United News of Bangladesh

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has urged the government to formulate a comprehensive long-term master plan for the logistics sector to ensure a resilient and competitive trade ecosystem. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Enhancing Bangladesh’s Logistic Sector for Sustainable Economic Growth’ held at the DCCI auditorium on Saturday, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed warned that without a robust logistics framework, Bangladesh could lose its edge in global trade. “Reducing logistics cost and boosting efficiency will be critical to survive in the international market,” Ahmed said. Citing the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023, where Bangladesh ranks 88th out of 139 countries, Ahmed said logistical inefficiencies—such as port congestion, customs delays, and fragmented infrastructure—are pushing logistics costs to 15–20% of GDP, nearly double the global average. He stressed the urgent need for upgrading major ports, including Chattogram and Mongla, with modern systems like container scanners, AI-driven traffic management, and flexible tariff structures to ease trade bottlenecks. The DCCI President also recommended creating digital platforms to connect shippers and transporters, encouraging the use of warehouse management systems (WMS), and ensuring seamless multimodal connectivity across road, rail, river, and sea. Ahmed suggested scaling up platforms such as ASYCUDA and the National Single Window to streamline customs procedures and minimise corruption. He also called for policy and fiscal incentives to encourage private-sector investment in inland container depots (ICDs). Delivering the keynote, Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, said improving logistics efficiency could bring immediate benefits. “If we reduce logistics cost by just 25%, export earnings could rise by 20%,” he noted, urging implementation of a sub-sector master plan under the forthcoming National Logistics Policy. Global economies face uncertain future amid U.S. trade tensions Dr Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, echoed the need for an integrated, multimodal system supported by a digital “information superhighway” to make the sector future-ready. He pointed out the absence of a coherent, forward-looking logistics blueprint in the country. Other speakers also underscored institutional and investment gaps. BIWTC Chairman Md. Salim Ullah and Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) Chairperson Abul Kasem Khan emphasised long-term planning and proposed the formation of a separate ministry dedicated to logistics. Khan recommended branding 2026–2035 as the ‘Logistics Decade’ to accelerate reforms. Infrastructure experts highlighted the underutilisation of existing capacity and called for public-private partnership (PPP) models. Md Habibur Rahman of the Chittagong Port Authority stressed the importance of engaging private stakeholders to make the full use of the port’s projected 10-million TEU capacity by 2030. IDCOL CEO Alamgir Morshed identified the lack of long-term financing as a key constraint, suggesting the introduction of bond instruments to fund infrastructure projects. Representatives from DP World and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including Shamim Ul Huq and Humayun Kabir, advocated for rapid digitisation and reiterated international support in implementing logistics policy. Panellists also recommended increasing the number of compliant ICDs, expanding cold-chain logistics, and enhancing inter-agency coordination. Senior officials from DCCI, BARVIDA, the Bangladesh Supply Chain Management Society and former business and port leaders also spoke at the event.