United News of Bangladesh

Gold prices in the domestic market fell sharply on the last day of the year on Wednesday, with the price of 22-carat gold reduced by Tk 2,741 per bhori, according to the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). Following the latest adjustment, the price of 22-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 224,182 per bhori (11.664 grams). The new rates will come into effect from the morning of January 1, 2026, BAJUS said in a notification issued in the evening. The jewellers’ body said the decision was taken after considering the overall market situation, particularly a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. Under the revised prices, 21-carat gold will sell at Tk 214,034 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 183,416 per bhori, while traditional method gold has been set at Tk 152,857 per bhori. BAJUS said that a mandatory 5 percent government-imposed VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by the association must be added to the selling price. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. Earlier, on December 29, BAJUS had last adjusted gold prices, cutting the rate by Tk 2,508 per bhori and fixing the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 226,923. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted a total of 93 times in the country this year—raised on 64 occasions and reduced 29 times. Despite the fall in gold prices, silver rates remained unchanged in the local market. The price of 22-carat silver stands at Tk 6,065 per bhori. Meanwhile, 21-carat silver is selling at Tk 5,774 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 4,957 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk 3,732 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted 13 times, increasing 10 times and decreasing only three times. Last year, silver prices were revised just three times. On the international market, spot gold was trading above USD 4,330 per ounce (28.34 grams) on Wednesday. Gold prices reportedly saw a steep decline in a single day, although overall prices remained elevated. Despite the year-end dip, global gold prices stayed on an upward trajectory throughout 2025, rising by more than 65 percent year-on-year. In December alone, gold prices increased by around 4.5 percent.

Wall Street drifted lower in light trading early Wednesday as investors prepared for the final opening bell of 2025, heading toward a fourth straight day of losses after a year marked by strong gains alongside lingering uncertainty. Futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average each eased 0.1 percent, while Nasdaq futures fell 0.2 percent. Trading was expected to remain muted as most institutional investors have already wrapped up their positions for the year. US markets will remain closed on Thursday for New Year’s Day. Despite the late-year softness, 2025 proved to be a banner year for equities. The S&P 500 is up more than 17 percent for the year, driven largely by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and its potential to transform multiple sectors of the economy. That enthusiasm, however, has also fueled concerns. Investors worry that artificial intelligence may not generate enough profits and productivity gains to justify the massive investments poured into the sector. Such doubts have kept pressure on leading AI-related stocks such as Nvidia and Broadcom, which accounted for a large share of this year’s market gains. Valuation concerns extend beyond AI. Many analysts argue that stocks across the broader market remain expensive, as share prices have risen faster than corporate profits. Adding to investor caution is the continued impact of a wide-ranging, US-led trade war, which threatens to push inflation higher. Although the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate three times toward the end of the year, inflation remains well above the central bank’s 2 percent target. The Fed has said the rate cuts were partly motivated by concerns over a softening labor market. Later Wednesday, the Labor Department is set to release its latest weekly data on jobless claims, a closely watched indicator of layoffs. Minutes from the Fed’s December meeting showed divisions among policymakers and highlighted uncertainty over economic risks ahead. Markets are widely expecting the central bank to keep interest rates unchanged at its January meeting. Sung Won Sohn, a professor of finance and economics at Loyola Marymount University, said global markets are facing growing uncertainty due to inflation pressures, labor shortages and questions about the future path of interest rates. He said central banks need to move cautiously and warned that financial markets are likely to remain volatile as expectations continue to shift. In commodities trading, precious metals remained volatile. Silver fell sharply, giving up more than 8 percent early Wednesday after posting double-digit gains a day earlier. Despite the swings, silver is still up more than 140 percent this year. Gold slipped 1.5 percent but remains up about 66 percent in 2025. In global markets, trading was closed in Germany, Japan and South Korea for New Year holidays. Elsewhere, France’s CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent and Britain’s FTSE 100 lost 0.2 percent. In Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped 0.9 percent, while China’s Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1 percent. Taiwan’s Taiex gained 0.9 percent and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped slightly. In energy markets, US crude oil rose 31 cents to $58.26 a barrel, while Brent crude added 28 cents to $61.61. Even so, oil prices remain sharply lower for the year, with crude down about 19 percent since January. US gasoline prices have also fallen by around 6 to 7 percent nationwide.

