United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank now allows capital machinery import in foreign credit without permission from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Companies can now directly import necessary machinery and equipment using foreign loans with a minimum three-year term, without needing prior approval from the BIDA. The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued the directive on Wednesday (December 10). Industry stakeholders believe this new initiative will significantly ease the import process for the industrial sector. The directive states that this industry-friendly measure was introduced as part of implementing the decision of BIDA’s foreign debt committee. Previously, the long-term credit facility was primarily available only for the import of new machinery. The new regulation expands the scope: Various capital goods, including ships, equipment, and machinery, can now be imported on three-year installment credit. The foreign loan can be secured from either the foreign supplier or a foreign bank. Entrepreneurs praised the decision, noting that it will reduce import complexities and help in the rapid procurement of essential capital goods, which is crucial for increasing production and industrial expansion. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said that the new rule will accelerate the industrial and manufacturing sectors, while also encouraging long-term planning and new investments.

The strong upward trend in remittance continues as Bangladesh received more than US$1.16 billion in the first nine days of December, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. The amount marks a 22.6 percent rise from the same period last year when expatriates sent around $945 million. Officials attribute the growth to incentives for sending money through formal channels, stronger encouragement for using the banking system, and the active role of authorised exchange houses. Between July 1 and December 9, total receipts reached $14.2 billion, up by $2.12 billion from $12.08 billion in the corresponding period of FY 2024-25. This reflects a year-on-year growth rate of 16.5 percent.

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on a positive note on Monday, with key indices and most company shares advancing in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX gained 51 points, while the Shariah index DSES rose by 11 points and the blue-chip DS30 index increased by 12 points. A majority of issues saw price appreciation, with 324 gaining against 23 losers, while prices of 40 remained unchanged. DSE, CSE begin week with indices edging lower The turnover at DSE crossed Tk 162 crore during the first half of the session. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also opened higher, with its broad index up by 22 points. Of the traded issues, 39 advanced, 22 declined, and 9 remained unchanged. The turnover at CSE reached Tk 3.70 crore in the first half.

Banglalink on Saturday kicked off its annual Safety and Wellness Week 2025 with a vibrant walkathon held simultaneously in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Bogura. More than 560 employees took part in the event, demonstrating a shared commitment to health, safety, and overall well-being, a company media statement said on Sunday. This year’s theme, “Strength in Action, Care in Every Step,” reflects Banglalink’s focus on fostering a people-centered workplace. The theme highlights a culture where mindful habits, daily actions, and genuine care guide how employees engage with their work, support their colleagues, and nurture their personal wellness. Throughout the week, employees will take part in a series of activities designed to promote holistic well-being. These include health screenings, one-on-one consultations, fire safety awareness sessions, live safety drills, mindfulness classes, stress management activities, and a number of interactive wellness engagements. Each initiative has been thoughtfully designed to inspire healthier routines, reinforce essential safety practices, and encourage a balanced and mindful lifestyle. The Walkathon began early in the morning with Dhaka participants starting from Banglalink’s headquarters, Tiger’s Den, while teams from other regions set off from their respective office locations. As employees walked their designated routes, the event served as a powerful reminder that well-being often begins with small and intentional steps. Chief Executive Officer Johan Buse and members of the leadership team formally inaugurated Safety and Wellness Week 2025 at Tiger’s Den. Their presence reaffirmed Banglalink’s commitment to cultivating a safe, caring, and supportive work environment. Ruhul Quader, Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer (Acting) at Banglalink, said, “The walkathon gives this week a purposeful start. It reminds us that safety and wellness are not occasional priorities but everyday habits we build together. When employee feel supported to look after their health, the entire organization becomes stronger. This week strengthens that spirit by encouraging us to care for ourselves, look out for one another, and create a workplace where well-being is a natural part of how we move forward as a team.” The company is also committed to the safety and well-being of its customers. After the recent 5.7 earthquake, Banglalink immediately offered two hours of free calling to help people connect with their loved ones.

Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, has been elected President of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the tenure of 2026–2027. The election was announced at FICCI’s 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday (December 7, 2025) at a hotel in the capital. Alongside Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Deepal Abeywickrema, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Bangladesh PLC, was elected as the Senior Vice President, and Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC, was elected as the Vice President. Chowdhury will succeed Zaved Akhtar, Chairman of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd., who served as FICCI President for the tenure of 2024–2025. The newly elected 15-member Board of Directors will officially assume charge on January 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the current Board’s tenure on December 31, 2025. After the election in her remarks, FICCI President-elect Rupali Haque Chowdhury expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by member companies. “I am committed to advancing the Chamber’s mission of strengthening foreign investment and supporting the country’s economic transformation,” she stated.  

