United News of Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) has sought quick measures to remove non-tariff barriers (NTBs), promoting business confidence and ensuring non-discrimination. “We look for early measures to remove NTBs, promote business confidence and ensure non-discrimination,” said the EU Embassy on Wednesday. EU Ambassadors, led by Ambassador Michael Miller, called on Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam to discuss trade and investment opportunities. Bangladesh can count on the EU, its biggest market by far, to help it modernise and diversify the economy. Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of France Frederic Inza, who was present at the meeting, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening partnership with Bangladesh. Frédéric Inza expressed France’s readiness to work with the new government to create a more conducive environment for European companies to invest. He also emphasised the importance of working together to ensure a level playing field and address future challenges through continued cooperation.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Wednesday said the government will take a decision on the United States’ reciprocal tariffs and the bilateral trade agreement after reviewing the evolving situation. Talking to reporters after a meeting with business leaders at the Commerce Ministry, the minister said the issue remains under consideration as developments in the US are still unfolding. The remarks came after the Supreme Court of the United States declared the retaliatory tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump illegal, prompting him to announce new global tariffs. Stocks adequate to keep Ramadan market stable: Commerce Minister Muktadir said the US initially declared a 10 percent tariff for all countries, later raising it to 15 percent. However, Bangladesh has yet to receive any official written communication from Washington. “We are hearing announcements through different channels, but nothing has come officially. Under US law, the relevant legal provisions require congressional approval within 150 days. So the scenario is still evolving.” Referring to the trade agreement signed earlier between Bangladesh and the US during the interim government’s tenure, the minister said it is too early to make any definitive comment. “We are examining both the pros and cons of the agreement. It is natural for any deal to have two sides. After a thorough review, we will determine the next course of action,” he said. Bangladesh to seek delay in LDC graduation, says Commerce Minister Responding to a question on whether the agreement was signed hastily or kept confidential, Muktadir said certain non-disclosure agreements were in place during negotiations, describing the deal as a sensitive issue given the importance of the US as a trading partner. “In the current evolving situation, it would not be appropriate to make any unwarranted comments.” About discussions with business leaders, the minister said representatives from various sectors were invited to share their concerns regarding tariffs and the trade agreement. “We discussed sector-specific challenges and other related matters.” Regarding the price situation during Ramadan, the minister said commodities monitored by the Commerce Ministry remain stable in the market. He pointed out that the prices of some vegetables temporarily increased due to bulk buying at the beginning of Ramadan. “At the start of Ramadan, many people purchase a month’s supply at once, and some traders take advantage of the situation. For example, lemons that were selling at Tk 40–50 rose to Tk 120, but later returned to previous levels.” Replying to a question on extortion, the minister said previous governments had made promises to curb the practice without success. “Wait and see. We will deliver through action.” State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman were, among others, present at the meeting.

Stocks rebounded on Monday as indices rose at both the bourses—Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) snapping a streak of declines, with most listed companies posting gains. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX advanced 85 points at the close. The Shariah-based DSES gained 11 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose 33 points. The market breadth remained strongly positive as 347 issues advanced against 21 decliners, while 22 remained unchanged. The turnover at the premier bourse increased to Tk 718 crore, up from Tk 568 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares worth Tk 88 crore were traded from 34 companies, with Olympic Industries PLC dominating the segment with Tk 72 crore worth of shares changing hands. Among individual issues, Energypac Power Generation PLC topped the gainers’ chart on the DSE, rising nearly 9.5 percent, while Meghna Cement Mills PLC was the worst loser, shedding over 5 percent. The CSE also closed higher, with its key CASPI index gaining 147 points. Out of the traded issues, 107 advanced, 43 declined and 16 remained unchanged. The turnover at the port city bourse stood at Tk 18 crore, up from Tk 13 crore in the previous session. Prime Finance and Investment Limited emerged as the top gainer on the CSE with a 10 percent rise, while EXIM Bank 1st Mutual Fund lost nearly 6 percent to become the day’s worst performer.  

