United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank, has purchased a significant amount of US dollars from local banks as part of its ongoing efforts to stabilise the foreign exchange market and support the flow of remittances and repatriate export earnings. On Thursday (December 11), the central bank acquired approximately $149 million from 16 banks through a ‘Multiple Price Auction’ system. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, confirmed the transaction.  "A total of $149 million dollars were purchased from 16 banks through the Multiple Price Auction. The dollar rate during this period was determined between Tk 122.25 and Tk 122.29 per dollar," he stated. With this latest acquisition, the total amount of foreign currency purchased by the central bank through the auction mechanism in the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 has reached $2.663 billion. Bangladesh Bank initiated the dollar purchasing process via auctions on July 13 and has since accumulated this substantial amount of foreign currency as part of the new policy.

Bangladesh Bank has finalized a draft special scheme to refund Tk2.0 lakh initially, then Tk 1.0 lakh in each three months to the depositors of merged five troubled Shariah Bank. This initial amount will be paid out from the ‘Deposit Insurance Fund’. Following this, depositors whose balances exceed Tk2.0 lakh will be allowed to withdraw a maximum of Tk 1.0 lakh every three months for up to two years, said an official to UNB on Wednesday. The authorities closed the merger process and said that the scheme was finalized at a crucial meeting chaired by Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur at Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday.  The meeting included Mohammad Ayub Mia, Chairman of the newly formed 'Sammilito Islami Bank PLC,' four Deputy Governors, the Administrators of the five troubled banks, and relevant departmental officials. The complexities have arisen in returning the funds because the new bank (Sammilito Islami Bank PLC) has not yet developed its database or appointed a Managing Director, creating a legal hurdle.  Despite this, the Governor has issued a directive to begin the process of refunding the money within December 2025. Central Bank officials have discouraged customers from withdrawing money unnecessarily. They emphasized that since the new bank is fundamentally sound, withdrawing funds is not mandatory.  The primary goal of this scheme is to restore confidence among depositors and gradually bring stability back to the banking sector. The central bank outlined the specific withdrawal limits under the scheme. To avail themselves of the scheme’s benefits, customers must meet certain conditions. Such as the account must be valid and opened against a National ID Card, a customer with multiple accounts in a single bank will only receive the benefit against ‘one account’, a customer holding separate accounts in all five merged banks will be eligible for a separate payment against each account and depositors with outstanding loans cannot receive the payment until the loan is reconciled. The five banks being merged are Exim Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank. They all fell into deep crises due to massive loan fraud and irregularities by the S. Alam Group, that exercised its influence with the Awami League government to illegally control four of them, and the Nassa Group of Nazrul Islam Majumdar, who controlled the other. The authorized capital for Sammilito Islami Bank PLC has been set at Tk 40,000 crore, with a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore ( Tk20,000 crore from the government and Tk15,000 crore from depositors' shares). Bangladesh Bank data shows the five banks hold deposits of approximately Tk1.42 lakh crore from 75 lakh depositors, against loans totaling Tk 1.93 lakh crore, a large portion of which is now treated as non-performing. The new bank has already taken office space in the Senakalyan Bhaban in Motijheel. Measures, including a 20 percent cut in employee salaries and allowances and merging multiple branches in the same area, have been taken to reduce operational costs.

Bangladesh Bank now allows capital machinery import in foreign credit without permission from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Companies can now directly import necessary machinery and equipment using foreign loans with a minimum three-year term, without needing prior approval from the BIDA. The Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank issued the directive on Wednesday (December 10). Industry stakeholders believe this new initiative will significantly ease the import process for the industrial sector. The directive states that this industry-friendly measure was introduced as part of implementing the decision of BIDA’s foreign debt committee. Previously, the long-term credit facility was primarily available only for the import of new machinery. The new regulation expands the scope: Various capital goods, including ships, equipment, and machinery, can now be imported on three-year installment credit. The foreign loan can be secured from either the foreign supplier or a foreign bank. Entrepreneurs praised the decision, noting that it will reduce import complexities and help in the rapid procurement of essential capital goods, which is crucial for increasing production and industrial expansion. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said that the new rule will accelerate the industrial and manufacturing sectors, while also encouraging long-term planning and new investments.

The strong upward trend in remittance continues as Bangladesh received more than US$1.16 billion in the first nine days of December, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. The amount marks a 22.6 percent rise from the same period last year when expatriates sent around $945 million. Officials attribute the growth to incentives for sending money through formal channels, stronger encouragement for using the banking system, and the active role of authorised exchange houses. Between July 1 and December 9, total receipts reached $14.2 billion, up by $2.12 billion from $12.08 billion in the corresponding period of FY 2024-25. This reflects a year-on-year growth rate of 16.5 percent.

Trading at both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges began on a positive note on Monday, with key indices and most company shares advancing in the first hour. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX gained 51 points, while the Shariah index DSES rose by 11 points and the blue-chip DS30 index increased by 12 points. A majority of issues saw price appreciation, with 324 gaining against 23 losers, while prices of 40 remained unchanged. DSE, CSE begin week with indices edging lower The turnover at DSE crossed Tk 162 crore during the first half of the session. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also opened higher, with its broad index up by 22 points. Of the traded issues, 39 advanced, 22 declined, and 9 remained unchanged. The turnover at CSE reached Tk 3.70 crore in the first half.

