Gold prices surged to yet another historic peak, reaching Tk 202,195 per bhori (approximately 11.664 grams) and surpassing the record set only a day earlier. The new rate, reflecting an increase of Tk 1,420 per bhori, was announced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) on Wednesday. Prices of the precious metal in Bangladesh have been rising steadily, setting new records almost every week. In September alone, the price of 22-carat gold rose by more than Tk 16,000 per bhori.

Industry insiders attribute the surge mainly to the international bullion market, the depreciation of the taka, economic uncertainty, and persistently high inflation. Despite the onset of the festive season, including Durga Puja, and the approach of winter -- traditionally a peak period for jewellery sales -- traders report a sharp decline in customer demand. Several jewellers in Dhaka said their sales have halved in recent weeks. Although Bangladesh does not import large quantities of gold, domestic prices remain closely tied to global market trends.

The World Bank identified four major challenges still weighing on Bangladesh's economy: sluggish private investment, stagnant employment, a banking sector burdened by high non-performing loans, and declining revenue collection. In its Bangladesh Development Update - October 2025 Edition, the World Bank said strong and timely reforms are essential to sustain inclusive growth. It emphasised that reforms are critical for maintaining economic expansion and employment.

The report was released at a press briefing held at the World Bank's Dhaka office on Tuesday (Oct. 8). Jean Pascal Pesme, WB's Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, and economist Nazmus Sadat Khan presented the findings. Pesme noted that Bangladesh's economy has shown resilience in recent times. According to him, bold reforms and swift implementation are vital for sustainable growth and quality employment. Priority areas include expanding revenue collection, strengthening the banking sector, reducing energy subsidies, improving urban planning, and enhancing the investment climate.

Nearly 70 percent of people do not receive adequate oxygen when needed in Bangladesh, due to shortcomings in communication, preparation, and supply services, as well as poor service quality, many patients fail to receive oxygen in time. This information was revealed this week at the "Bangladesh Oxygen Summit 2025", held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. During the event, government representatives announced that oxygen would be included in the list of essential medicines.

Researchers and scientists at the conference noted that approximately 7.4 million (74 lakh) people in Bangladesh require medical oxygen each year, highlighting the need for greater investment in the oxygen sector. In 2022, The Lancet Global Health formed a commission on oxygen security. The commission published a report on the safety of medical oxygen in March of this year. The event discussed the key findings of the Lancet Commission's report, plus Bangladesh's current medical oxygen situation.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) arrived in Bangladesh on a three-day goodwill visit, according to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release. Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Abu Ubaidah welcomed the vessel upon arrival, where officers from both navies exchanged greetings. The visit aims to strengthen professional ties through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and expertise. ISPR said that joint activities and direct observation of professional excellence would enhance mutual understanding and coordination between naval personnel of the two countries.

It added that the visit would provide an effective platform for skills sharing and help the Bangladesh Navy advance in line with modern naval technology. Representatives from the US Embassy in Dhaka were present on the occasion. USS Fitzgerald is scheduled to leave Bangladeshi waters on October 10.