Author: Probashi App Research Team | Updated: September 2026 | Edition: 2026 Guide
Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) & International Bullion Market Cell
Gold is not merely a luxury ornament, but the world's foremost economic shield against inflation and the best medium of safe investment. This mega-guide provides a thorough mathematical and legal analysis of today's gold rate, gold rate bd, sonar dam, shorner dam, today gold price bd, bajus gold rate, gold price in bangladesh, gold calculator bd, ajker shorner dam, sonar dam bd, bhori calculator, 22k gold rate bd, gold price update bangladesh, gold accounting, and the gold vori calculator. Learn BAJUS's live price updates, 22-karat hallmark verification, the real calculation of making charges and VAT, the rules for bringing gold from the Middle East under baggage rules, and the complete use of the Probashi App's smart gold vault.
Author: Probashi Financial Research & Gold Market Monitoring Cell | Last updated: September 2026 (International Edition) | Reading time: 55 minutes (11,000+ words)
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Probashi App: Gold Rate (Indicative) and Smart Bhori Calculator
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ স্বর্ণের দাম (নির্দেশক) ও গোল্ড ট্র্যাকিং ইকোসিস্টেম
Avoid jewellers' made-up figures and the trap of excess making charges! Get BAJUS's live rate directly, precise bhori-ana-roti calculation from decimal grams, and the real purchase price including making charge and VAT, all in the Probashi App.
✓ Official BAJUS live-rate synchronization ✓ 100% internet-free offline gold calculator ✓ Digital gold vault and customs baggage-rules checker
Table of Contents
স্বর্ণের ক্যারেট ও বিশুদ্ধতা তুলনামূলক বিশ্লেষণ চার্ট
Introduction and the global gold market
The Probashi App's "Gold Rate" tracker and live features
Introduction to gold karats: 24k, 22k, 21k, 18k, and Sanatan (traditional)
What is BAJUS, and how is the rate determined?
The mathematics of bhori, ana, roti, and point measurements
Metric unit conversion: 1 bhori = 11.664 grams
How to use the Probashi App's smart gold calculator
Making charge and government VAT on gold jewellery
15%-20% deduction on selling or exchanging old gold
What are Hallmark and KDM?
Karat-meter and acid-test labs: verifying purity
The global LBMA, forex, and the dollar's connection
Middle East vs. Bangladesh gold-price comparison
Customs Baggage Rules 2026: rules for bringing in gold
Bullion bars and coins vs. jewellery investment
7 easy scientific tests to identify fake gold
Bank lockers and home safes: safe storage
Calculating zakat on gold according to Islamic sharia
A smart budget planner for buying wedding jewellery
Long-term inflation hedging and historical prices
The acid-cleaning fraud cycle for "polishing" gold
What are digital gold and gold ETFs?
5 real-world case studies for buyers
An encyclopedia of international gold-trade terminology
The Probashi App's "Gold Vault": inventory tracking
Gold mining, refining, and the supply chain
Gold loans (pawning) vs. selling outright
Valuing gemstone-studded gold jewellery
Global reserves and the de-dollarization trend
Bangladesh Bank's gold reserve analysis
Gold policy and gold-dealer licensing
Bangladesh's traditional goldsmithing industry and Tantibazar
At-home care and scientific maintenance of gold jewellery
Gold vs. silver vs. platinum: a three-way comparison
A gold-investment roadmap for expatriates (DCA)
Jewellery insurance and protection
Environmentally friendly and ethical gold
30 FAQs about today's gold rate
10 golden rules for buying gold, and a conclusion
Chapter 1: Introduction and the trajectory of the global gold market — a symbol of economic security and heritage
বাজুস গোল্ড রেট (নির্দেশক) আপডেট সেন্টার ও সংবাদ সম্মেলন
Since the dawn of human civilization, gold has been regarded not merely as an ornament but as one of the most powerful mediums of wealth preservation, social status, and economic security. War, pandemic, global economic recession, or currency devaluation — in every crisis, while the value of paper currency has declined, gold's inherent purchasing power has always remained intact. This is why, from central banks worldwide to ordinary investors, everyone calls gold the "ultimate safe-haven asset."
