United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) raised the price of gold for the second consecutive day on Friday, pushing up the rate of 22-carat gold by 4,374 per bhori. The organisation announced the new price through a notice in the morning. According to the new rate, each bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 228,556 in the domestic market, including VAT. BAJUS also fixed the price of 21-carat gold at Tk 218,292 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 187,440 per bhori, and traditional gold at Tk 153,148 per bhori. The association last revised the gold price on July 2, raising it by Tk 2,216 per bhori to set the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 224,182, including VAT. It said the new price will remain effective at all jewellery outlets across the country until further notice, though making charges will apply depending on the design of the ornaments. Since VAT is included in the sale price of gold and silver ornaments, jewellers cannot charge VAT separately from customers. The association's existing rules will continue to be applicable to exchange and purchase of ornaments, excluding specified VAT, making charges and the cost of stones. So far, the price of gold has been adjusted 86 times in the domestic market this year, with 43 hikes, 42 cuts, and one VAT adjustment. Alongside gold, the price of silver has also been increased. The price of 22-carat silver has been set at Tk 4,899 per bhori, up by Tk 117. The price of 21-carat silver has been fixed at Tk 4,666 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 4,024 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk 3,033 per bhori. The price of silver has been adjusted 53 times so far this year, with 27 hikes and 26 cuts.

Stock markets across Europe and Asia moved higher on Friday after the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at another record high, helped by gains in several major artificial intelligence (AI)-related companies, although some chipmakers continued to face selling pressure. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.4%, while Dow futures gained 0.2%. US financial markets remained closed on Friday for the Independence Day holiday. In early European trading, Germany's DAX climbed 0.7% to 52,643.30, France's CAC 40 added 0.3% to 8,497.30, and Britain's FTSE 100 advanced 0.4% to 10,689.77. Asian markets also posted solid gains. South Korea's Kospi rebounded 5.8% to 8,088.34 after falling nearly 8% a day earlier. Samsung Electronics rose 8.2%, while chipmaker SK Hynix jumped 10.9%. Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 1.5% to 69,744.07. Chip equipment maker Tokyo Electron edged up 0.4%, while memory chip producer Kioxia surged 9.2%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 1.3% to 23,345.28, while China's Shanghai Composite added 0.4% to 4,043.64. Taiwan's Taiex increased 0.1%, India's Sensex gained 0.7%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 advanced 1.4% to 8,844.40. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said Asian markets regained some stability after two difficult sessions led by losses in technology stocks, with South Korea staging a strong rebound. On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.1% to a record close of 52,900.07. The broader S&P 500 ended almost unchanged, adding less than 0.1% to close at 7,483.24, even though about 70% of its listed companies gained. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 0.8% to 25,382.67, weighed down by losses in major chipmakers. Investor sentiment was supported by a US jobs report showing employers added 57,000 jobs in June, below economists' forecast of 100,000 and slower than May's hiring pace. The weaker-than-expected jobs data eased concerns that inflation could remain high. Oil prices, which had surged during the Iran conflict, have now fallen below pre-war levels, raising hopes that inflation may cool in the coming months. If inflation continues to slow, the US Federal Reserve may face less pressure to raise interest rates repeatedly this year. Lower interest rates generally support economic growth by reducing borrowing costs for households and businesses and often boost stock prices. Cryptocurrency-related shares also advanced as bitcoin recovered after recent losses. Robinhood Markets gained 3.8% and Coinbase Global rose 3.9%. Bitcoin was up 0.5% early Friday after climbing about 2% the previous day. Despite the broader market gains, several leading AI-related chip companies remained under pressure as investors questioned whether their rapid share price increases and heavy spending on AI infrastructure would generate the expected profits. Micron Technology reversed early gains to end down 5.5%, following a 10.6% drop the previous day. Nvidia fell 1.4%, while Lam Research slid 10.2%, making them among the biggest drags on the S&P 500. Nvidia remains the largest company in the index with a market value of nearly $4.7 trillion. In commodity trading, Brent crude oil rose 0.6% to $72.26 per barrel, while US benchmark crude gained 0.5% to $69.05 per barrel. In currency markets, the US dollar slipped to 160.97 Japanese yen from 161.11 yen, while the euro strengthened to $1.1450 from $1.1431.