United News of Bangladesh

Export and import activities between Bangladesh and India through Sonamasjid Land Port in Chapainawabganj will remain suspended for seven days from October 17 on the occasion of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. However, the movement of Bangladeshi and Indian passport holders through the immigration checkpoint will remain normal during the period, said Ruhul Amin, member secretary of the Sonamasjid Land Port C&F Agents Association. The suspension will remain in effect from October 17 to 23 due to government and weekly holidays in Bangladesh, as well as holidays observed by the Mahadipur Land Port Exporters’ Association in India on the occasion of Durga Puja. However, the loading and unloading of imported goods already stored inside the port will continue during the closure. Passenger movement through the immigration checkpoint will also remain unaffected, he added. Import and export activities through the land port are scheduled to resume as usual on the morning of October 24.

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the inclusion of seven European Union (EU) entities on its export control list, citing national security concerns and non-proliferation obligations. Under the decision, export operators are barred from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, which include FN Herstal, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; OMNIPOL a.s.; HENSOLDT AG; EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.s.r.o; SPACEKNOW INC., odstepny zavod s.r.o; VZLU AEROSPACE a.s.; and FN Browning. The ministry also said overseas organisations and individuals are prohibited from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use items to these entities, adding that any ongoing related activities must be stopped immediately. Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks: Trump Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies or services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including in weapons development or delivery systems, according to the statement. A ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in accordance with China’s relevant laws and regulations. Beijing had also informed the European side through a bilateral export control dialogue mechanism prior to the announcement. The spokesperson said the move targets a small number of EU military-related entities allegedly involved in arms sales to Taiwan or related activities, adding that it would not affect normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU. China reiterated that law-abiding European entities need not be concerned, and said it remains committed to safeguarding global industrial and supply chain stability and promoting regional peace.

Bangladesh’s stock markets posted gains in the first half of trading on Tuesday, with key indices of both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) moving upward. Stock market begins week in Bangladesh on a strong note On the third working day of the week, the DSE’s benchmark index DSEX rose by 18 points. The Shariah-based index DSES also advanced by 18 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 gained 14 points. Out of the traded issues, prices of 170 companies increased, while 144 declined and 72 remained unchanged on the DSE. The turnover during the first half of the session crossed Tk 220 crore. Stocks edge up in early trade at DSE, CSE The CSE also witnessed an upward trend, as its overall index CASPI climbed 44 points. At the port city bourse, share prices of 40 companies rose against a fall in 27, while prices of 7 companies remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE stood at over Tk 2.6 crore in the first half of trading.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday (December 22, 2025) reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, at around 7:30 pm (Dhaka time). The discussion, which lasted for about half an hour, focused on trade and tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States, the upcoming general election, the country’s democratic transition, and the murder of young Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Read more: EC’s briefing for DCs-SPs begins Sergio Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Prof Yunus for his leadership during recent tariff negotiations.  Bangladesh succeeded in reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. The US Special Envoy also discussed the massive funeral of Shaheed Osman Hadi, said Chief Adviser’s Press wing. The Chief Adviser noted that supporters of the ousted autocratic regime were allegedly spending millions of dollars to disrupt the electoral process and that their fugitive leader was inciting violence.  He, however, said the interim government was “fully prepared” to deal with any challenges. Read more: Tarique Rahman to become voter on Dec 27: Salahuddin “We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Prof Yunus said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the phone call.

