United News of Bangladesh

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury on Wednesday described Bangladesh’s capital market as an emerging field for investors, offering limitless opportunities for sustainable growth. He made the remarks while addressing the ‘Foreign Investors Summit 2025’, which kicked off in Dhaka, organised by BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited. The summit aims to attract more foreign investment into Bangladesh’s capital market. Highlighting the market’s vast potential, Anisuzzaman said it presents attractive sources of funding to stimulate investment. He further assured that the government is committed to creating a sustainable capital market, where both local and international investors can invest with confidence. Other speakers at the event stressed that attracting foreign investment requires not just market stability, but also the adoption of modern technology, transparency and long-term policy support. They observed that Bangladesh is currently an ‘emerging frontier market’ on the global investment map, with the potential to become a strong investment destination through effective policies and strategic planning. The summit, held at a city hotel, brought together local and international investors, policymakers and market experts to discuss the present state, future prospects, and strategic plans for the country’s stock market. Ahsanur Rahman, CEO of BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage Limited delivered the welcome address at the event. BSEC Commissioner Mohammad Mohsin Chowdhury, BRAC Bank PLC Chairperson Meheriar M Hasan, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) PLC Chairman Mominul Islam, and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) PLC Chairman AKM Habibur Rahman attended it as special guests.

Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, a leading tech giant listed on the capital market, has expanded its brand business to seven new countries as part of its ambitious journey to become one of the world’s top global electronics brands. According to the Walton Global Business Division, the company entered new international markets in the fiscal year 2024–25, with Barbados, Fiji, Vanuatu, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Sri Lanka, and Singapore added to its growing global footprint. This expansion spans continents including Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Walton wins 'Excellence in Investment Award 2025' Abdur Rouf, head of Walton’s Global Business Division, said that Walton products are gaining strong traction in overseas markets thanks to their advanced features, modern design, durability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly technology. “Due to our commitment to innovation and quality, Walton has been able to earn the trust of global consumers in a short span of time,” he said. “This trust is fueling our continued brand growth in international markets.” Rouf mentioned that Walton is strategically targeting developed markets such as Europe, America, and Australia, and has already formed an efficient, smart global business team to lead this effort. The company has established subsidiaries and branch offices in multiple countries, enhancing its distribution and after-sales capabilities worldwide. Walton launches Digital Campaign Season-22 with millionaire offer To support its international ambitions, Walton has also set up a Global Research and Innovation Center in South Korea, aimed at driving product innovation and competitiveness on the global stage. Walton-branded products bearing the 'Made in Bangladesh' tag are now being exported to over 50 countries worldwide. This growing global presence has positioned Walton as a symbol of trust and confidence among investors in the capital market.

The country’s capital markets started the day on Tuesday on a positive note as all key indices and most share prices advanced in the first hour of trading on Tuesday. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index rose by 36 points, while the Shariah-based DSES gained 5 points and the blue-chip DS30 added 17 points. During the opening hour, prices increased for 243 issues, declined for 73 and remained unchanged for 72. Mixed sectoral trends mark weekly decline at DSE-CSE bourses The turnover at the DSE crossed Tk 200 crore within the first hour. The upward trend was also seen at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the overall index advanced by 17 points. Of the 83 issues traded, 40 gained, 30 lost and 13 remained unchanged. The CSE posted a turnover of over Tk 11 crore in the opening hour.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has described the timeframe for LDC (Least Developed Country) graduation as a “time bomb,” urging a proactive approach to address the challenges it presents. He made the remarks at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) at Gulshan Club on Sunday night. “A fascist has left a time bomb in front of us. We must talk about LDC graduation, otherwise, our market access will be hindered. We are only discussing the $8 billion market in America, but we are not talking about our $48 billion market. We have to address the LDC issue and work on this challenge,” he added. Bangladesh Bank buys $83 million from 11 banks to keep dollar stable at Tk 121.50 The event was organized by the BTMA to honor the government's delegation for their successful efforts in reducing tariffs in the US market from 35 percent to 20 percent. Other notable attendees included National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce's WTO Wing, Dr. Nazneen Kaoser Chowdhury. In his speech, the Trade Advisor stated that trade negotiations are still ongoing and that the delegation may return to the US in the next couple of weeks if necessary. When asked about a "secret agreement," he responded, "Let the secret agreement remain a secret. What will be left to discuss in talk shows if everything is revealed?" Onion prices soar by Tk 25-30 in Khulna per kg; consumers concerned Sheikh Bashir also said, "We have committed to reducing the trade deficit by 75 percent within a year. There has been discussion in the country about us buying airplanes from America, but I don't think America took the matter of buying airplanes very well." He added that the government is working on import policies with the aim of liberalization, simplification, and making it easier to do business in the country. BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell gave the welcome speech at the event, while BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem also spoke at the event. Bangladesh’s banking sector pulled back from the brink: BB Governor Former leaders of different trade bodies, senior businessmen were present in the program.

