The real interest rate on deposits measures the actual return on savings after adjusting for inflation.

Real returns on fresh deposits turned positive in June 2025 and remained so until February this year. However, they fell to nearly zero by the end of March 2026.The observation was made in Bangladesh Bank's latest 'Banking Sector Update', which reviewed developments up to March 2026The publication said depositors' purchasing power remained under pressure as the gap between average deposit rates and inflation remained negligible."Depositors continue to experience near-zero real returns," the central bank said in the report.

The report stressed that maintaining an appropriate balance between deposit and lending rates is essential to protect depositors while ensuring businesses and households continue to have access to affordable credit.

The 12-month average inflation rate stood at 8.6 per cent in March, while the average deposit rate remained almost at the same level, leaving the real return on deposits close to zero.

"It is important to balance interest rates to protect depositors while promoting affordable credit," the publication said.

Economists said persistently low or negative real returns discourage financial savings, weaken confidence in the banking system and encourage households to shift funds into alternative assets such as land, gold and foreign currency.Financial regulatory updates

They noted that the 12-month average inflation rate rose to 8.68 per cent in June, while deposit rates remained broadly unchanged or below inflation, pushing real returns back into negative territory.

The report, however, identified several structural weaknesses that continue to weigh on the banking sector, including a high level of non-performing loans (NPLs), weak compliance with prudential regulations and inadequate discipline in maintaining the advance-deposit ratio (ADR).

According to the central bank, elevated NPLs continue to constrain banks' profitability, reduce their lending capacity and increase provisioning requirements.

The report also pointed to lapses in maintaining prudent ADR levels, indicating that some banks remain exposed to liquidity risks despite improvements in overall sector liquidity.

It cautioned that these vulnerabilities require sustained policy attention and stronger regulatory enforcement.

"Without these corrective measures, current vulnerabilities could evolve into systemic risks and trigger wider market volatility, undermining financial stability and economic development," the report said.

Bangladesh Bank has been pursuing a series of reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the banking sector.

These include strengthening bank governance, improving loan classification and provisioning standards, enhancing supervision, and aligning the country's regulatory framework with international banking standards.

The report said ensuring positive real returns on deposits would be important for mobilising domestic savings, which remain a key source of financing for private-sector investment and economic growth.

It also emphasised that a sound banking sector is indispensable for maintaining macroeconomic stability, supporting productive investment and strengthening financial resilience.

The country’s sluggish garment exports are unlikely to recover in the coming months as the war in the Gulf drives up energy costs, feeds inflation in key Western markets and leaves retailers with more unsold stock, according to exporters and major international buyers.

Apparel makers say buyers remain cautious and are avoiding large orders, even though uncertainty over US tariffs has eased.

Fresh apparel orders largely depend on retail sales in the United States and Europe. But the dragging US-Israel’s war on Iran has triggered an energy shock that is rippling through the global economy.

Higher energy prices have pushed up inflation in Bangladesh’s main export markets, weakening demand for clothing in Europe, Asia and the US. At home, rising energy costs have also increased production costs for manufacturers.

“We are facing a perfect storm now,” said Abrar H Sayem, director of Sayem Group, which supplies clothing to brands including US Polo Assn, British Ben Sherman and European fast-fashion retailer NewYorker.

The country’s readymade garment (RMG) sector earned $38.70 billion in the recently concluded fiscal year 2025-26 (July-June), down 1.64 percent from $39.35 billion in FY25, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data.

The FY26 decline was largely blamed on months of uncertainty over US tariffs. Although the Trump administration kept the newly announced tariff unchanged at 10 percent on Friday, easing one source of uncertainty, exporters say the broader market remains weak.

“The order placement is still slow as the global volatility is lingering,” said AK Azad, managing director of Ha-Meem Group, a leading garment exporter to the US.

The war, oil prices and old inventories have been affecting buyers’ decisions, Azad added.

“Western buyers are also going through a difficult period, which has affected their purchasing decisions,” said Tapan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Apparels, which also exports garments to the US and Europe.

“We have the challenges of continued energy supply, but still we are hopeful that the market will recover in the near future,” he also said.

Meanwhile, exporters also say the country’s heavy reliance on five basic garment items has left the industry vulnerable in an oversupplied market marked by intense price competition.

Western buyers say the country’s export performance is unlikely to improve over the long term unless it shifts towards higher-value products.

Bangladesh mainly exports trousers, T-shirts, formal woven shirts, underwear and sweaters. Together, these account for 78 percent of total garment exports, while about 95 percent of factories produce these five categories.

“Our old model of selling basic garments is no more relevant as India has been showing resilience in this segment recently because of incentives paid to the exporters,” said Md Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Plummy Fashions Ltd, whose buyers include Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Zara.

“If we want to remain competitive in global supply, we have to maintain the growth, which is difficult to gain now,” said the exporter. “So, we have to wake up for positive growth,” he added.

Hoque said improving gas supplies and lowering bank lending rates should be priorities as manufacturers continue to face rising production costs.

Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said Vietnam is in a much stronger position than Bangladesh in the current global supply chain because its production costs have remained stable, it has higher value addition, and it enjoys shorter lead times to Europe and the US.

A senior executive at a European garment retailer, who asked not to be named, said Bangladesh would struggle to maintain $50 billion in RMG exports by 2030, let alone achieve its $100 billion target, unless it diversified its product range.

He said the global market for the five main garment items exported by Bangladesh is already saturated. “We do not have any chance for further expansion for these five products. We need high-end garment items at affordable prices.”

Bangladesh’s graduation from least developed country (LDC) status and the subsequent loss of preferential market access could make the country a more expensive sourcing destination than its competitors, reducing its competitiveness in key export markets.

The buyer said major retailers and brands have already begun planning to source more products from other countries ahead of Bangladesh losing GSP benefits over the next few years, even if the transition is delayed.

He also said that if India secures duty-free access to the European market through a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), buyers may push for even lower prices from Bangladeshi exporters supplying Europe.

Faisal Samad, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said the organisation would hold roadshows in the US, Japan and South Africa over the next few months to help revive export orders.

The BGMEA is also setting up a design studio to help exporters become more competitive by analysing markets, products and the latest fashion trends, he said.

Crude oil futures prices were more than 4 percent lower on Friday after sources said that China had initiated a push to resume stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran, but remained on track for hefty weekly gains.

Both Brent and US West Texas Intermediate crude have rallied this week as the United States and Iran exchanged missile strikes, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to a trickle and Yemen’s Houthis attacked shipping in the Red Sea.

Brent futures settled at $96.78 a barrel, down $3.91, or 3.88 percent, having settled above $100 in the previous session for the first time since May.

The contract remained on course for a gain of nearly 10 percent this week.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures finished at $89.31 a barrel, down $2.88, or 3.12 percent, on track for an 8.27 percent weekly rise.

“There’s nothing this market loves more than hope,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital.

