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New Price of Gold Effective From Today
ECNEC Approves 5 Projects Worth Tk 5,915.99 Crore
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved a total of five projects involving an overall estimated cost of Taka 5,915.99 crore including one for improving the sewerage system of Chattogram (catchment 2 and 4) with around Taka 5,152.55 crore. The approvals came from a meeting of the ECNEC with its chairperson and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair held at the NEC Conference Room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. Of the total cost for five projects, Taka 1,095.94 crore will come from the Government of Bangladesh portion, Taka 4,787.50 crore from project assistance, and the rest of Taka 32.55 crore from the concerned organization's fund. Of the approved five projects, two are new while three are revised projects. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that now time has come to make some policy adjustments in project implementation aspects. He said that after assuming office, the interim government has been focusing on making the development projects free from corruption and irregularities, but now they would go for speedy implementation of the schemes. The Planning Adviser said that the advisers in the meeting have discussed about undertaking some innovative projects in the areas of Human Resources, education, and on those necessary infrastructures. Citing that the implementation rate of the Annual Development Programme in the first four months (July-October) of the current fiscal year (FY25) was low, he hinted that the ADP might be trimmed due to various reasons like the previous years. Answering to a question, the Planning Adviser informed that within a day or two all the Ministries and Divisions would be requested from the Planning Commission to implement their ongoing projects in a speedy manner shunning corruption and irregularities. Besides, Dr Mahmud said he would also write to the advisers personally about the implementation of the development projects. He told another questioner that at the end of the current fiscal year, sectors like education might see proportionately higher allocation than other entities, especially in the areas of educational equipment, for scientific and research materials and equipment. The Planning Adviser also hoped that if stability is restored in the economy, then private sector entrepreneurs would come in large numbers and thus propel the economy. The other projects approved in the meeting are Extension and strengthening of network of eastern region grid, 1st revised, with an additional cost of Taka 459.95 crore, Capacity building of universities in Bangladesh to promote youth entrepreneurs with Taka 93.50 crore, Modern waste and released oil removal management of Mongla Port, 1st revised, with an additional cost of Taka 110.15 crore and Emergency multi-sector Rohingya Crisis response project, 2nd revised, with an additional cost of Taka 99.84 crore. Besides, the day's ECNEC meeting extended the timeframe of two projects without raising their costs. Source: BSS News
Bank Accounts of Saima Wazed Putul's Shuchona Foundation Frozen
New Upswing in Gold Market, Prices up to All-time High
Claiming Singaporean Citizenship, S Alam Seeks Protection
ADB, WB to Provide $1.1b Loan Assistance to Bangladesh by Dec: Finance Sec
Fuel Oil Supply May Exceed Demand in Global Market Next Year: IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that supply may exceed demand in the global fuel oil market next year. On Sunday (November 17), the IEA organization reported this information from the forecast of a rapid increase in oil production in non-OPEC countries. Reuters news. According to the IEA, in 2025, more than 1 million barrels of oil may be extracted per day. The main reason for this is China's weak economy. Because China is the largest buyer of crude oil in the world. The country's economy continued to shrink in September. In addition, the use of electric vehicles is increasing in China. As a result, the demand for fuel oil is decreasing. China's demand was the 'main pressure' on global oil demand this year. Meanwhile, outside the 13 petroleum exporting countries, the United States, Guyana, Argentina, and Brazil are seeing rapid growth in oil production. The countries are on track to increase production by a combined 1.5 million barrels per day. Which is higher than IEA's oil consumption growth forecast (990 thousand barrels per day). On the other hand, the OPEC Plus countries are withdrawing from their decision to reduce their production by 2.2 million barrels per day. They can start the work of increasing the production quota from next January. However, even if the OPEC plus countries led by Saudi Arabia do not deviate from their decision, there will be an oil surplus of more than 1 million barrels per day compared to global demand in 2025. With the volatility in international markets caused by COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and unrest in the Middle East, only a relaxed supply situation can restore stability. The IEA said that Trump's victory in the US election and his 'Do The Business' policy will change the war situation. The Russia-Ukraine war could ease and destabilize the Middle East. It will also affect the oil market. The United States has retained its position as the world's largest oil producer for six consecutive years. Last August, the country's domestic production reached a daily record of 13.4 million barrels, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Bangladesh Garment Exports to US Increased by More Than 50pc
Bangladesh's garment exports to the US have increased by more than 50 percent in the past decade. This was taken from a report by the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). Among the ten countries that export clothes to the US, China is in first place, Vietnam is in second place, and Bangladesh is in third place.  Bangladesh has made significant progress in international garment exports in the last decade, especially in the US market. During this period, Bangladesh outpaced even countries like India with its cost-effective manufacturing capacity, high-quality garments, and skilled labor force. It can also be seen from OTEXA that Bangladesh's garment exports to the US have increased by 50.79 percent. However, according to the statistics of clothing exports to the United States from 2014 to 2023 (10 years), although China is in the first position, the export of its clothing industry has decreased by almost half in a decade. And in that place, Bangladesh and Vietnam have made a strong position. At the same time, the exports of countries like India, Pakistan, and Cambodia have also increased. According to the information of the United States Office of Textiles and Apparel, in 2014 Bangladeshi clothing exports to the United States were 4.83 billion dollars, in 2022 this export increased to 9.73 billion dollars. However, in 2023, this continuity suddenly collapsed. That year, Bangladesh's clothing exports to the United States dropped by almost a quarter to $7.29 billion. US apparel imports declined by 22.04 percent in 2023 due to Bangladesh's apparel exports. However, overall, in that decade (from 2014 to 2023), Bangladesh's garment exports to the United States have increased by 50.79 percent. However, in the past decade, China, South Korea, Mexico, Honduras, and Indonesia have also seen declines in apparel exports to the United States. Among them, South Korea's exports decreased by 13.31 percent, Mexico's by 24.66 percent, Honduras by 6.08 percent, and Indonesia's exports decreased by 17.99 percent.  
