United News of Bangladesh

SMEs in BSCIC industrial estates could cut more than 14.09 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, earn up to $0.40 million annually through carbon credits, and reduce operational costs by 30 to 50 per cent by adopting decentralised rooftop solar energy, a new study has found. The study, conducted by Change Initiative, also revealed that such a transition could help secure long-term export competitiveness by enabling compliance with environmental and sustainability standards. Bangladesh solar power projects fail to draw investors for rigid terms: Study Unveiling the findings at a press conference at a hotel in Dhaka o. Saturday, M. Zakir Hossain Khan, chief executive officer of the organisation, said SMEs account for more than 90 per cent of industrial units, employ around 85 per cent of the industrial workforce, and contribute 25 to 30 per cent of the country’s GDP. Yet, he noted, they operate within an energy system in which around 95 per cent of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, leaving them highly vulnerable to global volatility. Khan said the present government could raise the share of renewable energy to 20 per cent, in line with its electoral commitment for 2030, within just one year if it adopted a crash programme. He said funding would not be a major obstacle if resources were allocated efficiently and safeguarded against corruption. Replying to a question, he said Bangladesh could potentially mobilise a $5 billion renewable energy fund from development partners, while another $5 billion could be generated through carbon and pollution taxes imposed both domestically and in export destinations. He stressed the urgent need for an energy transition to strengthen energy security and sovereignty by reducing dependence on imported fuel. The research focused on four high-impact sectors within Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation industrial estates: tannery, plastic manufacturing, plastic packaging and light engineering. Together, these sectors are estimated to emit 46.99 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with a technically feasible reduction potential of 14.097 million tonnes per year. The keynote presentation was delivered by co-researchers Sabrin Sultana and Najifa Alam Torsa, who highlighted the study’s key findings. Zakir Hossain Khan said: “While global conflicts threaten to turn out our lights and air pollution steals years from our lives, our factory rooftops remain idle. Renewable energy policy must move beyond targets to ensure energy sovereignty by reducing import dependence and delivering reliable, affordable power to SMEs, which drive Bangladesh’s economy and employment. “We do not just want to survive the 2026 energy crisis, we want to lead the region. If China, India and Vietnam can accelerate their renewable energy transitions, Bangladesh too can move towards a nature-smart and sovereign future by securing energy independence, insulating CMSMEs from grid instability and shielding them from the price volatility of imported fossil fuels without losing competitiveness or jobs.” The study combines machine-level energy assessments, production mapping and verified electricity data to build a robust emissions baseline. Beyond technical solutions, the study also identifies several structural barriers hindering adoption of solar energy, including limited access to concessional finance, high upfront investment, a lack of technical expertise among relevant stakeholders, and the absence of standardised energy auditing systems. To address these challenges, the study proposes a cluster-based decarbonisation pathway built on three pillars: shared renewable energy systems at estate level innovative financing models, including OPEX and concessional renewable energy finance stronger institutional coordination through BSCIC and related agencies.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have increased by Tk 2,157 per bhori after seven straight reductions, with the new rates taking effect from Saturday. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) set the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 237,012 per bhori (11.664 grams), according to a statement issued in the morning. BAJUS said the adjustment was made in line with a rise in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market considering the overall market situation. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 226,282 per bhori while 18-carat gold is priced at Tk 193,914 per bhori. Gold produced under the traditional method will be sold at Tk 157,931 per bhori. The last price adjustment was made on March 27, when BAJUS reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 6,590 to Tk 234,855 per bhori. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 48 times in the country, with increases recorded on 27 occasions and decreases on 21. Despite the hike in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 5,365 per bhori, while 21-carat silver is priced at Tk 5,132, 18-carat at Tk 4,432, and traditional silver at Tk 3,324 per bhori. In 2026, silver prices have been adjusted 29 times, including 16 increases and 13 decreases.

Fruit prices in Dhaka have fallen significantly after Ramadan and the Eid holidays, with several imported varieties dropping by more than Tk 100 per kilogram within just a few days, offering some relief to consumers. A visit to major wholesale and retail markets—including Badamtoli, Karwan Bazar, Rampura, Badda and Shantinagar—on Friday found that prices of most imported fruits have eased notably from their Ramadan peaks. Malta, which was sold at Tk 350–380 per kg during Ramadan, is now priced at Tk 280–300. Before Ramadan, it ranged between Tk 260 and Tk 280 per kg. Apple prices have also declined, currently selling at Tk 300–340 per kg depending on the variety, down from Tk 350–400 during the fasting month. However, prices remain slightly above the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 280–320. Oranges are now being sold at Tk 380–400 per kg, compared to Tk 420–450 during Ramadan, while earlier prices hovered between Tk 340 and Tk 350. Among other imported fruits, pomegranate prices have dropped to Tk 450–500 per kg from Tk 580–600 during Ramadan, though still higher than the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 400–480. Pear has seen one of the sharpest declines, falling by around Tk 150 per kg to Tk 350, down from Tk 500 during Ramadan. In the grape market, black grapes are selling at Tk 500 per kg, red grapes at Tk 450, and green grapes at Tk 400, while most varieties had exceeded Tk 500 during Ramadan. Locally grown fruits have also become more affordable. Ripe papaya is now priced at Tk 70–120 per kg, down from Tk 140–180, while guava prices have fallen to Tk 70–100 from Tk 120–150. Watermelon, which entered the market during Ramadan, is now being sold at around Tk 50 per kg, down from Tk 100 at the start of the season. Traders attributed the fluctuations largely to wholesale market dynamics, particularly at Badamtoli, the country’s key fruit hub. Some alleged that a syndicate-like mechanism influences prices at the wholesale level which in turn affects retail markets. A fruit seller in Badda said retail prices often rise by around Tk 50 per kg after sourcing from wholesalers. Another trader noted that prices at Badamtoli are frequently determined through pre-arranged auctions, limiting competition. Consumers said that despite the recent decline, prices have yet to fully return to pre-Ramadan levels. They urged stronger market monitoring and greater competition to help stabilise fruit prices in the capital.

