United News of Bangladesh

Speakers on Sunday highlighted the importance of increasing youth involvement, strengthening public-private collaborations, and aligning policies and investments to accelerate growth in agricultural exports. They said that Bangladesh's market for vegetables, fruits, and flowers is growing steadily. In the first nine months of FY2024–25 (July–March), the country earned $55.6 million from vegetable exports and $39.1 million from fruit and flower exports. Despite this momentum, Bangladesh remains far behind regional peers such as China, Thailand, and Vietnam in agri-exports—primarily due to structural inefficiencies and weak management systems in production. To unlock the sector's full potential, speakers at the Bangladesh Agro Conclave 2025 emphasized the need for increased youth engagement, stronger public-private partnerships, and coordinated policy and investment initiatives. New policy on temporary daily workers ‘misleading and exploitative’: Agri Farm Workers’ Federation The event, titled “Bangladesh Agro Conclave 2025: Unlocking Bangladesh’s Agri-Potential for Global Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth,” was held at Hotel in Dhaka on Sunday, jointly organised by international consultancy Lightcastle Partners and the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), a global development organisation. Keynote presenter Shubham Roy, revealed that around 20–40% of vegetables produced in Bangladesh are wasted annually, resulting in an estimated $2.4 billion in financial losses. For fruits and vegetables, 20–35% are lost before export due to inefficiencies in the supply chain. Chief guest Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive and technology-driven agriculture. He said that the government is finalizing the ‘Agriculture Future Outlook Plan 2025’, aimed at scaling modern technology to the grassroots. A key initiative under this plan is the ‘Khamari App’, designed to provide farmers with real-time crop management tools and market information. Mango shipments to China to begin this month: Agri Secy Dr. M. A. Sattar Mandal, Emeritus Professor and former Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, stressed the dual challenge of increasing food production for an additional 15 million people, while overcoming the constraints posed by fragmented agricultural land. He emphasized the need for innovation-led solutions to structural bottlenecks. The event featured three panel discussions: session 1 on charting the path towards global export market, moderated by Bijon Islam, CEO of LightCastle Partners; session 2 on empowering women and youth in agri-food enterprise development was moderated by Md. Abdur Rouf, Director, Program Development, SAF, and the final session on food safety, traceability, and cold chain management was, moderated by Zahedul Amin, Managing Director, Lightcastle Partners.

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began at a sluggish pace on the second working day of the week on Sunday, with the Dhaka market showing a rise in its index while the Chattogram market remained largely unchanged. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX rose by 13 points in the opening hour. Among the other two indices, the Shariah-compliant DSES gained 3 points, and the blue-chip DS30 index increased by 1 point. A majority of the listed companies saw their share prices rise. Of the traded issues, prices advanced for 177 companies, declined for 114, while 78 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 75 crore in the first hour. Market swings amid volatile trading at DSE and CSE At the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), the overall index showed a marginal gain within the decimal range. Out of the 62 companies that traded on the CSE, share prices increased for 28, declined for 26, and remained unchanged for 8. The turnover at the CSE exceeded Tk 1 crore during the first hour of trading.

Whirlpool Bangladesh has recently participated in a special refrigerator carnival at Rangs eMart in Dhaka's Gulshan 2 to enhance Eid celebrations for customers by offering a wide range of refrigerators. The carnival, which began on May 24, will run until Eid, as announced at a Press conference held at Rangs eMart on Saturday. Senior officials from Whirlpool Bangladesh, including Head of Marketing Khandaker Salim Saad Shanan, Head of Sales Md. Enamul Haque, and Key Account Manager Asif M. Hossain, attended the event. Rangs eMart Divisional Director Yeamin Sharif Chowdhury, Head of Business Rashedul Islam, Head of Sales Golam Azam Khan, COO Iraj H. Siddiqui, and other officials, were also present. With many people planning household upgrades for Eid, the Refrigerator Fair provides an excellent opportunity for buyers. Attendees can purchase modern, energy-efficient, and smart-featured refrigerators from Hitachi at attractive promotional prices. Hitachi emphasises quality food storage and environmental friendliness, reflecting its commitment through this event. A key highlight of the fair is the chance for buyers to win refrigerators, air conditioners, and other exciting prizes through the 'Buy and Win' campaign by purchasing specific refrigerators from any Rangs eMart outlet. The event also features discounts, bank offers, easy exchange schemes, and more. Khandaker Salim Saad Shanan, Head of Marketing at Whirlpool Electronics Bangladesh, said "Whirlpool has always been committed to providing the best technology to customers across the country." Yamin Sharif Chowdhury, Divisional Director of Rangs eMart, said that Rangs eMart consistently partners with brands dedicated to modern technology and improving lifestyles. "Through this fair, we aim to make shopping more enjoyable for our customers," he added.

