United News of Bangladesh

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has expressed strong interest in broadening its engagement with Bangladesh beyond the traditional manpower sector, with investment opportunities in fisheries, food, energy, renewable energy, information technology and artificial intelligence. "They (KSA) have repeatedly said the same thing - They do not want to be in just one sector; they want to work with Bangladesh in many sectors,'" State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referring to the visiting Saudi delegation's message. Earlier, a high-level meeting was held between the two sides at State Guest House Padma. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, among others, were present at the meeting with the Saudi delegation led by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng. Waleed Elkhereji. Two deputy Saudi ministers accompanied the Saudi delegation. Shama Obaed said the Saudi side conveyed its confidence in Bangladesh's government following the country's democratic election and reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties. She said the discussions were "very successful and fruitful," with both sides focusing on expanding economic cooperation. "The Saudi government is interested in investing in Bangladesh by utilising the expertise they have in various sectors like fisheries, food, energy and renewable energy, solar energy, information technology (IT) and artificial intelligence," Shama Obaed said. She also said Saudi Arabia is interested in recruiting more skilled workers from Bangladesh, describing the issue as another important area of discussion. "We thanked them that due to the full cooperation of the Saudi government, we were able to bring back our brothers who died there," she said, recalling that three Bangladeshi nationals were killed during the recent conflict in the region. The Saudi delegation paid tribute to them. The Saudi Crown Prince has already invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Bangladesh has also invited their Crown Prince to visit Bangladesh. Shama Obaed expressed hope that a joint Bangladesh-Saudi investment meeting would be held soon, with participation from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and other stakeholders. She also announced that political consultations and a Joint Working Group meeting between the two countries are expected to take place in Bangladesh later this year. "This communication and exchange will continue," she said. Describing the visit as highly productive, Shama Obaed said Saudi Arabia expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger. "This visit was very fruitful and, in the coming days, they have also expressed their strong belief that Saudi-Bangladesh relations will be further improved under the leadership of the Prime Minister," she said. Responding to a question about a possible visit by the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, Shama Obaed said the visit will definitely take place at a suitable time based on discussions between the two countries. Asked whether issues related to Rohingya passport documentation in Saudi Arabia or the illegal stay of some Bangladeshi workers were discussed, she said those matters did not feature prominently in the talks. "Look, we have the same problems related to passports in all countries," she said. "Our Bangladesh missions in Jeddah and Riyadh are already working to resolve those problems by establishing contact with Saudi Arabia," she added. The Saudi vice minister arrived in Dhaka on Monday night on a two-day visit. Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir received him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He is scheduled to leave Bangladesh on Tuesday. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah recently said they expect greater emphasis on strategic investments, industrial partnerships, and technology transfer, noting that the next five years could represent a "transformative phase" in Bangladesh-Saudi economic relations. "Bangladesh offers one of the most dynamic investment destinations in South Asia, with a market of more than 170 million people and a strategic location connecting South and Southeast Asia," said the ambassador in an interview with UNB. Traditionally, the partnership has been driven by manpower cooperation and energy trade. Particularly promising sectors include energy infrastructure, LNG, oil refining, healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and food security initiatives, said Ambassador Dr. Abdullah.  

