Stocks opened on a negative note today (24 March) after a five-day Eid holiday, as investor sentiment remained cautious amid macroeconomic concerns.

In early trading up to 10:20am, the benchmark DSEX index fell 59 points to 5,294, while the blue-chip DS30 index dropped 29 points to 2,021.

Market breadth was broadly negative, with 247 issues declining, 48 advancing and 56 remaining unchanged.

Market insiders attributed the downturn to mounting concerns over inflationary pressures. Fears of potential fuel price hikes and supply disruptions, linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, have further dampened investor confidence.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today (22 March) said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is creating pressure on Bangladesh's economy, urging people to remain patient and cooperative during the challenging period.

"Global instability has pushed up pressure on the fuel market, which is directly affecting import-dependent Bangladesh. We cannot control the impact of the conflict, but the government is making every effort to tackle its effects," he told journalists at his residence in Chattogram's Mehedibag.

The minister noted that finding alternative sources of fuel and maintaining regular supply remain the government's primary challenges. "Managing the situation will be difficult without public cooperation."

He claimed, "Despite the pressure, the government has been able to maintain fuel supply. There was no fuel shortage anywhere during the Eid travel period, and the transport system is functioning normally."

Khasru also said the early payment of wages and allowances to ready-made garment (RMG) workers ahead of Ramadan and Eid helped avoid major labour unrest, calling it a positive sign for the economy.

Referring to ongoing social safety-net programmes, the minister said family cards for low-income people, farmers' cards, loan waivers and allowances for religious figures are continuing.

He urged the public to stay united with patience, restraint and mutual support to deal with the impact of the global crisis.

Agrani Insurance Company has recommended no dividend for shareholders for the year ended 31 December 2025, following a sharp drop in earnings compared with the previous year. In 2024, the company paid shareholders a 6% cash and 6% stock dividend.

Announcing the annual disclosure today (16 March), the company's share closed at Tk21.20 on the Dhaka Stock Exchange. According to a price-sensitive statement, consolidated earnings per share (EPS) fell to Tk0.18 in 2025 from Tk1.45 in 2024, a decline that appears to have influenced the board's decision to withhold dividends.

Despite lower earnings, cash flow performance improved. Consolidated net operating cash flow per share rose to Tk0.96 in 2025 from Tk0.58 in 2024, indicating stronger cash generation from core operations. However, the company's net asset value per share dipped slightly to Tk19.42 from Tk20.10 at year-end 2024.

Agrani Insurance will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on 14 May 2026, virtually. The record date for shareholder eligibility is 15 April 2026.

Previously, in September 2024, the company withdrew its rights share application submitted in March 2024 due to unavoidable circumstances. In June 2021, the BSEC rejected an earlier rights share offer for failing to submit a Credit Information Bureau report.

With a view to ensuring sustainable business and reducing carbon emissions, Paramount Textile, a company listed on the stock exchanges, has decided to install a 9.81MW rooftop solar power plant at its factory in Gazipur.

In this regard, Paramount Textile PLC will enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Paramount Solar Limited, according to a disclosure published on the stock exchanges yesterday.

Paramount Solar is a firm in which 99.99% of the total paid-up capital is held by Paramount Textile.

Under the agreement, Paramount Solar will design, build, operate and manage the rooftop solar project under the OPEX model at a fixed tariff of Tk8.20 per kilowatt-hour, excluding VAT and AIT. The facility will be installed at the company's factory premises in Sreepur, Gazipur.

The solar power generator will supply electricity generated from the project for 20 years from the date the photovoltaic system is commissioned and becomes operational.

The company said its board of directors discussed and approved the decision at a meeting held on Sunday for signing the PPA between Paramount Textile and Paramount Solar.

At the beginning of the agenda, the textile company's Managing Director Shakhawat Hossain informed the board that the management had decided to install the rooftop solar facility at the factory premises to ensure sustainable business operations and reduce carbon emissions.

Paramount Textile reported that its consolidated profit fell 19% year-on-year in the second quarter of the current fiscal year due to a decline in revenue.

During the October-December period, the company posted a consolidated profit of Tk20.77 crore, with earnings per share (EPS) of Tk1.16.

In the same period of the previous fiscal year, the company reported a profit of Tk25.79 crore and EPS of Tk1.44, according to its financial statements.

For the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, profit declined 4.23% year-on-year to Tk42.27 crore, while EPS stood at Tk2.36. In the first half of FY25, the company reported a profit of Tk44.06 crore and EPS of Tk2.46.

In January this year, the company said Paramount Textile PLC and Paramount Holdings Limited, both part of the Paramount Group, planned to invest $268 million – around Tk3,275 crore – in four solar power plants with a combined capacity of 295 megawatts through a joint venture.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board awarded the Notification of Award (NOA) to the joint venture on 29 December last year for the development of the projects under the Public Procurement Rules, 2008.

