Beyond Mining: How the "Golden Fiber" is Cleaning Up the Global Battery Supply Chain

The Rise of Dominage Steel: Decoding the Akij Resources Backdoor Listing Strategy

The industrial landscape of Bangladesh has witnessed a significant shift as Akij Resources Limited successfully executed a strategic takeover of Dominage Steel Building Systems. This acquisition represents a calculated maneuver by one of the country’s largest conglomerates to bridge the gap between private industrial operations and the public capital market.

A Strategic Entry into the Public Sphere

The cornerstone of this transaction is the acquisition of a 30.78% stake—totaling over 30 million shares—from the founding directors of Dominage Steel. For Akij Resources, spearheaded by Managing Director Sheikh Jasim Uddin and Chairman Faria Hossain, the move serves a dual purpose. Beyond expanding their industrial portfolio, it provides the group with an immediate presence on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

By opting for this "backdoor" entry into the public market, Akij Resources bypasses the traditional, time-consuming hurdles of an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This transition into a listed environment offers the conglomerate enhanced visibility and a streamlined path for future domestic and international fundraising.

Synergizing the Construction Value Chain

The integration of Dominage Steel into the Akij ecosystem creates a formidable force in the construction sector. Akij Resources already possesses a robust infrastructure through its logistics arm, AKIJ Successors, which manages an extensive fleet of vessels for importing raw materials.

While Akij has long been a leader in basic building materials like cement and stone, Dominage Steel adds a specialized technical layer: Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB). This synergy allows the group to offer a comprehensive "end-to-end" solution. They can now control every stage of production—from the initial import of raw materials and steel manufacturing to the final engineering and assembly of industrial structures—ensuring maximum efficiency and profit retention.

The Financial Turnaround Strategy

The acquisition comes at a critical time for Dominage Steel, which had recently struggled with operational pauses and financial volatility. The financial logic behind Akij’s intervention is rooted in scale and liquidity. Dominage’s primary challenges—high procurement costs and cash flow constraints—are mitigated by Akij’s immense balance sheet and bulk-purchasing power.

Market analysts note that the entry of a high-capital parent company often serves as a stabilizing force for distressed public assets. By injecting fresh management and linking Dominage to its existing supply chain, Akij Resources intends to revive idle production units and transform the company into a high-output engineering hub.

Future Implications

As regulatory bodies finalize the share transfer, the industry is eyeing the potential for a massive surge in manufacturing capacity. This acquisition is not just a change in ownership; it is a signal that Akij Resources is evolving into a more transparent, public-facing entity. If successful, this turnaround will serve as a blueprint for how established private conglomerates can utilize public-market vehicles to drive national industrial growth and create new employment opportunities.

Inside the Lion Kallol Limited Partnership: Manufacturing, FDI, and Growth

The partnership between Japan’s Lion Corporation and Bangladesh’s Kallol Group has reached a pivotal milestone with the launch of their advanced manufacturing plant in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ). This joint venture, Lion Kallol Limited, represents a strategic fusion of Japanese innovation and local market expertise.

Established with a 75% stake from Lion Corporation and 25% from Kallol Group, the collaboration combines over a century of Japanese R&D with one of Bangladesh’s most robust distribution networks. The newly inaugurated facility in Araihazar spans 3.3 hectares, utilizing cutting-edge automation to bring international production standards to the local market.

The venture serves as a major boost for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with an initial investment exceeding BDT 3,000 million. Beyond the financial injection, the project facilitates a critical technology transfer, creating high-skilled jobs and reducing the nation’s reliance on imported household goods. By producing locally, the group is strengthening the "Made in Bangladesh" brand while stabilizing supply chains.

Lion Kallol Limited is currently focusing on high-growth hygiene and personal care categories. Key offerings include:

Mama Lemon: High-efficiency dishwashing solutions.

Systema: Advanced oral care and toothbrush technology.

Kodomo & Shokubutsu: Trusted baby care and skin health brands.