Outlining the government's economic strategy, Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Friday said Bangladesh needs an investment-driven development model tailored to domestic realities and changing global geoeconomic conditions. "We need to pursue a model where investment leads to production, production creates employment, employment increases revenue without raising tax rates, and that revenue finances education, health and social security," he said. The economist made the remarks during a session at the Bengal Delta Conference 2026 (BDC 2026) moderated by Mushtaq Khan, a Professor of Economics at SOAS University of London. The Bengal Delta Conference 2026 (BDC 2026), themed “Bangladesh and a Changing World: Uncharted Times, Emerging Orders, and The Politics of Care,” comes at a moment of transition for both Bangladesh and the global order Dr Titumir reiterated the government's goal of gradually increasing spending on education, healthcare and social protection while moving towards a democratic welfare state. The Adviser said the government is working to introduce a universal lifecycle-based social security system to protect vulnerable people from falling into poverty during economic shocks. He also stressed reforms in education and healthcare, saying the focus would be on skills development, citizenship education, innovation and building a national health system reaching grassroots communities. Highlighting governance reforms, Dr Titumir said legitimacy, accountability and transparency are central to the government's approach. "If you have a government with legitimacy, you have accountability," he said, adding, "The delivery is about legitimacy. The delivery is accountability. The delivery is transparency." He said the government inherited a fragile fiscal situation but now has both the political mandate and responsibility to pursue transformative reforms. "We all are aware of what we inherited. The fiscal condition we inherited was fragile," he said. "There is an overwhelming majority in Parliament, which means that we have more responsibility, and we have to have a transformative change." Responding to questions on revenue mobilisation, Dr Titumir said the government is prioritising institutional reforms over higher tax rates. "The equation that the current government is working on has two additional elements which were ignored for years - the constant and the error term," he said, explaining that the "constant" represents institutional strength while the "error term" includes corruption, rent-seeking and tax exemptions. He said reducing leakages and improving enforcement had already produced encouraging results. "For the first time in the history of Bangladesh, Chattogram Customs House made a huge contribution," he said, adding that three task forces had been formed to strengthen revenue collection. Acknowledging existing challenges, Dr Titumir said the government is not claiming to have solved every problem. "We are not fully equipped yet to deal with tax evasion. That requires capabilities," he said. On the financial sector, he said authorities are addressing long-standing issues, including non-performing loans and bank recapitalisation. "We are not hiding anything under the carpet. We are aware of the issues, and we are dealing with them," he said. Dr Titumir said the government is committed to ending what he described as the "auction market" for Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs), strengthening accountability and pursuing a production-led economic model to achieve sustainable growth. "We have inherited what is known as an auction market for SROs. If you are powerful, you get an issuance of an SRO, and you get all those resources," Titumir said while outlining the government's reform agenda. Referring to tax concessions granted in the past, he said, "These arbitrary concessions, we are working on them, and we are making sure that this SRO culture is not there." The adviser said decisions on taxation and public expenditure must be guided by Parliament rather than discretionary executive actions. "It is the sovereign Parliament that would decide where and how the money would be collected and where the money would be spent. This is the key essence of the reform of the government," he said. Calling industrialisation critical for long-term resilience, Dr Titumir said Bangladesh has revived discussions on industrial policy after years of neglect. "Industrial policy is back in Bangladesh," he said, adding that expanding productive capacity, ensuring energy security, improving competitiveness and diversifying exports would be essential as the country prepares for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2029. Expressing optimism about the government's reform agenda, Titumir said the administration expects to deliver tangible results during the current fiscal year. "This fiscal year, you would get the early harvest," he said. "We are hopeful that Bangladesh, what we have promised, we would deliver." Referring to external economic pressures, he said Bangladesh had to spend about $3.46 billion to absorb the impact of the Middle East crisis and global energy price shocks despite having no role in creating those challenges. "We had to spend $3.46 billion for nothing to do with us," he said, noting that the government had to balance fiscal management with protecting agriculture and consumers from higher fuel costs.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday called on Chinese investors to increase their presence in Bangladesh, highlighting the role of security and stability in attracting foreign capital. The request came during a meeting with China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Minister Salahuddin described China as a major development partner and urged expansion of existing investments, citing Bangladesh’s strategic location and long-standing bilateral ties. Chinese envoy meets PM Tarique, reaffirms China’s support Ambassador Yao said Bangladesh’s politically stable government creates a favourable environment for investment. He said roughly 10,000 Chinese nationals are currently working across sectors in the country and emphasised that development and security are interlinked, urging enhanced law enforcement and public safety measures. Joining the ‘International Alliance Combating Telecom and Cyber Fraud’, an initiative by China’s Ministry of Public Security, by Bangladesh also came up at the meeting for discussions. India, China invite Bangladesh FM to pay official visits Minister Salahuddin instructed officials to review the expired 2023 memorandum on law enforcement training cooperation and indicated plans to visit China later this year. Discussions spanned security, cybercrime prevention, police training, and business expansion, reflecting both countries’ aim to deepen economic and strategic ties.