Bangladesh Bank has purchased US $83 million from 11 commercial banks through a multiple-price auction to keep the foreign exchange market stable. The exchange rate for the transaction ranged from Tk 121.47 to Tk 121.50, with the cut-off rate set at Tk 121.50. Arif Hossain Khan, an Executive Director and spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, confirmed the purchase on Sunday. He stated that out of the total, $12 million was bought at a rate of Tk 121.47, while the remaining $71 million was acquired at Tk 121.50. A senior central bank official described the purchase as a "normal process" and a strategic move to manage the market. "The governor has stated on multiple occasions that the central bank will buy dollars from the market if necessary. The bank will also sell dollars to commercial banks based on demand. This is a strategic step to control the market," the official said. This recent purchase follows similar actions on July 23. The central bank bought $10 million at a rate of Tk121.95. Additionally, in auctions on July 13 and 15, it acquired $173 million and $313 million, respectively, at a rate of Tk 121.50. This brings the total amount of dollars purchased by the central bank through the ongoing auction process to $579 million.  

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed the foreign currency rules for exporters in specialized zones like Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Private Export Processing Zones (PEPZs), Economic Zones, and High-Tech Parks to retain foreign currency. This move is aimed at simplifying foreign exchange management and streamlining transactions for these businesses. The central bank issued a circular on Sunday, (August 10), stating that Type B and Type C factories within these zones can now hold their export earnings in a foreign currency account until their back-to-back import liabilities are settled. Bangladesh’s banking sector pulled back from the brink: BB Governor The foreign currency can be divided into two portions: one for back-to-back import payments and another for the value addition portion of local production. The local value addition portion can be held as dollars for a maximum of 30 days. If the funds are not spent within this period, they can be transferred to another bank to cover the company's import liabilities. After 30 days, any unused dollars must be converted into Bangladeshi Taka. The remaining balance—after converting 20 percent of total export earnings (or 25 percent for the garment sector)—can be held in the exporter's foreign currency account. Exporters who do not use the back-to-back Letter of Credit (LC) facility can also hold dollars for up to 30 days for essential expenses. Any unused foreign currency must be converted into Taka after this period, following the same procedure. Bangladesh’s economic momentum picks up in July, PMI rises by 8.4 points According to industry insiders, this decision will enable exporters to conduct transactions more easily and manage their dollars more effectively. The new regulations are also expected to create a level playing field between exporters in specialized and general zones.

Onion prices in Khulna have jumped by Tk 25 per kilogram over the past two weeks, despite no visible shortage in the market, leaving consumers deeply concerned. Large stocks of onions are seen piled up in warehouses and retail shops, yet prices keep climbing almost daily. Wholesalers blame reduced supply caused by ongoing rainfall, while retailers say they have no choice but to sell at higher prices because they are buying at inflated rates. Consumers, however, accuse hoarding syndicates of manipulating prices using baseless excuses. A visit to retail markets including Khalishpur, Daulatpur, New Market, Moylapota, Jorakal Market, Natun Bazar and Boyra Bazar in Khulna city showed onions selling for Tk 75–80 per kg, an increase of Tk 25–30 from two weeks ago. At Sonadanga wholesale market, prices range from Tk 62–68 per kg, with a Tk 12–13 gap between wholesale and retail. Harun-or-Rashid, a customer at KDA New Market, expressed frustration, “Onions that used to cost Tk 50–60 are now selling for Tk 80. I can’t figure out the reason. Is it due to hoarding or the floods?” Shukur Ali, another buyer, said, “I earn a small wage. How am I supposed to buy onions, fish, vegetables and rice now? Poor people are really struggling.” Onion prices surge in Bangladesh amid import halt, supply shortages Retailer Sohag from Khalishpur said, “We have to sell onions with limited profit margins. Wholesalers suddenly raised prices due to rain, so we are forced to increase our rates too. Currently, onions cost between Tk 75 and 80 per kilogram, whereas two weeks ago, the price was Tk 50–55.”  

