United News of Bangladesh

Gold prices in Bangladesh surged again on Saturday noon, rising by Tk 6,299 per bhori (11.664 gram), barely hours after a reduction announced on Friday night, according to the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). After six consecutive hikes, BAJUS had lowered the price of gold by Tk 3,149 per bhori on Friday night.  The  jewellers’ body, however, reversed course on Saturday, setting a new record high for gold prices in the country. In a media release, BAJUS said the price of 22-carat gold has been increased by Tk 6,299 to Tk 255,617 per bhori, the highest ever in Bangladesh.  The new rate will take effect immediately. Gold price hits fresh record in Bangladesh BAJUS said the adjustment was made considering the rise in the local market price of tejabi gold (pure gold) and the overall market situation. Under the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 244,011 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 209,136 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will sell at Tk 171,869 per bhori. In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay a government-mandated 5 percent VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS.  The making charge, however, may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on January 22, when it reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,149 per bhori, setting it at Tk 249,318. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted 12 times in the domestic market so far in 2026—raised nine times and reduced three times. Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh Despite the hike in gold prices, silver prices remain unchanged in the local market. The price of 22-carat silver stands at Tk 6,357 per bhori, while 21-carat silver is selling at Tk 6,065 per bhori. Prices for 18-carat and traditional silver remain at Tk 5,190 and Tk 3,907 per bhori respectively.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC on Friday said that gas supply across all its supply areas will remain under low pressure for 24 hours due to reduced LNG supply. In a media release, the state-run company said low gas pressure will prevail in Dhaka and all Titas-affiliated areas from 12:00pm on Saturday to 12:00pm on Sunday. The disruption is being caused by a temporary reduction in gas received from LNG sources due to maintenance work at an LNG terminal, the statement said. Titas apologised to consumers for the temporary inconvenience. Alongside gas supplied from local gas fields, Titas distributes LNG-based gas from the Maheshkhali LNG terminals in Cox’s Bazar. There are two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) at Maheshkhali, though Titas did not specify which terminal is undergoing maintenance. Titas supplies gas to most districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions. As a result, consumers in these areas are expected to face disruptions during the 24-hour low-pressure period. Titas low pressure chokes gas supply across Dhaka; residents struggle Meanwhile, gas consumers have been facing severe supply constraints for several months due to pipeline leakages, valve failures and maintenance-related issues. The shortage of LPG cylinders in the market has forced many city residents to rely on electric cookers or firewood for daily cooking.

Winter has brought a bumper vegetable harvest across the country, supported by smooth transportation and abundant supply, yet Dhaka’s consumers are seeing little relief at the markets. Visits to several city markets showed that vegetable prices remain stubbornly high, even as farmers complain they are barely recovering production costs, raising fresh questions about possible market manipulation and the role of middlemen in the supply chain. Dhaka’s kitchen markets are actually awash with winter vegetables, but prices show little sign of easing even in what is traditionally the cheapest season of the year. While consumers continue to pay inflated rates, farmers across producing districts say they are selling their produce at throwaway prices, pointing to a widening gap between farm-gate and retail prices driven largely by middlemen. Major wholesale markets in the capital receive winter vegetables from Bogura, Naogaon, Chuadanga, Sirajganj, Rajshahi, Jashore and other districts. Traders say more than 50 truckloads of vegetables arrive in Dhaka every day from Bogura alone during the peak season. Despite ample supply, winter vegetables costly in Lalmonirhat Wholesalers at Karwan Bazar said supply is higher than last year, yet prices have not come down. By late January, wholesale prices were on average Tk 20 per kg higher than the same period a year ago. “Last year at this time, cauliflower