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves climbed to $30.51 billion on Thursday, reflecting a renewed strength in the country’s external sector. But, officials said, under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6), the reserve is calculated at $25.51 billion. The usable portion of this, according to the same method, stands at $19.80 billion, said the Bangladesh Bank officials. The boost in reserves follows a notable rise in remittance inflows through formal channels, largely attributed to the change in government after the Awami League’s departure from office. This surge in remittances has brought much-needed relief to the foreign exchange market, easing pressure on the reserve position. However, the central bank has not sold any dollars from its reserves over the past 10 months. The increase is also supported by the inflow of over $5 billion in loans for budgetary support, debt servicing, and reforms in the banking and revenue sectors. Backed by IMF, remittances, Bangladesh’s Forex reserves hit $27.3 billion Besides, the IMF is expected to release a $900 million loan, taking into account the country’s repayment capacity. A further $1.5 billion in loans from the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Japan and the OPEC Fund is anticipated to be added to the reserves by the end of this month. The officials expect this inflow to push the total reserves to around $32 billion by month-end.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) has elected its new leadership for the tenure of 2025-26.  N. K. A. Mobin FCA has been elected new president while Suraiya Zannath FCA, Md. Rokonuzzaman FCA, Muhammad Mehedi Hasan FCA, and Md. Moniruzzaman FCA have been elected as vice presidents. They officially assumed their charges on Tuesday and will serve for a one-year term. N K A Mobin FCA brings extensive experience, currently serving as the Executive President of Emerging Credit Rating Limited (ECRL) and as a government-nominated Board Director in Biman Bangladesh Airlines. ICAB urges govt to keep faith in CAs in clean auditing He has served on the ICAB Council since 2019 and held the position of Vice President in 2019 and 2022.  Besides, Suraiya Zannath FCA is recognised as the first woman in Bangladesh to qualify as a Chartered Accountant from ICAB and currently works as a Lead Governance Specialist (Financial Management) at the World Bank. Md. Rokonuzzaman FCA is a Partner at ACNABIN Chartered Accountants with over 17 years in public practice. Muhammad Mehedi Hasan FCA is a partner at Rahman Rahman Huq/KPMG specializing in audit, tax, and advisory work. Md. Moniruzzaman FCA, the Managing Partner of Alam M. Zaman & Co., has over 17 years of corporate experience and has actively contributed to the ICAB Chattogram Regional Committee.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to $27.31 billion, bolstered by record remittance inflows and fresh disbursements from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, told UNB on Wednesday that the recent rise in reserves was driven by subdued import demand and increased foreign aid inflows in recent months. This marks a notable rise from the central bank’s previous update on Monday (June 23) when gross reserves were recorded at $26.82 billion. But, under the IMF’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6), the reserves were reported at $21.75 billion on that date. Earlier, on May 27, the country’s gross reserves stood at around $25.80 billion, while the BPM6-adjusted figure was $20.56 billion. Stocks mixed in early trade; Dhaka rises, Chattogram slips Experts said maintaining foreign exchange reserves equivalent to at least three months of import expenses is considered essential for economic stability. By that benchmark, Bangladesh remains at a critical juncture. Foreign currency reserves are widely seen as a key indicator of a country’s macroeconomic health.

