United News of Bangladesh

The country’s stock markets witnessed a slight rise in indices during the first hour of trading as most company shares gained on both bourses. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX advanced by 7 points while the blue-chip index DS30 gained 9 points. The Shariah-based index DSES, however, remained almost flat. Of the issues traded, the prices of 182 companies advanced, 158 declined and 520 remained unchanged. Shares and units worth over Tk 400 crore were transacted at the DSE in the opening hour. Indices fall in first hour of trading at DSE-CSE The uptrend was also seen at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) where the CASPI, the all-share price index, rose by 33 points. Of the issues traded there, 64 advanced, 34 declined and 8 remained unchanged, with a transaction of shares and units worth around Tk 2 crore in the first hour.

Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi on Saturday stressed the need for a collaborative and dedicated effort from all government agencies to make Bangladesh a ‘pro-investment hub’. Speaking at a meeting of officials in Chattogram, he emphasised that the development of the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Chittagong is a crucial step for the government. Siddiqi highlighted the importance of the NSEZ in boosting Bangladesh's economic growth by attracting foreign investment, creating jobs and increasing exports. He said the government is making every effort to ensure a modern and suitable environment for both foreign and domestic investors. NSEZ project director Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk and BEZA's Executive Member (Planning and Development), Major General Md Nazrul Islam and representatives from the local administration were present at the meeting, according to a media release.

In a bid to curb fraud and ensure transparency in air ticket sales, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has made it mandatory for all travel agencies to print their name, licence number, and the selling price on every air ticket. The Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Thursday for air passengers and travel agency owners. In the notification, the ministry said many agencies are not complying with the circular from February 11, which instructed them to mention the ticket price on every issued ticket. According to the ministry, the new notification aims to ensure transparency in air ticket sales and safeguard passengers from deceptive pricing and unlicensed operators. “All travel agencies must clearly write their name, licence number, and the selling price on the ticket,” the ministry stated, adding that passengers should verify this information before purchasing tickets. The government has also warned against buying tickets from unregistered travel agencies. “If any agency is found involved in price manipulation or syndicate activity, strict action will be taken, including cancellation of their registration,” the ministry added.

Walton has been awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for its environment-friendly green 'Mold and Die Complex'.  For getting highest score based on its sustainable design and construction practices, promoting energy efficiency, water conservation and other environmentally responsible features, Walton's mold and die complex were awarded the LEED Platinum Certificate, said a press release. Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC's Chairman S M Shamsul Alam and Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam received this certificate at a programme held at Walton Corporate Office in the capital on Wednesday (August 20, 2025). Walton extends global footprint with entry into 7 more countries Among others, some high officials from Walton and 360° Total Solution Limited (360 TSL) that provided technical facilitation in getting the LEED certification, led by international green building expert Ananta Ahmed, were also present. Walton Hi-Tech Chairman S M Shamsul Alam said, "We are very proud for achieving the LEED platinum certification from USGBC. We want to ensure a livable and environment-friendly world for our future generation. Thus, we strongly focused on establishing sustainable and green factories. The LEED certification will further inspire us." Thanking the authorities of 360 TSL, Walton Hi-Tech’s Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam said this achievement is not only about a certification, it establishes the Walton Sustainability ZERO Programme. Walton wins 'Excellence in Investment Award 2025' Through this programme, Walton has set a sustainability benchmark with the following ZERO targets: zero carbon emission, zero rainwater discharge, zero night light pollution, zero heat island effect, he said. At Walton Headquarters in Chandra, Gazipur, Mold and Die Complex was set up on 3,76,000 sft area meeting the highest international sustainability standards.

