United News of Bangladesh

The Grameenphone Terminated and Rights-Deprived Workers Unity Council has raised allegations against Grameenphone Limited for its ‘unlawful’ layoffs and labour rights violations. Council’s convener Abu Sadat Mohammad Shoaib brought the allegations against the company at a press conference  at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka and demanded justice. He accused Grameenphone of exploiting loopholes in the law to consistently deny workers their rights. While the company positions itself as law-abiding, Shoaib alleged that it has been subtly violating labour laws withholding workers' dues, wrongfully terminating employees, and misusing the judicial system to prolong legal disputes, thereby wasting workers' time and energy in lengthy court battles, he said. Grameenphone Limited, one of Bangladesh’s leading telecom companies, has increasingly come under scrutiny for its treatment of workers, said the convenor. Shoaib claimed that over the last decade, Grameenphone has reduced its permanent workforce by 70%, now employing just 1,200 permanent workers. During this process, workers have reportedly been coerced into voluntary retirement, subjected to mental stress, and denied their legal entitlements. He said in 2012, around 180 workers were terminated for attempting to form a trade union. Since 2015, the company has used a "voluntary retirement" scheme to pressure workers into resigning. In 2021, despite government directives, 180 workers were dismissed during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the council. Grameenphone, despite being a profitable company, has terminated approximately 3,300 workers through various means in an effort to maximise profits, the council claimed at the press. Under the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006, workers are entitled to 5% of the company’s profits. Grameenphone has violated this law and failed to pay workers their dues, even after a High Court ruling ordered timely distribution and penalties for delays, they said. The terminated workers, without alternative job opportunities, have faced social humiliation and financial instability, Shoeb said adding the company’s refusal to pay dues, coupled with legal tactics to avoid responsibility, has left many workers vulnerable. Grameenphone workers accuse company of rights violations; demand justice Shoaib also highlighted the mental harassment workers faced during the layoff process. The press conference concluded with a call for justice and accountability from the telecom giant. However, Grameenphone also issued a statement on Tuesday saying that  the company has high regard for the judicial system and the demands that are being raised by some former employees are currently subject matters of various cases before the courts. In the statement the company said, “For the last couple of months, some former employees of GP have been gathering in front of the GPHouse, raising various demands relating to employment and benefits. To our knowledge, most of them separated from Grameenphone a long time ago and have received their lawful entitlements, it said. Any legal proceedings will eventually be resolved through the court proceedings, it added. While Grameenphone respects the right of peaceful association, these individuals illegally blocked the entry and exit ways of GP premises on several days, said the statement. They also did the same on February 4, 2025, causing significant hindrance to the free movement of GP employees, suppliers and customers, keeping them stranded inside the office throughout the day until midnight, it added. This has taken a toll on their health, with some employees falling sick. Grameenphone respects the law of the land and considers the safety and security of its employees and customers its highest priority, said the compay. Law enforcement agencies deployed themselves around GP premises to protect individuals and property. It has also come to our attention that these individuals are spreading misleading information about Grameenphone in media and in social media, claimed the comapy.

Like every year, Bangladesh Bank will release new notes in the market through banks on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Customers will be able to collect the new notes starting from March 19. The common people can exchange old notes for new ones until March 25 (excluding weekly holidays and government holidays). The central bank announced that from March 19, new notes will be distributed to the public through counters at various offices of Bangladesh Bank. Fresh designs, new era: Bangladesh Bank to launch new notes Additionally, 80 branches of commercial banks in Dhaka city will also facilitate the exchange of new notes in packets containing Tk5, 20, and Tk 50 denominations during the specified period under special arrangements. An individual will not be allowed to collect new notes more than once, according to a press release of the central bank, issued on Sunday.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has called on stakeholders to submit budget proposals for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, aiming to craft a participatory, pro-people, and balanced budget. The NBR is holding discussions with various groups on revenue collection methods as part of the budget preparation process. According to an NBR press release, taxpayers from all sectors—including industrial and trade associations, professional organizations, research institutions, and members of the intellectual community—are invited to submit their recommendations. The NBR has specifically requested that chambers and associations submit their proposals in writing to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) by March 20. Additionally, a soft copy of the proposal (NikoshBAN), should be emailed to [email protected]. NBR moves to expand tax net, targets 5 million taxpayers by end of fiscal year The revenue board emphasized that all received proposals will be reviewed thoroughly. It reiterated its longstanding practice of engaging with taxpayers and stakeholders to develop inclusive and representative revenue policies. The NBR clarified that institutions or organizations that are not affiliated with any chamber or association can also submit their proposals directly via the provided email. Through these discussions and submissions, the NBR aims to make the revenue collection strategy for the upcoming fiscal year more meaningful, analytical, and representative. Over 1.4 million taxpayers filed returns online: NBR The NBR expressed hope that with the cooperation of all concerned, the budget for 2025–2026 will be pro-people, business- and taxpayer-friendly, and revenue-generating, fostering economic growth while addressing public needs.