The Bangladesh Bank has simplified the process to send money for students studying in language education courses abroad. The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of the central bank issued a directive with immediate effect on Thursday. The students enrolling in language programmes will no longer require prior approval from the Bangladesh Bank to remit foreign education fees. According to the Bangladesh Bank, students admitted to recognised foreign institutions for language courses can now directly send the necessary funds through authorised banks by presenting the required documents. Bangladesh Bank simplifies overseas payments for professional course fees Previously, this facility was limited to Bachelor's or higher degree programmes, but now language education has been brought under the same framework. Experts believe this decision will strengthen Bangladesh's position in the international labour market. Language proficiency offers easier access to jobs and higher education opportunities in countries like Japan, South Korea, and some European nations. This new policy is expected to reduce reliance on recruiting agencies and open up direct avenues for studying abroad.

Highlighting the importance of apparel diplomacy and exit policy, Sammilito Parishad panel leader Md Abul Kalam on Wednesday said they will adopt a two-pronged strategy to maintain long-term competitiveness - apparel diplomacy on the one hand, and a responsible exit policy on the other. "We have crossed a chapter in the garment industry, the next journey is on the way to a 100 billion dollar industry. Therefore, more caution is needed in this journey," he said while sharing his panel's election manifesto at a programme as the BGMEA election is approaching. Kalam said they are facing global policy changes related to business such as increasing production costs, gas-electricity crisis, sustainability, HREDD (Human Rights and Environmental Due Dilligence), CSDDD, Traceability, etc. "If we can successfully face these challenges, we are on the verge of reaching unique heights," he said. For such a time, Kalam said they need leadership composed of experience, youth and courage—who are able to work with workers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and international partners with equal skills. "We have presented a timely panel combining all those skills at your service," he said. The biennial election of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is scheduled for May 31 May and two submitted their nomination papers recently to contest the poll. The two panels are Forum and Sammilito Parishad. Apparel makers urged not to take export orders without justified rate Mahmud Hasan Khan (Babu) submitted his nomination as the panel leader of the Forum. Former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan submitted the nomination paper on behalf of Sammilito Parishad panel leader Abul Kalam. Kalam shared twelve broad areas as manifesto of his panel on Wednesday. These are SME Support Cell & Policy Advocacy; Utility Security & Alternate Incentive Package; Building the Apparel Workforce of Industry 4.0: Upskilling Mid-Level Managers; Access to Finance: Green Funding Desk and Banking Support; Market  and Product Diversification: Expanding Bangladesh’s Reach Beyond Traditional Markets and Beyond Cotton Products; Alternate Incentive Benefit Policy for Post-LDC Competitiveness & Backward Linkage Strengthening; Trade Facilitation & NBR Reform: Bond Access, VAT Simplification, and Regulatory Ease; EPIC – Export Competitiveness, Policy Intelligence Cell & Digital Transformation Center; Social Compliance Enhancement Program – Toward a Unified Code of Conduct; Green Transformation with Business Value: Circularity, Renewable Energy, Decarbonization & Competitive Differentiation; Made in Bangladesh – Premium Edition: Repositioning Bangladesh in the Global Market and Trade Diplomacy & Responsible Exit Policy. Kalam said they will launch the 'Made in Bangladesh – Premium Edition' branding campaign to reposition Bangladesh from a low-cost manufacturer to a modern, sustainable, and value-driven sourcing destination. This initiative, he said, will focus on curated branding assets and storytelling content for premium global buyers, showcasing factories with innovation, ethical practices, and green credentials, supporting members in brand-building—professional photoshoots, catalogs, virtual showrooms, and sustainability profiles, partnering with EPB,  embassies, trade bodies, and major events to carry the Bangladesh premium story to the world and promoting categories like high-end knitwear, outerwear, and circular collections through “design-forward” showcases. To safeguard Bangladesh’s long-term competitiveness in the global apparel market, Kalam said they will pursue a dual approach: proactive trade diplomacy to secure preferential access and expand market reach, and a humane exit policy to support distressed factories in shutting down responsibly, protecting workers, and enabling entrepreneurial recovery. Apparel makers seek Tk 300cr for smooth exit of struggling units He laid emphasis on strategic trade diplomacy to secure GSP/GSP+ extensions, post-LDC trade preferences, and duty-free access in key markets (EU, UK, Canada, Japan). Kalam said they will launch an "Apparel Diplomacy Roadmap" aligned with embassies to promote sourcing, diversification, and foreign investment and establish a buyer accountability mechanism engaging with the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Bank, and embassies abroad. Diplomatic channels will be used to issue formal notices through Bangladesh’s embassies and high commissions, ensuring financial and reputational consequences for defaulting/non-paying buyers.

