United News of Bangladesh

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said rice prices are expected to remain relatively stable in the coming months though minor fluctuations may occur due to market dynamics. “Rice prices are more or less stable. Yes, there may be some variations but we would say the situation is under control. Food inflation has come down to some extent. Non-food inflation is where the pressure is coming from,  transport costs, house rent and similar expenses have increased. This is a reality and we acknowledge it,” he said at a press briefing after meetings at the Secretariat. The adviser also said the government is importing non-Basmati parboiled rice to ensure a smooth supply in the domestic market and to strengthen food security support for low- and fixed-income groups. “We are importing parboiled rice to ensure the entire food assistance package reaches the targeted population effectively. Our objective is to keep essential food items within reach as much as possible,” he added. He also highlighted the important role of the private sector in maintaining market stability, noting that a significant portion of rice imports is carried out by private traders. “A large share of import activities is undertaken by the private sector. They assess competitive prices and source rice from countries where rates are lower. This contributes to stabilising the market. If imports were solely dependent on the government, it would be difficult to maintain that balance,” he said. The adviser said the current food supply situation is ‘generally satisfactory’ and the government is aiming to hand over a stable market structure to the next administration.  

The October reading of the Bangladesh Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) gained 2.7 points from the previous month to post a faster expansion rate at 61.8. This latest PMI reading was attributed to a faster expansion rate for all the key sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, construction and services. “The latest PMI readings indicate that the overall Bangladesh economy continued to expand, primarily driven by favourable crop conditions and expectations of a good harvest in the agricultural sector,” said Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh.                                                                                        Other sectors of the economy also posted faster expansion rates, going into the final quarter of the year, with monthly growth in exports and inflation gradually waning, he said on Sunday (9th November 2025). Read more: Economic Affairs Committee okays import of crude oil Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB) released the Bangladesh Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) October report on Sunday. The PMI is a pioneering initiative that aims to offer timely and accurate insights into the country's economic health to help businesses, investors and policy makers make informed decisions. It was developed by MCCI and Policy Exchange, with support from the UK Government and technical support from Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM). The agriculture sector posted its 2nd month of expansion, and at a faster rate. The sector posted faster expansion readings for the indexes of new business, business activity, and input costs, and the employment index reverted to an expansion reading. The order, however, backlogs index posted a faster contraction rate. Read more: Govt laid foundation for promising new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations: Shafiqul Alam The manufacturing sector posted its 14th month of expansion, and at a faster rate. The sector posted expansion readings for the indexes of new orders, new exports, factory output, input purchases, finished goods, imports, input prices, employment, and supplier deliveries. The order backlogs index recorded a more rapid decline. The construction sector posted its 2nd month of expansion, and at a faster rate. The sector posted expansion readings for the indexes of new business, construction activity, employment, and input costs. The order backlogs index posted a slower contraction rate. The services sector posted its 13th month of expansion, and at a faster rate. The sector posted expansion readings for the indexes of new business, business activity, employment, and input costs. The order backlogs index reverted to an expansion reading after recording 2 months of contraction readings. In terms of the future business index, slower expansion rates were recorded for all key sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, construction and services. Read more: Economy must move beyond narrow wealth accumulation: Prof Yunus

The government has approved the procurement of 50,000 metric tonnes of non-Basmati parboiled rice for the 2025–26 fiscal year through an international open tender. The proposal received approval from the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at a meeting held on Sunday at the Bangladesh Secretariat chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin. The Ministry of Food initiated the proposal and the Directorate General of Food will execute it. The proposal involves purchase of rice from M/S Gurudeo Exports Corporation Private Limited, a supplier based in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Under the procurement plan, the total cost of the consignment is estimated at Tk 217.68 crore with each metric tonne priced at USD 356.78. Gurudeo Exports was selected as the responsive bidder following the evaluation of submissions under the international tender process. Once imported, the rice will be added to the government’s food stock to support market stabilisation and social safety net programmes.  