“Nobody wants to get suckered, so any hint this may get settled they will take,” Kilduff said. “Nobody wants to think we’re on a one-way course.”

Energy markets were in a precarious state on Friday, said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.

“Overall stocks remain pretty tight — and that situation could turn on a dime, so it’s worth keeping a close watch as things develop,” Flynn said.

US President Donald Trump promised “major military punishment” for Iran and its Houthi allies after the strikes on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

Iran had been pressing the Houthis to close the Bab el-Mandeb gateway to the Red Sea if the United States continues to attack Iranian power infrastructure.

It is the second most important route for energy shipments after the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf.

Additionally, the Houthis declared on Monday that they were imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, which had been diverting its oil via pipeline to get around Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Daily vessel transits through the strait were steady at three for each of the past three days, preliminary ship-tracking data from Kpler showed.

Another two ships — including empty very large crude carrier Noble — entered the Gulf via the strait on Thursday.

Meanwhile, at Bab el-Mandeb, commodity vessel transits totaled 32 on July 23, up from 26 the day before, Kpler data showed, with two crossings for July 24 so far.

“In the right seas, ships are still moving ... so it’s not a complete blockade as some might have feared,” said Giovanni Staunovo, a UBS analyst.

Analysts at JPMorgan said in a note that each additional month of disruption to oil supply would add around $7 to $8 a barrel to Brent, lifting monthly average prices to around $114 a barrel if disruptions extend to three months.

Elsewhere, Russia said on Friday that its forces struck three Ukrainian ports overnight targeting infrastructure — including loading and unloading facilities and fuel reserves — which supported Ukraine’s armed forces.

On Thursday, Kazakhstan’s energy ministry said oil companies temporarily reduced production after suspected Ukrainian drone attacks forced the country’s main Black Sea export terminal to close.

The number of new beneficiary owner (BO) accounts rose sharply in the first half of 2026, signalling renewed investor confidence as the recovering stock market attracted fresh participants after years of subdued activity.
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Data from the Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd (CDBL) showed that 34,877 new BO accounts were opened between January and June, reflecting growing interest from retail investors amid a sustained recovery in share prices and improving market sentiment.

The total number of BO accounts stood at 1,675,252 at the end of June, up from 1,640,375 on December 30 last year, according to CDBL data.

A BO account is mandatory for trading shares on the stock market and applying for initial public offerings (IPOs). Investors open these accounts through depository participants, typically stockbrokers or merchant banks.

Market operators said the rise in new BO accounts is one of the clearest signs that confidence is gradually returning to the equity market following a prolonged downturn that kept many investors on the sidelines.

"It is a good sign for the country's stock market as new investors are entering the market," said Md Akramul Alam, head of research at Royal Capital, while commenting on the rise of new BO accounts.

He said both new and existing investors had gradually returned as the market showed signs of recovery and normalisation following the national election and the appointment of a new chairman at the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC).

The benchmark DSEX Index climbed nearly 939 points to 5,804 in nearly seven months of 2026 while the market capitalisation added Tk 230 billion to reach Tk 7.01 trillion during the period, buoyed by improved sentiment amid growing optimism over sweeping regulatory reforms.

Market analysts said the rebound marks a significant turnaround after years of weak market performance and reflects the gradual return of investor confidence as the newly elected government steps up efforts to restore discipline in the capital market and revive the broader economy.Investment Promotion Services

Daily turnover has also improved compared with the levels seen during much of the previous year, indicating stronger market activity.

The recovery was driven by a combination of political and economic factors, including easing domestic uncertainty, stronger foreign exchange reserves, a more stable exchange rate, moderating inflation and renewed policy attention to the capital market.

Investor sentiment received another major boost following the appointment of renowned chartered accountant Masud Khan as chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in early June.

After assuming office, the new BSEC chairman pledged to restore investor confidence, attract quality companies to the stock market and transform Bangladesh from a retail-driven frontier market into a transparent, institution-led emerging market.

The BSEC chief also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of existing securities regulations, IPO approval procedures and reporting requirements to make the regulatory framework more efficient and business-friendly.

Mr Khan also noted that many large local corporations, multinational companies and state-owned enterprises remain outside the stock market despite being suitable for listing.

"The commission plans to engage with these companies and introduce a direct listing framework to bring quality issuers to the market," the BSEC chief said after taking charge in early June.

The new leadership has raised expectations of stronger regulation, greater transparency and long-awaited structural reforms, encouraging investors to increase their exposure to equities, said a leading merchant banker.

He remained optimistic about the market's outlook for the second half of 2026, expecting the ongoing economic recovery, improving macroeconomic indicators and continued regulatory reforms to provide further support to equities and inclusion of new investors.

However, they noted that new listings and a more accommodating market structure will be needed to give a stronger boost to both the capital market and the broader economy.

The merchant banker said the number of new BO accounts is expected to grow further once fresh listings start to the market.

The BSEC's new commission is working to streamline IPO regulations and introduce a direct listing framework to make the equity market more attractive for fundamentally strong and reputable companies.

"There has been no new listing in the past two years, once the new listing starts, opening of new BO accounts is expected to increase further," he said, adding that many investors open accounts only to apply for IPO shares.

Bangladesh must increase annual foreign direct investment nearly sevenfold to $15 billion by 2030 if it wants to sustain economic growth, finance its massive infrastructure needs and remain competitive after graduating from the least developed country category, the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) said today (23 July).

Launching its report, "FDI for a New Bangladesh: Roadmap for a $15 Billion Vision", the chamber warned that while Bangladesh possesses many of the fundamentals investors seek, chronic policy uncertainty, bureaucratic delays, weak infrastructure and a fragile financial sector continue to deter fresh foreign investment.

The report was unveiled at the "Ficci FDI Conference 2026: Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh" at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

At the programme, the prime minister called upon global investors to become long-term partners in Bangladesh's economic transformation, saying his government is committed to building a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through investment-friendly reforms and private sector-led growth.

In its report, Ficci said stronger FDI is essential not only for achieving the government's economic ambitions but also for financing Bangladesh's estimated $7 billion to $10 billion in annual infrastructure requirements and shifting growth from debt-led expansion to productivity-driven private investment.

Despite being one of South Asia's fastest-growing economies over the past decade, Bangladesh attracts among the lowest levels of foreign investment in the region. The country's FDI-to-GDP ratio stands at just 0.29% to 0.36%, the lowest among five regional peers and only a fraction of Vietnam's 4.23%, the report said.

The report also cautioned that the recent rebound in FDI masks a worrying trend: much of the increase has come from reinvested earnings by existing foreign companies rather than fresh equity investment from new investors, suggesting that current investors are expanding cautiously while new entrants remain hesitant.

"Bangladesh has the potential to attract $15 billion in annual FDI through policy reforms and effective implementation," said Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, while presenting the report. He described the Ficci study as a practical roadmap for unlocking that potential.

Ficci President Rupali Haque Chowdhury said Bangladesh is entering a new stage of economic development in which attracting quality foreign investment will be vital for sustaining growth, creating higher-value jobs and improving global competitiveness.