This collaboration is more than a business expansion; it is a commitment to improving daily hygiene standards. With plans to broaden the portfolio into laundry detergents and healthcare products, Lion Kallol Limited is positioned to become a dominant force in the regional FMCG landscape, driven by the philosophy of healthy living and industrial excellence.

Top 10 Affordable Marathon Shoes in Bangladesh: Best Value for Road and Trail Running

The distance running community is growing at an unprecedented pace, and with it, the demand for specialized gear that can handle both the heat and the hard pavement. Whether you are a seasoned athlete aiming for a personal best or a beginner preparing for your first 10K, choosing the right footwear is the most critical decision you will make.

Below is a breakdown of the top 10 shoes currently leading the pack, categorized by their strengths in comfort, terrain, and value.

 

1. The Reliable Daily Trainer: Nike Pegasus 42

Known as "the shoe for every runner," this model is celebrated for its versatility. It features a balanced cushioning system that provides a responsive feel on asphalt. It is durable enough for months of training and comfortable enough for a half-marathon.

Best for: Half Marathons and daily road sessions.

 

2. The Performance Hybrid: Adidas Adizero Boston 13

This shoe bridges the gap between a daily trainer and a professional racing flat. By incorporating high-energy foam and stiffened rods, it gives runners a boost in speed without the extreme price tag of elite carbon models.

Best for: Full Marathons and tempo runs.

 

3. The Maximum Comfort King: ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

If your priority is joint protection, this is the gold standard. Designed with a focus on impact absorption, it features a plush interior and soft midsole that make long miles feel significantly easier on the knees and ankles.

Best for: Recovery runs and Full Marathons.

 

4. The Budget Breakthrough: Apex Sprint (Performance Line)

Proving that you don't need to spend a fortune to start running, these locally available shoes offer modern breathable mesh and standard foam technology. They are an excellent entry point for recreational runners looking for comfort without high import costs.

Best for: Beginners and 10K races.

 

5. The Responsive All-Rounder: Puma Velocity Nitro 3

Utilizing nitrogen-injected foam, this shoe provides a lightweight and "bouncy" experience. It is highly regarded for its grip and its ability to maintain its structure even in high humidity and heat.

Best for: Daily training and Half Marathons.

 

6. The Trail Master: Hoka Speedgoat 6

For those who leave the road for the hills, this shoe offers unparalleled traction. Its wide base provides stability on uneven rocks, while its famous "maximalist" cushioning protects the foot from sharp debris.

Best for: Trail marathons and mountain running.

 

7. The Hybrid Adventurer: New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9

Many runners face a mix of gravel, mud, and road. This model is designed for versatility, offering a soft ride on hard surfaces and enough lug depth to handle slippery trails safely.

Best for: Mixed-terrain races.

 

8. The Elite Speedster: Nike Vaporfly 3

This is the choice for competitive racers. It features a full-length carbon fiber plate that acts as a spring, significantly increasing energy return. While it has a shorter lifespan than trainers, its speed benefits are world-class.

Best for: Competitive Full Marathons and PR attempts.

 

9. The Smooth Operator: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Using a nylon plate instead of carbon, this shoe offers a "snappy" feel that is easier on the feet for long distances. It is a favorite for runners who want to go fast but prefer a more natural foot flex.

Best for: Half Marathon racing.

 

10. The Value Racer: Decathlon Kiprun KD900

Designed for high-level performance at a mid-range price, this shoe uses professional-grade Pebax foam. It is a lightweight, stripped-back racer that provides everything a marathoner needs and nothing they don’t.

Best for: Budget-conscious competitive runners.

 

Final Selection Advice

When selecting your pair, always prioritize fit over fashion. Marathon running causes the feet to expand, so it is often recommended to choose a size slightly larger than your casual shoes. For the hard roads of city running, prioritize cushioning; for the wilder paths of the hills, prioritize grip.

The Future of HSIA: Navigating the Operations Crisis of Dhaka's Third Terminal

For over two years, the architectural jewel of Bangladesh’s aviation sector—the $2.1 billion Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA)—has stood as a silent monument to bureaucratic gridlock. Today, April 3, 2026, marks a potential watershed moment as high-level negotiators convene at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to break a deadlock that has left the nearly 542,000-square-meter facility largely idle.

