United News of Bangladesh

  Yanchi County in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is stepping up efforts to take its halal and specialty food products into overseas markets, with the Middle East emerging as a key target for its e-commerce expansion. The initiative was highlighted at the fifth Western E-Commerce and Cultural Tourism Consumption Promotion Series and the Minning Cooperation and Exchange activities, which opened in Yanchi on September 4. The three-day event brought together more than 100 representatives from e-commerce platforms, supply-chain companies, industry organizations and businesses. Discussions focused on cross-border logistics, digital transformation and strategies for reaching overseas consumers. Reaching Overseas Consumers A major focus was helping local businesses, particularly producers of halal and specialty foods, develop new routes into international markets. Representatives from TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Middle Eastern e-commerce platform Noon presented their platform policies and discussed opportunities in emerging markets, including the Middle East. Cross-border service providers also shared approaches to market operations and brand development for companies seeking to expand abroad.The event marked the start of construction of the Ningxia-Yanchi Silk Road E-Commerce Comprehensive Service Center. It also featured the signing of an agreement to establish an overseas warehouse network under the Silk Road E-Commerce initiative, while a digital exhibition hall developed under the Fujian-Ningxia cooperation program was launched. An exhibition area featured agricultural and specialty products, medical devices, industrial materials, halal foods and cultural products, including Tan sheep leather crafts. Yanchi is particularly known for its Tan sheep industry, making halal meat and related products a natural part of its overseas market strategy. Yanchi has been designated as one of China's national demonstration counties for rural e-commerce. The county has cultivated 182 e-commerce businesses and created more than 6,800 jobs. Its "Shicheng Zhenxuan" platform, which is a core digital hub and public-service platform for eastern Ningxia to connect e-commerce resources from the southeast coast and link up with Silk Road cross-border markets, has brought together more than 700 suppliers and offers more than 3,000 products.

Bangladesh Bank is set to begin releasing funds to small depositors of Sammilito Islami Bank starting from tomorrow (September 7), following the receipt of over 25,000 applications since conditional withdrawal applications opened on September 1. The central bank expects the total number of applicants to rise further as applications remain open through Sunday. Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, Arif Hossain Khan, told UNB that application gathering was initiated to determine the exact number of small depositors seeking withdrawals and the total funds required. "Primary estimates show the number of applicants has crossed 25,000. Once the total daily applications and fund requirements are finalized today, appropriate financial arrangements will be completed to commence distributions starting tomorrow (Monday)," he stated. Bangladesh Bank urged depositors to avoid crowding bank branches or creating chaos during the payout process. It requested individuals without urgent cash needs to visit branches in subsequent days rather than arriving on the first day. "If everyone attempts to withdraw money simultaneously, normal banking operations may be disrupted. Depositors are requested to remain patient and withdraw funds in phases," the spokesperson said, reassuring customers that all promised payments will be honored and there is no cause for panic. Arif Hossain noted that applying does not guarantee that every customer will ultimately withdraw their funds. Since withdrawing early may involve forfeiting certain profits, some applicants may alter their decision. Consequently, disbursements will be calculated and provided based on depositors who physically present themselves at branches to execute the withdrawal. He affirmed that despite Sammilito Islami Bank's internal capacity limitations, Bangladesh Bank will extend necessary financial support to safeguard depositor interests and fulfill all commitments. Addressing broader banking operations, the central bank spokesperson stated that commercial banks face no institutional shortages regarding loan disbursements, but stressed those borrower enterprises must ensure requisite logistical readiness. He explained that effective investment requires infrastructure including electricity, gas, road connectivity, and port facilities alongside credit availability. He noted that temporary delays in loan disbursements in certain cases stem from current logistical infrastructure deficits, assuring that credit operations will advance efficiently as borrowing firms complete their operational readiness for investment.