Asian stock markets showed a mixed performance on Wednesday, with several major exchanges closed for year-end and New Year holidays. Markets in Tokyo and Seoul were shut, while trading continued elsewhere in the region. In China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.9% to 25,630.54, whereas the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1% to 3,969.75. Taiwan’s Taiex advanced 0.9% to 28,963.60. Australia’s benchmark S&P/ASX 200 in Sydney slipped marginally, falling less than 0.1% to 8,714.30. Tokyo markets are scheduled to remain closed through Friday for New Year holidays and will reopen on Monday, while South Korean markets will also be closed on Thursday. On Wall Street, trading continued Wednesday ahead of a holiday closure on Thursday, though activity remained subdued. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% to 6,894.24, though it remains on course for an annual gain exceeding 17%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.2% to 48,367.06, and the Nasdaq composite declined 0.2% to 23,419.08. Technology stocks continued to carry significant influence. Nvidia and Apple posted modest declines, while Meta Platforms gained 1.1% following news of its acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus. Commodities saw stronger moves, with gold rising 1.4% and silver surging nearly 11%. Copper climbed 4.4% and is up more than 40% for the year on strong demand tied to global energy needs and AI-related infrastructure. In energy markets, oil prices edged slightly lower, while U.S. Treasury yields were mixed amid expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged at its January meeting. Source: AP

Wall Street stocks remained mostly flat as trading for 2025 nears its conclusion. Early Tuesday, the Dow slipped 0.3%, the S&P 500 edged down 0.1%, and the Nasdaq rose slightly by less than 0.1%. The main activity, however, continues in the commodities market, where gold, silver, and copper recovered after steep losses the previous day. Gold rose 1.3%, silver surged 7.7%, and copper climbed 3%, while oil increased 0.6%. Monday’s declines followed the Chicago Mercantile Exchange’s request for traders to post additional funds to trade precious metals. Gold futures jumped 1.7% Tuesday after dropping 4.6% on Monday, marking over a 64% increase for the year. Silver futures advanced 7.7% after falling 8.7% and have more than doubled in 2025. Copper also regained some losses with a 3.1% gain and has risen more than 42% this year, its best annual performance in 16 years, driven by strong demand linked to energy infrastructure and AI technology. Mining stocks, including Freeport-McMoRan and Newmont, rebounded more than 2% following Monday’s pullback. In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked the final trading session of 2025, emphasizing Japan’s aim to attract global investment. The Nikkei 225 ended at 50,339.48, up nearly 25% for the year, its first year-end close above 50,000. With just two trading days remaining, many major investors have closed positions, keeping trading volumes light. Most global markets will be closed Thursday for New Year’s Day, with some also observing closures on Wednesday and Friday. In early European trading, Germany’s DAX was nearly flat at 24,348.38, Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.1% to 9,876.73, and Paris’ CAC 40 remained largely unchanged at 8,112.37. In Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.9% to 25,854.60, while Shanghai Composite stayed steady at 3,965.51. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.1% to 8,717.10, South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% to 4,214.17, Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 0.4%, and India’s Sensex was nearly flat. U.S. crude oil gained 27 cents to $58.35 per barrel, though it has fallen nearly 20% this year. Brent crude increased 26 cents to $61.75 per barrel. Source: AP 

American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second female head of government in the Muslim world. Her exemplary leadership marked a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s modern history. She broke barriers and reshaped the legacy of women’s leadership in South Asia and beyond. “We remember her national leadership and democratic legacy in shaping the economy, education, and nation-building. We believe the nation will remain united and draw lessons from her resilience, empathy, and dedication to public life. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to her bereaved family during this time of profound loss,” said AmCham President and Executive Committee.          

Leaders of Bangladesh's premier business organizations and trade bodies have expressed profound grief and shock following the demise of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In separate tributes, the country’s top industrial representatives hailed her as a monumental figure in Bangladesh’s economic and democratic evolution. FBCCI: A Grateful Nation Remembers The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the nation's apex trade body, issued a heartfelt condolence message. FBCCI Administrator Md. Abdur Rahim Khan stated that the nation would forever remember her tireless struggle and immense contributions toward establishing democracy and safeguarding the rights of the people. He noted that her leadership provided a stable foundation for the country's commercial growth. BGMEA & BKMEA: Icon of Economic Liberation The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Mahmud Hasan Khan, stated that her role in the nation’s overall development and the economic liberation of the common people is "written in golden letters" in the history of Bangladesh. Similarly, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem described her as an icon of the democratic struggle, noting that her contributions to the country's industrial infrastructure were "indescribable." DCCI & BTMA: A Loss for the Global Muslim Community The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by President Ashraf Ahmed, and the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), under President Showkat Aziz Russell, highlighted her historic milestone as the first elected female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the second in the Muslim world. They emphasized her lifelong commitment to establishing the socio-economic rights that modern businesses now rely upon. DSE & BASIS: Symbols of Integrity and Courage The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) leadership, including Chairman Mominul Islam and Managing Director (MD) Nuzhat Anwar, praised her "unwavering commitment to honesty and public welfare," particularly her role in strengthening the national economic framework. BASIS Administrator Abul Khair Mohammed Hafizullah Khan added that the nation has lost a "brave guardian" and a "shining star" who never compromised on the dignity of the people. BAJUS: The End of an Era Enamul Haque Khan, President of the Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (BAJUS), described her passing as the "end of an era." He remarked that she was not merely a political leader but a significant chapter of Bangladesh’s history whose loss has created a void that can never be filled. Across the board, these organizations extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and the people of Bangladesh, praying for the eternal peace of her soul.

The Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) and non-government organisation Shukrishi (Shupannya Brand) will jointly work for the development of agri-business entrepreneurship, particularly among youths and women in the country. In this regard, Shukrishi and Programme on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition, Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER-DAM Part) of the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) of the Agriculture Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the capital on Tuesday. Agency Programme Director of the PARTNER-DAM Part Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Faroque and Shukrishi CEO MA Baten Khan signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides. The deal is a formal commitment of the two organisations to jointly work to run practical development activities through training to create agricultural entrepreneurs at the field level. This MoU aims to establish a partnership with Shukrishi in its mission to empower rural communities through impactful training and development initiatives. As per the deal, Shukrishi will conduct hands-on training programmes to enhance the capacity and skills of the potential agro-entrepreneurs as well as monitor and support the activities of agro-entrepreneurs, particularly providing market access support to the participants through the Shukrish’s supply chain on completion of the training programme.

All scheduled banks operating in Bangladesh will remain closed on Wednesday (December 31), following the government’s declaration of a public holiday in honor of the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. The Department of Off-site Supervision (DOS) of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular to the Managing Directors and Chief Executives of all banks on Tuesday to confirm the closure. The decision follows a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration, which declared a one-day public holiday by executive order due to the passing of the former Prime Minister. According to the circular, banks will observe ‘Bank Holiday’ on Wednesday (December 31). Despite the general closure, banks may keep specific branches or departments open at their own discretion if it is necessary for the completion of annual or half-yearly financial accounting for the year 2025. On the other hand, Bangladesh Bank has postponed its scheduled press conference regarding the activities of the Shammilito Islamic Bank following the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The central bank announced the decision through a short message service (SMS) sent to the media on Tuesday afternoon. But the Bangladesh Bank released a logo of Sammilito Islami Bank on Tuesday and sent it to the journalists. According to the message, the press conference, which was originally scheduled for 5:00 PM today at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters, has been canceled in light of the national mourning declared following the demise of Begum Zia. The central bank also noted that a formal press release regarding this matter will be issued later.

Bangladesh’s stock market continued its downward trend for the second consecutive session on Monday, with key indices falling at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and losses also recorded at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX index shed 7 points, while the Shariah-based DSES fell 2 points and the blue-chip DS30 lost 9 points by the end of trading. Most stocks ended lower as prices declined for 155 companies against gains for 142, while shares of 93 companies remained unchanged. The turnover also dropped notably, with shares and units worth Tk 309 crore traded during the session, down from Tk 385 crore in the previous day. In the block market, shares of 25 companies worth Tk 25 crore were traded, with Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited topping the list, accounting for Tk 6.9 crore. Sonargaon Textiles Ltd emerged as the top gainer on the DSE, rising by more than 6.5 percent, while International Leasing & Financial Services Limited became the worst performer, shedding nearly 10 percent. The CSE also closed in the red, with its broad-based CASPI index declining by 35 points. On the port city bourse, prices fell for 73 companies, rose for 45, and remained unchanged for 29. The turnover at the CSE dropped sharply to Tk 11 crore from Tk 19 crore in the previous session. Khulna Power Company Limited topped the CSE gainers’ chart with a rise of nearly 10 percent, while Associated Oxygen Limited lost almost 10 percent to end as the day’s worst performer.  

Trading of Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) for Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited, one of Bangladesh’s largest drug manufacturers, is set to be suspended on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) starting from January 2, 2026. The suspension comes after the company failed to publish its audited financial reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024–25 within the mandatory time frame. According to a disclosure on the LSE website, Beximco Pharma was unable to release its final annual results by the December 31, 2025 deadline required under the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Consequently, the exchange is moving to temporarily halt the trading of the company’s GDRs. The company cited ongoing legal complexities as the primary reason for the delay. The dispute involves a decision by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to appoint nine additional independent directors to Beximco Pharma's board following the fall of regime in August 2024. Beximco Pharma challenged this appointment in the High Court, and the matter remains sub-judice. The company stated that the Board of Directors cannot approve the financial reports until the legal status of the board is finalized. Due to the current High Court recess and bench reconstitutions, the case must be heard afresh. A verdict is not expected until at least January 2026, causing a stalemate in the approval process. REVIVAL Group to reopen BEXIMCO Textile, restoring 25,000 jobs While trading will be paused in London, Beximco Pharma clarified that its shares will continue to trade normally on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) in Bangladesh. The company also assured investors that it would continue to provide all necessary disclosures in accordance with AIM rules throughout the suspension period.