United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) on Monday signed a lease agreement with South Korean company Park Handbag BD Ltd to establish a large-scale bag, luggage and high-end garments manufacturing facility at the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram. The proposed investment, amounting to US$ 80 million, is expected to significantly contribute to industrial growth and employment generation in the country. The agreement was signed at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, signed the agreement on behalf of BEPZA, while Beomjoon Park, Chairman of Park Handbag BD Ltd, signed on behalf of the investing company. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony. Under the agreement, Park Handbag BD Ltd will develop the project on 57,600 square metres of land to manufacture handbags, backpacks, luggage, and a wide range of knit and woven garments, including polo shirts, T-shirts, padded and down jackets, trousers, sportswear and undergarments. Once fully operational, the project is expected to create employment opportunities for 10,960 Bangladeshi nationals. The manufactured products will be exported to major global markets, including the USA, the UK, the European Union, South America and Asia. Welcoming the South Korean investor, the BEPZA Executive Chairman reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to providing round-the-clock facilitation to investors. He also urged Park to encourage other South Korean entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in BEPZA-administered EPZs and Economic Zones. He said BEPZA is continuously modernising its service delivery system through increased automation, digitalisation and efficiency to better serve investors. “We should do better than yesterday,” he remarked, underscoring BEPZA’s drive to remain competitive and responsive. Speaking at the ceremony, Beomjoon Park said Park Handbag BD Ltd will manufacture bags for globally renowned brands such as Coach and Kate Spade. He expressed strong confidence in Bangladesh as a competitive manufacturing destination and praised BEPZA for its fast, efficient and investor-friendly services.    

Al-Arafah Islami Bank (AIBL) has announced a temporary suspension of all its banking services for nine consecutive days, starting from January 30 to February 7, 2026. The shutdown is part of a major technical upgrade to its "Core Banking System" (CBS) to ensure more secure and modern digital services for its customers. The central bank of Bangladesh issued a notification on Sunday (January 25) granting the bank permission for this scheduled downtime. According to the bank’s schedule, the suspension will affect various services in phases: January 30 – February 7: All online banking services, including ATMs and Internet Banking, will remain completely suspended for the full nine days. February 1 – February 3: All branches and sub-branches will be closed for cash transactions and physical banking. February 5 (10:00 AM): Branches will resume limited operations, primarily for cash transactions only. February 8: All regular and online banking services will fully resume and return to normal operations. Banking sector reform can’t be done overnight: Salehuddin The bank stated that the upgrade is essential to enhance the quality of customer service and bolster transaction security in the current era of digital banking. While the total service suspension lasts nine days, the bank noted that the actual impact on branch-based banking is limited to three days, as January 30-31 are weekend holidays and February 4 is a scheduled holiday for Shab-e-Barat. Bangladesh Bank has approved this "technical downtime" to facilitate the bank's long-term goal of providing superior Shariah-based financial services. Customers are advised to plan their urgent transactions before the shutdown begins.

Bangladesh’s market remains stable with no supply crunch, and the prices of essential commodities are expected to decline further during Ramadan, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said on Sunday. Talking to journalists after the 10th meeting of the Taskforce Committee on reviewing prices and market conditions of essential commodities ahead of Ramadan held at the Commerce Ministry, Bashir said the assessments of imports and domestic production indicate a more stable market than last year. “Based on our analysis, we believe this year’s Ramadan market will be better than last year’s, with greater stability,” he said, adding that traders have assured uninterrupted supply of essentials and effective price control during the holy month. The adviser pointed out that the imports of essential commodities have increased by about 40 percent compared to last year, which he said would help keep prices within consumers’ reach. “If there is no supply disruption, there is no reason for prices to rise.” Bashir also said there is no gas or dollar shortage, while the exchange rate remains stable, placing the market in a relatively stronger position than at other times. Referring to edible oil, he said prices at the wholesale level are currently below government-fixed rates due to increased competition. “We have diversified edible oil supply. Around 500,000 tonnes of rice bran oil from domestic production have been supplied to the market, which has intensified competition.” Costly mega projects like Padma Bridge hurt market stability, reiterates Bashir He said future prices would be determined through market competition, which naturally helps reduce prices and ensures fair rates for consumers. Responding to a question on government policy if prices rise during Ramadan despite these measures, Bashir said the government is focused on action rather than speculation. “We do not fear future fear-mongering. We are working and the results will follow.” Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, heads of various commerce ministry agencies and senior representatives of private sector organisations were present at the meeting.

