United News of Bangladesh

Incessant rainfall has caused price hikes of all types of vegetables in Manikganj markets, with green chili seeing the steepest rise, leaving consumers worried. The price of green chili, which used to sell for Tk 100 per kilogram, has jumped four-fold to Tk 400. Other vegetables have also become more expensive as brinjal and bitter gourd are now selling at Tk 100 per kilogram, while ridge gourd, ivy gourd, and okra are priced at Tk 80. Bottle gourd is available for Tk 60 per kilogram. Onion prices have increased slightly, reaching Tk 60 per kilogram, up by Tk 10. A visit to the Manikganj Bus Stand vegetable market on Friday revealed the price hike across the board. 593 metric tons of green chilies imported from India via Benapole in two days Jagir Bandar Dhaleshwari wholesale market usually receives nearly 1,000 sacks of green chili daily from Manikganj and surrounding districts, which are then distributed to Dhaka and other markets across the country. However, due to the Puja holidays and a recent closure of Indian LCs, only 50 to 60 sacks of chili are arriving, meeting barely half the usual demand. Local wholesalers said that domestic chili arrives from western districts including Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Jhinaidah, along with regular imports from India. Recent rains have delayed harvests, while the closed Indian border has cut imports, creating a shortage. Wholesalers said the limited supply has caused chili prices to surge by Tk 200–400 per sack. Shahid Uddin, a wholesaler at Dhaleshwari, said, “Two days ago, a 5-kg pack of chili sold for Tk 1,000. Yesterday it rose to Tk 1,200–1,300, and today it reached Tk 1,500.” Chili growers in Manikganj worried over low production due to drought Market inspections also revealed that prices of other vegetables, including brinjal, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ivy gourd, and long beans, have risen by Tk 100–200 per sack due to reduced supply.

The official Facebook page of Islami Bank Bangladesh was hacked early Friday, with the attackers posting a threatening message and changing the page’s profile and cover photos. The hacking group, identifying itself as ‘Team MS 47OX’, claimed responsibility through a post at 5:42 am, warning that they were monitoring the bank’s operations and might soon launch cyber-attacks on its website and Facebook page. A review of the page showed the name remained unchanged, though the visuals were replaced with images linked to the group. Some users also reported seeing unusual posts around the time of the breach. Nazrul Islam, head of public relations at Islami Bank, said the page was hacked early in the morning and that the bank’s IT department is working to restore control.

The banking sector and the stock markets in Bangladesh will remain closed for four consecutive days starting from Wednesday. According to Bangladesh Bank, on the occasion of Durga Puja banks, other financial institutions and stock market will remain closed. The four-day closure includes two weekly  holidays. Bank holiday: Transactions, stock markets to remain suspended Tuesday Public holiday was announced on October 1 under a government executive order while October 2 holiday is for ‘Bijaya Dashami’ (the final day of Durga Puja). October 3 and 4( Friday and Saturday) are weekly holidays. However, essential automated services, including ATM, CRM (Cash Recycler Machines), and Mobile Banking, will remain operational.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) on Tuesday approved bond issuance proposals from three banks to bolster their Tier-II capital base under Basel III. The approval was given in the commissions’ its 975th meeting chaired by Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood. BRAC Bank PLC received approval to issue an unsecured, non-convertible, fully redeemable, floating-rate social subordinated bond worth Tk 1,000 crore, carrying a coupon rate of Reference Rate plus 2.5% margin. The bonds will be issued through private placement to institutional investors at a face value of Tk 10 lakh per unit. Prime Bank Investment Limited will act as trustee and BRAC EPL Investment Limited as arranger. The bond will also be listed on the Alternative Trading Board (ATB). United Commercial Bank PLC was allowed to issue an unsecured, non-convertible, redeemable, floating-rate subordinated bond worth Tk 800 crore, with a coupon rate of Reference Rate plus 3% margin. The bond will be privately placed among institutional investors at Tk 1 lakh per unit. DBH Finance PLC will serve as trustee, while UCB Investment Limited will act as arranger. The bond will also be listed on the ATB. Trust Bank PLC received approval to issue an unsecured, non-convertible, redeemable, floating-rate subordinated bond worth Tk 500 crore, carrying a coupon rate of Reference Rate plus 3% margin. Jamuna, Pubali Banks get BSEC nod for subordinated bonds The bond will be issued via private placement to institutional investors at Tk 1 lakh per unit. DBH Finance PLC will act as trustee, with UCB Investment Limited and Trust Bank Investment PLC as arrangers. The bond will also be listed on the ATB. The proceeds from these bond issues will be used to strengthen the Tier-II capital base of the respective banks, enhancing their capital adequacy under Basel III requirements.

