United News of Bangladesh

Mohammad Hatem-led panel was elected in all 35 directors post in the election of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).  He led Progressive Knit Alliance in BKMEA election for 2025-27. BGMEA election to be held May 28 The Election Committee Chairman Shafiullah Chowdhury announced the result tonight. The vote was held at three centres in Narayanganj, Dhaka, and Chattogram. Newly elected director Fakir Kamruzzaman Nahid, managing director of Fakir Fashions Limited, said, "Tomorrow [11 May], the new board will elect office bearers, including the chairman. As the panel leader, Mohammad Hatem is set to become the chairman.” Bangladesh's RMG exports show moderate growth, EU remains key market Among the 38 candidates in total, three independent candidates failed to secure any posts, according to the election results.

The vote for the board of directors elections of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) for 2025-27 was completed in a peaceful manner in Dhaka and Narayanganj today. Over a decade, the election of BKMEA was held in a free and fair environment as the Osman Family remained hidden after political change in the country. Voting for the election began in a festive atmosphere at 9 am today, Saturday. Continuous voting until 5pm. Voting for this election is underway at two centers in BKMEA's own building at Bangla Motor in the capital Dhaka and Chashara in Narayanganj city. Earlier, such formal voting was organized for the board of directors election of the organization in 2012. Young doctors urge to cut cigarette price tiers from four to three to curb consumption Out of 572 voters in this year's BKMEA election, 272 are in Narayanganj, 224 in Dhaka and 76 in Chittagong. Voters can vote at any center in Dhaka and Narayanganj as per their convenience. Although there are 38 candidates for 35 director posts in this election, 35 of them are in the same panel. The Progressive Knit Alliance panel is headed by the current president of BKMEA, Mohammad Hatem. Under his leadership, the Progressive Knit Alliance officially announced a 15-point election manifesto two days ago. Three candidates are contesting the election independently outside this panel. They are former director of BGMEA and managing director of Young For Ever Textile Limited, Rajib Chowdhury, managing director of Zahin Knitwear Limited, Md. Jamal Uddin Mia, and managing director of JS Style BD Limited, Mohammad Nazrul Islam. Out of the 35 board members elected in the vote, 9 directors including the president, executive president, and seven vice presidents of BKMEA will be elected later. Progressive Knit Alliance panel leader Mohammad Hatem said that if he wins the election, the new board of directors will do whatever it takes to remove obstacles to the country's knit export sector.

Zannatul Hoque Shapla, CEO of Azure Cuisine and a candidate for the Board of Directors (2025–2027) of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), pledged to ensure equal opportunities and rights for all entrepreneurs in the country’s e-commerce sector. Speaking at a discussion with ICT journalists on Thursday at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, she emphasised her longstanding commitment to the industry. "I have been actively involved in e-commerce for many years, though I did not have the opportunity to step into the spotlight until now, she stated. My goal is to ensure that every entrepreneur can operate their business with confidence, to help restore consumer trust, and to enhance the global branding of Bangladeshi e-commerce," she said. Highlighting the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, Shapla said through her platform, Soilir Chowa, she has provided small-scale investments and training to 100 women to help them build expertise in e-commerce and f-commerce. She said she aims to expand this initiative further, supporting women in establishing their presence in international markets. Shapla outlined several key priorities for implementation: creating a safe and secure environment for entrepreneurs to conduct business, restoring consumer confidence, promoting fair competition, Modernising logistics and digital payment systems, establishing member support and capacity-building centres, launching startup funding opportunities and collaborating with the government to formulate e-commerce-friendly policies. The e-CAB election for the 2025–2027 term will be held on 31 May. A total of 36 candidates are contesting for 11 director positions.

Exhibitions on latest innovation on medical equipment, health tourism, food and agro kicked off in the capital on Thursday. CEMS Global organised 

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.