"The report aims to support evidence-based policymaking and help improve the country's investment climate," she said.

Trade openness matters

The report identifies trade liberalisation as one of the strongest drivers of foreign investment, estimating that every 1% increase in the trade-to-GDP ratio could lift FDI inflows by around 3.7%.

It also argues that reducing logistics costs through better transport infrastructure, ports and supply chains would strengthen export competitiveness and make Bangladesh more attractive to global manufacturers.

However, attracting more investment alone will not be enough.

The report says that every $1 million in greenfield FDI creates only 1.3 jobs in Bangladesh, compared with 6.2 jobs in India, 4.4 in Cambodia and 4.1 in Vietnam. This indicates that foreign investment remains concentrated in capital-intensive sectors such as power rather than labour-intensive manufacturing, technology and higher value-added industries.

Nine structural barriers

Ficci says Bangladesh's weak FDI performance stems from nine structural constraints that have steadily eroded investor confidence.

Policy uncertainty remains one of the biggest obstacles. While official approval procedures are supposed to take around 76 days, investors often wait between six months and a year to receive final clearances.

Institutional fragmentation is another major challenge. Foreign investors currently have to deal with 23 government agencies and nearly 150 separate services, increasing compliance costs and delays.

Infrastructure bottlenecks continue to weigh on investment decisions. The report points to electricity shortages, industrial land constraints and slow land-title transfers in special economic zones.

Logistics remain another weak spot. Cargo dwell time at Chattogram Port averages eight to 10 days, compared with only three to four days in Vietnam, increasing exporters' costs and reducing competitiveness.

The report also flags serious weaknesses in the financial sector, including a 32.26% non-performing loan ratio, low banking sector capital adequacy, a complex tax administration, high effective tax burdens despite relatively moderate statutory tax rates, severe skills shortages and Bangladesh's poor performance in global competitiveness and logistics rankings.

It adds that the growing share of reinvested earnings relative to new equity investment suggests foreign companies are hedging their risks rather than making long-term commitments.

Reform roadmap

To reverse the trend, Ficci proposed a phased reform agenda spanning immediate, medium- and long-term actions.

Among the immediate priorities are introducing a 30-day Bida registration process, a four-day approval window for priority investments and a "deemed approval" mechanism under which applications would automatically be approved if government agencies fail to respond within a specified period.

The chamber also recommends certifying land inside economic zones before marketing it to investors, digitising and consolidating foreign exchange regulations, allowing market-based currency hedging without case-by-case Bangladesh Bank approval, and creating a unified digital single window linking Bida, the NBR, Customs, BSTI and the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority.

The report also recommends requiring 12 months' advance notice before introducing regulations affecting investors and establishing an independent Investment Ombudsman reporting directly to the Prime Minister's Office to resolve investor grievances quickly.

Medium-term reforms include strengthening Bida's institutional capacity, simplifying investment incentives, modernising tax administration, addressing the banking sector's bad loan problem and developing a more skilled workforce.

Over the longer term, Ficci recommends deeper trade integration through free trade agreements, a new national investment law, a five-year FDI strategy, stronger governance of economic zones and a high-level National FDI Coordination Council to oversee implementation.

The report also urges the government to improve Bangladesh's international investment branding and raise its standing in global business and logistics rankings closely monitored by multinational investors.

It concludes that Bangladesh's greatest challenge is not a lack of investment opportunities but a lack of investment competitiveness.

Predictable policies, stronger institutions, modern infrastructure and efficient logistics, it says, could help the country attract $15 billion in annual FDI, create better-quality jobs, diversify exports and sustain growth in the post-LDC era.

PM invites global investors

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited local and foreign investors to expand their businesses in Bangladesh, pledging stronger legal protection, simpler regulations and a more business-friendly environment.

"Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, when you invest in Bangladesh, our government will invest in you through our time, support and policies. That is a commitment we will keep," he said.

Addressing foreign investors, business leaders, diplomats and development partners, he said Bangladesh's future depends not only on attracting investment but also on building lasting partnerships.

"I invite every business leader in this room to become part of that future. Together, we can build an economy that is stronger, equitable, and inclusive. I welcome all of you to invest and flourish in Bangladesh.

"Let us grow together, create jobs, and shape Bangladesh. Let us become partners in building a prosperous and globally connected Bangladesh," Tarique said.

The prime minister said the government was committed to building a rules-based, globally connected and private sector-driven economy, adding that Bangladesh's strengths – including its large and growing domestic market, young workforce, strategic location and an elected government with strong public support – position the country for sustained prosperity.

The government has proposed making it mandatory for foreign digital platforms to establish a registered presence in Bangladesh before they can run advertisements or conduct online business in the country to strengthen regulation of cross-border digital commerce and improve tax compliance.

If adopted, the draft "Cross-Border Digital Commerce Policy 2026" would require platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Google to register before publishing digital advertisements targeting local consumers in exchange for paying applicable value-added tax, income tax and other taxes.

The Ministry of Commerce published the draft policy on its website on 22 July, inviting public feedback until 6 August.

The proposed policy also calls for introducing a cross-border escrow payment system, integrating payment infrastructure with internationally accepted payment networks, mandating registration of foreign digital commerce companies and providing policy support to expand digital exports.

Under the draft, foreign digital commerce companies must obtain a digital business identity registration from the commerce ministry before advertising or selling goods and services online. After registration, they will be allowed to advertise products and services in compliance with tax, VAT and other legal requirements.

The proposed policy also states that social media and over-the-top platforms may only carry advertisements for lawful products and services. Advertisements promoting counterfeit, prohibited or misleading products and services will be banned.

To make international digital transactions safer, the government plans to launch a cross-border escrow service under the central bank's supervision to protect both buyers and sellers.

It also proposes measures to facilitate repatriation of export earnings by registered digital businesses and simplify payments for imports.

For imported goods, customs documents, including bills of entry, bills of lading and invoices, will have to identify not only the buyer but also the digital platform or online marketplace through which the transaction was made.

The policy also seeks to help micro, small and medium enterprises enter international markets by introducing policy support and insurance facilities for parcel-based exports. Other proposed initiatives include helping businesses explore overseas markets, improve digital capabilities and meet international quality standards.

The government will also consider treating export earnings generated through digital commerce in the same way as conventional exports, making them eligible for financial incentives.

The draft also proposes policy support for private-sector investment in domestic and overseas processing centres, warehouses, drop shipping, entrepot trade and merchanting trade.

It contains several consumer protection measures to curb fraud in digital commerce. It prohibits the online sale of counterfeit, adulterated or fraudulent products, as well as digital trade involving online gambling, betting, lotteries and goods or services banned under Bangladesh's import and export regulations.

Sellers will be required to accept returns and issue full refunds through the original payment method if customers receive defective, counterfeit, expired or non-compliant products.

Businesses must also clearly disclose their after-sales service, warranty, guarantee and refund policies. The draft also proposes introducing an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for cross-border digital transactions.

