United News of Bangladesh

Top international port operators are being brought in to enhance the efficiency and optimal use of Bangladesh’s land and port capacities, said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). He said this while briefing reporters after inspecting Chittagong Port’s operational activities, Laldiar Char Terminal and Bay Terminal project on Thursday. The BIDA chairman said many ports across the world are operated by leading global operators without compromising their security, Bangladesh can do the same. “To increase investment and create employment, it is significant to expand and strengthen port operations,” Ashik Chowdhury said, adding that the port and land capabilities of the country will increase several times if the top global operators run those.  Container handling at Ctg Port up 9% in Aug-October: CPA Chairman Assuring of no safety threats if the foreign operators run the ports, he said, "Our goal is to make Bangladesh a manufacturing hub and for that enhancing port capacity is essential,” said the BIDA chairman. Regarding the Bay Terminal, he informed that two foreign firms are set to invest around $ 2 billion in phases which will create huge employment opportunities. “Once operational by 2030, the Bay Terminal is expected to bring a major economic transformation across the region,” he hoped. Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, said the Bay Terminal will be able to accommodate large container vessels (mother vessels) directly and is expected to provide direct employment for 25,000 people alongside creating opportunities for over 100,000 others. Patenga Container Terminal set to open in June: CPA Chairman   Earlier in the day, the BEZA chairman exchanged views with local business leaders at a hotel and later held a press conference at the Circuit House where he shared the future of port operations and development plans.

In a landmark move to strengthen access to affordable and quality medicines, improve public health, and support economic growth, International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, committed a $58 million long-term loan to Renata PLC, a leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh. This financing will help address the company’s critical working capital needs, offering essential liquidity support amid limited US dollar financing availability. IFC aims to bolster the country’s pharmaceutical sector and its capacity to deliver essential healthcare products. Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, meeting 98% of local demand and expanding its global footprint. However, reliance on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) can present challenges. IFC’s investment will help Renata secure these materials, enhancing the industry’s ability to provide uninterrupted access to critical medicines. Syed S Kaiser Kabir, CEO & Managing Director of Renata PLC said, “In the context of USD liquidity constraints, the ongoing risk of further devaluation of BDT vs USD and the ever-increasing cost of financing in Bangladesh, the IFC commitment to Renata will bring significant stability to our supply chain and support cost-effective manufacturing.”  Prof Yunus welcomes investment proposals from UAE in various sectors The sector is a key driver of Bangladesh’s economy, with growing contributions through exports and skilled employment. IFC Regional Director for South Asia Imad N Fakhoury said IFC’s partnership with Renata will drive crucial growth and create jobs in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry. “By supporting Renata's operations, we aim to help them maintain a robust supply chain and develop and register new products in international markets to ensure the availability of essential medicines. The partnership will bolster the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector and solidify the country's standing in the international generics industry,” Fakhoury said. IFC is committed to supporting private sector growth in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors critical to health, employment and exports. This partnership with Renata reflects IFC’s strategic goal of driving sustainable growth and expanding Bangladesh’s impact in global markets.

