United News of Bangladesh

The price of gold in the local market has dropped again within just 24 hours, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) reducing the rate by Tk 3,674 per bhori (11.664 grams). In a press release issued on Monday night, BAJUS announced that the price of 22-carat gold will now stand at Tk 204,283 per bhori, effective from Tuesday. According to the association, the price adjustment was made considering the fall in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. As per the new rate, the price of 21-carat gold has been set at Tk 194,999 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 167,145 per bhori, and traditional gold at Tk 138,942 per bhori. BAJUS said a 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge—determined by the association—must be added to the sale price of gold.  However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. Earlier, on October 26, BAJUS reduced gold prices by Tk 1,039 per bhori, setting the 22-carat rate at Tk 207,957 per bhori. With this latest adjustment, BAJUS has revised gold prices 69 times so far this year—increasing them 48 times and reducing them 21 times.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed on Monday said artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping Bangladesh’s industrial and service sectors, making it imperative to develop smart and skilled human resources to remain competitive in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). He made the remarks while speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Smart Human Capital Development in the Context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)’ held at the DCCI Auditorium. Executive Chairman of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest. Taskeen said the Fourth Industrial Revolution is not merely a technological shift but a fundamental transformation of production systems, business operations and labour markets. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he noted that nearly one-fourth of existing jobs will be transformed within the next five years. “In the post-LDC era, smart human resources will be a key instrument to sustain competitiveness,” he said, stressing the need for fundamental reforms in the education system, greater emphasis on technical education, and stronger industry-academia collaboration. Dr Nazneen Kawshar highlighted the lack of coordination among government agencies and limited awareness about skills development as major challenges. She said that after establishing its institutional structure, the NSDA is now focusing on human resource training, including initiatives to send 100,000 skilled workers to Japan through language and technical training programmes. She also called for integrating skill development with 4IR needs, enhancing public-private partnerships, and promoting upskilling opportunities for women workers. Presenting the keynote paper, Dr M Niaz Asadullah, Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Reading, UK, referred to a 2019 a2i-UNDP study projecting the potential loss of around 5.38 million jobs in Bangladesh’s RMG, food, agriculture, furniture, tourism and hospitality sectors by 2030 due to technological advancements. He urged greater investment in workforce training and modernization of the education system to prepare workers for AI-driven transformations. ICMAB President Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said that only 20 percent of graduates secure jobs matching their qualifications, underscoring the need to promote technical and vocational education and change social perceptions regarding skill-based careers. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman, directors and other stakeholders were also present at the discussion.

