United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Thursday said the central bank is working to reduce ‘regulatory overreach’ by allowing banks greater operational freedom, provided they strictly comply with existing rules and guidelines. “We do not want to interfere in your work, but our guidelines and regulations must be followed by everyone,” he said while speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Banking Sector Reforms’, jointly organised by Mutual Trust Bank PLC and The Financial Express at a city hotel. The Governor said Bangladesh Bank has opted for a direct action approach by forming three dedicated task forces instead of setting up a banking commission to expedite reforms and asset recovery. Dr Mansur explained that forming a commission would be time-consuming, requiring at least six months to prepare a report and another three months for review, leaving the current interim government with little time for implementation. BTMA threatens shutdown of all spinning mills over duty-free yarn imports “We have taken the approach that we will not form any commission. We will move directly to implementation through task forces,” he said. Dr Mansur said the three task forces are focusing on banking sector reform, Bangladesh Bank reform, and asset recovery. Referring to the challenges of recovering laundered money, the Governor said a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has been formed comprising the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He acknowledged that capacity building remains a major challenge, noting that Bangladesh is receiving technical assistance from international partners. “The World Bank, British government, FBI and the European Union are providing technical support,” Dr Mansur said. The Governor said the long-term goal is to establish a permanent mechanism similar to the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to combat financial crimes on a continuous basis. He revealed that authorities have identified 12 to 13 major individuals and around 200 others who allegedly laundered more than Tk 200 crore each. Experts, farmers warn of food security crisis over poultry import ban Expressing optimism over ongoing legal proceedings, Dr Mansur specifically mentioned the asset recovery case involving Saifuzzaman in London, adding that Islami Bank has also filed a claim in the matter. The BB Governor said the central bank is maintaining strict political neutrality to keep the economy functional, distinguishing the current approach from that of the ‘1/11’ caretaker government period. “We do not want any factories to close. No colour, no party—if a factory exists, the objective is how to keep it running,” Dr Mansur said. He cited examples, noting that letters of credit (LCs) were allowed for S Alam Group’s SS Power plant due to its $2.5 billion investment, which is critical for the country’s power supply. Similarly, facilities have been extended to the Gazi Group and Beximco, he said. Regarding Beximco, the Governor said that out of its 18 or 19 entities, only the textile division is currently facing difficulties, while other units such as pharmaceuticals and Shinepukur Ceramics remain operational. Dr Mansur said an exit roadmap has been developed in consultation with business representatives, allowing affected industries timeframes ranging from five to 12 years to regularise their liabilities. 11 more institutions inc. banks, municipal bodies join BIDA’s One-Stop Service portal The Governor stressed the urgency of passing key financial laws during the tenure of the current administration, warning that future governments may find it ‘extremely difficult’ to enact them. He expressed concern that the amendment to the Money Loan Court Act was returned by a committee on the grounds of being anti-business, arguing that without the amendment, asset recovery would be impossible. Dr Mansur also underscored the importance of passing amendments to the Bank Company Act to strengthen governance in the banking sector.  

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) on Thursday threatened to shut down all spinning mills across the country from February 1 if the government does not withdraw duty-free import facilities for certain categories of cotton yarn. BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell issued the ultimatum at a press conference held at the association’s office in Dhaka. The association is demanding the immediate suspension of bond facilities on the import of 10–30 count cotton yarn, arguing that the measure is essential to protect the local spinning industry from what it describes as unfair competition. 11 more institutions inc. banks, municipal bodies join BIDA’s One-Stop Service portal The dispute centres on the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) bond facility, which allows export-oriented industries to import raw materials duty-free on the condition that the finished products are exported. According to the BTMA, this policy is severely undermining local spinning mills, particularly those producing 10–30 count yarns. Highlighting the urgency of the issue, the BTMA said the government must implement the Commerce Ministry’s recommendation to withdraw the facility within the current month. Russell clarified that withdrawing the duty-free facility should not be confused with the imposition of a new tariff. Importers, he said, would still be able to claim duty drawbacks from the government under existing rules. The demand follows a recent recommendation by the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), which advised the Commerce Ministry to suspend the bond facility for 10–30 count cotton yarn. Proposed amendments to Bank Company Act faces fierce opposition from BAB Local millers say 10–30 count yarn is a core product of the domestic spinning sector, and the continued influx of duty-free imported yarn of the same count is making local production economically unsustainable. Earlier, the Commerce Ministry formally recommended to the NBR that the bond facility be suspended to safeguard domestic investment and ensure a level playing field for local textile manufacturers.

