United News of Bangladesh

Stocks rebounded on Monday as indices rose at both the bourses—Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) snapping a streak of declines, with most listed companies posting gains. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX advanced 85 points at the close. The Shariah-based DSES gained 11 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose 33 points. The market breadth remained strongly positive as 347 issues advanced against 21 decliners, while 22 remained unchanged. The turnover at the premier bourse increased to Tk 718 crore, up from Tk 568 crore in the previous session. In the block market, shares worth Tk 88 crore were traded from 34 companies, with Olympic Industries PLC dominating the segment with Tk 72 crore worth of shares changing hands. Among individual issues, Energypac Power Generation PLC topped the gainers’ chart on the DSE, rising nearly 9.5 percent, while Meghna Cement Mills PLC was the worst loser, shedding over 5 percent. The CSE also closed higher, with its key CASPI index gaining 147 points. Out of the traded issues, 107 advanced, 43 declined and 16 remained unchanged. The turnover at the port city bourse stood at Tk 18 crore, up from Tk 13 crore in the previous session. Prime Finance and Investment Limited emerged as the top gainer on the CSE with a 10 percent rise, while EXIM Bank 1st Mutual Fund lost nearly 6 percent to become the day’s worst performer.  

The Bangla Academy has announced nine eminent writers as the recipients of its Literary Award 2025. In a media statement, the academy’s public relations department said the awards were given in eight categories for the year. The recipients are Syed Azizul Huq for essay, Mohon Raihan for poetry, Nasima Anis for fiction, Hasan Hafiz for children’s literature, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammedy for science, Ali Ahmad for translation, and Moidul Hasan for the Liberation War.  

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Monday said commodity prices and supply in the capital’s markets remain satisfactory during Ramadan, warning that action will be taken if any irregularities are found. The minister made the remarks after a surprise visit to Mohammadpur Town Hall Kitchen Market in the city, where he inspected shops and spoke to traders and consumers. “The market situation during Ramadan is normal. If any deviation occurs, we will take action,” he told reporters. Stocks adequate to keep Ramadan market stable: Commerce Minister Mentioning that monitoring activities are ongoing, Muktadir said 10 teams from the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate are conducting daily drives, alongside three additional teams from the ministry. “If anyone tries to create chaos in the market bypassing these monitoring teams, inform us and we will take steps.” Admitting that the prices of lemons and chickpeas had increased at the beginning of Ramadan, the minister said lemons that were selling at Tk 60 per dozen a day before Ramadan had surged to Tk 120, causing public dissatisfaction. “However, during today’s visit, we found that lemon prices have come down to Tk 50-60 per dozen depending on the variety.” Muktadir said controlling the market in a city of around 20 million people like Dhaka requires coordinated efforts and assured that the Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring the situation to prevent a handful of traders from manipulating the market. He said import-based commodities remain stable and there is no shortage in products sold through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). “In fact, the prices of many items are Tk 10-15 lower this Ramadan compared to last year.” Bangladesh to seek delay in LDC graduation, says Commerce Minister Responding to a question about recent obstruction and alleged threats against a magistrate during a consumer rights drive at Moulvibazar in the capital, the minister said a case has already been filed against the trader concerned. “The law will take its own course. The purpose of market drives is not to harass traders but to send a message that they are under government surveillance,” he said. State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate Farooq Ahmed and Additional Secretary of the ministry IIT Shibir Bicitro Barua were present during the visit. Later, the minister also inspected the capital’s largest wholesale kitchen market at Karwan Bazar and exchanged views with traders and buyers about the overall market situation.

The 13th Parliament will go into its first session on March 12 next, just one month after the February-12 general election. President Mohammed Shahabuddin has summoned the session to convene at 11:00 am on Thursday in the Parliament chamber of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The President summoned the session under the powers conferred by Article 72(1) of the Constitution. This session will mark both the inaugural sitting of the 13th Parliament and the first parliamentary session of 2026. The parliamentary elections were held on February 12, the country’s first since the massive 2024 uprising, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) winning it with two-thirds majority. New parliament may go into session by March 12: Salahuddin Voting in the 13th parliamentary election was held in 299 constituencies on February 12. The Election Commission of Bangladesh published the gazette notification on February 13, declaring results for 297 seats. In the 297 constituencies, BNP won in 209 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami in 68, NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. Later, the newly elected MPs were sworn in on February 17 and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, took oath as MP from Dhaka-17 constituency, leaving Bogura-6 constituency for by-election. 6 NCP MPs-elect sworn in as members of Parliament, CRC According to Article 72(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must be summoned to meet within 30 days after the declaration of the results of polling at any general election. The same article also states that unless sooner dissolved by the President, Parliament shall stand dissolved on the expiration of five years from the date of its first meeting. So, the five-year tenure of the 13th Parliament will officially commence with its first sitting on March 12.

