United News of Bangladesh

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a notification introducing the “Customs Risk Management Regulations, 2025” aimed at addressing economic risks such as money laundering and terrorism financing. According to the notification, “economic risk” also refers proceeds of crime, other illegal financial activities, customs and tax evasion, and transnational organized economic crimes. As part of this initiative, a dedicated Customs Risk Management Commissionerate (CRMC) will be established. The CRMC will be responsible for collecting, analysing, and reviewing risk-related information to identify and categorise customs risks. It will create and manage risk profiles, update online risk registers, and classify goods consignments into risk-based lanes — Red, Yellow, Blue, or Green — using targeting intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analysis techniques. It will determine risk trends and nature by collecting data from national and international sources and analysing them, collect data for the purpose of monitoring and reviewing economic conditions, geographical conditions, customs duty rates, customs valuation, customs duty exemptions, regional and international agreements, market arrangements and other aspects that affect the duties and functions of customs, conducting necessary surveys and research activities and providing advice in taking remedial measures and formulating customs policies. Bangladesh sees sluggish growth in new business and employment in Feb: Report It will determine the criteria for the selection of consignments on the basis of random selection for all Customs Stations and Bond Commissionerates and to update the said criteria from time to time, monitor and supervise the effectiveness of risk management activities, to inform the Board and make necessary adjustments and to review the results of the activities taken against the Key Performance Indicators. The CRMC will collect information and data from any government, semi-government and autonomous organization, any person or institution related to import and export, banks, financial institutions and other organisations and take the assistance of other organisations in analysing the information if necessary. It will maintain confidentiality in the storage and use of confidential and sensitive information, sign any agreement or memorandum of understanding related to the functions of the Customs Risk Management Commissionerate on behalf of the National Board of Revenue, with the prior approval of the National Board of Revenue. It will Issue risk warnings to all concerned departments, Identify the risk areas and, where appropriate, advising the concerned Customs House or Customs Station VAT Commissionerate to take timely steps to resolve them, Review the necessary information related to risks on a regular basis and updating the risk management indicators. It will exchange information and regularly communicate and coordinate with various national and international organisations and institutions involved in risk management related to inter-country border trade, Prepare annual reports and presenting them to the Board; and Perform other duties assigned by the Board from time to time. Only an elected government can drive real economic growth: Abdul Awal Mintoo For the purpose of establishing proper customs control, the Customs Risk Management Commissionerate shall use ARMS (Automated Risk Management System) or a suitable automated electronic system to determine selectivity after analysing the risks related to cargo, passengers, agents and banks. The Customs Risk Management Commissionerate shall collect the relevant data for risk management from the customs computer system. Any information received from inside or outside Bangladesh or through confidential informants shall be collected, analysed and, if necessary, verified on-site and used as a risk management criterion. The CRMC may follow and use the World Customs Organization Risk Management Model or International Best Practices or any risk management model approved by the Board and may establish a risk register and risk assessment database accordingly. Bangladesh’s stock market plunges on week’s first trading day In order to monitor the effectiveness of the selectivity system, CRMC shall prepare an annual evaluation report from the data stored in the customs computer system or ARMS or any system capable of identifying the effectiveness of the selectivity system and the results of the risk mitigation measures adopted on its basis.  