Bangladesh received US$1.64 billion in remittances in the first 20 days of August. The expatriates have sent $4.12 billion remittance so far (July to August 20, 2025) in the current fiscal year 2025-26. Blessing on remittance, the gross foreign exchange reserves of Bangladesh rose to $30.85 billion, while it was $25.86 billion according to IMF standard BPM6. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bank, in the same period of the previous fiscal year, the expatriates sent remittances of $3.44 billion. Accordingly, remittances have grown by 19.6 percent in the current fiscal year so far. The expatriates sent a record US$2.48 billion remittance in July (the first month) of the fiscal year 2025-26. in the FY2024-25 fiscal year also saw a record-breaking remittance inflow, with a total of $30.33 billion. This represents a 27 percent increase from the $23.74 billion received in the FY2023-24, setting a new all-time high for a single fiscal year, he pointed out.  

Stocks witnessed a downward trend in the first hour of trading with most company shares and all key indices of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) edging lower. The DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, dropped by 9 points while the Shariah-based DSES lost 1 point and the blue-chip DS30 index shed 3 points in early trading. Of the issues traded, the prices of 123 advanced, 166 declined and 91 remained unchanged. Shares worth over Tk 170 crore were transacted on the DSE in the first hour. Stock markets slide in DSE-CSE; most shares lose value The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a fall in indices, with its all-share price index losing 34 points. Among the issues traded on the CSE, 25 advanced, 22 declined and 5 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 45 lakh in the opening hour.

A new security has been listed on DSE’s ATB platform as trading of the Runner Auto Sustainability Bond commenced on Wednesday under the ‘P’ category on the Alternative Trading Board (ATB) of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The bond, with trading code "RAPLCSBOND" and scrip code "55007", has a face value and issue price of Tk 1,000,000 per unit and a remaining tenure of 4 years and 11 months. It carries a coupon rate of 8.76 percent, payable semi-annually. The bond is an unsecured, redeemable, non-convertible, guaranteed sustainability bond, with a total issue size of Tk 267.50 crore and a minimum subscription of 10 lakh units. Its trading will follow a circuit breaker of 4 percent for the first two trading days and 5 percent from the fourth day onward. Runner Automobiles reported a consolidated EPS of Tk (0.54), NAV per share of Tk 66.49, and NOCFPS of Tk 21.70 for the year ended June 30, 2024, compared to Tk (7.75), Tk 62.62, and Tk 38.32 respectively for the previous year. Stock markets slide in DSE-CSE; most shares lose value A listing agreement ceremony was held at DSE today, signed by DSE Senior Manager and Head of OTC Market Ishrat Jahan and Runner Automobiles CFO Shanat Dutta on behalf of their respective organizations. DSE Acting Managing Director and CEO Asadur Rahman said, “After a long time, a new security has been listed on DSE’s ATB platform. A digital application process is being introduced to make IPO applications easier and more efficient, allowing companies to apply simultaneously to DSE and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), while tracking the progress of their applications.” Runner Automobiles Managing Director and CEO Nazrul Islam said the sustainability bond will benefit the country in three ways: financing solar power generation, producing three-wheelers to improve transport access for low-income groups, and providing direct and indirect credit support to low-income individuals through installment-based vehicle sales. With this listing, a total of seven bonds and one equity security are now listed on DSE’s ATB Platform.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), met with Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, on Wednesday and urged urgent measures to resolve the ongoing gas crisis and ensure an uninterrupted supply for the garment sector. The meeting took place at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division's office at the Secretariat. BGMEA Director Mohammad Abdur Rahim and Director A.B.M. Shamsuddin accompanied the BGMEA president. Senior officials from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division were also present. During the meeting, the BGMEA president highlighted the current gas situation in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and the various problems caused by the gas shortage. He explained that many factories are unable to operate at full production capacity due to an insufficient gas supply and low gas pressure, which is negatively impacting exports and the country's economic growth. Bangladesh well-positioned in new era of trade wars: BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan To resolve this crisis, the BGMEA president proposed five urgent measures: 1. Prioritise the garment and textile industry: The labour-intensive garment and textile industry should be given priority for new gas connections to protect economic growth and employment. 2. Expedite the scrutiny process: The BGMEA president called for the ministry to quickly complete the scrutiny process for new gas connections from Titas Gas, enabling factories to start production on time. 3. Create a separate application list: A separate list should be created for applicants who do not require a load increase but need to modify or relocate equipment. This would allow for a quicker decision-making process. 4. Prioritise low-load applicants: Applicants seeking a low load increase should be given priority for gas connections. This would help small and medium industries get into production faster. 5. Ensure gas pressure: Necessary steps should be taken to ensure a minimum pressure of 3-4 PSI in areas like Dhamrai and Manikganj, where gas pressure tends to drop at the end of the pipeline. Tariff reduction to 20% 'a relief': BGMEA President The BGMEA president further stated that ensuring a smooth path for the garment industry is crucial for maintaining competitive capability in the international market and securing investment and employment after LDC graduation. He sought the government's overall cooperation to sustain the country's economic progress. Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, listened to the BGMEA president's concerns. He assured that the government prioritises the garment industry as the largest private-sector employer and is sincere about resolving its problems. He confirmed that the division would seriously consider the issues raised by the BGMEA.

