Retailers trade at Dhaka Stock Exchange office. BBN file photo

Bangladesh, Dhaka (BBN) – Bangladesh Business News prepares Sunday’s evening business round up compiling reports, published by different newspapers and news portals.

Dhaka stock exceeds 5,300-mark after 18 months
The core index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) crossed the 5,300-mark on Sunday after 18 months as investors continued to put fresh stakes on large-cap stocks amid high hopes. DSEX, the prime index of the DSE, soared 109.90 points or 2.10 per cent to settle at 5,328. It has been the highest since July 7, 2019. The DSEX also saw the biggest single-day rise in five months on Sunday since August 9, this year when DSEX jumped 180 points or 4.13 per cent.

Bangladesh reduces rice import duty to 25pc
The Bangladesh government has slashed the rice import duty to 25 percent from the existing 62.5 percent to keep the rice market stable, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder said Sunday. The legal importers will have to apply to the food ministry with all necessary documents within January 10 next year to import rice privately, he said at a virtual press conference. “Later, the ministry will give approval for importing a certain amount of rice after scrutinising the applications through a policy,” the minister said after joining a press conference virtually. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 24 gave approval to import rice after reducing import duty, he said.

No vaccine for people under 18: Bangladesh Health minister
About 40 percent of the population, who are under the age of 18, would not be offered Covid-19 vaccine, said Bangladesh Health Minister Zahid Maleque. “They are not being vaccinated anywhere in the world and no trial is being carried out on them,” the minister came up with disclosure while speaking to reporters after visiting the vaccine lab at the National Control Laboratory of the Department of Drug Administration on Sunday, reports Jagonews. Zahid Maleque said, “Besides, 20 percent of the population would get the Covid-19 vaccine, which is about five and a half crore of the total population.”

Gold to continue glittering in 2021
Gold, always considered a safe haven for investment in uncertain times, is likely to glitter more and even soar to Indian Rs 63,000 per 10 grams next year amid expectations of fresh stimulus measures and weaker American dollar. In 2020, the economic and social uncertainties triggered by the coronavirus pandemic turned the spotlight on gold as a safe haven. The price of the yellow metal reached an all-time high of Indian Rs 56,191 per 10 grams at MCX and USD 2,075 an ounce in the international market in August.
BBN/SS/AN