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Saturday (December 06, 2025) said the country’s sugar industry cannot return to profitability through subsidies alone and  stressed the need for strong local and foreign investment to revive the sector. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting Natore Sugar Mill and Uttara Ganabhaban. Adilur said the government is working to attract investments and positive developments are expected in the sugar sector either during the tenure of the incumbent government or the next one. Read more: Closed sugar mills will be reopened: Adviser Adilur The adviser said sugar imports remain suspended now as the government will decide on importing sugar only after the stocks preserved are sold. Locally produced sugar is currently being marketed through the TCB, he said. The adviser said that discussions are underway to hold a meeting of the Council of Advisers at Uttara Ganabhaban as per tradition. Natore Deputy Commissioner Asma Shaheen, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdul Wahab and other officials were present. Read more: Natore Sugar Mill workers to go on strike from Sunday

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (November 18) said a record number of young people would cast their first ballots in the upcoming national election, as they had been unable to vote in the three rigged general elections held under the previous autocratic regime. He said the Awami League would not be able to participate in the election because its activities have been banned and its registration has been suspended by the Election Commission. “It is a historic moment for all of us. The young people who filled the walls of Dhaka and other cities with graffiti and drawings during the uprising will now come to vote,” the Chief Adviser said when Dutch Vice-Minister for International Cooperation Pascalle Grotenhuis called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. They discussed Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding a ‘free, fair, credible and festive’ election in the first half of February. During the meeting, they discussed expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including agriculture, trade and investment, technology, youth development, and the potential of a social business fund for young and women entrepreneurs. Bangladesh Election: EC to launch mobile app for postal balloting Tuesday The visiting Dutch Vice Minister praised Bangladesh’s election preparations, noting that the interim government had only a few months to get ready for the vote. Pascalle Grotenhuis also commended Bangladesh’s newly enacted labour laws, saying they would help attract more Dutch and European investment. The sweeping reforms, approved by the cabinet earlier this month, were signed into law by the President on Monday. She said the Netherlands plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Public-Private Partnership with Bangladesh’s investment authorities, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. She expressed hope that the MoU would be signed soon, paving the way for increased Dutch investment in Bangladesh. It’s an election to save country, work with honesty, Prof Yunus asks DCs “For 50 years, Bangladesh and the Netherlands were development partners. Now we want to transform this into an equitable partnership in politics, trade, and investment,” she said. The minister added that Dutch companies that have long purchased goods from Dhaka are now looking to invest and become working partners in Bangladesh.

