United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday (November 26) criticised deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying the reported recovery of a large quantity of gold ornaments from bank vaults registered under her name exposed how big a ‘thief’ she was. “I saw in the newspaper that 832 bhori of gold was found in two Agrani Bank vaults belonging to Sheikh Hasina! How big a thief must someone be for such things to happen? It is natural for her to flee. She knew she was a thief,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a Doa and Milad programme organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal at Nayapaltan Bhasani Bhaban, seeking divine blessings for the speedy recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi He said no gold was ever found in any bank vault in the name of Khaleda Zia, unlike Sheikh Hasina, as she is a patriotic politician. The BNP leader said despite losing her husband, home, and witnessing her children being abused, Khaleda never left the country. He said the BNP chairperson remained in Bangladesh with immense courage and patriotism, committed to protecting the nation. In contrast, Rizvi said, Sheikh Hasina left the country at the first sign of trouble. “When the difficult time came (in 2008), she quickly fled to her son. And later, seeing the people’s anger, she again escaped.” The BNP leader recalled how Sheikh Hasina and her party leaders used to boast, ‘Bangabandhu’s daughter does not flee the country!’ “But those whose character is that of thieves, robbers, and bandits are cowards. When bandits, robbers, and thieves are chased, they have to run, leaving behind whatever they cannot take. She (Hasina) did not get the chance to take that gold,” he said. Rizvi alleged that Sheikh Hasina wanted to weaken Bangladesh and make the country subservient to others by indulging in widespread plundering. “But because of the unwavering determination of Begum Khaleda Zia, and the way she, along with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, kept the nation united, Sheikh Hasina could not succeed, and in the end, she had to flee,” he observed. Read more: Hasina still conspiring to obstruct election from abroad: Rizvi Following the ouster of Hasina, Rizvi said the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, has been running the country for 15 months. “Now the World Bank says that six crore people in Bangladesh are at risk of falling into poverty, and three crore are already below the poverty line. Why should this happen? This is not what we want. The people do not want this either.” He said the interim government has promised to hold a free and fair national election in February next year, before Ramadan, so that the people can exercise their right to form a government of their choice. The BNP leader expressed hope that the interim government will continue to work neutrally to restore democracy and ensure people’s voting rights through the next national election. He praised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying the nation prays for her recovery and holds deep affection for her commitment to the country. “Despite numerous illnesses and many hardships, she never abandoned the party, the country, or its soil, and never backed down. We take great pride in having a leader like her.” Rizvi said Khaleda Zia has shown them the way out of deep darkness, teaching how to remain steadfast during crises, speak with restraint against opponents, and maintain unity even in turbulent times. He accused the previous Awami League government of deliberately worsening Khaleda Zia’s health during her imprisonment. “She walked into jail healthy in a false and unjust case, but later her condition worsened through various means… This was a conspiracy driven by Sheikh Hasina’s vindictiveness.” Read more: What Does Gold Carat Mean? Decoding Gold Purity Levels

After four consecutive hikes, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has reduced gold prices by Tk 5,447 per bhori, bringing the new rate for 22-carat gold to Tk 208,272 per bhori. The revised prices will take effect from Sunday, the association said in a statement on Saturday night (November 15). BAJUS said the price cut follows a decline in the local market rate of pure (tejabi) gold, prompting a fresh adjustment based on overall market conditions. What Does Gold Carat Mean? Decoding Gold Purity Levels As per the new pricing, one bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-carat gold will cost Tk 208,272. Meanwhile, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk 198,801 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 170,399, and traditional method gold at Tk 141,718 per bhori. The association noted that a mandatory 5% government-set VAT and a minimum 6% making charge set by BAJUS must be added to the selling price, though making charges may vary depending on design and craftsmanship. DB cracks Fortune Mall gold heist, recovers 190 bhori gold; 4 arrested With this latest adjustment, gold prices have been revised 77 times this year—53 increases and 24 decreases. Despite the drop in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged, with 22-carat silver selling at Tk 4,246 per bhori.

