United News of Bangladesh

With the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, kitchen markets across the capital have witnessed a sharp spike in the prices of essential commodities, particularly spices, meat, and fish. Visiting various kitchen markets on Friday (March 20) revealed a trend of rising costs for festive essentials, though vegetable prices have notably remained stable or even decreased as traders prepare to leave for their village homes. The most significant volatility was observed in the market for spices, where prices have jumped by Tk 50 to Tk 200 per kg within a few days. Cardamom (Elachi) has seen the steepest hike, now retailing at nearly Tk 5,000 per kg—an increase of Tk 220–250 from just last week. Other spice prices have also climbed. Cinnamon is selling for Tk 580–600, mace (Jaitri) at Tk 4,000, and nutmeg (Jaiphal) at Tk 1,500 per kg. Cloves are priced between Tk 1,800 and Tk 2,000, while cumin (Jeera) ranges from Tk 700 to Tk 800 per kg. Dry fruits followed suit, with cashews reaching up to Tk 1,800 and pistachios hitting Tk 4,000 per kg. Driven by high festival demand, the price of beef has risen by approximately Tk 80 per kg, now retailing at Tk 850 per kg. Mutton is being sold at Tk 1,350 to Tk 1,400 per kg, marking a jump of over Tk 100. In the poultry stable, broiler chicken is priced at Tk 210–220 per kg, while Sonali chicken is selling for Tk 350–360. However, egg prices have seen a slight decline. The fish market remains expensive, with Ruhi selling for Tk 350–400 and Pabda at Tk 450–500 per kg. Large prawns (Golda Chingri) are retailing for as much as Tk 1,200 per kg. Supply shortages of bottled soybean oil have pushed the price of loose oil to Tk 215–220 per litre. Sugar prices also remain high, with local varieties selling at Tk 140 per kg and imported sugar at Tk 100–105. Fragrant rice (Chinigura), another Eid staple, has seen a Tk 20–30 per kg increase, now selling between Tk 140 and Tk 175 depending on the brand. In contrast to the soaring prices of meat and spices, vegetable prices provided some relief. Many vendors were seen selling off their stock at lower rates to head home for the holidays. "I am leaving for my village tonight," said Kamrul, a retailer in the Karwan Bazar kitchen market. "I have a lot of stock left, so I am selling them at a lower price to clear the inventory," he said. Onions are currently selling for Tk 30–40, potatoes for Tk 18–20, and tomatoes for Tk 30–40 per kg. However, green chillies (Tk 80–100) and lemons Tk 60–80 per Hali ( 4 pieces) remain relatively expensive. Vermicelli (Semai) prices have remained stable, with 200g packets retailing at Tk 40–45.

A fire broke out at a kitchen market in Uttara Sector-11 of the capital on Wednesday. The fire broke out at the kitchen market around 5:38 pm and engulfed it, said Rakibul Hasan, duty officer of the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters control room. On information, five firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze around 6:08 pm. However, the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage could not be known immediately. No casualties were reported.  

Members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) on Monday urged the government to expedite the reopening of the Malaysian labour market in the interest of Bangladeshi workers. Speaking at a human chain and memorandum submission event held in front of the Expatriates’ Welfare Bhaban in the capital, the BAIRA members emphasized the importance of the Malaysian market which stands as the country’s second largest after Saudi Arabia. They alleged that while the interim government is making strides to reopen the labour market through initiatives such as joint working group meetings certain vested quarters are actively working against national interests. “These groups are carrying out a destructive agenda on behalf of rival countries to sabotage the labour market,” they said. The speakers demanded that Bangladeshi workers be able to migrate to Malaysia under low cost and easy conditions. They warned that while 13 other source countries have complied with Malaysian government conditions and maintained access to its labour market, Bangladesh risks losing out. There is a demand for 1.2 million Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia. If this opportunity is lost, the country could lose nearly USD 5 billion in remittance, they said. Trump dubbed ‘Sith Lord’ after White House’s Star Wars Day AI post draws backlash The BAIRA members reiterated their commitment to cooperate with any government-approved process to send workers abroad. They said they area united and committed to providing maximum support. Speakers at the event included Farid Ahmed Mojumder (Al Supt Overseas), Mohammad Mohiuddin (Purabhi International), Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman (Earth Smart Bangladesh), AMS Sagar (EMS International), Mohammad Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan (Tasnim Overseas), Mohammad Atikur Rahman Biswas (Al Aqaba Associates), Sagar Mahmud (Al Gifari), Mohammad Moniruzzaman (Skyland Recruiting), Advocate Mohammad Sajjam Hossain (Arman Air International), Kafil Uddin Mojumder (Freedom Overseas), Hawlader Forqan Uddin (SF Global), and Dubai-based businessman Mohammad Alauddin. Several hundred recruiting agency representatives participated in the programme carrying banners, festoons and placards.      