Gold Prices Drop in Four Consecutive Terms
Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has reduced the price of gold 4 times out of the last five price adjustments in the country's market. The total price has been reduced to Tk9,017 in four consecutive rounds.  BAJUS reduced the price of gold last Thursday (November 14). This time, the organization has reduced the price by Tk1,680 of 22-carat gold to Tk1,34,509. According to the notification issued on Thursday (November 14) evening, the price of pure gold has decreased in the local market. As a result, the new price of gold has been fixed considering the overall situation. The new prices will be effective from Friday (November 15). According to the new prices, per bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-carat gold will cost Tk1,34,509. Apart from this, the price of gold has been set at Tk1,28,397 per 21-carat, Tk1,10,062 per 18-carat, and Tk90,233 per bhori of traditional method gold. In the notification, BAJUS also said that the selling price of gold must be added to the government-mandated 5 percent VAT and BAJUS-mandated minimum wage of 6 percent. However, the wages may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewelry. Earlier, BAJUS last adjusted the price of gold in the domestic market on November 12. At that time, the organization reduced the price by Tk2,519 to Tk1,36,189 per bhori of 22-carat gold. Apart from this, the price of gold was fixed at Tk1,29,995 per 21 carat, Tk1,11,426 per 18 carat, and Tk91,411 per traditional method gold which came into effect from 13 November. It should be noted that the price of gold has been adjusted 49 times in the country's market so far this year where the price has been increased 28 times, and reduced 21 times.
Gold Price Drops in The World Market, Lowest in Two Months
Gold prices dipped 1% to their lowest levels in nearly two months on Tuesday (November 12) as the US dollar soared ahead of economic data and comments from Federal Reserve officials that could shed light on the interest-rate path under the Trump administration. Spot gold was down 0.9% at $2,596.16 per ounce which is almost 3,10,809 in Bangladeshi taka, after dropping 1% to hit its lowest since Sept 20 at $2,589.59 earlier in the session. US gold futures fell 0.6% to $2,602.40. "Dollar strength is weighing heavily on gold. Interestingly, the relationship seems to have dissipated for much of the year, but now it's back in force ever since the election," independent analyst Ross Norman said. The dollar index rose to a four-month high, as investors continued to pile into trades seen as benefiting from the incoming Donald Trump administration. A stronger dollar makes bullion less attractive for holders of other currencies. The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel "Gold has succumbed to the purple patch of the US dollar in the aftermath of the election. The President-elect's policies appear to be a boon for the dollar and potentially from an inflationary standpoint, it could slow down the Fed's rate-cutting trajectory in 2025," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade. Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, but higher interest rates reduce the appeal of the non-yielding asset. Focus is on the October Consumer Price Index data on Wednesday, the Producer Price Index and weekly jobless claims on Thursday, and retail sales data on Friday. Multiple US central bank officials are also scheduled to speak this week, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell. "There is still a fundamental path higher for gold, though it will likely require the dollar to lose some momentum. A soft inflation report would increase the odds of a December rate cut, which may give gold a reprieve," added Waterer. Traders see a 68.5% chance of a rate cut in December, versus around 80% chance before Trump's victory, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. According to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao, spot gold may retest support at $2,610, a break below which could open the way towards $2,566-$2,588.  