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has approved the introduction of Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) in import trade to protect local importers from international interest rate fluctuations, particularly involving the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). The central bank issued a circular on Thursday allowing Authorised Dealer (AD) banks to sign these agreements with local buyers and borrowers tapping into supplier and buyer credits for usance imports. A Forward Rate Agreement is a financial contract that allows parties to lock in an interest rate for a specific future period, offering an effective shield against future interest rate uncertainty. Usance imports allow businesses to defer their payments for a specified timeframe after receiving the imported goods. Central bank regulations specify that these contracts can only be used for risk-mitigation purposes directly linked to actual import transactions. The guidelines explicitly prohibit any form of speculation or maintaining unprotected financial positions through these derivative contracts. Settlements will be executed based on the difference between the pre-agreed contract rate and the prevailing benchmark rate. To ensure systemic stability and prevent individual banks from carrying excessive market risk, the central bank has imposed strict risk-management guidelines. AD banks must fully offset any contract-related risks through parallel, same-day matching transactions, ensuring they do not hold volatile market risks on their own books. Furthermore, the central bank capped the banks' maximum pricing margin at 10 basis points. The total volume of FRAs executed by an individual bank cannot exceed 25 percent of its average monthly foreign exchange inflows recorded over the past 12 months. The circular emphasises compliance with international contract frameworks, daily mark-to-market valuations, and robust internal risk assessments. In the event of early termination, contracts must be settled based on existing market rates, with meticulous document preservation made mandatory.

Bangladesh's merchandise exports posted a robust 25.91 percent year-on-year growth in June 2026, closing out fiscal year 2025-26 with renewed momentum despite persistent global economic and geopolitical headwinds, according to provisional data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Thursday. The country earned US$ 4,202.69 million from merchandise exports in June 2026, up from $ 3,337.92 million in the same month last year, with broad-based growth recorded across ready-made garments (RMG), leather and leather products, jute and jute goods, home textiles, engineering products, and agricultural products. Total export earnings for the entire fiscal year 2025-26 (July-June) stood at $ 48,001.91 million, remaining largely stable compared to $ 48,283.93 million in the previous fiscal year. The EPB noted that maintaining earnings near the previous year's level, amid geopolitical tensions, global inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, energy market volatility, and subdued consumer demand in key markets, reflects the underlying strength and adaptability of the export sector. The RMG sector, the mainstay of Bangladesh's export economy, registered 21.52 percent year-on-year growth in June, earning $ 3,387.71 million against $ 2,787.78 million a year earlier. Knitwear exports grew by 19.49 percent while woven garments rose 24.02 percent during the month. The sector contributed $ 38,701.15 million to overall export earnings in FY26. Several other sectors also posted strong gains. Leather and leather products exports rose 47.68 percent in June and 7.09 percent for the fiscal year, reaching $ 1.23 billion. Jute and jute goods recorded a 76.60 percent jump in June and 7.75 percent growth for the year, totalling $ 883.69 million. Home textiles grew 59.95 percent in June and 6.52 percent for FY26, while engineering products posted 44.74 percent growth in June and 21.77 percent for the fiscal year. Agricultural products exports rose 46.77 percent in June, reflecting sustained international demand for Bangladeshi agro-based goods. On the destination front, the United States remained Bangladesh's largest single-country export market, with earnings of $ 9,048.05 million in FY26, up 4.09 percent year on year, and strong growth recorded in June as well. Germany and the United Kingdom retained their positions as the second and third largest export destinations, respectively, both showing continued positive momentum. The EPB data further showed that all of Bangladesh's top 20 export destinations recorded positive year-on-year growth in June 2026, pointing to a broad-based recovery in external demand and strengthening market diversification. The EPB expressed optimism that the positive momentum seen in June, along with continued product and market diversification, will provide a strong foundation for export growth in FY 2026-27 and support the country's sustainable economic development.