United News of Bangladesh

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has demanded strict action including cancellation of the licences of LPG operators, distributors and retailers found involved in overcharging consumers, alongside measures to ensure the sale of liquefied petroleum gas at government-fixed prices. The consumer rights body urged authorities to investigate allegations of artificial shortages, hoarding and overcharging, and to take effective action against those responsible, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The demand comes ahead of a public hearing on revising LPG prices, scheduled for Thursday by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) for both state-run and private LPG operators. In a letter sent to the BERC chairman on October 26, CAB President AHM Safiquzzaman said any fresh rise in prices or charges without ensuring supply at the fixed price would add to the financial strain on low- and middle-income families. The letter noted that the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder was raised by Tk 252 to Tk 1,837 on October 4. However, according to media reports, consumers are having to pay Tk 500-600 more than the fixed price to buy a cylinder. For households without piped gas, LPG is an essential cooking fuel, CAB said. With spending on food, housing, healthcare, education and transport already high, any additional cost of cooking fuel is hard to bear for low- and middle-income families. It stressed that enforcing the existing price should be the first priority. The letter also said importers' claims of higher costs must be verified against genuine transaction documents and audited accounts. When international LPG prices rise, local transport, storage and distribution costs do not increase in the same proportion, CAB said, so there is no justification for raising charges and commissions at every stage on the grounds of higher import costs. Consumers cannot be made to bear the same expenses counted more than once, or the burden of inefficient management, it added. CAB said no proposal to increase charges or commissions should be approved until the need is proven through audited accounts and independent technical cost assessment, and that unjustified expenses and excess profit must be excluded from the price formula. It also demanded that the commission publish separate accounts of import costs, storage, bottling and distribution charges, and pass on to consumers in due time any benefit from lower costs in the international market. The consumer body further called for a separate cost assessment of state-run LPG, with transparent allocation and distribution to ensure affordable access for ordinary consumers.= CAB also demanded that every sales outlet display an updated price list and issue receipts, and that clear instructions be issued on home-delivery charges to stop unauthorised collection of money. It also called for an easy system to lodge complaints about overcharging, non-availability of cylinders, underweight cylinders and safety issues, with redress within a specified time. CAB urged the BERC to consider the practical experiences of consumers, alongside the proposals of petitioners and the commission's technical assessment, at the hearing. It also sought a clear explanation of what expenses were accepted or rejected in the final decision and how objections raised were resolved.

The price of gold has gone up again in the domestic market, with the cost of the best-quality 22-carat gold rising by Tk 2,216 per bhori. The new rates came into effect from 10am Wednesday, according to a press release issued by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). With the latest adjustment, 22-carat gold will now sell at Tk 223,074 per bhori including VAT. BAJUS said the prices of gold ornaments were adjusted following an increase in the price of refined (tejabi) gold in the local market. Under the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been raised by Tk 2,100 to Tk 213,043 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has gone up by Tk 1,750 to Tk 182,950 per bhori. The price of gold of the traditional method has increased by Tk 1,458 to Tk 149,474 per bhori. Earlier, BAJUS had cut gold prices four times in a row on October 13, 22, 23 and 25, bringing down the price of 22-carat gold by a total of Tk 10,439 per bhori. The latest hike comes after those four consecutive reductions. Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged despite the rise in gold rates. According to the new rates, 22-carat silver will sell at Tk 3,849 per bhori, including VAT. The prices of 21-carat and 18-carat silver stand at Tk 3,674 and Tk 3,149 per bhori respectively, while silver of the traditional method will cost Tk 2,391 per bhori.

The Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) on Sunday cut gold prices by Tk 3,324 per bhori, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 220,858, including valued added tax (VAT). The revised prices came into effect at 10:00am on Sunday, according to a BAJUS press release. The organisation said it lowered gold prices following a decline in the price of pure gold in the local market. Under the new rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 210,943 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 181,200 and traditional-method gold Tk 148,016. BAJUS said making charges will apply depending on the design of the jewellery. As VAT is included in the selling prices of gold and silver ornaments, jewellers cannot collect it separately from customers. For jewellery exchanges, 12 percent will be deducted from the price, excluding making charges and stones, while 18 percent will be deducted for purchases. VAT cannot be deducted separately in exchange and purchase transactions, the association said. The revised prices will remain effective at all jewellery establishments until further notice. Before Sunday's adjustment, BAJUS last revised gold prices on October 23, slashing Tk 2,158 per bhori to set the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 224,182, including VAT. At the time, 21-carat gold was priced at Tk 214,093 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 183,883 and traditional-method gold at Tk 150,232. With Sunday's adjustment, gold prices have been revised 126 times in the domestic market so far this year. Prices have been raised 60 times, lowered 65 times, and adjusted once for VAT. Silver prices unchanged Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged in the domestic market. Including VAT, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 3,849 per bhori, 21-carat silver at Tk 3,674, 18-carat silver at Tk 3,149 and traditional-method silver at Tk 2,391. Silver prices have been revised 76 times so far this year, with 36 increases and 40 decreases.

The Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) on Thursday said an allegation against an individual should not be allowed to cast the entire jewellery sector in a negative light. It urged all concerned to play a responsible role in media coverage of the arrest of Diamond World Ltd Managing Director and former BAJUS General Secretary Dilip Kumar Agarwala. In a statement signed by its President Enamul Haque Khan, the association said it was aware of the arrest of Dilip Agarwala. "BAJUS always stands against injustice and irregularities and does not support any unethical activity," the statement said. "However, it is not appropriate to indiscriminately subject the whole jewellery sector to negative propaganda because of any allegation." The association said the jewellery sector has been making a significant contribution to the economy, revenue collection and employment generation. Around 40,000 traders and 28 lakh people are directly and indirectly involved in the sector. BAJUS said the elected government has taken various initiatives since assuming office to bring the sector under a disciplined, modern and institutional framework. It said it has been working for the past eight months in coordination with the relevant ministries and departments to modernise and amend the Gold Policy 2018 (amended in 2021), and to keep policy initiatives on track. "If the normal business activities of this sector are disrupted, legal trade will shrink and various government revenue collection may be affected," the statement said. It warned that millions of people could lose their jobs, and part of the domestic market could shift overseas, leading to capital flight. "We do not want the progress of a promising industry to be hindered because of any incident or allegation," BAJUS added. Describing Diamond World Ltd as a business organisation which provides the employment and livelihoods to many people, it said due importance must be given to ensure that innocent officials, employees and their families are not unduly harmed because of allegations against an individual. BAJUS said it believes the positive progress of the jewellery sector will continue through the rule of law, justice, a responsible media environment and the cooperation of all concerned. "In the interest of developing the country's gold and diamond industry, expanding legal trade, creating employment and increasing national revenue, we expect a responsible and positive role from all concerned," the statement said.

Mobile financial service (MFS) provider bKash has won two international awards at The Money Awards 2026 in recognition of its initiatives to drive small merchant inclusion and expand the cashless transaction ecosystem. The awards were presented at a ceremony, organised by global fintech event and networking platform Money20/20, in Las Vegas, United States, recently, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. bKash received the Gold Award in the Payments- Financial Inclusion category for its efforts to bring small and micro-entrepreneurs from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds into the formal financial system through accessible digital payment solutions. In the top-tier Diamond category, bKash received the Silver Award for developing an interconnected transaction loop between consumers and merchants, facilitating everyday digital payments and contributing to the expansion of cashless transactions in Bangladesh. The Money Awards are judged by an international panel of industry leaders and recognise solutions in the global fintech sector that promote financial inclusion and digital transformation. The awards cover six categories: Early Stage Startup, Growth Stage Startup, Banking, Payments, Partnerships & Strategic Alliance, and Diamond. In the inaugural edition in 2025, JPMorgan Payments, Ant Group and Mynt were among the winners.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Monday said a photo card circulating on social media, carrying purported remarks by its chairman about a fall in the stock market, is false and misleading. In a press release issued Monday, the regulator said the matter had come to its notice that a photo card containing statements about the capital market downturn was being spread online in the name of BSEC Chairman Masud Khan, along with various false and misleading claims. "The commission clearly states that the statements in the photo card circulated in the chairman's name are not correct, and the chairman has made no such remarks," the press release said. The BSEC urged the public and investors not to believe or share any statement, photo card or information on social media without verifying its authenticity. It said everyone has a responsibility to refrain from spreading rumours, false, misleading or baseless information, in order to maintain normal market activities, protect investors' interests and preserve public confidence in the capital market. Such information can create misconceptions about the market and negatively influence investors' decisions, it added. The commission also asked all concerned to verify the authenticity and reliability of any statement, photo card or information circulated in the name of the BSEC chairman, commissioners, officials or other related persons before spreading it, and to refrain from circulating false and misleading information. The BSEC said it remains committed to the development, transparency and stability of the capital market and to safeguarding investors' interests, and called on investors and all stakeholders to act responsibly and cooperate to that end.

All banks and financial institutions, as well as the country’s twin stock exchanges—the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE)—will remain closed for five consecutive days due to the Sharadiya Durga Puja holidays. According to a notification issued by Bangladesh Bank, the government holiday for Durga Puja spans three days from Tuesday (October 20) through Thursday (October 22). Following this, regular weekend holidays on Friday (October 23) and Saturday (October 24) will extend the shutdown to five straight days. To compensate for the holiday cluster, commercial banks and financial institutions remained open last Saturday (October 17) as a regular working day, operating under standard business hours following central bank instructions. Since capital market trading is closely tied to banking operations, trading on both the DSE and CSE will also remain suspended throughout the five-day closure. Despite the general holiday, limited banking services will remain operational in port and customs areas to maintain continuous import and export activities. Bangladesh Bank has directed branch offices and booths located at sea, land, and airports to keep essential services running. In this regard, relevant banks have been instructed to coordinate with local administrations, port authorities, and customs officials to ensure seamless operations. Earlier on October 7, the Ministry of Public Administration declared a three-day government holiday from October 20 to 22 for Durga Puja, while announcing that offices would remain open on Saturday, October 17.