The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Sunday approved five major import proposals including import of urea and TSP fertiliser from international and domestic suppliers. The government is set to spend nearly Tk 925 crore to ensure a steady supply of fertiliser for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The decisions were taken at a meeting GGGP at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair to maintain agricultural productivity, stabilise domestic supply chains and avert any potential fertiliser shortage during crucial cultivation periods. The proposals were placed by the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Agriculture and forwarded on behalf of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), the two primary agencies responsible for importing and distributing fertiliser across the country. As per the proposal, Bangladesh will import a total of 110,000 metric tonnes of granular urea in three separate lots. The first consignment involves the purchase of 40,000 metric tonnes of bulk granular urea from Fertiglobe Distribution Limited, UAE. Govt approves purchase of 65,000 MT of fertilizer The total cost for this consignment stands at Tk 195.43 cr with per-metric-tonne price fixed at US$ 399.17. A second consignment of 40,000 metric tonnes of bulk granular urea will be imported from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company of Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s leading urea exporters. This lot will cost the government Tk 190.94 crore with a per-tonne rate of US$ 390. In addition to these international procurement arrangements, the government will also purchase 30,000 metric tonnes of bagged granular urea from the Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO), a Bangladesh-based entity. The contract price for this lot stands at Tk 139.69 crore with the per-tonne price calculated at US$ 379.50, which includes US$ 5 per tonne for bagging and handling. This locally available supply is expected to support quicker distribution to agricultural regions. Govt appoints administrator for Bangladesh Fertilizer Association Alongside urea, the committee also recommended approval for the import of 60,000 metric tonnes of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertiliser under a government-to-government arrangement with OCP NUTRICROPS of Morocco, the world’s largest phosphate-based fertiliser producer. Two separate lots of 30,000 metric tonnes each will be brought in by BADC. Each lot will cost Tk 199.51 crore, with the per-tonne rate set at US$ 542. Officials said the pricing reflects the global rise in phosphate-based fertiliser prices but emphasised that the supply agreement ensures uninterrupted availability without the need for open tender competition. Government officials said these procurements are crucial to maintaining Bangladesh’s food security and supporting farmers during peak planting cycles, particularly ahead of the Boro and Aman seasons when fertiliser demand is at its highest. They added that the country maintains a policy of securing fertiliser supplies through a mix of state-level agreements and negotiated contracts to avoid market volatility, especially during periods of geopolitical or shipping disruptions. Once the import consignments arrive, BCIC and BADC will distribute the fertiliser across the national supply chain to upazila-level depots, ensuring farmers can access fertiliser at government-fixed subsidised rates.    

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has highlighted the importance of building institutional readiness, stressing that effective election management is the foundation of a credible democracy. The EC, with support from the United Nations, has launched a nationwide series of regional trainings aimed at strengthening the capacity of election officials in preparation for the upcoming national elections. “Through these training programmes, we are building not only skills but also the confidence and commitment needed to ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” said the CEC. He said this training marks a milestone in our preparation for the upcoming elections. “The practical modules will enable our officials to replicate lessons across the country, enhancing capacity and confidence at every level.” Next election to determine Bangladesh’s future direction: CEC The first of 10 three-day regional trainings concluded on November 7 in Dhaka, bringing together election officials from the region for hands-on sessions focused on crisis management, cybersecurity, gender equality, human rights and media and elections, said UNDP on Sunday. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed and Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO Dr Susan Vize, UN Women Representative Gitanjali Singh, UNDP Resident Representative, Sonali Dayaratne, were present. The training is part of the UN Electoral Assistance BALLOT and DRIP projects, implemented jointly with UNDP, UN Women and UNESCO. The nationwide training series will continue in nine other regions over the next several weeks, reaching hundreds of EC officials. The initiative, UNDP said, reflects the Election Commission’s strong commitment to professionalism, inclusion, and transparency in the electoral process, ensuring that every vote counts and every voice matters. BNP to meet CEC Thursday to raise concerns over EC’s neutrality

The Economic Affairs Committee on Sunday approved a proposal of importing crude oil through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement under the direct procurement method for processing at Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) in 2026. The proposal was placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division during the committee meeting held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. After review, the committee endorsed the move, noting that the import is essential to ensure uninterrupted supply and refining operations at ERL, the country’s lone state-owned oil refinery. Meanwhile, another agenda item placed by the Commerce Ministry seeking in-principle approval to include tea in the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s (TCB) list of essential commodities, and to procure it either through direct purchase or other applicable methods was withdrawn with the permission of the chair. The placement of the proposal was deferred following the Commerce Ministry’s request.