Grasping the real worth of gold starts with understanding what 'gold carat (karat)' means – a measure that reveals how much pure gold lies beneath its polished surface. This proportion of gold blended with other metals ultimately shapes the metal’s quality, character, and purpose. It distinguishes the brilliance of fine jewellery from the strength of everyday pieces. Let’s explore this spectrum by comparing the different types of gold carats (karats) to see how purity levels influence both beauty and practicality. What is Carat (Karat)? Essence of Gold’s Measurement Gold’s fineness – more commonly referred to through its carat value – serves as a precise indicator of purity. Since genuine gold is naturally soft and malleable, it cannot endure frequent wear or pressure without losing its shape. To strengthen it for practical use in jewellery, utensils, and coinage, gold is typically blended with small portions of other metals like silver, copper, or nickel. These combinations add durability, colour tone, and overall value, creating a delicate balance between beauty and resilience. Each carat represents one twenty-fourth of the total composition – meaning every unit reflects 4.1667% purity. For instance, a 14-carat piece contains fourteen parts gold mixed with ten parts alloy, while a 24-carat piece stands as the benchmark of purity, free from any metallic additions. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Comparative Analysis of Different Types of Gold Carats (Karats) Gold’s purity scale varies widely, giving each carat grade its own visual tone, strength, and value. The following comparison explores how different carat levels influence the metal’s appearance and its suitability for daily wear and investment. Type Durability Color Tone Gold Fraction Hallmark Purity (%) Common Uses 24K Very soft, scratches and bends easily Bright, rich yellow/orange hue 24/24 999 99.9 or Higher Investment (coins, bars), electronics, medical devices, ceremonial items 22K More durable than 24K, but still soft Rich, vibrant yellow, slightly less intense than 24K 22/24 916 91.6 Traditional jewelry, special occasion pieces, bangles, necklaces 21K Moderate/Soft; more durable than 22k Very rich, deep yellow tone 21/24 875 87.5 Traditional jewelry (like bangles and necklaces) 20K Moderate Durability; softer than 18k Rich, deep yellow tone, close to pure gold's appearance 20/24 833 83.3 High-quality, vintage, and special jewelry 18K Good balance of purity and durability; prone to scratches Rich, warm yellow; available in white and rose gold 18/24 750 75.0 Fine jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, and high-end watches, suitable for daily wear with care 15K Durable Warm, rich yellow tone, but still slightly less intense than 18k 15/24 625 62.5 Historically used in vintage jewelry; less common in modern production 14K Highly durable, resistant to wear and tear Warmer yellow, but slightly paler than 18K; available in white and rose gold 14/24 583 58.3 Most popular for everyday jewelry (engagement rings, earrings, bracelets), active lifestyle wear 12K Durable Medium yellow color 12/24 500 50.0 Often used in industrial applications, older jewelry, and items like watch cases 10K Most durable and resistant to damage Light/pale yellow, less vibrant 10/24 417 41.7 Budget-friendly, sturdy pieces for heavy use, like simple chains and rings 9K Highly Durable/Hard; resistant to scratches Lighter yellow tone; can tarnish slightly more than higher carats 9/24 375 37.5 Widely used for everyday jewelry; popular for wedding bands and items needing resilience 8K Very Durable/Hard, but can be brittle; prone to tarnishing Pale yellow, less rich than higher carats 8/24 333 33.3 Budget-conscious jewelry and items 6K Very Durable/Hard, can be more brittle Very pale yellow; often needs surface treatment or plating to achieve a richer color 6/24 250 25.0 Primarily found in extremely budget-friendly or mass-market items; Uses are very limited Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal

Robbers have reportedly looted around 500 bhoris of gold from a jewelry shop at Fortune Shopping Mall in Mouchak area of the capital. The robbery took place between 3am and 4am on Wednesday night at ‘Shampa Jewellers’ on the mall’s second floor,said police and shop owner. Assistant Commissioner of DMP (Ramna Zone)  Mazharul Islam said CCTV footage has been collected and police are investigating the matter. Gold price jumps by Tk 6,906 per bhori to record high of Tk 2,09,101 CCTV footage shows two members of the gang, wearing burqas, cutting the lock of the shop before making off with the gold ornaments. Owner of the shop Achinta Kumar Biswas claimed that around 400 bhoris of displayed ornaments, 100 bhoris of mortgaged gold and Tk 40,000 in cash were looted. “I closed the shop around 9pm as usual. In the morning around 6:30 am, the mall’s security guard informed me about the robbery. When I arrived, everything was gone,” he said. It could not yet be confirmed whether the claimed amount of gold was actually looted.  