Most markets under Dhaka's two city corporations are at fire risk — major reasons being breaching the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) plan and not maintaining fire service standards. More fire incidents can occur if Rajuk and other relevant authorities do not respond promptly. Mouchak and Anarkali markets in Dhaka’s Malibagh, Siddheshwari areas are adjacent to each other. Almost every floor of the Mouchak market has more shops than the original plan accommodates. The shops’ designs have also been altered. Shops have even been set up in spaces that were marked as passageways within the market. From the bottom of these two markets to the four sides, there is no room in the corner. Furthermore, the entry and exit points are quite small, making these two markets prone to fire incidents. Also Read: Fire Service’s recommendations for markets to be implemented with priority: State Minister Meanwhile, Chandni Chawk market near New Market is also at fire risk. Condition at Chandni Chawk is similar to Mouchak’s. The Rajuk plan and requirements were not implemented at this market either. It should be mentioned that a fire at New Supermarket — next to New Market and opposite Chandni Chawk — was devastated by a fire on April 15. In Sayedabad Supermarket, Phulbaria Sundarban market, Nagar Plaza, City Plaza, and other markets and shopping centres, there are many more shops than the original Rajuk-approved plans allow. Fires are also likely to occur in crowded markets with no fire extinguishing system. Also Read: Taposh urges long-term initiative to free markets of fire risk Similarly, Rajuk Uttara Shopping Complex has significantly more shops than the market is meant to accommodate, according to the development authority's plan. There are illegal structures everywhere, including the basement, as well as the market's entrance. A fire service team recently visited Gausia Market and found that Rajuk rules were not followed. If a fire occurs as a result of breaching the plans, not enough people will be able to come down the stairs. Electrical wires were also seen unconcealed everywhere in the market. There is no fire alarm system either. Except for shopping malls like Bashundhara City Shopping Complex and Jamuna Future Park, almost all markets in Dhaka city are at fire risk. Local influential people, according to the fire department, have set up marketplaces and allotted shops at their discretion. Also Read: 58 markets in Dhaka at risk of fire; 9 marked 'extremely risky' These markets, according to city planner Adil Mohammad Khan, were constructed without regard to any standard or regulation. The tin-shed markets are also quite risky. If not closely monitored, there will be more fire incidents in the future, he warned.

Fire hazards and explosions may occur unexpectedly and lead to devastating losses of human lives and structures. In recent years, such mishaps have increased significantly. It is crucial to understand the general causes of fire hazards, to reduce the risk and take preventive measures. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of explosions and fires in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.  5 Major Sources of Indoor Explosions and Fires Hazards  Gas leaks  Gas leaks are one of the most common causes of explosions in Bangladesh. This can happen due to faulty gas pipelines, poorly maintained gas appliances, or improper gas connections.  Electrical faults  Electrical faults such as short circuits, overloaded circuits, or faulty wiring can lead to explosions. This can happen when electrical appliances are used improperly or when they are not maintained properly.  Read More: Gas explosion at residential, commercial buildings: Common causes and ways to prevent them Chemical explosions  Chemical explosions can occur in commercial spaces where chemicals are stored or used. This can happen due to improper storage or handling of chemicals, or when incompatible chemicals are stored together. Pressure vessel explosions  Pressure vessel explosions can occur in industrial settings where high-pressure vessels are used. This can happen due to improper maintenance, overpressure, or corrosion. 

Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) has been voted "Market Leader' in Bangladesh in the Euromoney Trade Finance Survey 2023. The survey also announced HSBC's global leadership in trade finance and top regional positions across Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. Euromoney Trade Finance Survey findings are based on a poll conducted among the businesses engaged in international trade, asking them to rank the top providers of trade finance. Md Mahbub ur Rahman, chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said: "This Euromoney award is a testament to our customers' confidence in us and our ability to provide them with appropriate solutions. We aspire to continue to be the leading trade bank and meet the expectations of our customers for their evolving needs and connect them to a world of opportunities." Gerard Haughey, country head of HSBC wholesale banking, said: "We are proud to be named market leader in trade finance. This achievement reflects our team's commitment to delivering exceptional services to our clients."  

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has suggested people not buy excessive amounts during Ramadan for the sake of keeping the markets stable. The minister said there is enough stock of essential goods to meet the demand during the holy month of Ramadan, so people should not worry and buy more goods, which will disrupt supply lines. The commerce minister said this while addressing a press briefing in the conference room of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Tuesday evening. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) organized the press conference on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day-2023 on Wednesday (March 15). Also Read: If people don’t buy in excess, there will be no price hike of essentials ahead of Ramadan: Tipu Munshi The commerce minister said that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits if illegal stockpiling is attempted to artificially create a shortage of any product. Already, surveillance and monitoring have been strengthened in the market and the minister sought the media’s responsible role to maintain market monitoring. “Protecting consumer rights will be easier if we work together. The government is trying hard to keep the prices of the country's essential commodities at a reasonable level,” Munshi said. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry, DG of DNCRP AHM Shafiquzzaman, and Additional Secretary (Export) of Abdur Rahim, among others, were present at the press conference. Tipu Munshi will be present as the chief guest in the event organized by the Commerce Ministry and DNCRP on the occasion of the celebration of "World Consumer Rights Day-2023" at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on Wednesday.  

A fire broke out at a vegetable market in Pahartoli area of Chattogram on Saturday night. The blaze erupted in the market around 12:15 am. Read more: Chile wildfires spread amid heat wave as death toll rises Abdul Hamid, Chattogram Divisional Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service, said five units of the fire department rushed there after the fire broke out and doused the fire at around 1:45 am.Primary cause of the fire has not been identified yet, the official added.  

A fire that broke out at a market in the capital’s Chawkbazar area on Saturday night has been doused. The fire started at a hardware market at Imamganj around 11:44 pm, said Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of fire service and civil defense headquarters (media cell). Read more: Fire at shoe warehouse in Old Dhaka under control On information, 10 firefighting units from Lalbagh, Sadarghat and Palashi Barak fire stations rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control around 1:05am today (Sunday). However, what caused the fire could not be known yet. No injuries or causalities have been reported.

Edotco Group Director and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mohamed Adlan Ahmad Tajudin has said Bangladesh is one of the key markets for the regional and integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company. "We also recognise our talent in Bangladesh and have established a Centre for Design Excellence here, serving as an innovation research centre for our clients in the country and the rest of our footprint markets across the Group," Adlan said during a discussion with the Telecom and Technology Reporters' Network Bangladesh Thursday. The edotco Group CEO arrived in Dhaka from Kuala Lumpur for his first official visit to Bangladesh earlier this week. Read: edotco wins multiple awards at the Global Best Employer Awards 2022 The core agenda of Adlan's visit was to get a first-hand perspective of the fastest-growing markets in Asia and to gain insight into how Bangladesh contributes to Asia's resilience, dynamism, and growth. As part of his work visit to Dhaka, Adlan had meetings with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission officials, telecom operators, edotco's clients, and other industry stakeholders. Adlan was appointed as Group CEO of edotco Group in November 2020, with over 17 years of experience in the telecommunications field. Before his current role, he served as the chief financial officer and director of PT XL Axiata Tbk (Indonesia). Over the years, edotco brought many unique and environment-friendly designs such as bamboo towers, carbon towers, low-cost structures, SPC towers, and hybrid solar wind towers to fulfil connectivity demands in Bangladesh. It has employed more than 400 people nationwide.