Gold traders in the country have started selling 22-carat gold at a historic high of Tk 195,384 per bhori (11.664 grams) from Tuesday. The Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (BAJUS) increased the rate by Tk 2,415 per bhori, citing higher prices of pure gold in the local market. As per the revised tariff, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 186,496 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 159,855, and traditional gold Tk 132,725 per bhori. The selling price will include a mandatory 5 percent VAT set by the government and a minimum making charge of 6 percent fixed by BAJUS, with additional variations depending on design and quality. The latest hike comes just two days after BAJUS lowered the price on September 27, when the rate of 22-carat gold was set at Tk 192,969 per bhori. Earlier, on September 23, the association raised the price by Tk 3,663 to Tk 194,859 per bhori — then the highest on record. So far this year, gold prices in the local market have been revised 59 times — raised on 41 occasions and reduced 18 times. In September alone, BAJUS adjusted gold prices 12 times, with the metal soaring by Tk 21,000 per bhori in just one month.

Trading at Bangladesh’s two stock exchanges opened on a positive note on Tuesday, with major indices climbing and most shares posting gains. On the third working day of the week, the key DSEX index at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rose 43 points within the first hour of trading. The other two indices also moved higher, with the Shariah-based DSES up 8 points and the blue-chip DS30 increasing by 5 points. Most stocks on the DSE recorded price appreciation, with 294 issues advancing, 39 declining and 59 remaining unchanged. Turnover on the DSE exceeded Tk 300 crore in the opening hour. Meanwhile, at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), the overall index gained 63 points. Of the 127 issues traded, 82 advanced, 31 declined and 14 remained unchanged, with turnover surpassing Tk 3 crore in the first hour.  

Dhaka, Sep 29 (UNB)-Bangladesh Bank (BB) has made it mandatory for all banks and financial institutions to report private sector foreign loans, including suppliers’ credit, to the central bank's Credit Information Bureau (CIB) database. The central bank issued a directive on Monday and sent it to the top executives of all commercial banks. The new instruction, aimed at improving financial sector governance, will be effective from November this year. Currently, foreign loan data is not included in the CIB database. This exclusion means the CIB report does not reflect the borrower's true debt burden, potentially allowing an entity that has failed to repay a foreign loan to still obtain a new local loan. By including foreign loan information, the BB expects to increase transparency and accountability in the banking sector, improve loan risk management, and allow banks and NBFIs (finance companies) to assess a customer's creditworthiness and risk more efficiently before approving a loan. Help maintain credit discipline in the financial sector, potentially enhance the nation's international credit rating and strengthen the confidence of foreign investors and international organisations. The circular outlines several specific reporting requirements for banks to report mandatory information on all foreign loans for individuals/institutions, whether approved by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) or Bangladesh Bank, must be reported. Foreign credit facilities that do not require BIDA or BB approval but do not create any liability for the bank must also be reported. The central bank instructed that associated parties’ data must be reported for all interested parties, including directors, shareholders holding more than 20 percent of shares, and guarantors. The foreign lender and approving authorities’ name, address, and country of the foreign lender, as well as the local approval authority (such as BIDA, BB-FEID, or BB-FEPD), must be reported for every foreign loan. Besides, all foreign loan information must be reported in the approved foreign currency. Additionally, the outstanding and overdue amounts must also be reported in the equivalent of US dollars. Data up to October 2025 and all subsequent loan information must be reported every month starting from November 1 this year. Any new loan, adjustment, or change must be reported to the CIB database in ‘Real Time’, as stated in the directive.