Gold has become an unprecedentedly valuable asset in Bangladesh as its price is skyrocketing by a staggering 40 per cent over the first nine months of the year, affecting everything from the country’s investment portfolios to the local jewellery market. Mostly used as jewelry, the high price has dipped the demand for the precious metal. Gold jewelers now spend most of their time in the day doing nothing. Their sales have halved compared with last year.  At the end of last year, the price of 22-carat gold was Tk 138,288 per bhori. Nine months later, the cost rose to Tk 195,384, setting a new historic record for the price. The previous record was made on September 23, when the price of 22-carat gold reached Tk 194,859. The latest gold price hike of Tk 2,415 per bhori became effective on Tuesday. The gold price increased by TK 21,000 per bhori in September alone. The Bangladesh Jewelers’ Association (BAJUS) regulates gold prices in the country. Gold starts selling at record high after fresh BAJUS hike "Gold prices have been rising uncontrollably for decades. In 2000, the price of one bhori of gold was below Tk 10,000," said Gobinda Halder, a gold trader in Tantibazar. “Relentless price hikes halved customers,” said Gobinda. Buyers now mostly come to jewelers to sell gold or take a loan against the precious metal. The BAJUS describes the event of gold price change as a price adjustment, which actually saw the price rise 41 times until September this year. The gold price, on the other hand, dropped 17 times, with the latest fall in the price coming on September 27. Last year, the gold price was adjusted 62 times, including 35 hikes.  Historical data from BAJUS shows that in 2000, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori was Tk 6,900. By 2010, it had risen to Tk 42,165, and by 2020, it reached Tk 59,195. The gold price increased 229 per cent over the last five years. In the past decade, the price has risen by 361 percent. The gold price has gone up by a whopping 2719 per cent over the last 25 years. “Gold price increases depending on the bullion market,” said Masudur Rahman, chairman of BAJUS’s Price Fixing and Monitoring Standing Committee. The Russia-Ukraine war, dollar depreciation and increased reserves in China’s central bank have influenced the price hike, he said. Gold price hits new record at Tk 191,196 per bhori According to the World Gold Council, the spot price of gold currently stands at $3,742 per ounce, which is 2.43 bhori. The current per bhori price of gold in the international market is $1,540 or Tk 187,880. The price is aligned with the domestic price, given associated costs. In January 2025, the price of gold was $2,796 per ounce, which has increased by nearly $1,000 in nine months. The council forecasts that prices could exceed $4,000 per ounce this year. “Gold sales have already dropped 55 percent in nine months and are likely to decline further if prices continue rising,” said Masud. Gold sales also dropped in India by 40 percent and nearly 20 per cent in Dubai, he said. Gifts of gold ornaments are indispensable on many social occasions, mainly at weddings. There were days when close relatives welcomed new members of their families with a gift of a gold ornament, regardless of the newborn's gender identity. The failure to provide a gold ornament became the reason for disputes in many weddings. Sometimes, weddings were called off. Swinging gold price: BAJUS hikes rates just days after a cut But the situation changed, particularly at a time when inflation is eating away at savings. A simple ring or earring now costs Tk 100,000, about a third of the average annual income per capita. “I wedded my daughter with her mother’s jewelry,” said Anwar Hossain, a private-sector employee. An average middle-class wedding has a budget of Tk 500,000. "The gold market fluctuates like the stock market," said Adiba Afroz, who had gone to the Bashundhara Shopping Mall to buy gold. The leaders of BAJUS defended the price volatility, saying that they follow the international market. Despite rising prices, the World Gold Council said, global gold reserves remain unchanged, indicating the overall value of the metal as an investment. Globally, the council said in 2024, 40 per cent of the gold reserves are considered investment, 33 percent of the gold stock was used as jewelry, while central banks stocked 20 per cent of the gold. About 7 percent of the global gold reserve is used in chip manufacturing. Global annual gold demand rose to 4,974 tonnes in 2024, valued at $600 billion. Bangladesh lacks official data on gold demand, reserves, or its per capita use. About 4.4 million people in Bangladesh are directly or indirectly involved in the gold trade.    

