United News of Bangladesh

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.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s (EU) main lending arm, has approved a €350 million framework loan for the implementation of renewable energy projects in Bangladesh. This loan will be complemented by an additional €45 million grant from the European Union (EU). The projects aim to support Bangladesh's sustainable development through environmental protection, climate change risk reduction and adaptation, said a Finance Ministry handout on Monday. The ministry said Bangladesh is strengthening its development cooperation through high-level bilateral meetings with key international financial partners, held as part of the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). On Sunday, (May 4), Bangladesh's Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed held a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño. The meeting focused on expanding EIB's ongoing support and investments in new projects. The EIB has been working with Bangladesh under a framework agreement since 2000. To date, the EIB has invested approximately €635 million in a total of six ongoing projects in the health, water supply, transport, and communication sectors. We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus While the EIB's primary focus is on EU member states, the institution plays a significant role in implementing the EU's development cooperation in over 160 countries and regions worldwide. Its priority areas include climate, environment, infrastructure, SMEs, innovation and skill development. In a significant development, the Ministry of Finance announced that the EIB has approved a €350 million framework loan for the implementation of renewable energy projects in Bangladesh. This loan will be accompanied by an additional €45 million grant from the EU. These projects are geared towards supporting Bangladesh's sustainable development by protecting the environment and mitigating and adapting to climate change risks. During the meetings, the Finance Advisor emphasized the need for increased investment in human resource development and infrastructure to address the challenges of LDC graduation and escaping the middle-income trap. He urged the EU and its institutions to provide more grant-based or concessional loan assistance in strategic sectors. The Finance Advisor also held a bilateral meeting with representatives from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). JBIC has long been a key partner in Bangladesh's development, providing support through project financing, strategic partnerships and investment cooperation. EU and EIB pledged support for Bangladesh's environmental protection priorities: Rizwana Notable financing from JBIC includes the DAP-2 Fertilizer Factory (€715.6 million, fully repaid), the equipment for the Ghorashal Fertilizer Factory (supplied by Mitsubishi), and the Meghna Ghat Power Project (€265 million, co-financed with ADB). Besides, the Bangladesh delegation held bilateral meetings with ADB Vice-President for South, Central and West Asia, Yingming Yang, the OPEC Fund Vice President, and Professor Michael Kremer, Vice President of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate). These meetings facilitated discussions on issues of mutual interest.

Businesses and economic experts on Sunday urged the government to adopt business-friendly policies in the upcoming national budget to help stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment. The call came during a seminar titled ‘Fiscal Issues for National Budget 2025–26 to Foster Economic and Business Growth,’ jointly organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), and the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI). Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) Md Abdur Rahman Khan attended the event as the chief guest, held at a city hotel. In their keynote presentations, Dr M Masrur Reaz and Snehasish Barua FCA highlighted key challenges such as persistent inflation and declining foreign investment, underscoring the need for structural reforms in governance and debt management. They also noted positive trends in exports and remittances but stressed that policy consistency and comprehensive fiscal reform are essential. Barua called for expanding the tax base, modernising the VAT system and fostering an investment-friendly business environment. Industry leaders echoed these priorities during a panel discussion. 19 listed banks fail to declare dividends for delayed approval NBR Chairman Khan noted that the government is actively working to resolve tax issues affecting investment and is committed to presenting a responsible and transparent budget. He announced a significant policy move — transferring the authority to grant tax exemptions to Parliament, aimed at ensuring greater accountability. ICAB President Maria Howlader stressed the importance of predictable tax policies and long-term structural reforms. FICCI President Zaved Akhtar advocated for an integrated tax system and recommended separating tax policy formulation from revenue administration. JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) welcomed the government’s focus on improving the ease of doing business. The panel discussion featured leading industry figures, including Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury (CEO, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Limited), Manabu Sugawara (Country Head, Marubeni Corporation), Yuji Ando (Joint Secretary General, JBCCI), Dr Abdul Mannan Shikder (Former NBR Member) and Md Afzal Hossain (Former Secretary to the Government). The seminar brought together a wide range of participants from both business and government sectors.

Nineteen out of 36 banks listed on the stock market have failed to announce dividends for the 2024 financial year within the stipulated deadline due to delays in obtaining approval from Bangladesh Bank. According to central bank officials, several of these banks were unable to present an accurate picture of their defaulted loans or meet the required provision thresholds. The central bank has recently tightened its policies regarding the calculation of defaulted loans and has moved to restrict disbursement of disguised or nameless loans. Despite convening board meetings at the end of the 2024 accounting year to approve financial reports and declare dividends, these 19 banks were unable to finalise any decisions. The meetings concluded without resolutions as the banks did not receive the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the central bank. Saudi’s oil giant Aramco reports decline in annual profit, cuts dividend As a result, the financial reports for the year remain unapproved, and the banks are also unable to publish unaudited reports for the first quarter of 2025. This has left investors in the dark regarding the banks' income, expenditure and dividend status, the officials said. With seven months having passed since the release of third-quarter results, there is now a significant information gap regarding the financial health of these institutions. April 30 marked the deadline for finalising annual reports and declaring dividends. In response, board meetings of all 36 listed banks were held over the past 17 days. But, many meetings ended late at night without resolution due to the absence of regulatory clearance from Bangladesh Bank. So far, 16 banks have declared dividends. ICB Islamic Bank, however, has announced that it will not pay any dividends this year either. Chief Adviser Yunus hopeful SAARC can give dividends to people of the region if revitalised Bank and Bangladesh Bank officials have confirmed that the audited financial reports of these 19 banks were withheld for various reasons, primarily the failure to reflect actual defaulted loans, inadequate provisioning and incomplete disclosures of defaulting borrowers.