As global mobility has become a form of financial strategy, citizenship-by-investment programmes are drawing attention beyond the super-rich arena. More nations now offer cost-effective routes to second homes. It allows investors to expand their portfolios geographically while unlocking visa-free access and new business opportunities. These programmes merge lifestyle flexibility with long-term economic security, often for far less than expected. Here’s a list of the cheapest golden visa programmes in 2026. 7 Easiest Countries to Buy Citizenship in 2026 . Nauru Titled the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, Nauru has shaped its Citizenship by Investment initiative. Through this programme, investors obtain a stable second citizenship and contribute to Nauru’s climate resilience and long-term growth. The Nauruan passport, respected for its political neutrality, serves as a safeguard during times of global uncertainty. It grants visa-exempt access to 88 strategic destinations, including the UAE, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. To qualify, investors must contribute a minimum of USD 130,000 (BDT 1,59,29,953, with USD 1 = BDT 122.54). Families can apply together, including spouses, dependent children, parents, and even siblings, for additional fees. Read more: Digital Nomad Visas in Europe in 2026: Top 10 European Countries Importantly, contributions are made only after government approval, ensuring financial protection for applicants. Nauru imposes no restrictions on dual nationality, allowing new citizens to retain their existing passports. Dominica When it comes to the most efficient and affordable citizenship programmes, the Caribbean nation of Dominica shines with flexibility. The application process stands out for its speed and the absence of residence requirements, making it highly appealing to global investors. Applicants may choose between contributing to the Economic Diversification Fund or investing in government-approved real estate projects. Each option requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 (BDT 2,45,07,620). Holding Dominican citizenship opens entry upon arrival or visa-free entry to 142 destinations, a network that covers key business and leisure hubs across the globe. The programme also accommodates family inclusions, like spouses, unmarried dependent children under 31, and parents or grandparents over 65 for extra fees. Read more: China’s K Visa For Bangladeshi Professionals: Eligibility, Application Process, Fees North Macedonia Europe’s most affordable golden visa pathway is the investment migration framework of the Republic of North Macedonia. A North Macedonian passport allows visa-on-arrival or open-border travel to 125 nations, among them the Schengen Area, Türkiye, and Hong Kong. The investment threshold begins at EUR 200,000 (approximately BDT 2,83,96,000), which must be maintained for at least a two-year commitment to a private investment. Applicants may include their spouses and accompanying children below 18, with extended fees. However, spouses can secure citizenship one year after the main applicant’s approval. Antigua and Barbuda Known for its competitive and flexible citizenship programme, Antigua and Barbuda offers several routes to citizenship. Among them, a contribution to the National Development Fund remains the most budget-friendly at USD 230,000 (BDT 2,81,83,763). The passport grants entry without a visa or on-arrival visa to about 150 destinations, including the UK, Hong Kong, and Europe’s Schengen Area. The programme accommodates a wide family circle: spouses, dependent children under 31 (along with their own spouse and children), parents, and grandparents aged 55 or above. Even unmarried siblings of either the main applicant or their spouse can be included, all with additional fees. Read more: Top 10 Countries Offering Post-Study Work Visas for International Students A modest requirement applies – citizens must spend at least five days in the country within the initial five-year period post-citizenship. St Lucia  For those pursuing global access through a straightforward process, St Lucia offers one of the Caribbean’s most efficient citizenship-by-investment programmes. It grants permanent citizenship without any residency or visit obligations, making it particularly convenient for international investors. Holders of a St Lucian passport enjoy visa-free or on-the-spot visa entry to over 146 destinations, including Europe’s Schengen Area. A minimum investment of USD 240,000 (BDT 2,94,09,144) is required as a contribution to the National Economic Fund. The application can extend to include a spouse, children under 31, siblings below 18, and parents aged 55 or above, subject to extra charges. St Lucia imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship, and the investment funds are safeguarded – only payable once the application receives approval from the government. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online St Kitts and Nevis Among the longest-running citizenship programmes in the region, St Kitts and Nevis continues to stand out for its extensive travel privileges and family-friendly provisions. Its passport provides visa-on-arrival or visa-exempt access to 156 destinations worldwide, with citizenship rights extending to future generations through descent. The entry-level investment starts from USD 250,000 (BDT 3,06,34,525) through the Sustainable Island State Contribution – one of several available options. Applicants can include a spouse, accompanying children below 30, and parents over 55 for added expenses. No residence or minimum stay is required, and dual citizenship is fully permitted, allowing individuals to maintain their existing nationality. Türkiye With its seamless application process and no residency requirement, Türkiye has built one of the most sought-after citizenship-by-investment programmes worldwide. Turkish citizens enjoy open-border or entry-upon-arrival access to 111 destinations, including Singapore and Japan. Read more: How to Get a German Opportunity Card From Bangladesh Among the available investment routes, real estate stands out as comparatively lower, requiring a minimum of USD 400,000 (BDT 4,90,15,240), which must be maintained for at least three years. The programme extends full citizenship rights to the applicant’s spouse and children under 18. Over to You The cheapest countries for citizenship by investment programmes reveal how strategic planning can open global doors without extravagant spending. Comparably, Nauru remains the most cost-efficient, while Türkiye ranks as the costliest in this lineup. North Macedonia leads as Europe’s lowest-entry option, with Dominica positioned mid-range – closely followed by Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis. Eventually, securing citizenship through investment has become a strategic move to diversify assets and safeguard one’s legacy for generations. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet?

