Bangladesh

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 tra...

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 househo...

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 in...

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 P...

  I n 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 r...

  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 fin...

  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%.

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 o...

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 ...