The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) edged up marginally on Sunday, the first trading day of the week, recovering from early losses in the final hour of trading, while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) failed to rebound. The DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, rose by 1 point at the close after remaining in negative territory for most of the session. Of the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES remained unchanged, while the blue-chip DS30 index advanced by 6 points. Stocks slide in early trade as DSEX loses 20 points Most of the issues declined on the DSE as prices of 194 companies fell against 123 gainers, while 71 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 568 crore, up from Tk 559 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares worth Tk 16 crore from 25 companies were traded, with Summit Alliance Port Limited dominating the segment with shares worth Tk 9 crore. Sonargaon Textiles Limited topped the gainers’ list on the DSE, advancing 9 percent, while Asiatic Laboratories Limited was the worst loser, shedding 9.5 percent. Meanwhile, the CSE witnessed a sharp fall as its overall index CASPI declined by 46 points. Of the traded issues, 93 declined, 44 advanced and 13 remained unchanged. Stocks end week sharply lower as DSE, CSE indices tumble The port city bourse recorded a turnover of Tk 13.60 crore, slightly higher than Tk 13.10 crore in the previous trading day. VFS Thread Dyeing Limited gained 7.5 percent to lead the gainers’ chart at the CSE, while Ring Shine Textiles Limited plunged 10 percent to become the day’s worst performer.

Bangladesh Bank on Sunday extended the deadline for raw jute exporters to apply for loan rescheduling, aiming to support businesses facing liquidity challenges and help regularise defaulted loans. According to a circular issued by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) of the central bank, exporters now have until June 30, 2026, to submit their applications. Earlier, exporters were required to apply by December 31, 2025, by making a down payment or a one-time deposit of two percent of their existing loan as of December 31, 2024. Bangladesh Bank halts digital bank licensing process following protest Many could not meet the deadline due to complications in both global and domestic export markets. Under the revised directive, customers can apply to the concerned bank by depositing two percent of their defaulted (classified) loan balance. The circular, sent to the Chief Executives of all commercial banks, is effective immediately. Bangladesh Bank said the extension aims to safeguard the interests of exporters and ensure the continued dynamism of the country’s export trade.

Tianford Bangladesh Textile Co., Ltd., a China (Hong Kong)-based company, has signed a land lease agreement with the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to establish a garment manufacturing facility at Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ), with an investment of US$19.59 million. The project is expected to create employment opportunities for 3,254 Bangladeshi nationals, said a press release. The agreement was signed on Sunday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, signed on behalf of the authority, while Ge Zhenyu, Nominee Director of Tianford Bangladesh Textile Co., Ltd., signed on behalf of the investing company. Production at violence-hit Uttara EPZ to resume Thursday BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony. According to BEPZA officials, the company will establish the factory on 24,000 square metres of land at Uttara EPZ. The facility will manufacture a wide range of woven and knit garments, including bottoms, tops, shirts, jeans, jackets, T-shirts, polo shirts, sportswear, sweaters, hoodies and various types of jersey products. The factory is expected to have an annual production capacity of approximately seven million pieces. Chinese company to invest $28 million in Uttara EPZ Its products will be exported to major international markets including the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and European countries. Welcoming the investment, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to ensuring seamless services and maintaining a business-friendly environment to support successful implementation of the project. Ge Zhenyu expressed satisfaction with BEPZA’s investor-friendly initiatives and voiced confidence in Bangladesh as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors. He said construction of the factory is scheduled to begin in April this year, with exports expected to commence next year.

A total of 2,100 metric tonnes of non-basmati coarse rice have been imported through Benapole port, over six working days. The rice consignments, brought in through 15 separate shipments, entered the port’s 31 No. transshipment yard, said Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain on Tuesday. According to port sources, the imports were made between Jan 27 and Feb 17. Earlier, 6,128 metric tonnes of rice were imported through the port during the four months from August to November last year. Benapole Port on high alert after import of 125 tonnes of MGMCL On January 18, the government allowed 232 importing firms to bring in 2,00,000 metric tonnes of rice, setting March 3 as the deadline for completing the imports and marketing the rice in Bangladesh. The importing firm, Haji Musa Karim & Sons, brought the rice from India, while C&F agent M/s Bhuiya Enterprise is handling the clearance process. Abdus Samad, proprietor of Haji Musa Karim & Sons, said they imported 2,100 metric tonnes of coarse rice from India in 58 trucks over six days.

The benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell on Monday, a day after a major rally, as most listed companies witnessed price erosion and overall turnover declined. On the second trading day of the week, the DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, lost 11 points. The Shariah-based DSES dropped 8 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index shed 9 points. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 1,257 crore, down from Tk 1,275 crore in the previous session. DSE slips, CSE gains in early trading Most of the traded issues ended lower, with 218 companies posting losses against 153 gainers, while prices of 26 companies remained unchanged. In the block market, shares worth Tk 32 crore were traded from 26 companies, with Grameenphone topping the list with Tk 14 crore worth of shares changing hands. Premier Bank PLC emerged as the top gainer at the DSE, advancing nearly 10 percent, while ICB Islamic Bank PLC was the worst loser, shedding around 10 percent. Meanwhile, trading at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) ended on a positive note, with its benchmark CASPI index rising by 7 points. DSE revises trading hours for Ramadan Out of the traded issues, 116 companies advanced, 90 declined and 22 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE, however, dropped to Tk 13 crore from Tk 24 crore in the previous session. Safko Spinning Mills Ltd topped the gainers’ chart at the CSE with nearly 10 percent price appreciation, while Shepherd Industries PLC was the worst performer, losing around 10 percent.

Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is a land of mystery, danger, and constant risk. Yet it is here that the region’s traditional honey collectors, known as Mawalis, venture deep into the wilderness, often risking their lives to harvest honey. Their courage and resilience are at the heart of a new documentary titled Sahosei Bikash (Courage to Prosperity), said a media release on Monday. Released on 14 December marking ‘Sundarbans Day’, the three‑minute‑forty‑seven‑second documentary portrays the harsh realities of the honey collectors’ lives. It captures how they brave tigers, crocodiles, venomous snakes, unpredictable tides and the lurking threat of quicksand, all while gathering honey inside one of the world’s most unforgiving ecosystems. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 The documentary also shows how the honey collectors often stay away from their families for weeks at a time. After risking their lives to earn an income, they now rely on the safety and convenience of mobile wallets to store their hard‑earned money and send money back home without hassle. Documentary reveals that even while working in remote forest areas, honey collectors prefer not to carry cash due to security concerns. Instead, they use their bKash accounts to conduct transactions, both for selling honey and for safeguarding their earnings. This digital access allows them to remain emotionally and financially connected with their families despite the physical distance. The film presents a powerful reflection of how technology is delivering reliability and safety to people living in some of the country’s most inaccessible regions. As a result, bKash has emerged as a trusted companion in their lives. Driven by the desire to ensure the well-being and happiness of their loved ones, the honey collectors repeatedly venture deep into the Sundarbans, risking their lives time and again with unwavering courage. Customers win Nepal, Cox’s Bazar tour thru travel payment with bKash The documentary on honey collectors life is available on Amar bKash Facebook page, Instagram page, and YouTube channel-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo0pxJHrvSk. For nearly fifteen years, bKash has been a trusted financial partner for millions of users across Bangladesh, serving people in cities, towns, villages, hills, coastal regions and remote areas. By offering simple, secure and time‑saving digital services, bKash continues to empower customers with freedom, capability and safety in their financial transactions.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have been reduced by Tk7,640 per bhori on Friday, following a fresh price revision announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The association explained that the decision was taken in view of an overall assessment of the market situation, particularly a fall in the local price of tejabi gold (pure gold). Under the new rates, the price of 22-carat gold has been fixed at Tk254,450 per bhori (11.664 grams), which comes into effect immediately, BAJUS said in a statement. According to the revised price list, 21-carat gold will now sell at Tk242,903 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has been priced at Tk208,202 per bhori.  Gold made under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk170,411 per bhori. Gold Price Shock: Tk16,330 surge hits Bangladesh overnight In addition to the declared selling price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on February 3, when it raised the price by Tk10,906 per bhori, fixing the rate of 22-carat gold at Tk262,090. So far in 2026, gold prices in the domestic market have been revised around 25 times — increased on 16 occasions and reduced nine times. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been lowered. The price of 22-carat silver has been reduced by Tk175 per bhori to Tk6,357.  The new rates for 21-carat silver stand at Tk6,065 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk5,190 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk3,907 per bhori. This marks the 17th adjustment of silver prices in the local market this year, with prices raised 10 times and cut seven times so far.