It further seeks to expand business-to-business, business-to-consumer and business-to-business-to-consumer digital trade, while coordinating with the National Board of Revenue to review online import value thresholds.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) is planning to conduct phased inspections of around 100 brokerage firms as part of its efforts to prevent major irregularities and strengthen investor protection amid rising trading activity in the capital market.

BSEC Chairman Masud Khan recently said at a meeting that the regulator has undertaken several reform initiatives to improve oversight of brokerage houses. As part of these measures, the commission is introducing regular and more frequent audits and inspections to detect and prevent serious misconduct before it escalates.

According to BSEC officials, the commission has already approved inspections of the first 10 brokerage firms. The inspections will examine their overall operations, compliance with securities laws, the safety of clients' funds and securities, and other relevant regulatory issues. Each inspection team has been instructed to submit its report within 30 working days.

Speaking to The Business Standard, BSEC Executive Director and spokesperson Abul Kalam said, "The commission has already approved inspections of 10 brokerage houses. Its primary objective is to prevent major irregularities before they occur."

He said trading has increased significantly since the new commission assumed office and investor confidence has gradually improved. As market activity expands, the commission believes there is a greater risk that some market participants may attempt to engage in irregular practices. "We want to strengthen supervision so that investors do not suffer losses due to misconduct at brokerage firms," he added.

According to BSEC sources, the eight brokerage firms selected for routine inspection are Howlader Equity Services, International Leasing Securities, Ershad Securities, R Chowdhury Securities, Shyamol Equity Management, Vision Capital Management, SAR Securities, and MAH Securities. In addition, Azam Securities and Synthia Securities will be inspected as part of their licence renewal process.

The inspections will review brokerage and dealer operations, compliance with securities laws and regulations, the status of consolidated customer accounts (CCA), and any other issues deemed relevant by the regulator. Inspection teams will also assess firms' compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) requirements.

Regulatory officials say technology-based surveillance has been strengthened in recent years, but on-site inspections remain essential to verify the actual condition of brokerage firms. Particular emphasis will be placed on the management of clients' funds and securities, record-keeping practices, and the effectiveness of internal control systems.

To enhance oversight, the BSEC has recently made it mandatory for brokerage houses to use uniform and uneditable back-office software supplied by approved vendors. The system is designed to prevent manipulation of back-office data and ensure that the actual status of clients' funds and securities can be monitored directly by the stock exchanges.

According to the regulator, combining technology-driven supervision with regular inspections will improve accountability and strengthen governance across the brokerage industry.

Market participants note that previous inspections and investigations uncovered various irregularities at some brokerage firms, including the misappropriation of clients' funds and securities, unauthorised trading, commingling of client and company funds, violations of margin lending rules, misuse of omnibus and consolidated customer accounts, and accounting irregularities.

Other issues identified over the years include failure to comply with KYC requirements, weak implementation of AML/CFT rules, poor record-keeping, non-compliance with net capital requirements, submission of inaccurate information to regulators, delays in resolving customer complaints, and weak internal controls.

In some cases, allegations of market manipulation, wash trades, circular trading, and misuse of insider information have also come under regulatory scrutiny.

However, BSEC officials stressed that these irregularities are not representative of all brokerage firms. They said the inspections are intended not as a punitive exercise, but as a preventive measure to identify risks early, improve compliance, and better protect investors.

The importance of stronger oversight has become evident following several high-profile brokerage scandals in recent years that resulted in significant investor losses.

According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Tamha Securities Ltd misappropriated Tk139.67 crore by illegally using additional software and providing fake investment information. The amount included Tk92.57 crore in cash and Tk47 crore in securities, while around 720 complaints involving Tk52.39 crore were filed against the firm.

In June 2021, the DSE suspended Banco Securities Limited after detecting a Tk128 crore shortfall in its consolidated customer account, comprising Tk66.11 crore in cash and Tk61.97 crore in securities.

Crest Securities Ltd abruptly shut down its operations without prior notice. A DSE investigation later found a Tk65.30 crore deficit in its consolidated customer account. The brokerage was linked to 6,480 complaints involving 21,180 BO accounts, while only Tk1.32 crore of Tk48 crore in investor claims has so far been settled.

The DSE also suspended Shah Mohammad Sagir & Company Ltd after discovering that it had misappropriated Tk13.74 crore. The firm faces 4,187 complaints, with 1,081 investor claims still unresolved.

Meanwhile, Moshihor Securities allegedly misused Tk161 crore, including Tk68.58 crore in investors' cash and Tk92.35 crore worth of investors' shares, while reportedly evading regulatory oversight through multiple servers and databases.

Samsung has resumed manufacturing operations in Bangladesh after a hiatus of about 18 months, with locally produced smartphones expected to return to the market in January next year.

The restart signals a renewed push in Bangladesh's electronics manufacturing sector, where Samsung was the first global smartphone brand to assemble handsets locally through Fair Electronics.

Production of Samsung refrigerators has already begun at the company's factory in Shibpur, Narsingdi, while washing machine production is scheduled to start in September. Air conditioners, televisions and smartphones are expected to enter production in early 2027.

Bangladesh's large and hard-working workforce, combined with Korean technology and investment, gives the country the potential to become a regional manufacturing hub for Korean companies.
Jijoon Kim | South Korean ambassador to Bangladesh

The South Korean ambassador to Bangladesh, Jijoon Kim, announced the development during his visit to the factory today (22 july). During a visit by South Korean Ambassador Jijoon Kim to the factory today. Samsung Bangladesh Managing Director Jungmin Jung and Fair Group Chairman Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub accompanied him during the tour.

According to Fair Group, it became Samsung's official distribution partner in Bangladesh in 2014, established a local manufacturing facility in 2017 and launched the country's first locally manufactured Samsung smartphones in 2018.

The group has invested around Tk1,000 crore in electronics manufacturing, including about Tk300 crore in smartphone production. The facility has an annual production capacity of around 2.5 million mobile phones.

Fair Group is currently manufacturing products under China's Hisense brand while restarting Samsung production. The company plans to produce around 150,000 refrigerators annually under the two brands by 2027. At present, it manufactures between 40,000 and 50,000 Hisense refrigerators a year.

A visit to the factory showed refrigerators being assembled through automated production lines, with processes ranging from metal body fabrication and component assembly to foam insulation, compressor installation and final quality testing.

Mohammed Mesbah Uddin, chief marketing officer of Fair Group, told TBS that Samsung smartphone production remained suspended from mid-2024 through the end of 2025 as the business environment became challenging following the sharp depreciation of the taka in 2023.

"Effectively, it became very difficult to continue business operations during that period," he said.

He said Fair Group had planned to revamp its operations in 2025, but the process He stated that Fair Group had intended to revamp its operations in 2025, but the process fell short of expectations. as expected. With conditions improving this year, the company has restarted production.