Trading in the country’s two major bourses – Dhaka and Chattogram – began on a positive note on Wednesday, the fifth working day of the week, with indices gaining and share prices of most companies edging up in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX rose by 15 points at the start of the session. Of the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES gained 4 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 advanced by 9 points. During the first hour of trading, share prices increased for the majority of the listed companies. Of the issues traded, the prices rose for 236 companies, declined for 78, and remained unchanged for 62. Market swings amid volatile trading at DSE and CSE The total turnover on the DSE crossed Tk 90 crore in the first hour. Over at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), the overall index increased by 8 points. Among the 75 companies that saw trading activity on the CSE during the same period, the prices went up for 37, declined for 19 and remained unchanged for 19. The CSE's turnover in the first hour surpassed Tk 2 crore.

Oxfam and the Fair Pay Foundation (FPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Oxford, UK which is seen as a step towards transforming the tea industry and uplifting the lives of marginalised workers. This "strategic partnership" aims to build a global movement for fairness, ethical business, equality, and justice in labor-intensive industries—starting with tea plantations in Bangladesh. Policy makers, business personalities, academicians, Bangladeshi diaspora members of the UK joined the MoU signing event on May 19. Signed by Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman KGOR OBE, Ambassador and Chairman of the Fair Pay Foundation, and Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, this MoU sets the foundation for the development of a Model Tea State, Oxfam said on Tuesday.  Gold price increased by Tk 1364 per bhori from Sunday The model will showcase fair remuneration, ethical & responsible business, decent working conditions, climate-smart practices, gender justice, and economic resilience. “The signing of this MoU is more than a ceremonial agreement. It is a commitment to restoring dignity, equality, and opportunity for one of the most exploited labor forces in the world,” said Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman KGOR OBE, Chairman of the Fair Pay Foundation. As part of the partnership, Oxfam and FPF will collaborate to implement a comprehensive roadmap to operationalize the Model Tea State in Bangladesh. This includes conducting in-depth social architecture and power analyses, assessing market opportunities, promoting eco-tourism, introducing renewable energy solutions, improving housing and health infrastructure, and amplifying the voice and agency of women workers through leadership platforms. Dr Halima Begum, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB, emphasised the transformative potential of this collaboration.  SAFE HVACR & Cold Chain Expo: Haier to present new horizon in indoor climate control technology "Today’s partnership towards Fair Pay as a movement shows that when we say we stand with marginalised communities, we mean it. With our investment in the Model Tea State, we are helping to build a future where workers and owners are partners, with shared ambitions and values.”  

