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Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise business digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the business digest for 20th September 2026.
The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) will adopt the pure Dutch Auction Method for the market-based valuation of primary shares, replacing the current book-building system.
Under the revised rules, eligible investors (EIs) will receive shares at their respective bidding prices rather than a uniform cut-off price. BSEC Chairman Masud Khan stated the existing method fails to reflect fair valuation. The new mechanism allows issuers and issue managers to set an indicative price, subject to regulatory approval, with bidding permitted within a 25 per cent band. General investors will continue receiving shares at the cut-off price.
Additionally, companies seeking to go public will face a mandatory "extended audit" by independent auditors to reduce processing time. The market has seen no new equity issues since March 2024.
Source: The Financial Express
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will subscribe to internationally recognised commodity databases to resolve long-standing disputes between importers and customs officials over the valuation of goods.
During a recent meeting chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, authorities decided to subscribe to at least one database this month, with an NBR committee recommending S&P Global Platts for the first phase. Importers frequently allege that customs officials arbitrarily assess goods above their invoice values to impose higher duties. Until the databases are fully operational, customs will accept valuation data submitted by importers.
Trade economists suggested linking the new databases to the existing ASYCUDA World system, noting that Bangladesh currently utilises only around 25 per cent of the system's capacity.
Source: The Financial Express
Trading of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC shares on the Dhaka Stock Exchange will be suspended tomorrow due to the company's dividend-related record date.
According to its financial report, the company's earnings per share (EPS) for the first three quarters (July-March) of the 2025-26 financial year stood at Tk 19.29, down from Tk 20.90 during the same period the previous year. Its net asset value per share (NAVPS) was Tk 366.80 as of 31 March 2026.
For the 2024-25 financial year, the company's board declared a 175 per cent cash and 10 per cent stock dividend, reporting an EPS of Tk 34.22. Sponsor-directors currently hold a 71.09 per cent stake in the engineering sector company, with general investors holding 27.84 per cent.
Source: Bonik Barta
The Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) will enforce stricter measures, including licence cancellation and liquidation, against distressed insurance companies failing to comply with regulatory instructions.
IDRA Chairman Mir Nadia Nivin stated that insurers cannot use past management failures to avoid obligations to policyholders. Pointing to Fareast Islami Life Insurance, which has Tk 3,000 crore in outstanding claims against Tk 1,200-Tk 1,300 crore in recoverable assets, she noted the regulator has suspended its first-year premium collection. IDRA recently facilitated the payment of Tk 37.54 crore to 8,417 policyholders across seven troubled life insurers.
The regulator is also examining actuarial valuations and paid-up capital while directing companies to limit land investments to the permitted 20 per cent threshold.
Source: The Daily Star
US manufacturing output unexpectedly fell by 0.3 per cent in August, halting seven consecutive months of growth, according to Federal Reserve data.
The decline was driven by a 0.5 per cent drop in the production of long-lasting manufactured goods, with motor vehicles and parts decreasing by 1.2 per cent. While computer and peripheral equipment output fell 1.4 per cent for the month, it remained 5.5 per cent higher year-on-year. Overall industrial production was unchanged.
Economists warned that higher borrowing costs—following the Federal Reserve's recent 25-basis-point rate hike to the 3.75-4.00 per cent range—and oil prices exceeding $100 a barrel could moderate future activity. However, some analysts expect increased defence spending and artificial intelligence infrastructure investments to provide ongoing sector support.
Source: The Daily Star
That concludes today’s briefing. Stay with Beyond Headlines for in-depth news and analysis, explainers, opinion pieces, long reads, and more.
Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise business digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the business digest for 12th October 2026.
- Digest
Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise business digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the business digest for 11th October 2026.
- Digest
