United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Bangladesh National Savings Scheme 2025 offers the highest profit rate for 5-year Sanchayapatra compared to all its previous versions. Both the rate of return at maturity and on encashment have seen notable increases. Additionally, the investment limit has been significantly raised. On January 21, the National Savings Department published a notice confirming the continuation of tax at source on its official website. Consequently, savings certificate holders now better understand their entitled amount at maturity or upon early encashment. Let’s explore the new profit structure of the 5-Year Bangladesh Savings Certificate (Sanchayapatra) in detail. 5-year Bangladesh Savings Certificates’ Updated Return on Investment The profit payable upon encashment and maturity at different investment limits under this 5-year scheme is detailed in the table below: Table: Profit Rates for Various Investment Limits in the 5-Year Bangladesh Savings Scheme Investment Period (Year) Investments Up to BDT 7,50,000 Investments BDT 7,50,001 and Above TDS on Investment up to BDT 5,00,000 (%) Profit Rate (%) TDS on Investment from BDT 5,00,001 to 7,50,000 (%) Profit Rate (%) TDS (%) Profit Rate (%) 1st 5 10.13 10 10.13 10 10.11 2nd 10.64 10.64 10.62 3rd 11.19 11.19 11.17 4th 11.78 11.78 11.75 5th 12.40 12.40  12.37 For investors who buy Bangladesh Sanchayapatra up to BDT 7.5 lakh (7,50,000 or below) ceiling, the maximum profit will be given at an annual rate of 12.4 percent (12.4%). For investments exceeding BDT 7.5 lakh (7,50,001 and above), the maximum profit rate decreases slightly to 12.37 percent. Read more: 3-Monthly Profit-Bearing Sanchayapatra in Bangladesh: Revised Profit Rates in 2025 The source tax on profits varies based on the investment threshold. For investments up to BDT 5 lakh (5,00,000 or below), a 5% tax applies. However, for amounts surpassing BDT 5 lakh (5,00,001 or above), the applicable tax rate is 10%. If cashed out before the expiry date, the principal amount will be returned along with profit calculated at the relevant rate for each elapsed period as mentioned in the table. In the case of early encashments, for investors with up to BDT 5 lakh (5,00,000 or below), the annual interest rate will be 10.13 percent at the end of the first year. At the end of the second year, this return will be 10.64 percent. By the third year, the interest rate will be 11.19 percent; after the fourth year, it will reach 11.78 percent. For investments above BDT 5 lakh and up to 7.5 lakhs (BDT 5,00,001 - 7,50,000), the encashment results in a profit of 10.13 percent in the first year. At the end of the second, third, and fourth years, the profit rate will be charged at 10.64 percent, 11.19 percent, and 11.78 percent respectively. In all cases, a 10 percent source tax will be imposed on the profit. Read more: Paribar Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised profit rates of Family Savings Certificate in Bangladesh For investments exceeding BDT 7.5 lakh (7,50,001 and above), the 10 percent source tax on profit remains unchanged. In cases of early encashment, the annual profit will be calculated at a rate of 10.11 percent for the first year. This rate increases to 10.62 percent in the second year. For the third and fourth years, the profit rate rises further to 11.17 percent and 11.75 percent, respectively. Eligibility Criteria for the New Profit Rate The revised profit rate applies exclusively to investments in 5-year Bangladesh Savings Certificates made on or after January 1, 2025. Who Can Apply for This Savings Scheme - All Bangladeshi citizens irrespective of profession- Provident funds will be acknowledged or administered by the following rules:    o Sub-rule (2) under the rule of 49 of the Income-tax Acts 1984 (Part-II)    o Provident Funds Act, 1925 (19th Act of 1925)- Income from the following sources (certified by the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Taxes) according to the 34th section of Part A of Schedule 6 of the Income-tax Ordinance-1984:    o Seed production and Marketing of locally produced seeds    o Fruit and leafy vegetable cultivation    o Production of pelleted poultry feeds    o Poultry farms    o Cattle farms and Dairy and dairy farms    o Fishery farms    o Frog production farms    o Silkworm rearing farms    o Mushroom production    o Horticulture farm projects- Educational institutions for individuals with autism, or any other organization providing services to autistic individuals (must be certified by the relevant district social services office). A key requirement for profit distribution is that all income generated from the institution's investments must be exclusively used for the benefit of autistic individuals.- Orphanages, foster homes, or registered shelters established for the care of orphaned and destitute children.  - Dedicated and registered shelters for the elderly. Read more: Sanchayapatra interest rate revised: New profit rates of Bangladesh National Savings Certificate in 2025 Highest Ceiling - For Individuals: A limit of BDT 30 lakh for a single account and BDT 60 lakh for a joint account. - For Institutions: 50% of the total provident fund balance, with not more than BDT 50 crore. - For Firms: A maximum cap of BDT 2 crore. - For Institutions supporting Autism, Registered Shelters for Orphans, Destitute Children.  - Elderly: A maximum limit of BDT 5 crore. Additional Benefits - Investors have the option to appoint a nominee. - Upon the investor's death, the nominated individual can either encash the scheme or wait until maturity. Read more: Sanchayapatra at Maturity: Encashment or Renewal of Bangladesh’s National Savings Certificate Summing Up Investments of up to BDT 7,50,000 in 5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra will yield a maximum profit rate of 12.4 percent at maturity. For investments going beyond BDT 7,50,000, the net profit rate is capped at 12.37 percent. In 5-year Bangladesh Savings Certificates, two distinct categories exist for investments within the BDT 7.5 lakh limit, based on the source tax applied to the profit. A 5% tax is levied on investments up to BDT 5 lakh, while a 10% tax is applied to amounts exceeding BDT 5 lakh. Moreover, early redemption provides higher returns this year compared to previous periods. Read more: How to Buy Sanchayapatra in Bangladesh: A Beginner's Guide

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Bangladesh in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has concluded a two-day annual portfolio review workshop in Dhaka. The workshop brought together about 100 participants, including government officials, development partners, implementing agencies, technical specialists and IFAD country and regional teams, to assess the performance of IFAD investment in Bangladesh, focusing on aligning of IFAD Country Strategic Opportunities Programme 2023-2028 with government priorities and its relevance in the current the socio-economic and political context. Report: IFAD expands its climate finance for more resilient rural populations “Despite many successes, challenges remain, and the workshop allows us to share ideas, learn from one another, and identify pragmatic ways to make a greater impact on the lives of the people we work for”, said Valantine Achancho, IFAD country director for Bangladesh. This portfolio review workshop is an opportunity for IFAD and the government to come together and reflect on what they have achieved, while also looking ahead to the work that remains under IFAD’s strategic framework, he said. "Over the past year, we have made significant progress in improving food production, enhancing market access, building climate resilience in communities, and promoting inclusion in rural Bangladesh,” he added. IFAD has long been a trusted partner of Bangladesh, and they share a common commitment to improving the livelihoods of rural communities. "Initiatives such as this workshop provide a valuable opportunity for a comprehensive review of our mutual commitments, enabling us to assess the successes and identify areas requiring more focused intervention. This collaborative exercise further reinforces our partnership with IFAD to effectively leverage our collective resources for sustained impact," said Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance. New climate finance goal must empower small-scale farmers: IFAD President The workshop provided an engaging platform for in-depth discussions and critical assessments of ongoing IFAD-financed projects in Bangladesh. Participants delved into the key indicators, analyzing progress and performance, while giving particular attention to cross cutting themes such as nutrition, monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, and social, environmental, and climate assessment procedures. The workshop sessions included insightful presentations highlighting the achievements of 2024 and collaborative discussions to shape strategic plans for 2025, aimed at delivering meaningful outcomes for rural communities. Development partners and co-financiers also participated in discussions about resource mobilization and enhancing cooperation to unlock more opportunities for rural development projects. Reehana Raza, IFAD’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, addressed the participants virtually, underscoring the importance of continuous dialogue and collaboration in strengthening the development impact of IFAD-financed projects in Bangladesh. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks and a commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards achieving the goals set for 2025 and beyond, with a steadfast focus on keeping rural people at the center of all investments and initiatives led by IFAD.