Customers making the highest amount of bKash payments each month on flight, bus ticket purchases, and hotel bookings will win a trip to Nepal or the Maldives, according to a media statement. The second and third highest payers will receive a Cox’s Bazar tour and a luxury hotel staycation, respectively. In addition, travellers can enjoy cashback, discounts, and coupons worth up to Tk 4,000 on bKash travel payments. To encourage digital payments in travel services, bKash has jointly introduced these prizes with ShareTrip, Amy Travel, and InterContinental Dhaka. Based on the highest bKash payments, a total of 12 winners (3 winners per month over 4 months) will win these prizes during the offer period. The campaign started on October 1, 2025, and will run until January 31, 2026. Detailed information about the offer can be found at this link - https://tinyurl.com/537tapnk. Available offers are: Online Travel Agencies: Many travellers rely on online travel agencies to confirm their hotel or travel tickets before setting out. Customers will receive a cashback of Tk 1,000 to Tk 4,000 when they make a bKash payment of Tk 35,000 or more while booking through specific online travel agencies, including ShareTrip, Amy Travel, GoZayaan, and Firsttrip. This offer can be availed once per day and a maximum of two times during the campaign period. Customers can get the cashback by paying through the bKash app as well as from payment gateway. Travel Agencies: Additionally, for bookings from select travel agencies such as SS International Travels & Tours, Fortune Travels Ltd., Vromonto, Navigator Tourism, and Go Plane, customers can use code ‘T3’ and make a minimum bKash payment of Tk 5,000 to receive a Tk 200 discount. This offer can be availed once per day and up to two times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 400. Hotel Booking & Services: The service of booking small or large hotels across the country using bKash payment is quite popular. Customers will get up to Tk 300 cashback on a bKash payment of Tk 10,000 or more for bookings at specific hotels, including Sayeman Beach Resort, Sairu Hill Resorts, Seagull Resort, Momo Inn, and Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View. The offer can be availed once per month and up to five times during the campaign, for a total cashback of Tk 1,500. Meanwhile, customers will get a Tk 100 discount on a minimum payment of Tk 5,000 using the code ‘T4’ during bKash payment for room bookings at specific hotels and resorts, including Chuti Resort, Brac CDM Savar, Naz Garden, and Nazimgarh Resort. The offer can be used once per day and up to three times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 300. Discounts on bKash payments are available not only for travel outside Dhaka but also for staycations within Dhaka. At select hotels such as InterContinental Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and Pan Pacific Sonargaon, customers can use the coupon code ‘S1’ and make a minimum bKash payment of Tk 2,000 to receive a Tk 200 discount. This offer can be used once per day and up to five times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 1,000. Air Ticket Booking: Customers can receive discounts by purchasing tickets directly from airline service providers using bKash payments. For ticket bookings from Biman Bangladesh, Novoair, US-Bangla, and Air Astra, customers can use code ‘T1’ and make a minimum bKash payment of Tk 5,000 to receive a Tk 200 discount. This offer can be used once per day and up to two times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 400. Bus Ticket Booking: Due to affordability and accessibility, buses are one of the most popular and preferred modes of travel. Customers can also enjoy discounts on bus travel with bKash payments. For ticket purchases from Shyamoli Paribahan, customers can use code ‘T6’ and make a minimum bKash payment of Tk 1,000 to receive a Tk 100 discount. This offer can be used once per day and up to two times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 200. Additionally, for ticket purchases from Imperial Express and Sheba Green Line Transport, customers can use code ‘T5’ and make a minimum bKash payment of Tk 1,000 to receive a Tk 50 discount. This offer can be used once per day and up to two times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 100. Amusement Park Tickets: To purchase tickets for Fantasy Kingdom, Water Kingdom, Foy’s Lake, Sea World, and Foy’s Lake Basecamp, customers can use code ‘T2’ and make a minimum bKash payment of Tk 500 to receive a Tk 100 discount. This offer can be used once per day and up to two times during the campaign, for a total discount of Tk 200. Airport Lounge: To enhance the joy of travel, bKash customers can enjoy access to the Balaka Executive Lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, along with a “Buy One Get One” offer. By using the lounge and making a bKash payment of Tk 4,800, customers will receive Tk 2,400 cashback. This offer can be availed only once.

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the country’s leading technology manufacturer Walton has installed Bangladesh’s largest floating solar power plant with a capacity of one megawatt at its headquarters in Chandra, Gazipur. With this initiative, Walton has achieved another milestone toward promoting renewable energy and sustainability in the country’s industrial sector. Mostafizur Rahman Razu, head of Walton’s Environment, Health and Safety Department, said the floating solar power plant sets an example for sustainable industrial development. He said the project not only generates clean electricity but also contributes to fish farming, land conservation, reduced water evaporation, and overall environmental protection. After meeting its own electricity demand, Walton supplies the excess power from the floating plant to the national grid through the net metering system, he added. According to Walton, its sustainability initiatives have helped reduce 911,823 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and cut its carbon footprint by 10 percent, setting a model for responsible and eco-friendly industrial practices in Bangladesh.