Trading at the country’s stock markets began on a positive note on the last working day of the week, with key indices of both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) posting gains. During the first half of the session, the DSE’s benchmark index rose by 16 points. The other two indices—the Shariah-based DSE Shariah Index (DSES) and the blue-chip DS30—also advanced by 3 points each. Share prices increased for most of the listed companies. Of the issues traded on the DSE, prices rose for 218 companies, fell for 85, and remained unchanged for 83. The total turnover on the DSE stood at Tk 230 crore in shares and units during the period. Stocks open mixed as DSE advances, CSE slips Meanwhile, at the CSE, the overall index CASPI gained 18 points in the first half of trading. Prices advanced for 46 companies, declined for 24, while 10 issues remained unchanged. The port city bourse recorded a turnover of Tk 1.5 crore in shares and units during the first half of the session.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have surged past the Tk 250,000 mark per bhori on Wednesday, hitting an all-time high in the domestic market. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 8,339 per bhori (11.664 grams), setting the new rate at Tk 252,467, the highest ever recorded in the country. In a notification issued at night, BAJUS said the price adjustment was made in view of a rise in the local market price of pure gold (tejabi gold).  The new prices will come into effect from Thursday. According to the revised rates, the price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 240,978 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 206,569 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will sell at Tk 169,653 per bhori. Gold price hits fresh record in Bangladesh In addition to the selling price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent VAT set by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge fixed by BAJUS. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. BAJUS last revised gold prices on January 20, when it increased the rate of 22-carat gold by Tk 5,249 per bhori to Tk 244,128 — then the highest price in Bangladesh’s history. With the latest adjustment, gold prices have been revised 10 times in the domestic market so far in 2026. Of these, prices were increased on eight occasions and reduced twice. Silver Prices Also Rise Alongside gold, silver prices have also been increased. BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat silver by Tk 292 per bhori to Tk 6,882, marking the highest silver price ever in the country. Gold price hits record Tk 234,680 per bhori in Bangladesh Under the new rates, 21-carat silver will sell at Tk 6,532 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,599 per bhori, while silver under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 4,199 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted seven times in the local market, with prices increased five times and reduced twice.

Despite a positive start to the session, both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) closed lower on Wednesday, with prices of most listed companies declining. At the DSE, the benchmark index DSEX fell by 3 points, while the Shariah-based DSES also shed 3 points. The blue-chip index DS30 dropped by 6 points. Out of the traded issues, prices declined for 192 companies, while 136 advanced and 61 remained unchanged. The turnover also fell, with shares and units worth Tk 605 crore changing hands, down from Tk 669 crore in the previous session. Stock markets open higher at DSE, CSE In the block market, shares of 33 companies worth Tk 22 crore were traded, with Chartered Life Insurance PLC topping the list with transactions worth Tk 6 crore. Daffodil Computers PLC emerged as the top gainer on the DSE, jumping nearly 10 percent, while ICB AMCL Second Mutual Fund was the worst performer, losing more than 7 percent. The CSE also ended in the red, with its overall index CASPI losing 6 points. At the port city bourse, prices fell for 91 companies, rose for 86, and remained unchanged for 21 issues. The turnover on the CSE, however, increased to Tk 13 crore from Tk 10 crore in the previous session. Prime Finance and Investment Ltd topped the gainers’ list on the CSE, soaring over 45 percent, while Usmania Glass Sheet Factory Ltd sank 10 percent to close as the day’s worst loser.

Trading at the country’s stock markets opened on a positive note on Wednesday, the fourth working day of the week, with key indices of both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) gaining in the first half of the session. During the first half, the DSE’s benchmark index advanced by 8 points. Of the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES remained unchanged, while the blue-chip DS30 index slipped by 2 points. Most stocks traded higher on the DSE, as prices of 194 companies rose against 100 decliners, while 88 issues remained unchanged. The total turnover at the premier bourse stood at Tk 230 crore in shares and units. Meanwhile, on the CSE, the overall CASPI index gained 34 points in the first half of trading. On the port city bourse, the prices of 46 companies increased, while 26 issues saw a fall and 9 remained unchanged. Read More: Bangladesh stock market closes higher on strong bullish momentum The turnover at the CSE amounted to Tk 4 crore during the period.

Wall Street plunged sharply on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on eight European countries, intensifying tensions over his push to assert American influence over Greenland. The sell-off affected nearly all sectors, extending losses from last week. The S&P 500 fell 143.15 points, or 2.1%, to 6,796.86, marking its steepest decline since October. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 870.74 points, or 1.8%, to 48,488.59, while the Nasdaq composite slid 561.07 points, or 2.4%, to 22,954.32. Technology stocks led the decline, with Nvidia down 4.4% and Apple falling 3.5%. Retailers, banks and industrial companies also lost ground, including Lowe’s (-3.3%), JPMorgan Chase (-3.1%) and Caterpillar (-2.5%). Global markets reacted similarly, with European and Asian indices falling. Japanese long-term bond yields hit record levels amid concerns over fiscal policy. Gold and silver prices surged 3.7% and 6.9% respectively, while bitcoin retreated to around $89,700 from last week’s peak above $96,000. Trump said on Saturday that he would levy a 10% import tax in February on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. Combined imports from these European nations exceed those from the US’s two largest import partners, Mexico and China. The threat has drawn sharp diplomatic reactions in Europe, with leaders considering countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs. Analysts warned that such measures could push up inflation, complicating the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. Investors are also monitoring corporate earnings amid the tariff uncertainty. Industrial giant 3M fell 7% after reporting mixed quarterly results, while other major firms, including Johnson & Johnson, Halliburton and Intel, are expected to release earnings this week.

