United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem has said the current tax system discourages investment, and called for substantial reforms in the tax structure. The BKMEA president was speaking on Saturday as the chief guest at the biennial general meeting of the Bangladesh Labour Rights Journalists Forum (BLRJF) at Tamanna World Family Park in Dhaka. BLRJF President Kazi Abdul Hannan chaired the meeting, with its General Secretary Ataur Rahman overseeing the programme. Hatem said, “The NBR imposed multiple taxes on businessmen. For instance, when raw materials are imported, customs collect advance income tax (AIT) along with duties. At the end of the year, a businessman files a tax return, and upon calculating their business volume, they may find that their tax liability is Tk 40. However, the NBR had already collected Tk 100 as AIT, with the understanding that it would be adjusted against the total tax liability at the end of the year. Similarly, the NBR also imposed a 30% surcharge on a businessman's profits.” “This complex tax system is discouraging for investors, and current businesses are not interested in expanding into new ventures,” he said. The interim government must focus on attracting more investment, creating additional jobs, and fostering industrial growth, the BKMEA president said. He also criticised the increase in gas and electricity prices without ensuring adequate supply to industrial units. There is a need for formulating actionable policies through consultations with businessmen and other stakeholders, added the BKMEA president. Hatem, also managing director of MB Knit Fashion Limited, said most businessmen want their workers to receive fair wages. “This will help increase production and foster industry growth. However, international buyers focus only on trade unions. If they do not offer fair and ethical prices for Bangladeshi products, it will be impossible to ensure the rights of workers.” Also present at the event were BLRJF Joint General Secretary Md Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Director of Programmes at the Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) Mahmudul Hasan Khan, and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Tannery Workers Union Abdul Malek.  

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on an upward trend on Wednesday (5 February), with most company shares witnessing price increases. At the start of the trading session, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the DSEX, rose by 27 points. The Shariah-based DSES index and the blue-chip DS30 index each gained 7 points. In the early hours of trading, share prices increased for 250 companies, while 52 saw declines, and 59 remained unchanged. Weekly Review: DSE plunges as investor confidence wanes; key sectors hit hard During the first hour, the DSE recorded share and unit transactions worth over Tk 100 crore. Meanwhile, the overall index of the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) increased by 14 points at the beginning of the session. Among the 60 companies traded on the CSE, prices rose for 38, fell for 16, and remained unchanged for 6. The total value of shares and units traded at the start of the session surpassed Tk 50 lakh.

The 9th Social Business Youth Summit (SBYS) 2025, held at the InterContinental Dhaka on February 1-2, brought together over 350 entrepreneurs, changemakers, policymakers, youth leaders, and ecosystem builders from around the world to co-design solutions for critical global challenges, including food security, health and education, climate change, gender equality, and sports for social change. The two-day summit, curated by YY Ventures, co-hosted by Impact Hub Dhaka, and powered by The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, was part of the Festival of Youth 2025: Creating a New Bangladesh, an initiative of the Chief Adviser’s Office, said a media release issued on Tuesday.  The theme of the summit was, "Change the Country, Change the World," and it featured a powerful keynote from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who emphasized the urgency of youth-led, social business-driven innovation in shaping a better future. “The world, as it stands today, has no escape route from the crises created by the old system— we need to design a new engine. And social business is key to that change. This room is full of enough people to change the world, not by numbers alone, but through the power of imagination, thought, and execution. I’m not saying everything else should disappear; I’m simply saying: Make space for social business. People will naturally join in because they experience immense joy in solving others' problems. This is a unique expression of commitment—one that leads us toward a world of three zeros. That is our path, and it is achievable,” said he. The summit commenced with a warm welcome from Sadia Hossain, Director of the Board of YY Ventures and Impact Hub Dhaka, who said that this summit is meant to be a springboard for collective leadership rooted in respect, empathy, courage, and a commitment to leave no one behind. Thijs Woudstra, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, delivered the Opening remarks underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration in empowering young entrepreneurs. 