United News of Bangladesh

Ending a continuous depreciation trend spanning five and a half years, the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) has shown signs of appreciation against the US dollar, according to a Bangladesh Bank (BB) report released on Sunday. On a point-to-point basis from June last year to June this year, the value of the Taka appreciated by 0.06 percent. Furthermore, between August 30 and September 17, the local currency strengthened by 0.77 percent against the greenback. Central bank data shows that the Taka experienced an unbroken streak of depreciation against the US dollar from 2021 until September 17 this year. During this period, the exchange rate surged from Tk 85.80 per dollar to a record high of Tk123.95—reflecting a devaluation of Tk38.20, or 45.05 percent. However, the trend began reversing in the second half of this year. After peaking at Tk 123.95 on August 30, the dollar rate dropped by 95 paisa to Tk 123.00 on September 17, resulting in a 0.77 percent gain for the Taka over those three weeks. According to central bank statistics End-December 2019: The dollar traded at Tk 84.90. End-December 2020: The dollar fell by 10 paisa to Tk 84.80, appreciating the Taka by 0.12 percent due to lower pandemic-era import demand, reduced global commodity prices, and robust remittance inflows. End-December 2021: Rising import demand and surging global prices pushed the dollar to Tk85.80, devaluing the Taka by 1.18 percent. End-December 2022: Fueled by the Russia-Ukraine war, global fuel and commodity prices spiked, increasing import bills while exports and remittances slowed. The dollar jumped to Tk105.85—a Tk 20.05 or Tk23.37 percent increase—devaluing the Taka by an equivalent margin. End-December 2023: Continued pressures raised the dollar rate by Tk4.15 or 3.92 percent to Tk 110.00. End-December 2024: The dollar climbed another Tk 10.00 to Tk 120.00, eroding the Taka’s value by 9.09 percent over the year. End-December 2025: Depreciation persisted as the dollar reached Tk122.33, up Tk 2.33 or 1.94 percent over the year. The Bangladesh Bank report also compared regional currency movements from June last year to June this year Depreciated Currencies: The Indian Rupee depreciated by nearly 9.5 percent, the Sri Lankan Rupee lost over 10 percent, and the Indonesian Rupiah declined by around 9 percent. Appreciated Currencies: The Malaysian Ringgit and Chinese Yuan both gained nearly 4 percent, while the Pakistani Rupee appreciated by around 2 percent. The central bank noted that after a prolonged period of weakening, the Bangladeshi Taka has shifted to a relatively stronger position. Economic Implications A depreciating Taka directly elevates import costs for fuel, industrial raw materials, and food items, passing price increases onto consumers, driving inflation, and dampening real purchasing power—especially for low- and middle-income households. It also increases the domestic currency burden of servicing foreign debt. Conversely, a strengthening Taka relieves pressure on import expenditures and lowers the local currency cost of foreign debt servicing, though the broader impact will depend on future trends in imports, exports, remittances, foreign exchange reserves, and international market conditions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Monday warned jobseekers and their guardians against fraudsters who are collecting money by falsely promising jobs in the Income Tax Department. In a press release, the revenue authority said it had received information that certain fraud rings in different parts of the country were attempting to deceive job applicants by claiming they could secure appointments in the Income Tax Department in exchange for money. According to the NBR, the main objective of these fraudsters is to exploit candidates who would otherwise obtain jobs through the regular recruitment process on merit. The revenue collecting agency said the fraudsters often mislead successful candidates into believing that their appointments were secured through financial transactions. The NBR noted that while some candidates who fail to secure jobs due to a lack of qualifications may receive refunds from the fraudsters, those who are selected through their own merit are likely to lose the money paid to the criminal networks. The revenue authority assured the public that the ongoing recruitment process for vacant posts in the Income Tax is being conducted with full transparency and accountability in accordance with legal procedures. It said eligible candidates would be selected by a committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Public Administration, the Internal Resources Division, the Bangladesh Public Service Commission and the Income Tax Department. It also requested people  to report any information regarding individuals or groups collecting money in the name of securing jobs in the Income Tax to the relevant Tax Commissioner’s Office or the NBR’s Public Relations Officer. The authority reiterated that no payment is required to obtain employment in the department and stressed that appointments would be made solely on the basis of merit and through the prescribed recruitment procedures.