A consignment of 62,150 metric tonnes of wheat from the United States reached the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Friday under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. This is the second shipment under the deal, following an earlier delivery of 58,457 metric tonnes of wheat, according to the Ministry of Food. Officials said sampling and testing of the wheat onboard have already begun, while steps are underway to ensure swift unloading of the cargo. Of the total volume, 37,290 metric tonnes will be discharged at Chattogram port while the remaining 24,860 metric tonnes will be unloaded at Mongla port. Bangladesh has so far imported a total of 467,884 metric tonnes of wheat under previous G2G arrangements, including 237,845 tonnes under G2G-01 and 230,039 tonnes under G2G-02, officials added. The country’s annual wheat demand is estimated at around 7 million metric tonnes, against a domestic production of about 1 million tonnes, leaving a significant gap to be met through imports by both public and private sectors.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have been reduced by Tk 6,590 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk 234,855, according to the Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS). In a statement issued on Friday morning, BAJUS said the new prices were set in line with the overall market situation, particularly a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. The revised rates came into effect from 10am. Under the new pricing structure, 22-carat gold is being sold at Tk 234,855 per bhori (11.664 grams), while 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 224,182 per bhori. The price of 18-carat gold now stands at Tk 192,164 per bhori, and traditional gold at Tk 156,473 per bhori. Earlier, on March 25, BAJUS had reduced gold prices by Tk 5,482 per bhori, setting the rate of 22-carat gold at Tk 241,445. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 47 times in the country, with 26 hikes and 21 reductions recorded. Despite the latest cut in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 5,365 per bhori. The price of 21-carat silver stands at Tk 5,132, 18-carat at Tk 4,432, and traditional method silver at Tk 3,324 per bhori.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Wednesday approved a Tk 500 crore zero-coupon bond for Akij Food and Beverage Limited to support its financing needs. The approval came at the commission’s 1004th meeting held at the BSEC office in Agargaon, chaired by BSEC Chairman Khondker Rashed Maqsood. According to a press release, the unsecured, non-convertible and fully redeemable bond will have a tenure ranging from six months to a maximum of five years. The bond will be issued through private placement to banks, non-bank financial institutions, insurance companies, institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. Each unit of the bond will carry a face value of Tk 10 lakh. Sena Insurance PLC will act as the trustee, while North Star Investments (BD) Limited has been appointed as the fund arranger.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have been cut by Tk 5,482 per bhori, with the price of 22-carat gold now set at Tk 241,445, according to the Bangladesh Jewelers Association. In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, BAJUS said the new prices were fixed considering the overall market situation, particularly a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. The revised rates have come into effect immediately. Under the new pricing, 22-carat gold will be sold at Tk 241,445 per bhori (11.664 grams) while 21-carat gold has been set at Tk 230,481 per bhori. The price of 18-carat gold stands at Tk 197,530 per bhori, and traditional method gold at Tk 160,905 per bhori. Previously, on March 19, BAJUS had reduced gold prices by Tk 7,698 per bhori, fixing the rate of 22-carat gold at Tk 246,927. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 46 times in the country, with increases recorded on 26 occasions and decreases on 20. Despite the latest cut in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 5,365 per bhori. The price of 21-carat silver stands at Tk 5,132, 18-carat at Tk 4,432, and traditional method silver at Tk 3,324 per bhori. In 2026, silver prices have been revised 29 times, including 16 increases and 13 decreases.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mohammad Mostaqur Rahman on Monday asserted that Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC (IBBL) will no longer operate under the influence of any specific group, political party, or family, marking a departure from its functioning during the previous Awami League regime. The Governor made these remarks during a high-level meeting at the central bank headquarters with the Chairman of Islami Bank, four board members, and the top 10 executives of the Shariah-based bank. "Islami Bank was once an exceptionally strong institution, but it later suffered from a severe lack of good governance," the Governor reportedly told the officials.  He assured that the central bank would provide all necessary cooperation to restore the bank’s stability and maintain its performance, an official present in the meeting told this to UNB. The meeting comes amid ongoing protests by thousands of terminated IBBL officials seeking reinstatement. When asked if the Governor addressed these human resource grievances, a meeting attendee confirmed the matter was not raised during today's session. The Shadow of S. Alam Group According to a Bangladesh Bank report recently submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the S. Alam Group exerted significant influence over eight banks, four of which were directly or indirectly under its control. The group reportedly withdrew Tk 1.90 lakh crore in loans from these four institutions. Data from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) reveals that Tk 93,364 crore was laundered from these banks through fraudulent means and shell companies. Notably, Tk 1.05 lakh crore was taken from Islami Bank alone.  