United News of Bangladesh

Gold prices surged sharply in Bangladesh as jewellers announced a fresh hike, pushing the cost of the precious metal to a new high amid continued volatility in the local market. In a statement issued on Saturday night, Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) said the price of 22-carat gold has been increased to Tk227,856 per bhori (11.664 grams), up from the previous rate. The association cited a rise in the price of tejabi (pure) gold in the local market as the reason behind the latest adjustment, saying the new rates were fixed after reviewing the overall market situation. Read more: What Does Gold Carat Mean? Decoding Gold Purity Levels According to the revised price list, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk217,534 per bhori, while the price of 18-carat gold has been set at Tk186,449 per bhori. Gold made under the traditional method will cost Tk155,423 per bhori. Gold prices in Bangladesh jump nearly Tk 3,000 per bhori in 24 hours In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay a government-mandated 5 percent VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge fixed by BAJUS. However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on January 8, when it reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk1,050 per bhori to Tk226,806. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted five times so far this year—three hikes and two cuts. In 2025, BAJUS revised gold prices a total of 93 times, increasing rates on 64 occasions and cutting them 29 times. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2026: Safe Haven or Risky Bet?

Capitalising on the rapidly growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud services, Summit Group plans to establish a large-scale data centre in Bangladesh within the next year, its Chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan has told Japan-based news portal Nikkei Asia. In an online interview with Nikkei Asia, Aziz said Summit is preparing to partner with a major global technology company for the venture. As the country’s leading private power producer, Summit Power International will provide the energy backbone for the project, utilising its gas-based infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted, high-uptime power supply required for Tier-1 data centre operations. “Summit Group’s key focus going forward will be energy and data growth, with the aim of strengthening Bangladesh’s LNG sector and fibre-optic infrastructure,” Aziz said. According to Nikkei Asia, Summit currently supplies about seven percent of Bangladesh’s total electricity demand through its 10 gas-based plants and five other power plants. In the digital connectivity segment, another concern of the group—Summit Communications—accounts for more than half of the country’s internet supply and is one of the leading fibre-optic service providers. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) told Nikkei Asia that the number of internet and smartphone users in Bangladesh is rising steadily, driving increased demand for cloud services, mobile applications and artificial intelligence. In this context, JICA said the establishment of a full-fledged data centre has become essential for the country. The government promulgated the Personal Data Protection Ordinance in 2024, which restricts the transfer of both personal and aggregate data outside Bangladesh. However, due to the shortage of domestic data centres, a large volume of data continues to be hosted by foreign companies. JICA noted that setting up local data centres would significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s data protection regime. JICA also observed that ongoing political uncertainty has made it difficult to attract private investment in data centres. Nevertheless, it believes such projects are feasible if a domestic company takes the lead. Aziz said Summit is currently looking for a reliable international partner with proven experience in data centre development and strong marketing capabilities. “We have been in contact with seven major global tech companies—Alphabet, Microsoft, Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Amazon and Meta Platforms. Some of them have shown interest in working together. Summit will finalise a partnership decision within this year,” he said. Initially, Summit plans to locate the data centre near one of its gas-based power plants close to Dhaka, operating the facility on its own land, Nikkei Asia reported. “The three key requirements for a data centre are electricity, fibre and land—and Summit has all three. Although establishing a fully operational data centre will take several years, we aim to open services for customers within 18 months,” Aziz said. He acknowledged concerns that the high electricity consumption of data centres could pose challenges to Bangladesh’s renewable energy targets. However, he said global realities have changed and Bangladesh must adapt. Aziz noted that until two years ago, Summit had planned to shut down all hydrocarbon-based power plants by 2050, but current domestic and global conditions have made that goal unfeasible for now. “We still have major plans to invest in solar and hydropower projects in India, Nepal and Bhutan and import clean energy into Bangladesh. However, strained relations between Bangladesh and India have become a major obstacle to implementing these initiatives,” he said. Despite challenges ahead of the next national election, Aziz said Summit Group remains committed to continuing its operations in Bangladesh under all circumstances. He also expressed optimism that operating under an elected government would be positive for the country and would improve the long-term investment climate, he told Nikkei Asia.

Letter of Credit (LC) openings for essential commodities, industrial raw materials, and capital machinery have seen a significant rise as dollar supply increased with a stable exchange rate. For the first five months (July–November) of FY 2025-26, the overall Letter of Credit (LC) opening for imports was around $29.69 billion, a modest 4.5 percent increase from the previous year. LC openings for imports totaled approximately $29.69 billion, up slightly from $28.4 billion in the same period of FY25. However, data shows a mixed trend in LC settlements, with some sectors experiencing a slowdown. According to the latest report of Bangladesh Bank, LC openings for consumer goods rose by 10.64 percent during the first five months (July-November) of the FY2025-26 compared to the same period last year. An analysis of the business sector data shows that a different picture emerges in the opening of LCs for industrial raw materials and capital machinery. In the first five months of the FY2025-26, both the opening and settlement of LCs for the import of industrial raw materials achieved a slight growth of 0.42 percent; where the amount of LCs opened was $10.29 billion and the amount of settlements was $9.69 billion. On the other hand, the biggest change was observed in the import of capital machinery. The number of LCs opened in this sector increased by 32.22 percent to $911 million, indicating the growing interest of entrepreneurs in industrialization. However, in contrast, the rate of LC settlements decreased significantly. LC settlements for capital machinery decreased by 16.77 percent to $745 million, indicating that despite the increase in new orders, the process of final payment or release of goods is progressing quite slowly because of the higher interest rate. According to the report, in the first five months of the FY2024-25, LCs for consumer goods were opened at $2.58 billion. In the same period of the current fiscal year, it increased to $2.85 billion. That is, the number of LCs opened for consumer goods increased by $274.4 million. On the other hand, in the first five months of the last fiscal year, LCs for consumer goods were settled at $2.43 billion. In the same period of the current fiscal year, it decreased to $2.41 billion. As a result, settlements decreased by $20.9 million. In addition to consumer goods, LCs opened and settled for industrial raw material imports also increased by 0.42 percent. According to Bangladesh Bank data, in the first five months of the FY2024-25, LCs were opened for industrial raw material imports at $10.25 billion. In the same period of the current fiscal year, it increased to $10.30 billion. That is, LCs opened increased by $40 million. LC settlements have also increased in this sector. In the first five months of the last fiscal year, LC settlements for industrial raw materials were $9.65 billion. In the same period of the current fiscal year, it increased to $9.69 billion. As a result, settlements increased by $43.6 million. According to sector stakeholders, during the Awami League government, the import of less important and luxury goods was controlled to maintain foreign exchange reserves. Currently, as expatriate income increases and the dollar crisis eases somewhat, relaxation in LC is needed so that there is no negative impact on the import of daily essentials goods. According to the central bank, in the first five months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, LCs worth $689 million were opened for the import of capital machinery. In the same period of the current fiscal year, it increased to $911 million. That is, the LC opened in one year increased by 220.2 million dollars. On the other hand, in the first five months of the FY2024-25, LCs for capital machinery were settled at $895.7 million. In the same period of the current fiscal year, it decreased to $745.5 million. As a result, settlements decreased by 150.2 million dollars.  

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.