United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has said  sacrificial animal rawhides  are being sold at the prices fixed by the government.  A special team from the Ministry of Commerce is working to ensure the  enforcement of the set prices, he said while speaking to reporters on Sunday after inspecting the activities related to proper management of sacrificial animal hides in Posta, Lalbagh. Responding to queries from journalists, the adviser said “The prices we fixed were inclusive of salt. The ones being sold for Tk 700 to Tk 800 are without salt. Compared to the prices of many previous years, this year’s prices are higher.” When asked about allegations that seasonal traders are not getting fair prices, Sk Bashir said, “That is true in some cases, but mostly untrue. It’s untrue because some seasonal traders with no experience in hide preservation are ending up with half-rotten hides. If half-rotten hides are selling for Tk 700 or 800, that is actually a high price. Good quality hides are selling for Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,300.” The adviser added, “Under the direction of the Chief Adviser, we took steps to promote local storage and salting to make the hides suitable for preservation and storage. This has helped stabilise the market and balance supply and demand.” He mentioned that district and upazila administrations are working on the ground to manage the hides.  “At the national level, we have established a control room. Rawhide management is being monitored 24 hours a day. In most cases, salted hides are fetching appropriate prices as fixed by the government,” he said. About misinformation, the adviser said some social media platforms and even parts of the mainstream media are spreading incorrect information.  “I saw a report from Rangunia in Chattogram claiming hides had rotted. A seasonal trader brought in around 620 hides but did not preserve them properly. They became half-rotten. This is now being used to run a smear campaign. Unscrupulous traders are trying to destabilise the market again,” he said.  “The government has generously supplied salt only to make hides suitable for preservation. It is not acceptable to shift all responsibility onto the government if individuals fail to perform their own duties,” Sk Bashir added.  He said the government has initiated efforts to build capacity and everyone must come forward to support this work. “Apply salt and preserve the hides properly. If you demand fair prices, you must ensure quality. I hope you will get fair prices, even more than expected,” he said. To stimulate demand, the government has lifted the export ban on raw and wet blue leather. It has also disbursed Tk 220 crore in incentives.  “Salt has been delivered to every district, upazila, and village mosque across the country. Now everyone needs to get involved. It is unacceptable and reprehensible to solely blame the government and circulate false or misleading information that harms the leather market,” he added. Sk Bashir said rawhide prices have increased compared to the previous day and expressed hope that salted hides would fetch even higher prices tomorrow.  “We have built the capacity to preserve hides for two to three months. I urge you not to sell until fair prices are available,” said the adviser. “We have done as much as possible to make the process viable for fair prices and to secure the rights of orphans. I believe the political government will do even more next year based on what we’ve learned this year,” he mentioned. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Secretary (Export) Md Abdur Rahim Khan, and President of the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) Md Shahin Ahmed were also present.  

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Sunday said the trade between Bangladesh and India will continue in the interest of consumers and businesses of both the countries. “We have not yet received any official communication from the Indian side. Once we do, we will take appropriate steps. If any issues arise, both sides will work to resolve them through discussions,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. Referring to media reports, the adviser said, “We’ve learned from social media and media outlets that India has taken certain decisions affecting specific land ports, including Akhaura and Dawki, as well as some border areas.” Asked if these developments might negatively impact Bangladesh’s exports, Bashir Uddin said, “Not everything we export is affected. A large portion of our exports comes from the garment sector. Our focus remains on achieving competitiveness. The trade is beneficial to both countries. India also has a strong textile industry, yet they import our products based on our capabilities.” He expressed optimism that the trade would continue, saying, “This is in the interest of consumers and production sectors on both sides.” Bangladesh now a unique example of growth and development: Commerce Adviser On the matter of India’s reported restrictions on transshipment and exports, the adviser remarked, “Transshipment hasn’t had any significant impact on us. We’ve managed the situation using our own capacity.” Regarding the potential impact on Indian businesses, Bashir Uddin said, “Certainly, there will be effects. Trade is a matter of competitiveness, including transport costs. Sometimes we impose bans on agricultural imports, and so does India. This is part of the regular trade management process. Any arising issues will be addressed through dialogue.” When asked whether Dhaka plans to hold discussions with New Delhi, he responded, “We will take all necessary measures, but as of now, we have not received any official notification.” Addressing whether bilateral ties have influenced these decisions, the adviser said, “My responsibility is trade, and I intend to remain focused on that… I strongly support open trade. For me, trade liberalisation and inclusion are essential to building the capacity of our businesses and consumers.” Canadian investors can benefit from investing in Mirsarai: Commerce Adviser On how Bangladesh plans to reduce its growing trade deficit with India, he said, “This is a long-term challenge. Trade deficits cannot be eliminated overnight. What we import from India is based on proximity and necessity, and they do the same. It’s largely shaped by natural factors. Our goal is to diversify and improve competitiveness to expand trade.”  

