United News of Bangladesh

Remittance inflow to Bangladesh reached $2,524 million ($2.52 billion) in the first 27 days of July, the first month of fiscal year 2026-27, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. This reflects a 20.2 percent year-on-year growth compared to the $2.10 billion received during the corresponding period (July 1-27) of the previous FY2025-26. Central bank figures showed that Bangladeshi expatriates living in different countries sent home $87 million on July 27 alone. The continued robust momentum in the remittance inflow through formal banking channels at the start of the new fiscal year is expected to bolster the country's foreign exchange reserves and help maintain macroeconomic stability. Bangladesh received a record $35.56 billion in remittances in FY26, the highest remittance earnings so far in a single fiscal year. The year-on-year growth was a 17.3 percent increase compared to $30.33 billion in FY25.  

Hossain Sadat has joined the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) as a commissioner, completing the regulator's full panel of commissioners. Sadat assumed office on Tuesday after being appointed for a four-year term with approval from the Ministry of Finance, according to a press release issued by the commission. A veteran corporate professional with nearly three decades of experience, Sadat has worked extensively in corporate governance, regulatory strategy, financial management, sustainable development, corporate communication, and audit and assurance. His career spans leadership roles at Grameenphone, Shell Oil and Gas, Kean Energy, and Rahman Rahman Huq (KPMG Bangladesh). He most recently served as president of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB). He has also held board and council positions at the Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market (BICM), the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), and ICSB. Sadat completed executive-level management training from the London Business School in the United Kingdom. With his joining, the BSEC's commissioner panel is now complete.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) on Tuesday reduced gold prices a day after raising them. In a notice issued in the morning, Bajus said the price of 22-carat gold has been cut by Tk 2,216 per bhori, bringing the new price, inclusive of VAT, to Tk 2,20,858. The revised rates came into effect from 10am. According to the new price chart, 21-carat gold will now cost Tk 2,10,943 per bhori, down by Tk 2,100, while 18-carat gold has been reduced by Tk 1,750 to Tk 1,81,200 per bhori. The price of traditional (Sanatan) gold has been cut by Tk 1,458 to Tk 1,48,016 per bhori, the notice added. Bajus said the new prices will remain effective at all jewellery establishments until further notice, though making charges will vary depending on the design of the ornament. Since VAT is included in the selling price of gold and silver ornaments, customers cannot be charged VAT separately, it said. The organisation also noted that its existing rules on making charges, VAT and stone deductions will remain unchanged for the exchange and purchase of ornaments. On Monday, Bajus raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting it at Tk 2,23,074, inclusive of VAT. Silver prices were also revised downward alongside gold. The price of 22-carat silver ornaments was cut by Tk 59 to Tk 4,607 per bhori. Similarly, 21-carat silver was reduced by Tk 175 to Tk 4,374, 18-carat silver by Tk 116 to Tk 3,791, and traditional silver by Tk 116 to Tk 2,858 per bhori.

Access to finance remains the most severe bottleneck in Bangladesh's business environment, scoring lowest among 11 pillars assessed under the Bangladesh Business Index (BBX) 2024-25, policymakers, bankers and business leaders said at a round-table discussion here on Monday, calling for a diversified, less bank-dependent financial system to support the private sector. The BBX 2024-25 recorded a score of 40.07 out of 100 for access to finance, despite a 12-point improvement over the previous year, underscoring that the problem persists even as reform efforts gain traction. The event, titled "Access to Finance in Bangladesh: Building a More Conducive Financial System for the Private Sector," was jointly organised by Policy Exchange Bangladesh and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI), with support from the Australian government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, at the MCCI Gulshan office. Delivering the keynote, Country Managing Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Bangladesh (PwC) Shams Zaman said credible resolution mechanisms form the foundation for rebuilding confidence and extending fresh credit, adding that Bangladesh needs long-term capital that does not rely solely on banks. He proposed that the country's guarantee window be turned into an autonomous, professionally managed institution to support a more diversified financial system. A panel discussion, moderated by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Policy Exchange Bangladesh Dr M Masrur Reaz, brought together voices from policy, banking and industry, including Managing Director of Shasha Denims Ltd Shams Mahmud, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) Syed Mohammad Kamal, Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking at BRAC Bank PLC Syed Abdul Momen and Head of Multinational Wholesale Banking at HSBC Bangladesh Andalib Mirza. Mahmud said post-pandemic and political shocks remain insufficiently addressed, with manufacturers facing severe financing and cash-flow pressures worsened by higher gas prices. Kamal said SMEs lack the institutional access enjoyed by large firms, calling for a coordinated approach involving the central bank, judiciary and other stakeholders. Momen said expanding SME financing requires a strong digital ecosystem, noting the current model remains largely manual and inefficient. Andalib pointed to limited digital data and weak financial verification as major hurdles, particularly for non-garment firms without export records. Participants, including representatives of banks, non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) and development partners, said banks cannot finance new projects without assured energy supply, making progress on gas and LNG infrastructure essential. They noted, however, that microenterprise lending is expanding through multiple channels with relatively low non-performing loans. Chairman of Bangladesh Krishi Bank Mohammed Nurul Amin, speaking as distinguished guest, said Bangladesh's regional, gender, financial and psychological inequalities require differentiated policies tailored to borrowers' circumstances. MCCI President Kamran T Rahman chaired the session. Participants called for coordinated action among Bangladesh Bank, financial institutions, policymakers and the private sector to expand credit access and strengthen financial inclusion. The recommendations from the roundtable are expected to feed into a more inclusive and growth-oriented financial system for the private sector.