After four consecutive sessions of gains, the country’s stock markets witnessed a downturn on Wednesday as key indices, share prices of most companies and overall turnover declined both in Dhaka and Chattogram. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) opened higher but the momentum could not sustain as indices fell gradually throughout the session. At the end of the day’s trade, the benchmark DSEX index shed 31 points. Among other indices, the Shariah-based DSES lost 11 points while the blue-chip DS30 dropped 18 points. Out of the 398 issues traded, prices fell for 223, advanced for 124 and remained unchanged for 51. In category-wise performance, most issues declined across A, B and Z categories. In the A-category, which comprises the highest dividend-paying companies, out of 219 issues traded, 123 declined, 72 advanced and 24 remained unchanged. Turnover at DSE crosses Tk 950cr after 15 days In the block market, shares worth Tk 23 crore of 29 companies changed hands, with Asiatic Laboratories accounting for the highest transaction of Tk 10 crore. The turnover on the DSE dropped to Tk 953 crore, down from Tk 1,037 crore in the previous session. Information Services Network Limited topped the gainer’s list with a 10 percent rise while Standard Ceramic Industries Limited lost over 7 percent to end at the bottom. CSE No Exception  Like Dhaka, the indices of the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended lower, with its overall index losing 75 points. Out of 228 issues traded, 109 declined, 90 advanced and 29 remained unchanged. The turnover in the port city bourse halved compared to the previous session, coming down to Tk 9 crore from Tk 18 crore. Crystal Insurance Company Limited gained 10 percent to top the chart, while Metro Spinning Limited fell over 9 percent to end as the worst loser.

Global Islami Bank PLC has decided to transfer and extend the use of its unutilised IPO proceeds, according to a disclosure made on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website. The bank’s shareholders, at its 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on last year August 19, approved two special resolutions regarding IPO fund utilisation. These include transferring the remaining Tk 31,98,032 under ‘Estimated IPO Expense’ to the ‘Investment in SME’ head, subject to approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and other regulators, if required. Shareholders also approved a 24-month extension -- till November 9, 2026 -- for utilising the remaining IPO proceeds. According to the bank’s statement on IPO proceeds utilisation for the quarter ended June 30 this year, a total of Tk 73,81,98,032 remains unutilised. The bank attributed the delay in deploying funds to a lack of potential SME investors, volatility in the capital market, the Russia-Ukraine war, domestic political unrest and conflicts in the Middle East. As per DSE data, Global Islami Bank shares are currently trading at Tk 2.80 each. Over the past year, its share price has dropped from Tk 7 to Tk 2. The bank last declared a 5 percent dividend in 2022 but has not announced any since, leading to its placement in the ‘Z’ category on the stock market. According to its financial statements, the bank’s earnings per share (EPS) fell by 16.56 percent in the first six months of 2025. On a year-on-year basis, returns dropped by 59.42 percent. Although the Shariah-based bank posted profits in 2021 and 2022, it has been incurring losses since 2023. In 2024 alone, its losses amounted to Tk 1,246.61 crore.