Mesbah said the transition of the market from 4G to 5G devices also required technological upgrades and new machinery, contributing to delays in restarting smartphone production.

While the factory is capable of producing 2.5 million handsets annually, he said the company does not expect to utilise its full capacity in the first year after resuming operations.

Speaking to journalists after touring the facility, Ambassador Kim described Fair Electronics as a successful example of technology transfer, local manufacturing and industrial cooperation between Bangladesh and South Korea.

He said Bangladesh's large and hard-working workforce, combined with Korean technology and investment, gives the country the potential to become a regional manufacturing hub for Korean companies.

Fair Group Chairman Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub urged the government to take stronger action against grey-market and unofficial mobile phone imports, saying a supportive policy environment would accelerate local manufacturing, attract investment, increase government revenue and create jobs.

Samsung Bangladesh Managing Director Jungmin Jung reaffirmed the company's long-term commitment to Bangladesh and its partnership with Fair Electronics in expanding local manufacturing while maintaining Samsung's global quality standards.

The country's worsening gas crisis is putting crores of taka in industrial investment at risk, delaying new projects, disrupting factory operations and increasing financial risks for banks, business leaders, energy experts and policymakers warned yesterday (22 July).

Speaking at the "Energy Security and Transformation of Bangladesh" policy conclave organised by the daily Bonik Barta in Dhaka, participants said prolonged gas shortages have become one of the biggest barriers to investment, while highlighting the need for infrastructure expansion, a diversified energy mix, and greater private sector participation.

They further called for urgent reforms to boost domestic gas production and strengthen long-term energy security.

Trust Bank Managing Director Ahsan Zaman Chowdhury said the gas shortage has left around Tk7,000-8,000 crore in the bank's industrial financing stranded, warning that the crisis could eventually spill over into the banking sector.

"When banks approve industrial loans, the projects already have gas connection approvals from Titas. Entrepreneurs invest their own money, provide guarantees and install machinery, but the projects cannot begin operations because gas is unavailable," he said.

According to him, expensive imported machinery has remained idle for three to four years in many cases, causing national economic losses as equipment gradually deteriorates.

If the projects eventually become loan defaults, the banking sector will also come under severe pressure, he added.

Echoing similar concerns, Meghna Group of Industries Chairman Mostafa Kamal said the gas crisis, combined with administrative bottlenecks, is discouraging new investment and threatening existing industries.

Although the government speaks of improving the ease of doing business, entrepreneurs continue to struggle to secure gas connections, regulatory approvals and infrastructure support, while also having to meet the conditions of foreign lenders, he said.

The MGI chairman noted that the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority had promised to provide gas, electricity and water to the company's economic zones. Relying on those commitments, the company continued to attract investors, with 15 companies from the US, Europe and China investing there and creating around 12,000 jobs.

However, delayed gas connections have stalled project implementation despite nearly $600 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank and other international lenders, Mostafa said, adding that unlike domestic banks, foreign lenders offer little flexibility in extending project deadlines, exposing investors to substantial financial risks.

The industrialist, whose group operates 57 factories employing around 65,000 people, warned that prolonged delays in one major project could undermine the viability of several others.

East Coast Group Chairman Azam J Chowdhury said policy unpredictability remains one of the biggest deterrents to investment. While the government talks about "zero duty", procedures at the NBR and Customs remain complicated, he said.

Transcom Group CEO Simeen Rahman said for modern manufacturing, the challenge is no longer just energy availability, but energy reliability and power quality.

"Gas shortages, voltage fluctuations and unplanned interruptions do more than just stop production – they create a wave of uncertainty that destabilises our entire supply chain and inflates operating costs," she said.

Energy expert M Tamim said Bangladesh should pursue a diversified energy mix rather than aim for complete energy independence.

"There is absolutely no chance of becoming fully energy-independent. Our primary goal must be to use renewable energy to reduce our crushing reliance on imports, not to dream of total self-sufficiency," he said, urging greater regional electricity trade and stronger government support for large-scale solar projects.

Former Power Grid Bangladesh chairman M Rezwan Khan, meanwhile, proposed a three-tier electricity tariff structure covering peak, off-peak and super off-peak hours.

"If we raise peak-hour prices but lower them during off-peak times, the average cost remains the same for the government, but it creates a massive incentive for businesses and apartments to replace diesel generators with battery storage," he said.

No new industrial gas connections

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC Managing Director Shahnewaz Parvez said the company cannot provide new industrial gas connections unless domestic gas production increases or overall supply improves.

More than 500 customers have already deposited money for gas connections after receiving demand notes but remain unable to obtain supplies because of inadequate supply, he said.

Titas distributes about 60% of the country's natural gas and requires around 2,200 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to meet demand.

According to Shahnewaz, although at least 1,700 mmcfd is needed to maintain relatively normal operations, Titas is currently receiving only 1,500-1,550 mmcfd.

The situation has worsened after one floating LNG terminal recently went offline, intensifying shortages, particularly in Gazipur's industrial belt, he added.

Neglect in gas exploration

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood Tuku attributed the crisis to years of neglect in domestic gas exploration. "About 28,000MW of generation capacity has been built, but no effective initiative was taken to increase domestic gas production. Not a single gas well was drilled over the past 17 years."

He also noted that Bangladesh depends on only two floating LNG terminals, leaving the gas supply system vulnerable whenever one terminal becomes inoperable.

Meanwhile, speaking about the country's power distribution system, the minister said the government wants to privatise power distribution to improve efficiency, accountability and bill collection.

He invited the private sector to submit proposals to take over the country's electricity distribution companies, adding that the prime minister has given consent to move ahead with the initiative.

He also said the government is considering allowing private companies to import petroleum products to encourage competition and reduce the state's role in the sector.

World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme said Bangladesh's growing reliance on imported fuel and the widening gap between energy supply costs and consumer tariffs are increasing fiscal pressure.

He said around 30% of gas demand, 95% of oil and 90% of coal consumption now depend on imports, exposing the economy to global price volatility and supply disruptions.

According to the World Bank, energy subsidies now account for about 1.1% of GDP, underscoring the need for gradual tariff reforms, expansion of renewable energy, regional power trade and greater private investment in the gas value chain.

Omera Renewable Energy CEO Masudur Rahim said policy inconsistencies were also slowing investment in renewable energy. "Although the government announced zero-duty benefits for solar equipment, importers are not receiving those incentives due to conflicting tax conditions, discouraging rooftop solar expansion despite its significant potential."

Pakistan has asked the United States for a $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility, according to a source briefed on the matter, which, if approved, could provide a lifeline for the cash-strapped South ​Asian economy.

The request, which is being reported for the first time, follows Pakistan's role in brokering talks over the Iran war, which raised its diplomatic profile and ‌stirred hopes that it could seek economic gains from Washington and other partners.

In the request to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Islamabad is seeking a Bilateral Exchange Stabilization Support Facility between the US and the Pakistani government worth $10 billion with maturity of up to five years.