Bangladesh’s export sector has staged a dramatic recovery, snapping an eight-month downward trend with a remarkable 32.92% year-on-year growth in April 2026. According to the latest trade data, export earnings surged over US $4.0 billion in April, up from $3.01 billion during the same month last year. This rebound highlights a resurgence in global demand and the steadfast resilience of the nation’s manufacturing industries. RMG at the forefront The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector remains the primary engine of this growth. In April alone, RMG exports jumped to $3.14 billion, representing a 31.21 percent increase compared to the $2.39 billion recorded in April 2025. While cumulative exports for the July–April period, at $39.4 billion still shows a slight 2.02 percent decrease compared to the previous fiscal, the recent monthly surge suggests a significant turnaround that could narrow this gap by the end of the fiscal year. The recovery was bolstered by exceptional performance in key Western markets. The USA market recorded a massive 43.01 percent year-on-year growth, while the UK registered a strong 23.46 percent increase. Notably, all of Bangladesh’s top 20 export destinations showed positive year-on-year growth in April, signaling a broad-based recovery and successful market diversification. The data also reveals a healthy month-on-month improvement, with exports rising 15.20 percent from March’s $3.48 billion to April’s $4.0 billion. Market analysts view this performance as a sign of renewed optimism for Bangladesh’s trade outlook. The combination of recovering demand in traditional markets and the steady dominance of the RMG sector positions the country for a stronger finish to the current fiscal year.

A series of landmark trade agreements signed this year has pushed India firmly onto the global trade map, though experts warn the deals alone will not be enough to drive a sustained surge in exports. Even before March, New Delhi has concluded major trade pacts with the European Union and the United States, moves being described by officials as historic. Despite concerns that the interim agreement with Washington is skewed in favour of the US, the deals mark India’s 10th free trade agreement (FTA) since 2014 and signal a clear shift away from years of protectionism. Building on this momentum, India has also agreed to begin negotiations with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which accounts for about 15 percent of its global trade. Trade experts say the direction is positive but caution that FTAs are not a cure-all. India has traditionally made limited use of such agreements, with utilisation rates hovering around 25 percent, far below the 70 to 80 percent seen in advanced economies. Analysts point out that many Indian exporters, particularly smaller firms, struggle with complex paperwork, compliance costs and limited understanding of FTA provisions, often wiping out the benefits of lower tariffs. Data from consultancy firms show that while India’s exports to FTA partner countries grew moderately in recent years, imports rose much faster, highlighting weaknesses in leveraging preferential market access. More recent agreements with countries such as Australia and the United Arab Emirates have shown better results, helped by improved trade infrastructure and faster dispute resolution. Still, challenges remain significant. Exporters cite strict Rules of Origin requirements, high documentation costs, non-tariff barriers and inconsistent customs practices as major obstacles. Under the India-EU deal, exporters must self-certify product origin, shifting legal and financial risks directly onto businesses. Beyond technical reforms, experts stress that India must address deeper competitiveness issues to match Asian peers such as Vietnam and Bangladesh. Faster logistics, predictable customs clearance, reliable infrastructure and lower transaction costs are seen as critical. While India has made progress in high-tech manufacturing, including assembling smartphones for global brands, it continues to lag in labour-intensive sectors like textiles, footwear and furniture. With the trade deals now signed, analysts say the real test lies in execution. Streamlining regulations, cutting logistics costs and creating a more export-friendly ecosystem will be essential if India is to attract investment, generate jobs and reach its ambitious target of $1 trillion in annual exports.   With inputs from BBC

China’s Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday warned that rising global tariffs have dealt a “severe blow” to the world economy, even as the country’s trade surplus surpassed $1 trillion. Speaking at a forum in Beijing with top officials from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, Li highlighted the negative impact of restrictive trade measures since early 2025. “The damaging effects of tariffs, which harm both others and oneself, have become increasingly apparent,” he said, without naming the U.S. specifically, while emphasizing growing calls to uphold free trade. Warner Bros fight heats up with $108 billion hostile bid from Paramount U.S. tariffs have contributed to a 29% drop in Chinese exports to the United States in November, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline. However, China’s overall exports rose 5.9% from a year earlier, keeping the trade surplus above $1 trillion. Li also urged “collaborative innovation” amid rising technology investments and stressed the importance of openness and cooperation. The remarks come during China’s Central Economic Work Conference, which sets the country’s economic plans and strategies for 2026–2030. China’s economy grew 4.8% in the last quarter, and economists expect it to reach the official 5% growth target for 2025, supported by strong exports. Source: AP 

Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday at the 23rd Russia-India Summit, where both leaders agreed to broaden economic cooperation amid U.S. pressure on India to reconsider its longstanding ties with Moscow. The summit comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. seeks a peace deal in Ukraine and pushes for global alignment. India faces the challenge of balancing its relations with Moscow and Washington as the war in Ukraine continues. Modi welcomed Putin at the airport with a warm embrace and handshake. Following their talks, the leaders announced a new economic cooperation program extending to 2030, aiming to expand bilateral trade to $100 billion and strengthen energy partnerships. Last fiscal year, trade between the two countries totaled $68.7 billion, heavily favoring Russia. Putin highlighted ongoing plans for India to establish a free trade zone with the Eurasian Economic Union, which could further boost trade. “Russia is a reliable supplier of energy and resources essential for India’s growth,” he said, reaffirming uninterrupted fuel supplies. Modi emphasized long-standing civil nuclear and energy cooperation, as well as future collaboration in clean energy, shipbuilding, fertilizers, and labor mobility. The visit comes amid U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, with critics warning that India’s continued imports may complicate its negotiations for trade agreements with the EU and U.S. India maintains that its priority is securing energy for its 1.4 billion population, with both private and state oil companies making decisions based on market conditions. Putin and Modi to discuss strategic ties amid US pressure Defense and trade cooperation were also highlighted, including faster delivery of S-400 missile systems, joint manufacturing of defense components, and upgrades to Russian-made Su-30MKI jets. India plans to boost exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles to Russia, while seeking long-term fertilizer supplies and protection for Indian migrant workers. Putin last visited India in 2021, while Modi met him in Moscow last year and in China in September during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Source: AP 

Silver has reached a record-high price in Bangladesh this month, marking one of the strongest rallies the market has seen in 2025. This surge has turned silver investment into a serious conversation among general buyers, traders and long-term wealth planners. Let’s look at how the silver price has risen in 2025 so far and whether now is the best time to invest in silver. Silver Price Rising Trend in 2025 According to recent data released by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS), silver prices have witnessed a remarkable climb throughout 2025. It breaks previous records in multiple categories – 22 Karat, 21 Karat, 18 Karat, and Traditional – reflecting a year-long progression in value. Table: Category-wise Silver Price Rates as per BAJUS in 2025 Date Category-wise Price Rates (BDT/Vori) 22 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) 21 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) 18 Karat Cadmium (Hallmarked) Traditional October 14, 2025 6206 5914 5074 3803 September 18, 2025 3476 3313 2847 2135 August 27, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 July 8, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 June 15, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 May 22, 2025 2812 2683 2298 1727 April 23, 2025 2847 2718 2333 1750 March 19, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 February 10, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 January 22, 2025 2578 2450 2112 1587 . Read more:  5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised Profit Rates Silver market rates in Bangladesh remained mostly stable during the first eight months of 2025, followed by a sharp upswing from September onwards. The 22 Karat rate held around BDT 2,578 per vori early in the year, with minor movement until April’s BDT 2,847, then steadied again through August. A sudden leap to BDT 3,476 in September and a dramatic climb to BDT 6,206 by October marked the pinnacle of this year’s market rise. Similarly, each vori of 21-karat silver hovered between BDT 2,450 and BDT 2,718 until August, before spiking to BDT 3,313 in September and BDT 5,914 in October. The 18 Karat category stayed near BDT 2,112 through March and BDT 2,298 midyear, then rose to BDT 2,847 and finally BDT 5,074 by October. Traditional silver followed a steadier curve, moving from BDT 1,587 in early 2025 to BDT 1,750 in April, holding steady through August. Then, it jumps to BDT 2,135 in September and now to BDT 3,803. Overall, all categories showed remarkable late-year growth, suggesting heightened demand and market adjustments influenced by global price pressures and local currency shifts. Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Silver? . Global Market Influence Silver’s recent price momentum is deeply tied to structural global demand, playing a crucial role in industrial innovation. The metal is essential for manufacturing solar panels, electric vehicles, and even components used in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. As these sectors expand, particularly the clean energy transition, the pressure on silver supply is intensifying. Production levels haven’t caught up with the pace of industrial consumption, and major mining regions are already signalling reduced output. Therefore, the rising technological dependence and tightening supply point toward a medium-term bullish case for silver. This makes current prices, though elevated, still favourable for long-term investors seeking entry before demand outpaces availability further. Read more: Gold Buyer's Guide: Know the types, colors, karats of the precious metal Classic Supply-Demand Impact The spot market has been showing signs of tightening, with refineries and traders reporting limited physical supply. This scarcity is naturally pushing prices upward. For local investors, silver’s appeal is also growing because it remains a more attainable option compared to gold. Everyday jewellery buyers and small investors have increasingly turned to silver as gold’s price continues to surge beyond affordability. Globally, this persistent demand imbalance is fuelling a structural tailwind for prices. Even minor supply disruptions could amplify price gains, making silver a particularly attractive hedge in times of inflation or currency depreciation. In essence, the ongoing shortage is an opportunity for strategic investors. Safe-Haven Demand In times of economic and geopolitical instability, silver, like gold, becomes a safe-haven asset. The current investment climate, marked by currency fluctuations and uneven stock market performance, has made precious metals increasingly appealing. Yet, silver offers a distinctive advantage: it’s comparatively undervalued when assessed through the Gold-to-Silver Ratio (GSR). GSR = Gold Price ÷ Silver Price = BDT 2,13,720 ÷ BDT 6,206 ≈ 34.4 (For October, 2025) A ratio above 34 indicates that gold is over thirty-four times more expensive than silver per vori. This ratio offers Bangladeshi investors greater upside potential, making silver not only a protective asset but also a tactical play for value appreciation. Read more: Paribar Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised profit rates of Family Savings Certificate in Bangladesh Drawback of Price Fluctuation Volatility is a natural part of the silver market, and its recent price surge illustrates how fast momentum can shift. However, the short-term (like throughout a month) volatility is not a big fall for investors with a medium- or long-term horizon. In other words, price swings might create anxiety for speculative traders, but for those viewing silver as a strategic allocation, they offer entry opportunities. Good Reselling Value – Will the Rise Continue? The continuation of silver’s upward trajectory seems increasingly plausible. Across the year, prices have shown consistent growth with no notable dips – an encouraging sign for both short- and long-term traders. The global narrative favouring precious metals remains intact: inflation concerns and rising industrial demand all reinforce bullish sentiment. Moreover, first-time buyers have been entering the silver market at a record pace, boosting liquidity and confidence. For Bangladesh, this means silver retains strong resale potential, especially if global economic uncertainty persists. All in all, the industrial relevance, supply constraints, and investor enthusiasm suggest that silver’s rally still has meaningful distance to run. Read more: Gold Investment in Bangladesh in 2025: Safe Haven or Risky Bet? Verdict The investment decision in silver in Bangladesh in 2025 stands at a defining moment. The price of 22-Karat hallmarked silver surged to BDT 6,206, while the 21-Karat price climbed to BDT 5,914. Meanwhile, 18 Karat silver reached BDT 5,074, and the Traditional category rose to BDT 3,803. This dramatic spike reflects tightening supply, soaring industrial demand, and rising safe-haven interest. Given these fundamentals, silver presents a strategic long-term opportunity. For investors seeking value beyond gold, 2025 may well be the year silver shines brightest.