After four consecutive hikes, the price of 22-carat gold has decreased by Tk 1,668 per bhori, as announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The new rates, set by BAJUS, will come into effect across the country from Wednesday. In a press release issued on Tuesday night, BAJUS said the price of 22-carat gold per bhori (11.664 grams) has been revised to Tk 1,72,860. The association said the price adjustment comes in response to a drop in the local market rate of pure (tejaabi) gold, along with an overall assessment of the market situation. As per the new pricing, the rate for 21-carat gold is now Tk 1,64,999 per bhori, while 18-carat gold stands at Tk 1,41,426 per bhori. Gold made following traditional methods has been priced at Tk 1,17,002 per bhori. Gold prices go up again in Bangladesh within 10 days In addition to the base price, a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS must be added.  But, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery. The last price revision took place on June 14, when BAJUS increased the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,192 per bhori, setting it at Tk 1,74,528. This marks the 39th price adjustment in the first six months of the year, with prices rising on 26 occasions and dropping 13 times.  

Bangladesh has taken a significant leap towards a truly cashless, digital economy with the official launch of Google Pay today. The globally renowned digital payment service, operating through 'Google Wallet', promises to revolutionize how transactions are made across the country. The highly anticipated service has been introduced through a groundbreaking collaboration between Google, City Bank PLC, and global payment giants Mastercard and Visa. This makes City Bank the pioneering financial institution in Bangladesh to offer Google's cutting-edge digital wallet services to its customers. The momentous inauguration ceremony took place today at The Westin, Dhaka. The event saw the esteemed presence of Bangladesh Bank Governor, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, who warmly welcomed Google Pay's arrival. Strong hatchery, skilled workforce vital for sustainable growth of poultry sector Governor Mansur expressed his optimism, stating that such advancements bolster Bangladesh's appeal to both local and foreign investors, signaling a vibrant economic landscape. Key figures present at the launch included Mashrur Arefin, Managing Director and CEO of City Bank; Shammi Quddus, Group Product Manager at Google Payments, Syed Mohammad Kamal, Country Manager of Mastercard Bangladesh, and Sabbir Ahmed, Country Manager of Visa Bangladesh, alongside other senior officials from all collaborating entities. With this new service, City Bank customers can now seamlessly link their Mastercard or Visa credit and debit cards to their Google Wallet. This integration empowers them to conduct fast, secure, and truly contactless payments by simply tapping their Android smartphones at any NFC (Near Field Communication)-enabled Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, whether within Bangladesh or abroad. Google Pay is built on a foundation of advanced encryption technologies, ensuring robust protection of user data and making every digital transaction secure and reliable. The convenience it offers is unparalleled: users are no longer burdened with carrying multiple physical cards. Their smartphones transform into versatile digital wallets, capable of handling everything from everyday shopping to international air travel, streamlining the payment experience like never before. City Bank CEO Masrur Arefin elected new chairman of ABB The introduction of Google Pay marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's digital transformation journey, setting a new benchmark for convenience, security, and efficiency in the nation's financial ecosystem, said the speakers at the event.

Both Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges saw a rise in all major indices on Tuesday, the third trading day of the week, with increased trading activity and a majority of share prices on the rise. At the end of the day’s session, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, gained 22 points. The Shariah-based DSES index increased by 7 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 rose by 8 points. Out of 401 companies that took part in trading, the share prices of 236 advanced, while 92 declined and 73 remained unchanged. Share prices rose across all three categories – A, B, and Z – with A-category stocks performing notably well. Among the 223 companies under this dividend-paying category, 143 saw gains, 43 recorded losses, and 37 remained unchanged. In the DSE block market, shares worth Tk 36 crore were traded across 50 companies. Lovello led the block market with shares worth Tk 19.8 crore changing hands. Index gains mark early trading at Dhaka, Chattogram stock markets The total turnover at the DSE reached Tk 372 crore, up from Tk 276 crore in the previous session. Indo-Bangla Pharmaceuticals topped the gainers’ list on the DSE with a 10 percent rise in share price, while GSP Finance dropped the most, losing 7.69 percent. Indices Also Up in Chattogram Similar to Dhaka, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a positive trend, with its overall index climbing 56 points. Among the 197 companies traded on the day, 125 advanced, 45 declined, and 27 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 29 crore, significantly up from Tk 11.83 crore in the previous session. Rangpur Foundry topped the gainers on the CSE with a 10 percent rise, while Eastern Insurance hit the bottom with a loss of over 9 percent.