Bangladesh and Pakistan agreed to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation across key sectors including trade, agriculture, information technology, food, energy and connectivity, following the 9th Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting held in Dhaka on Monday, the first in two decades. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed led the Bangladesh delegation, while the Pakistani side was headed by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. The last JEC meeting between the two countries took place in 2005. Describing the Dhaka meeting as ‘remarkable and successful’, Dr Salehuddin said the discussions focused on areas that would benefit the people of both nations. “Our cooperation should not be limited to bilateral issues only; we should also move toward regional cooperation. If countries in South Asia can collaborate in this way, it will be better for everyone,” he said. Pakistan keen to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh: Visiting CJCSC The Adviser said the meeting addressed a wide range of issues, including trade, commerce, agriculture, IT and food security. He said focal points would be designated in relevant ministries, including Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs, to follow up on aviation, shipping, and logistics cooperation. Responding to a question about the potential target of reaching a three-billion-dollar trade volume, Dr Salehuddin said it was too early to specify any figure. “These are mainly MoUs that have been signed, and the respective ministries will now take them forward,” he said. Pakistani Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s hospitality and said holding the JEC meeting after 20 years was ‘significant’. “We want to build on this positive momentum for the mutual benefit of both countries,” he said, adding that Pakistan would explore new cooperation areas in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, power and energy. He said the current trade volume between the two countries is below one billion dollars, which should increase given their complementary economies. “We have identified various areas of cooperation, and by the next meeting, we hope to show measurable progress,” Malik said. Both sides expressed optimism that the revived JEC platform would help unlock new opportunities and deepen bilateral and regional economic ties in the coming years.    

Import-export between Bangladesh and India through Benapole and Sonamasjid land ports will remain suspended for five and eight days respectively on the occasion of Hindu community’s largest religious festival Durga Puja. Shamim Hossain, director of Benapole Port, said the suspension will continue till October 2 beginning on September 28. The export and import activities will resume from October 4, he said, adding that internal operations at the Benapole Customs House and port will continue, allowing goods to be cleared and Indian trucks to return. Trade through Burimari land port to remain shut for 8 days during Durga Puja Ruhul Amin, general secretary of Sonamasjid Land Port C&F Agents Association, said that due to Durga Puja, another government holiday and weekly holiday, the import-export between the countries will be closed till October 3. Immigrants with valid documents will, however, be able to cross the border during the vacation.  

The illegal trade of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders continues unabated in Lalmonirhat’s villages and markets, reflecting a nationwide problem in Bangladesh, amid lax government monitoring and inadequate regulation. From roadside tea stalls to grocery stores, hardware shops and even cement depots, the highly flammable cylinders are reportedly available everywhere, often stored recklessly beside open flames! Many sellers distribute cylinders without fire safety measures or approval from the Department of Explosives, placing both buyers and residents at constant risk. Cross-filling, the transfer of LPG from one cylinder to another, is also carried out by unauthorised individuals and unregulated businesses across the country. As LPG is highly flammable, improper handling and the use of substandard equipment can lead to leaks, fires, explosions and even fatalities. Bangladesh’s leather sector stuck at $1bn; $5bn could be tapped: Experts Locals claim that this illegal trade is widespread in almost every market in the district and is operating openly in the sight of authorities. Cylinders are frequently transported on trucks and vans, only to be carelessly unloaded by being tossed onto the ground, further heightening the risk of leaks, fire, or explosions. Nur Alam, a resident of Khorda Bamandanga in Sadar Upazila, said, “Gas cylinders are kept in roadside tea stalls where fires are always burning. There’s no safety system in place.” A shopkeeper in Hatibandha Upazila, requesting anonymity, admitted that he sells LPG cylinders without a licence. “We buy supplies from trucks and store them in our shops. But we don’t really know the risks involved,” he said. Fire Service and Civil Defence Station Officer Rokonuzzaman confirmed that the illegal trade persists in the district’s markets, in clear violation of safety regulations. “This business must operate under rules and structure. We are working with the district administration to conduct mobile court drives regularly,” he said. Deputy Commissioner of the district HM Rokib Haydar said restrictions have been imposed to prevent the sale of LPG cylinders without a Department of Explosives licence. “Mobile courts are already conducting drives and these operations will continue,” he said. Even though thousands of LPG cylinders exceed their safe lifespan, they continue to be refilled and delivered to households across the country, contributing to a growing number of gas-related explosions and casualties. Experts warn that LPG cylinders are extremely flammable and, if mishandled, could cause devastating accidents.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said trade is the most important vehicle for economic development, not aid or grants. “We have very excellent relationships with Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and other countries that are coming in a big way for our economic development,” he said while speaking at a report launching ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the chief guest. Referring to Samsung investment issue, the Finance Adviser said Samsung came in the past to invest but were not welcomed and they went to Vietnam. He said Bangladesh is paying the price now as a lot of wrong policies were taken in the past. Govt trying to make things easy for investors: Foreign Adviser He said many countries are proposing free trade agreements (FTAs) with Bangladesh and the country needs to remain prepared. The Finance Adviser said the government will do everything, and the private sector will just take the opportunity. “Private sector has to be very competitive, efficient, and also perform their job.” “One thing very clearly I have said - subsidies, cheap money and low interest rate – those days are gone ... .these are not the signs of a competitive economy,” he said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled the comprehensive report titled “Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement, Trends, Key Challenges & Long-term Growth Prospects,” prepared under its initiative with research support from Policy Exchange, a private policy think tank based in Dhaka. The report documented by Policy Exchange under the leadership of Dr M Masrur Reaz, offered in-depth insights and analyses into the potential economic engagements between Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin presided over the session. KSA revises fees for visa, Iqama renewals Speaking as special guest, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain reaffirmed the interim government’s dedication to streamlining processes to facilitate investment in Bangladesh, signaling a renewed commitment to removing barriers for foreign investors. The Finance Adviser echoed this sentiment by sharing ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh aimed at creating an investor-friendly environment. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin reflected on the shared historical linkages and values between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia while calling for enhanced engagements among the businessmen and relevant stakeholders in areas of mutual economic cooperation. Saudi Ambassador to Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unwavering support for Bangladesh while acknowledging challenges previously faced by Saudi investors. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a stronger economic partnership. The ceremony witnessed participation from key officials representing BIDA, ERD, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Finance, along with prominent business leaders, members of the media, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Saudi’s Aramco willing to build refinery in Bangladesh Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided the audience with the background and context of the report, emphasising its significance in strengthening Saudi-Bangladesh relations. This was followed by a presentation of the salient features of the report by Chairman and CEO of Policy Exchange Dr M Masrur Reaz.