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Wednesday organised a day-long training programme on “Primary Investment Education (Financial Literacy)” for investors and potential investors in the capital market. The programme was held at the multipurpose hall of the BSEC Building in the capital's Agargaon area, with around 100 teachers and students from the Department of Finance and Banking of Dhaka Commerce College taking part, according to a press release. BSEC Executive Director Mir Mosharraf Hossain Chowdhury inaugurated the event. BSEC Director Sheikh Mahbub Ur Rahman spoke on “Fundamentals of Financial Literacy”, while Additional Director Sk. Md Lutful Kabir discussed “Investment Risk and Investor's Protection.” BSEC Commissioner Nafeez Al Tarik delivered a detailed presentation on “Financial Planning.” The training covered basic concepts of capital market investment, investment accounts and risk management, investor rights and protection, personal financial planning, long-term investment strategies, and informed investment decision-making, both from theoretical and practical perspectives. Participants took part actively in the question-and-answer session and exchanged views on various real-life issues related to investment. At the closing session, Commissioner Nafeez Al Tarik delivered concluding remarks. Certificates were distributed among the participating teachers and students at the end of the programme. BSEC said it will continue organising such investment education programmes for educational institutions, investors, and potential investors across the country in the future.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has decided to allow the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) to independently determine and implement market control parametres, including circuit breaker limits, in line with relevant regulations, policies and operational requirements. The decision was taken at the commission's 1018th meeting held on Wednesday, chaired by BSEC Chairman Masud Khan. As the stock exchanges have the regulatory authority to fix and enforce such market control parametres under their respective regulations, the commission decided to direct DSE and CSE to independently set and implement these standards. In line with the decision, the commission repealed its earlier order, issued on June 17, 2021 on the matter. In another decision, the commission said asset management companies may, upon proposal, be allowed to reinvest the income earned by close-ended mutual funds at the end of a fiscal year without distributing it as dividends, if such a move serves the interest of investors and the capital market. The decisions were taken considering the operational efficiency of the stock exchanges and the interests of investors and the capital market, according to a press release said.

Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday unveiled its monetary policy for the July-December period, retaining the policy rate at 10 percent while seeking to curb inflation. Governor Mostaqur Rahman announced the monetary policy for the first half of the new fiscal year at a press conference held at the central bank. Bangladesh Bank (BB) will firmly stick to its flexible, market-determined exchange rate regime to protect the country's external sector from international shocks, expand exports, and optimize remittance inflows, official sources said. Unveiling the new Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) for the July–December period of the fiscal year FY2026-27, Mostaqur Rahman reiterated that the market-driven exchange mechanism remains a vital strategic pillar for the country's macroeconomic stability.  

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) has again cut the price of gold in the local market, reducing the rate of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,324 per bhori within 24 hours. In a notice issued on Tuesday morning, Bajus said the new price, inclusive of VAT, has been set considering the overall situation following a fall in the price of pure gold in the local market. According to the new price, 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 2,21,966 per bhori (11.664 grams) including VAT. The price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 2,11,993 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 1,82,075 per bhori, and traditional gold atTk  1,48,774 per bhori. Bajus said the new rate will remain effective at all jewellery shops across the country until further notice, though making charges will apply depending on the design of ornaments. Since VAT is already included in the sale price of gold ornaments, customers cannot be charged VAT separately, the association said. It added that its existing rules on exchange and purchase of ornaments, excluding specified VAT, making charges and stone prices will remain unchanged. A decision on VAT for silver ornaments will be announced soon, Bajus said. Bajus last adjusted gold prices on the morning of June 29, when the price of 22-carat gold was cut by Taka 3,266 per bhori to Tk  2,25,290, inclusive of VAT. So far in 2026, gold prices have been revised 84 times in the local market, with 41 upward adjustments, 42 downward adjustments, and one VAT adjustment. Along with gold, the price of silver has also been reduced. The price of 22-carat silver has been cut by Taka 175 per bhori to Tk 4,491. The price of 21-carat silver has been set atTk  4,257 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk  3,674 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk  2,741 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 51 times so far in 2026, with 25 upward revisions and 26 downward revisions.