9th Social Business Youth Summit in Dhaka Feb 1-2 He said, “The Netherlands has been active in Bangladesh supporting youth for a long time, for example, supporting young entrepreneurs to build a sustainable business. Public and private organization have to work together on this, because youth is the best investment for the future.” In the fireside chat, Jurriaan Middelhoff, Ambassador-at-Large for Youth, Education and Employment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Netherlands, mentioned, "Young people are our most important stakeholder in many countries, like Bangladesh. Therefore, we take a "Youth at Heart" approach in our work, investing in youth, entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities. An important aspect is to ensure that youth voices are involved in a meaningful way in decision-making processes." The first day of SBYS 2025 also featured discussions on scaling youth-led social businesses, ensuring food security, and zero waste lifestyles. A workshop was held on the global 3ZERO Club initiative, along with a special feature on the Social Fiction Storytelling Competition. Panel discussions explored youth-driven social business, linkages between education, employment and entrepreneurship, and innovations in sustainability. The Orange Corners Bangladesh Showcase also spotlighted emerging Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to present their innovative business solutions to drive social impact. A special segment was the launch of the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF) to empower young entrepreneurs to grow and scale their impact enterprises in Bangladesh. The second day of SBYS 2025 featured dynamic discussions on harnessing AI for social impact, the role of business in accelerating the green transition, and the power of sports in driving social justice. One panel of experts explored talent development for social innovation, while another delved into potential ways of building a world of three zeros. Breakout sessions were held on equity in healthcare, inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems, and gender equity for a balanced world. Youth Summit Highlights Demands for Policy Focus on Youth Expectations The event concluded with an inspiring closing keynote by Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, who urged participants to turn their ideas into sustained action. “Young people and nation building. How do we put it all together? We make sure that we— and I include myself in young people— do not let other people set the agenda for us. If someone says it’s one or the other, we should ask: why can it not be one and the other? If someone says we should focus so much on the past rather than the future, we should flip it around. We should spend more time on the future— more dreams than memories,” said he.   Osman Dhali, Chief Operating Officer of YY Ventures, closed the summit with a call for collaboration across different sectors and actors beyond the event.

Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in partnership with BRAC, has successfully completed two agricultural initiatives aimed at uplifting farmers in Sunamganj, Habiganj haor areas, and the Barind region, helping them mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in flood- and drought-prone areas. In addition, a second initiative has been completed to improve the livelihoods of 560 fishermen in the Sundarbans, according to a press release. Under the first initiative, Standard Chartered and BRAC provided farmers with resilient seed inputs, 353 types of essential agricultural technologies, post-harvest storage solutions, and training opportunities. The project also advanced sustainable agricultural mechanisation by introducing modern equipment and techniques, improving efficiency and productivity. To further protect lives and livelihoods in haor regions, 34,825 palm trees were planted to reduce lightning-related fatalities—an increasingly common threat due to erratic weather patterns. In the Barind region, 28 solar-powered irrigation pumps were installed, lowering irrigation costs and creating additional income opportunities through water trading. This comprehensive intervention addressed key phases of the agricultural cycle, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance sustainability and food security. The second initiative focused on strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen by providing essential equipment, including boats and nets. BRAC’s Youth Career Expo connects job seekers with employers in Chattogram With limited access to their own tools, many fishermen struggle to sustain their trade. By equipping 560 fishermen with resources tailored to their needs, the initiative is enabling them to take control of their economic futures. Two types of boats—large engine-powered vessels and smaller boats—were distributed to accommodate different fishing needs. A total of 10 large boats and nets were provided to support deep-sea fishing, particularly for Hilsa, while 56 small boats and nets were allocated for catching white fish within the mangrove forest area. Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Standard Chartered Bangladesh Bitopi Das Chowdhury said that Farmers and fishermen are at the heart of Bangladesh’s economy, yet their livelihoods are among the most vulnerable to climate change. BRAC Bank CEO issues apology for remarks on Bangladesh Bank officials “By equipping them with the right tools, knowledge, and sustainable solutions, we can help them not just survive, but thrive. Through our partnership with BRAC, we are championing resilience, modernisation, and financial inclusion—ensuring that those who feed the nation have the resources they need to build a stronger, more sustainable future.”