For generations, gold has been viewed as a reliable way to hold value. In Bangladesh, 2025 is turning into another pivotal year for this metal’s role in personal finance. With prices showing an upward trend, profit in gold investment is rising among both cautious savers and ambitious investors. Its promise is stability, though it does not come without trade-offs. Let’s evaluate whether gold is still a safe investment today. Gold Price Rising Trend in 2025 Bangladesh's gold market witnesses frequent swings, with prices changing noticeably within short periods in 2025. Updates from the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) highlight a steady rise across different categories, confirming gold’s continued momentum. Table: Recent Rise in Gold Rates in Bangladesh 2025 Date Category-wise Price Rates (BDT/Gram) 22 Karat 21 Karat 18 Karat Traditional September 02, 2025 15,071 14,386 12,331 10,206 August 27, 2025 14,802 14,129 12,111 10,018 July 08, 2025 14,622 13,957 11,964 9,893 June 15, 2025 14,963 14,283 12,243 10,131 May 18, 2025 14,326 13,675 11,721 9,686 April 14, 2025 13,904 13,272 11,376 9,391 March 19, 2025 13,284 12,680 10,869 8,959 February 18, 2025 12,970 12,380 10,611 8,739 January 16, 2025 11,955 11,411 9,781 8,031 . Read more: 5-Year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra 2025: Revised Profit Rates The data shows a steady climb in all categories of gold throughout 2025, though not without fluctuations. 22 Karat was at its lowest, BDT 11,955, on January 16 and has risen to BDT 15,071 since September 2, the highest so far. A brief drop occurred from BDT 14,963 in mid-June to BDT 14,622 in early July before rebounding. 21 Karat moved from BDT 11,411 at the year’s start to BDT 14,386. The mid-June level of BDT 14,283 slipped to BDT 13,957 in early July before rising again. Following the same trend, 18 Karat advanced from BDT 9,781 in mid-January to BDT 12,331 now. It too saw a decline from BDT 12,243 in June to BDT 11,964 in July. Read more: Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from Similarly, traditional gold increased from BDT 8,031 to BDT 10,206 till now. A similar mid-year dip took it from BDT 10,131 down to BDT 9,893 before recovery. Overall, all categories reflect a clear upward trajectory from the beginning of the year, with the current month marking the peak. The June-July drop stands out as the single significant short-term dip.

