United News of Bangladesh

Gold prices in Bangladesh have declined again, with the rate of 22-carat gold reduced by Tk 3,266 per bhori to Tk 255,558, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) announced on Wednesday. In a morning statement, Bajus said the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) fell in the local market, prompting a fresh adjustment that takes immediate effect. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk 243,953 per bhori (11.664 grams), 18-carat at Tk 209,077, and traditional-method gold at Tk 171,111 per bhori. The selling price of gold will include a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by Bajus. However, making charges may vary depending on design and quality. On Tuesday morning, Bajus had cut the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 to Tk 258,824 per bhori. With the latest adjustment, gold prices have declined by a total of Tk 5,482 per bhori in two consecutive revisions. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 30 times in the domestic market — raised on 18 occasions and reduced 12 times. Gold price drops by Tk 2,216 per bhori in Bangladesh Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged. A bhori of 22-carat silver is currently selling at Tk 6,357, 21-carat at Tk 6,065, 18-carat at Tk 5,190, and traditional silver at Tk 3,907. Silver prices have been adjusted 17 times this year, including 10 hikes and seven cuts.

The price of gold in Bangladesh has been reduced by Tk 2,216 per bhori, with the new rate for 22-carat gold set at Tk 258,824 per bhori (11.664 grams), Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced on Tuesday. In a morning notification, BAJUS said the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) declined in the local market, prompting the adjustment.  The revised rates have come into effect immediately. Under the new pricing structure, 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 247,044 per bhori, while 18-carat gold will cost Tk 211,760 per bhori.  The price of gold produced under the traditional method has been set at Tk 173,327 per bhori. The selling price of gold must include a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery. On February 9, BAJUS had increased the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori to Tk 261,040. Gold Price Shock: Tk16,330 surge hits Bangladesh overnight So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 29 times in the local market—raised on 18 occasions and reduced 11 times. Despite the fall in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 6,357 per bhori. The price of 21-carat silver stands at Tk 6,065 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,190 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk 3,907 per bhori.

Bangladesh Capital Market Investor Association (BCIA) on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s capital market will rebound within the next six months if the newly elected BNP government takes prudent and timely measures. In a statement congratulating the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its landslide victory and absolute majority in the 13th parliamentary election, the investors’ body said the government’s first six months in office would be crucial for rebuilding the economy. BCIA said it firmly expects that the ruling party and a strong opposition will work in coordination to restore the fragile banking system, the battered capital market and the overall struggling trade, commerce and financial management framework within this initial period. The organisation also voiced hope that government initiatives would revive public confidence, encouraging people to invest spontaneously across different sectors of the economy. Advising the new administration, BCIA stressed the need to appoint a financially integrated and dignified Finance Minister, a State Minister for Finance with practical knowledge of the capital market, as well as competent heads of key institutions including Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Highlighting the stagnation in new listings, BCIA noted that while India saw 370 new IPOs over the past two years (2025–2026), not a single company was listed in Bangladesh during the same period. Stocks surge as DSE turnover crosses Tk 500 crore in first half It urged the government to ensure effective coordination among relevant institutions from day one and expedite the listing of at least two to three multinational and profitable state-owned companies to inject fresh momentum into the market and restore investor confidence. The association also pledged that over the next five years, it would work in partnership with the government to contribute positively to the country’s financial sector and support the administration in achieving its highest level of success.

Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE) and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on introducing and promoting Orange capital instruments, including Orange Bonds and Sukuk, in Bangladesh’s capital market. The MoU was signed at the DSE boardroom by DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar and IIX Founder and CEO Prof Durreen Shahnaz. Under the agreement, DSE will explore facilitating the listing of Orange Bonds and Sukuk under a dedicated thematic or sustainable finance category, subject to regulatory approvals.  The initiative aims to position Orange instruments as credible thematic debt securities within Bangladesh’s capital market. Symbolising the colour of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality, the Orange Movement seeks to mobilise $10 billion globally at the intersection of gender equality and climate action. “Capital markets play a vital role in channeling long-term finance toward national development priorities,” said Nuzhat Anwar, adding that the collaboration reflects DSE’s commitment to deepening the market and supporting sustainable financial instruments that deliver measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. Prof Durreen Shahnaz said Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in realigning its financial markets with inclusive economic growth priorities. “We look forward to collaborating with DSE to jointly advance the Orange capital market, championing gender equality and climate action while strengthening trust, transparency and credibility in Bangladesh’s financial system.” The partnership will combine IIX’s global experience in impact investing and gender-lens finance with DSE’s central role in developing the country’s capital market ecosystem. The MoU also outlines plans for joint advocacy, market promotion and capacity-building initiatives, including workshops, investor engagement programmes and policy dialogues with regulators, financial institutions and development partners. All activities will be carried out in line with Bangladesh’s regulatory framework and subject to approval by the relevant authorities. Founded in 2009, IIX operates in 60 countries and has mobilised nearly $500 million in private capital, impacting more than 185 million lives and avoiding over 1.9 million metric tons of carbon emissions through its impact-driven financing initiatives. Officials from both organisations and representatives from market intermediaries were present at the signing ceremony.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Tuesday said that the government is trying to resist further declines in potato and egg prices to avoid hurting farmers, underscoring a policy push to balance producer viability with consumer affordability. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Commerce in the afternoon, he said prices of potatoes and eggs in the local market are currently at a ‘normal’ level and the overall market situation remains stable ahead of Ramadan. “The market is now more stable compared to other times. Compared to last Ramadan, prices of essential commodities are expected to be lower in the upcoming Ramadan,” he said. Expedite trade facilitation roadmap implementation for LDC graduation: Sk Bashir Claiming there is no shortage or disorder in the market, the adviser said discipline has returned to the market as a result of various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Commerce. “We have been saying repeatedly, and we are saying it again, that the upcoming Ramadan will be better than the previous one.” Referring specifically to potato and egg prices, Bashir said he does not want prices to decline further. “Eggs are selling at Tk 120 per dozen and potatoes at Tk 30 per kg. If prices fall below this level, farmers will be affected.” To protect small-scale poultry farmers, he stressed the need to fix egg prices in line with feed costs. “Prices must be determined after considering all relevant factors.” Replying to a question on alleged syndicates in the meat market, the adviser said the government deliberately refrained from importing beef to reduce prices, as such a move would have harmed local cattle farmers. “We could have imported meat from Brazil at half the current price if we wanted to. But the government chose not to do so, keeping farmers’ interests in mind,” he said, adding that while some corporate dominance exists in the egg market, no such control is evident in the meat sector. He also noted that there has never been a supply shortage in the egg market. “When egg prices rose to Tk 180 per dozen, the Ministry of Commerce approved the import of 290 million eggs. However, only 1.1 million eggs were actually imported—an amount that can meet national demand for just 10 to 15 minutes, given a daily demand of around 50 million eggs.” On his last working day, Bashir acknowledged that there were shortcomings but said there was no lack of effort in controlling the market. “There is no visible crisis in the market. Overall, the prices of eggs, potatoes, rice, pulses, sugar and edible oil are at a tolerable level,” he said, adding that monitoring and investigations into edible oil prices are continuing regularly. Second round of tariff talks with US ‘encouraging’: Sk Bashir

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Monday expressed deep concern over the central bank’s continued contractionary monetary policy, warning that prolonged tightening is holding back Bangladesh’s economic growth without effectively curbing inflation. As one of the country’s leading private sector bodies, the DCCI said maintaining a tight monetary stance solely to control inflation has failed to deliver the intended results, while inflicting significant damage on productive economic activities, investment and employment generation. The chamber noted that private sector credit growth has plunged to a 22-year low, falling sharply to 6.1 percent in December 2025, reflecting acute liquidity constraints, high interest rates and rising borrowing costs. These factors, it said, are choking entrepreneurship, industrial expansion and job creation. Private sector investment is also on a declining trend, dropping from 24.18 percent of GDP in FY2023 to 22.48 percent in FY2025, reinforcing concerns that prolonged monetary tightening is discouraging long-term investment decisions. “The Bangladesh economy cannot grow with a tightly clenched monetary fist,” the DCCI observed. The chamber pointed out that broad money (M2) growth rose from 7 percent in June 2025 to 9.6 percent by December 2025, indicating monetary expansion and raising questions about the overall effectiveness and consistency of the current tightening policy. DCCI calls for immediate normalisation of Ctg port operations Export performance has also come under pressure. Over the last six months, exports recorded consecutive negative growth, plunging to minus 14.25 percent in December 2025, signaling weakening external demand and declining competitiveness amid high financing costs. DCCI said sustained growth, employment creation and investment revival are not possible under an excessively restrictive monetary regime. It urged the next elected government to adopt a more pragmatic, growth-supportive policy framework through better coordination between fiscal and monetary policies. The chamber called for ensuring flexible liquidity availability, reduced borrowing costs and a balanced approach that safeguards macroeconomic stability while supporting economic recovery in the days ahead.

Gold prices in Bangladesh fell by Tk 3,266 per bhori on Saturday night, hours after a sharp increase earlier in the day, as the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced a fresh price adjustment. In a notification BAJUS fixed the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 258,824 per bhori (11.664 grams), which will take effect from Sunday morning. BAJUS said the revision was made in line with the decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market and considering the overall market situation. Under the new rates, 21-carat gold will sell at Tk 247,044 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 211,760 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method has been priced at Tk 173,327 per bhori. In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent wage set by BAJUS. However, labour charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. Earlier on Saturday morning, BAJUS had raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 7,640 per bhori, fixing it at Tk 262,090. With the latest revision, gold prices in Bangladesh have been adjusted 27 times so far in 2026 — increased 17 times and reduced 10 times. Despite the cut in gold prices, silver prices in Bangladesh remained unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 6,357 per bhori, while 21-carat silver stands at Tk 6,065 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,190 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk 3,907 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices in Bangladesh have been revised 17 times, with prices increased 10 times and reduced seven times.