China's factory activity expanded at a slower pace in December, official data showed on Tuesday, despite recent stimulus measures and in the face of increasing trade risks. The Purchasing Managers’ Index, based on a survey of factory managers, slipped to 50.1 in December from 50.3 the previous month, the National Bureau of Statistics said Tuesday. It was the third straight monthly reading above 50, a level that indicates an expansion of manufacturing activity. The slowdown in factory activity was due to a “decline in the output component,” according to a note by Capital Economics' Gabriel Ng. Adani Enterprises to sell entire Adani Wilmar “That said, the output price component fell, suggesting downward pressure on prices remains,” he said. Overall, new orders rose to an eight-month high, while the exports order index rose to the highest level in four months, likely helped by US importers rushing to beat higher tariffs that incoming US President Donald Trump may impose on Chinese goods, Ng said. Trump has pledged to impose 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, raising trade risks for China, the world's largest exporter of goods. China is already grappling with a lagging economy, weighed down by reduced consumption and a real estate crisis. A parallel purchasing managers’ index for the non-manufacturing sector, which covers construction and services, rose to 52.2 points up from 50 points in November. The World Bank last week raised forecasts for China's economy growth to 4.9% but warned that reduced confidence among households and businesses, an aging population as well as issues like low consumption and high debt will continue to weigh on China's future growth.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the country's main capital market, saw an upward trend in the first hour on Sunday. After the weekend, 3 indexes of Dhaka stock market—DSEX, DSES, and DS30—increased in the morning. DSEX drops 7.98 points as 117 stocks decline in early trade The main index DSEX increased by 30.24 points to 5,214.68  points, the DSES Shariah index up by 2.86 points to 1173 points, and the DS30 special blue chip index was up by 10.71 points to 1937.99 points during the first hour on Sunday. Shares and units of 3.44 crore were exchanged through 35033 transactions. In the first hour. The market witnessed huge selling pressure and shares and mutual funds worth Tk 102.7 crore were traded. Dhaka Stock Market ends Tuesday with a narrowly upward trend A total of 375 companies participated in trading. Among these, prices of 267 companies increased, 42 companies decreased and 66 companies remained unchanged at the DSE.