sold at Tk 15–20 per kg wholesale. This year it is Tk 30–35,” said Latif Munshi, a vegetable trader at Karwan Bazar, adding, “We are buying at higher prices from upstream traders, so we have no option but to sell at higher rates to retailers.” Anwar Mia, a trader at the Swarighat wholesale market, echoed the sentiment. “Prices of cabbage, tomato, cucumber, carrot, bottle gourd—almost all winter vegetables—are higher than last year. There is no supply shortage, but increased intermediary costs are pushing prices up.” The picture is starkly different at the production level. In Bogura’s Sherpur upazila, vegetable grower and trader Naim Meyajan said he cultivated cauliflower on nearly 10 bighas of land. While early varieties fetched good prices between September and November, prices collapsed once peak harvesting began in December. “Wholesalers bought fields early at Tk 80,000 to Tk 100,000 per bigha against a production cost of around Tk 50,000. But when the main harvest started, there were no buyers for fields. I had to take cauliflowers to market where prices fell to Tk 5 per kg,” he said. Farmers at Fulbari and Mohasthan haats in Bogura said prices of most vegetables started falling sharply by late December. In many cases, they were forced to sell produce at an inflated ‘maund’ calculation—60 kg instead of the standard 40 kg—yet still failed to recover costs. Early winter vegetable cultivation gains momentum across Khulna division In Dhaka, however, prices moved in the opposite direction. Cauliflower that sold at Tk 25 per piece in late December is now priced at Tk 40–50 depending on size. At Shantinagar kitchen market, cabbage is selling at around Tk 50 per piece. By contrast, in Sirajganj’s Ullapara upazila, farmer Bhobesh Ghoshal said he sold cabbage at Tk 6–10 per piece in January. “Those same cabbages are being sold in Dhaka at Tk 20 or more”. A visit to the Jatrabari wholesale hub shows cabbage trading at Tk 25–30 per piece wholesale, before reaching consumers at Tk 50. For key winter vegetables, the price gap between farmers and consumers ranges from Tk 30 to Tk 40 per unit. Tomato prices show an even sharper disparity. Early varieties arrive in Dhaka from Chattogram, while seasonal tomatoes mainly come from Rajshahi. In both phases, retail prices in Dhaka have ranged between Tk 100 and Tk 150 per kg. In Rajshahi’s Godagari upazila, tomato farmer Moktar Hossain said he is currently selling tomatoes at Tk 40 per kg, down from Tk 50–80 during the early season. “Middlemen are selling those tomatoes in Dhaka at Tk 60 per kg, and prices keep rising along the chain.” At wholesale markets in Dhaka, tomatoes are sold to retailers at Tk 80–90 per kg and finally reach consumers at Tk 100–120. The cumulative price difference from farm to table stands at Tk 50–70 per kg. Radish prices, though relatively lower, reflect a similar pattern. In retail markets, radish sells at Tk 30–40 per kg. In Cumilla’s Gomti char area, farmer Sohrab said radish is sold in bundles rather than by weight. “One bundle of 8–10 radishes sells for Tk 30, which is roughly Tk 10 per kg,” he said. “But consumers are paying at least Tk 20 more per kg in Dhaka.” According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 700,000 kg of vegetables are sold daily in Dhaka. Even assuming a conservative price gap of Tk 20 per kg between farmers and consumers, the additional daily burden on consumers stands at around Tk 15 million—amounting to nearly Tk 500 million over January due to elevated prices. Commenting on the situation, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) President AHM Shafiquzzaman blamed market syndicates and weak oversight. “A group of traders is taking advantage of the pre-election period by forming syndicates and destabilising the vegetable market. Vegetables have been selling at high prices for nearly a month, but there is no effective monitoring. Extortion at different stages of the supply chain is also pushing prices up,” he said. Shafiquzzaman warned that prices could rise further during Ramadan, expressing doubts about official assurances of market stability. “Government data is often unreliable,” he said. Calling for decisive action, he urged the authorities to dismantle syndicates of middlemen, ensure fair prices for farmers and protect consumer rights through stricter market regulation. Former Jahangirnagar University vice-chancellor and agricultural economist Abdul Bayes, however, advised that ensuring fair prices for both consumers and farmers in the agricultural market should not rely solely on government intervention; instead, marginal farmers must be empowered. Vegetable prices soar in Manikganj amid inclement weather Emphasising the formation of farmers’ cooperatives, Bayes said, “A single farmer from Bogura cannot bring 100 kilograms of cauliflower to Dhaka to sell. But if 100 farmers from the same area form a cooperative, they can collectively bypass middlemen and bring their produce directly to the market. This would allow farmers to secure better prices from wholesalers, while consumers would be able to buy vegetables at lower prices.” He also noted that NGOs could play an important role by supporting farmers in forming such cooperatives. Besides, Bayes said, if the government can dismantle syndicates in wholesale markets, foster competition, and curb extortion along supply chains, long-term market instability in the vegetable sector could be brought under control.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Thursday said the central bank is working to reduce ‘regulatory overreach’ by allowing banks greater operational freedom, provided they strictly comply with existing rules and guidelines. “We do not want to interfere in your work, but our guidelines and regulations must be followed by everyone,” he said while speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Banking Sector Reforms’, jointly organised by Mutual Trust Bank PLC and The Financial Express at a city hotel. The Governor said Bangladesh Bank has opted for a direct action approach by forming three dedicated task forces instead of setting up a banking commission to expedite reforms and asset recovery. Dr Mansur explained that forming a commission would be time-consuming, requiring at least six months to prepare a report and another three months for review, leaving the current interim government with little time for implementation. BTMA threatens shutdown of all spinning mills over duty-free yarn imports “We have taken the approach that we will not form any commission. We will move directly to implementation through task forces,” he said. Dr Mansur said the three task forces are focusing on banking sector reform, Bangladesh Bank reform, and asset recovery. Referring to the challenges of recovering laundered money, the Governor said a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been formed comprising the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He acknowledged that capacity building remains a major challenge, noting that Bangladesh is receiving technical assistance from international partners. “The World Bank, British government, FBI and the European Union are providing technical support,” Dr Mansur said. The Governor said the long-term goal is to establish a permanent mechanism similar to the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to combat financial crimes on a continuous basis. He revealed that authorities have identified 12 to 13 major individuals and around 200 others who allegedly laundered more than Tk 200 crore each. Experts, farmers warn of food security crisis over poultry import ban Expressing optimism over ongoing legal proceedings, Dr Mansur specifically mentioned the asset recovery case involving Saifuzzaman in London, adding that Islami Bank has also filed a claim in the matter. The BB Governor said the central bank is maintaining strict political neutrality to keep the economy functional, distinguishing the current approach from that of the ‘1/11’ caretaker government period. “We do not want any factories to close. No colour, no party—if a factory exists, the objective is how to keep it running,” Dr Mansur said. He cited examples, noting that letters of credit (LCs) were allowed for S Alam Group’s SS Power plant due to its $2.5 billion investment, which is critical for the country’s power supply. Similarly, facilities have been extended to the Gazi Group and Beximco, he said. Regarding Beximco, the Governor said that out of its 18 or 19 entities, only the textile division is currently facing difficulties, while other units such as pharmaceuticals and Shinepukur Ceramics remain operational. Dr Mansur said an exit roadmap has been developed in consultation with business representatives, allowing affected industries timeframes ranging from five to 12 years to regularise their liabilities. 11 more institutions inc. banks, municipal bodies join BIDA’s One-Stop Service portal The Governor stressed the urgency of passing key financial laws during the tenure of the current administration, warning that future governments may find it ‘extremely difficult’ to enact them. He expressed concern that the amendment to the Money Loan Court Act was returned by a committee on the grounds of being anti-business, arguing that without the amendment, asset recovery would be impossible. Dr Mansur also underscored the importance of passing amendments to the Bank Company Act to strengthen governance in the banking sector.  