Charcoal Shilpo Sangskar Parishad, a panel of BCCMEA has announced its election manifesto for the tenure of 2025-27 with a pledge of major reforms as well as the industry’s development. The Bangladesh Charcoal Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCCMEA) election for the year of 2025-27 is scheduled to be held on March 8, 2025. “If we are elected, we will cordially work to protect the industry, and work for major reformations to develop it,” said Parishad’s President Candidate Atikur Rahman. He announced the manifesto at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) auditorium in the capital on Sunday. In a written speech at the press conference, Atikur said the industry is going through a difficult time due to various reasons including setting up unplanned factories across the country, and shortage of raw materials, easy access to environmental clearance, and high shipping charges. The BCCMEA needs a talented governing body to resolve the industry’s problems. The Charcoal Shilpo Sangskar Parishad has sought government support to protect the industry. Atikur said that there is an investment of Tk1000 crore in the charcoal industry where 25,000 people are directly engaged. “We exported Tk350 crore in the previous year. We want to build it as a strong industry in the future. We have been doing business for the last more than one decade. But, a group of people are now hatching a conspiracy against the industry. If we are elected in the upcoming election, we will be included in the BCCMEA at FBCCI, and set up a permanent office,” he added. BCCMEA’s Vice president candidate Mehedi Hasan Julias and Habib–E–Hasan, and other members Shahriar Ibne Ibrahim, Mofazzal Hossain Khokon, Mohammad Shamsul Alam Talukder, Alamgir Kabir, Shahadat Hossain Uzzal, Farhana Sharmin Kakon, Miraz Mohammad Tarekul Hasan, Hossain Ahmed Chowdhury, Shahim Ul Hoque, and businessman Md Monirul Islam were also present in the programme.

Bangladesh Bank has eased the loan rescheduling policy for raw jute exporters for the next two years. The central bank on Sunday in a circular stated that Raw Jute Exporters can reschedule loans with a 2 percent down payment of their outstanding loans. The loan outstanding will be calculated based on March 31, 2024. As a result, the traders can get loans from scheduled banks as their moratorium will be accepted by banks. Remittance inflow stands at Tk 16,008.84 crore in first half of Feb Though Bangladesh is the global top raw jute exporter country, the traders have faced difficulties in exporting the item in the last few years. The traders of this sector said production costs have increased while export prices have stagnated in the global market. Bangladesh saw record mobile banking transactions in December “Outdated technology and old machinery have decreased the productive efficiency of the industry. Inefficient management and corruption have led to operational losses,” said Abu Sufiya, a raw jute exporter. A lack of investment in modernization and innovation has made the industry less competitive, he said.

The Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets started the week on a positive note, continuing the upward trend observed last week. Trading in the first hour on Sunday saw key indices rising on both bourses. At the opening of trading on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index gained 5 points. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES index saw a marginal increase, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 3 points. Most company shares experienced price gains. Of the traded companies, prices increased for 169, declined for 87, and remained unchanged for 83. Within the first 30 minutes, the total turnover on the DSE exceeded Tk 50 crore. Weekly Review: Dhaka Stock Market sees gains despite sluggish stocks Similarly, the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) saw its overall index rise by 10 points. Of the traded companies, 22 recorded price gains, 7 saw declines, and 6 remained unchanged. In the first half-hour, the total turnover at the CSE crossed Tk 30 lakh.

In a move to finance the second phase of a crucial rural bridge construction project, Bangladesh Bank has decided to issue an Islamic bond, or ‘Sukuk’, worth Tk 3,000 crore. The decision was finalised during the first meeting of the Shariah Advisory Committee held on Thursday. The seven-year Sukuk will be issued under the Islamic banking principles of Istisna and Ijara. Given its focus on social development, it has been named the 'Social Impact Sukuk'. The initiative, spearheaded by Bangladesh Bank's Deputy Governor Md Kabir Ahmed, aims to finance the construction of 82 bridges across 58 upazilas in the eight divisions of the country. Stock market records year’s highest turnover Under the jurisdiction of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the project encompasses the construction of 17,697 metres of bridges, 38,800 metres of connecting roads and 4,230 metres of river training works. Officials at the central bank have expressed optimism that the issuance of this Sukuk will facilitate the smooth implementation of the project. BB's new monetary policy aims to bring inflation down to 7-8% by June The enhanced rural road network is expected to improve socio-economic conditions in the project areas, boost agricultural production, streamline the transportation of agricultural and non-agricultural goods, reduce costs, and create both short- and long-term employment opportunities.  

bKash, a mobile financial service provider, has launched ‘Digital Union’ initiative in two unions of Cumilla to take easy and safe digital transactions to rural people’s doorsteps. The year-long pilot programme began in Jagannathpur and Panchthubi unions, aims to rollout nationwide, according to a press release. The launch event featured Baul music, a colourful procession, and courtyard meetings (Uthan Boithok), engaging people from all segments of these two unions. bKash has been dedicated to empowering marginalised communities across Bangladesh by introducing them to digital financial transactions. These efforts aim to enhance capacity and freedom in their daily transactions. Continuing to that goal, bKash has begun this initiative at the union level to further boost digital financial literacy.