Bangladesh Bank has raised the annual foreign exchange travel expenses limit for Bangladeshi citizens travelling abroad to US $18,000 from $12,000. Under the enhanced quota, travelers can endorse up to $5,000 in cash per trip, while the remaining amount can be spent using cards. The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular to all Authorized Dealer (AD) banks in this regard on Sunday. According to the circular, AD banks can release up to $18,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency to an adult Bangladeshi citizen per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). The central bank said the decision was taken to meet the actual foreign currency demand of Bangladeshi travelers and to adjust to the evolving needs of international travel. However, the travel quota for minors aged below 12 years remains unchanged. They will continue to receive 50 percent of the adult entitlement, which allows them up to $9,000 annually.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Sunday said Bangladesh has resolved 48 of the 61 non-tariff trade barriers identified by the European Union, marking significant progress in strengthening bilateral trade ties and paving the way for formal talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The remaining issues are also being addressed, he said while addressing a joint press briefing at his ministry. The minister said preparatory discussions on an FTA and an Investment Protection Agreement with the EU, Bangladesh's largest export market, are also set to begin. EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, among others, attended the briefing. Muktadir said an EU delegation, led by Ambassador Miller, raised a number of specific barriers affecting trade with Bangladesh during a meeting in March. Following this, the National Board of Revenue, agriculture, fisheries and livestock and shipping ministries, and other relevant agencies worked together to resolve most of the issues within a short time, he said. Among the key issues resolved were complications over renewal of licences for 100 percent foreign-owned logistics companies, increasing the annual limit for importing commercial samples from $10,000 to $20,000, and removing customs valuation complications involving smart cards used to ensure traceability of export products. EU support sought for LDC graduation On Bangladesh's initiative to defer its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category by three years, the minister said the recommendations from the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) were positive. The matter will be placed before the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for a final decision, he said, adding that strong EU support will be important for Bangladesh. EU responds positively to FTA proposal EU Ambassador Miller said the European Commission has responded positively after Bangladesh formally proposed an FTA and an Investment Protection Agreement. Joint technical discussions could begin as early as this week once the necessary approvals from EU member states are completed, he said. Miller stressed the need for a transparent, stable and competitive business environment to deepen economic cooperation between the two sides. He expressed hope that discussions on the proposed purchase of Airbus aircraft will move forward quickly as part of efforts to expand air connectivity and trade cooperation between Bangladesh and the EU. Imports from US to be based on national interest Responding to a question about imports from the United States, Muktadir said Bangladesh always considers national interests, economic rationale and public needs when making import decisions. He said government procurement committees assess factors, including competitive prices, product quality and wastage rates, before approving imports of fuel like LNG and food grains. Bangladesh's trade policy is not driven by the influence of any particular country, the minister said, adding that the country's economic interests and public welfare remain the basis of such decisions.    

The price of gold in Bangladesh has been reduced again, with the price of 22-carat gold cut by Tk 2,216 one bhori to Tk 2,35,146. The Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) on Sunday said the new price came into effect at 10:00am. The decision was taken as the price of locally traded Tejabi gold declined, it said. The reduction was approved at a meeting of BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring. Under the new rate, one bhori of 22-carat gold jewellery will now cost Tk 2,35,146, including VAT. The price of 21-carat gold has been cut by Tk 2,100 to Tk 2,24,590 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has been reduced by Tk 1,750 to Tk 1,92,864. The price of gold under the traditional method has also been reduced by Tk 1,458 to Tk 1,57,522 per bhori. Earlier on September 3, BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 5,482 to Tk 2,37,362 per bhori. Before that, gold prices were reduced three times on August 29, August 31 and September 2. Despite the reduction in gold prices, silver prices have remained unchanged. At present, one bhori of 22-carat silver jewellery costs Tk 5,132, including VAT. The prices of 21-carat, 18-carat and traditional-method silver stand at Tk 4,957, Tk 4,257 and Tk 3,208 per bhori, respectively.  

Two leading apparel trade bodies—the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA)—have demanded the cancellation or suspension of a provision restricting knit fabric imports under the country's new import policy. In separate letters sent to the Ministry of Commerce, the trade associations stated that Sub-clause 12 of Clause 25 of the Import Policy Order 2026–2029 stipulates that "knit fabrics shall not be eligible for import." Both organizations requested the suspension or withdrawal of this restriction, emphasizing its potential negative impact on the normal operations and global competitiveness of the export-oriented readymade garment (RMG) sector. In a letter sent to the Commerce Minister on September 1, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan explained that international buyers' demands constantly evolve, requiring product diversification, adherence to specific quality standards, custom designs, and rapid delivery. Meeting these buyer-driven requirements frequently necessitates sourcing specific varieties of fabric from international suppliers. BGMEA noted that restricted import access could disrupt regular factory operations, as specialized grades, colors, textures, and designs required by global buyers are often unavailable in the local market. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem also urged the suspension or repeal of the provision, highlighting that imported knit fabrics of various types have already arrived at Chittagong Port under open-air storage, while many exporters have already completed import formalities. The BKMEA warned that the new policy creates severe complications in clearing these shipments and executing scheduled export orders. He added that the restriction further compounds operational pressures on factories already struggling with production disruptions caused by ongoing gas shortages.