Gold began selling at a record high in the country’s market on Wednesday, following a sharp increase announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) the night before. With the latest adjustment, the price of 22-carat gold has reached Tk 1,94,859 per bhori (11.664 grams), the highest ever in Bangladesh’s history. BAJUS raised the rate by Tk 3,663 within just a day, according to its press release. As per the revised chart, 21-carat gold is now being sold at Tk 1,86,006 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 1,59,424, and traditional gold at Tk 1,32,351. Gold price hits new record at Tk 191,196 per bhori The rates include 5 percent VAT fixed by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS, though jewellers may impose higher charges depending on the design and quality of jewellery. The surge comes immediately after another hike on Tuesday, when BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 1,574, setting it at Tk 1,91,196 per bhori. With this back-to-back adjustment, the local gold market has now entered uncharted territory, as prices touch unprecedented levels.

After raising gold prices eight times in a row, Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (BAJUS) has finally reduced the price of the precious metal in the domestic market. The association announced on Wednesday night that the price of 22-carat gold has been slashed by Tk 1,470 per bhori (11.664 grams), bringing it down to Tk 1,88,152. The revised rates will come into effect from Thursday. According to BAJUS, the price of pure gold (tejabi) has dropped in the local market, prompting the fresh adjustment. Read more: Gold price hits record high in Bangladesh again As per the new tariff, the price of 22-carat gold will stand at Tk 1,88,152 per bhori, 21-carat at Tk 1,79,602, 18-carat at Tk 1,53,941, while traditional gold will cost Tk 1,27,674 per bhori. The association also mentioned that the selling price of gold will include 5 percent government-fixed VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. But, the making charges may vary depending on jewellery design and quality. Earlier, on September 16, BAJUS last revised the gold price upward by Tk 3,675 per bhori, setting the rate of 22-carat gold at Tk 1,89,622 highest in the country’s history till then. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet?

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has once again raised gold prices, setting a new record in the country’s history. The price of 22-carat gold has been increased by Tk 2,718 per bhori, taking it to Tk 181,550, according to a BAJUS press release issued on Sunday night. The new rate will come into effect from Monday (Sept 8). BAJUS attributed the latest hike to an increase in the price of pure gold in the local market. As per the revised rates, 21-carat gold will now cost Tk 173,304 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 148,541 and traditional gold Tk 123,067 per bhori (11.664 grams). Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Buyers will also have to pay an additional 5% VAT set by the government, along with a minimum 6% making charge fixed by BAJUS. The making charge may vary depending on design and quality, it added. Earlier, on September 3, BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,044 per bhori to Tk 178,832 — which was then the highest in the country’s history.