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Thursday threatened to shut down all spinning mills across the country from February 1 if the government does not withdraw duty-free import facilities for certain categories of cotton yarn. BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell issued the ultimatum at a press conference held at the association’s office in Dhaka. The association is demanding the immediate suspension of bond facilities on the import of 10–30 count cotton yarn, arguing that the measure is essential to protect the local spinning industry from what it describes as unfair competition. 11 more institutions inc. banks, municipal bodies join BIDA’s One-Stop Service portal The dispute centres on the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) bond facility, which allows export-oriented industries to import raw materials duty-free on the condition that the finished products are exported. According to the BTMA, this policy is severely undermining local spinning mills, particularly those producing 10–30 count yarns. Highlighting the urgency of the issue, the BTMA said the government must implement the Commerce Ministry’s recommendation to withdraw the facility within the current month. Russell clarified that withdrawing the duty-free facility should not be confused with the imposition of a new tariff. Importers, he said, would still be able to claim duty drawbacks from the government under existing rules. The demand follows a recent recommendation by the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), which advised the Commerce Ministry to suspend the bond facility for 10–30 count cotton yarn. Proposed amendments to Bank Company Act faces fierce opposition from BAB Local millers say 10–30 count yarn is a core product of the domestic spinning sector, and the continued influx of duty-free imported yarn of the same count is making local production economically unsustainable. Earlier, the Commerce Ministry formally recommended to the NBR that the bond facility be suspended to safeguard domestic investment and ensure a level playing field for local textile manufacturers.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have surged past the Tk 250,000 mark per bhori on Wednesday, hitting an all-time high in the domestic market. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 8,339 per bhori (11.664 grams), setting the new rate at Tk 252,467, the highest ever recorded in the country. In a notification issued at night, BAJUS said the price adjustment was made in view of a rise in the local market price of pure gold (tejabi gold).  The new prices will come into effect from Thursday. According to the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 240,978 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 206,569 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will sell at Tk 169,653 per bhori. Gold price hits fresh record in Bangladesh In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent VAT set by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge fixed by BAJUS. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. BAJUS last revised gold prices on January 20, when it increased the rate of 22-carat gold by Tk 5,249 per bhori to Tk 244,128 — then the highest price in Bangladesh’s history. With the latest adjustment, gold prices have been revised 10 times in the domestic market so far in 2026. Of these, prices were increased on eight occasions and reduced twice. Silver Prices Also Rise Alongside gold, silver prices have also been increased. BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat silver by Tk 292 per bhori to Tk 6,882, marking the highest silver price ever in the country. Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh Under the new rates, 21-carat silver will sell at Tk 6,532 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,599 per bhori, while silver under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 4,199 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted seven times in the local market, with prices increased five times and reduced twice.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have soared to a new all-time high, with the price of 22-carat gold set at Tk 238,879 per bhori (11.664 grams), following the latest adjustment by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). In a notification issued late Monday night, BAJUS announced a price hike of Tk 4,199 per bhori, pushing gold prices to a record level.  The new rates will come into effect from Tuesday morning. Under the revised prices, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 228,031 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 195,430 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 160,147 per bhori. BAJUS said the price adjustment was made in view of an increase in the local market price of tejabi gold (pure gold), considering the overall market situation. 