The facility, if agreed to, would bolster Pakistan's reserves, ease pressure on the rupee and reduce its reliance on multilateral financing, even as Islamabad undertakes tighter fiscal and monetary policies ​in line with its International Monetary Fund program.

The US Treasury declined to comment on the reported request.

Pakistan's finance ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside ​of Asia business hours

Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Bessent in Washington on Tuesday and said he had raised the vulnerability of the ⁠country's economy to regional geopolitical developments, the ministry said in a statement that did not mention the request.

"Senator Aurangzeb sought greater U.S. support for Pakistan’s road to market, underpinned by improved access ​to international capital markets, higher foreign exchange reserves, and enhanced sovereign credit ratings," it said, adding that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic cooperation, promoting greater US investment, and advancing ​strategic projects.

Pakistan remains under $7 billion IMF discipline that has required politically unpopular tax increases, spending restraint and reforms.

Exchange stabilisation facilities are rare US Treasury backstops, usually routed via the Exchange Stabilization Fund, that provide dollars, swaps or guarantees to support reserves and steady currencies.

These facilities are different from the permanent standing dollar swap lines that the US Federal Reserve has with some major central banks and act as an international supply line of US ​dollars to underpin financial stability.

A 2025 Argentina package was the first new foreign-government exchange stabilisation facility operation since Uruguay in 2002, aside from Mexico's long-standing swap line, dating to the 1940s and ​now sized at $9 billion.

Pakistan narrowly avoided default in 2023 with a $3 billion IMF standby deal and later secured a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, along with a separate $1.3 billion loan to build up its resilience to ‌climate change and ⁠natural disasters. But its reserves still depend on official financing, rollovers and deposits from China and Saudi Arabia.

That leaves Islamabad exposed to shifts in bilateral support and IMF disbursement delays. That vulnerability was exposed in April when Pakistan repaid about $3.5 billion, one-fifth of its reserves, to the United Arab Emirates with Saudi Arabia providing $3 billion in fresh support.

Pakistan’s central bank said in January that reserves could return to near their 2021 record, reaching $20 billion by the end of 2026.

RECASTING TIES WITH WASHINGTON

A US exchange stabilisation facility would carry weight as both a liquidity backstop and political signal, easing pressure ​on reserves and the Pakistani rupee, while reducing ​the South Asian country's dependence on IMF ⁠tranches and ad hoc rescues.

IMF-backed reforms have stabilised the economy at a political cost, including higher taxes, spending restraint and limited room for development or welfare spending.

Ratings agency Fitch said in April that Pakistan's adherence to its IMF program has supported the country's funding capacity, while rebuilt foreign exchange ​buffers provide a cushion against economic shocks from the Middle East conflict.

But deeper constraints remain. Fitch cautioned that rising energy costs and potential ​supply disruptions could sharply ⁠erode the country's foreign exchange reserves.

Foreign investment in Pakistan has remained thin, deterred by recurring external crises, policy uncertainty, security risks, past profit-repatriation curbs and a narrow export base, while the country's credit rating remains deep in speculative-grade territory, keeping borrowing costs high and market access limited.

Pakistan has sought to use its ties to the Trump administration to address some of these issues, with economic cooperation that has so ⁠far spanned crypto, real estate and mining.

Pakistan has signed a stablecoin agreement for cross-border payments with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial, ​the main crypto business of President Donald Trump's family. It has also pursued a memorandum of understanding to redevelop the closed Pakistan International Airlines-owned Roosevelt Hotel in New York with the US government, and courted US mining investment, including in ​Reko Diq, where the US Export-Import Bank has announced $1.25 billion in financing.
(1 Pakistani rupee = $0.0036)

Commercial banks have asked the Bangladesh Bank to exempt small and medium enterprise (SME) loans from its new 4 percent cap on interest rate spreads, arguing that these loans cost more to manage than other types of lending.

The request came in a recent letter to the BB governor from the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), a forum of bank executives.

The central bank, on June 29, instructed banks to keep the weighted average difference between their lending and deposit rates, known as the intermediation spread, within 4 percentage points for all sectors except credit cards and consumer finance. Banks earn money by charging borrowers more interest than they pay depositors. That overall gap is the spread the central bank is now capping.

The BB said it took the decision to ensure that borrowing costs remain reasonable for businesses and productive sectors. As of May, the weighted average deposit rate across the banking sector was 6.22 percent, and the weighted average lending rate was 11.92 percent -- a spread of 5.70 percent, well above the new cap, according to central bank data.

Banks say SME loans are more expensive to manage than other loans, mainly because handling many small loans takes more staff time and paperwork per taka lent than handling fewer, larger loans. That’s why SME loans already carry higher interest rates than most others: currently around 15 to 16 percent, compared with 13 to 14 percent for most other loans. Credit card rates are higher still, which is part of why BB left credit cards out of the cap entirely.

Bank executives have pushed back on the cap more broadly, not just for SMEs.

They argue that BB’s calculation is based on the interest rate banks are supposed to charge, but doesn’t account for how much of that money banks actually collect. A large share of loans are now in default, or have had their repayment terms rescheduled, meaning banks often earn little or nothing from them.

Bank executives recently raised the issue directly with BB Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, urging that the regulator base the cap on their actual returns, not the rates on paper.

Contacted, Mashrur Arefin, chairman of the ABB, told The Daily Star that a rigid 4 percent spread cap distorts market-based loan pricing, which should reflect the policy rate, liquidity, inflation, borrower risk and operating costs -- not an administrative ceiling.

“It weakens monetary policy transmission, limits banks’ ability to price risk, discourages efficient banks from expanding, and may reduce credit growth,” he said.

Mashrur, who is also the managing director of City Bank, said the cap could also undermine banks’ financial intermediation role, discourage competition, and ultimately slow investment, employment and economic growth. “A more effective way to lower borrowing costs is through lower inflation, lower policy rates and stronger competition.”

He said the effect would hit SMEs hardest, since SME lending already involves higher administrative costs, more risk of default, and more monitoring than lending to large corporations.

A flat 4 percent spread cap makes many SME loans commercially unviable, prompting banks to shift toward lower-risk corporate borrowers, the ABB chairman said, adding that this would restrict formal financing for small businesses, weaken entrepreneurship and job creation, and push many SMEs toward costlier informal lenders -- the opposite of the policy’s intended objective.

The difficulty is already familiar to small business owners. Taslima Miji, an SME entrepreneur, said high interest rates are a major obstacle to her business.

“It is very difficult to run a business by borrowing at such high interest rates. Therefore, lending rates should be reduced. However, we often cannot even obtain loans because of the numerous conditions and stringent requirements imposed by banks,” she said.

In FY25, banks disbursed Tk 2,05,493 crore in SME loans, down by nearly 9 percent from FY24, BB data showed.

Officials of the central bank said overall private sector credit growth is currently low, which is why SME loan disbursement did not pick up.

