United News of Bangladesh

A seminar titled “Smart Investing: Investor Awareness, Market Integrity and Fraud Prevention” was held on Sunday at the Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market (BICM) multipurpose hall in observance of World Investor Week 2026. Jointly organized by BICM and the Bangladesh Academy for Securities Markets (BASM), the event was designed in alignment with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week theme focusing on investor resilience, digital fraud, and fraud awareness under the global slogan "Invest in your future, secure it today." BICM Associate Professor Faisal Ahmed Khan presented the keynote paper at the seminar. The event was presided over by BICM Executive President Wajid Hasan Shah, while BASM Director General Kamrul Anam Khan and Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Executive Director Mohammad Shafiul Azam attended as special guests. Addressing the seminar, BASM Director General Kamrul Anam Khan urged investors to make well-considered, independent investment decisions. "You must review your own accounts and make informed choices. Following others blindly will only lead to losses; the money is yours, and so must be the investment decision," he noted. BSEC Executive Director Mohammad Shafiul Azam emphasized that market stakeholders must act as vigilant gatekeepers to safeguard investors. Stating that fraudulent activities must be halted immediately upon detection, he noted that suppressing market fraud is essential to protecting investor interests. In his presidential address, BICM Executive President Wajid Hasan Shah observed that a large section of participants in the local share market tend to chase quick, short-term profits. He stressed that the capital market is fundamentally a platform for long-term investments in sound companies, which yields superior returns over time. The seminar was also attended by BICM Director (Administration and Finance) Nazmuch Salekin, alongside faculty members, officials, and invited guests from both institutions, according to a press release.  

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed National Bank PLC to ensure adequate cash supply across all its branches and ATM booths starting October 15, 2026, enabling depositors to withdraw funds according to their demand. The directive was issued on Thursday during a meeting between Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman, National Bank PLC Chairman Prof. Dr. Melita Mehjabeen, and Acting Managing Director Jahidul Haq at the central bank headquarters. Bangladesh Bank Spokesperson Arif Hussain Khan told UNB that the Governor emphasised the cash withdrawal of depositors as per their requirements. “If the National Bank faces any difficulties including cash shortage, the central bank will stand beside the bank,” he added. According to a press release issued by the central bank, Governor Mostaqur Rahman said National Bank's recent liquidity situation and customer withdrawal demands have come to the central bank's attention.  He instructed the bank's management to take all necessary measures to protect depositors' interests, maintain public trust in the banking system, and ensure orderly banking operations. During the meeting, National Bank Chairman Prof. Dr. Melita Mehjabeen informed the Governor that recent interventions and measures taken by the central bank have helped re-establish good governance in the financial institution.  She added that positive changes have been made in senior management to boost the bank's overall operational efficiency and performance. Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governors Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Dr. Md. Kabir Ahammad, Md. Sarwar Hossain, and Md. Anisur Rahman were also present at the meeting.

The point-to-point inflation rose to 8.34 percent in September 2026 from 8.26 percent in August, according to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Wednesday. However, the rate was slightly lower than the 8.36 percent recorded in September last year. Food inflation increased to 7.22 percent in September from 7.02 percent in August, while non-food inflation edged down to 9.30 percent from 9.32 percent. In September 2025, food and non-food inflation stood at 7.64 percent and 8.98 percent respectively. At the rural level, general inflation rose to 8.38 percent in September from 8.31 percent in August, but remained below the 8.47 percent recorded a year earlier. Rural food inflation increased to 7.18 percent in September from 7.01 percent in August, while non-food inflation fell slightly to 9.57 percent from 9.59 percent. In September 2025, rural food and non-food inflation were 7.54 percent and 9.40 percent respectively. In urban areas, general inflation increased to 8.26 percent in September from 8.20 percent in August, while it was 8.28 percent in September last year. Urban food inflation rose to 7.25 percent in September from 7.04 percent in August. Non-food inflation, however, declined to 8.94 percent from 8.97 percent. The corresponding rates in September 2025 were 7.94 percent for food and 8.51 percent for non-food items.  