Gold prices in Bangladesh surged again on Saturday noon, rising by Tk 6,299 per bhori (11.664 gram), barely hours after a reduction announced on Friday night, according to the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). After six consecutive hikes, BAJUS had lowered the price of gold by Tk 3,149 per bhori on Friday night. However, the jewellers’ body reversed course on Saturday, setting a new record high for gold prices in the country. In a press release, BAJUS said the price of 22-carat gold has been increased by Tk 6,299 to Tk 255,617 per bhori—the highest ever in Bangladesh. The new rate will take effect immediately. BAJUS said the adjustment was made considering the rise in the local market price of tejabi gold (pure gold) and the overall market situation. Under the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 244,011 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 209,136 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will sell at Tk 171,869 per bhori. In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay a government-mandated 5 percent VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. The making charge, however, may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on January 22, when it reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,149 per bhori, setting it at Tk 249,318. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted 12 times in the domestic market so far in 2026—raised nine times and reduced three times. In line with the hike in gold prices, silver prices have also been raised. The price of 22-carat silver has been increased by Tk 525 per bhori to Tk 6,882, marking the highest silver price in the country’s history. Meanwhile, the price of 21-carat silver has been set at Tk 6,532 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,599 per bhori, and silver under the traditional method at Tk 4,199 per bhori.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC on Friday said that gas supply across all its supply areas will remain under low pressure for 24 hours due to reduced LNG supply. In a media release, the state-run company said low gas pressure will prevail in Dhaka and all Titas-affiliated areas from 12:00pm on Saturday to 12:00pm on Sunday. The disruption is being caused by a temporary reduction in gas received from LNG sources due to maintenance work at an LNG terminal, the statement said. Titas apologised to consumers for the temporary inconvenience. Alongside gas supplied from local gas fields, Titas distributes LNG-based gas from the Maheshkhali LNG terminals in Cox’s Bazar. There are two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) at Maheshkhali, though Titas did not specify which terminal is undergoing maintenance. Titas supplies gas to most districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions. As a result, consumers in these areas are expected to face disruptions during the 24-hour low-pressure period. Titas low pressure chokes gas supply across Dhaka; residents struggle Meanwhile, gas consumers have been facing severe supply constraints for several months due to pipeline leakages, valve failures and maintenance-related issues. The shortage of LPG cylinders in the market has forced many city residents to rely on electric cookers or firewood for daily cooking.