Dhaka’s stock market ended Tuesday’s trading session on a positive note, though the index recorded only a marginal increase. Despite this, most company shares saw a decline in prices, while overall market turnover rose. The benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) increased by just 1 point. The other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES and the blue-chip DS30, saw only decimal-level gains. Out of the 399 companies traded throughout the day, the share prices of 140 companies increased, while 185 declined and 74 remained unchanged. Performance Across Categories Although most companies under the A and B categories experienced price declines, shares in the Z category showed a higher proportion of price increases. In the A category, 78 companies saw their prices rise, 103 declined, and 38 remained unchanged. The B category saw 24 price gains, 48 declines, and 14 unchanged shares. Meanwhile, in the Z category, 37 companies experienced price increases, 34 saw declines, and 21 remained unchanged. Among 37 mutual funds traded, 17 remained unchanged, while 6 rose and 14 fell in value. Block Market Activity In the block market, 19 companies exchanged 25 lakh shares worth Tk 9.50 crore. Beach Hatchery Limited led these transactions, selling 2.37 lakh shares for Tk 2.34 crore—the highest value transaction of the day. Top Gainers and Losers Energypac Power Generation PLC topped the list of gainers, with its share price increasing by 9.70% in a single trading day. On the other hand, Anlima Yarn Dyeing Limited saw the highest decline, dropping by 5.86%. Weekly Review: DSE plunges as investor confidence wanes; key sectors hit hard Dividend Announcements and Category Changes Grameenphone, a leading telecom company, has announced a 170% face-value dividend for investors. The company’s annual general meeting is scheduled for 23 April this year. According to its 2024 financial report, Grameenphone’s earnings per share stood at Tk 26.89. As per regulations, the circuit breaker for the company’s shares was lifted on Tuesday following the dividend announcement. DSE has decided to downgrade Beacon Pharmaceuticals Limited and Rahima Food Corporation Limited to the Z category due to failure to distribute dividends within the stipulated time. Despite announcing dividends of 20% and 10%, respectively, in 2024, both companies missed the deadline. Similarly, Bangladesh Building Systems PLC, a B-category company, declared a 0.50% dividend but failed to meet the deadline, leading to its relegation to the Z category. The DSE has instructed merchant banks and brokerage houses not to provide any loans to investors for purchasing shares of these newly downgraded companies. Dividend Distribution by Five Companies Five DSE-listed companies have distributed previously declared dividends to investors. Pharma Aids led with a 25% dividend, followed by Rangpur Foundry Limited at 23%, Lovello Ice Cream at 10%, Agni Systems Limited at 4.80%, and GQ Ball Pen Limited at 3%. Sector-wise Market Performance The paper and printing sector performed the best, with a 2.59% increase in share prices. All six listed companies in this sector saw price gains. DSE index declines while CSE sees gains in first hour Conversely, the cement sector faced a decline, losing 1.27% in value. Out of seven companies in this sector, five saw price drops, while only two recorded gains. CSE Performance Similar to the DSE, the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also experienced an index gain, with the overall index increasing by 30 points. Of the 196 companies traded, 80 saw price increases, 83 declined, and 33 remained unchanged. The top gainer in the CSE was Khulna Printing & Packaging Company, with a 9.97% rise, whereas Evince Textile Limited suffered the biggest loss, falling by 9.90%. While the DSE saw an increase in total turnover by Tk 13 crore from the previous session, reaching Tk 444 crore, CSE’s turnover declined to Tk 3.94 crore from the previous Tk 4.23 crore.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has emphasised the urgent need to implement the Trade Facilitation Roadmap to address the challenges associated with Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Speaking at the 8th meeting of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) at the BIAM Foundation Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka on Tuesday, the adviser highlighted the critical role of capacity-building and underscored the necessity of enhancing efficiency and fostering a competitive mindset to navigate the post-LDC transition successfully. The Ministry of Commerce organised the meeting with Sk Bashir Uddin presiding. Lutfey Siddiqi, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, attended the meeting as a distinguished guest. “We are set to graduate from LDC status in November 2026. This transition will introduce new regulations affecting our exports. To mitigate the economic impact, enhancing our capacity is crucial. Competitiveness through skill development is our only viable option,” the Commerce Adviser told the meeting. He said Bangladesh has a timeframe until 2030 to make necessary adjustments. “I believe this is a considerable period. If we graduate in 2026, our working groups must collaborate effectively to establish clear objectives.” Read: Adviser Bashir calls for innovation in textile sector to face post-LDC challenges Lutfey Siddiqi echoed the same sentiments, stressing the need for a structured timeline for implementation. “We must strengthen our capabilities while simultaneously streamlining trade operations. Coordination and cooperation are key to achieving our goals,” he said. Senior officials, including the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, the Secretary of the Bridge Division, the Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, the Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, participated in the meeting. The Chairman of the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, the Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Chairman of the Land Port Authority, the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, and the Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) were also present. The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) aims to liberalise trade by reviewing international trade regulations and procedures, thereby accelerating the movement of imports and exports. Under the TFA framework, initiatives have been categorised into three groups: A, B and C. Bangladesh submitted a notification regarding the implementation of 21 Category A initiatives to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 20 February 2018. Read more: Need to enhance human resources capacity for LDC graduation: Commerce Adviser The implementation of 18 Category B initiatives has already been completed, with notifications sent to the WTO at different intervals. For Category C, the deadline for implementation is 30 June 2030. Of the 15 initiatives under this category, five have already been implemented and notified to the WTO, while the remaining 10 are in progress.