Banglalink on Saturday kicked off its annual Safety and Wellness Week 2025 with a vibrant walkathon held simultaneously in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, and Bogura. More than 560 employees took part in the event, demonstrating a shared commitment to health, safety, and overall well-being, a company media statement said on Sunday. This year’s theme, “Strength in Action, Care in Every Step,” reflects Banglalink’s focus on fostering a people-centered workplace. The theme highlights a culture where mindful habits, daily actions, and genuine care guide how employees engage with their work, support their colleagues, and nurture their personal wellness. Throughout the week, employees will take part in a series of activities designed to promote holistic well-being. These include health screenings, one-on-one consultations, fire safety awareness sessions, live safety drills, mindfulness classes, stress management activities, and a number of interactive wellness engagements. Each initiative has been thoughtfully designed to inspire healthier routines, reinforce essential safety practices, and encourage a balanced and mindful lifestyle. The Walkathon began early in the morning with Dhaka participants starting from Banglalink’s headquarters, Tiger’s Den, while teams from other regions set off from their respective office locations. As employees walked their designated routes, the event served as a powerful reminder that well-being often begins with small and intentional steps. Chief Executive Officer Johan Buse and members of the leadership team formally inaugurated Safety and Wellness Week 2025 at Tiger’s Den. Their presence reaffirmed Banglalink’s commitment to cultivating a safe, caring, and supportive work environment. Ruhul Quader, Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer (Acting) at Banglalink, said, “The walkathon gives this week a purposeful start. It reminds us that safety and wellness are not occasional priorities but everyday habits we build together. When employee feel supported to look after their health, the entire organization becomes stronger. This week strengthens that spirit by encouraging us to care for ourselves, look out for one another, and create a workplace where well-being is a natural part of how we move forward as a team.” The company is also committed to the safety and well-being of its customers. After the recent 5.7 earthquake, Banglalink immediately offered two hours of free calling to help people connect with their loved ones.

Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, has been elected President of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for the tenure of 2026–2027. The election was announced at FICCI’s 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday (December 7, 2025) at a hotel in the capital. Alongside Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Deepal Abeywickrema, Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Bangladesh PLC, was elected as the Senior Vice President, and Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC, was elected as the Vice President. Chowdhury will succeed Zaved Akhtar, Chairman of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd., who served as FICCI President for the tenure of 2024–2025. The newly elected 15-member Board of Directors will officially assume charge on January 1, 2026, following the conclusion of the current Board’s tenure on December 31, 2025. After the election in her remarks, FICCI President-elect Rupali Haque Chowdhury expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by member companies. “I am committed to advancing the Chamber’s mission of strengthening foreign investment and supporting the country’s economic transformation,” she stated.  

The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association has announced an increase in the retail prices of edible oil, raising the rates of bottled soybean and palm oil with effect from Monday morning. In a media release issued on Sunday evening, the association said a litre of bottled soybean oil will now be sold at Tk 195, up from Tk 189. The price of loose soybean oil has also been increased by Tk 7 per litre, setting the new rate at Tk 176, compared to the previous Tk 169. The price of a five-litre bottle of soybean oil has been fixed at Tk 955, rising by Tk 33 from Tk 922. Palm oil prices have seen a sharper rise, with the rate increasing by Tk 16 per litre to Tk 166, from the earlier price of Tk 150. According to the association, the revised rates have been set in consultation with the commerce ministry, aligning local prices with the international market.  

Trading at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) began on a positive note on Thursday, while the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) opened lower. During the first hour, DSE’s key index, DSEX, gained 7 points. The Shariah-based DSES also edged up by 2 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index remained unchanged. Most participating companies at the DSE saw price appreciation, with 195 advancing, 108 declining, and 73 remaining unchanged. The turnover in the first half exceeded Tk 130 crore. Meanwhile, the CSE continued its downward trend, with its broad index falling by 6 points. A total of 27 issues advanced, 50 declined, and 14 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE reached Tk 7 crore during the same period.

The Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) is set to host its annual flagship event, the Annual BIDS Conference on Development (ABCD) 2025, beginning tomorrow (Sunday) in the capital. The two-day conference, running from December 7 to December 8, 2025, at the Conference Hall (2nd Floor) of Parjatan Bhaban, Agargaon, will be held under the theme "Democracy and Development." In an era where the connection between governance and economic progress is becoming increasingly vital, the conference aims to facilitate a rigorous and insightful dialogue on this pivotal relationship, with a specific focus on Bangladesh's context. The comprehensive two-day program is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and policy formulation. Key features include: Research Paper Presentations: Twenty cutting-edge research papers, meticulously selected for their relevance and contribution to Bangladesh's policy domain, will be presented across academic sessions. The Planning Advisor, Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, will deliver a keynote speech, setting the stage with a strategic vision for development planning within the framework of democratic institutions. The conference will feature a high-level panel discussion session with distinguished speakers from academia, government, and the development sectors. The Finance Advisor, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, is confirmed to be present during this session. Professor Dr. A. K. Enamul Haque, Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) will chair the programme. BIDS emphasized that the participation of thought leaders and experts will immensely enrich the discussions and contribute valuable insights to the discourse on the national development strategy.