Govt approves merger of 5 Islamic banks

The Advisory Council on Thursday approved a proposal to form a new bank by merging five financially distressed Islamic banks, officials said.The new bank, likely to be named United Islamic Bank, will be established under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025.The...

Current-account surplus further up, spurs economic activity

Bangladesh's current-account surplus has increased, with the August figure having nearly doubled to US$500 million over the previous month's, giving a much-needed shot in the arm economic activity. Official statistics show the CAS upswing is powered by strong remittance inflows...

July Charter to be signed October 15 at political grand show

A nagging standoff ends as political parties and the consensus commission unanimously decide the July Charter will be signed on October 15 at an open-air assembly, though its referendum timing yet undecided.The decision was finalised at a meeting of the...

Hungarian Krasznahorkai wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, the award-giving body said on Thursday, "for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art", reports Reuters."Laszlo Krasznahorkai is a...

Israel, Hamas agree to first phase of peace plan

CAIRO, Oct 9 (AFP) : Israel and Hamas agreed on Thursday to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire aimed at ending a war that has killed tens of thousands, razed the Palestinian territory and unleashed a major humanitarian crisis.The...

Lower interest to single digits, help economy grow

Business leaders on Thursday urged the central bank to reinstate single-digit lending rates. They deplored that ramped-up interest, currently hovering above 14 per cent, was harming business growth, investment and global competitiveness.The strong plea for rate cut was made during...

Musk's record Tesla package will pay him tens of billions even if he misses most goals

LOS ANGELES, Oct 9 (Reuters): When Tesla directors offered Elon Musk the biggest executive pay package in corporate history in September, it reassured investors that he would have to achieve the equivalent of "Mars-shot milestones" to earn $878 billion in...

IMF asks Sri Lanka to beef up anti-graft operations

COLOMBO, Oct 09 (AFP): The International Monetary Fund asked cash-strapped Sri Lanka on Thursday to strengthen its anti-corruption agency and accelerate prosecutions after a review of a bailout that began in 2023.The IMF said Sri Lanka's reforms were paying off,...

Germany views BD as potential investment destination: Amir Khasru

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Thursday Germany views Bangladesh as a potential destination for future investment, reports BSS."Germany considers Bangladesh a promising country for investment. However, a stable political environment and a government formed through...

Shahjalal Islami Bank holds 904th EC meeting

The 904th meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) of Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC (SJIB PLC) was held at the Corporate Head Office of the bank on Wednesday. The meeting was presided over by Akkas Uddin Mollah, Chairman of the Executive...

Govt adopting multimodal transport plan

The government is working to adopt a multimodal transport plan, which is a strategic initiative designed to establish a coordinated and highly efficient national transportation system, reports BSS.This plan aims to integrate road, rail and waterway networks to ensure cost...

Daraz launches 10.10 Brand Rush campaign

Daraz Bangladesh, the country's leading e-commerce platform, launched the much-awaited 10.10 Brand Rush Campaign on Thursday. Packed with unbeatable offers, thrilling contests, and exclusive brand collaborations, this campaign will run until October 16 to deliver an exhilarating shopping experience to...

Chemists, druggists demand 25pc hike in commission from pharma cos

Bangladesh Chemists and Druggists Association (BCDA) has demanded that pharmaceutical companies increase the sales commission for drug retailers by 25 per cent and warned of tougher programmes if their demand is not met within 15 days.The association's central executive committee...

New directors appointed to Board of Community Bank

Bangladesh Bank has approved the appointment of six new directors and three independent directors to the Board of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC in accordance with regulatory requirements, says a press statement.According to the official notification, the newly appointed directors are...

Blue-Wealth Assets to launch second mutual fund

Blue-Wealth Assets Limited is set to launch its second mutual fund, the 'Blue-Wealth First Stable Return Fund', with an initial target size of Tk 300 million, says a press statement. The company will serve as both the sponsor and asset...