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has signed a lease agreement with Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Company Limited, a UAE and Singapore-owned company, a move to diversify the range of products. This agreement marks the establishment of the first machinery manufacturing industry in the BEPZA Economic Zone (EZ), further enhancing the zone’s diverse product line, according to a press release. Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member, investment promotion of BEPZA, and Li Meng, Chairman of Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Company Limited, signed an agreement in presence of BEPZA Executive Chairman, Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman ndc, psc. The company plans to invest US$ 8.32 million in the project, which will create employment opportunities for 92 Bangladeshi nationals. The factory will produce tobacco and cigarette machinery, a new and diversified product to be manufactured in the EPZs and EZs under BEPZA. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman of Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Li Meng, expressed his commitment to focusing on BEPZA’s potential and encouraging other investors to consider the EPZs and EZs. He assured BEPZA of his company’s dedication to transferring specialized knowledge and expertise in machinery production to Bangladeshi workers. BEPZA attracted 29 percent of total FDI last fiscal year, says its Chairman “It will help build a skilled workforce capable of producing machinery that is new to the country’s industrial landscape,” he added. Li also shared plans to establish two more industries in the BEPZA EZ in the near future, further enhancing the zone’s industrial capabilities. BEPZA Executive Chairman Ziaur Rahman thanked Lee’s Tobacco Machinery Company Limited for choosing BEPZA’s EZ as their investment destination and assured them of all necessary support to ensure smooth operations.

The Task Force on Re-strategising the Economy has put forward a series of recommendations aimed at fostering economic transformation in Bangladesh. The proposals include launching pilot projects to develop scalable models for broader reforms, signaling the government’s commitment to urgent economic changes. The task force’s report, titled “Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilizing Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development,” provides a strategic framework to guide Bangladesh’s interim government in addressing economic challenges while promoting growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability. Highlighting inefficiencies in public services and environmental concerns, the task force underscored the need for targeted interventions to drive lasting change. At a press briefing at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Task Force Chief Dr. KAS Murshid outlined the key recommendations. The event was attended by Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud and other members of the 12-member task force. The report presents well-researched initiatives selected for their feasibility and public impact. By collaborating with citizens and youth groups, these measures aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Dr. Murshid highlighted key proposals, including: • Public sector reforms: Improving efficiency in public hospitals, rural schools, clinics, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). • Urban development: Revitalizing the Buriganga River and reforming a key ministry. • Institutional changes: Establishing a Centre of Global Excellence, reassessing Bangladesh Biman, creating the Centre for Social and Behavioural Change Communication and Research (CSBCC&R), setting up a Regulatory Reform Commission (RRC), and forming an NBR Oversight Committee. • Transport reforms: Implementing automatic traffic signaling and transitioning to a single-operator bus franchise system. • Investment and trade facilitation: Enhancing the One Stop Service (OSS), attracting FDI in healthcare and vocational education, strengthening economic diplomacy, expanding skilled labor exports, and revitalizing Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Task force conducts operation against illegal sand extraction in Feni river Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasized the importance of restructuring Bangladesh Biman to transform it into a competitive airline. He commended the task force for compiling the report within a short period, ensuring a pragmatic and actionable approach. Dr. Monzur Hossain, Research Director at BIDS and a task force member, noted the report’s focus on strengthening macroeconomic stability and adopting an accommodative monetary policy. Former MCCI President Syed Nasim Manzur, participating online, stressed the need for a new Arbitration Act and Bankruptcy Act, along with merging Dhaka’s two municipal authorities. Dhaka University Professor Dr. Selim Raihan suggested prioritizing the operationalization of a few SEZs rather than rolling out 100 at once. He also recommended improving OSS at BIDA and empowering the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). Economist Dr. Fahmida Khatun called for stricter internal auditing and compliance mechanisms in the banking sector. BUET Professor Dr. Shamsul Haque stressed the need for greater accountability in feasibility studies for infrastructure projects. Industrial Security Task Force ensuring stability, safety in key industrial hubs: ISPR Cross-Cutting Reforms for Economic Transformation The task force proposed several overarching reforms, including: • Leveraging digital and AI technology across sectors • Reducing the digital divide • Reforming the planning process • Professionalizing leadership positions • Combating extortion • Enhancing government efficiency • Implementing NID-based open data platforms • Establishing emergency reserves • Depoliticizing the banking sector Additional recommendations include utilizing degraded lands for solar energy, maximizing gas field extraction, regulating sand mining, streamlining public service call centers, launching Dhaka Haat for SMEs, and re-categorizing SMEs. A Roadmap for Economic Reform The report, organized into 17 chapters, provides a roadmap for economic transformation, balancing sectoral reforms with cross-cutting strategic initiatives. Part I (Chapters 1-7) focuses on sectoral and sub-sectoral policy challenges, while Part II (Chapters 8-17) addresses economy-wide efficiency and performance. The report emphasizes that with strong leadership and strategic planning, Bangladesh can transform its challenges into opportunities, ensuring a resilient and equitable future for all.