The newly elected representatives of the Petrobangla Officers' Association took oath in a ceremony held on Sunday. The ceremony followed the association's general election, which was held earlier on October 15, 2025, at Petrobangla. Through the oath ceremony, the new leadership takes charge. Petrobangla is the Bangladesh Oil, Gas, and Mineral Corporation, a government-owned national oil company responsible for the exploration, production, transportation, and marketing of the country's oil, gas, and mineral resources. Petrobangla Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman attended here as the chief guest, while SM Mahbub Alam, Director (Administration) of Petrobangla, attended as the special guest. The oath was conducted by Md. Golam Mortuza, General Manager (Financial Management) of Petrobangla, also served as the Chief Election Commissioner for the Petrobangla Officers' Association Election-2025. The event was held at Dr. Habibur Rahman Auditorium of Petrobangla head office in Kawran Bazar, Dhaka. The elected officers are President M Nasimul Alim, Deputy General Manager (Vigilance), and Senior Vice President Md. Shamim Hasan, General Manager (Audit), Vice Presidents, Md. Shoriful Islam, Deputy General Manager (MEAI), and Shammi Akter, Deputy General Manager (Exploration), General Secretary Md. Fazlul Haque, joint secretary, Mohammad Mahbub Alam, assistant secretary Md. Sakib Mehedi. Additionally, Touhidur Rahman, Nazmul Hasan, Md. Ashik Hossain, Md. Shahriar Sagar, Md. Abir Hossain, Md. Shahadat Hossain, Sabina Akter Runa, Md. Afzal Hossain, Md. Nazmul Islam and Mohammad Abdullah, Deputy Manager (Admin) were elected to various other posts by securing significant votes, according to a press release.   

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has expressed deep concern over the sudden decision to halt all import and export operations through Benapole Land Port after 6 pm, without prior notice or consultation. The move, reportedly taken by Benapole Customs to curb smuggling and illegal goods, is expected to disrupt overall trade activities, the Chamber said. Benapole, Bangladesh’s largest land port, handles the bulk of bilateral trade with India. The abrupt restriction could significantly affect cross-border trade and revenue generation, the DCCI said. According to the Bangladesh Land Port Authority, during the 2024–25 fiscal year, the port processed 20,11,268 metric tonnes of imports and 4,21,713 metric tonnes of exports. Traders reported long queues of trucks, particularly those carrying perishable items, on both sides of the border, increasing the risk of damage and wastage. “Previously, an average of 400 to 450 trucks entered the port daily. After the new restriction, the number has dropped to 180–200 trucks,” said Sajedur Rahman, General Secretary of the Benapole C&F Agent Staff Association. Business users said the decision, reportedly made after consultation with C&F agent representatives, has created chaos at the country’s busiest land port, adversely affecting importers, exporters and other stakeholders. DCCI urged authorities to lift the restrictions immediately and implement effective measures to ensure smooth, uninterrupted trade operations. The Chamber stressed that while coordinated efforts to prevent illegal trade are essential, suspending legitimate trade at the country’s busiest land port is unacceptable

Stocks at both the Dhaka and Chattogram bourses witnessed an uptrend during the first hour of trading on Sunday, with most companies seeing gains. During the first hour, the key index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, advanced by 3 points. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES rose by 3 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index edged up by 1 point. Out of the traded securities, prices increased for 189 companies, declined for 117 and remained unchanged for 86. The DSE recorded a turnover of over Tk 210 crore in shares and mutual fund units during the first hour. DSE turnover dips 18% despite weekly gains in key indices The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw an upward movement, as its overall index gained 29 points. At the CSE, 41 companies advanced, 25 declined, and 14 remained unchanged, with shares and units worth over Tk 67 lakh changing hands in the first hour of trading.