Silver has reached a record-high price in Bangladesh this month, marking one of the strongest rallies the market has seen in 2025. This surge has turned silver investment into a serious conversation among general buyers, traders and long-term wealth planners. Let’s look at how the silver price has risen in 2025 so far and whether now is the best time to invest in silver. Silver Price Rising Trend in 2025 According to recent data released by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS), silver prices have witnessed a remarkable climb throughout 2025. It breaks previous records in multiple categories – 22 Karat, 21 Karat, 18 Karat, and Traditional – reflecting a year-long progression in value. Table: Category-wise Silver Price Rates as per BAJUS in 2025 Date Category-wise Price Rates (BDT/Vori) 22 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) 21 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) 18 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) Traditional October 14, 2025 6206 5914 5074 3803 September 18, 2025 3476 3313 2847 2135 August 27, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 July 8, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 June 15, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 May 22, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 April 23, 2025 2847 2718 2333 1750 March 19, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 February 10, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 January 22, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 . Read more:  5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised Profit Rates Silver market rates in Bangladesh remained mostly stable during the first eight months of 2025, followed by a sharp upswing from September onwards. The 22 Karat rate held around BDT 2,578 per vori early in the year, with minor movement until April’s BDT 2,847, then steadied again through August. A sudden leap to BDT 3,476 in September and a dramatic climb to BDT 6,206 by October marked the pinnacle of this year’s market rise. Similarly, each vori of 21-karat silver hovered between BDT 2,450 and BDT 2,718 until August, before spiking to BDT 3,313 in September and BDT 5,914 in October. The 18 Karat category stayed near BDT 2,112 through March and BDT 2,298 midyear, then rose to BDT 2,847 and finally BDT 5,074 by October. Traditional silver followed a steadier curve, moving from BDT 1,587 in early 2025 to BDT 1,750 in April, holding steady through August. Then, it jumps to BDT 2,135 in September and now to BDT 3,803. Overall, all categories showed remarkable late-year growth, suggesting heightened demand and market adjustments influenced by global price pressures and local currency shifts. Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Silver? . Global Market Influence Silver’s recent price momentum is deeply tied to structural global demand, playing a crucial role in industrial innovation. The metal is essential for manufacturing solar panels, electric vehicles, and even components used in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. As these sectors expand, particularly the clean energy transition, the pressure on silver supply is intensifying. Production levels haven’t caught up with the pace of industrial consumption, and major mining regions are already signalling reduced output. Therefore, the rising technological dependence and tightening supply point toward a medium-term bullish case for silver. This makes current prices, though elevated, still favourable for long-term investors seeking entry before demand outpaces availability further. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal Classic Supply-Demand Impact The spot market has been showing signs of tightening, with refineries and traders reporting limited physical supply. This scarcity is naturally pushing prices upward. For local investors, silver’s appeal is also growing because it remains a more attainable option compared to gold. Everyday jewellery buyers and small investors have increasingly turned to silver as gold’s price continues to surge beyond affordability. Globally, this persistent demand imbalance is fuelling a structural tailwind for prices. Even minor supply disruptions could amplify price gains, making silver a particularly attractive hedge in times of inflation or currency depreciation. In essence, the ongoing shortage is an opportunity for strategic investors. Safe-Haven Demand In times of economic and geopolitical instability, silver, like gold, becomes a safe-haven asset. The current investment climate, marked by currency fluctuations and uneven stock market performance, has made precious metals increasingly appealing. Yet, silver offers a distinctive advantage: it’s comparatively