Ruling on Quick Rental Indemnity Clause Scheduled for November 14
The hearing has concluded on a rule questioning the legality of provisions in the Quick Rental Act—specifically, whether actions under the "Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act 2010" can be challenged in court and if a minister can solely decide on procurement matters. The court has set November 14 as the date for the verdict. On Thursday, November 7, the High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury issued this order, marking November 14 for the verdict announcement. Attorney Dr. Shahdeen Malik represented the petitioners during Thursday’s hearing. Earlier, Supreme Court lawyers Shahdeen Malik and Taiyebul Islam Sourav filed a petition challenging the validity of Sections 6(2) and 9 of the act. During the petition filing on September 2, Shahdeen Malik commented that the Quick Rental Act, as it is commonly known, allows for procurement without a tender process, granting unilateral authority to the minister to award contracts. Malik argued that such singular authority is not acceptable in a civilized state and that no law should eliminate judicial oversight. The rule issued by the court asked why Sections 6(2) and 9 of the act should not be deemed beyond legal authority. The secretaries of the Legislative Drafting Wing of the Ministry of Law, Finance Division, and Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Ministry, along with the chairpersons of Petrobangla and the Power Development Board, were directed to respond to the rule. The hearing on the rule concluded on Thursday. Section 9 of the "Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provisions) Act 2010" states: “No question regarding the legality of any action, measure, order, or instruction made under this Act shall be raised in any court.” Section 6(2) states: “Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), upon obtaining consent from the minister responsible for the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, any purchase, investment plan, or proposal mentioned in Section 5 may be nominated for execution through limited or single-source negotiation and sent to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs or Public Procurement following the procedures outlined in Section 7.”
Bangladesh Eases Import Terms for Essential Goods Ahead of Ramadan
To facilitate the import of essential goods for the upcoming Ramadan, the central bank has taken steps to provide special benefits. From now on, importers can negotiate with banks to lower the margin for opening letters of credit (LC) to a minimum level for 11 types of goods. On Wednesday (November 6), Bangladesh Bank issued a circular regarding this. The circular states that the demand for certain essential goods typically rises during Ramadan. With this in mind, the central bank has implemented this measure to facilitate imports, helping keep prices at a tolerable level. It was also mentioned that importers will be able to avail of this benefit until March 31 of next year. The directive further states that, considering the increase in demand for essential items during Ramadan, the import of items like rice, wheat, onions, lentils, edible oil, sugar, eggs, chickpeas, peas, spices, and dates should be facilitated. To keep prices manageable and ensure adequate supply, banks are instructed to maintain the LC cash margin at a minimum level based on the bank-client relationship. Previously, a 100% cash margin or deposit was required for product imports, but now this margin will be determined based on the relationship between the client and the bank. Industry stakeholders believe that this relaxation of LC margins will encourage importers, requiring them to tie up less cash and reducing import costs. As a result, it may help lower the prices of these goods in the market.
Adani Group: / No Ultimatum Given to Bangladesh for Outstanding Payments
Adani Power, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, has clarified that no ultimatum was issued to Bangladesh for settling outstanding payments. In a statement released through a PR firm, Adani Power refuted claims that it demanded a full payment of $800–$850 million within seven days. Instead, Adani confirmed it is working cooperatively with Bangladesh’s Power Development Board (PDB) to resolve the matter. Bangladesh’s UNB news agency reported this information on Sunday, November 3. Previously, The Times of India had claimed that Adani Group had set a deadline of November 7 for Bangladesh to settle $850 million in dues, equivalent to around 100 billion BDT. Following these reports, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor’s Press Wing assured that the outstanding amount owed to Adani Group would be paid soon. Shafiqul Alam, the Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, confirmed this during a press conference on November 3 at the Foreign Service Academy on Hare Road, Dhaka. Shafiqul Alam stated, "It is true that Adani Group is owed payments for electricity imports, and we have accelerated the process. The significant outstanding amount is primarily due to the previous authoritarian regime, the Awami League, which left behind substantial dues. This accumulation has led to the current situation." He further mentioned that a payment of $97 million was made to Adani last month, which is double the amount paid in August or the previous month. Bangladesh is now making maximum efforts to speed up payments as foreign reserves have started to increase, allowing international payments without drawing from reserves. The remaining balance of $700 million is also expected to be cleared soon. Earlier, Adani Group had set an initial payment deadline of October 31 for the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB). Additionally, Adani requested a Letter of Credit (LC) for $170 million as a guarantee of payment. Though PDB issued an LC through the Agricultural Bank, it did not meet the terms of the electricity purchase agreement, citing the dollar crisis as a primary reason. Consequently, on October 31, Adani Group reduced its electricity supply from its Jharkhand power plant to Bangladesh by half.
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