The report highlights that Saiful Alam Masud, head of S. Alam Group, used his influence to secure these funds either in his own name or through various intermediaries. Financial Performance in 2025 Despite past governance challenges, Islami Bank reported significant operational growth over the last year. By the end of 2025, the bank's total deposits stood at Tk 1.83 lakh crore, marking an increase of over Tk 22,000 crore within a single year. Deposits in the agent banking sector also rose by Tk 5,000 crore to reach Tk 22,000 crore. In terms of international trade and remittances, the bank collected Tk 76,000 crore in expatriate income over the past year. During the same period, IBBL’s import and export trade volumes reached Tk 60,000 crore and Tk 32,000 crore, respectively. The bank’s customer base has expanded to 30 million, with 5 million new customers joining in the last year alone. Islami Bank board meeting discusses business performance, takes policy decisions While the bank’s non-performing loans (NPLs) stood at a high of Tk 1.06 lakh crore (58 percent of total loans) as of September last year, the bank managed to recover Tk 14,159 crore in the final quarter. Currently, the bank's total defaulted loans stand at Tk 92,115 crore, accounting for 47 percent of its total loan portfolio.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing individual taxpayers to apply for an extension to submit their income tax returns for the 2025–2026 tax year. The revenue authority has made online submission of income tax returns mandatory for most individual taxpayers, with a few exceptions. According to the NBR, nearly five million individual taxpayers have already registered on its e-Return system, while around 4.1 million have submitted their returns for the current tax year. The deadline for filing returns for individual taxpayers has been extended until 31 March 2026, the NBR said in a press release on Monday. However, taxpayers who submit a written request before the deadline may receive an additional extension of up to 90 days, subject to approval by the respective tax commissioner. To make the extension process easier, faster and more transparent, the NBR has launched a dedicated online facility within its e-Return system. Taxpayers can now log in to the system and apply for additional time through the “Time Extension” menu. The concerned tax commissioner will review the application online and either approve or reject it. If the request is approved, taxpayers will be able to submit their returns within the extended deadline without any penalty or additional tax, the NBR said. However, taxpayers must be registered in the e-Return system and submit the extension request before 31 March 2026 to use the online facility. Those taxpayers for whom online filing is not mandatory may apply for an extension either online or by submitting a written application directly to the relevant tax circle. The NBR has urged all individual taxpayers to submit their income tax returns for the 2025–2026 tax year through the e-Return system by 31 March 2026, or within the additional time approved by the tax commissioner.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Sunday issued a comprehensive policy for credit cards, doubling the loan limit to Tk 40 lakh from the previous Tk 20 lakh to encourage a cashless ecosystem. The central bank also capped the maximum interest rate on credit card loans at 25 percent. According to the new circular, banks can now provide up to Tk 20 lakh in unsecured loans (without collateral) and up to Tk 40 lakh against collateral. Previously, these limits were Tk 10 lakh and Tk 20 lakh, respectively. The policy further specifies that cardholders can withdraw a maximum of 50 percent of their total credit limit in cash. The central bank stated that the updated policy aims to reduce complexities as the use of credit cards as an alternative to cash continues to rise. The guidelines are designed to strengthen risk management, protect consumer rights, and encourage responsible lending. The policy clarifies that the maximum 25 percent interest rate can only be applied to the outstanding balance, not the total bill amount. While interest-free periods apply to purchases, no such facility will be available for cash withdrawals. Regarding fees, the central bank directed that no charges can be levied before a card is activated. Late payment fees can only be imposed once per billing cycle. Furthermore, banks must notify cardholders via written or electronic means at least 30 days before changing interest rates or other charges. To prevent harassment, the guidelines strictly prohibit banks or recovery agents from physically or mentally harassing or threatening customers. The privacy of the cardholder's family, friends, or referees must be maintained. Recovery-related communication, whether via phone or in person, must be restricted to standard office hours. Banks are also required to maintain 24-hour helplines to allow customers to block cards immediately in case of loss or theft. To obtain a credit card, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess an e-TIN certificate, and have a clean Credit Information Bureau (CIB) report. Students aged 16 who are dependents of a primary cardholder are eligible for supplementary cards. This new policy replaces the previous guidelines issued in 2004.