United News of Bangladesh

Despite a modest recovery in indices, Bangladesh’s capital market continued to struggle with declining investor confidence as the average turnover fell by more than 7 percent, according to the Dhaka Stock Exchange’s (DSE) weekly market review. The DSE said average daily turnover dropped to Tk 358 crore at the end of the week from Tk 387 crore at the beginning, marking a 7.41 percent decline and reflecting persistent investor apathy. After weeks of volatility, the market managed to post a marginal overall gain. The benchmark DSEX index rose by 52 points, while the Shariah-based DSES advanced 7 points and the blue-chip DS30 index gained 22 points. However, year-on-year comparisons painted a weaker picture. Compared to the same period in 2024, the DSEX is still down 6 percent, the DS30 2 percent and the DSES 13 percent, indicating that the broader market has yet to recover from last year’s losses. Prolonged losses have continued to push investors away from the market. Data from the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) showed that the number of active Beneficiary Owners (BO) accounts fell to 1,639,843 as of December 24 from 1,684,668 on July 1, the first day of the current fiscal year. This means nearly 45,000 BO accounts have exited the market during the first half of FY2025–26. Investors blamed sustained price erosion and mounting losses for their loss of interest. “Investors thought 2024 was the worst year for them. But by the end of 2025, it is clear that the market situation is even worse than last year,” said retail investor Tareq Hossain. Another investor, Malek, criticised the pace of reforms, saying investors’ concerns were largely ignored. “There has not been a single new IPO in a year. Large companies were fined as part of market reforms, but the commission never clarified whether those penalties were realised or whether the money was used for capital market development,” he said. Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) Chairman Prof Abu Ahmed said the overall weakness in the economy had spilled over into the capital market, making comprehensive reforms unavoidable. “When I took charge, ICB was in a very fragile state. With government support, we are gradually trying to stabilise and revitalise the institution. This cannot be done overnight,” he said, adding that appropriate steps after the election could help the market rebound. During the week, prices rose for most companies on the DSE, with 241 issues advancing against 101 decliners, while 44 remained unchanged. Yet sector-wise performance was mixed, as share prices increased in only five of the 21 sectors. Banking stocks rebounded strongly after earlier losses, with the sector posting a 23 percent price gain and a 13 percent rise in turnover. Of the 36 listed banks, prices rose for 21, fell for eight and remained unchanged for seven. At the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), the overall CASPI index gained 18 points, although declining issues outnumbered gainers. Prices fell for 128 companies, rose for 103 and remained unchanged for 24. Bonds and mutual funds delivered the highest returns in both markets during the week. On the DSE, the SIBL Mudaraba Perpetual Bond topped the return chart, while on the CSE the 1st Scheme of Reliance Mutual Fund emerged as the best performer.

Asian markets showed mixed performance Thursday amid light holiday trading, with many exchanges in the region and worldwide closed for Christmas. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 dipped less than 0.1% to 50,317.43, marking nearly a 30% gain for the year. The dollar weakened slightly to 155.70 yen from 155.94, while the euro held steady at $1.1780. Mainland Chinese markets rose, with the Shanghai Composite up 0.3%, although Hong Kong remained closed. Investors were supported by the People’s Bank of China’s pledge to maintain sufficient liquidity to back financing, growth, and inflation targets. Thailand and Indonesia saw share declines. In the U.S., the S&P 500 rose 0.3% to 6,932.05 on Wednesday, the Dow Jones added 0.6% to 48,731.16, and the Nasdaq gained 0.2% to 23,613.31. Trading volumes were light due to early closures for Christmas Eve and Thursday’s holiday, with roughly 1.8 billion shares traded on the NYSE, about a third of a typical day. Full trading resumes Friday, although volumes are expected to remain subdued as many investors wrap up positions for the year. The S&P 500 has climbed over 17% this year, boosted by deregulatory policies and optimism over artificial intelligence benefiting technology firms and broader corporate earnings. Investors are now watching U.S. economic trends and the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate decisions, widely expected to remain steady in January. U.S. economic data showed a 4.3% annualized growth in Q3, the fastest in two years, fueled by strong consumer spending despite inflation concerns. Jobless claims fell to 214,000 last week, below forecasts, signaling continued labor market strength. In corporate news, Dynavax Technologies surged 38.2% after Sanofi announced a $2.2 billion acquisition, while Novo Nordisk gained 1.8% following U.S. approval for a pill version of its weight-loss drug Wegovy. Oil prices closed at $58.35 a barrel for U.S. crude and $61.80 for Brent. Source: AP 

Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry has set a new global benchmark in sustainable (green) manufacturing, securing a record-breaking 38 new LEED certifications in 2025. This marks the highest number of green factory certifications achieved by the sector in a single year, further cementing the country’s position as the world leader in eco-friendly apparel production, said Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, an organization established to promote the apparel industry. The 2025 achievement is defined by a significant leap in quality. Of the 38 newly certified factories, 22 achieved the prestigious LEED Platinum rating, while 11 earned Gold and 5 received Silver. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the world's most widely used green building rating system, recognizing projects that meet high standards for sustainable design, construction, operation, and maintenance, covering energy efficiency, water conservation, materials, and indoor air quality, with levels from Certified to Platinum based on points earned, providing a framework for healthier, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly buildings. The LEED developed by the non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC). The apparel sector experts said that notably, no factories settled for basic certification, signaling a strategic shift from simple regulatory compliance toward high-level environmental excellence. Read more: Bangladesh consolidates global leadership with 268 LEED-certified RMG factories With these latest additions, Bangladesh now hosts a total of 270 LEED-certified garment factories. The country’s green portfolio currently includes-114 Platinum facilities, 137 Gold facilities, 15 Silver and 4 Certified facilities This represents the highest concentration of top-tier LEED-certified factories globally. Industry leaders attribute this progress to long-term investments by manufacturers and strategic guidance from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). "The momentum gained in 2025 reflects a proactive alignment with evolving global standards," said Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director, BGMEA and Managing Director, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange. "As international buyers and regulators, particularly in the EU, demand lower environmental footprints, our manufacturers are leading the way in carbon efficiency and water stewardship." Read more: Bangladesh sets new record with 36 factories earning LEED certification in a year The record-breaking performance is seen as a preparation for the next phase of global trade requirements, including carbon pricing mechanisms and digital transparency frameworks. By integrating green buildings with circular production models, the Bangladeshi RMG sector is positioning itself as not only the largest but also the most future-ready apparel exporter in the world.

The country’s two stock exchanges will remain closed for three consecutive days from Thursday due to Christmas and the weekly holidays. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) said trading will be suspended on Thursday in observance of the government-declared general holiday for Christmas, the major religious festival of the Christian community. During this period, all capital market activities, including share trading, clearing, and settlement, will be halted. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) will also keep its official activities closed on Thursday. Banks to remain open Saturday for election-related transactions As Friday and Saturday are weekly public holidays, there will be no trading in the stock market for three straight days—from Thursday to Saturday. Normal trading and banking operations will resume on Sunday (December 28) after the holidays.

Bangladesh’s capital market showed mixed trends in the first half of trading on Wednesday, with indices rising at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) while declining at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). During the first half of the session, the benchmark DSE index, DSEX, advanced by 14 points. The Shariah-based DSES index also posted gains, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 4 points. Out of the traded securities on the DSE, prices of 194 companies increased against 94 that declined, while shares of 93 companies remained unchanged. The turnover in the first half crossed Tk 120 crore. DSE fails to sustain early gains, CSE extends rally In contrast, the CSE remained in the red since morning trading. After 12 noon, the overall index CASPI slipped by 4 points. Most of the traded issues on the CSE witnessed price declines, as shares of 39 companies fell against 28 gainers, while prices of 12 companies remained unchanged. Turnover at the port city bourse stood at over Tk 70 lakh in the first half of the session.

Import and export trade through the country’s largest land port Benapole will remain suspended on Thursday and Friday on the occasion of Christmas and the weekend, officials said Wednesday. Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain said that no goods will be imported or exported during the period, and customs operations at the port will remain closed. Onion import resumes through Benapole port after three months He, however, said trucks carrying Indian goods for clearance can return and regular trade activities will resume on Saturday. Officer-in-charge of Benapole Immigration Police SM Sakhawat Hossain said that movement of passengers with passports between the countries will remain as usual despite the suspension of trade.