Agitating government primary school teachers continued their protests for the second consecutive day on Sunday (9th November 2025) at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital, reiterating their three-point demand. Teachers under the banner of the Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council also called for the resignation of the Advisers to the Ministries of Home Affairs, and Primary and Mass Education, in protest against Saturday’s police action on their demonstration, said Abul Kashem, president of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association. A daylong work abstention is being observed at primary schools across the country in protest against the attack by law enforcers, Kashem said. “Yesterday (Saturday) we went to Shahbagh for a peaceful march titled ‘Kolom Shomarpon’ (pen submission),” he said. 3-point demand: Primary school teachers stage sit-in at Shaheed Minar “Police attacked us there, arresting five of our colleagues and injuring more than a hundred. Moreover, the Adviser to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry termed our demands irrational. We therefore demand the resignation of both advisers,” Kashem added. He warned that the teachers would continue their sit-in and work abstention programmes simultaneously until their demands are met. Their demands are upgrading assistant teachers to the 10th grade pay scale, removing complexities in obtaining higher grades after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring 100 percent departmental promotion. Read more: Police-teacher clash at Shahbagh leaves 120 injured

A woman was killed and two others were injured in a collision between a passenger bus and an autorickshaw in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah district on Sunday morning. The deceased was identified as Sohagi Khatun, 46, wife of Ummad Ali from Shakharidah village under the same upazila. Shahidul Islam Hawladar, officer-in-charge (OC) of Harinakundu Police Station said that the accident occurred around 8am when the Dhaka-bound bus rammed into the autorickshaw from the opposite direction in Kapashhatia village, leaving the woman dead on the spot and the duo injured. Three-year-old girl dies in road accident in Sherpur The injured were sent to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, he said, adding that the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy. He, however, could not ascertain the identities of the injured immediately.

With the national election drawing near, the government of Bangladesh has appointed new deputy commissioners (DCs) in 15 districts, including Dhaka, Khulna, and Bogura, transferring seven incumbents and assigning eight new officials to the posts. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification late Saturday night (8th November 2025) announcing the reshuffle. According to the order, Bagerhat DC Ahmed Kamrul Hasan has been transferred to Noakhali, Kushtia DC Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arefin to Habiganj, Bhola DC Md Azad Zahan to Gazipur, Barguna DC Mohammad Shafiul Alam to Dhaka, and Sirajganj DC Muhammad Nazrul Islam to Gaibandha. Chief Executive Officer of Sylhet Zilla Parishad Sandeep Kumar Singh has been made DC of Barguna, while Khulna DC Md Tawfiqur Rahman has been transferred to Bogura. Ctg, Narsingdi, Naogaon get new DCs ahead of election Meanwhile, BADC Secretary Md Aminul Islam has been appointed DC of Sirajganj, Commerce Adviser’s Personal Secretary Md Abdullah Al Mahmud as DC of Magura, Home Ministry Deputy Secretary Abu Sayeed as DC of Pirojpur, and Zonal Settlement Officer Afroza Akhter as DC of Satkhira. Feni’s Local Government Deputy Director Golam Md Baten has been appointed DC of Bagerhat, while Personal Secretary to the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Affairs ASM Jamshed Khondaker, RAJUK Deputy Director Md Iqbal Hossain, and Cabinet Division Deputy Secretary Dr Shamim Rahman have been made DCs of Khulna, Kushtia, and Bhola respectively. Read more: New DCs appointed in C’nawabganj, Feni, and Madaripur

Three vehicles, including two old ambulances, were gutted in a fire that broke out at a garage near University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh in the city’s Mohammadpur Beribadh area early Sunday. Rashed Bin Khalid, duty officer at control room of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) headquarters, said the fire originated around 12:50am and spread fast. Fire at Gazipur cotton warehouse under control Two firefighting units from the nearby fire station rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control after 25 minutes of efforts, he said, adding that the flame was completely doused around 1:30am. Though no casualties were reported in the incident, a parked pickup van and two old ambulances were damaged, said the fire service official. The cause of the fire could not be determined immediately, he added.