7.8 million ounces of new gold resources discovered in Saudi Arabia The association also noted that a mandatory 5 percent value-added tax (VAT) imposed by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS must be added to the selling price of gold jewellery. However, making charges may vary depending on design and quality. The last price revision took place on January 14, when BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,625 per bhori to Tk 234,680 — which had been the highest price in the country’s history until now. With the latest adjustment, gold prices have been revised eight times so far in 2026, with six increases and two reductions. In 2025, gold prices were adjusted a total of 93 times — raised on 64 occasions and reduced 29 times. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been increased. Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh The price of 22-carat silver has been raised by Tk 291 per bhori to Tk 6,240 — the highest level ever recorded in the country. Under the new rates, 21-carat silver will cost Tk 5,949 per bhori, 18-carat silver Tk 5,132 per bhori, and silver under the traditional method Tk 3,849 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted five times, with three increases and two reductions.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 11 service-providing institutions to integrate them into its One-Stop Service (OSS) portal, aiming to make business operations faster, more transparent, and dynamic for both domestic and foreign investors. The signing ceremony took place on Monday at the BIDA conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka. BIDA Executive Chairman (with the rank of State Minister) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun attended the event as the chief guest, while Executive Member Air Commodore (retd.) Md. Shaharul Huda presided over the program. Bangladesh Bank allows entrepreneurs to Import Capital Machinery without BIDA’s approval The 11 new partners include four major banks and seven city corporations: Banks: Rupali Bank PLC, Dhaka Bank PLC, Bank Asia PLC, and Bengal Commercial Bank PLC. City Corporations: Rajshahi, Khulna, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. Under these agreements, these institutions will link their internal systems with BIDA’s online OSS platform. This integration will allow investors to open bank accounts, obtain trade licenses, and access various financial and municipal services through a single digital window, eliminating the need for physical visits and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Speaking at the event, Ashik Chowdhury emphasized BIDA's long-term goal of creating a "single-entry" system. "Our objective is to reach a stage where everyone from small entrepreneurs to large industrial groups can access all necessary government services through a single website and a single login," he said. "We want to move away from the culture of submitting the same data repeatedly to different departments," he added. BIDA, Home Ministry strengthen coordination to boost foreign investment  BIDA Executive Chairman noted that developed nations have successfully implemented data-sharing across government agencies, and Bangladesh is following that path. While acknowledging that the journey is time-consuming, he stressed the importance of constant monitoring and feedback to ensure the system actually solves problems for investors. According to BIDA, the online OSS portal was launched in February 2019 under the One-Stop Service Act, 2018. With the addition of these 11 institutions, BIDA has now signed MoUs with a total of 63 organizations. Currently, the portal offers 142 services from 47 different agencies. To date, 215,699 applications have been successfully processed through the system. BIDA officials stated that services from more organizations will be integrated into the platform in the near future. BIDA provides 147 services through One Stop Service (OSS) includes- Business Setup & Registration: Company Registration, incorporation from the RJSC (Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms). BIDA Project Registration, Issuance of e-TIN (Tax Identification Number) and e-BIN (Business Identification Number) via the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Issuance and renewal of trade licenses from various City Corporations. Specific services designed to help international businesses operate in Bangladesh. Such as Work Permits: Issuance, extension, and cancellation of work permits for foreign employees. Visa Recommendations: Support for E-visas (Employment), PI-visas (Investor), and Visa on Arrival. Branch/Liaison Office Permits: Permission to set up and extend the duration of representative offices. Remittance Approvals: Approval for royalty, franchise, and technical assistance fee payments abroad. Land Use Clearance: Provided by authorities like RAJUK (Dhaka) or CDA (Chattogram). Construction Permits: Approval for building plans and occupancy certificates. E-Mutation: Digital land record updates via the Ministry of Land. Utility Connections- electricity from DPDC, DESCO, BREB, and BPDB. Water & Sewerage: Industrial water connection permits from WASA. Environment Clearance: Issuance of Site Clearance and Environmental Clearance Certificates (for green, orange, and red categories) from the Department of Environment.