The stock markets in Dhaka and Chattogram witnessed a sharp fall on the first trading day of the week, with all major indices declining and most company shares losing value on Sunday. At the end of day's trading session, the benchmark index DSEX of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) dropped by 29 points. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES fell by 4 points, while the blue-chip DS-30 declined by 9 points. Out of the 399 companies that participated in trading on the DSE, the share prices of 274 companies fell, while only 58 companies saw an increase. Meanwhile, the share prices of 67 companies remained unchanged. In terms of categories, the share prices in all three categories — A, B and Z— mostly declined. Among the 36 mutual funds that were traded, most remained unchanged in price, while three funds gained value, and 11 saw a decline. The total transaction value on the DSE amounted to Tk 336 crore, compared to Tk 353 crore in the previous trading session. Mixed trends in stock markets: DSE gains, CSE declines in early trading Among the traded shares, Titas Gas topped the gainers' list with a price increase of 7.28%, while Alif Industries Limited suffered the steepest decline, losing 10% of its value. Chattogram Market Also Falls Similar to Dhaka, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a significant downturn. The overall index of the CSE dropped by 43 points after the day's trading activities. Out of the 220 companies that traded on the CSE, 141 recorded a decline in share prices, while only 46 companies saw an increase. The prices of 33 companies remained unchanged. Despite the index falling and the majority of shares losing value, trading volume in Chattogram increased. The total transaction amount, which stood in the Tk 3 crore range in the previous session, rose to Tk 4.41 crore on the first trading day of the week. DSE announces new trading hours for Ramadan At the CSE, Prime Islami Life Insurance led the gainers with a 10% price increase, while Aman Cotton Fibrous Limited suffered the largest decline, losing 9.55% of its value.

Women entrepreneurs must prioritise quality products to stay competitive in both domestic and global markets, said Anowar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of the SME Foundation, on Saturday. He assured that the SME Foundation would continue to provide training and technical support to potential women entrepreneurs to help them develop quality products. The three-day fair, held at the Shooting Club in Gulshan, showcased the innovations and products of women entrepreneurs. Bangladesh exported goods worth $32.94bn in 8 months with 10.53 % growth Anowar Hossain also mentioned that, as of the current fiscal year, the SME Foundation has disbursed Tk 200 crore through 17 banks and five financial institutions across the country to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, 24 percent of the foundation’s trainers are women entrepreneurs, he said. WEAB President Nasrin Fatem Awal presided over the event, with Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative to Bangladesh, and former FBCCI Directors Anowar Hossain and Jalal Uddin, among others, also speaking at the event. Nasrin Awal, in her speech, emphasised the need for easier access to loans and business certifications for women. Women Entrepreneurs organize 3-day trade fair at Gulshan Shooting Club She also called for a reduction in trade license and BSTI certification fees for women to enable marginal women to become entrepreneurs. The "July Corner," which attracted considerable attention at the fair, was designed to honor women in the July Uprising. Former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo, along with other trade body leaders, also visited the "July Corner" during the closing ceremony. Over 50 stalls showcasing products by women entrepreneurs were on display at the event. Women entrepreneurs from Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan also took part in the fair.

Mujib Ahmed Siddiqui has been appointed as the director of state-owned Rupali Bank. The Financial Institutions Division, a wing of the Ministry of Finance, appointed him to the bank’s board of directors for a three-year term. Bangladesh Bank recently approved his appointment, according to a press release. No CEO designation of insurance company without approval: IDRA Prior to joining Rupali Bank, Siddiqui served as the Senior Executive Vice President of AB Bank and Executive Vice President of Dhaka Bank. Over his 35-year career, he also worked as a project development, human resource development, and training advisor at the USAID Bangladesh Mission. Siddiqui obtained an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University and a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) from the University of London.  

The Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) in a notification stated that no one can be appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) in an insurance company on an ongoing basis. At the same time, no one can use the title of CEO without the approval of the IDRA. The directive in this regard was issued by IDRA on Thursday (Mar 6). The IDRA directive also stated- 1. No one can use the title of CEO unless approved by the IDRA. 2. No one can be appointed as the CEO (Ongoing Charge). No one can use the title of CEO as in Charge. 3. Until the proposal for the appointment of the CEO is approved by the IDRA, an additional managing director can be given the responsibility of the CEO by following the relevant provisions. Such an officer can use the title of Chief Executive Officer (Acting). 4. No officer below the rank of CEO or Chief Executive Officer (Acting) will be able to sign letters sent to the IDRA.

