implementation of RBS officially began on Sunday. Bangladesh Bank buys $3.05 billion to stabilise forex market “This will be a far more rigorous supervisory regime,” he said, adding that oversight will be driven by data accuracy and proactive risk assessment rather than routine compliance checks. Central bank officials said the results of risk assessments under the new framework could trigger tough enforcement actions against weak institutions. These may include the removal of managing directors, dissolution of boards of directors and, where necessary, the application of the Bank Resolution Ordinance to deal with failing banks. The reform is seen as a cornerstone of the interim government’s broader effort to clean up the banking sector, curb mismanagement and rebuild public trust in the financial system after a period marked by loan defaults and governance failures.

Md. Wahiduzzaman Sardar, previously serving as additional director, has been promoted to the position of director (Research) at Bangladesh Bank. The central bank’s Human Resources Department-1 issued an official notification regarding the promotion on Thursday, January 1. Wahiduzzaman began his career with the central bank in 2001 as an assistant director in the Research Department. During his initial years, specifically until 2005, he worked across the Domestic Economy and Islamic Economics subdivisions. His early work focused significantly on inflation, agricultural and rural credit, and the growing sector of Islamic banking. In 2005, he transitioned to the Monetary Policy Department, where he served for 18 years. During this extensive tenure, he was recognized for his diligent contributions to the Open Market Operations (OMO) and the Financial Reporting and Analysis Wing. Beyond his publications, he has played a pivotal role in research projects analyzing the socioeconomic conditions of savings certificate holders and the impact of mobile banking on the domestic economy.

Banking operations returned to normal on Thursday as five troubled Islamic banks in Bangladesh officially merged under a single entity, Sammilito Islami Bank, allowing depositors to access their funds after months of uncertainty. The consolidation, effective from the start of 2026, brings together EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank. Across Dhaka, old signage has been replaced with banners reflecting the unified brand, signalling a fresh start for the merged institution. For many customers, Thursday marked a long-awaited relief. Monir Hossain, a client of the former First Security Islami Bank’s Dhanmondi branch, said, “It feels great to finally be able to withdraw my money after such a long wait. This fund was extremely urgent for me.” Institutional deposits to be converted into shares as Bangladesh Bank finalises 'Sammilito Islami Bank' merger To manage the transition and safeguard the banking system, the Bangladesh Bank has implemented a structured withdrawal scheme: Deposits up to Tk2 lakh: Fully protected under the Deposit Insurance Act, these funds can be withdrawn in full at any time.Deposits above Tk2 lakh: Withdrawals are capped at Tk1 lakh every three months over a two-year period.Special exceptions: Citizens over 60 and those suffering from critical illnesses, such as cancer or kidney failure, may access funds beyond the prescribed limits for medical needs.According to a circular issued by the central bank on Dec. 30, 2025, all assets, liabilities, and contracts of the five merging banks have been officially transferred to Sammilito Islami Bank. The Bangladesh Bank has reassured the public that deposits are secure, and clients who do not withdraw immediately will continue to earn market-based profits while retaining the right to take loans against their balances. Sammilito Islami Bank ready for inauguration; expected to reshape Shariah banking The merger comes amid efforts to stabilise the nation’s banking sector and restore confidence following financial stress at the five institutions.

Bangladesh’s state-owned airline Biman Bangladesh Airlines posted a net profit of Tk 785.21 crore in fiscal 2024–25, nearly tripling earnings from a year earlier, as higher passenger traffic and tighter cost controls lifted the carrier’s financial performance, officials said. The state-owned airline also achieved an operational profit of Tk 1,602 crore during the same period, while its total revenue stood at Tk 11,559 crore — up 9.46 percent year-on-year — the highest in the airline’s history. With this, Biman continued its profit streak for the fifth straight year and posted net profits in nine of the last ten fiscal years, according to a media release signed by Boshra Islam, general manager (public relations) of Biman, on Thursday. The financial statements were disclosed at the airline’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), with Biman Board of Directors Chairman Sk. Bashir Uddin in the chair. The board members and shareholders were also present. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Division and Ministry of Commerce were also present. Experts call for strategy, skilled workforce to lift Biman from setbacks During FY2024–25, Biman operated 21 aircraft and transported a total of 33.83 lakh passengers across 30 domestic and international destinations, representing a 1 percent increase compared to the previous year. The airline’s cargo operations showed significant growth, carrying 43,918 metric tonnes and generating revenue of Tk 925 crore, a 45.21 percent rise year-on-year. Besides, Biman provided ground handling services to 31,112 foreign airline flights, serving more than 6.1 million passengers. Officials said Biman is a fully self-financed state-owned enterprise and has not received any government subsidy in its 54-year history. In January 2025, the airline achieved its highest-ever ticket sales, reflecting growing passenger confidence and rising market popularity. Faster baggage delivery, improved in-flight services and modernised airport processes have contributed to higher customer satisfaction. Sk Bashir Uddin made Chairman of Biman's Board of Directors Biman has also maintained a strong safety record by strictly adhering to international aviation safety standards. Aviation experts have praised the airline’s recent fleet modernisation, expansion of profitable international routes and enhanced customer service.

Bangladesh’s capital market posted gains in the first half of trading on Thursday, with key indices rising at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). At the DSE, the benchmark index DSEX climbed 35 points, while the Shariah-based DSES gained 8 points and the blue-chip DS30 index advanced 11 points. Out of the traded issues, the prices of 295 companies rose, while 37 declined and 49 remained unchanged. The turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 110 crore in the first half of the session. DSE, CSE indices slide at opening trade The CSE also witnessed an upward trend, with its overall index CASPI increasing by 43 points. Most listed companies traded higher on the port city bourse, as share prices of 48 companies rose against declines in 19, while prices of 4 companies remained unchanged. The trading volume at the CSE exceeded Tk 1.3 crore during the first half.