The Bangladesh Furniture Shilpa Malik Samity (BFSMS) will hold the five-day 21st National Furniture Fair 2026 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, starting on 27 October.  The organizers informed the media on the fair at an online press conference on Monday. The fair is organized every year to promote the growth of the domestic furniture industry and expand its export markets, and it is regarded as the largest event of the country’s furniture sector. The fair will run from Tuesday, 27 October, to Saturday, 31 October, across Hall 2 (Pushpoguchcho), Hall 3 (Rajdarshan) and Hall 4 (Nobaratri) of ICCB. A total of 44 leading furniture companies will display their products and designs in 323 stalls.  Visitors will be able to see and buy the latest furniture from well-known brands including Akhtar, Hatil, Brothers, Nadia, Ayoto, Omega, JMG, Navana, Athenus, Partex, Regal and Legacy, all under one roof.  For younger visitors, a children’s art competition will be held on the opening day. Group A is open to children from pre-primary to Class 4, and Group B to those in Classes 5 to 8. Registration begins at 2:00 PM and the competition starts at 4 pm. Twenty children will receive awards, with total prize money of about Tk 200,000. Speaking about the fair, Alhaj Sheikh Abdul Awal, Convener of the Organizing Committee and Vice Chairman of BFSMS, said, "This fair is entirely focused on domestic consumers. Only locally made furniture will be on display, and there will be no imported furniture. The participating companies are coming with new designs, and this is a great opportunity for furniture manufacturers to show the country their latest design innovations. To boost sales, visitors will get discounts of up to 15 percent." The opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, 27 October, in Hall 4 (Nobaratri). Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), will attend as chief guest. Md. Fazlul Haque, Administrator of FBCCI, and Dr. K M Akhtaruzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association, will attend as special guests. The ceremony will be chaired by Selim H. Rahman, Chairman of BFSMS. Md. Elias Sarker, Senior Vice Chairman, A. Karim Mazumder, Secretary General, and Mohammad Maksudur Rahman, Organizing Secretary of BFSMS, will also speak.  At 11:30 AM, the chief guest will formally declare the fair open.The fair will be open to visitors every day from 27 to 31 October, from 10 am  to 9 am at ICCB.  Entry is free and no ticket is required. 

Bangladesh’s inward remittances maintained a robust upward trend, recording a 13.3 percent growth during the first 17 days of October compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to Bangladesh Bank data. Data released by the central bank shows that expatriate workers remitted $1.74 billion between October 1 and October 17, 2026, up from $1.53 billion recorded during the same period in October 2025. On a single-day count, the country received $117 million in remittances on October 17 alone. Meanwhile, the cumulative remittance inflow for the current fiscal year FY 2026–27 from July 1 through October 17, 2026, touched $10.33 billion. This marks a 13.3 percent year-on-year growth compared to $9.12 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year (July to October 17, 2025). Banking sector analysts attribute the steady growth in remittance inflows to growing reliance on formal banking channels by expatriate workers, alongside stable foreign exchange market conditions.

Bangladesh Bank has disbursed a total of Tk 14,519.79 crore across various stimulus and refinancing schemes as of October 15, 2026, out of the total Tk 60,000 crore allocations. According to the latest central bank update on the progress of 15 specialized stimulus packages, an additional Tk 2,559.97 crore remains under active processing. A breakdown of the central bank data reveals key sectoral distributions: Pre-Shipment Credit Refinancing Scheme:  Recorded the highest disbursement volume, with Tk 6,917 crore distributed out of its Tk 5,000 crore allocation (reflecting revolving or extended utilization capacity). Cottage and Micro Enterprise Special Scheme: Disbursed Tk 2,500 crore out of its Tk 5,000 crore fund. Creative Economy Scheme: Out of a substantial Tk 20,000 crore allocation, Tk 1,490.43 crore has been disbursed, while another Tk 500 crore is currently under process. CMSME Working Capital Refinancing Fund: Distributed Tk 907.73 crore against a Tk 5,000 crore pool. Agricultural Production, Food Security, and Rural Employment Scheme: Disbursed Tk 292.90 crore out of Tk 10,000 crore. Employment Generation for Unemployed Youth: Has Tk 1,000 crore completely under processing out of its Tk 1,000 crore allocations. Green Factory Building and Green Industries Scheme: Has Tk 527.47 crore under processing out of a Tk 1,000 crore fund.   Export Diversification Scheme & Frozen Shrimp/Fish Export Schemes: Currently show zero disbursement, with respective allocations of Tk 3,000 crore and Tk 2,000 crore. Other Initiatives: Included smaller disbursements or processing pipelines for foreign employment creation ($200 crore disbursed), northern Bangladesh agro-processing ($48.67 crore disbursed), startup financing ($37.59 crore total via disbursement and processing), and leather and footwear export financing ($98 crore under process). Overall, the comprehensive package aims to stimulate industrial output, bolster rural economic activity, support CMSMEs, and drive export-oriented growth across multiple sectors.