A total of 21 factories have closed in Narayanganj, leaving hundreds of workers unemployed in the past seven months. As a result, they now face a financial crisis and are protesting for the reopening of the factories and payment of overdue wages. According to sources, the closures have occurred for three primary reasons. Many factory owners shut down operations due to a financial crisis and a lack of purchase orders. Besides, some factories owned by people with ties to the Awami League were targeted in violent protests, including vandalism and arson, due to their political affiliations. Finally, some factories owned by businessmen connected to the previous Awami League government have fallen into disrepair, with the owners reportedly in hiding. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said that workers of these closed factories are struggling to collect their unpaid wages and allowances, with compensation pending in almost all cases. While some workers have found new jobs or returned to their villages, many remain unemployed. There are approximately 2,000 industrial establishments in the Narayanganj, Narsingdi, and Munshiganj districts. Of these, 23 have permanently shut down, resulting in the loss of jobs for around 6,000 workers. Industrial Police-4 officials reported that 21 factories, including Green Bangla Home Tex Industries, Asian Falcon Garments, GL Fashion, Master Textile, West Best Attire, and Star Cutting and Engineering, have closed in the last seven months due to financial difficulties and a lack of purchase orders.  

The agricultural credit growth is on pace as the banks disbursed around 50.57 percent of the fiscal target in seven months. According to the latest update from Bangladesh Bank, the scheduled banks have disbursed Tk19215 crore in seven months from July to January as agricultural and rural credit for the current fiscal year FY2024-25. The central bank has set an agricultural and rural credit target of Tk 38,000 crore for banks in the FY2024-25 to boost the country's food production. In the first seven months, the banks have disbursed loans of Tk 19,215 crore, which is 50.57 percent of the target. However, two banks have not been able to disburse any loans during this period. The loan disbursement amount of the three banks is less than 10 percent. These banks have not been able to disburse any loans in the agricultural and rural sectors in the first seven months. The two banks are the private sector Padma Bank and the foreign-owned Woori Bank. In addition, the banks that disbursed loans of less than 10 percent in the first seven months of the fiscal year are the private sector Madhumoti Bank, Union Bank, and the foreign HSBC. The Sharia-based First Security Islami Bank has disbursed 10.59 percent. Of this, Union Bank, which had a target of Tk100 crore, has disbursed only Tk 4.89 crore in agricultural and rural loans in 7 months. And Madhumati Bank, which had a target of distributing Tk33 crore, has distributed Tk2.5 crore or 7.58 percent of the target. In addition, the foreign HSBC Bank has distributed 8.77 percent of the target. The bank's target was Tk285 crore. The bank has distributed Tk25 crore in 7 months. Govt exempts VAT from several products until June 30 To ensure food security, the government has made it mandatory for commercial banks to distribute at least 2 percent of the total loans to the agricultural sector to ensure the supply of money to agriculture and agriculture-related activities. Bangladesh Bank has made a provision for fines for banks that do not distribute agricultural loans according to the target. Bangladesh Bank said, banks will have to provide at least 13 percent of the target loan to the fisheries sector in the current fiscal year. In the first seven months, the amount of loan disbursed to this sector stood at Tk 1,715 crore, which is 14.33 percent of the loan disbursed. And at least 15 percent of the target loan is to be provided to the livestock sector. During the period under review, Tk 4,664 crore has been disbursed to the livestock and poultry sector, which is 12.27 percent of the target. In addition, at the end of seven months, the banks have disbursed Tk 7,31 crore for poverty alleviation, Tk 9,101 crore for the crop sector, Tk 1,48 crore for the purchase of agricultural machinery, Tk 136 crore for the purchase of irrigation machinery, Tk 67 crore for the grain storage and marketing sector, and Tk 2,910 for fish farming.