Asian markets mostly rose Wednesday after the S&P 500 in the U.S. closed at a record high, following a report showing the U.S. economy grew at an unexpectedly strong annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter. The initial government estimate for July–September growth indicated persistent inflation, while a separate report showed consumer confidence declined further in December. In comparison, the U.S. economy had expanded at a 3.8% annual pace in the second quarter. Trading in Asia was light ahead of Christmas, with many global markets set to close Thursday. U.S. markets will close early Wednesday for Christmas Eve and remain closed Thursday. In Asia, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 remained flat at 50,411.10, while South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.1% to 4,113.83. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.2% to 25,818.93, and China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.2% to 3,929.25. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell nearly 0.4% to 8,762.70. Markets in Hong Kong and Australia closed early for Christmas Eve. Taiwan’s Taiex inched up less than 0.1%, and India’s Sensex rose 0.1%. Gold and silver extended gains after reaching record highs earlier in the week amid geopolitical tensions. Gold rose 0.4% to $4,525.50 per ounce, while silver climbed 1.8%. U.S. futures were slightly lower early Wednesday. On Tuesday, strong gains in tech stocks pushed the S&P 500 up 0.5% to 6,909.79, even though most stocks fell. The Dow Jones rose 0.2% to 48,442.41, and the Nasdaq gained 0.6% to 23,561.84. Nvidia advanced 3%, and Alphabet added 1.5%. Novo Nordisk surged 7.3% after U.S. regulators approved a daily pill version of its weight-loss drug Wegovy. The report also showed inflation higher than the Federal Reserve’s target. The Fed’s preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, climbed to a 2.8% annual rate last quarter from 2.1% in the second quarter. Investors expect the Fed to maintain interest rates at its January meeting amid high inflation, slowing labor markets, and weak retail sales. Early Wednesday, the dollar fell against the yen to 155.96 from 156.17, after officials suggested possible intervention. The euro slipped to $1.1793 from $1.1796. Oil prices rose slightly, with U.S. crude at $58.45 per barrel and Brent crude at $61.90, as traders monitored supply risks in Venezuela and Russia. Source: AP 

The government has reduced customs duty on the import of dates by 40 percent ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to ensure adequate supply and keep prices within the purchasing capacity of general consumers. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the existing customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent. The government issued a gazette notification on December 23, 2025 to this effect and it which will remain effective until March 31, 2026. The NBR noted that the decision has been taken to maintain market stability and prevent an unusual surge in prices during Ramadan, when demand for dates rises significantly as they are traditionally consumed to break the fast. In addition to the duty reduction, the NBR highlighted that amendments were made in the last budget to the provisions related to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage. NBR chief calls for expanded VAT registration to cut reliance on imports Under the revised rules, the AIT applicable to the import of all fruits, including dates, has been reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. Moreover, the 50 percent concession on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, which was introduced last year, has been retained for the current year as well, the revenue authority said.

Bangladesh’s stock market opened on a positive note on Tuesday, the third trading day of the week, but the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) failed to hold the gains by the end of the session, while the upward trend continued at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). At the DSE, the benchmark index DSEX fell by 13 points at the close. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES dropped 4 points, while the blue-chip DS30 inched up by 1 point. Most stocks ended in the red, with prices of 242 companies declining against gains by 84 companies, while share prices of 63 issues remained unchanged. The turnover at the DSE increased, with shares and units worth Tk 407 crore traded during the day, up from Tk 395 crore in the previous session. Apex Foods Limited topped the DSE gainers’ list, soaring nearly 8 percent, while Premier Leasing and Finance Limited ended as the worst performer, shedding around 9 percent. Meanwhile, the bullish momentum continued at the CSE, where the overall index CASPI rose by 12 points. DSE, CSE begin sessions on positive note At the CSE, prices of 76 companies declined, while 68 advanced and 28 remained unchanged. The turnover also edged up at the port city bourse, with shares and units worth Tk 16 crore traded during the session, compared to Tk 15 crore a day earlier. Prime Bank 1st ICB AMCL Mutual Fund topped the gainers’ chart at the CSE with a 10 percent rise, while Hami Industries PLC ended at the bottom, plunging 10 percent.  

The government has approved several proposals including imports of rice, edible oil and lentils to strengthen food security and stabilise prices ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The approvals were given at a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase, on Tuesday at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at the Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presiding. The meeting recommended two proposals from the Ministry of Food to procure a total of 100,000 metric tonnes of rice. Of this, 50,000 metric tonnes of non-basmati parboiled rice will be imported from India through the international open tender method at an estimated cost of Tk 217.53 crore while another 50,000 metric tonnes of white rice will be imported from Pakistan under a government-to-government arrangement at around Tk 241.52 crore. Officials said the rice imports would help maintain adequate public food stocks and curb market volatility during Ramadan when demand for essentials rises sharply. The Directorate General of Food will implement the procurement to ensure timely arrival of consignments and strengthen buffer stocks. To keep edible oil prices stable, the meeting also approved the procurement of 4.75 crore litres of edible oil. This includes 1 crore litres of refined rice bran oil from local sources and 3.75 crore litres of soybean oil from international sources through direct purchase methods. Govt to procure 50,000 mt of non-basmati parboiled rice, 80,000 mt fertiliser The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh is expected to distribute the oil through subsidised sales across the country. In addition, the committee approved the procurement of 10,000 metric tonnes of lentils through the national open tender method at an estimated cost of Tk 72.20 crore. The lentils will be procured in 50-kg bags and distributed through government channels to stabilise the market and support low- and middle-income consumers.