  The icddr,b is managing a dedicated Zakat Fund to support eligible poor patients, enabling low-income families to access life-saving treatment at its hospitals. Beneficiaries are identified through a structured verification process to ensure compliance with Islamic guidance and the responsible use of Zakat contributions, said a press release. Last year, around 4,000 patients received treatment through the fund, helping low-income families meet urgent medical expenses. icddr,b said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to equitable healthcare and support for disadvantaged communities. Those seeking to ensure that their Zakat directly supports verified, low-income patients in urgent need of medical care can find more information at donate.icddrb.org and through other authorised healthcare institutions, it added. Every year, icddr,b’s hospitals in Dhaka, Matlab, and Teknaf provide free treatment to over 3 lakhpatients, most of them are children from very low-income households. Illness like diarrhoea, pneumonia, and severe malnutrition hit these communities hardest, it said. While the average cost of full treatment is just 3 thousand taka per child, for manyfamilies, this modest sum is out of reach. A single Zakat contribution can fully finance one child’s treatment, it added.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said 2,701 police constables will be recruited on an emergency basis to address the existing manpower shortage in the force. Talking to journalists at the Secretariat, the minister said restoring law and order and rebuilding public confidence remain the government’s top priorities. He said efforts are underway to make law enforcement agencies more people-friendly, in line with public expectations. The Home Minister also warned that prompt action would be taken against anyone obstructing police in the discharge of their lawful duties. “No one — whether for political or social reasons — will be allowed to interfere with police work,” he said. At the same time, he said, police activities would be closely monitored to ensure that the public does not suffer in any way. Al firearms issued during the previous government would be reviewed to ensure they were distributed in accordance with the law, the minister added.

High bank lending rates, unstable law and order marked by extortion, energy uncertainty and lack of coordination in revenue management are proving ‘suicidal’ for the economy, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Taskeen Ahmed said on Monday. Taskeen made the remarks at a press conference titled ‘Expectations from the New Government to Address the Current Economic Situation’ held at the DCCI auditorium in the city. He said the unchanged policy rate has forced businesses to borrow from banks at 16–17 percent interest, creating mounting pressure on the private sector. DCCI urges quick economic recovery measures as BNP forms govt “The high volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and the reduction of the loan classification period from nine months to three months have further destabilised the financial sector,” the DCCI president said. “Industrial production is being hampered due to inadequate gas supply and the recent increase in gas prices for new industries and captive power plants by Tk 40 and Tk 42 per unit respectively,” he said, mentioning that both domestic demand and export targets are being missed as a result. He warned that the absence of policy continuity in industrial regulations and an “unbearable” level of extortion have eroded investor confidence, affecting both local and foreign investments. The DCCI president also pointed to structural weaknesses in the revenue management system, saying the lack of automation leads to harassment of compliant taxpayers while many remain outside the tax net, depriving the government of due revenue and slowing collection growth. Taskeen said delays in land acquisition, high land prices, a 41 percent average increase in service charges by the Chattogram Port Authority and underutilisation of inland waterways have significantly raised the cost of doing business. “Rising production and distribution costs are also fuelling inflationary pressures.” Prolonged tight monetary policy stalling Bangladesh’s growth: DCCI On Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status, Taskeen said estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) suggest exports could decline by 5.5–7 percent, equivalent to around $2.7 billion. Given the current domestic and global economic uncertainties, such a setback would be highly undesirable, he said, urging the government to seek at least a three-year deferment of LDC graduation. Referring to the recently signed agreement with the United States, he said it does not guarantee duty-free access for the ready-made garment sector, while conditions related to LNG and other imports may increase business costs. Taskeen called on the government to renegotiate the terms with the US administration. During the question-and-answer session, the DCCI president stressed the need for effective measures to curb extortion and improve law and order. He noted that over two million educated youths remain unemployed, warning that prolonged joblessness could lead to social instability. He emphasised strengthening skill development programmes, simplifying business procedures and ensuring easier access to bank loans, particularly for young entrepreneurs and startups. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman and members of the Board of Directors were present at the event.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Monday said that the government will soon begin distributing smart ‘Farmers Cards’ similar to family cards on pilot basis, to bring cultivators under various benefit schemes. “We are basically discussing providing our farmers with a smart card like a family card. We are going to launch the pilot project of the ‘Farmers Card’ as soon as possible,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on the proposed ‘Farmers Card’ at the Secretariat. When asked whether the card distribution would begin before Eid, the minister said it was not possible to specify a timeline at this stage, as several preparatory issues are involved. Farmers and marginal people's welfare key pledge of government: Fisheries and Livestock Minister The relevant ministries are working to determine how it can be done in the shortest possible time, he added. Explaining the benefits of the card, the minister said farmers will receive all types of support related to agricultural production through the smart card system. “A farmer will get access to agricultural knowledge, machinery, fertiliser, pesticides, seeds and other necessary inputs though the card. Besides, we will be able to bring market conditions, production data and weather information under a smart system. Based on that data, we will be able to formulate proper planning,” he said. Responding to a question on whether genuine farmers would receive the cards or if influential local figures might take advantage, the minister said the smart system is being introduced specifically to prevent middlemen from benefiting. “We are moving toward a smart ‘Farmers Card’ to ensure that no middlemen can take undue advantage or create leakage. Once a smart ‘Farmers Card’ is handed to a farmer, his or her communication with the state will be direct,” Minister Swapan said. There will be no intermediaries and any problems faced by farmers will be directly known to the state, which will make planning much easier, he added.  