Fresh LP Gas, a concern of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), has added another LPG carrier to its fleet, strengthening its transportation capacity to meet the country’s growing demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The new LPG carrier, MT Mercantile-65, has a capacity of 2,000 metric tons. With two other carriers of the same capacity, Fresh LP Gas now has three dedicated LPG carriers, with a combined capacity of 6,000 metric tons. This will further strengthen MGI’s transportation capacity and help ensure an uninterrupted supply of LPG across the country.  MGI Director Tanveer Mostafa said, “Fresh LP Gas remains committed to making sure the domestic market has a safe, efficient, and reliable supply of LPG. We will keep investing in our transportation and logistics to meet the country’s growing LPG demand." It also makes their supply chain more reliable, and supports the country’s energy security. The new LPG carrier will play a significant role in transporting imported LPG from the Kutubdia Anchorage and Chattogram Outer Anchorage to Fresh LP Gas’s Meghnaghat and Mongla plants. This will further strengthen the efficiency and reliability of LPG supply across Bangladesh. Tracing its roots back to 1976, Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) is one of Bangladesh’s leading conglomerates, employing over 65,000 able-bodied men amd women across 57 industrial units.  MGI operates across diverse sectors, including FMCG, energy, building materials, paper, health and hygiene, among others. MGI serves millions of consumers in Bangladesh and international markets through trusted brands including Fresh. Fresh LP Gas Chief Marketing Officer Abu Sayed Raza said, “With the addition of a new LPG carrier, the company is leveraging its fleet to ensure a steady, year-round supply, meet rising demand and extend LPG access to underserved areas, enabling more households to shift from conventional fuels to cleaner energy.”

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the trade body representing the country's powerful garments sector, has suggested providing special government incentives for the first two years and setting the pension age limit, when a worker is eligible to cash in on his or her contributions, for RMG workers at 55, instead of 60. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan made the demand at a discussion on the Universal Pension Scheme was held on Saturday (September 5) at the Nurul Quader Auditorium of BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, bringing together members and relevant stakeholders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Dr. Md. Suratuzzaman, Executive Chairman of the National Pension Authority, presided over the event. The BGMEA president said that to make the scheme more attractive and popular among garment workers, he suggested providing special government incentives for the first two years. Sheikh Kamrul Hasan, Member of the National Pension Authority under the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, and Vice President Md. Reazwan Selim spoke as special guests. In a keynote presentation, Dr. Md. Suratuzzaman said the government introduced the Universal Pension Scheme to ensure the future financial security of citizens, offering a vital safety net in old age. Citizens aged 18 to 50 can deposit contributions through banks and will receive pension returns upon reaching 60 years of age. If a subscriber dies before turning 60, their nominee will receive the deposited funds along with accrued profits. Provisions have also been made to adjust contribution amounts in case of financial difficulties. Dr. Suratuzzaman highlighted that the government has already decided to invest approximately $100 million with ADB financing to accelerate and strengthen the pension scheme's operational activities. He further noted that under the latest amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act 2026, it is mandatory for all industrial units employing more than 100 workers to bring their employees under the Universal Pension Scheme.  He urged BGMEA to play a leading role in enrolling RMG entrepreneurs and workers, suggesting that at least one member from every family should be brought under the program. He added that the government is actively working to implement its 2026 election manifesto pledge to establish a pension fund. Addressing the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan stated that enrolling all garment workers under the Universal Pension Scheme on a priority basis will play a historical role in fulfilling election promises and building a discrimination-free Bangladesh. To make the scheme more attractive and popular among garment workers, he suggested providing special government incentives for the first two years and setting the pension age limit for RMG workers at 55 years instead of 60. BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan noted that while integrating nearly 50 lakh garment workers into the scheme and maintaining long-term management presents operational challenges, the government's initiative is timely and commendable. BGMEA Vice President Md. Reazwan Selim emphasized that the scheme offers an attractive rate of return, making it an effective tool for workers' long-term security, and affirmed that BGMEA will work with a specific action plan to enroll RMG workers. The discussion concluded with Executive Chairman Dr. Md. Suratuzzaman answering questions and clarifying doubts raised by the participants. The event was attended by BGMEA members, garment factory owners, company executives, worker representatives, and relevant stakeholders. Major General Dr. Md. Sahedul Islam (Retd), Secretary General of BGMEA, released the statement.