Bangladesh’s export performance in February saw a slide from January, but there was a steady growth of 2.77 percent compared to February of the previous year. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the export earnings in February 2025 reached US $3.97 billion, reflecting a 2.77 percent growth compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, total exports for the July-February period of FY 2024-25 stood at $32.94 billion, marking a 10.53 percent increase from $29.81 billion recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year. As in previous months, the apparel sector remained the dominant contributor, with exports amounting to $3.24 billion, posting a modest 1.66 percent growth compared to February 2024. Bangladesh's RMG exports show moderate growth, EU remains key market Several non-traditional sectors registered notable growth in February 2025, including: 1. Leather and leather goods: 34.37 percent 2. Frozen and live fish: 26.66% 3. Plastic products: 7.97 percent 4. Agricultural products: 7.03 percent But some sectors experienced a decline in export earnings during the same period. These include: 1. Jute and jute goods minus (-) 11.39 percent 2. Light engineering products (-) 1.56 percent 3. Home textiles (-) 0.23 percent Despite challenges in certain sectors, the overall positive growth trajectory underscores Bangladesh’s resilience and competitiveness in the global export market, said Md Anwar Hossain, the Vice-Chairman of EPB. The export target for FY 2024-25 has been set at $50 billion, representing a projected growth of 12.44% over the previous fiscal year. Bangladesh Bank eases loan rescheduling policy for raw jute exporters This ambitious goal reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global trade footprint and strengthening its position in the international marketplace as stated by the EPB in an official remark on exports.

The Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) is going to organize a three-day international trade fair for women from March 6. More than 200 entrepreneurs from all over the country and some foreign entrepreneurs will participate in the trade fair, scheduled to be held at the capital's Gulshan Shooting Club from March 6 to 8. Nasrin Awal Mintoo, president of the WEAB said this in a press conference held at the organisation’s office on Sonargaon Road in the capital on Monday. The fair will be open for all from 10 am to 8 pm every day. The fair will showcase exotic handicrafts, traditional clothes, designed fabrics, aesthetic jewelry, and various creative products made by women entrepreneurs. She said that the special attraction of this year's fair is the July Corner, which has been created in honor of the women who played a role in the July Uprising. Through this corner, the courage and contribution of those women will be highlighted. Speakers stress empowering women entrepreneurs for equitable society The WEAB president said that this fair will play an important role in women achieving financial independence and establishing themselves as entrepreneurs. This will not only empower women economically but will also further accelerate their contribution to society, she pointed out. She said a drawing competition will be organized with three hundred students from different schools in the capital to ensure the participation of women and children during the fair.

The stock markets in Dhaka and Chattogram faced another day of decline on Monday on the second trading session of the week, with key indices falling and trading volume dropping significantly across both bourses. The main DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) fell by 16 points. Besides, Shariah-based DSES index fell by 4 points, while the DS30 index, which represents blue-chip stocks, declined by 5 points. The total turnover at the DSE fell to Tk 381 crore, down from Tk 421 crore on the previous day. Due to this continuous two-day decline, total share and unit transactions have dropped to the Tk 300 crore range, the lowest in the past 15 days. Out of 396 companies traded on the DSE, share prices increased for 98, declined for 230, and remained unchanged for 68. Across different categories—A, B, and Z—the majority of shares experienced a downturn. Among 37 mutual funds, only three saw price increases, while 16 declined, and 18 remained unchanged. In the block market, a total of 23 companies traded 6.8 million shares worth Tk 22.25 crore. Prime Bank recorded the highest transaction in this segment, selling 5.4 million shares worth Tk 13.84 crore. Mixed trends in stock markets: DSE gains, CSE declines in early trading Despite the overall market downturn, the SME index in Dhaka saw a slight increase, rising by 4 points. However, the majority of SME stocks still experienced price drops. Among the 18 companies traded in this category, only two witnessed price gains, while 13 declined, and three remained unchanged. Shinepukur Ceramics, which had the lowest trading volume in the previous session, saw a 9.94% price increase, making it the top gainer. On the other hand, Shurwid Industries Limited suffered a 6.5% decline, ranking as the worst performer. Chattogram Also Faces Decline Similar to Dhaka, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a downturn, with its overall index falling by 22 points. Among the 215 companies traded on the CSE, share prices increased for 61, declined for 111, and remained unchanged for 43. Along with the index drop, trading volume also fell at the CSE, with total transactions amounting to Tk 3.3 crore for the day, compared to Tk 5.16 crore in the previous session. Anlima Yarn Dyeing Limited led the gainers at the CSE, with a 10% price increase, while Bangladesh General Insurance Company suffered the biggest loss, declining by 9.79%. DSE opens lower, CSE sees early gains The consecutive declines in both markets reflect ongoing uncertainty among investors, with low trading volumes indicating a lack of confidence in market stability.