Bangladesh's overall Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) score in April saw a decrease of 8.8 points from March to reach 52.9. Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB) released the Bangladesh Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) April report. The PMI is a pioneering initiative that aims to offer timely and accurate insights into the country's economic health to help businesses, investors and policymakers make informed decisions. It was developed by MCCI and Policy Exchange, with support from the UK Government and technical assistance from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM). The April reading of Bangladesh's PMI dropped by 8.8 points from March, indicating a slower expansion at 52.9. This latest PMI reading was attributed to a slower rate of expansion in the manufacturing, construction and services sectors, whereas the agriculture sector posted a faster expansion. The agriculture sector recorded its 7th consecutive month of expansion, with faster growth in the indexes of new business and business activity, while the input costs index showed a slower expansion. The employment index returned to an expansion, and the order backlogs index showed a slower contraction. Foxconn-backed Foxtron to build EVs for Mitsubishi Motors The manufacturing sector posted its 8th month of expansion, though at a slower rate. Most indexes showed expansion, except the order backlogs index, which posted a faster contraction and has now seen nine straight months of decline. The construction sector recorded its 5th consecutive month of expansion, but also at a slower pace. The indexes for new business, employment, and input costs posted slower expansion, while the construction activity index reverted to an expansion. The order backlogs index showed a faster contraction. The services sector marked its 7th month of expansion, though again at a slower rate. Slower growth was seen in new business, employment, and input costs, while business activity reverted to contraction. The order backlogs index posted a faster contraction. For the future business index, faster expansion rates were recorded in the manufacturing and construction sectors, while agriculture saw a slower expansion. The services index reverted to an expansion. “The latest PMI readings indicate continued expansion in all key sectors, but at a slower rate. The April PMI is also the lowest since October 2025, when the expansion track commenced. Long stretches of public holidays leading to business closures, early effects of the Trump tariff on apparel production, and energy supply hurdles are likely causes of the slower dynamism,” said Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh.    

The Progressive Knit Alliance, led by Mohammad Hatem, has announced its 15-point election manifesto for the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) elections for 2025-27. The manifesto was released at a press conference held at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday. During unveiling the manifesto, Hatem, president of knitwear industry owners' organisation BKMEA, said that a war between India and Pakistan will not only have adverse effects on the two countries but also on neighbouring countries. Stock Market dives by 150 points; Is Indo-Pak tension to blame or something deeper? He said, "Just as the country concerned is affected when a war breaks out, so are the neighbouring countries. Bordering countries like ours will also be affected economically." He further said, "We have to import various raw materials including yarn and cloth. In a war situation, import and export will be disrupted, which will directly affect our industry. As a result, we will also face losses in various ways." In this situation, he called on the concerned countries to avoid tension and come to a peaceful solution. Sustainable, equitable economic transformation urged at a seminar The manifesto has called for effective steps to be taken through discussions with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to ease import and export by removing customs complications. Among these, it has been promised to resolve the complexity of HS Code, remove all obstacles in the import of raw materials and export of goods, simplify the import availability and use method of composite units, remove the complexity of raw material supply from bonded to non-bonded companies and take steps to resolve the ongoing problems of the Bond Commissionerate. In addition, it has been said to force non-bonded companies to obtain bond licenses and thereby remove obstacles to exports. The manifesto calls for discussions with the NBR to stop VAT harassment of export-oriented industries. Taxation system.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) has increased the gold price again, this time by Tk5972 per bhori, effective from tomorrow (Wednesday). As a result, the price of 22 carat gold will be Tk1,74,948 per bhori (11.664 grams). The association enjoys an effective monopoly over the supply of gold in the market. It is also able to increase the price arbitrarily as the government monitoring of the market is absent. People alleged that they are confused with the frequency of the increases' they think it is too much. They plan to buy gold for festivals and weddings. Although Bajus does not formally import gold, it raises gold price claiming increase gold rate in the global market. In the course of two days, Bajus increased gold price by Tk8282 per bhori. The association increased gold by Tk2310 per bhori on Tuesday again it increased by Tk5972 per bhori on Tuesday, which effective from Wednesday. This marks the 29th adjustment of gold prices in the country this year, with prices increasing 21 times and decreasing only 8 times. In 2024, gold prices were adjusted a total of 62 times, with 35 increases and 27 decreases. According to the new rates, the price of gold per bhori in the Bangladesh market will be: ·       22 Carat: Tk1,74,948 per bhori ·       21 Carat: Tk 1,67,005 per bhori ·       18 Carat: Tk 1,43,104 per bhori Traditional Method: Tk 1,18,459 per bhori

Bangladesh Bank is set to organise a four-day conference and product fair for women entrepreneurs from cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs), beginning Thursday at the Bangla Academy premises in the capital. Organised by the central bank’s SME and Special Programmes Department, the event aims to create marketing opportunities for women-led businesses and promote their financial inclusion in the mainstream economy. “This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to encourage women’s participation in entrepreneurship and ensure inclusive access to financial services,” said Arif Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank. DBH Finance announces 17pc dividend amid profit growth Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur will inaugurate the event as the chief guest on Thursday morning. The fair will remain open to visitors from 10 am to 8 pm daily until May 11. Finance, Science and Technology Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed will attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest. Around 70 entrepreneurs from 49 banks and financial institutions will showcase their products and services in this marketplace creation platform for all-women entrepreneurs.