 

The Profit vs. Policy Tug-of-War

At the heart of the delay is a high-stakes disagreement over the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contract. Investigations reveal that the Japanese consortium—comprising giants like Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Narita—initially balked at the Bangladesh government’s revenue-sharing demands. Sources familiar with the talks indicate that the previous administration’s rigid stance on "regional benchmarks" for service charges nearly collapsed the deal in late 2025.

 The tide shifted last month. Under direct orders from the Prime Minister’s Office to "prioritize practical outcomes," the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) requested a revised, lower-cost proposal. Early reports from today’s meeting suggest the Japanese side has finally recalibrated its financial offer, narrowing gaps on operational control and technical fees.

 

The "Biman" Gamble

Beyond the ledger, a fierce battle for Ground Handling rights persists. While international airlines demand global standards, the state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines has fought to retain its monopoly. A fragile compromise is currently on the table: Biman has been granted a two-year "probationary window" to manage services. If performance fails to meet strict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the Japanese operator will be triggered to appoint a foreign private competitor—a move analysts call a necessity for modernization, despite local union pushback.

 

The Race Against Expiration

The urgency is not merely political; it is technical. Whistleblowers within CAAB warn that warranties on critical, high-tech systems—including advanced boarding bridges and security scanners—are approaching their expiration dates.

 "Every day this terminal sits empty, we are bleeding money and losing the lifespan of expensive equipment," one senior official noted. While the government officially targets a May 2026 launch, technical reality suggests a 6-to-9 month phase-in. As the April 3 summit concludes, the question remains: will this be the day Dhaka’s aviation hub finally prepares for takeoff, or will it remain grounded by the weight of its own complexity?

Bangladesh Supermarket VAT Exemption 2025: Fighting Inflation & Ramadan Price Hikes

 In 2025, Bangladesh confronted persistent inflationary pressures, significantly impacting household budgets. To alleviate this burden, the government implemented a zero Value Added Tax (VAT) policy on essential goods within supermarkets. This initiative aimed to directly reduce consumer costs amidst a challenging economic landscape characterized by fluctuating global commodity prices and domestic supply chain vulnerabilities.

The primary driver for the VAT exemption was the sustained high inflation, particularly in food items. Data from the Bangladesh Bank indicated that while overall inflation showed marginal decreases, food inflation remained a significant concern. Contributing factors included global supply chain disruptions, the depreciation of the taka, and inherent challenges within the domestic agricultural sector. The government's decision to eliminate VAT on essentials in supermarkets was a direct response to these pressures, intending to provide immediate financial relief to urban consumers. Market monitoring teams were deployed to ensure retailers passed on the savings, a critical component for the policy's success.

The market's reaction to the VAT exemption was complex. Retailers faced the challenge of balancing reduced VAT with rising import and operational costs. The Ramadan season, typically marked by increased consumer demand, further complicated the situation. While the policy intended to stabilize prices during this period, market dynamics often led to fluctuations. Monitoring efforts aimed to prevent price manipulation and ensure transparency, but the sheer volume of transactions and market complexities posed significant challenges. Consumer behavior reflected the economic strain, with increased price sensitivity and cautious purchasing patterns.

The 2025 zero-VAT policy in Bangladeshi supermarkets was a significant attempt to mitigate the impact of high inflation. Its effectiveness hinged on transparent price transmission, robust market monitoring, and the overall stability of the broader economy. While the policy aimed to provide immediate relief, long-term success depended on addressing the underlying causes of inflation and ensuring sustainable economic growth. The ongoing evaluation of this policy's impact will be crucial in shaping future economic strategies in Bangladesh.

Meditation services are now subject to VAT.

 

After three years of exemption, the government has proposed imposing VAT on meditation services.

In his budget statement issued, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal announced, "I propose to eliminate the existing VAT exemption on 'Meditation Services."