Dhaka’s stock market witnessed its highest turnover of the year on Tuesday, surpassing Tk 500 crore, with the majority of companies experiencing price increases. On the day, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) recorded a total share turnover of Tk 519 crore, marking the first time in 2025 that turnover exceeded Tk 500 crore. Previously, the highest turnover was recorded on 21 January at Tk 499 crore, meaning daily turnover rose by nearly Tk 100 crore. Alongside the increase in turnover, the DSE index and most company share prices also saw an uptrend. The benchmark index, DSEX, increased by 17 points, while the Shariah-based DSES index and the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 3 points and 1 point, respectively. Stock Market: Indices end second trading day on a positive note Out of the 399 companies traded, 215 saw price increases, 119 recorded declines, and 65 remained unchanged. In terms of category-wise performance, 120 shares in the ‘A’ category rose in price, while 61 declined and 38 remained unchanged. The ‘B’ category recorded 47 gains, 24 losses, and 11 unchanged prices. In the ‘Z’ category, 48 shares saw price hikes, whereas 34 declined and 16 remained unchanged. Among the 37 mutual funds traded, the majority remained unchanged, with 19 funds seeing no price movement. Dhaka stock market opens higher, Chattogram sees decline Meanwhile, 10 funds recorded price increases and 8 saw declines. In the block market, shares of 29 companies were traded, amounting to a total of 45 lakh shares valued at Tk 37 crore. ACI Limited led the segment with shares worth Tk 25 crore being sold. ML Dyeing Limited topped the gainers' list, with a 10% increase in share price, while Paper Processing & Packaging Limited recorded the highest loss, dropping by 4.13%. The stock index in the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also recorded gains, rising by 43 points. Among the 222 traded companies, 126 saw price increases, 68 recorded declines and 28 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the CSE reached Tk 4.42 crore for the day, with Summit Power Limited leading the gainers' list with a 9.27% price increase. Conversely, Meghna Life Insurance Company Limited saw the biggest decline, losing 9.85%. Meanwhile, the Capital Market Reform Taskforce has submitted two draft proposals to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). According to the commission, the proposals recommend updating regulations concerning mutual funds and margin loans to align with current market conditions. The commission has assured that the taskforce’s recommendations will be implemented promptly to drive reforms and development in the country’s stock market.  

BRAC Bank partnered with Grameen Healthcare Services Limited to provide free eye screenings and care to over 42,000 underprivileged people in Bogura and Thakurgaon. This effort is part of BRAC Bank's flagship CSR programme - BRAC Bank Aporajeyo Ami. Managing Director & CEO of BRAC Bank Selim RF Hussain and Managing Director of Grameen Healthcare Shamsul Haque Ahmed signed the partnership agreement at Grameen Healthcare’s head office on Monday. Through this partnership, economically disadvantaged people will receive free cataract surgeries, including special lenses and Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) implants to help improve their vision, according to a press release. The partnership will ensure that patients can access diagnostic services, surgeries, and post-operative care, amplifying the impact on healthcare accessibility and disability inclusion. The goal of this initiative is to help restore people's sight, enhance their quality of life, and empower them to participate more actively in their communities and workplaces. Ultimately, this effort seeks to create positive changes in people's lives and contribute to the economy. Md. Ashraful Hasan, Chairman of Grameen Group, Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, DMD and Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking at BRAC Bank, and Ekram Kabir, Head of Communications of the bank, were present at the event. Md. Ashraful Hasan stated, "By working together, we will not only help restore vision but uplift entire communities by providing access to healthcare services many cannot afford. We are delighted to make a difference together and change lives nationwide." Selim RF Hussain, emphasising the significant impact of the initiative, said, "This programme is more than just providing healthcare; it's about giving people the chance to build a better future and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can live a meaningful life." As a values-based organisation, BRAC Bank continues to uphold CSR initiatives that break financial barriers and social taboos, creating opportunities and ensuring access for people to realise their potential and lead meaningful lives. The 'Aporajeyo Ami' initiative highlights BRAC Bank's strong commitment to social well-being and its goal of building a more inclusive society.