China’s economy lost momentum in July as industrial output, retail sales and housing prices all weakened, according to official data released Friday. Uncertainty over U.S. tariffs continues to weigh on the world’s second-largest economy, even after President Donald Trump extended a 90-day pause on planned duty hikes starting Monday — following an earlier three-month suspension in May. Exports rose 7.2% year-on-year in July and imports grew at the fastest pace in a year, driven partly by businesses rushing to ship goods during the tariff truce. However, the gains came from a low base, and manufacturers have scaled back investment, hiring and output while diverting shipments to Southeast Asia, Africa and other markets to offset U.S. losses. Asian shares mixed as hopes for US rate cuts wane; Bitcoin hits record Industrial output growth slowed to 5.7% in July from 6.8% in June, while fixed-asset investment rose just 1.6% in January-July. Property investment plunged 12% in the first seven months, with residential investment down nearly 11%. New home prices in major cities dropped 1.1%, extending a prolonged slump that began with the COVID-19 pandemic and led to widespread developer defaults. The housing crisis has curbed consumer spending, with retail sales growth slowing to 3.7% in July from 4.8% in June. Unemployment edged up to 5.2%, while wholesale prices fell 3.6% year-on-year despite a 0.4% monthly rise in consumer prices. Source: Agency 

Across its full suite of savings instruments, sweeping modifications have been rolled out under Bangladesh's National Savings Scheme. One key alteration pertains to the Pensioner Sanchayapatra, which now follows a redefined approach to distributing annual gains. From July 2025, the scheme will operate under a revised model, defining yearly profit margins based on investment volume. Both full-term and premature encashment returns are now clearly stipulated. Let’s delve into the refreshed July-December 2025 interest rate structure of the pensioner savings arrangement. Pensioner Savings Certificates’ Profit Framework for July to December 2025 All existing and new investments, across every category of savings certificate, will be aggregated to determine the applicable rate. The new segmentation, reflecting the framework, is outlined below: i) BDT 7,50,000 or less ii) More than BDT 7,50,000 Read more: July 2025 Interest Rates of Paribar Sanchayapatra under Bangladesh's National Saving Scheme Presented below is the latest rate chart, indicating yearly returns based on investment tier and withdrawal status: Table: Yearly Profit Breakdown by Investment Level – Pensioner Sanchayapatra for July-December 2025  Investment Period (Year) Investments Up to BDT 7,50,000 Investments More than BDT 7,50,000 (BDT 7,50,001 and Above) Profit Rate (%) 1st 9.84 9.72 2nd 10.32 10.19 3rd 10.84 10.70 4th 11.39 11.23 5th / At Maturity 11.98 11.80 . Investors selecting the Pensioner Sanchayapatra with a maximum principal of BDT 7.5 lakh (7,50,000 or below) are entitled to the highest annual return upon full maturity. The corresponding annual rate of return is 11.98 percent (11.98%). For investments exceeding BDT 7.5 lakh (7,50,001 and above), the maximum annual return is slightly reduced to 11.80 percent (11.80%). If the investment is encashed before maturity, the return will be based on the rate structure given in the table. For amounts within the BDT 7.5 lakh limit, the first-year return is 9.84 percent. The second, third, and fourth years offer returns of 10.32 percent, 10.84 percent, and 11.39 percent, respectively. For sums exceeding BDT 7.5 lakh, premature encashment yields 9.72 percent in the first year. The applicable rates for the second, third, and fourth years are 10.19 percent, 10.70 percent, and 11.23 percent, respectively. Read more: July 2025 Interest Rates of 5-year Bangladesh Sanchayapatra under National Savings Scheme Who Benefits from the July-December 2025 Interest Rates on Pensioner Savings Certificates? The updated profit rates apply exclusively to Pensioner Sanchayapatra accounts initiated on or after July 1, 2025. A formal review of the revised rates is set to occur six months following implementation. However, the return rate secured at the time of issuance will remain unchanged throughout the duration of the investment. Therefore, the rate assigned upon purchase is fixed for the entire term. In a Nutshell Modifications to the National Savings Scheme have been implemented for the July–December 2025 period. According to the updated framework, the highest annual return for the Pensioner Sanchayapatra is 11.98 percent at maturity for investments up to BDT 7,50,000. For contributions exceeding BDT 7,50,000, the peak return is revised to 11.80 percent annually. This rate structure applies solely to certificates opened on or after July 1, 2025. Read more: July 2025 Interest Rates of 3-Monthly Profit-Bearing Sanchayapatra under Bangladesh's National Saving Scheme