In just two months, shares of Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company (BIFC), a non-bank financial institution (NBFI), skyrocketed by over 600%, according to data from the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

Starting from Tk0.9 on 14 January, its share price rose to Tk6.6 on 17 March – the last trading day before the Eid vacation – marking a surge of 633%.

Following the recent surge, BIFC's share price has returned to the level seen nine months ago. Earlier, in mid-last year, the stock was traded in the Tk6-7 range, the data showed.

With a view to reviving the weak and scam-hit NBFIs, the Bangladesh Bank has planned to liquidate nine NBFIs to protect the depositors' interest.

With the initial discussion begun in mid-2025, the weak NBFIs stocks saw continuous sell-offs amid growing investor fears.

That is why the price of BIFC's shares saw a sharp fall amid heavy sell-offs, putting its shares below Tk1 each, the first time in the history of the capital market.

It eventually fell to as low as Tk0.9. Later, after the central bank decided to allow the institution three months to improve its financial condition, the price began to rise.

The stock then recorded gains for nearly 22 consecutive trading days, climbing from Tk0.9 to Tk3.9 each.

After a one-day correction, the share price resumed its upward trend. In the second phase of the rally, it rose to Tk7.2.

Subsequently, the stock corrected again, dropping to Tk5.9. It then rebounded to Tk7.2 before closing at Tk6.6 on 17 March.

Auditor opinion

The auditor of BIFC said it has been experiencing losses for several years, accumulating a total loss of Tk1,425.45 crore as of December 2024.

As of the same date, its total liabilities exceeded its total assets by Tk1,269.68 crore.

These conditions or events indicate that a material uncertainty exists on the company's ability to continue its operation in the foreseeable future unless arrangements are made to increase capital or to improve liquidity position by means of facilitating equity support/long-term loan, the auditor said.

The auditor also said it should maintain a cash reserve ratio at a rate of 1.5% on term or fixed deposits (except from banks and financial institutions), but it could not maintain such provision, noncomplying with the above regulation.

The government has decided to increase fuel imports by 25% in the course of the current year to tackle potential supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said today (23 March).

"Despite global concerns over fuel supply, there is no immediate crisis in Bangladesh. As a precautionary measure, the government has decided to raise fuel imports by 25%," Iqbal told reporters at his residence in Dhaka in the afternoon.

The minister said vessels carrying sufficient fuel supplies are arriving at ports, and the government is maintaining strict vigilance to ensure uninterrupted distribution across the country.

Highlighting the government's subsidy efforts, the minister said fuel is being purchased at higher prices from the spot market but sold to consumers at lower rates.

"The duration of the conflict remains uncertain, the government will continue providing subsidies for as long as possible, considering people's purchasing capacity," he added.

Referring to disruptions in global supply routes, Iqbal noted that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are facing challenges. "Ships are unable to move normally through the Strait of Hormuz and require special permissions, which is causing some disruptions to regular supply."

On fuel reserves, the minister said stock levels are being managed based on demand, and uninterrupted supply has so far prevented any major crisis.

Urging the public to remain calm, he called on consumers to avoid panic buying. "Please refrain from panic buying. Purchase only what you need. Panic buying is increasing pressure on depots and fuel stations."

Meanwhile, visits to several fuel pumps in the capital found vehicles waiting in long queues for fuel, while some stations were temporarily shut after running out of stock due to increased demand: further fuelling public anxiety.

The dollar rose today (23 March) as escalating retaliatory threats in the Middle East conflict curbed risk appetite and lifted demand for safe-haven assets.

The Australian dollar, ​a liquid proxy for global sentiment, slid as equities sold off across Asia. Japan's top currency diplomat said his government is ready ‌to take action to counter foreign-exchange volatility as the yen edged lower.

Hopes for an off-ramp to hostilities dimmed over the weekend, with US President Donald Trump threatening to strike Iran's electricity grid and Tehran vowing to hit back at infrastructure of its neighbours. The head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said the crisis is worse than the two oil shocks of the ​1970s put together.

"The market's going with the idea that those countries and economies that enjoy a positive supply shock from energy are likely to ​perform better than those that are suffering from a negative supply shock," Rodrigo Catril, a currency strategist at National ⁠Australia Bank, said on a podcast.

"So you're seeing the euro and the yen struggling to perform. And again, if this conflict proves long-lasting, you would think ​that those are the currencies that are likely to suffer a bit more."

The dollar index , which measures the US currency against a basket of peers, rose 0.29% ​to 99.83. The gauge on Friday closed out its first weekly decline since the start of the war, as the inflationary effects of surging oil prices prompted central banks to turn hawkish.

The euro sank 0.38% to $1.1526, as the yen weakened 0.22% to 159.55 per dollar. Sterling weakened 0.37% to $1.329.

The conflict broadened today, with Israel announcing wide-scale strikes on Tehran, ​while Saudi Arabia said two ballistic missiles had been launched at Riyadh.