Speakers at a high-level workshop stressed the need for improving hatchery quality and workforce skills to ensure the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s poultry sector. A key challenge identified is the excessive fluctuation in chick (Day-Old Chicks- DOC) production, which is causing instability in supply and pricing, ultimately threatening small-scale hatcheries and market balance. Fluctuations in chicken prices significantly impact the production of Day-Old Chicks (DOCs). When market prices are high, hatcheries often respond with overproduction, which eventually drives down prices and affects profitability for both hatcheries and farmers. Conversely, when chicken prices fall, DOC production declines sharply, leading to shortages of poultry and eggs. This cyclical imbalance contributes to market volatility and poses serious sustainability challenges for hatchery operators. This concern was raised during the closing ceremony of a three-day training workshop titled ‘Hatchery Management’, held from June 16 to 18 at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka. The event was part of the PoultryTechBangladesh project and was jointly organized by Larive International, LightCastle Partners, Axon Limited, and Royal Pas Reform, with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The objective of the workshop was to provide practical recommendations and technical guidance to hatchery owners, staff, and other stakeholders on building and operating modern, high-quality hatcheries aligned with global standards. In addition to production fluctuations, the training highlighted several pressing challenges in the sector: Hatching inefficiencies, inadequate storage and transportation, poor hatchery management, lack of modern incubation technology, environmental impact and disease outbreaks, limited access to advanced technology, shortage of skilled manpower, marketing and distribution challenges Speakers emphasized that these issues can be addressed through improved production planning and farm management tailored to market demand. Osman Haruni, Senior Policy Advisor at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh; Mostafa Kamal, Secretary of the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC); and Zahidul Islam, Managing Director of Axon Limited, were among the distinguished speakers at the event. Shariatpur poultry farmers' dreams now stretch beyond Padma Bridge The keynote presentation on the PoultryTechBangladesh project was delivered by Naziba Ali, Business Analyst at LightCastle Partners. Participants highlighted that hatchery quality relies heavily on the use of advanced equipment, accurate hatching and incubation techniques, a conducive production environment, and a well-trained workforce. The workshop also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between Dutch technology providers and Bangladeshi companies to build a modern, tech-driven poultry sector. Training sessions were conducted by Gerd de Lange, Senior Poultry Specialist, and Lotte Hebnick, Incubation Specialist, both representing Royal Pas Reform, a global leader in hatchery solutions. A notable feature of the training was its focus on practical, hands-on knowledge in addition to theoretical learning. According to the latest data from BPICC, there are currently an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 hatcheries in Bangladesh. The sector employs around 6 million people, directly and indirectly. Demand for processed poultry products continues to rise steadily. Between 2016 and 2022, daily per capita chicken meat consumption increased from 17.3 grams to 26.2 grams. The commercial poultry industry is growing at an annual rate of approximately 15%, producing around 23.37 billion eggs and 1.46 million metric tons of poultry meat per year. Industry representatives noted that the poultry sector contributes approximately 1.6% to Bangladesh’s GDP. With poultry product demand expected to double by 2050, the sector holds significant potential for growth. However, realizing this potential will require focused investment in hatchery modernization, infrastructure development, and workforce skill enhancement.

Masrur Arefin, managing director and CEO of City Bank PLC, has been elected as the new chairman of the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), a leading organization for top bankers. The appointment was made at a recent meeting of ABB's Board of Governors. He will serve in this interim capacity until the organization's next Annual General Meeting (AGM). The position of ABB chairman became vacant following the recent resignation of Selim R.F. Hussain from his role as MD & CEO of BRAC Bank PLC. City Bank to introduce inflation-adjusted wages in payroll In the same meeting, Mohammad Ali, managing director and CEO of Pubali Bank, was elected as the new Vice Chairman of ABB. Abul Kashem Md. Shirin, managing director and CEO of Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC, will continue to serve in his previous role as Vice Chairman.

Bangladesh's garment industry is seeing promising shifts in its export landscape, with a notable surge in shipments to non-traditional markets. Data released by the Export Promotion Bureau, compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), reveals that garment exports to these emerging destinations climbed by 6.79 percent year-on-year, reaching $6.04 billion during the July-May period of the fiscal year 2024-25. Non-traditional markets encompass all destinations outside of the long-standing major buyers: the European Union, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Within this diverse group, India showed significant growth with a 17.35 percent rise in exports, followed by Turkey at 31.75 percent, and Japan at 10.32 percent. However, not all non-traditional markets saw an uptick; shipments to Russia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia experienced a decline during this period. ICAB refutes ICMAB's claims on audit profession, alleges misinformation Despite the growth in new markets, the European Union continues to be the powerhouse for Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exports, commanding nearly half of all shipments at 49.91 percent, totaling an impressive $18.25 billion. The United States remains a strong second, with exports reaching $7.03 billion, marking a substantial 19.23 percent increase. Canada and the UK also contributed significantly, with exports of $1.20 billion and $4.04 billion respectively. Looking at year-on-year growth for the major markets, RMG exports to the EU rose by 10.46 percent, the US by 15.97 percent, and Canada by 14.14 percent. The UK saw more modest growth at 3.96 percent. Within the EU, Germany led as the top export destination, receiving $4.58 billion in shipments, with Spain ($3.16 billion) and France ($2.00 billion) following. On the product front, the knitwear segment of the garment sector showed robust performance with a 10.98 percent growth, while woven garment exports also saw a healthy increase of 9.30 percent. Overall, the cumulative RMG exports for the July-May period reached $36.56 billion, representing a strong 10.20 percent increase from the same period a year ago.