Bangladesh’s banking sector has managed to pull back from the brink over the past year, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said on Sunday, crediting a series of measures taken since he assumed office. Speaking at a seminar titled 'Interim Government’s 365 Days' organised by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the governor said the sector was “right at the edge of the cliff” when the interim government took office in August last year. “Our two main challenges were to stabilise the macroeconomy and reform the financial sector. Reforms cannot be done in a year, but we have started them in every area,” Mansur said. Upon taking charge, he held meetings with international financial institutions to maintain lines of credit. “We assured them that we would repay every penny we owed, and we did. Our situation did not turn like Sri Lanka or Pakistan,” he said. According to him, the biggest support in debt repayment came from remittance inflows alongside export earnings over the past year. On inflation, the governor said controlling it was a major challenge. Since August 14 last year, Bangladesh Bank has not sold a single dollar from reserves, instead buying dollars at Tk 122 despite pressures to adjust the rate. Bangladesh Bank tightens monetary policy further, aims to curb inflation Inflation has since fallen below 10%, and Mansur expects it to drop below 5% in the future. While the balance of payments is now in surplus, the economy is still lagging in attracting investments, he noted. “Before elections, big investors will not come, but we have already prepared the ground to encourage investment after the polls,” he added. On why no banking commission was formed, Mansur said it would have delayed urgent decisions, taking six to nine months to produce a report. Instead, three separate taskforces have been formed to reform the banking sector, central bank operations, and recover laundered money. Recovering funds siphoned abroad is proving the most challenging, he said, as it requires coordination with 8–10 ministries. Major legal reforms are also underway, including extensive amendments to the Bank Companies Act, fundamental changes to the Money Laundering Act — adding asset recovery provisions — and broad revisions to the Bangladesh Bank Order to enhance the central bank’s accountability and autonomy. Amendments will also be made to the Deposit Insurance Act and the Money Loan Court Act to resolve long-pending loan default cases. The central bank also plans to amend the Bangladesh Bank Resolution Ordinance to allow it to acquire any bank facing liquidity crises due to irregularities. “No more leniency. If a bank cannot operate properly, Bangladesh Bank will take it over,” Mansur warned. Bangladesh Bank buys $10 million through auction to boost taka He added that a single body will be created for “360-degree monitoring” of all banks to tackle irregularities in a coordinated manner. The governor further stressed initiatives to make Bangladesh a cashless economy, including the promotion of QR codes, wider credit card usage, expansion of nano-loans, banking education for school students, Tk 200 student bank accounts, housing reforms, revenue department restructuring, and lowering smartphone prices to expand digital banking coverage.

From January-June this year, the US witnessed a modest increase in apparel imports, reaching $38.16 billion globally, reflecting a 6.74% rise from the previous year. Noteworthy changes in the number of units include a 4.26% growth in SME and a 2.37% increase in unit price. Particularly, imports from Bangladesh surged to $4.25 billion, displaying a substantial growth rate of 25.12% compared to the same period in 2024. In the year 2025 May, Bangladesh's export to the US was US $547.42 million and on June 25 it is US $723.08 million, meaning growth is 32.09% from May to June 2025, said Mohiuddin Rubel, former director, Brand BGMEA. US tariffs on India and China can open doors for Bangladeshi exporters  Key insights on apparel imports during this period reveal interesting trends: - China experienced a significant negative growth of -16.07%. - India's imports rose by 16.26%. - Pakistan's imports increased by 11.21%. - Indonesia saw a rise of 17.95% in imports. - Cambodia witnessed a notable increase of 24.28%. - Vietnam showcased a growth of 17.96%. Comparing the number of pieces imported: - Bangladesh witnessed a substantial surge of 23.81%. - Vietnam experienced a 13.82% increase. - China had a significant decrease of -12.78%. - India noted a noteworthy 15.92% growth. - Cambodia saw a substantial 31.11% increase. - Pakistan displayed a 15.76% increase. The unit price per piece varied across countries: - Bangladesh observed a 1.06% increase. - Vietnam noted a 3.64% increase. - China experienced a -3.77% decrease. - India saw a 0.29% increase. - Cambodia had a -5.21% decrease.

While hilsa prices eased in the capital’s kitchen markets on Friday, the cost of vegetables, onions, eggs and chicken continued to rise, mounting pressure on consumers already struggling with higher food inflation. A visit to several kitchen markets revealed that smaller-sized hilsa, which had been selling for Tk 800–900 per kg, is now available at Tk 650–700. Medium-sized hilsa prices have dropped from Tk 1,800–2,000 to Tk 1,400–1,600 per kg, while large hilsa weighing a kilo or more now fetch Tk 2,000–2,300, down from Tk 2,400–2,600 just days ago. Despite the fall in hilsa prices, other fish varieties remained unchanged. Big hilsa sold for Tk 13,000 in Barishal, draws crowd Rui and katla were selling at Tk 380–450 per kg depending on size, shing and magur at Tk 450–500, tilapia at Tk 180–250, boal and coral at Tk 900–1,200, giant freshwater prawns (galda) at Tk 1,200–1,500 and sea prawns (bagda) at Tk 750–850. Beef prices have eased slightly in recent days, from Tk 800 to Tk 750–780 per kg in most markets. Mutton prices, however, remain unchanged at Tk 1,100–1,200 per kg. Chicken prices, in contrast, have climbed. Broiler chicken rose by Tk 10–15 per kg from last week’s Tk 160, now selling for Tk 170–180 depending on location. Pakistani Sonali chicken prices also surged, from Tk 300 to Tk 320–330 per kg this week. Egg prices saw a similar upward trend. In wholesale hubs like Karwan Bazar and Kaptan Bazar, a dozen brown broiler eggs were priced at Tk 130, while retail rates ranged between Tk 135–140. White eggs were slightly cheaper, selling for Tk 125–130 per dozen.