Green chili prices have jumped sharply across Dhaka’s kitchen markets over the past few days, with retailers raising prices by Tk 40 to Tk 60 per kilogram. The kitchen spice was selling for Tk 260 to Tk 300 per kg in major retail markets on Monday, compared with Tk 200 to Tk 240 just five days ago. A visit to Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon Colony Market and Moghbazar found significant price variations. Retailers at Moghbazar and Tejgaon were selling green chilies at around Tk 300 per kg, while prices at Karwan Bazar where wholesale and retail trading take place side by side ranged between Tk 250 and Tk 280 per kg depending on quality. The latest surge marks a dramatic increase from just a month ago, when green chilies were available at Tk 50 to Tk 70 per kg. Traders attributed the steep increase to heavy rainfall and waterlogging in major producing areas, which they said has damaged crops and disrupted supplies to wholesale markets. Kawser Uddin, a trader at Karwan Bazar, said supplies from key production areas including Manikganj has virtually stopped. “We are now depending on shipments from Kushtia, Khulna, Jhenaidah and Rajshahi. Excessive rainfall in those regions has caused root rot and destroyed chili flowers, resulting in a severe shortage at production hubs,” he said. He added that daily arrivals have fallen from around 10 truckloads to eight, creating a supply gap. “Imports from India which usually help stabilise the market during shortages have not started yet,” Kawser said. Traders believe prices may remain high until weather condition improves or imports resume. Consumers, however, questioned the justification for the price hike alleging that some traders are using the rainy season as an excuse to create an artificial shortage and inflate prices. Many shoppers urged the government to intensify market monitoring and take action against price manipulation to protect consumers from unjustified increases. The latest spike in green chili prices has added to household expenses already strained by higher costs of other daily essentials, putting additional pressure on consumers.

The newly introduced Private Investor (PI) category will now allow general investors, registered institutions and funds to invest in privately offered bonds, open-end mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETF) and equities approved by the fund's regulatory authority, officials said at a workshop on Monday. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) organised the awareness workshop on the addition of the PI category to its Electronic Subscription System (ESS) through the Zoom platform, where representatives from merchant banks, asset management companies (AMC), TREC holders and other related institutions took part. Speakers at the workshop said the ESS platform has so far allowed only Eligible Investor (EI) and Qualified Investor (QI) category investors to participate in primary investment opportunities. Any individual, registered institution or fund will now be able to register under the PI category, according to the DSE. For individual investors, only a National Identity (NID) card and a bank account will be mandatory, while institutions or funds will need a registration certificate and a bank account. No registration fee will be applicable for PI registration, the DSE said. The workshop covered the registration and subscription process of the ESS, the required information and documentation, and various aspects of using the digital platform. Speakers said the initiative will expand alternative investment opportunities for general investors beyond equities and will play a significant role in building a digital and transparent investment environment. They added that the move will also create scope for introducing diverse financial products in the capital market.  

The Bangladesh Jewellers' Association (Bajus) on Monday raised the price of gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new price of 22-karat gold at Tk 223,074 per bhori, including VAT. In a notice issued Monday morning, Bajus said the upward revision was made in view of a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market. The new rates took effect from 10 am the same day. Under the revised rates, a bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-karat gold ornaments will now cost Tk 223,074, including VAT. The price of 21-karat gold was raised by Tk 2,100 to Tk 213,043 per bhori, while 18-karat gold went up by Tk 1,750 to Tk 182,950. The price of traditional gold ornaments was increased by Tk 1,458 to Tk 149,474 per bhori. Bajus said the new prices will remain effective at all jewellery outlets until further notice, though making charges will continue to vary according to design. Since VAT is included in the sale price of gold and silver ornaments, it cannot be charged separately from customers. The organisation's existing rules on ornament exchange and purchase, excluding specified VAT, making charges and stone value, will remain unchanged. Bajus had last adjusted gold prices on the morning of July 24, when it cut the rate by Tk 3,324 per bhori, bringing the price of 22-karat gold, including VAT, down to Tk 220,858. According to Bajus, gold prices have been revised 95 times in the country so far in 2026; increased on 46 occasions, decreased 48 times, and adjusted once over VAT. Silver prices were also revised upward alongside gold. The price of 22-karat silver ornaments was raised by Tk 59 to Tk 4,666 per bhori, including VAT. The price of 21-karat silver went up by Tk 175 to Tk 4,549, 18-karat silver rose by Tk 116 to Tk 3,907, and traditional silver ornaments increased by Tk 116 to Tk 2,974 per bhori.

National flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed regular flights on the Dhaka–Narita–Dhaka route after a suspension of more than one year. The inaugural flight departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Narita at 2:25 am with 143 passengers on board, said a media statement on Monday. Narita International Airport serves as the main international gateway to Tokyo, Japan's capital. The resumption of the route is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Bangladesh and Japan while contributing to the expansion of trade, investment, tourism, education, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam attended a greeting and view-exchange programme with passengers of the first flight. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the special guest.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has directed all scheduled banks to settle disciplinary cases and departmental proceedings against bank officers and employees within a maximum of two months. The Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) of the central bank issued a circular in this regard on Sunday, instructing managing directors and chief executive officers of all scheduled banks to execute the directive immediately. According to the central bank, the instruction was issued to align the timeframe for resolving internal disciplinary proceedings with the 'Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015'. To facilitate this, Bangladesh Bank amended clause 2(b) of BRPD Circular Letter No. 06, issued on May 4, 2005, which governs human resource management and inter-bank recruitment. Under the revised directive, if any disciplinary case or departmental proceeding is pending against an officer or employee, it must be disposed of within two months in accordance with the bank’s service rules. Central bank officials noted that prolonged delays in resolving such proceedings previously created career uncertainty and prevented affected employees from switching jobs or joining other financial institutions. Bangladesh Bank emphasized that all other provisions of the 2005 circular will remain unchanged, with the new amendment applying specifically to the settlement timeframe. Banking sector analysts believe the decision will establish greater transparency, accountability, and good governance in human resource management, while eliminating unnecessary harassment and preventing eligible bankers' career progression from being stalled.

The number of individual bank accounts holding Tk 1.0 crore or more in Bangladesh increased by over 7,000 during the one-and-a-half-year tenure of the Dr. Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, according to the latest figures from Bangladesh Bank. It means that the number of rich people have increased in the country during the period of the interim government in the country. Central bank data from its latest 'Banking Sector Update' shows that individual crore-taka accounts rose from 33,629 in September 2024 to 40,645 by the end of March 2026. This represents an addition of 7,016 new accounts—a growth of nearly 21 percent. Total deposits held in these high-value individual accounts increased from Tk 87,200 crore in September 2024 to Tk 91,400 crore in March 2026. Economists and banking sector analysts noted that a 21 percent surge in crore-taka accounts within such a short span—amid high inflation, economic stagnation, historically low private sector credit growth, and persistent poverty pressures—does not fully align with typical economic trends, calling for an in-depth investigation into the underlying drivers. A senior Bangladesh Bank official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that following the political changeover, new influential groups emerged across various sectors. A portion of funds generated through illegal activities, such as extortion and land grabbing, may have entered the banking system, contributing to the rise. However, former Finance Adviser and former central bank Governor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed noted that multiple factors could be involved.  He explained that following the reconstitution of the board of directors at several weak banks, many depositors withdrew their fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) and transferred them to relatively stronger banks. He added that the emergence of a new business class and a preference for keeping liquid cash in banks might have also played a role. Addressing whether individuals connected to new power centers rapidly accumulated wealth, Dr. Salehuddin remarked that when control over business and economic activities shifts to new groups following political changes, it naturally impacts bank account figures. Meanwhile, central bank data does not strongly support the notion that the surge was driven merely by people depositing cash previously held at home. Cash held outside the banking system by the public actually grew from Tk 283,553 crore in September 2024 to Tk 303,018 crore by March 2026. Dr. Toufic Ahmad Choudhury, former Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), stated that alongside deposit transfers from weak banks and the rise of new business elites, sluggish private sector investment prompted wealthy individuals to keep large funds parked in bank fixed deposits. During the interim government’s tenure, the boards of 16 private banks were reconstituted alongside major leadership changes in several others. During the same period, private sector credit growth dropped to historical lows, leading commercial banks to invest heavily in government Treasury bills and bonds. Commenting on the matter, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the central bank has tightened oversight to enforce good governance in the banking sector. He stated that while prevailing economic conditions could explain part of the growth, necessary action would be taken if any involvement of illicit or undisclosed money is uncovered.