undervalued when assessed through the Gold-to-Silver Ratio (GSR). GSR = Gold Price ÷ Silver Price = BDT 2,13,720 ÷ BDT 6,206 ≈ 34.4 (For October, 2025) A ratio above 34 indicates that gold is over thirty-four times more expensive than silver per vori. This ratio offers Bangladeshi investors greater upside potential, making silver not only a protective asset but also a tactical play for value appreciation. Read more: Paribar Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised profit rates of Family Savings Certificate in Bangladesh Drawback of Price Fluctuation Volatility is a natural part of the silver market, and its recent price surge illustrates how fast momentum can shift. However, the short-term (like throughout a month) volatility is not a big fall for investors with a medium- or long-term horizon. In other words, price swings might create anxiety for speculative traders, but for those viewing silver as a strategic allocation, they offer entry opportunities. Good Reselling Value – Will the Rise Continue? The continuation of silver’s upward trajectory seems increasingly plausible. Across the year, prices have shown consistent growth with no notable dips – an encouraging sign for both short- and long-term traders. The global narrative favouring precious metals remains intact: inflation concerns and rising industrial demand all reinforce bullish sentiment. Moreover, first-time buyers have been entering the silver market at a record pace, boosting liquidity and confidence. For Bangladesh, this means silver retains strong resale potential, especially if global economic uncertainty persists. All in all, the industrial relevance, supply constraints, and investor enthusiasm suggest that silver’s rally still has meaningful distance to run. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Verdict The investment decision in silver in Bangladesh in 2025 stands at a defining moment. The price of 22-Karat hallmarked silver surged to BDT 6,206, while the 21-Karat price climbed to BDT 5,914. Meanwhile, 18 Karat silver reached BDT 5,074, and the Traditional category rose to BDT 3,803. This dramatic spike reflects tightening supply, soaring industrial demand, and rising safe-haven interest. Given these fundamentals, silver presents a strategic long-term opportunity. For investors seeking value beyond gold, 2025 may well be the year silver shines brightest.

For generations, gold has been viewed as a reliable way to hold value. In Bangladesh, 2025 is turning into another pivotal year for this metal’s role in personal finance. With prices showing an upward trend, profit in gold investment is rising among both cautious savers and ambitious investors. Its promise is stability, though it does not come without trade-offs. Let’s evaluate whether gold is still a safe investment today. Gold Price Rising Trend in 2025 Bangladesh's gold market witnesses frequent swings, with prices changing noticeably within short periods in 2025. Updates from the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) highlight a steady rise across different categories, confirming gold’s continued momentum. Table: Recent Rise in Gold Rates in Bangladesh 2025 Date Category-wise Price Rates (BDT/Gram) 22 Karat 21 Karat 18 Karat Traditional September 02, 2025 15,071 14,386 12,331 10,206 August 27, 2025 14,802 14,129 12,111 10,018 July 08, 2025 14,622 13,957 11,964 9,893 June 15, 2025 14,963 14,283 12,243 10,131 May 18, 2025 14,326 13,675 11,721 9,686 April 14, 2025 13,904 13,272 11,376 9,391 March 19, 2025 13,284 12,680 10,869 8,959 February 18, 2025 12,970 12,380 10,611 8,739 January 16, 2025 11,955 11,411 9,781 8,031 . Read more: 5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised Profit Rates The data shows a steady climb in all categories of gold throughout 2025, though not without fluctuations. 22 Karat was at its lowest, BDT 11,955, on January 16 and has risen to BDT 15,071 since September 2, the highest so far. A brief drop occurred from BDT 14,963 in mid-June to BDT 14,622 in early July before rebounding. 21 Karat moved from BDT 11,411 at the year’s start to BDT 14,386. The mid-June level of BDT 14,283 slipped to BDT 13,957 in early July before rising again. Following the same trend, 18 Karat advanced from BDT 9,781 in mid-January to BDT 12,331 now. It too saw a decline from BDT 12,243 in June to BDT 11,964 in July. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Similarly, traditional gold increased from BDT 8,031 to BDT 10,206 till now. A similar mid-year dip took it from BDT 10,131 down to BDT 9,893 before recovery. Overall, all categories reflect a clear upward trajectory from the beginning of the year, with the current month marking the peak. The June-July drop stands out as the single significant short-term dip.