Global efforts to curb tax avoidance by multinational corporations are fundamentally altering the strategies countries use to attract foreign investment, moving the focus away from traditional tax havens toward broader economic fundamentals, according to a report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In an analytical insight following its latest (October 2026) global outlook, the IMF highlighted that international tax reforms, including the implementation of the global minimum corporate tax framework, are significantly diminishing the efficacy of low-tax regimes as a primary tool for courting global business. It noted that for decades, several jurisdictions relied on ultra-low corporate tax rates and preferential tax incentives to attract multinational enterprises. However, as international rules tighten to prevent profit shifting and base erosion, governments are increasingly forced to re-evaluate their investment promotion strategies, the organisation said. Instead of competing in a "race to the bottom" on corporate tax rates, countries are now shifting their focus toward non-tax competitive advantages, it said. These include strengthening physical and digital infrastructure, building a highly skilled labor force, ensuring regulatory predictability, and improving the overall ease of doing business. The Washington-based lender pointed out that this structural shift offers both opportunities and challenges, particularly for developing and emerging economies. While the erosion of tax-based competition levels the playing field, countries with severe infrastructure deficits or weak governance may face greater pressure to accelerate structural reforms to remain attractive to foreign direct investment (FDI). The IMF urged policymakers globally to adapt to this changing landscape by aligning domestic tax administration with international standards while simultaneously prioritizing investments in productivity-enhancing public assets, human capital, and transparent legal frameworks to secure sustainable long-term economic growth.

Around 60 university students and aspiring entrepreneurs took part in a daylong programme at Dhaka International University (DIU) on Tuesday, learning how to test business ideas and understand the policy and regulatory factors that can affect their ventures. The Campus Incubation Bootcamp and Smart Policy Reform Lab, organised by Preneur Lab Youth & Innovation Trust with support from Atlas Network, was held as part of StartKoro Season 5. The programme focused on helping participants identify problems worth solving and test whether potential customers need their proposed solutions, according to a press release. Mentors Alamin Pranto, director of Start2Scaleup, and M. Ashraful Tanvir, head of operations and administration at Preneur Lab, led the sessions, while university faculty members joined as guest speakers. Participants worked through ideation, market research, customer needs, product validation and the development of a minimum viable product (MVP). In the Smart Policy Reform Lab, they discussed the policy and regulatory environment for young businesses and put forward recommendations on issues that could affect startups and small businesses. StartKoro aims to support young people from the idea stage through validation and development of a first product to establishing a running business capable of creating employment. The fifth season has so far engaged more than 365 entrepreneurs, who have launched more than 60 new businesses, while Preneur Lab estimates that around 200 new jobs have been created. The organisers said entrepreneurship training alone may not be enough if licensing, taxation and access to finance create barriers for young businesses. Across five Smart Policy Reform Labs, participants have submitted more than 260 recommendations, which will be synthesised into policy research focusing on business registration, licence validity and SME finance. In July, the programme launched the StartKoro AI Hub, an AI-powered platform providing guidance on business registration, licences, taxation and business planning in the Bangladeshi context. By September, 100 entrepreneurs had accessed the platform. The organisers plan to expand the incubation programme from five cities to 10 and publish the policy research. The initiative aims to contribute to a startup ecosystem that is less concentrated in Dhaka and encourage young entrepreneurs to view policy engagement as part of running a business.

Digital banking services, including card transactions, ATM withdrawals, POS payments, e-commerce, QR code payments, and National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) transfers, across 19 banks are facing temporary disruptions due to scheduled system upgrades and maintenance. According to notices issued by the banks, the disruption stems from system migration under the Q-Cash network, which runs from 9:00 PM on October 4 until 12:00 PM on October 10. The affected financial institutions are Bank Asia, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Janata Bank, Bengal Commercial Bank, Community Bank, Jamuna Bank, Midland Bank, Meghna Bank, Mercantile Bank, Modhumoti Bank, National Bank, NRBC Bank, NCC Bank, Rupali Bank, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Shimanto Bank, Social Islami Bank, Trust Bank, and Uttara Bank. While the service outages vary by institution—ranging from a few hours to several days—the simultaneous timing of maintenance across 19 banks has drawn widespread consumer concern, particularly over potential difficulties in obtaining cash during emergencies or completing online and card transactions. Addressing customer concerns, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that banks routinely perform technical maintenance and system enhancements after notifying the central bank. "Each bank made its decision independently, but coincidentally, 19 banks fell into the same timeline for system upgrades," Khan said, adding that central bank officials discussed the matter with the institutions to ensure advance notices and SMS alerts were issued to clients. The banks assured customers that all affected services will be restored gradually upon completion of system migration and maintenance tasks, while expressing regret for the temporary inconvenience. Branch-based counter services will remain subject to individual bank guidelines.