Trump issued his latest threat to Iran on Saturday, less than a day after ​signaling the US might be considering winding down the conflict. Iran pledged retaliatory strikes on infrastructure in nearby countries and that the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane for oil would remain ‌closed.

The prospect ⁠of tit-for-tat strikes on civilian infrastructure in the region threatens the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on desalination plants for water.

With the yen weakening back toward the key 160 per dollar level, Japan's top currency diplomat Atsushi Mimura signaled caution about speculative activity in oil markets spilling over into foreign exchange.

Speaking in Sydney, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that the current crisis poses a major threat to the global economy, surpassing the Middle East energy shocks of ​the 1970s.

Major equity indexes across Asia tumbled, ​with Japan's Nikkei down as much ⁠as 5% at one point. Inflation concerns hit global debt markets, with Japanese government bonds falling sharply, and the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rising to a near eight-month high of 4.415%.

Before the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in late ​February, investors had priced in two cuts by the Federal Reserve this year. But even one cut is now ​considered a distant ⁠prospect, and other major central banks are turning more hawkish.

"If markets price a U.S. tightening cycle, the USD will lift strongly against all currencies in our view," Joseph Capurso, head of international economics at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, wrote in a note. "AUD would fall against most, if not all, major currencies if global downgrades occur."

The ⁠European Central ​Bank kept rates on hold on Thursday, but warned of inflation driven by energy prices. The ​Bank of England also kept rates steady, while the Bank of Japan left the door open to a hike as soon as April.

The Australian dollar sank 0.95% versus the greenback to $0.6956, while New ​Zealand's kiwi weakened 0.7% versus the greenback to $0.5793.

In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin jumped 0.76% to $68,704.51, while ether rose 0.16% to $2,061.87.

Bangladesh's state-run Petrobangla has sought an additional US$350-million loan guarantee from the World Bank to augment LNG imports amid escalating Middle East tensions and soaring global fuel prices.Loan guarantee services

"We have requested the Economic Relations Division (ERD) to expedite the funding to facilitate the buying of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from global suppliers," Petrobangla's director of finance, AKM Mizanur Rahman, told the Financial Express on Tuesday.

"Initially our plan was to seek an additional $250 million but later decided to seek more to meet the growing need," he said.

The fresh fund request would add up to an existing $350-million guarantee facility, totaling fund support from World Bank's concessional lending arm -- International Development Association (IDA) -- to $700 million for the country's energy-security programme, he said.

The government's move is a part of a strategic shift to ensure the country's energy-supply chain strong amid volatile global energy market against the backdrop of dwindling domestic natural gas output, Rahman said.

Bangladesh already purchased five LNG cargoes from spot market at very high prices.

Bangladesh's payment against the import of LNG has become easier from early 2026 with the World Bank's loan guarantee worth $350 million, which was approved last year, to facilitate its import.World Bank reports

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved late June last year the 'Energy Sector Security Enhancement Project,' worth $350 million to help Bangladesh import LNG to improve the country's overall gas supply, he said.

The project aims to improve Bangladesh's gas- supply security by facilitating access to affordable financing for LNG import. It will use an IDA guarantee to mobilise up to $2.1 billion in private capital over the next seven years to support LNG imports, according to Rahman.

Petrobangla has selected eight local and foreign commercial banks to facilitate the import of LNG, backed by the repayment guarantee from the World Bank, to provide financial support for LNG imports, he said.

The selected banks have formed a consortium to provide Petrobangla with a stand-by letter of credit (SBLC) worth $200 million, valid for up to 12 months, in favor of long-term LNG suppliers under existing sales and purchase agreements (SPAs), he said.

They are offering an additional SBLC worth US$50 million, valid for up to 90 days, for spot LNG suppliers under master sales and purchase agreements (MSPAs).

In addition, the banks provide a US$100-million credit line in the form of short-term loans with up to a 12-month tenure to help Petrobangla meet payment obligations for specific LNG cargoes under the SPAs and MSPAs, Mr Rahman said.Banking services comparison

The IDA, the World Bank's soft-lending arm, will guarantee Petrobangla's repayment obligations to the banks for loans and SBLC draws, covering up to $350 million in principal and accrued interest.

However, the guarantee will not cover penalties, default interest, or similar charges, Rahman added.

The IDA guarantee is expected to enhance Petrobangla's credit profile, enabling it to secure LNG supplies more effectively amid mounting foreign-currency constraints, said the Petrobangla official.

The World Bank has noted that LNG now accounts for over a quarter of Bangladesh's total gas consumption, with imports costing around $4.5 billion annually.

Approximately 42 per cent of the country's gas is consumed by the power sector, making LNG- supply disruptions a major risk to electricity generation and overall economic activity, it said.

Since LNG imports began in 2018, Bangladesh has imported around 35.59 million tonnes of LNG through 571 cargoes as of January 2026, according to official data from Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL).

