Gold prices in Bangladesh reached an unprecedented milestone on Thursday as the rate for 22-carat gold surpassed BDT 286,000 per bhori.

This historic surge follows a significant price hike announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS), marking the largest single-day increase in recent years.

The association raised the price of 22-carat gold by BDT 16,213, bringing the new rate to BDT 286,001 per bhori. BAJUS attributed the adjustment to a sharp rise in the local price of pure gold (tejaabi gold) and a volatile global market.

This latest revision is the 16th price adjustment in the domestic market so far in 2026, reflecting a year of extreme fluctuations that has already seen 13 increases.

New Domestic Price Structure

In addition to these base prices, consumers are required to pay a 5% government VAT and a minimum 6% making charge set by BAJUS.

Silver prices also hit a record high, with 22-carat silver now priced at BDT 8,573 per bhori.

Global Market Drivers

The domestic hike mirrors a blistering rally in the international market, where spot gold prices have shattered records to trade above USD 5,500 per ounce. Analysts point to a "perfect storm" of economic factors driving this 25% surge in January alone:

Geopolitical Turmoil: Heightened tensions, including recent US military warnings regarding Iran, have intensified the "flight to quality" among investors.

Currency Weakness: A weakening US dollar, which hit a four-year low, has made gold a more attractive alternative for central banks and private investors.

Monetary Policy: While the Federal Reserve recently held interest rates steady, market expectations of future cuts continue to support non-yielding assets like gold.

Economists note that in Bangladesh, this surge reflects deeper anxieties regarding inflation and currency confidence, leading many to view gold as the ultimate "safe haven" for wealth preservation.

With Inputs from UNB