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has reduced gold prices by Tk 3,266 per bhori, setting the new price of 22-carat gold at Tk 225,290 per bhori, including VAT, effective from 10am on Monday. In a statement issued in the morning, BAJUS said the price adjustment was made following a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market.= Under the revised rates, a bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 225,290, including VAT. The price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 215,142 per bhori, while 18-carat gold will be sold at Tk 184,758 per bhori. Gold of the traditional method has been priced at Tk 150,932 per bhori. BAJUS said the new rates will remain in effect at all jewellery stores until further notice. However, making charges will vary depending on the design of the jewellery. As VAT is already included in the retail price of gold ornaments, jewellers will not be allowed to charge VAT separately from customers, the association said. It also said the existing rules for exchanging and purchasing gold ornaments, excluding specific VAT, making charges and the value of stones, will remain unchanged. A decision regarding VAT on silver ornaments will be announced soon. The latest revision comes just two days after BAJUS raised gold prices on June 27 by Tk 5,482 per bhori, taking the price of 22-carat gold to Tk 228,556 per bhori, including VAT. So far in 2026, BAJUS has adjusted gold prices 83 times. Of those, prices were increased on 41 occasions, reduced 41 times, while one adjustment involved VAT. Despite the latest cut in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. A bhori of 22-carat silver is currently selling for Tk 4,666, while 21-carat silver is priced at Tk 4,432 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 3,791 per bhori, and traditional-method silver at Tk 2,858 per bhori.

Consumer rights experts and advocates on Sunday called for introducing small-packet edible oil in the market to address Vitamin A deficiency among low-income people. The call came at a joint seminar organised by the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and the National Heart Foundation at the CAB office in Segunbagicha. It also urged the government to enforce the existing laws banning the sale of open loose oil. Experts at the event said a large portion of the population still uses open loose oil which diminishes the efficacy of Vitamin A and exposes the oil to dust and other contaminants. They said introducing pouches, mini-packs or sachets with a capacity of 100 to 500 millilitres would allow low-income consumers to buy safe, vitamin-enriched oil at affordable prices. Smaller packaging would also ensure quicker use, reducing the risk of nutritional degradation. However, experts acknowledged challenges including plastic waste management, packet leakage and low consumer awareness. They recommended high-quality packaging, introduction of return-and-sell or cash-back systems, and public awareness campaigns to address these concerns. Speakers said a coordinated effort involving policymakers, edible oil producers, the packaging industry, consumer rights organisations and the media could help introduce affordable safe packaging while simultaneously improving public health and reducing Vitamin A deficiency. Presenting the keynote paper, Mushtak Ahmed Mohammad Iftikhar, founder chairman of Bangladesh Safe Food Authority and adviser to the National Heart Foundation, outlined the nutritional and public health risks associated with open oil consumption. Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the epidemiology department at National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, speaking as special guest, said open oil must be avoided for a healthy body and that overall oil consumption should also be reduced, as even healthy oil in excessive quantities can cause fat-related ailments. Professor Dr Mohammad Shoyeb, a member of Bangladesh Safe Food Authority, speaking as chief guest, said CAB has long been working to ensure food safety for consumers and that collaborative efforts to protect consumer rights would continue. CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman, presiding over the event, said bottled healthy oil must replace open oil on public health grounds, noting that while the government has clear directives on the matter, enforcement remains absent. He said the initiative with the National Heart Foundation would be expanded across the country to compel effective action. CAB Vice President Nazer Hossain said the interim government had suppressed an existing law banning the sale of open oil, and demanded its proper enforcement. Also present were Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Masum Arefin, BSTI Assistant Director Engineer Shashikanta Das, Jessore University of Science and Technology Assistant Professor Dr Rashida Parvin, and representatives from various NGOs and government and non-government institutions.