Industry stakeholders and experts have expressed deep concern over the government’s move to ban the import of day-old chicks (DOC) for commercial poultry farming. In a statement, they warn that the decision, outlined in the draft "National Poultry Development Policy-2026," could jeopardize the country’s Tk60,000 crore poultry industry, threaten food security, and drive up prices for general consumers. The draft policy, published by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on January 13, states in section 5.8.1.2 that imports of day-old chicks for commercial farming will be prohibited. Only "Grandparent Stock" and, in specific cases of extreme shortage, "Parent Stock" may be imported. While the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) maintains the goal is to reduce import dependency and boosting local production, stakeholders argue that the timing is premature. The Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association (BPIA) pointed out that domestic production is currently reliant on a limited number of companies. "If a major disease outbreak like Bird Flu hits these local facilities, production could stop instantly," an association representative stated. Without the option to import, such a disruption would lead to a massive shortage of broiler and layer chickens, causing prices to skyrocket. Experts emphasize that poultry remains the most affordable source of animal protein for low- and middle-income families in Bangladesh. "This policy could create a triple-threat crisis," said Agriculturist Anjan Majumdar, a poultry production specialist. "The biggest losers will be marginal farmers and consumers. Before implementing such a ban, there must be a public hearing where all stakeholders can voice their opinions." Professor Md. Saiful Islam of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University added that the administrative process for importing stock is already lengthy and complex. If a crisis occurs, the "case-by-case" permission mentioned in the draft would likely be too slow to stabilize the market. The BPIA President, Mosharraf Hossain Chowdhury, stressed that the priority should be ensuring that marginal farmers receive chicks at fair prices. Furthermore, Professor Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University, told UNB that the government lacks large-scale production facilities of its own to intervene if private supply chains fail. Industry insiders also criticized the draft for lacking clear directives on market management. They fear that banning imports will empower a small group of large domestic companies to form "syndicates," leading to price manipulation. In response to the criticism, A.B.M. Khaleduzzaman, Director (Production) of the Department of Livestock Services, stated that the policy was designed to strengthen the industry in the long term. "We believe the implementation of this policy will make the country's poultry sector more organized and prosperous," he said. However, stakeholders are urging the Ministry to revise the draft to include a more realistic transition period and to focus on market regulation rather than outright import bans.

Trading at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) crossed Tk 600 crore after nearly two months on Tuesday (January 20, 2026), with turnover reaching Tk 669 crore, the highest single-day volume in about three and a half months amid a continued rise in indices. The market opened on a positive note on the third trading day of the week, extending gains seen over the past few sessions. Improved sentiment lifted share trading throughout the day, pushing total turnover to Tk 669 crore, the first time in 2026 that daily transactions returned to the Tk 600 crore range. Previously, the DSE last saw turnover above Tk 600 crore on November 25, 2025, when transactions stood at Tk 636 crore. Following a prolonged downturn, daily turnover over the past two months had largely hovered between Tk 300 crore to Tk 400 crore. Tuesday’s figure was the highest since October 7, 2025. The benchmark DSEX index advanced 17 points, while the Shariah-based DSES rose 7 points and the blue-chip DS30 gained 5 points. Read more: Stocks open mixed as DSE advances, CSE slips Gainers outnumbered losers, with prices rising for 210 companies against declines in 109, while 69 issues remained unchanged. In the block market, shares worth Tk 32 crore from 21 companies were traded, led by Orion Infusion with transactions amounting to Tk 13 crore. Daffodil Computers PLC topped the DSE gainers’ list with a near 10 percent rise, while Apex Tannery Limited was the day’s worst performer, shedding 5 percent. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also ended higher, with its general index CASPI climbing 43 points. Read more: Stocks advance at DSE, CSE in early trading At the CSE, prices advanced for 102 companies, declined for 55, and remained unchanged for 25. The turnover, however, dipped to Tk 10 crore from Tk 12 crore in the previous session. Janata Insurance PLC surged nearly 10 percent to lead the gainers at the CSE, while EBL NRB Mutual Fund fell about 8 percent to close at the bottom of the board.

Trading at the country’s stock markets began on a mixed note on Tuesday, the third working day of the week, with indices rising at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) edged lower. In the first half of the session, the DSE’s benchmark index gained 12 points. The Shariah-based DSES index advanced by 2 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index added 1 point. Most listed companies on the DSE saw price gains, as share prices of 213 companies rose against declines in 102, while 72 issues remained unchanged. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 260 crore during the period. Stocks advance at DSE, CSE in early trading Meanwhile, at the CSE, the overall CASPI index fell by 2 points in the first half of trading. Despite the index decline, the majority of companies posted gains, with prices of 42 companies rising, 30 falling and 15 remaining unchanged. The turnover at the port city bourse amounted to Tk 40 million in the first half of the session.