Besides regular SME loan disbursement, the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprise (CMSME) sector will receive Tk 5,000 crore in low-interest loans under the BB-announced stimulus package to revive the country’s struggling private sector.

A new US tariff targeting Brazil took effect Wednesday, while Washington’s other trading partners brace for a fresh volley of duties as President Donald Trump’s temporary global levies expire this week.

The 25-percent Brazil tariff followed a year-long US investigation, with Washington accusing the Latin American giant of unfair trade practices.This has drawn sharp pushback, although Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin told a press conference Tuesday that Brazil will seek to resolve the issue through negotiations instead of retaliating.Various products like beef, coffee and aircraft parts will be exempted from the levy, and roughly half of Brazil’s exports to the United States would remain excluded from the duty, estimates Valentina Sader of the Atlantic Council think tank.Nonetheless, the move comes as Trump makes a renewed push to use tariffs as leverage, sparking fears of retaliation and heightened tensions.Officials could be “using Brazil as an example to send a broader message about its priorities and negotiating approach,” Sader told AFP.

While the US Supreme Court struck down many of Trump’s tariffs in February, dealing a blow to his ability to impose new duties at will, Washington has moved to rebuild his trade agenda using other powers. The United States saying the Brazil tariffs were imposed as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva failed to negotiate in good faith also “reinforces the perception that the action is directed not only at Brazil’s trade practices, but also politically at Lula himself,” Sader said.

The duty is becoming a major campaign flashpoint ahead of Brazil’s October presidential elections.

The American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil recently warned that Washington’s measure affects more than $11 billion in exports.

Trump on Tuesday also announced a 100-percent tariff on generic drugs from August 2028, a day after ordering a 50-percent duty on many Canadian goods to take effect in 30 days.

A broader sweep is yet to come, with officials in June proposing tariffs of between 10 percent and 12.5 percent targeting 60 trading partners over alleged failures to act against forced labor.

Analysts widely expect the duties over forced labor to replace the temporary 10-percent global tariff -- expiring Friday -- that Trump imposed after his Supreme Court setback. “We expect to see some action soon,” US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC.

Greer added Tuesday that new action over labor concerns will cover a majority of US trade, though it could reignite trade tensions.

The lower 10-percent tariff rate would hit US imports from partners including Canada, the European Union, Mexico, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. They were found to have taken some steps against forced labor.

Goods from over 40 other economies like China, India and Japan face a 12.5 percent levy.

The EU has said that it considers tariffs imposed on these grounds “unjustified.”

A separate tranche of US investigations targeting 16 economies over excess industrial capacity is ongoing, and could lead to further duties.

Washington’s planned 50-percent tariff on Canadian goods comes amid ongoing talks over a North American free trade pact.

Washington recently declined to extend the accord as-is, and Greer is set to travel to Mexico from Wednesday to Friday for discussions linked to a joint review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

US negotiations with Canada have proceeded more slowly.
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Some lawyers see Trump’s use of an untested legal provision -- Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 -- as a means to gain leverage over Canada in USMCA negotiations.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that he was looking at “all options,” adding that he and Trump had agreed to “intensify discussions” in upcoming weeks.

Trade lawyer Dave Townsend of Dorsey & Whitney said higher tariffs could be “aimed at encouraging an agreement between Canada and the United States, or in retaliation for the failure to reach such agreement, or both.”

The question, he added, is whether both sides will start a “cycle of escalation and retaliation.”

Oil prices rose to a near six-week high on Wednesday, with Brent crude surpassing $95 a barrel, on mounting concerns about disruptions to Middle Eastern supply routes because of escalating hostilities between the US and Iran and threats to shipping by the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.

Brent crude futures were up $3.82, or 4.2 percent, at $94.83 a barrel at 0938 GMT after hitting a session high of $95.24.

US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $3.65, or 4.33 percent, to $87.99. Both benchmarks touched their highest levels since June 11.

The US military said it carried out an 11th consecutive night of attacks on Iran. The US attacks came a short while after the Kuwaiti army said its air defences were intercepting Iranian drones.

As well as the renewed conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz, the Iran-aligned Houthis have opened a new front in the war by threatening to target vessels carrying Saudi oil in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia.

“The energy market now has the dual-strait worry, with the Bab el-Mandeb Strait looking like it could join the Strait of Hormuz as a hot spot, as traders closely watch shipping numbers in the Red Sea,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

Bab el-Mandeb at the southern entrance to the Red Sea has become an increasingly important route for Saudi Arabian crude exports as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply again since a ceasefire between the United States and Iran collapsed earlier this month.

Three oil tankers loaded with Saudi crude for China and India made U-turns in the Red Sea on Tuesday, heading towards the Suez Canal rather than braving the Yemeni coast.

“The (Houthi) threat has led tankers to divert which could further pressure the physical market and Saudi exports, contributing to push prices to the upside,” said Frank Walbaum, market analyst at trading platform Naga.com.

In response to the Houthi warnings, Asian refiners are seeking to ship crude oil from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu through the Suez Canal and around Africa.

While global oil stockpiles have drawn amid the conflict, the latest US data is showing some building of inventories.

Data from the American Petroleum Institute showed that US crude and distillate inventories rose last week, while gasoline stockpiles fell, market sources said.

The inventory data comes ahead of official figures from the US Energy Information Administration on Wednesday.

Jamuna Bank PLC has reported that its consolidated net profit jumped by 22% in the first half of this year.

According to its price-sensitive statement approved at a board meeting today (22 July), the bank posted a consolidated net profit of Tk378.29 crore in January-June of 2026, significantly higher than Tk311.25 crore recorded in the same period of 2025.

During the first half, its consolidated earnings per share stood at Tk4.03, which was Tk3.31 a year ago.

The bank said net profit increased due to higher investment income and lower provisions against loans and advances compared to the previous period.

Rupali Bank, a state-owned commercial bank, posted a consolidated loss of Tk640.56 crore in the first half of 2026, as lower interest income and higher borrowing costs weighed heavily on its financial performance.

According to a price-sensitive disclosure approved at the bank's board meeting today (22 July), Rupali Bank recorded a consolidated loss per share (LPS) of Tk13.13 for the January-June period of 2026.

The bank said the substantial loss was primarily driven by a decline in interest income alongside a sharp increase in borrowing costs.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) has raised the prices of gold for the second consecutive day, pushing the rate of 22-carat gold up by Tk 2,741 per bhori to Tk 2,24,182, inclusive of VAT.

In a notice issued today (22 July), Bajus said the revision followed a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market, prompting the fresh adjustment. The new rate came into effect from 10am today (22 July).

Under the revised pricing, each bhori (11.664 grams) of 21-carat gold will now cost Tk 2,14,093, while 18-carat gold has been set at Tk 1,83,883 per bhori. Traditional gold will sell at Tk 1,50,232 per bhori, the notice said.

Bajus said the new prices will remain effective at all jewellery outlets until further notice, though making charges will continue to apply depending on ornament design.