The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association has announced an increase in the retail prices of edible oil, raising the rates of bottled soybean and palm oil with effect from Monday morning. In a media release issued on Sunday evening, the association said a litre of bottled soybean oil will now be sold at Tk 195, up from Tk 189. The price of loose soybean oil has also been increased by Tk 7 per litre, setting the new rate at Tk 176, compared to the previous Tk 169. The price of a five-litre bottle of soybean oil has been fixed at Tk 955, rising by Tk 33 from Tk 922. Palm oil prices have seen a sharper rise, with the rate increasing by Tk 16 per litre to Tk 166, from the earlier price of Tk 150. According to the association, the revised rates have been set in consultation with the commerce ministry, aligning local prices with the international market.  

Trading at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) began on a positive note on Thursday, while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) opened lower. During the first hour, DSE’s key index, DSEX, gained 7 points. The Shariah-based DSES also edged up by 2 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index remained unchanged. Most participating companies at the DSE saw price appreciation, with 195 advancing, 108 declining, and 73 remaining unchanged. The turnover in the first half exceeded Tk 130 crore. Meanwhile, the CSE continued its downward trend, with its broad index falling by 6 points. A total of 27 issues advanced, 50 declined, and 14 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE reached Tk 7 crore during the same period.

The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) is set to host its annual flagship event, the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) 2025, beginning tomorrow (Sunday) in the capital. The two-day conference, running from December 7 to December 8, 2025, at the Conference Hall (2nd Floor) of Parjatan Bhaban, Agargaon, will be held under the theme "Democracy and Development." In an era where the connection between governance and economic progress is becoming increasingly vital, the conference aims to facilitate a rigorous and insightful dialogue on this pivotal relationship, with a specific focus on Bangladesh's context. The comprehensive two-day program is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and policy formulation. Key features include: Research Paper Presentations: Twenty cutting-edge research papers, meticulously selected for their relevance and contribution to Bangladesh's policy domain, will be presented across academic sessions. The Planning Advisor, Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, will deliver a keynote speech, setting the stage with a strategic vision for development planning within the framework of democratic institutions. The conference will feature a high-level panel discussion session with distinguished speakers from academia, government, and the development sectors. The Finance Advisor, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, is confirmed to be present during this session. Professor Dr. A. K. Enamul Haque, Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) will chair the programme. BIDS emphasized that the participation of thought leaders and experts will immensely enrich the discussions and contribute valuable insights to the discourse on the national development strategy.

Onion prices have surged by Tk 40–50 per kg within just two days, with the kitchen markets in Dhaka now selling it at Tk 140–150 per kg. A visit to several city markets on Saturday (December 06, 2025) found wholesalers charging Tk 650–680 for a palla (5 kg), pushing retail prices up sharply. Aminul Haque, an onion trader at Uttar Badda, said, “Just on Tuesday, onions were Tk 100 per kg at wholesale. A palla was selling for Tk 485–500, which is now Tk 680.” Read more: After saving one year, onion and ginger imports to halt within three years Another trader, Robiul, said, “Prices have increased by around Tk 50 per kg in two days. The price of each sack has gone up by Tk 850–1,000.” Harunur Rashid, an onion trader from Rampura, said there is no logical reason for the sudden spike. “The early-season 'murikata' onions have started arriving. Prices should have gone down, not up.” Market visits showed that 'murikata' onions are now available in small quantities, but their prices have also increased by Tk 10 per kg. Recently selling at Tk 70–80, they now cost around Tk 90 per kg. Onion imports withheld to protect farmers: Agriculture Adviser Karwan Bazar trader Mominul said the price of old onions has pushed buyers toward murikata, but limited supply has driven prices higher. Consumers expressed frustration over the abrupt hike. “How can onion prices rise by Tk 50 in two days?” said Rabeya Akhter, a shopper at Rampura. Another buyer, Ehsanul Haque, complained about the lack of market monitoring. “Traders are running the market however they want. Without monitoring, consumers will suffer.” Buyers urged strict monitoring to stabilise the market, while experts warned that lack of oversight will make the situation more volatile. Read more: Kitchen Market: Onion prices still high, hilsa out of reach

Customers can now make payments simply by tapping their phones on an NFC (Near Field Communication)–enabled QR code through bKash. This new service is designed to make digital payments more seamless, secure, and contactless, according to a media statement on Thursday. With just a tap, customers can complete transactions in seconds—without the need to enter a PIN—enhancing their cashless payment experience and strengthening the country’s digital payment ecosystem. NFC technology makes everyday transactions faster and hassle-free, especially at small and large shops, supermarkets, cafés, and other retail outlets. To pay via NFC using bKash, customers simply tap their phone on an NFC-marked QR code. After logging in, they are taken directly to the payment screen, where they enter the amount and confirm the payment. This eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting or compromising PINs while improving the security of the bKash app. Customers can make NFC payments of up to Tk 1,000 without a PIN. Leveraging technological advancements, bKash continues to introduce innovative, customer-centric services to make daily transactions easier, safer, and hassle-free. In line with this commitment, the company has launched the NFC payment service, enabling customers to enjoy cashless, contactless, and secure transactions. Gradually, this service will be rolled out at merchant points nationwide, the statement said.