Winter has brought a bumper vegetable harvest across the country, supported by smooth transportation and abundant supply, yet Dhaka’s consumers are seeing little relief at the markets. Visits to several city markets showed that vegetable prices remain stubbornly high, even as farmers complain they are barely recovering production costs, raising fresh questions about possible market manipulation and the role of middlemen in the supply chain. Dhaka’s kitchen markets are actually awash with winter vegetables, but prices show little sign of easing even in what is traditionally the cheapest season of the year. While consumers continue to pay inflated rates, farmers across producing districts say they are selling their produce at throwaway prices, pointing to a widening gap between farm-gate and retail prices driven largely by middlemen. Major wholesale markets in the capital receive winter vegetables from Bogura, Naogaon, Chuadanga, Sirajganj, Rajshahi, Jashore and other districts. Traders say more than 50 truckloads of vegetables arrive in Dhaka every day from Bogura alone during the peak season. Despite ample supply, winter vegetables costly in Lalmonirhat Wholesalers at Karwan Bazar said supply is higher than last year, yet prices have not come down. By late January, wholesale prices were on average Tk 20 per kg higher than the same period a year ago. “Last year at this time, cauliflower sold at Tk 15–20 per kg wholesale. This year it is Tk 30–35,” said Latif Munshi, a vegetable trader at Karwan Bazar, adding, “We are buying at higher prices from upstream traders, so we have no option but to sell at higher rates to retailers.” Anwar Mia, a trader at the Swarighat wholesale market, echoed the sentiment. “Prices of cabbage, tomato, cucumber, carrot, bottle gourd—almost all winter vegetables—are higher than last year. There is no supply shortage, but increased intermediary costs are pushing prices up.” The picture is starkly different at the production level. In Bogura’s Sherpur upazila, vegetable grower and trader Naim Meyajan said he cultivated cauliflower on nearly 10 bighas of land. While early varieties fetched good prices between September and November, prices collapsed once peak harvesting began in December. “Wholesalers bought fields early at Tk 80,000 to Tk 100,000 per bigha against a production cost of around Tk 50,000. But when the main harvest started, there were no buyers for fields. I had to take cauliflowers to market where prices fell to Tk 5 per kg,” he said. Farmers at Fulbari and Mohasthan haats in Bogura said prices of most vegetables started falling sharply by late December. In many cases, they were forced to sell produce at an inflated ‘maund’ calculation—60 kg instead of the standard 40 kg—yet still failed to recover costs. Early winter vegetable cultivation gains momentum across Khulna division In Dhaka, however, prices moved in the opposite direction. Cauliflower that sold at Tk 25 per piece in late December is now priced at Tk 40–50 depending on size. At Shantinagar kitchen market, cabbage is selling at around Tk 50 per piece. By contrast, in Sirajganj’s Ullapara upazila, farmer Bhobesh Ghoshal said he sold cabbage at Tk 6–10 per piece in January. “Those same cabbages are being sold in Dhaka at Tk 20 or more”. A visit to the Jatrabari wholesale hub shows cabbage trading at Tk 25–30 per piece wholesale, before reaching consumers at Tk 50. For key winter vegetables, the price gap between farmers and consumers ranges from Tk 30 to Tk 40 per unit. Tomato prices show an even sharper disparity. Early varieties arrive in Dhaka from Chattogram, while seasonal tomatoes mainly come from Rajshahi. In both phases, retail prices in Dhaka have ranged between Tk 100 and Tk 150 per kg. In Rajshahi’s Godagari upazila, tomato farmer Moktar Hossain said he is currently selling tomatoes at Tk 40 per kg, down from Tk 50–80 during the early season. “Middlemen are selling those tomatoes in Dhaka at Tk 60 per kg, and prices keep rising along the chain.” At wholesale markets in Dhaka, tomatoes are sold to retailers at Tk 80–90 per kg and finally reach consumers at Tk 100–120. The cumulative price difference from farm to table stands at Tk 50–70 per kg. Radish prices, though relatively lower, reflect a similar pattern. In retail markets, radish sells at Tk 30–40 per kg. In Cumilla’s Gomti char area, farmer Sohrab said radish is sold in bundles rather than by weight. “One bundle of 8–10 radishes sells for Tk 30, which is roughly Tk 10 per kg,” he said. “But consumers are paying at least Tk 20 more per kg in Dhaka.” According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 700,000 kg of vegetables are sold daily in Dhaka. Even assuming a conservative price gap of Tk 20 per kg between farmers and consumers, the additional daily burden on consumers stands at around Tk 15 million—amounting to nearly Tk 500 million over January due to elevated prices. Commenting on the situation, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) President AHM Shafiquzzaman blamed market syndicates and weak oversight. “A group of traders is taking advantage of the pre-election period by forming syndicates and destabilising the vegetable market. Vegetables have been selling at high prices for nearly a month, but there is no effective monitoring. Extortion at different stages of the supply chain is also pushing prices up,” he said. Shafiquzzaman warned that prices could rise further