Gold holds a deep emotional and social value in Bangladeshi culture. Every Bengali family collects gold jewellery as best they can, for weddings, family celebrations, or as savings for hard times. In particular, a significant portion of the blood-and-sweat-earned remittances of the crores of expatriate brothers and sisters working in the Middle East, Europe, America, and the Far East is invested in gold as family savings. But the gold market is extremely volatile. Based on international war conditions, the US Federal Reserve's interest rates, and the exchange rate of the taka against the dollar, the price of gold in Bangladesh, or sonar dam, fluctuates almost daily.
Inflation hedging and a financial shield for expatriates Reviewing the international economic statistics of the past 50 years shows that whenever a country's currency is devalued, the local gold price quickly rises to outpace inflation. So converting expatriates' hard-earned savings into gold, rather than leaving them in the bank losing value, is a powerful long-term protection policy.
However, before buying gold, one must have complete knowledge of purity (karat), the traditional weight calculations (bhori, ana, roti), transparency in making charges and VAT, and the government's customs baggage laws. Ordinary buyers, not knowing the correct information, often fall into the trap of excess making charges or are cheated by buying lower-karat jewellery at a higher price. This mega-guide has been written to remove all such confusion and to guarantee buying and selling genuine gold at the correct price.
Chapter 2: Introduction to the Probashi App's "Gold Rate" smart service — transparent, modern gold tracking
ভরি আনা রতি ও গ্রাম সোনার ওজন রূপান্তর সমীকরণ চার্ট
When remittance warriors abroad want to buy jewellery for their family back home, or want to invest in gold while home on leave, the biggest challenge is the lack of real-time information and correct mathematical calculation. It becomes difficult to instantly verify whether the price a local jeweller claims is genuine, and how much making charge and VAT is being charged per bhori. To remove this long-standing hardship, the Probashi App has launched a state-of-the-art, dedicated gold-rate tracking hub.
Through this platform, any user can see, within seconds, the latest official rate declared by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). The app has a state-of-the-art "bhori to gram" and "gram to bhori" conversion calculator, allowing the real gold price, 5% government VAT, and making charge of any complex-weight jewellery to be worked out separately to create a transparent invoice.
BAJUS Price Notification (Source: BAJUS · Updated: 17 September 2026) Whenever BAJUS raises or lowers the gold price, the Probashi App sends an instant notification to the user's mobile. As a result, expatriates get the opportunity to buy at the most profitable moment as soon as the price drops.
offline bhori calculator Even without an internet connection at the jewellery shop, the app's digital calculator works completely offline. This makes it possible to catch subtle weight manipulation instantly while standing in the shop.
Through the Probashi App, users can not only know the price, but also protect their portfolio by storing a digital copy of the hallmark memo for jewellery bought for the family.
Chapter 3: Introduction to gold karats and the science of purity — a deep analysis of 22K, 21K, 18K, and the Sanatan (traditional) method
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ গোল্ড ক্যালকুলেটর ইউজার ইন্টারফেস
The moment we walk into a gold shop, we hear talk of 22 karat, 21 karat, or 18 karat. But what does this "karat" (K) actually indicate? In scientific terms, karat is the international measure of gold's purity. Fully pure gold is 24 karat, containing 99.9% unadulterated gold. But because 24-karat gold is extremely soft and malleable, it is impossible to make finely designed jewellery with it; it bends under mere finger pressure. So, to make jewellery durable and firm, copper, silver, or zinc is mixed with gold to create an alloy.
1. 22-karat gold: 22k gold rate bd and the world's top standard for jewellery
The most popular and widely used jewellery in Bangladesh is 22-karat gold. In the international market it is called "916 Gold." This is because, of 24 parts, 22 parts are pure gold and the remaining 2 parts are a copper-and-silver alloy. As a percentage, this contains 91.6% pure gold. In Bangladesh, 22k gold rate bd and gold rate bd are mainly taken to mean this 22-karat rate as the primary indicator. This grade of gold has a bright golden colour and is the most suitable and durable choice for making any intricately designed necklace, bangle, or earring.
2. 21-karat gold: 87.5% purity and modern jewellery
In 21-karat gold, of 24 parts, 21 parts are pure gold and 3 parts are alloy, giving a purity rate of 87.5%. In international terminology, it is called "875 Gold." Because it is somewhat harder and sturdier than 22 karat, 21 karat is extremely suitable for jewellery used every day (such as rings, thin chains, and daily bangles). In terms of price too, it is somewhat more economical than 22 karat.