Since VAT is already included in the selling price of gold and silver ornaments, jewellers cannot charge it separately from customers.

The association added that its existing rules on exchange and repurchase of ornaments, excluding specified VAT, making charges and stone costs, will remain unchanged.

The previous adjustment came on the morning of July 21, when Bajus raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 1,633 per bhori to Tk 2,21,441, inclusive of VAT.

So far in 2026, the price of gold has been revised 93 times in the domestic market, increased on 45 occasions, decreased on 47, and adjusted once for VAT.

Alongside gold, the price of silver was also raised.

The rate of 22-carat silver went up by Tk 175 per bhori to Tk 4,782. Similarly, 21-carat silver is now selling at Tk 4,549 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 3,907, and traditional silver at Tk 2,974 per bhori.

Silver prices have been adjusted 57 times so far this year, with 29 increases and 28 decreases.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met his counterparts from China, Russia, and the US on the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Wednesday in the Philippine capital, Manila.

These meetings covered a broad spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, energy and connectivity, as well as regional and international issues. During these meetings, the Bangladesh side underlined that the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy will guide Bangladesh’s external relations, a spokesman for the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

The adviser to the prime minister for foreign affairs, Mr. Humaiun Kobir, is accompanying the foreign minister.

At the bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides resolved to advance a comprehensive cooperative partnership to jointly build a China-Bangladesh Community for a shared future. The two foreign ministers discussed further cooperation in regard to the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, multi-modal transport corridors, trade and investment, and energy cooperation.

During the Bangladesh-Russia bilateral meeting, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulated the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on his election as the President of the 81st UN General Assembly. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

Later in the afternoon, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received the Bangladeshi foreign minister and discussed further strengthening US-Bangladesh ties. Foreign Minister Rahman invited Secretary Rubio to visit Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh foreign minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers meeting and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of Southeast Asia.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday approved eight development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 14,411.21 crore.

Of the total project cost, Tk 10,494.21 crore will come from the government's own funds, while Tk 3,550.44 crore will be financed through project loans.

The approvals came at an ECNEC meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

Of the eight projects, three are new and five are revised.

The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Industries, Textiles and Jute and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, and senior government officials.

Among the approved projects, three belong to the Local Government Division: the General Social Infrastructure Development-2 (GSIDP-2) (First Revised) project, the Greater Dinajpur (Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh) Integrated Development Project, and the Rural Road Maintenance and Employment Project.

Other approved schemes include the Disaster Shelter Construction, Renovation and Development Project (Third Revised) under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway Construction Project (Second Revised) under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry; the Power Distribution System Development Project, Sylhet Division (Third Revised) and the Drilling of one appraisal-cum-development well (Begumganj-5) and two exploration wells (Begumganj-6 and Sunetra-2) under the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry; and the Kidney Dialysis Centre Expansion Project (Second Revised) under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

The ECNEC meeting was also informed that Planning Minister Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki had approved 11 development projects, each costing less than Tk 50 crore, under delegated authority. The projects include regional offices for the National University, transport infrastructure, electricity transmission facilities, airport mobile network installation and vocational education institutes.

A United Arab Emirates-based investment company has expressed interest in investing more than $2.0 billion in Bangladesh's priority sectors, signalling renewed foreign investor interest in the country's infrastructure and capital market.

Abu Dhabi-based Equiline Finance signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Prime Bank Investment on Monday to jointly explore investment opportunities and develop bankable projects across key sectors, according to a statement.

The proposed investment pipeline covers government-backed projects in energy, transport, healthcare, ports and logistics, agriculture and agro-processing, waste and water management, tourism, digital infrastructure and other priority sectors.

Market operators said the partnership comes at a time when Bangladesh is actively seeking to diversify sources of foreign investment amid pressure on external financing and rising demand for long-term capital to support infrastructure development.

Under the agreement, Prime Bank Investment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Prime Bank PLC, will act as Equiline Finance's local investment banking partner by identifying investment opportunities, conducting bankability assessments, structuring transactions and facilitating capital market financing and regulatory processes.

The collaboration is expected to create a structured platform for mobilising institutional foreign capital into Bangladesh's infrastructure and capital market while strengthening investment ties between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates.

"Bangladesh continues to attract serious international capital for infrastructure, energy transition and sustainable development," said Syed M Omar Tayub, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Prime Bank Investment.

He said the partnership would combine Equiline Finance's global financing capability with Prime Bank Investment's domestic market expertise to transform investment interest into well-structured, bankable projects capable of attracting long-term capital.

Equiline Finance Chief Executive Officer Salah Al Nasser said Bangladesh offers strong economic fundamentals and a clear development agenda, making it an attractive destination for sustainable investments.

"Partnering with Prime Bank Investment strengthens our local interface for project origination, structuring and market execution as we explore high-impact investments across priority sectors," he said, adding that the partnership would help establish a durable platform for sustainable and structured finance in Bangladesh.

Prime Bank Investment has over 16 years of experience in Bangladesh's investment banking industry, providing debt and equity capital market services, corporate advisory, portfolio management and trustee services.

Equiline Finance specialises in structured project finance, export finance, sustainable and impact investments, capital structuring, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and institutional advisory.

If the proposed investment programme materialises, it could become one of the largest recent foreign investment initiatives in Bangladesh, providing a major boost to infrastructure financing, expanding foreign participation in the capital market and deepening the country's economic ties with Gulf investors, market insiders say.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) today (Wednesday) issued a circular easing foreign exchange transactions for freelancers and individual service exporters, in a move aimed at further supporting the country’s growing digital services sector.

The new guidelines allow freelancers to receive payments based on electronic evidence—such as platform statements, emails, and other digital communications—removing reliance on conventional export documentation and making the process more adaptable to digital trade, BSS reports citing a press release.

To facilitate small-value transactions, inward remittances up to US$ 20,000 can be credited without formal declaration requirements. Payments through Online Payment Gateway Service Providers (OPGSPs) are permitted up to $10,000 per transaction, with provisions ensuring timely repatriation of funds to Bangladesh.

The circular also enables issuance of dual-currency freelancer cards and expands the use of Mobile Financial Service Providers (MFSPs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs), thereby widening access to convenient and efficient digital payment channels.

In addition, freelancers in ICT sectors may retain up to 50% of their export earnings in foreign currency accounts, commonly known as Exporters’ Retention Quota (ERQ), while other service exporters may retain up to 30%, providing greater flexibility in managing international business expenses.

Market participants view the move as a timely and forward-looking step, aligning the regulatory framework with the evolving nature of digital trade and freelance work.

By simplifying procedures and expanding access to formal payment channels, the circular is expected to encourage greater formalization of service export earnings, improve transparency, and strengthen foreign exchange inflows.

As per business insiders, the initiative is expected to enhance ease of doing business for freelancers, promote formal remittance channels, and further integrate Bangladesh’s service exporters into the global digital economy, while also supporting the country’s broader ambition of building a robust knowledge-based and digitally driven export ecosystem.