Modernizing and expanding refining capacity of Eastern Refinery Limited, the country's lone facility for converting crude oil into refined petroleum products, is finally set to see the light of day. Besides directly reducing Bangladesh's reliance on imports generally in the energy sector, and particularly for refined petroleum. The Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will provide over $1.0 billion in financing for the modernization project. A financing agreement titled "Modernization and Expansion of Eastern Refinery in Bangladesh" was signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the IsDB on Thursday (September 3). Dr. Md Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh, while Anasse Aissami, Director General of Country Programs, signed for the IsDB. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and IsDB Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser were present at the signing ceremony. The ERD stated that the project will be implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.  This funding is set to elevate the ongoing development partnership between Bangladesh and the IsDB, which operates as an instrument of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to new heights. According to the ERD, this marks the largest investment in a single project by the IsDB till now in Bangladesh.  Upon implementation, the refining capacity of Eastern Refinery—the country's primary oil refinery—will treble from the current 15 lakh metric tonnes to 45 lakh metric tonnes per annum. The government expects the project to enhance fuel supply capacity, reinforce national energy security, and enable the production of eco-friendly Euro-5 standard petroleum products. Tripling the refinery's capacity will significantly decrease Bangladesh's dependence on imported refined oil, thereby saving foreign currency and ensuring stability in the domestic energy supply chain. Commitment to Continue Support As one of Bangladesh's key multilateral development partners, the IsDB has historically extended support through grants, project loans, trade financing, private sector funding, and export credit guarantees. Following the agreement signing, IsDB Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reiterating the bank's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's development priorities. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of concessional financing and assured full government cooperation to deepen the partnership between Bangladesh and the IsDB.

“What a person observes in childhood, they try to recreate it throughout their life,” said Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. The eminent educator and writer reminisced about how deeply his father influenced him in spreading books and the habit of reading. Regarding the expansion of the book reading programme across the country, he said, “There were many struggles along this journey, but we also received help from many quarters- personal, social, institutional, and government support. Among the non-state organisations that provided major assistance, one was bKash.” “Over these 12 years, we received 400,000 books from bKash, which were distributed to various educational institutions nationwide. These 400,000 books have been read by at least 3.2 million readers and students. If bKash had invested this money elsewhere, they might have made a profit. Whether bKash benefited financially from it or not, I don’t know, but the nation has certainly benefited from the partnership,” he added. Professor Sayeed expressed these views in a video message during an event organised in the capital on Friday (September 4) to mark the 12th anniversary of the partnership between Bishwo Shahitto Kendra and bKash to spread the book reading programme across the country. Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Minister of Education, attended the event as the chief guest. Among others present were Kamal Quadir, Chief Executive Officer of bKash; Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (Retd.), Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash; and Khandakar Md Asaduzzaman, Executive Director of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. Additionally, over three hundred students and their teachers from various schools as well as civil society members attended the event. Expressing hope for building an intellectually sound society, Professor Sayeed also said in the video message, “Such a small country, yet such a large population! It is difficult even for the best people in the world to lead this country toward prosperity. But if we all keep trying- each from our own position- then nothing is impossible.” In his chief guest’s address, Education Minister stated, “Positive change is needed in society, and the Prime Minister is working hard toward it. The government is giving the highest priority to improving the quality of education in the country, which must begin right from the primary level. Priority is also being given to technical education.” Mentioning that the government aims to gradually increase the education budget to 5.0 percent of the national budget, he said, “This government has already raised the previous government’s 1.39 percent education budget to 2.0 percent. This year, we have received an education budget of BDT 136,000 crore.” Dr Milon further added, “To pull the new generation away from mobile phone and drug addiction, we must foster the habit of reading books. In this regard, I thank the initiative of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro and bKash, and I hope many more institutions will come forward in the future out of corporate social responsibility.” At the event, bKash’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kamal Quadir said, “Since the beginning of our journey, bKash’s goal has been to bring a positive change in the economy by driving financial inclusion in the country. At the same time, as a responsible corporate entity, we believe that education and the pursuit of knowledge are among the core foundations of sustainable development. It is from this belief that bKash has been associated with Bishwo Shahitto Kendro’s book reading programme for the last 12 years.” He added, “bKash has been operating for 15 years and has been making some profit for the past few years, but we have been engaged with Bishwo Shahitto Kendro long before making any profits. When we got the chance to work with this organisation 12 years ago, we eagerly seized the opportunity. We thank Bishwo Shahitto Kendro for connecting us with their initiative. We have always prioritised initiatives that take the young generation beyond the boundaries of textbooks and into the world of knowledge, creativity, and open-minded thinking.” The nationwide ‘Book Reading Programme’ of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro stands as one of the largest and long-term initiatives dedicated to instilling reading habits, critical thinking, and human values among students. For over four decades, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro has been running this programme across the country. Embracing this vision of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro as part of its corporate social responsibility, bKash has been continuously associated with the initiative for 12 years since 2014. Through this partnership, bKash has distributed more than 400,000 books to libraries of various educational institutions across the country. The books distributed have reached nearly 3,000 educational institutions, directly benefiting over 3.2 million students and readers.