Move to provide training to 38,400 youths

The Department of Youth Development is set to provide servicing training to 38,400 educated youths to help enhance their earnings and also develop entrepreneurships.To this effect, the Ministry of Youth has submitted a project proposal titled "Entrepreneur Development Project through...

Prime Bank signs deal with Far East Knitting to offer travel benefits

Joarder Tanvir Faisal, executive vice president and head of cards and retail assets of Prime Bank PLC, and Syed Mazharul Haq, head of accounts of Far East Knitting and Dyeing Industries Ltd. & Asianet Ltd., signed a partnership agreement at...

EBL, bKash partner for 24/7 automated cash management service

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has signed a partnership agreement with bKash Limited to launch 24/7 automated cash management services for bKash's agents, distributors, and partners across the country.Under the deal, bKash's network of agents and distributors maintaining accounts with EBL...

Bangladesh equity market worst performer in Sept

The Bangladesh equity market was the worst performer globally in September this year, as the prime index plunged 3.2 per cent amid broad-based profit-booking pressure following three consecutive months of recovery.In contrast, South Korea emerged as the best performer, posting...

Apex Foods rides shrimp export rebound to 13pc profit growth in FY25

Shrimp exporter Apex Foods posted a 13 per cent year-on-year rise in profit to Tk 36.54 million in FY25, driven by renewed international demand that boosted Bangladesh's overall shrimp exports.While the frozen food exporter's yearly revenue figure has not been...

NBR sets up e-Return Help Desks in all tax zones

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set up e-Return Help Desks in all tax zones across the country to facilitate smooth and hassle-free submission of online income tax returns by taxpayers, reports UNB.Earlier on August 4, 2025, Finance Adviser...

Shimanto Bank launches Bangla QR code service

Shimanto Bank has launched the Bangla QR Code service recently. Bangla QR is a QR code-based payment system developed to simplify digital payments. Customers of Shimanto Bank can now easily make purchases by using the Bangla QR code through the...

Meghna Bank appoints new DMD

Momtazul Karim N Ahmed has been appointed as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Meghna Bank PLC recently, says a press statement. Mr Ahmed is an eminently seasoned banker with over 19 years of experience in banking industry covering both...

BRAC Bank cardholders to get privileges at Thai Express, Saffron Dine

BRAC Bank has entered into a partnership with two premier fine dining destinations, Thai Express and Saffron Dine, to offer exclusive privileges to its cardholders.As part of this partnership, all BRAC Bank debit and credit cardholders will receive a flat...

VEON, Banglalink again seek to launch digital banking service

VEON and its Bangladeshi arm Banglalink have renewed their campaign to enter Bangladesh's nascent digital banking space, submitting a detailed expression of interest to Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur. According to a formal letter, which was obtained by...

ADB gives $100m loan to support CMSMEs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Bangladesh on Thursday signed a $100 million loan agreement to support cottage, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (CMSMEs) located outside the Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas.The ADB's assistance will facilitate access...

Cases against 48,000 withdrawn as govt upholds labour rights

Cases against 48,000 workers have been withdrawn, which were previously filed by factory owners, said Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain on Thursday.Speaking at a forum on labour rights, he highlighted the government's efforts to...

Post office's misappropriated assets to be recovered: Taiyeb

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said on Thursday the misappropriated assets of the Directorate of Posts (DoP) would be recovered soon, reports BSS."Since assuming office, a list of the DoP's...

Gold holds above $4,000

Gold prices held above $4,000 an ounce on Thursday as investors assessed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, while broader geopolitical and economic uncertainty alongside expectations for US rate cuts sustained bullish sentiment towards the metal, reports Reuters.Silver hit the $50 psychological...

Oil little changed as investors weigh Gaza ceasefire, stalled Ukraine talks

LONDON, Oct 9 (Reuters): Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed a ceasefire deal in Gaza that could ease tensions in the Middle East against stalled peace talks in Ukraine that could sustain sanctions on Russia and...