Effective branding, proper marketing strategies and stronger compliance support are essential for unlocking the export potential of Bangladesh’s cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs), experts said on Monday. They came up with their observations while addressing a focus group discussion, titled ‘Branding and Marketing Challenges for CMSMEs: Unlocking Export Potential’. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organised the discussions. DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said CMSMEs contribute nearly 28% to Bangladesh’s GDP, while in countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Cambodia the figure is close to 50%. “Despite making up about 90% of Bangladesh’s industrial sector and employing around 11.8 million people, CMSMEs are struggling due to limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, shortage of skilled manpower, policy bottlenecks and lack of technology adoption,” he said. Taskeen Ahmed also pointed out that recent additional tariffs imposed by the USA on Bangladeshi exports, particularly garments, will raise production and export costs. “Entrepreneurs must embrace innovation, efficiency and technology to reduce costs and stay competitive,” he said. To strengthen the sector, he urged for policy support including certification and compliance facilitation, training, incentives for sustainable technology, product quality improvement, branding, cluster development, a CMSME database, as well as foreign investment in backward linkage industries. Md Saiful Islam, Chairman of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), said despite institutional challenges, BSCIC has been supporting entrepreneurs with industrial parks, low-cost finance and training. Saiful Islam said efforts are underway to exempt holding tax for industries inside BSCIC parks and called for greater presence of Bangladeshi products on global e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay and Alibaba. He also stressed the need for attractive packaging and international certifications to enhance export opportunities. Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said local consumer mindset must change first to build a strong national image of Bangladeshi products abroad. He announced that EPB will soon launch an Export Ecosystem Platform and a CMSME Help Desk to provide entrepreneurs with comprehensive services, including focal points from relevant government agencies. EPB also plans to facilitate bilateral networking during international trade fairs and confirmed Bangladesh’s participation in a fair in Brazil next year. Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, Additional Director at Bangladesh Bank’s SME & Special Programmes Department, highlighted the importance of product logos, demand-driven design, promotional campaigns and celebrating success with consumers. He informed that the central bank has issued a circular allowing entrepreneurs to have access to collateral-free loans of up to Tk 500,000. “As of December last year, 12% of total SME loans were provided without collateral,” he said. The speakers at the discussion agreed that CMSMEs, with proper branding, technology adoption and compliance, could play a much stronger role in diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket and strengthening the economy.

Indices at Dhaka and Chattogram bourses witnessed a rise in the first hour of trading on Monday, as most company shares saw price hikes. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the key index DSEX advanced by 8 points during the opening hour of the week’s second trading day. Of the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES remained unchanged, while the blue-chip DS30 index dropped by 2 points. Out of 388 issues traded, prices of 211 advanced, 103 declined and 74 remained unchanged at DSE, with shares and units worth over Tk 185 crore changing hands. Market slips on week’s first trading day at DSE, CSE The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also witnessed a positive trend as its overall index gained 18 points in the first hour. Among the 72 issues traded at CSE, the prices of 36 advanced, 26 declined and 10 remained unchanged, with the turnover crossing Tk 2 crore.

Country’s tech giant Walton has announced an exciting ‘Double Dhamaka Offer’ for customers purchasing Walton desktops, laptops, all-in-one PCs, tablets, printers, and speakers. Under this campaign, customers have the chance to win a Walton Takyon Leo e-bike, enjoy up to 50% sure discounts, or receive guaranteed gifts on purchases of Walton IT products and accessories. The offer is available at all Walton Plaza outlets, authorised distributor showrooms, and through the official Walton website across the country. The announcement was made at a grand launching ceremony titled ‘Walton Computer Double Dhamaka Offer’, held at Walton’s Corporate Office in the capital on Saturday, the company said in a press release issued on Sunday. According to the release, the offer will remain valid until 31 December 2025. Walton has turned the concept of ‘Made in Bangladesh’ into a reality in the high-tech sector. With an extensive nationwide distribution network, world-class technical expertise, dedicated research and innovation teams, and a strong commitment to technological advancement, Walton has positioned itself as a leader in the country’s tech industry. Alongside a wide range of consumer tech products, Walton recently began exporting PCBA (motherboards) to the United States, further strengthening its presence in the global market. Walton Digi-Tech is currently manufacturing and marketing 44 types of IT products, including laptops, desktops, all-in-one PCs, electric bikes, tablets, projectors, HDMI cables, and converters. Renowned media personality Adil Hossain Noble, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of Axentec PLC, attended the launch event as the chief guest. Walton Plaza’s Managing Director Mohammad Rayhan was also present. Speaking at the event, Noble said, “Walton is representing Bangladesh in the global arena. We hope Walton will continue to move forward and elevate Bangladesh’s status as a hub for technology manufacturing.” Touhidur Rahman Rad, Chief Business Officer of Walton Computer Products, added, “We have already introduced various benefits including exclusive offers, exchange deals, and more. These initiatives have received a tremendous response from customers across the country, enabling them to purchase IT products and accessories at affordable prices.”