22-carat gold per bhori hits Tk 1,82,810 amid surging demand
Bangladesh’s gold market witnessed a historic surge on Tuesday as the price of 22-carat gold shot up to a record Tk 182,810 per bhori (11.664 grams), an increase of Tk 1,260 in just 24 hours.
The unprecedented jump, driven by rising global prices and intensified local demand, marks a new peak in the country’s bullion market.
The Bangladesh Jewelers' Association (BAJUS) announced the revised pricing late Monday, following a meeting of its Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring. The new rates took effect from Tuesday, 9 September, and apply to all major gold variants across the country.
Record-breaking rally in gold prices
The latest hike pushes the price of 22-carat gold, considered the standard for fine jewelry, to its highest level ever. Just a day earlier, on Monday, the bhori was priced at Tk 181,550, meaning the metal has gained Tk 2,718 in just two days.
Other gold categories also saw sharp increases:
21-carat gold: Up by Tk 1,201 to Tk 174,505 per bhori
18-carat gold: Up by Tk 1,026 to Tk 149,567
Traditional gold (lower purity): Up by Tk 879 to Tk 123,942
The price revisions follow a spike in the local cost of pure gold, which serves as the benchmark for domestic pricing. Jewelers attributed the surge to a combination of rising international gold prices, increased pre-festive demand, and dollar volatility in the global market.
Fifth hike in nine days
This marks the fifth price increase in less than two weeks. Gold prices had already been revised upward on 27 and 31 August, and again on 2 and 4 September, reflecting sustained upward pressure.
Masudur Rahman, Chairman of BAJUS’s Pricing Committee, confirmed the decision in an official notification: “Considering the rise in the price of acid gold in the local market and the overall economic situation, the committee has decided to revise the retail prices accordingly.”
Silver holds steady
In contrast to gold’s rally, silver prices remained unchanged despite the bullion market volatility.
The BAJUS maintained the following rates:
22-carat silver: Tk 2,811 per bhori
21-carat silver: Tk 2,683
18-carat silver: Tk 2,298
Traditional silver: Tk 1,726
The stability in silver pricing suggests that the current market movement is primarily driven by gold-specific demand, rather than a broad-based precious metals trend.
Market reaction and consumer impact
Jewelers across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet reported a noticeable uptick in purchases ahead of the price revision, with customers rushing to buy before the new rates took effect. However, many small buyers expressed concern over affordability.
Analysts warn that if global gold prices continue their upward trajectory, fueled by geopolitical tensions, inflation fears, and central bank buying, further hikes could follow in the coming weeks.
A golden strain on household budgets?
With Durga Puja, and the wedding season on the horizon, demand for gold is expected to remain strong. Traditionally, these periods see a surge in gold purchases for gifts and bridal trousseaus, putting additional pressure on prices.
Economists suggest that sustained high prices could push more consumers toward gold loans, installment plans, or alternative investments like digital gold or ETFs — though such options remain underdeveloped in Bangladesh.
As one Dhaka-based trader put it: “We’re not just selling jewelry anymore. We’re selling dreams — at a record price.”