Bangladesh’s economy posted a mixed performance in the October–December quarter of FY2025–26 as weak exports, sluggish private investment and persistent inflation continued to weigh on growth, according to the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). In its quarterly economic review, MCCI said macroeconomic stability improved gradually, supported by strong remittance inflows and a rise in foreign exchange reserves, but the overall recovery remained fragile amid tight monetary policy and subdued business activity. Exports declined marginally by 0.54 percent to US$24.40 billion during July–December of FY26, compared to US$24.53 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, mainly due to weak performance in knitwear and woven garments. Meanwhile, imports increased by 5.16 percent to US$29.13 billion in July–November, widening the trade deficit to over US$9.41 billion. Remittances emerged as a key positive factor, rising 18.05 percent to US$16.26 billion in July–December FY26, while December alone saw a 22.19 percent increase year-on-year to US$3.22 billion. This helped boost foreign exchange reserves to US$33.19 billion at the end of December 2025, a three-year high. Inflation remained elevated, rising to 8.49 percent in December 2025 from 8.29 percent in November, driven by increases in both food and non-food prices. The government has set a target of keeping average inflation at 6.5 percent during the current fiscal year. Private sector credit growth slowed to 6.10 percent in December 2025, below the Bangladesh Bank target of 7.20 percent, reflecting cautious lending amid tightening monetary conditions. In contrast, public sector credit expanded sharply by 28.13 percent. Revenue collection by the National Board of Revenue grew by 14.19 percent to Tk 185,229 crore during July–December FY26 but fell nearly 20 percent short of its target, highlighting fiscal challenges. Implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) dropped to a 20-year low, with only 17.54 percent of the allocation utilised in the first six months of FY26, raising concerns about development momentum. The industrial sector grew by 6.97 percent in Q1 FY26, while manufacturing expanded by 6.17 percent. However, agricultural growth slowed to 2.30 percent, and services sector growth stood at 3.67 percent. Foreign direct investment inflows increased significantly by nearly 60 percent to US$651 million during July–November FY26, although MCCI noted that overall FDI remained low compared to peer economies. Foreign aid disbursement declined sharply by 29.18 percent to US$2.50 billion in the first half of FY26, reflecting slower implementation of externally funded projects. The balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$769 million during July–November FY26, reversing a deficit of US$2.54 billion a year earlier, largely due to strong financial account inflows and remittances. However, overseas employment declined by 6.29 percent in October–December FY26 compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. The MCCI said while improved remittance inflows and reserve accumulation provided some macroeconomic stability, continued inflationary pressure, weak export growth, sluggish private investment and slow development spending posed significant challenges to a sustained economic recovery.  

The government has appointed Supreme Court lawyer Aminul Islam as the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Monday morning. Advocate Tajul Islam returning as Chief Prosecutor at ICT, where once he led defence of Jamaat leaders Aminul Islam has been appointed as chief prosecutor to conduct the tribunal’s cases until further orders,  according to the notification signed by Solicitor Md Manjurul Hossain. It also cancelled the appointment of Tajul Islam who had been appointed on September 5, 2024 after the fall of the Awami League government.