Canadian businesses can make profit by investing in the Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram, which offers long-term land allocation for industrial use, said Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin. He said this during a meeting with the Indo-Pacific trade delegation from Canada led by Canadian Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil on Sunday at the commerce ministry in Dhaka. During the discussion, both sides explored ways to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation. Emphasising the potential for expanding trade and investment between Bangladesh and Canada, Bashir said a “win-win” business relationship would benefit both countries. The adviser urged Canada to increase investment in Bangladesh, noting that the country has a significant demand for renewable energy. Canadian trade representative Paul Thoppil described Bangladesh as one of Canada’s key trading partners and a major buyer of Canadian goods, particularly in the readymade garments sector. Govt working to prevent price hike of sacrificial animals due to extortion: Adviser He highlighted the need to activate the joint working group and prioritise the signing of an air service agreement to facilitate greater trade between the two countries. Thoppil further noted Canada’s keen interest in investing in several key sectors in Bangladesh, including information technology, agriculture, livestock and dairy products, renewable energy, airport modernisation, the development of cargo villages, and international-standard hotel construction to support the tourism industry. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, Senior Trade Commissioner Debra Boyce, and Commerce Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman were also present at the meeting.

A high-level delegation will visit the United States next week to hold talks over Washington’s recent counter-tariff measures, said Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin on Wednesday. The delegation will include the Finance Adviser, the Chief Adviser’s special assistant, the commerce secretary and others concerned,” he said at a views-exchange meeting titled “37% US Tariff: Challenges, Prospects and Government Measures,” organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat’s media centre.  They discuss with officials of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)  who deal with tariff matters, to identify specific steps regarding both tariff and non-tariff issues, he said. Adviser Bashir said “37% counter-tariff has been suspended for 90 days and during this period, we must determine our course of action. The Chief Adviser is well aware of the issue,” he added. NBR to chase TIN holders who fail to submit tax returns Highlighting the significance of bilateral trade with the US, he said, “Among the countries we trade with—where export volume exceeds import—the US stands out as the largest single buyer. So this issue is a matter of concern for us. The US calculates its trade deficit based on goods, not services. That’s why we have developed a specific action plan.” The delegation will visit the US to identify concrete measures regarding tariff and non-tariff frameworks through discussions with USTR officials, h said. The commerce adviser also said that Bangladesh’s trade with the world operates under the WTO framework, and its trade relationship with the US alone amounts to $2.2 billion. “In addition, various American products enter our market through other countries. We also export some goods that benefit both nations. By engaging with the US, we can work to bring tariffs on these products to a more tolerable level. At the same time, we are considering infrastructural improvements to enhance product quality and acceptability, ultimately boosting our trade volume,” he said. Trump places 25% tariff on imported autos, expecting to raise $100 billion in tax revenues Forum’s President Fasih Uddin Mahtab prevised over the event while BSRF General Secretary Masudul Haque moderated it.  