The stock markets of Dhaka and Chittagong showed a steady rise over the past two days after consecutive declines last week. The indices of both markets rose and the share prices of the majority of companies also saw an increase. On Monday, the benchmark index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), DSEX, gained 19 points. This followed a 13-point rise the previous day, bringing the main index to 5,145 points. The other two indices also saw growth. The Shariah-based DSES rose by 3 points, while the blue-chip index DS-30 gained 1 point. DSE index declines while CSE sees gains in first hour Of the 399 companies that were traded, 219 saw an increase in share prices, 113 experienced a decline, and 67 saw no change in their share prices. Most companies across the three categories (A, B, and Z) saw price increases. In category A, 123 companies’ share prices rose, while 65 fell, and 31 remained unchanged. In category B, 46 companies' shares rose, 30 declined, and 11 remained stable. For category Z, 47 companies saw price increases, 18 saw decreases, and 24 remained unchanged. Among the 37 mutual funds traded, 19 saw price increases, 6 experienced declines, and 12 remained unchanged. Out of the 4 corporate bonds issued, 3 remained stable, and one saw a decline in value. In the block market, a total of 24 companies traded 2.9 million shares worth Tk 140 million. The largest transaction was by Midland Bank, which sold 1.2 million shares worth Tk 32.9 million. Along with the rise in indices, the overall trading volume in DSE also increased. After seven working days, DSE's transactions crossed the Tk 4 billion mark. On the day, DSE witnessed a turnover of Tk 4.31 billion, which is Tk 560 million higher than the previous day. Regarding the market’s positive performance, the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Rezaul Karim, said that the Commission's main objective is to allow the market to move at its own pace. While there may be significant upturns on some days and downturns on others, the Commission is working to stabilise the market and protect it from such volatility. On market reforms, Rezaul mentioned that the task force is working in full swing.  Focus groups have been formed to identify market issues and take appropriate actions to resolve them. In Chittagong, despite a dip in the first hour of trading, the market ended on a positive note. The overall index of the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) rose by 31 points by the close of trading. Of the 206 companies traded, 100 saw price increases, 69 experienced declines, and 37 saw no change in their share prices. A total of 39.4 million BDT worth of shares and units were traded. In CSE, Intech Limited recorded a 10% price increase, leading the market, while Hamid Fabrics PLC saw a nearly 10% decrease, finishing at the bottom. On the DSE, Prime Finance First Mutual Fund gained 10%, leading the market, while Meghna Cement Mills saw a 6.5% decline, finishing at the bottom. Weekly Review: DSE plunges as investor confidence wanes; key sectors hit hard

Country's one of the leading manufacturers of world-class steel rebar, GPH Ispat Limited, recently organised its grand event, 'GPH Maharaj Darbar-2024.' Through this flagship event, GPH honoured their channel partners with special recognition based on their annual performance, according to a press release. At the event, channel partners were recognised in various categories based on their remarkable performance in 2024. How to Buy Bangladesh Government Treasury Bond: Everything You Need to Know A total of 185 channel partners spontaneously participated in the event. Among them, the top 10 were awarded the Maharaj honour, and the next best 10 received the Mahaveer honour. In addition, for the first time, 18 channel partners were honoured with the Birpratap title at the divisional level. All deserving offspring of the channel partners were awarded GPA-5 honours, and their mothers were recognised with Kriti Ma (Meritorious Mother) honours. Brac Bank secures Bancassurance business approval During this two-day event, 'GPH Family Night 2024' was held on the first day, where channel partners’ families were also invited. The event included various game shows and cultural programmes with the participation of channel partners and their families, and winners and participants of the games were awarded various attractive prizes.