A move by the central bank to limit shareholding for individuals, families, and institutions has met with fierce opposition from the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB), an organization of bank owners, sparking a debate over the future of corporate governance in Bangladesh's financial sector. Under the draft Bank Company (Amendment) Act 2025, Bangladesh Bank has proposed that no person, family, or institution may directly or indirectly hold more than a 5 percent stake in more than one bank simultaneously. The Financial Institutions Division (FID) of the Ministry of Finance held a meeting last week, chaired by FID Secretary Nazma Mobarek, to discuss the addition of three new sub-sections to Section 14/B of the law. The primary objective is to prevent vested interest groups from exerting undue influence over multiple financial institutions at once. Three legislative changes are proposed to achieve the desired result: If a person or entity owns 2 percent or more of one bank, they cannot hold a similar 2 percent stake in any other bank. Even if an investor holds more than 5 percent of a bank's shares, their voting rights will be capped at 5 percent (excluding the government and non-profit/strategic investors). Current regulations allow an investor to hold up to 10 percent of a bank’s shares with "one share, one vote" rights, and there are no restrictions on holding shares in multiple banks. The Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB), representing private bank owners, has strongly opposed the move. BAB representatives argued that general shareholders do not influence policy; rather, the Board of Directors does. They contend that since there are already proposals to reduce the number of family members on boards, further limits on shareholding are unnecessary and "excessively strict." BAB further proposed that the definition of a "family" be limited to spouses and dependent members, and that the maximum family shareholding limit be increased to 25 percent. Conversely, Bangladesh Bank officials highlighted the recent devastation caused by a single large conglomerate that gained majority control over six banks. Central bank representatives stated that this group manipulated policies to loot thousands of crores of taka, leaving hundreds of thousands of depositors in jeopardy. "The government had to inject Tk 20,000 crore of public money at the end of last year to compensate depositors of five merged private banks," officials noted during the meeting. FID Secretary Nazma Mobarek stated that more time is needed to finalize the amendments due to the significant differences in opinion between the central bank and the BAB. "We have asked the central bank officials and BAB representatives to reach a consensus before the next meeting," the Secretary said.

Industry leaders and experts have called for the immediate implementation of business-friendly policies and the support of an elected government to unlock the potential of the sustainable packaging sector. Speakers at a high-profile industry event stated that with the right policy framework, this sector—already the country's second-largest export earner—could eventually surpass the Readymade Garments (RMG) industry. These observations were made on Saturday during the closing ceremony of Garments Accessories & Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO) 2026 and Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) Expo2026. The four-day mega-exhibition, organized by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), concluded at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). Chief Guest Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, former commerce and home minister, expressed high optimism regarding the sector's trajectory. "In the last fiscal year, the packaging and accessories sector generated $7.45 billion in exports. This sector's energy and capacity are remarkable," he said. He further noted that if the BNP forms the government in the future, it would stand by the business community to resolve all systemic issues hindering the sector. Fazle Shamim Ehsan, President of the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), highlighted that while the sector is often "underrated," its ability to import raw materials and re-export them as finished goods proves its immense capability. He stressed the need for a stable, democratic government to restore foreign investor confidence and accelerate economic growth. Industry leaders also voiced concerns regarding current trade regulations. Shaukat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), warned that certain policies are pushing the industry toward a crisis. Russell argued that if the ‘Free of Cost’ (FOC) import facility is allowed at 100 percent, domestic factories will fail as all products will be sourced from abroad. He called for a reduction in extra taxes and port levies to enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers. Additionally, Md. Shahriar, President of BGAPMEA, emphasized the integrity of real entrepreneurs, noting that while corrupt individuals have laundered money under the guise of business, true industrialists are committed to the nation's wealth. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported that this year’s expo was 80 percent more successful than the previous year. Abu Mokhles Alamgir Hossain, Director of EPB, highlighted the $700 billion global packaging market as a major opportunity. "As the 'Product of the Year,' we will organize seminars to address this sector's challenges and engage with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to ensure bond facilities and other necessary support," he stated. The 15th GAPEXPO-2026, held from January 14–17, featured 1,500 stalls and 350 domestic and international companies from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany, and the UAE. The organizers reported over 100,000 visitors, facilitating vital connections between global buyers and local sellers. The event concluded with the presentation of "Best Stall" awards to eight exceptional participating companies.