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said on Monday that the prices of daily essentials are now on a downward trend from being stable and are expected to decline further. He was speaking at a gathering of imams and khatibs after Iftar at the Jamia Madania Baridhara auditorium, organised by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Dhaka Metropolitan on Wednesday evening. The adviser said that wealth inequality was a major factor behind the July uprising. "We must address inequality through our actions and policymaking. The roles of Qardh al-hasan (interest-free lending) and Zakat are crucial in eliminating this wealth disparity," he added. Zakat, he explained, is an effective Islamic model for wealth distribution. It is the responsibility of the individual, not a form of charity. Imams and khatibs can inspire people to pay Zakat, ensuring a balanced distribution of wealth and reducing poverty. Sheikh Bashir Uddin also emphasized that Zakat helps discourage hoarding. NBR moves to identify issues hampering online e-return of taxes The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) conducts activities worth Tk 12,000 crore annually, with the government's subsidy amounting to Tk 4,500 crore. He noted that serious corruption has plagued all sectors of the economy, social policy, and politics in the past, highlighting that corruption within TCB's activities for marginalized populations has reached an extreme level. In seeking the involvement of religious leaders in TCB's activities, he urged, "I appeal to leaders of all religions, not just Islam, to help in properly selecting the one crore marginalized families of TCB. Through your support, I aim to establish justice in society." The commerce adviser also mentioned that the government is taking steps to preserve rawhide and ensure fair pricing. "This time, the government will provide salt to madrasas and orphanages to preserve the skin of sacrificial animals. Your responsibility will be to clean and preserve the skin with salt, rather than selling it immediately on the day of sacrifice.” “If you sell it after seven days, you will get a fair price,” he added. Betar still major source of information: Mahfuj Alam He referred to leather as a national asset and a major source of income for madrasas and orphanages. He said that the ministries of industries and commerce are taking necessary steps to develop the leather industry. Regarding leather supply, he pointed out that when leather from districts outside Dhaka enters the capital after Qurbani, the supply increases, causing prices to drop. He assured that measures will be taken to prevent this from happening this time. Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka Metropolitan President Muhammad Junaid Al Habib, Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka Metropolitan General Secretary Muhammad Mamunul Haque, leaders of various levels of Hefazat-e-Islami, and khatibs and imams from numerous mosques attended the event.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said that plastic products can play a significant role in diversifying export prospects. The adviser came up with the remark while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the four-day 17th International Plastic, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair at the Bashundhara International Convention City (ICCB) in Dhaka on Wednesday. The adviser also stressed the need for policy formulation based on reality. Commerce Adviser defends govt’s move to increase VAT “We must phase out harmful plastics while embracing good plastics. Our efforts should focus on increasing the responsible production and use of beneficial plastic products,” he said. Mentioning that Bangladesh is going to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, the adviser said the country will lose preferential market access due to this. “The government will no longer be able to provide incentives. To overcome this challenge, we must enhance our competitiveness, improve productivity and reduce production costs. Without these capabilities, we will face severe difficulties,” he added. Later, he visited different stalls at the fair. Commerce Adviser highlights importance of awareness and responsibility to safeguard consumer rights The fair is jointly organised by Bangladesh Plastic Product Manufacture and Export Association and Hong Kong-based Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co. Ltd. There are 800 stalls at the fair. More than 390 brands from 18 countries, including China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, the UAE, Turkey, and the UK are showcasing their products and technologies. The exhibition is open to visitors daily from 11 am to 7 pm.  

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said that the edible oil market will be stable within seven to ten days.The shortage of soybean oil in the market will be resolved, he said while speaking at a programme at the Secretariat on Wednesday. Jatrabari’s Kitchen Market: Traders block roads, cause traffic turmoil He also assured that there is no scope of instability in the prices of chickpeas, peas, dates, lentils and sugar ahead of Ramadan as there is no crisis of these products, he said.

Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will continue selling of daily essentials at subsidised rates throughout Ramadan, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after inaugurating TCB’s sales operation at the Shibbari intersection in Khulna, he said the initiative follows directives from the Chief Adviser to support low-income families during the holy month. The TCB has already launched its operation in 13 areas, including all divisional headquarters and five designated areas, aiming to provide essentials to 12 lakh families, Bashir Uddin said. He also highlighted that TCB supplies goods to 63 lakh families, with the highest smart card conversion success rate recorded in the Khulna region. TCB ready to resume sales through trucks offering subsidised essentials The remaining smart cards will be activated by February 24, further increasing the number of beneficiaries, he added. To expand coverage, truck sales will continue until the last day of Ramadan, ensuring an additional 12 lakh families can access essential goods at lower prices. The initiative is expected to help stabilize market prices and provide relief to marginalized communities. TCB trucks selling edible oil at Tk100 per liter set to hit the streets from tomorrow An additional 9,000 metric tons of goods will be distributed through these trucks, the adviser said. Fixed Prices for Essential Items Each buyer will be able to purchase:               •           Soybean oil: Up to 2 liters at Tk 100 per liter               •           Lentils and chickpeas: Up to 2 kg each at Tk 60 per kg               •           Sugar: Up to 1 kg at Tk 70 per kg               •           Dates: Up to 500 grams at Tk 156 per kg          

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has urged for efforts to enhance the capacity of traders, alongside diversifying products and reducing production costs, to meet future challenges. “If we cannot create competitiveness through the participation of the private sector and reduce the production costs of products, many challenges will arise in the future of LDCs. The unemployment rate will also increase in the country,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2025, held at the Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, Dhaka, on Friday. The adviser also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the investment environment under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, noting that these steps align with the aspirations of the people. On the low participation of foreign companies in the international trade fair, he explained that it is difficult for foreign firms to commit to a month-long event, as they typically participate in shorter exhibitions lasting five to six days. Despite this, he expressed a desire to boost international connectivity at future trade fairs. The commerce adviser further remarked that Bangladesh will lose many of its previous advantages as it faces the challenges of LDC status. Commerce Adviser highlights importance of awareness and responsibility to safeguard consumer rights “To meet these challenges, local imports will need to be liberalised, and it will no longer be possible for the government to provide export incentives,” he said. “If businesses fail to compete, they will suffer.” He also mentioned that the government has taken important steps, such as launching the National Single Window, which provides 18 services through a single channel. The ceremony was presided over by Commerce Secretary Abdur Rahim Khan, with speeches from Md Hafizur Rahman, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Md Anwar Hossain, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The trade fair, which began on January 1, saw participation from 343 domestic and international organisations. A total of 361 stalls and pavilions were set up, including 11 foreign organisations from India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Bangladesh is keen to enhance bilateral trade relations with Malaysia and ensure balanced trade between the two countries, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Monday. He came up with the information during a meeting with Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman at the Secretariat. The discussion focused on bilateral trade and potential future investments. Highlighting the significance of free trade agreements (FTAs) in boosting trade and investment, the commerce adviser said that Bangladesh has already initiated talks with South Korea, Japan, and Singapore for FTAs.  South Korean special envoy to pay “goodwill” visit to Bangladesh Jan 22-23 He stressed the need for immediate discussions between Malaysia and Bangladesh to expand trade, which would benefit both nations.  Noting that Malaysia's labor market is vital for Bangladesh, the adviser said "A significant portion of our foreign reserves comes from remittances sent by Bangladeshi expatriates in Malaysia. We aim to establish a strong presence there through the export of skilled manpower," he said.  The adviser also urged Malaysian investors to take advantage of Bangladesh's special economic zones. He also urged the traders to increase palm oil exports to Bangladesh, particularly during Ramadan when the demand for edible oil surges. During the meeting, Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman said Malaysia has made substantial investments in the electric chips and semiconductor sectors, which require a large number of skilled professionals, including semiconductor designers. He expressed Malaysia’s willingness to train and educate Bangladeshi students to create opportunities for them in these industries. No decision to acquire Turkish tanks : CA’s press wing He also pledged to strengthen cooperation in developing skilled human resources. Mentioning the growing global demand for halal food, Othman said Malaysia’s halal food market is currently valued at 113 billion dollars and it would reach 6 trillion dollars by 2031. As a Muslim-majority country, Bangladesh should prepare for this lucrative market, he said adding the Malaysian government will provide full support in halal food production and certification. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia amounted to 2,878.20 million dollars. Dr Yunus urges Malysia to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers Bangladesh imported goods worth 2,583.70 million dollars from Malaysia and exported products worth 294.50 million dollars to the Southeast Asian nation.