With domestic gas reserves rapidly depleting, Bangladesh is expected to need 30 million mt of LNG per year by 2041 to meet surging demand, according to official data of Petrobangla.Bangladesh economic news

The corporation projects that by 2041, daily gas demand could reach 8 Bcf/d, significantly higher than the current supply of around 2.45 Bcf/d as of March 17, 2026.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed banks, mobile financial service providers, payment service providers and payment system operators to establish a dedicated “Cashless Bangladesh Unit” at their head offices by March 31 to accelerate digital transactions nationwide.

The central bank issued a circular in this regard on Monday, aiming to reduce dependence on cash and expand digital payment services to customers at the grassroots level under the broader Cashless Bangladesh initiative.

As per the directive, each bank must establish a full-fledged unit supervised by a deputy managing director or an equivalent official linked to payment system operations.

For mobile financial service providers, payment service providers and payment system operators, the unit will be supervised by an official directly below the managing director.

Each bank must establish a full-fledged unit supervised by a deputy managing director or an equivalent official linked to payment system operations
Banks must assign at least four officials to the unit, while MFS, PSP and PSO operators must appoint at least two officials.

The central bank said Bangla QR and Bangladesh’s digital payment ecosystem have expanded significantly in recent years through interoperable digital payment infrastructure, mobile financial services, internet banking, point-of-sale terminals and online payments.

According to the circular, the unit will prepare and implement institution-specific roadmaps for expanding digital payments, accelerate merchant onboarding through Bangla QR channels, and regularly monitor customer registration in institution-owned mobile applications.

The unit will also oversee staff training, awareness campaigns, seminars, customer protection measures, complaint resolution and risk mitigation related to digital transactions.

In addition, institutions have been asked to submit annual implementation reports to their boards and send copies to BB by the last working day of March each year.

Remittance inflows rose sharply in the first two weeks of March ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr, despite tensions in the Middle East stemming from the US-Israel war on Iran.

Expatriates sent home $2.2 billion in the first 14 days of March, up 36 percent from $1.62 billion during the same period last year, according to Bangladesh Bank (BB) data.

Bankers expect remittances to exceed $3 billion by the end of the month, as expatriates typically send more money home during Eid. Full data for the month will be available after the Eid holidays.

In February, remittances stood at $3.02 billion.

In the current fiscal year, inflows have remained strong.

Between July and March 14, remittances reached $24.65 billion, marking a 22.6 percent year-on-year growth.

However, industry insiders and economists warn that inflows may slow in the coming months due to the Middle East crisis.

A BB quarterly report also projected a possible slowdown in remittances amid migration disruptions and economic uncertainty in the region.

The escalating tensions in the Gulf have already driven up prices of oil, liquefied natural gas, fertiliser and sulphur, as Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of global oil exports and nearly one-third of fertiliser shipments.

During March 1-14, Islami Bank Bangladesh handled the highest inflow at $395 million, followed by BRAC Bank with $228 million, state-run Agrani Bank with $165 million, and Trust Bank with $163 million.

The steady rise in remittances is helping ease pressure on the balance of payments and stabilise the foreign exchange market.

Under the International Monetary Fund’s calculation method, reserves were $29.64 billion, up from $19.74 billion in the same period last year.

However, signs of volatility have emerged in the foreign exchange market after more than a year, with the taka weakening against the US dollar since early March amid rising uncertainty over the war in the Middle East.

Gold prices ticked down on Wednesday, as investors weighed the ‌risk of a more hawkish US Federal Reserve policy stance, with high oil prices increasing concerns over renewed inflation pressures.

Spot gold fell 0.4 percent at $4,986.79 per ounce as of 0915 GMT. US ​gold futures for April delivery fell 0.3 percent to $4,990.70.

“Investors are worried about rates ​staying ‘higher-for-longer’ due to elevated energy prices ... the longer the Iran conflict goes on, the more likely that scenario,” making non-yielding gold less attractive, ​said Jamie Dutta, market analyst at Nemo.money.

The Middle East conflict is in its ​third week, as Iran targeted Tel Aviv with missiles in what it said was retaliation for Israel’s assassination of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, Iranian state television reported on Wednesday.

Brent crude oil ​prices eased slightly, but held above $100 per barrel, as escalation in the Iran conflict ​and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz offset some relief to supply concerns.

Elevated oil prices ‌add to inflationary pressures by pushing up transport costs. While gold is viewed as a hedge against inflation and uncertainty, high interest rates curb its appeal by raising the cost of holding bullion and boosting returns on yield-bearing assets.

The Fed is widely ​expected to hold ​rates steady for ⁠a second straight meeting when it announces its policy decision later in the day.

Investors are also awaiting remarks from Fed chair Jerome ​Powell to assess the central bank’s policy view for the ​rest of ⁠2026, with futures markets seeing only one quarter-percentage-point rate cut this year, in September, and another cut in late 2027.

