Trade and Economy
Tk 22 crore transacted in two days using Bangla QR
The Bangladesh Bank has made the use of 'Bangla QR' (Quick Response) codes mandatory to make digital transactions easier, more affordable and universal. The initiative has already received an overwhelming response — transactions through Bangla QR codes amounted to Tk 22 crore in just two days, June 30 and July 1.
Gold price jumps Tk 4,374 per bhori in a day
Gold prices in Bangladesh have soared to a new record, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) raising the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 4,374 per bhori just one day after its previous adjustment.
Savings certificate interest rates remain unchanged
The government has finalized the profit rates for the National Savings Schemes for the first six months of the current fiscal year. The Department of National Savings announced that there will be no changes to the interest rates of savings certificates for the next six months.
Court defers BB reserve heist case report submission till Aug 9
A court has set August 9 for submitting the probe report in the case lodged over the 2016 reserve heist of Bangladesh Bank (BB).
BB sets minimum fee for Bangla QR Code merchant payments
Bangladesh Bank (BB) has issued a new directive to bring more discipline to digital transactions between banks. The minimum Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) or service fee for merchant payments through Bangla QR Code under the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) platform has been set at 1 percent (including VAT).
Wednesday Bank Holiday, transactions to remain suspended
All scheduled banks in the country will suspend all types of customer transactions, on account of the Bank Holiday on Wednesday (July 1). Trading at the country’s two stock exchanges will also remain closed. However, the Bangladesh Bank, head offices of various banks, and a few key branches will remain open on a limited scale.
Sarwar Hossain appointed BB deputy governor
The government has appointed Md Sarwar Hossain, executive director of Bangladesh Bank, as the new deputy governor of the central bank on a contractual basis for three years.
Furnace oil price cut by Tk4.44 per litre
The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the retail price of furnace oil by Tk4.44 per litre while keeping the prices of diesel and kerosene unchanged for July.
Bangladesh Bank keeps repo rate unchanged, lowers credit growth target
Bangladesh Bank has announced the monetary policy statement (MPS) for the first half (July-December) of the 2026-27 fiscal year, keeping the policy rate unchanged while lowering the private sector credit growth target.
World Bank approves $450 million loan for banking sector reforms
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors on Wednesday approved $450 million in financing to help Bangladesh strengthen the foundations for a stronger banking sector, a prerequisite for the revival of the country’s economic growth and job creation.