Novoair, a Bangladeshi private airline company, shut down its operations from Friday (May 2) due to an internal financial crisis. When contacted, Novoair authorities said that flights have been temporarily suspended. If the services are permanently closed, it will be notified officially. Earlier, NovoAir had announced that it would buy more aircraft to operate flights on international routes. However, they are currently suffering from a financial crisis. They have not yet been able to confirm a new investor.  Discussions were underway for investors. If they do not find an investor, they may close. Currently, NovoAir operates domestic flights from Dhaka to Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet, Jessore, Saidpur and Rajshahi daily. Due to a passenger crisis, their only international route, Kolkata, has been suspended since September last year.

Bankers, financial experts, and public officials convened in Dhaka on Tuesday to call for comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh’s banking sector in light of global economic shifts and internal systemic vulnerabilities. The dialogue, titled “Global Financial Trends and Reforms: Implications for Bangladesh,” was organised by the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB), and held at a city hotel. Discussions were set against the backdrop of evolving global financial dynamics—including the potential impact of US tariffs—and alarming findings from the World Bank’s recent Bangladesh Development Update, which underscored deep-rooted weaknesses in the country’s financial system. Mahbubur Rahman, president of ICC Bangladesh, warned that the full implementation of US tariffs could severely impact Bangladesh’s banking system by reducing export earnings, tightening foreign currency liquidity, and increasing non-performing loans (NPLs), particularly in trade-reliant sectors. “It is imperative for Bangladesh to adopt resilient financial strategies and regulatory reforms that safeguard economic stability against such external shocks,” Rahman said. He added that despite resilience in several economic areas, the structural frailties within the financial sector remain a major challenge. Citing the World Bank report, Rahman noted that gross NPLs have doubled to over Tk 2.9 trillion, with nearly half concentrated in nine state-owned banks. He pointed to capital shortages, weak adoption of international standards, and an inadequate legal framework for loan recovery as critical issues in need of immediate reform. “The recent reform initiatives by the interim government and Bangladesh Bank are beginning to uncover the full extent of these risks. The message is clear—reform is not optional, it is essential,” he stated. ICC Vice President A.K. Azad called on the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address the repercussions of US tariff policies on countries like Bangladesh. He also emphasised the need for international support in settling insurance claims for factories damaged during political unrest, and urged the central bank to liberalize the exchange rate regime. Florian Witt, chair of the ICC Global Banking Commission, echoed the need for structural reforms. In his keynote address, he proposed the recapitalisation of state-owned banks and a strategic reduction of NPLs. He also recommended facilitating mergers to create stronger banking entities, conducting forensic audits of troubled banks, and strengthening Tier-1 capital. Witt highlighted the importance of adopting international standards for NPL categorisation and noted the shifting future of banking toward the Global South. 21 BSEC officials suspended, chairman calls for unity Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury remarked that while the central bank has recently undertaken numerous reforms, it is too early to assess their outcomes. He affirmed that Bangladesh Bank continues to consult with stakeholders, the private sector, and development partners. Abdul Hai Sarker, chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks and Dhaka Bank PLC, expressed optimism that coordinated efforts among stakeholders could help Bangladesh navigate emerging global challenges. Selim RF Hussain, chairman of the Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB), described the current phase of globalisation—“Globalisation 2.0”—as markedly different from previous eras, shaped by fast-evolving geopolitical realities. “Small countries like Bangladesh may not influence these global shifts, but they must respond collectively and decisively,” he said. Enamul Huque, managing director of Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh, suggested that Bangladesh  shift focus toward high-value apparel items such as manmade fiber (MMF) to remain competitive amid tariff pressures. Md. Mahbub Ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh, observed major changes in the global supply chain, including increased south-south trade. He emphasised the need for Bangladesh to strengthen infrastructure, logistics, and supply chain mechanisms. He also flagged imbalances in trade practices, noting that many businesses import goods using letters of credit (LCs) while exporting based on contracts. Dr. Shah Md. Ahsan Habib, Professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), highlighted the uniqueness of Bangladesh’s banking challenges, cautioning against wholesale adoption of developed countries’ practices. “Our financial literacy and risk management capabilities are still evolving,” he said, though he acknowledged that several banks and businesses are performing well and offer models worth replicating. Bidyut Kumar Saha, Lead Investment Officer at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), emphasized that many of the sector’s vulnerabilities are internal. “Regardless of global developments, the ongoing reforms by the government and the central bank must continue in full force,” he said, reiterating ADB’s commitment to supporting these efforts. The event concluded with remarks from ICCB Secretary General Ataur Rahman, reaffirming the organization’s support for inclusive dialogue and collaborative reform to ensure a stable and competitive financial future for Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the persons concerned to quickly settle discussions with potential foreign investors to increase the capacity of Chattogram port with world-class services in an effort to make the country an investment hub. "We’ll have to involve such operators in port management so that our ports can gain the ability to compete in the international market. We must make our ports world-class to implement the investment hub that we are talking about,” he said. The Chief Adviser made the directives at a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), Chittagong Port Authority and other relevant departments at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser urged all the concerned departments to complete the work by August through proper coordination. BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun informed the meeting that the current handling capacity of Bangladesh's seaports is 1.37 million units per year, which can be increased to 7.86 million units in the next five years through proper planning and action. He said that the currently operational New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port is capable of handling 1.27 million units per year and Mongla Port is capable of handling 0.1 million units. Their capacities can be increased to 1.5 million and 0.63 million respectively. BIDA, police assure top foreign investors of full safety, security Ashik said once the construction of Patenga Container Terminal, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port is completed, Bangladesh will have a handling capacity of more than five million units. He informed the Chief Adviser about the overall progress in the speedy completion of the Laldia Port work for foreign investment. Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf, Secretary to the Chief Advisor's Office Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, among others, were present.