Swiss pharmaceuticals powerhouse Roche announced Monday it plans to invest $50 billion in the United States over the next five years, creating 12,000 jobs. The Basel-based company, whose array of products includes cancer medicines and multiple sclerosis treatment Ocrevus, said the investment would go toward high-tech research and development sites and new manufacturing facilities in places including California, Indiana, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, reports AP. The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump has urged foreign businesses to invest more in the United States, and announced sweeping tariffs earlier this month on imports as part of hopes to reduce a large US trade deficit when it comes to sales of goods. Before the Trump administration backed off its most stringent tariff plans, products imported from Switzerland had been set to face tariffs of 31% — more than the 20% tariffs on goods from the European Union. Switzerland is not a member of the 27-country bloc but is virtually surrounded by four EU countries. Trump's sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2 set off turmoil in world stock markets. A week later, Trump spoke by phone with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in a conversation that her office said focused on tariffs. She emphasized the “important role of Swiss companies and investments in the United States.” Hours later, the US president announced the U-turn that paused the steep new tariffs on about 60 countries for 90 days, fanning speculation — which was not confirmed — in some Swiss media that her chat with Trump might have played a role in the change of course. Asian shares trade mixed amid investor worries after Wall Street tumble Roche, in its statement, said that once the new, expanded manufacturing comes on line, the company “will export more medicines from the US than it imports” — though it made no mention of tariffs. "Today’s announced investments underscore our longstanding commitment to research, development and manufacturing in the US,” said Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker in a statement. The company — like cross-town competitor Novartis — has deep ties to the US market and said it currently employs 25,000 people and operates 15 R&D centres and 13 manufacturing sites in the United States. The planned investment will add 1,000 jobs at Roche in the US and “more than 11,000 in support of new US manufacturing capabilities,” it said, which will increase its footprint in the United States to 24 sites in eight states. Roche tallied more than 60 billion Swiss francs (about $74 billion) in worldwide sales last year, and nearly 25 billion francs of sales in its key pharmaceuticals division alone came in the United States. Roche’s share price has fallen by about 18% over the past month, with most of the drop coming after the US tariff announcement on April 2.

The Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Tuesday expressed concern over the revised energy tariff for new industrial units. The organisation issued a statement stating that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) introduced a revised gas tariff structure distinguishing new, committed, and existing customers within the same industry category. It said the FICCI fully supports the government’s objective of ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply, the newly announced tariff mechanism risks creating unintended barriers for new and expanding industries. Under the current proposal, businesses with new Gas Sales Agreements (GSAs), increased demand, or recent connections will face significantly higher tariffs compared to existing customers, even within the same industrial classification. President of FICCI Zaved Akhtar said a transparent and equitable energy pricing framework is fundamental to sustaining investor confidence and industrial growth. “While we understand the evolving demands of energy management, we urge BERC to revisit this approach and ensure that policy changes align with the broader goals of economic development and FDI attraction,” he said. Jahrat Adib Chowdhury made Deputy CEO of Banglalink The FICCI president further said the provision to treat any new Gas Sales Agreement as a new connection, even for long-standing industrial users — introduces ambiguity and could lead to arbitrary reclassification. “This could inadvertently disrupt existing business continuity and create administrative and operational uncertainty. New Gas Sales Agreement with existing customers should not be falling under the tariff for new connections,” he pointed out.