during Ramadan, expressing doubts about official assurances of market stability. “Government data is often unreliable,” he said. Calling for decisive action, he urged the authorities to dismantle syndicates of middlemen, ensure fair prices for farmers and protect consumer rights through stricter market regulation. Former Jahangirnagar University vice-chancellor and agricultural economist Abdul Bayes, however, advised that ensuring fair prices for both consumers and farmers in the agricultural market should not rely solely on government intervention; instead, marginal farmers must be empowered. Vegetable prices soar in Manikganj amid inclement weather Emphasising the formation of farmers’ cooperatives, Bayes said, “A single farmer from Bogura cannot bring 100 kilograms of cauliflower to Dhaka to sell. But if 100 farmers from the same area form a cooperative, they can collectively bypass middlemen and bring their produce directly to the market. This would allow farmers to secure better prices from wholesalers, while consumers would be able to buy vegetables at lower prices.” He also noted that NGOs could play an important role by supporting farmers in forming such cooperatives. Besides, Bayes said, if the government can dismantle syndicates in wholesale markets, foster competition, and curb extortion along supply chains, long-term market instability in the vegetable sector could be brought under control.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Thursday said the central bank is working to reduce ‘regulatory overreach’ by allowing banks greater operational freedom, provided they strictly comply with existing rules and guidelines. “We do not want to interfere in your work, but our guidelines and regulations must be followed by everyone,” he said while speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Banking Sector Reforms’, jointly organised by Mutual Trust Bank PLC and The Financial Express at a city hotel. The Governor said Bangladesh Bank has opted for a direct action approach by forming three dedicated task forces instead of setting up a banking commission to expedite reforms and asset recovery. Dr Mansur explained that forming a commission would be time-consuming, requiring at least six months to prepare a report and another three months for review, leaving the current interim government with little time for implementation. BTMA threatens shutdown of all spinning mills over duty-free yarn imports “We have taken the approach that we will not form any commission. We will move directly to implementation through task forces,” he said. Dr Mansur said the three task forces are focusing on banking sector reform, Bangladesh Bank reform, and asset recovery. Referring to the challenges of recovering laundered money, the Governor said a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been formed comprising the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He acknowledged that capacity building remains a major challenge, noting that Bangladesh is receiving technical assistance from international partners. “The World Bank, British government, FBI and the European Union are providing technical support,” Dr Mansur said. The Governor said the long-term goal is to establish a permanent mechanism similar to the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to combat financial crimes on a continuous basis. He revealed that authorities have identified 12 to 13 major individuals and around 200 others who allegedly laundered more than Tk 200 crore each. Experts, farmers warn of food security crisis over poultry import ban Expressing optimism over ongoing legal proceedings, Dr Mansur specifically mentioned the asset recovery case involving Saifuzzaman in London, adding that Islami Bank has also filed a claim in the matter. The BB Governor said the central bank is maintaining strict political neutrality to keep the economy functional, distinguishing the current approach from that of the ‘1/11’ caretaker government period. “We do not want any factories to close. No colour, no party—if a factory exists, the objective is how to keep it running,” Dr Mansur said. He cited examples, noting that letters of credit (LCs) were allowed for S Alam Group’s SS Power plant due to its $2.5 billion investment, which is critical for the country’s power supply. Similarly, facilities have been extended to the Gazi Group and Beximco, he said. Regarding Beximco, the Governor said that out of its 18 or 19 entities, only the textile division is currently facing difficulties, while other units such as pharmaceuticals and Shinepukur Ceramics remain operational. Dr Mansur said an exit roadmap has been developed in consultation with business representatives, allowing affected industries timeframes ranging from five to 12 years to regularise their liabilities. 11 more institutions inc. banks, municipal bodies join BIDA’s One-Stop Service portal The Governor stressed the urgency of passing key financial laws during the tenure of the current administration, warning that future governments may find it ‘extremely difficult’ to enact them. He expressed concern that the amendment to the Money Loan Court Act was returned by a committee on the grounds of being anti-business, arguing that without the amendment, asset recovery would be impossible. Dr Mansur also underscored the importance of passing amendments to the Bank Company Act to strengthen governance in the banking sector.  