A S M Noman Sarkar of Cumilla has won a Royal Enfield motorcycle as the mega prize of Nagad’s campaign titled “Asha Aar Fera, Surprise Sera.” He secured the top prize by participating in the campaign and completing transactions in line with all campaign conditions, according to a press release issued by Nagad on Saturday. The prize was handed over to the winner at a grand ceremony during the two-day Nagad Carnival held at the International School Dhaka (ISD) grounds. Nagad Administrator, Md. Motasem Billah presented the motorcycle to the winner. Nagad to receive remittances thru National Bank Nagad Additional Managing Director, Shyamal B. Das, Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Imran Hyder, and Chief Commercial Officer, Mohammad Shaheen Sarwar Bhuiyan, also present. Alongside the mega prize, participants in the campaign won several other rewards, including scooters and iPhones. In addition, the first customer to make a transaction on Nagad every minute received mobile recharge rewards. Through this process, Nagad distributed thousands of small, medium, and large prizes. Among other notable winners, Sani Bepari from Barishal won an iPhone, while Sohel from Mymensingh won a scooter. Expressing his excitement, A S M Noman Sarkar, said he first learned about the campaign from Nagad’s Facebook page. “After that, I reactivated my unused Nagad wallet and started making transactions,” he said. Sharing his feelings, he added, “I can’t really put my emotions into words. I feel extremely happy. From now on, I will use Nagad regularly and encourage my friends to do the same.” The campaign, which began on 26 November last year, saw enthusiastic participation from customers across the country. Through such initiatives, Nagad continues to demonstrate its commitment to its customers and aims to further strengthen its bond with them through more attractive campaigns in the future. Nagad hits record Tk 40,000 crore in monthly transactions

Gold prices in Bangladesh have been reduced by Tk7,640 per bhori on Friday, following a fresh price revision announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The association explained that the decision was taken in view of an overall assessment of the market situation, particularly a fall in the local price of tejabi gold (pure gold). Under the new rates, the price of 22-carat gold has been fixed at Tk254,450 per bhori (11.664 grams), which comes into effect immediately, BAJUS said in a statement. According to the revised price list, 21-carat gold will now sell at Tk242,903 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has been priced at Tk208,202 per bhori.  Gold made under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk170,411 per bhori. Gold Price Shock: Tk16,330 surge hits Bangladesh overnight In addition to the declared selling price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery. BAJUS last adjusted gold prices on February 3, when it raised the price by Tk10,906 per bhori, fixing the rate of 22-carat gold at Tk262,090. So far in 2026, gold prices in the domestic market have been revised around 25 times — increased on 16 occasions and reduced nine times. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been lowered. The price of 22-carat silver has been reduced by Tk175 per bhori to Tk6,357.  The new rates for 21-carat silver stand at Tk6,065 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk5,190 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk3,907 per bhori. This marks the 17th adjustment of silver prices in the local market this year, with prices raised 10 times and cut seven times so far.

Analysts and business leaders on Thursday said  comprehensive policy reforms, stronger institutional efficiency and an uncompromising commitment to ethical business practices are crucial for Bangladesh to sustain its competitiveness in the post-LDC graduation era. The observations came at a high-level discussion titled “Business Climate in Bangladesh: Issues and Challenges of Ethical Practice”, jointly organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at the FBCCI office in Motijheel. Presenting the keynote paper, Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), called for urgent ‘business process re-engineering’ to lower the cost of doing business and enhance the efficiency of government agencies. Read More: Top business leaders meet Tarique Rahman, discuss economy, jobs He said streamlining core services such as licensing, registration and customs clearance must go hand in hand with strengthening integrity and accountability among public officials to remove systemic bottlenecks. During the open discussion, business leaders said creating a genuinely investment-friendly environment requires swift implementation of digitalisation, automation and a fully functional single window system to ensure transparency and predictability. IBFB Director M S Siddiqui noted that several existing regulatory frameworks remain misaligned with ease-of-doing-business objectives, which can deter both domestic and foreign investment. Responding to the concerns, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Secretary Mohammad Kaled Rahim acknowledged procedural complexities in the system but reiterated the commission’s commitment to simplifying processes.  He urged members of the business community to report specific instances of harassment or irregularities to the authorities. Foreign Secretary Dr Md Nazrul Islam said the interim government has already initiated complex institutional reforms, but emphasised that broad-based “behavioural reform” across both public and private sectors has now become a critical priority. Read More: Govt signs deal with ‘Shukrishi’ to develop agri-business entrepreneurship IBFB President Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan said ethical business practices are the foundation of inclusive growth and a stronger global image for Bangladesh. She stressed that collective responsibility, transparency and continuous dialogue are as important as legal frameworks in addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan assured participants that the private sector’s recommendations would be formally conveyed to the government. He also urged entrepreneurs to uphold responsible and ethical business conduct. Former FBCCI directors, general body members, FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir, Head of FBCCI International Affairs Wing Md Zafar Iqbal, Adviser of FBCCI Safety Council Brig Gen (retd) Abu Nayeem Md Shahidullah, along with leaders from IBFB and various chambers and trade associations attended the event.