“Long-term drivers like central bank buying, stagflation risks and ⁠diversification ​demand still remain. That should mean higher (gold) prices ​by end of 2026,” Dutta added.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has launched investigations into four capital market intermediaries over allegations of serious irregularities, in a move aimed at protecting investors and ensuring market stability.

Through separate orders, the regulator has initiated formal enquiries into NRBC Bank Securities Limited, Premier Leasing Securities Limited, Green Delta Securities Limited, and LankaBangla Investments Limited, operating as a merchant bank.

Four enquiry committees were formed on 11 March to conduct the investigations.

BSEC director and spokesperson Abul Kalam told TBS that the Commission had identified multiple inconsistencies in the operations of these firms, particularly relating to negative equity, margin lending practices, financial reporting, and corporate governance.

He said such irregularities could increase market risks and harm general investors, prompting the regulator to take action. The Commission will take legal measures after reviewing the enquiry findings, he added.

Separate officials have been assigned to each investigation. The probe into NRBC Bank Securities will be led by Deputy Director Md Rafiqunnabi and Assistant Director Muhammad Sadequr Rahman Bhuiyan.

Additional Director Md Ohidul Islam and Assistant Director Md Maruf Hassan will investigate Premier Leasing Securities, while Additional Director (Legal) Muhammad Ziaur Rahman and Assistant Director Amit Kumar Saha will examine LankaBangla Investments.

Additional Director Umme Salma and Assistant Director Md Motiur Rahman have been tasked with investigating Green Delta Securities.

The commission has directed that all enquiry reports be submitted within 60 working days.

The allegations

One of the key focus areas of the investigations is whether any of the firms declared or facilitated cash dividends despite having negative equity or unrealised losses.

Under market rules, such actions may mislead investors and conceal a company's true financial condition.

In particular, NRBC Bank Securities and LankaBangla Investments will be examined to determine whether they made or supported such dividend decisions.

The BSEC has also raised concerns that some firms may have misreported or concealed negative equity data in regulatory filings. In the case of NRBC Bank Securities, allegations of systematic misreporting and data manipulation are under scrutiny.

Premier Leasing Securities is accused of classifying receivables from clients as assets without maintaining adequate provisioning, potentially understating financial risks in its disclosures.

A common allegation against all four firms is the failure to maintain sufficient provisions against negative equity and unrealised losses within prescribed timelines, raising concerns over their financial stability.

In the case of Green Delta Securities, the Commission will closely examine the methodology used in calculating negative equity. Issues include capitalising prior-year interest into principal, mismatches between principal and interest figures, and the absence of necessary provisions.

Wafi Shafique Menhaz Khan, CEO of Green Delta Securities, said the matter is a routine issue from the regulator.

"We have received the letter and are cooperating with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission in the investigation," he told The Business Standard. "The violations identified by the Commission regarding negative equity are very minor in nature. The Commission has also conducted a similar enquiry earlier," he added.

The investigations will also examine margin lending practices across the firms, including whether loans exceeded permissible exposure limits and whether margin discipline was bypassed.

There are allegations that cash accounts were converted into margin or negative equity accounts without proper authorisation. In some cases, margin accounts may have been opened without client consent or formal agreements.

The BSEC has further alleged that certain firms conducted transactions involving highly speculative shares through negative equity accounts, as well as illegal block and bulk transactions in violation of regulatory rules.

Such activities – particularly in NRBC Bank Securities and Premier Leasing Securities – will be examined to determine whether they were used to create artificial demand or manipulate share prices.

In LankaBangla's case, it faces additional scrutiny over specific financial reporting issues, including the use of "interest suspense" accounting and whether such figures were properly reflected in its financial statements.

The firm is also accused of failing to recognise around Tk109.73 crore in interest payable to LankaBangla Finance Limited, which may have led to an overstatement of profits and retained earnings.

Iftekhar Alam, CEO of LankaBangla Investments, did not respond to phone calls and messages regarding the matter.

Another key aspect of the investigations will be to assess the role and intent of senior management, including chief executives, managing directors, and board members, in relation to the alleged irregularities.

According to the BSEC, weaknesses in corporate governance may have allowed such practices to persist.

Market insiders said the investigations could play an important role in restoring discipline in the capital market, where concerns over negative equity, margin lending practices, and weak enforcement have persisted.

The move is widely seen as a strong signal from the regulator against non-compliance and governance failures in the market.

Mamun Agro Industries, currently listed on the SME platform on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, has formally sought enlistment on the main board of the bourse, citing compliance with regulatory criteria, including paid-up capital exceeding Tk50 crore and more than three years of trading history.

Confirming the development, Company Secretary Muhammad Imdadul Haque told TBS that the firm had completed all necessary requirements before submitting its application to the bourse recently.