The United Arab Emirates-based DP World and Denmark-based A.P. Moller–Maersk, on Thursday expressed interests in making big investments in Bangladesh's shipping industry to help the country build new ports along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and become a major global export hub. A.P. Moller - Maersk is a Danish shipping and logistics company while DP World is a leading provider of smart logistics solutions, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. The two leading companies came up with the proposals when Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, and Robert Maersk Uggla, Chair of A.P. Moller–Maersk, met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in the Swiss city during the World Economic Forum annual meeting. Dr Yunus invited the DP World and A.P. Moller–Maersk officials to visit Dhaka with concrete investment proposals. Dhaka, Beijing "must cooperate wholeheartedly" to resolve Rohingya crisis: Foreign Adviser tells Shanghai Seminar "We have to build a series of ports along the coast of the Bay of Bengal to use our full potential as a regional business hub," said the Chief Adviser, welcoming FDI for capacity building of Bangladesh ports. DP World CEO said they want to invest in New Mooring Container Terminal, aiming to reduce congestion in Chattogram Port, reduce emissions and boost the efficiency of the port. The CEO of the UAE-based logistics company expressed optimism that investment in the New Mooring Container Terminal would help Bangladesh attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and reduce pollution. It happened in every country where DP World invested, Sulayem told the Chief Adviser, adding that they also wanted to invest in Bangladesh in 2022 but were snubbed by the then government, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary told UNB. Sulayem said that they also want to introduce a digital online customs procedure in Chittagong Port, which would help reduce corruption drastically.

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a $20 billion investment for data centers in the United States by an Emirati company led by billionaire Hussain Sajwani, a close business partner of the Trump family. The investment by DAMAC Properties in the United Arab Emirates is intended to highlight Trump's personal ability to attract new money for big projects. The announcement follows a pledge made last month by the Japanese billionaire investor Masayoshi Son, while at Trump's side, to invest $100 billion in the United States. Trump said at a news conference that he believed Sajwani made the commitment because “he was very inspired by the election and wouldn't do it without the election.” The president-elect emphasized his plans to get investments of $1 billion or more through the environmental regulatory review process quickly. Following Trump, Sajwani briefly joined the news conference and said: “It’s been amazing news for me and my family when he was elected in November.” Sajwani's promised investment feeds into an existing boom for constructing data centers used in the development of artificial intelligence and expansion of cryptocurrency, as well as in other elements of an increasingly digital economy that relies on having greater sources of computer processing power. Trump tries again to get Friday's hush money sentencing called off While Trump has sought to portray these announcements as a source of newfound energy in the U.S. economy, the $20 billion commitment is also a sign that wealthy investors close to Trump can profit off that relationship, given the already significant investment in new data centers. In October, the financial company Blackstone estimated that the U.S. would see $1 trillion invested in data centers over five years, with another $1 trillion being committed internationally. The commitment made by Sajwani could represent just 2% of the total expected domestic investment in the sector. Sajwani would gain data centers in the United States, which thus far have not been part of his company's EDGNEX data center portfolio. According to the company's website, it already has or plans to build data centers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Spain, Thailand and Indonesia. DAMAC Properties is one of the top private developers in the skyscraper-studded city-state in the United Arab Emirates. The property developer has been a Trump partner. Under Sajwani, DAMAC built the Trump International Golf Club at a massive development in the city’s desert outskirts just before Trump first entered the White House. DAMAC also paid a licensing fee worth millions back to the Trump Organization, following a pattern the president-elect's company has used in developments both in the U.S. and abroad. There had been plans for another DAMAC development further in the desert that would have a Trump-named golf course. However, DAMAC later dropped plans for the golf course at the development. Also, discussions for a promised $2 billion in deals between DAMAC and the Trump Organization after his first electoral win in 2016 never materialized. Sajwani has said that Trump's initial election to the presidency helped increase the profile of his company. Since Trump’s re-election in November, Sajwani has been seen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. He posted a picture standing between a seated Trump and billionaire Elon Musk at a New Year’s Eve celebration. However, the Trump Organization since has been involved with Dar Global, a Saudi-funded real estate firm that’s building a Trump-branded golf course in Oman and Trump projects in Saudi Arabia. There are plans for a Trump Tower in Dubai as well, though previous plans for a Trump Tower on Dubai’s man-made Palm Jumeirah archipelago fell apart during the city’s financial crisis that began in 2008.