Terming trust as the true foundation of capital markets, Tanvir Shahriar Ghani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Investment and Capital Market, on Monday emphasized that consistent implementation of financial standards and uncompromised professional integrity are essential to win investor confidence and attract sustainable global capital. “Financial reporting, accounting, auditing, corporate governance, and risk management may appear technical, but their true foundation is trust,” Ghani said while addressing as the Chief Guest at a high-level national conference in the capital. “Investors rely on the integrity and accuracy of financial information when making decisions. If that trust is broken, investors lose money, and confidence in the entire capital market suffers,” he warned. The conference, titled “Building Investor Confidence: The Role of Professional Bodies in Audit, Reporting, Governance and Risk Management,” was organized jointly by five major accounting and secretarial bodies—ICAB, ICMAB, ICSB, IIAB, and ACCA—at the CA Bhaban in Kawran Bazar to mark the 10th Annual World Investor Week (WIW) 2026, spearheaded globally by IOSCO from October 5 to 11. Ghani noted that while Bangladesh possesses the requisite institutional framework, the main hurdle lies in execution. “The challenge is not merely adopting global standards, but implementing them consistently and effectively. We must ensure comparable companies are assessed under comparable standards and strengthen professional integrity through self-discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct.” Speaking as the Special Guest, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan underlined the need to establish reasonable audit fees to ensure quality. He announced that once BSEC establishes proper audit fee benchmarks, it will roll out stringent regulations to enforce high-quality audits compliant with the IFAC Code of Ethics. Highlighting the prolonged drought of initial public offerings (IPOs) since March 2024, ICMAB Council Member Arif Khan FCMA presented a keynote paper titled “Rebuilding Corporate Confidence in Getting Listed,” citing low valuations, sluggish approval procedures, and policy uncertainty as major barriers. Drawing lessons from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, he called for market-driven pricing, predictable regulations, and faster clearance to revitalize IPO activity in Bangladesh. ICAB Vice President Asifur Rahman FCA presented another paper on investor resilience, emphasizing ICAB's Document Verification System (DVS) and strategic ties with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, and RJSC to eliminate fake financial statements. Chaired and moderated by ICAB President Sabbir Ahmed FCA, the event also featured ICMAB President Kausar Alam FCMA, ACCA Country Manager Prawma Khan FCCA, IIAB President M. Nurul Alam FCS, and ICSB President Mohammad Shahajahan FCS as panelists.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday stressed the need for advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye and strengthening cooperation in trade and investment. He made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen at the Ministry of Industries. At the meeting, the two sides discussed the proposed FTA, business opportunities in fruit imports and Bangladesh's participation in international trade conferences. They also explored ways to tap Türkiye's experience and capacity in managing hazardous industrial waste, alongside expanding bilateral economic ties. Reviewing progress towards launching FTA negotiations, the two sides expressed optimism about further strengthening trade and economic cooperation. Muktadir expressed interest in holding a bilateral meeting with Türkiye's trade minister and meeting the country's investment agency during his upcoming visit to Türkiye. Bangladesh also sought contact details of Turkish fruit exporting organisations to facilitate business links between Bangladeshi and Turkish traders. The two sides discussed channelling this information to relevant Bangladeshi traders through the Ministry of Commerce. Management of hazardous waste from the electronics and ship-breaking industries also received emphasis at the meeting. In this regard, the two sides discussed possible cooperation in developing treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) in Bangladesh, drawing on Türkiye's experience and expertise in managing such hazardous waste. Discussing the leather industry, the Turkish ambassador said leather processing and tannery operations in his country have declined due to environmental concerns, while the use of synthetic leather and imports of raw materials have increased. He invited Bangladesh to attend the upcoming ministerial-level conference under the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), as well as the World Halal Industrial Summit and Halal Expo. The Bangladesh side said Muktadir will attend the main COMCEC conference, while other Bangladeshi representatives will join the subsequent events.

Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has cut the price of gold by Tk 1,691 per bhori, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 2,29,081 per bhori, including VAT. The new price come into effect from 10am Monday, BAJUS said in a notice issued in the morning. According to the notice, the price of pure gold, locally known as Tejabi gold, has declined in the local market. Considering the overall market situation, BAJUS has revised the prices of gold, including VAT. Under the new rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 2,18,817 per bhori, while 18-carat gold will be priced at Tk 1,87,907 per bhori. The price of traditional-method gold has been set at Tk 1,53,498 per bhori. One bhori of gold is equivalent to 11.664 grams. BAJUS said making charges will apply depending on the design of jewellery. Since VAT is already included in the selling prices of gold and silver jewellery, jewellers cannot collect VAT separately from customers. For jewellery exchange, 12 percent will be deducted, while 18 percent will be deducted in case of purchase, excluding making charges and the value of stones. No separate VAT deduction will be applicable in exchange and purchase transactions, it said. The revised prices will remain effective at all jewellery shops until further notice, BAJUS said. Earlier on Sept 30, BAJUS had cut the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori to Tk 2,30,772, including VAT. At that time, 21-carat gold was priced at Tk 2,20,391 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 1,89,248 and traditional-method gold at Tk 1,54,606. The prices took effect from 10am that day. With Monday’s adjustment, gold prices have been revised 121 times in the country so far this year. Prices have been increased 59 times, reduced 61 times and adjusted once for VAT. Meanwhile, silver prices remained unchanged. At present, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 4,316 per bhori, including VAT, while 21-carat silver is priced at Tk 4,141, 18-carat silver at Tk 3,558 and traditional-method silver at Tk 2,683 per bhori. Silver prices have been adjusted 73 times so far this year, with 36 increases and 37 decreases.

Terming Japan as a trusted development and business partner of Bangladesh, Japanese Ambassador to Dhaka Saida Shinichi has expressed optimism that several major Japanese investment initiatives currently in the pipeline will materialize in due course. Speaking as the chief guest at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at a hotel in Gulshan on Sunday, the envoy emphasized the importance of strong governance, institutional relevance, and delivering tangible benefits to businesses in both nations. Ambassador Saida welcomed the Economic Partnership Agreement signed in February with support from JBCCI and called for industrial diversification, the development of upstream industries, the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers, and the creation of employment opportunities for young people in Bangladesh. He also stressed the need for a transparent and sustainable relationship between business and politics to support long-term economic growth, while reaffirming the Japanese Embassy’s continued support for JBCCI in expanding bilateral trade and investment. At the AGM, JBCCI formally announced its new 16-member board of directors for the 2026-28 term, with Kazuiki Kataoka elected as president. In his acceptance speech, President-Elect Kazuiki Kataoka thanked the outgoing leadership and stated that the chamber would focus on highlighting Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and business activities. He emphasized leveraging the expertise of JBCCI’s nearly 400 member companies through knowledge-sharing sessions, networking, and member-driven initiatives. Outgoing President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan welcomed participants and highlighted JBCCI’s pivotal role in bolstering bilateral ties. Secretary General Maria Howlader FCA presented the major activities from November 2025 to September 2026, noting that membership grew to 391 companies from 369 in the previous year. Joint Treasurer Md Jahangir Alam Sharker CPA presented the audited financial report, reflecting sustainable financial growth. The AGM also approved the appointment of Shafiq Mizan Rahman & Augustine, Chartered Accountants, as auditors for the 2026-27 financial year. The newly formed board features Abu Zaman Md Tariqul Islam and Syed Samiul Huq as vice-presidents, Rabiul Alam as secretary general, Kenji Kimura as treasurer, Oliver Kutz as joint secretary general, and Saumitra Kumar Mutsuddi as joint treasurer. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), Hiroaki Oura, Kabir Ahmed, Atsushi Hirakuri, AKM Ahmedul Islam Babu, Kenichiro Kawamoto, Farzanah Chowdhury, Hironori Yamanaka, and Mudassir Murtaza Moin were elected as directors, while Manabu Sugawara and Abdul Haque were appointed as advisers to the board. JBCCI Vice-President Hiroaki Oura delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the outgoing board and wishing success to the incoming leadership.