The company's move follows an earlier decision by its management and board in April last year to pursue an upgrade. Subsequently, shareholders approved the plan at an extraordinary general meeting held in mid-June, in line with regulatory provisions.

A DSE official said the exchange would now review the company's application and supporting documents, adding that a final decision on the transfer to the main board would be taken by its board upon completion of the evaluation.

Under the Qualified Investor Offer rules for small-cap firms, companies must apply for main board listing once their paid-up capital reaches at least Tk50 crore and they have been listed on the SME platform for a minimum of three years. Mamun Agro meets these conditions, with its paid-up capital standing at Tk52.50 crore against an authorised capital of Tk100 crore.

Operating in the pharmaceutical and chemical segment, the company manufactures and imports agro-products, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilisers, pesticides and seeds for the domestic market. It raised Tk10 crore from the capital market before its SME listing in 2022.

According to its latest financial report up to June 2025, the company's total assets stood at Tk111.17 crore, largely comprising current assets such as trade receivables of Tk28 crore, inventories and advances. Non-current assets amounted to Tk38 crore, including Tk36 crore in property, plant and equipment.

Its current liabilities totalled Tk25.57 crore, of which Tk16.96 crore were short-term loans.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Mamun Agro reported a modest rise in revenue to Tk57.35 crore and a profit of Tk6.05 crore. Revenue from seeds increased to Tk26.69 crore from Tk25.04 crore a year earlier, while pesticide sales declined to Tk30.65 crore from Tk31.88 crore.

The company's board recommended a 10% dividend for general shareholders – comprising 5% cash and 5% stock – alongside a 5% bonus share for sponsor-directors for FY25. However, the stock dividend remains subject to approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company was supposed to pay Tk1.75 crore as a dividend to its general shareholders.

The BSEC allowed the issuance of the stock dividend, but due to the non-holding of the annual general meeting, the dividend has yet to be disbursed.

Firstly, it declared AGM for 31 December last year, later, it fixed AGM for 25 February.

On 25 February, through a disclosure, it postponed the AGM as it had not received permission yet from the High Court for non-compliance of Companies Act, 1994.

The firm said it is in the process of obtaining the necessary court approval and will announce a revised AGM date once clearance is received.

Remittance inflows to Bangladesh reached $2.2 billion in the first two weeks of March 2026, according to data from Bangladesh Bank.

The total includes inflows through state-owned, specialised, private and foreign commercial banks.

State-owned commercial banks brought in $372.49 million, with Agrani Bank leading the group at $164.52 million. Janata Bank followed with $129.92 million, while Sonali Bank contributed $63.08 million.

Specialised banks received $272.88 million, entirely through Bangladesh Krishi Bank.

Private commercial banks accounted for the largest share, bringing in $1.55 billion. Islami Bank Bangladesh topped the list with $395.29 million, followed by BRAC Bank with $228.24 million and Trust Bank with $162.53 million.

Foreign commercial banks contributed the least, with a total of $4.54 million. Standard Chartered Bank led this category, bringing in $3.37 million.

The UN Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP) is preparing a "crisis assessment" report, evaluating Bangladesh's request to delay graduation from the Least Developed Country category by three years, which is expected to be released within March, according to officials from the Economic Relations Division (ERD).

The officials said the committee will examine whether Bangladesh is facing an actual economic or structural crisis. If the CDP finds evidence of such a crisis, it may recommend extending the country's LDC graduation by three years. The recommendation would then be forwarded to the UN Economic and Social Council for consideration.

Proposals of this nature are usually approved through consensus within the economic council. However, if any member state vetoes, the matter could be put to a vote. Officials in the economic relations said the government has already asked the foreign ministry to begin diplomatic outreach and lobbying efforts to secure support from UN member states for the proposed delay.

A CDP delegation may visit Bangladesh in April and they are expected to present the findings of a readiness study conducted earlier at Bangladesh's request. However, officials said the visit will not directly influence the final decision, as the crisis assessment report will be the main factor.

The final decision could come in September during the UN General Assembly session. If the proposal is approved at that stage, Bangladesh will get three more years before formally graduating from the LDC.

For now, policymakers keep an eye on the upcoming assessment report, as its recommendations will determine the next steps.

However, a high-level meeting of the government on LDCs is scheduled to be held on 5 April, with the finance minister in the chair, where the "Crisis Assessment" report will be evaluated.

Under the current schedule, Bangladesh is set to graduate from the LDC group on 24 November this year. The third and final review process ahead of graduation is already underway.

Soon after taking power, on 18 February, the government sent a letter to CDP Chair José Antonio Ocampo seeking a three-year deferral of the graduation until November 24, 2029.

In the letter, Bangladesh noted that although it continues to meet the three graduation criteria – gross national income per capita, the Human Assets Index, and the Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index — the five-year preparatory period has been severely disrupted by a series of global and domestic shocks.