DBH Finance PLC, a housing finance institution, has proposed a 17 per cent dividend for 2024. The company's Board of Directors, following a recent meeting, recommended a dividend payout comprising 15 per cent in cash and two per cent in stock. This proposal is subject to the approval of shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for June 19. The financial results for 2024 indicate a positive trajectory for DBH Finance. The company reported a Net Profit After Tax of Tk 100.85 crore, marking a 2.45 per cent increase from the Tk. 98.44 crore recorded in 2023. Furthermore, the company witnessed a 15 per cent growth in loan disbursement and a 12 per cent expansion of its core deposit portfolio compared to the previous year. Dhaka urges ADB, partners to boost development efforts amid global challenges Key financial indicators also showed improvement. The Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to Tk 5.07 from Tk 4.95, and the Net Asset Value (NAV) per share increased to Tk 47.25 from Tk 43.63 compared to the preceding year. As of December 2024, DBH Finance maintained a robust Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 30.46 per cent, and its Return on Equity (ROE) for the year stood at 11.15 per cent.

Bangladesh has urged the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and regional partners to boost development efforts in response to global economic, climate and digital challenges. The call came during the 58th Annual Meeting of the ADB, held in Milan, Italy on Monday, according to a Finance Ministry press release issued on Tuesday. Leading the Bangladesh delegation, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised the need for urgent action on digital inclusion, climate resilience, regional integration, and sustainable financing. Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and other officials joined him at the meeting. Speaking before ADB President Masato Kanda and delegates, Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is undergoing a historic transformation marked by transparency, inclusive growth and sustainable development under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “At this pivotal moment, ADB’s role as a trusted development partner is more important than ever—not just in financing, but in supporting systemic reform and long-term resilience,” he said. The Finance Adviser outlined four key areas for enhanced collaboration with the ADB, which are Expanding digital infrastructure, e-governance and financial access, and Increasing concessional finance for renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and coastal resilience. Bangladesh’s economy holds glimmers of hope amid IMF-ADB’s lower growth forecasts: Experts The others are promoting trade, energy connectivity and regional value chains and broadening access to concessional resources and innovative finance tools to support debt sustainability. Salehuddin Ahmed also warned of Bangladesh’s continued vulnerability to inflation, climate shocks and geopolitical risks, emphasising the need for bold, collective action. “This year’s theme, ‘Sharing Experiences, Building Tomorrow,’ is both timely and inspiring,” he said. In a separate meeting, the Bangladesh delegation held bilateral talks with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The UK, which has provided over USD 3.19 billion in development aid to Bangladesh since independence, reaffirmed its support for key priorities, including climate resilience, humanitarian aid and inclusive economic growth. The UK expressed interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, trade, digital governance and SME development. Weak grid investment slows Asia-Pacific energy transition: ADB Bangladesh, in turn, sought UK support in areas such as green investment, technical assistance, vocational training, river restoration and cybersecurity.

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.  

Bangladesh exported goods worth $40.20 billion during July–April of the 2024–25 fiscal, reflecting a growth of 9.83 percent year-on-year, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). In the same period of the previous fiscal year, oods worth $ 36.61 billion were exported. In April 2025 alone, exports stood at $3.01 billion, reflecting a modest growth of 0.86 percent compared to $2.99 billion in April of the previous fiscal year. Bangladesh saw export growth by 11.44 % in March As usual, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector maintained its leading position, contributing $32.64 billion, registering a 10 percent increase over the same period of last year. RMG exports in April 2025 amounted to $2.40 billion, slightly up from $2.38 billion in April 2024, representing a monthly growth of 0.44 percent.