During his budget presentation for the current fiscal year (Financial Year 2022), the finance minister, on the other hand, supported the decision to exempt meditation from VAT, claiming that it was decided for the benefit of mental health and mind control during the global pandemic.

7.0 percent VAT on meditation was originally introduced in Financial Year 2014, however it was later reversed by then-finance minister AMA Muhith in Financial Year 2015, emphasizing the role of allowing citizens to heal from diseases and illnesses.

VAT on meditation was suggested again in the Financial Year 2019 budget presentation, but the finance minister put it aside for the past two years, revising the same fiscal's proposed finance law.

The tax credit for middle-income individuals is shrinking.

 

In the coming fiscal year, tax relocation due to investment is expected to decrease for the middle-income group of people of Bangladesh.

Currently, only a maximum of 25% can be invested.

For the coming fiscal year, the Finance Bill-2022 proposes a reduction in the amount of investment that is eligible for a tax credit to 20%. It also increased the income tax rate as well as the ranges of qualified investments.

Currently, an individual taxpayer with a yearly income of up to Tk 1.5 million is eligible for a 15% tax credit on a qualifying investment amount of up to 25% of total income.

For anyone with an income of up to Tk 1.5 million, the tax credit ratio would remain constant, whereas those higher earnings will advantage from the policy.

In the upcoming financial year, the tax refund rate for individuals with annual incomes over Tk 1.5 million would be increased from 10% to 15%.

Bangladesh – Play the Strategy Game to become a Regional Power in South Asia.

Pushing or Pulling towards the center of the board. Getting some notice or it’s a threat from China as Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming said on Monday that China-Bangladesh bilateral ties would be substantially damaged if Dhaka engaged with Quad, according to the media report. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), an informal security grouping of the US, Japan, Australia and India, are now seeking to seduce Bangladesh to be part of their Indo-Pacific strategy tie.

As an important partner of China, Bangladesh signed up to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is a member of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. One of the crucial aims of both US' and India's Indo-Pacific visions is to counter the BRI with a bid to contain China's development. Roping in Bangladesh can help them achieve this goal.

Another Quad member, Japan, is engaged in many areas of cooperation with Bangladesh as well. For one, Bangladesh's market is appealing to Japan. Despite its small size, Bangladesh has a population of more than 160 million. For another, out of geopolitical considerations, Tokyo hopes to counter the BRI. Japan has proposed the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure and attempted to sign infrastructure deals with Bangladesh. Tokyo, together with New Delhi and Washington, are really the ones behind the scenes that instigated Dhaka to call off the Sonadia deep-sea port project that was constructed by China and turn to cooperate with Japan on another similar program, reported by the media in 2016.

As a response, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Moment told local English daily Dhaka Post that, "None of us were invited to the Quad, nor did we show interest." If what Chinese Ambassador said is the fact, this will be good. But given that some media outlets, including local ones, had covered Li's remarks, the news that Bangladesh had been invited to join the Quad was possibly not be groundless. Bangladesh either had talked with Quad members over this issue or aim to launch a trial balloon to see China's reaction.

 

Bangladesh holds a good balance between major powers. It actively cooperates with China on economics. At the same time, Dhaka hopes such cooperation will thus bring more countries to invest in Bangladesh. But it also hopes a competition over it remains at the economic level instead of at the political level. Bangladesh raises its value to the regional powers in the Geopolitical prospective. The strategy should secure the higher economic value from the international partners as well as stable the position from Underdog to Regional Power.

TOP 5 Gainer's Market Information and Interim Financial Performance of DSE on May 11, 2021

Company Name: Dhaka Insurance Limited 

Trading Code: DHAKAINS

Scrip Code: 25744

 Figure in BDT

Market Information: May 11, 2021

Last Trading Price	77.50	Closing Price	77.50
Last Update	2:31 PM	Day's Range	71.00 - 77.50
Change*	7	Day's Value (mn)	47.74
	9.93%	52 Weeks' Moving Range	24.00 - 90.00
Opening Price	71.00	Day's Volume (Nos.)	631,500.00
Adjusted Opening Price	70.50	Day's Trade (Nos.)	1,034
Yesterday's Closing Price	70.50	Market Capitalization (mn)	2,828.813

*Based on Yesterday's Closing Price and Last Trading Price.