The government cited the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the Middle East, tight global financial conditions, and the slow recovery of international trade.

On the domestic front, it highlighted irregularities in the financial sector, the change in government following the July 2024 uprising, and the ongoing pressure of hosting displaced Myanmar nationals.

According to the letter, these shocks have led to macroeconomic instability, slower GDP growth, high inflation, and a decline in both public and private investment. It also pointed to mounting pressure on foreign exchange reserves, reduced imports of capital machinery and raw materials, and slower job creation due to weakened investment.

Against this backdrop, the government said its policy focus had shifted toward short-term stabilisation and crisis management, preventing effective utilisation of the preparatory period.

The letter also raised concerns about post-graduation trade risks, including the potential loss of preferential market access for ready-made garment exports to the European Union and the risk of possible countervailing duties from the United States.

Considering the crisis, Bangladesh has requested a three-year extension to stabilise the economy and complete priority actions under its Smooth Transition Strategy.

Officials added that beyond the issues mentioned in the letter, the ongoing conflict across the Middle East could pose additional risks for Bangladesh. Rising military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have heightened instability in the region.

A prolonged conflict could fuel inflation and disrupt macroeconomic stability, further strengthening the case for deferring LDC graduation by three years.

Stakeholders warn that extended tensions among the US, Israel, and Iran could exert multidimensional pressure on Bangladesh's economy. There are concerns over rising energy import costs, given the country's heavy reliance on oil and gas imports from the Middle East. Escalating conflict could drive up global energy prices, increasing electricity generation and transportation costs.

Additionally, a large number of Bangladeshi workers are employed in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Heightened regional instability could shrink labour markets and create income uncertainty.

There are also fears of increased transportation costs for exports. Rising tensions in the Red Sea or the Strait of Hormuz could push up marine insurance and shipping costs, affecting key export sectors, including ready-made garments. Higher energy and import costs would also increase demand for US dollars, putting further pressure on foreign exchange reserves, experts say.

The Cabinet today (17 March) approved Bangladesh's proposal to join the 'Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA)' under the plurilateral Joint Statement Initiative of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani told reporters that the agreement aims to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh.

He said the pact does not impose any new obligations regarding market access or investor-state dispute settlement. Instead, it seeks to enhance transparency in investment procedures, simplify registration and approvals, reduce unnecessary multiple applications, and maintain a database of domestic investors.

The government expects that joining the agreement will further boost Bangladesh's international reputation as an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Bangladesh’s energy security is under fresh pressure as war in the Middle East disrupts the flow of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel that has become indispensable to the country’s power sector.

In an effort to maintain supply, the government has confirmed the purchase of seven LNG cargoes from the spot market since the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran, at prices more than double those paid just months ago.

Since March 4, state-run Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Co Ltd (RPGCL) has floated three tenders to buy LNG cargoes from the spot market amid ongoing uncertainty over timely shipments from Qatar, as Iran continues to halt nearly all shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar is a long-term LNG supplier to Bangladesh. It ships a significant proportion of its exports through the Strait, which accounts for roughly a fifth of global LNG flows.

Bangladesh meets almost 30 percent of its gas demand through imported LNG, while domestic production continues to fall short of the total requirement of about 2,650 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), according to the energy ministry.

A senior RPGCL official said the country usually receives eight to nine LNG cargoes each month, with five to six passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US-Israel war on Iran has disrupted supplies of oil, LNG, fertiliser and sulphur through the shipping channel, driving up prices and sparking a global scramble for energy and crop nutrients.

LNG prices have almost doubled from pre-war levels of around $10-$12 per MMBtu.

On March 2, QatarEnergy suspended LNG production following an Iranian drone attack, placing additional strain on the global market. Qatar supplies around 20 percent of the world’s LNG, according to Al Jazeera.

On March 17, the cabinet committee on government purchase approved the acquisition of two spot LNG cargoes from Aramco Trading Singapore.

The first cargo will cost $20.96 per MMBtu, and the second $20.92 per MMBtu. Shipments are expected to arrive between April 15 and 22.

Last week, the government decided to purchase three more cargoes from South Korean and UK-based companies, at more than double December prices.

These shipments are expected between April 5 and 13. UK-based TotalEnergies Gas & Power Ltd will supply one cargo at $21.58 per MMBtu, while South Korea-based Posco International Corporation will provide two cargoes at $20.76 per MMBtu.

Earlier, state-run Petrobangla secured two emergency LNG cargoes for March deliveries at nearly three times December prices. One cargo was purchased from US-based Gunvor at $28.28 per MMBtu, while a second from Vitol cost $23.08 per MMBtu.

By comparison, LNG purchased in December cost just $9.99 per MMBtu.

Bangladesh’s power sector has transformed rapidly over the past decade. Domestic gas production, long the backbone of electricity generation, has stagnated as major gas fields mature.