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Thursday threatened to shut down all spinning mills across the country from February 1 if the government does not withdraw duty-free import facilities for certain categories of cotton yarn. BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell issued the ultimatum at a press conference held at the association’s office in Dhaka. The association is demanding the immediate suspension of bond facilities on the import of 10–30 count cotton yarn, arguing that the measure is essential to protect the local spinning industry from what it describes as unfair competition. 11 more institutions inc. banks, municipal bodies join BIDA’s One-Stop Service portal The dispute centres on the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) bond facility, which allows export-oriented industries to import raw materials duty-free on the condition that the finished products are exported. According to the BTMA, this policy is severely undermining local spinning mills, particularly those producing 10–30 count yarns. Highlighting the urgency of the issue, the BTMA said the government must implement the Commerce Ministry’s recommendation to withdraw the facility within the current month. Russell clarified that withdrawing the duty-free facility should not be confused with the imposition of a new tariff. Importers, he said, would still be able to claim duty drawbacks from the government under existing rules. The demand follows a recent recommendation by the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), which advised the Commerce Ministry to suspend the bond facility for 10–30 count cotton yarn. Proposed amendments to Bank Company Act faces fierce opposition from BAB Local millers say 10–30 count yarn is a core product of the domestic spinning sector, and the continued influx of duty-free imported yarn of the same count is making local production economically unsustainable. Earlier, the Commerce Ministry formally recommended to the NBR that the bond facility be suspended to safeguard domestic investment and ensure a level playing field for local textile manufacturers.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have surged past the Tk 250,000 mark per bhori on Wednesday, hitting an all-time high in the domestic market. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 8,339 per bhori (11.664 grams), setting the new rate at Tk 252,467, the highest ever recorded in the country. In a notification issued at night, BAJUS said the price adjustment was made in view of a rise in the local market price of pure gold (tejabi gold).  The new prices will come into effect from Thursday. According to the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 240,978 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 206,569 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will sell at Tk 169,653 per bhori. Gold price hits fresh record in Bangladesh In addition to the selling 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 revised gold prices on January 20, when it increased the rate of 22-carat gold by Tk 5,249 per bhori to Tk 244,128 — then the highest price in Bangladesh’s history. With the latest adjustment, gold prices have been revised 10 times in the domestic market so far in 2026. Of these, prices were increased on eight occasions and reduced twice. Silver Prices Also Rise Alongside gold, silver prices have also been increased. BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat silver by Tk 292 per bhori to Tk 6,882, marking the highest silver price ever in the country. Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh Under the new rates, 21-carat silver will sell at Tk 6,532 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,599 per bhori, while silver under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 4,199 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted seven times in the local market, with prices increased five times and reduced twice.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have soared to a new all-time high, with the price of 22-carat gold set at Tk 238,879 per bhori (11.664 grams), following the latest adjustment by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). In a notification issued late Monday night, BAJUS announced a price hike of Tk 4,199 per bhori, pushing gold prices to a record level.  The new rates will come into effect from Tuesday morning. Under the revised prices, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 228,031 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 195,430 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 160,147 per bhori. BAJUS said the price adjustment was made in view of an increase in the local market price of tejabi gold (pure gold), considering the overall market situation. 7.8 million ounces of new gold resources discovered in Saudi Arabia The association also noted that a mandatory 5 percent value-added tax (VAT) imposed by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS must be added to the selling price of gold jewellery. However, making charges may vary depending on design and quality. The last price revision took place on January 14, when BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,625 per bhori to Tk 234,680 — which had been the highest price in the country’s history until now. With the latest adjustment, gold prices have been revised eight times so far in 2026, with six increases and two reductions. In 2025, gold prices were adjusted a total of 93 times — raised on 64 occasions and reduced 29 times. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been increased. Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh The price of 22-carat silver has been raised by Tk 291 per bhori to Tk 6,240 — the highest level ever recorded in the country. Under the new rates, 21-carat silver will cost Tk 5,949 per bhori, 18-carat silver Tk 5,132 per bhori, and silver under the traditional method Tk 3,849 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted five times, with three increases and two reductions.