Interim Financial Performance: 2020

Particulars	Unaudited / Audited
	Q1	Q2	Half Yearly	Q3	9 Months 202009	Annual
	Ending on	Ending on	6 Months 202006	Ending on		Ending on
	202003	202006		202009
Turnover/Revenue (mn)	55.67	55.07	110.74	60.81	171.55	-
Profit from continuing operations (mn)	25.33	18.67	44	32.44	76.42	-
Profit for the period (mn)	25.33	18.67	44	32.44	76.42	-
Total Comprehensive Income for the period (mn)	25.33	18.67	44	32.44	76.42	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic	0.630	0.470	1.100	0.800	1.900	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS) - continuing operations
Basic	0.630	0.470	1.100	0.800	1.900	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Market price per share at period end	24	24	24	44.4	44.4	-

*As per BSEC Directive No. SEC/CMRRCD/2009-193/64, dated September 21, 2010.

TOP 5 Gainers of DSE

 Company Name: Pioneer Insurance Company Ltd. 

Trading Code: PIONEERINS

Scrip Code: 25720

 Figure in BDT

Market Information: May 11, 2021

Last Trading Price	102.00	Closing Price	102.00
Last Update	2:31 PM	Day's Range	94.60 - 102.00
Change*	9.2	Day's Value (mn)	279.43
	9.91%	52 Weeks' Moving Range	29.40 - 102.00
Opening Price	94.90	Day's Volume (Nos.)	2,804,978.00
Adjusted Opening Price	92.80	Day's Trade (Nos.)	2,663
Yesterday's Closing Price	92.80	Market Capitalization (mn)	6,494.202

*Based on Yesterday's Closing Price and Last Trading Price.

Interim Financial Performance: 2020

Particulars	Unaudited / Audited
	Q1	Q2	Half Yearly	Q3	9 Months 202009	Annual
	Ending on	Ending on	6 Months 202006	Ending on		Ending on
	202003	202006		202009
Turnover/Revenue (mn)	459.44	364.7	824.14	411.65	1235.79	-
Profit from continuing operations (mn)	142.12	139.5	281.62	139.57	421.19	-
Profit for the period (mn)	142.12	139.5	281.62	139.57	421.19	-
Total Comprehensive Income for the period (mn)	142.12	139.5	281.62	139.57	421.19	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic	2.030	1.990	4.020	1.990	6.010	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS) - continuing operations
Basic	2.030	1.990	4.020	1.990	6.010	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Market price per share at period end	29.4	29.4	29.4	71.9	71.9	-

*As per BSEC Directive No. SEC/CMRRCD/2009-193/64, dated September 21, 2010.

 Company Name: Sonar Bangla Insurance Ltd. 

Trading Code: SONARBAINS

Scrip Code: 25730

 Figure in BDT

Market Information: May 11, 2021

Last Trading Price	81.10	Closing Price	81.10
Last Update	2:31 PM	Day's Range	74.40 - 81.10
Change*	7.3	Day's Value (mn)	123.61
	9.89%	52 Weeks' Moving Range	30.10 - 83.70
Opening Price	74.40	Day's Volume (Nos.)	1,561,916.00
Adjusted Opening Price	73.80	Day's Trade (Nos.)	1,481
Yesterday's Closing Price	73.80	Market Capitalization (mn)	2,955.059

*Based on Yesterday's Closing Price and Last Trading Price.