To bridge the supply gap, the government began importing LNG in 2018 via floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) at Moheshkhali. Since then, LNG has become a structurally vital component of the energy mix.

In 2025, Bangladesh spent roughly $3.88 billion to import 109 LNG cargoes, compared with $3.02 billion for 86 cargoes in 2024, reflecting rising demand and higher prices, according to data from Dhaka-based management consulting firm LightCastle Partners.

Qatar remains the country’s dominant supplier. In 2025, QatarEnergy received around $1.2 billion, the largest single supplier payment, for delivering 40 contracted cargoes.

Oman’s OQ Trading supplied a further 16 under long-term agreements, while the remaining 48 cargoes were bought from the spot market, according to LightCastle data.

Because Qatar’s LNG exports originate in the Persian Gulf, most shipments to Bangladesh must transit the Strait of Hormuz.

As a result, the country’s energy supply chain remains structurally vulnerable to disruptions in Gulf shipping routes.

Bangladesh is seeking billions in external financing to secure fuel and liquefied natural gas imports, as the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman moves to stabilise the economy amid a worsening global energy outlook due to the Iran war.

The nation of 175 million relies on imports for about 95% of its energy needs, and state-run agencies have increasingly turned to the volatile market to plug the gap. The government has been rationing fuel, though the restrictions were eased for the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the prime minister's adviser on finance and planning, said on Friday that Dhaka was in talks with major development lenders — including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank — to mobilise fresh funding.

"There are positive indications that we'll receive funds from the multilateral agencies to support oil and energy, which will help accelerate economic growth," Titumir told Reuters.

He said he expected about $1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund under an existing programme, along with an additional $250 million to $500 million on top of roughly $500 million in budgetary support from the ADB.

"An IMF team is visiting... they were waiting for an elected government. We will request them to release the funds now, instead of July, so we receive them within the current fiscal year," he said.

The urgency has grown amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East that has roiled global energy markets, pushed up prices and increased concerns about supply routes.

"Our financing flow for oil and energy must not be disrupted under any circumstances," Titumir said. "We will ensure financing is available and diversify our sources of oil and energy."

He said Bangladesh was exploring procuring additional supply from the United States, Southeast Asia, Nigeria and producers in the Middle East, to avoid over‑reliance on a single source.

Despite rising global prices, Dhaka does not plan to pass the burden on to consumers, he said.

"We are not increasing fuel prices. We will provide the necessary financing so there is no contraction in the economy," Titumir said, stressing that the government aims to rely on multilateral support rather than private‑sector borrowing.

Bangladesh adjusts government‑set fuel prices each month, based on a global pricing formula.

Prime Bank FinTech Limited, a subsidiary of Prime Bank PLC., has been awarded a license to operate Mobile Financial Services (MFS) in the country.

This enables Prime Bank FinTech Ltd. to formally launch its own brand of MFS services in Bangladesh.

With this regulatory approval, Prime Bank FinTech Limited is set to reshape the country's digital financial ecosystem by addressing the vast untapped spaces. The goal is to move beyond traditional competition and foster a collaborative market environment that prioritises financial literacy and inclusive growth. By acting as a digital guardian for users, this will aim to bridge the gap for the unbanked and empower every individual to navigate the cashless economy with confidence and security.

Prime Bank FinTech Limited will operate its Mobile Financial Services under a dedicated brand identity. The brand will work closely with regulators, partners and stakeholders to ensure compliance, operational excellence and a seamless customer experience as it prepares for its formal launch.

The US Treasury on Friday temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels, in Washington's latest step to stem a supply crisis over the Middle East war.

The authorization allows for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and other petroleum products loaded onto ships before March 20, and will last through April 19, the Treasury said in a statement.

The move by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had said Thursday was under consideration, follows a similar lifting of sanctions on Russian oil at sea.

Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil and gas normally flows, and the numerous attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East, have sent crude oil prices soaring.

Bessent described the move in a statement Friday as a narrowly tailored, short-term authorization that follows President Donald Trump's intention to "maximize the flow of energy to the world" and ensure market stability.

"At present, sanctioned Iranian oil is being hoarded by China on the cheap," Bessent said in a statement.

"By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran."

Tehran, however, said Friday it had no surplus crude oil to offer to international markets.

"Currently, Iran basically has no surplus crude oil left on the water or for supply in other international markets, and the US treasury secretary's statement is solely aimed at giving hope to buyers," Iranian oil ministry spokesman Saman Ghoddoosi wrote on X.

The Treasury's authorization on Friday does not apply to deliveries of oil to Cuba, North Korea or Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.

Oil markets ended higher Friday, although they remained below the $120-per-barrel threshold which has been approached multiple times since the conflict began three weeks ago.

A barrel of North Sea Brent crude gained 3.26 percent to $112.19. Its US counterpart, the traditionally cheaper West Texas Intermediate (WTI), rose 2.27 percent to $98.32.