Both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets opened higher on the fourth trading day of the week on Tuesday, but the early gains were short-lived as indices fell in the second hour of trading. The majority of listed companies saw a decline in share prices by mid-session. During the first half of the trading session, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) dropped by 7 points. Of the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES also declined, while the DS30 index — which tracks blue-chip shares — edged down by 2 points. Out of the companies that participated in trading, share prices rose for 129, while 164 experienced a fall, and 89 remained unchanged. Trading value at the DSE crossed Tk 140 crore during the first half of the session. Market swings amid volatile trading at DSE and CSE The scenario was similar at the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index shed 4 points. Of the 102 companies traded at the CSE, prices rose for 38, fell for 44 and remained unchanged for 20. During the first half of the session, shares and units worth over Tk 3 crore were traded on the CSE.

The auction for the 6th government investment Sukuk (Islamic bond) of Bangladesh was held at the Debt Management Department of Bangladesh Bank’s Head Office on Monday. This Sukuk has been issued to fund the "Widening and Strengthening of Important Upazila and Union Roads in Rajshahi Division Project" and is a seven-year Ijara Sukuk (lease-based Islamic bond) with an annual rental yield of 10.50 percent. The total issue size was Tk 2,000 crore. Investors submitted bids totaling Tk 8,347.609 crore, more than 4.17 times the announced amount, resulting in allocating to investors on a pro-rata basis. This marks the sixth Sukuk issuance by the government. Over the past few years, the government has raised a total of Tk 22,000 crore through five earlier Sukuk issues. These instruments allow the government to tap into Shariah-compliant liquidity held by Islamic banks and financial institutions for development projects. Bangladesh Bank to issue Tk 3,000 crore ‘Sukuk’ bond The Sukuk programme has not only offered an Islamic investment alternative to institutions, but also opened up Shariah-compliant investment opportunities for individual investors in a Muslim-majority country like Bangladesh. Banks and financial institutions can use their acquired Sukuk as Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) instruments. Moreover, Islamic banks and Islamic windows of conventional banks may use them as collateral to obtain Islamic Liquidity Support (ILS) from Bangladesh Bank. Although the primary auction was limited to Islamic banks or financial institutions, Islamic branches or windows of conventional banks, individuals, and provident funds, these Sukuk will be tradable in the secondary market, making them accessible to all scheduled banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, individuals, and other institutional investors. Unprecedented Retail Participation Notably, the sixth Sukuk saw unprecedented participation from individual and provident fund investors, with 139 successful applications totaling around Tk 350 crore, accounting for 17.50 percent of the issued amount. By comparison, the total participation from this category in all previous five Sukuk issues was only Tk 307.28 crore across 77 applications, representing just 1.40 percent of the total Tk 22,000 crore issued earlier. BSEC forms committee to probe into Beximco’s sukuk bonds Meanwhile, Islamic branches or windows of conventional banks submitted bids nearly 18 times their allocated quota, indicating a strong appetite for Shariah-compliant investments. This sixth Sovereign Sukuk issuance is expected to play a positive role in improving the socio-economic conditions of the project areas in Rajshahi Division.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) has increased the gold price again, this time by Tk 1364  per bhori, effective from Sunday (May 18). The Bajus have fixed the price of a bhori of 22-carat gold at Tk 1,67,098, which was sold at Tk 1,65,734 per bhori on Saturday. The Bajus notification said that the price of pure gold (acid gold) has increased in the local market. As a result, the new price of gold has been determined considering the overall situation. The price hike notification was issued on Saturday night, and the new prices will come into effect from Sunday. According to the new prices, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori (11.664 grams) has been fixed at Tk 1,67,098; 21-carat gold at Tk 1,59,505; 18-carat gold at Tk 1,36,714; and the price of traditional gold at Tk 1,12,978. On Saturday, the price of gold was: 22-carat per bhori at Tk 165,734; 21-carat at Tk 1,58,199; 18-carat at Tk 1,35,606; and traditional gold at Tk 1,12,033. Although the price of gold has increased, the price of silver has remained unchanged.