Interim Financial Performance: 2020

Particulars	Unaudited / Audited
	Q1	Q2	Half Yearly	Q3	9 Months 202009	Annual
	Ending on	Ending on	6 Months 202006	Ending on		Ending on
	202003	202006		202009
Turnover/Revenue (mn)	85.91	27.98	113.89	93.71	207.6	-
Profit from continuing operations (mn)	47.49	20.45	68.41	10.33	74.51	-
Profit for the period (mn)	47.49	20.45	68.41	10.33	74.51	-
Total Comprehensive Income for the period (mn)	47.49	20.45	68.41	10.33	74.51	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic	1.190	0.520	1.710	0.260	1.860	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS) - continuing operations
Basic	1.190	0.520	1.710	0.260	1.860	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Market price per share at period end	30.1	30.1	30.1	50.3	50.3	-

*As per BSEC Directive No. SEC/CMRRCD/2009-193/64, dated September 21, 2010.

 Company Name: Rupali Bank Ltd. 

Trading Code: RUPALIBANK

Scrip Code: 11107

 Figure in BDT

Market Information: May 11, 2021

Last Trading Price	26.70	Closing Price	26.70
Last Update	2:31 PM	Day's Range	24.00 - 26.70
Change*	2.4	Day's Value (mn)	8.48
	9.88%	52 Weeks' Moving Range	21.90 - 33.90
Opening Price	24.30	Day's Volume (Nos.)	323,358.00
Adjusted Opening Price	24.30	Day's Trade (Nos.)	301
Yesterday's Closing Price	24.30	Market Capitalization (mn)	10,064.298

*Based on Yesterday's Closing Price and Last Trading Price.

Interim Financial Performance: 2020

Particulars	Unaudited / Audited
	Q1	Q2	Half Yearly	Q3	9 Months 202009	Annual
	Ending on	Ending on	6 Months 202006	Ending on		Ending on
	202003	202006		202009
Turnover/Revenue (mn)	-300.35	-802.12	-1102.47	-843.41	-1945.89	-
Profit from continuing operations (mn)	91.86	60.14	152.01	54.43	206.43	-
Profit for the period (mn)	91.86	60.14	152.01	54.43	206.43	-
Total Comprehensive Income for the period (mn)	91.86	60.14	152.01	54.43	206.43	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic	0.220	0.150	0.370	0.130	0.500	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS) - continuing operations
Basic	0.220	0.150	0.370	0.130	0.500	-
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Market price per share at period end	24.5	24.4	24.4	28.7	28.7	-

*As per BSEC Directive No. SEC/CMRRCD/2009-193/64, dated September 21, 2010.

 Company Name: NRB Commercial Bank Limited 

Trading Code: NRBCBANK

Scrip Code: 11150

 Figure in BDT

Market Information: May 11, 2021

Last Trading Price	17.90	Closing Price	17.90
Last Update	2:31 PM	Day's Range	16.10 - 17.90
Change*	1.6	Day's Value (mn)	239.85
	9.82%	52 Weeks' Moving Range	11.00 - 17.90
Opening Price	16.50	Day's Volume (Nos.)	13,767,011.00
Adjusted Opening Price	16.30	Day's Trade (Nos.)	4,691
Yesterday's Closing Price	16.30	Market Capitalization (mn)	11,451.027

*Based on Yesterday's Closing Price and Last Trading Price.

Interim Financial Performance: 2020

Particulars	Unaudited / Audited
	Q1	Q2	Half Yearly	Q3	9 Months 202009	Annual
	Ending on	Ending on	6 Months 202006	Ending on		Ending on
	202003	202006		202009		202012
Turnover/Revenue (mn)	-	-	-	4.36	809.43	0
Profit from continuing operations (mn)	-	-	-	1044.6	1406.42	0
Profit for the period (mn)	-	-	-	1044.6	1406.42	0
Total Comprehensive Income for the period (mn)	-	-	-	1044.6	1406.42	0
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Basic	-	-	-	1.793	2.414	2.370
Diluted*	-	-	-	-	-	-
Earnings Per Share (EPS) - continuing operations
Basic	-	-	-	1.793	2.414	2.370
Diluted*	-	-	-	1.487	2.002	-
Market price per share at period end	-	-	-	-	-	-

*As per BSEC Directive No. SEC/CMRRCD/2009-193/64, dated September 21, 2010.