bKash has recently organized four awareness workshops in Dhaka, Khulna, Bogura, and Cumilla for all its distributors to further strengthen its commitment in preventing financial crimes such as hundi, betting, and money laundering. The day-long sessions brought together bKash’s channel partners to enhance their understanding of compliance practices, focusing on accurate financial transaction management within the nationwide agent network, awareness of fund sources, timely reporting of suspicious transactions, regular data updates, staff monitoring, action against non-compliant agents, and effective use of technology, said a press release. By making bKash services accessible to all walks of life, the extensive agent network of 350,000 agents spread across the country plays a vital role in ensuring financial inclusion. Distributors as bKash’s channel partners are responsible for managing this robust network. They not only supervise and guide agent operations but also regularly provide training, ensure transaction accuracy, promote technology usage, and maintain service quality. During the workshops, distributors shared how maintaining strict compliance standards has strengthened their business operations and minimized risk. They appreciated bKash’s continuous initiatives to promote awareness and ensure safe, transparent financial practices. Emphasizing the importance of vigilance and accountability, bKash called for increased monitoring, timely reporting, and enhanced awareness among all stakeholders to curb illegal financial activities such as hundi, betting, and money laundering. Ali Ahmmed, chief commercial officer of bKash, said that a strong network has been built through the collaborative efforts of bKash and its distributors, enabling uninterrupted services to 82 million customers. Beyond basic services like cash-in and cash-out, agent points have evolved into hubs of financial accessibility and management, offering a growing range of services that bring convenience to customers. These distribution partners play a crucial role in making these services available to the customers. During the sessions, Mohammad Irfanul Huq, Head of Distribution and Retail Business at bKash, said that as a company regulated by Bangladesh Bank, bKash is playing a leading role in financial inclusion and building the digital payment infrastructure in the country.

Bangladesh Bank is ready to extend all possible support -- from policy reforms to easier loan access -- to strengthen the country’s private sector, said Nawshad Mustafa, Director of the central bank’s SME and SPD departments. Speaking at a seminar organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Saturday, Nawshad said the SME loan policy has already been revamped to make credit access smoother. “However, if further simplification is needed, Bangladesh Bank is ready to take that step,” he added. Nawshad urged businesses to provide specific feedback rather than general requests. “Instead of saying ‘make loans easier,’ please tell us exactly where and how much flexibility would help you. We will consider those points in revising the policy,” he said. Terming the private sector the main driving force of Bangladesh’s economy, Nawshad reaffirmed the central bank’s openness to cooperate with businesses, and emphasised the importance of timely and reliable data for effective policymaking. “The data we receive must be actionable and free of major gaps. Discussing 2024’s data in 2025 won’t lead to timely solutions,” he noted. Bangladesh Bank reinstates extra increment benefit to attract, retain top talent Unlike countries such as the UK, Nawshad said, Bangladesh’s monetary policy is not yet credit-oriented, an area where future reforms could bring positive changes. Bangladesh Bank’s Director (Research) Salim Al Mamun also spoke at the event, stressing that data should not only highlight progress but also reveal underlying challenges. “Only then can proper analysis lead to meaningful decisions,” he said. Salim underscored the importance of cross-time comparisons to better interpret economic indicators and understand subtle trends within the economy.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has announced plans to introduce a quarterly Economic Position Index (EPI) to assess Bangladesh’s overall economic activities on a regular basis. DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed disclosed the initiative on Saturday during a focus group discussion held at the DCCI Auditorium in Motijheel. He said the existing indicators — such as the Business Confidence Index, Ease of Doing Business Index, or GDP growth — cannot fully capture the country’s real economic dynamics. “To bridge this gap, DCCI has taken the initiative to develop the EPI.This index will provide real-time insights into key aspects of the economy including production, sales, order flows, exports, employment and investment trends,” said the DCCI president. Initially, the survey for the index has been conducted in Dhaka, but the chamber plans to gradually expand it nationwide to reflect broader economic movements across the country. Taskeen said the EPI will not just be a statistical report, but a practical policy-support tool that can help identify sectoral trends and shifts more faster. DCCI voices deep concern over HSIA cargo village fire The index will enable a quarterly analysis of performance across manufacturing and service sectors, covering areas such as ready-made garments, textiles, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, transport, storage and banking. Discussants at the event emphasised that in a rapidly changing economy, timely and data-driven policymaking is essential.  They said the EPI will serve as an 'early-warning economic assessment platform,' helping policymakers take informed and effective decisions. Effective branding, compliance key to boosting CMSME exports: DCCI