For generations, gold has been viewed as a reliable way to hold value. In Bangladesh, 2025 is turning into another pivotal year for this metal’s role in personal finance. With prices showing an upward trend, profit in gold investment is rising among both cautious savers and ambitious investors. Its promise is stability, though it does not come without trade-offs. Let’s evaluate whether gold is still a safe investment today. Gold Price Rising Trend in 2025 Bangladesh's gold market witnesses frequent swings, with prices changing noticeably within short periods in 2025. Updates from the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) highlight a steady rise across different categories, confirming gold’s continued momentum. Table: Recent Rise in Gold Rates in Bangladesh 2025 Date Category-wise Price Rates (BDT/Gram) 22 Karat 21 Karat 18 Karat Traditional September 02, 2025 15,071 14,386 12,331 10,206 August 27, 2025 14,802 14,129 12,111 10,018 July 08, 2025 14,622 13,957 11,964 9,893 June 15, 2025 14,963 14,283 12,243 10,131 May 18, 2025 14,326 13,675 11,721 9,686 April 14, 2025 13,904 13,272 11,376 9,391 March 19, 2025 13,284 12,680 10,869 8,959 February 18, 2025 12,970 12,380 10,611 8,739 January 16, 2025 11,955 11,411 9,781 8,031 . Read more: 5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised Profit Rates The data shows a steady climb in all categories of gold throughout 2025, though not without fluctuations. 22 Karat was at its lowest, BDT 11,955, on January 16 and has risen to BDT 15,071 since September 2, the highest so far. A brief drop occurred from BDT 14,963 in mid-June to BDT 14,622 in early July before rebounding. 21 Karat moved from BDT 11,411 at the year’s start to BDT 14,386. The mid-June level of BDT 14,283 slipped to BDT 13,957 in early July before rising again. Following the same trend, 18 Karat advanced from BDT 9,781 in mid-January to BDT 12,331 now. It too saw a decline from BDT 12,243 in June to BDT 11,964 in July. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Similarly, traditional gold increased from BDT 8,031 to BDT 10,206 till now. A similar mid-year dip took it from BDT 10,131 down to BDT 9,893 before recovery. Overall, all categories reflect a clear upward trajectory from the beginning of the year, with the current month marking the peak. The June-July drop stands out as the single significant short-term dip.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) increased the price of gold again, with the price of pure gold up by Tk2310 per bhori, effective from tomorrow (Tuesday). Earlier, Bajus had fixed the 22-carat gold price per bhori at Tk1,68,976 on Saturday, effective from Sunday. Masudur Rahman, Chairman of Bajus's Price Determination and Price Monitoring Standing Committee, on Monday (May 5), in a notification, informed this. Accordingly, on Monday, the price of 22-carat gold rose by Tk 2,310 per bhori, setting the new rate at Tk 171,286 per bhori. In a press release, Bajus stated that the price adjustment was made due to an increase in the value of pure gold hallmarked gold in the local market. Considering the overall situation, the association has determined the new gold prices. Bajus reduces gold price by Tk3570 per bhori, in line with international market According to the new rates, the price of gold per bhori (11.664 grams) in the Bangladesh market will be: ·       22 Carat: Tk 171,286 per bhori·       21 Carat: Tk 163,494 per bhori·       18 Carat: Tk 140,143 per bhori·       Traditional Method: Tk 115,905 per bhori Bajus also informed that the government-mandated 5 percent VAT and the minimum making charge of 6 percent must be added to the price of gold. The making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewelry. Previously, BAJUS had last adjusted the gold prices on May 3, reducing the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,570 to Tk 168,976 per bhori. The prices for 21-carat gold were set at Tk 161,301 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 138,253 per bhori, and gold of the traditional method at Tk 114,296 per bhori, effective from May 4. Gold price slashed after three consecutive hikes since Saturday: Bajus This marks the 28th adjustment of gold prices in the country this year, with prices increasing 20 times and decreasing only 8 times. In 2024, gold prices were adjusted a total of 62 times, with 35 increases and 27 decreases.  Despite the increase in gold prices, the price of silver remains unchanged in the domestic market. The selling price of 22-carat silver is Tk 2,811 per bhori. The prices for 21-carat silver are Tk 2,683 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 2,298 per bhori, and silver of the traditional method at Tk 1,726 per bhori.