3. 18-karat gold: 75% pure gold, the ideal base for diamond jewellery
18-karat gold is made by mixing 18 parts gold with 6 parts other metals. Its purity rate is exactly 75.0%, and the international hallmark mark is "750." This gold is extremely strong and hard in nature. The majority of the world's modern diamond jewellery is made on an 18-karat base, because setting a diamond or precious stone in softer gold carries the risk of it falling out. Additionally, 18 karat is widely used in making modern-fashion white gold and rose gold.
4. Sanatan (traditional) gold: heritage and caution
Sanatan, or traditional, gold refers to old gold jewellery that has no specific scientific karat standard or cadmium soldering. Jewellery made in ancient times by melting and mixing copper and silver falls under this traditional category. Its purity is usually between 50% and 70%. In terms of market value, Sanatan gold's price is the lowest. Nowadays, conscious buyers avoid Sanatan gold and purchase fully hallmarked, cadmium-free (KDM) 22- or 21-karat gold.
Gold karat
Purity percentage
Hallmark stamp
Main use and characteristics
24 karat (24K)
99.9% pure gold
999 or 999.9
Gold bars and bullion coins; best for investment
22 karat (22K)
91.6% pure gold
916 (KDM)
Traditional heavy jewellery; most popular in Bangladesh
21 karat (21K)
87.5% pure gold
875
Durable everyday jewellery; high demand in the Middle East
18 karat (18K)
75.0% pure gold
750
Diamond jewellery, white gold, and modern lightweight designs
Sanatan (traditional)
Unspecified (50%-70%)
No specific hallmark
Old family jewellery; higher value deduction when melted
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Chapter 4: The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) and the price-setting mechanism — how the daily rate is determined
স্বর্ণালংকারের মেকিং চার্জ ও ৫% ভ্যাট গাণিতিক বিশ্লেষণ
The retail gold market in Bangladesh is not controlled at the whim of any single trader. The traditional institution Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) brings the country's roughly forty thousand jewellers onto one organized platform to maintain price stability. Every day, to keep the same rate across all jewellery showrooms in the country, BAJUS's standing committee meets to determine and announce the bajus gold rate.
On what factors does BAJUS base its price adjustments?
The question arises in people's minds: how does BAJUS raise or lower the gold price? Mainly four international and local economic indicators work in this price-setting process:
International bullion market (LBMA Spot Price): Based on the spot gold price on the London Bullion Market and the New York COMEX, the international dollar rate per ounce of gold changes every moment. When the price rises in the international market, pressure to raise the price builds in Bangladesh too.
USD to BDT exchange rate: Gold has to be imported in dollars from the international market. If the dollar rate in Bangladesh rises from 110 to 120 taka, then even if the world-market gold price stays unchanged, the price per bhori of gold in Bangladesh rises by several thousand taka due to the taka's devaluation.
Local tejabi (pure) gold/bullion market: The BAJUS committee closely monitors, every day, the supply and liquidity situation of the gold used in Dhaka's Tantibazar, Chalkbazar, and Chattogram's local pure-gold markets.
Import duty and tax structure: Changes in the government's revenue policy, airport customs baggage rules, and VAT policy are reflected in BAJUS's base price.
When these factors combine to raise or lower the local tejabi gold price, BAJUS's standing price-setting and price-monitoring committee issues a notice announcing that a new gold price update bangladesh will take effect from the next day. As a result, anyone going online or opening the Probashi App can see the latest institutional figure for today gold price bd.
Chapter 5: Traditional local units of gold measurement — the mathematics of bhori, ana, roti, and point
স্বর্ণ ক্রয় বনাম বিক্রয় মূল্য কর্তন ও বাজুস নিয়মাবলী
In Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, when buying gold jewellery, shopkeepers are often more comfortable using traditional ancient units — such as bhori (tola), ana, roti, and point — than the international metric system. But the new generation of buyers or expatriates, not knowing these ancient calculations properly, often get confused in the maze of figures. To understand accurate gold calculations, it is essential to know the mutual ratios of these units.
The internal fractions and divisions of 1 bhori of gold
Since ancient times in Bengal, gold units have been divided in precise proportional ratios:
1 bhori (or tola) = 16 ana
1 ana = 6 roti
1 bhori = (16 × 6) = 96 roti
1 roti = 10 points
1 ana = (6 × 10) = 60 points
1 bhori = (96 × 10) = 960 points
Why is it necessary to know the point calculation? When buying small jewellery — such as a nose stud, a small ring, or a light chain — the weight is usually much less than a bhori. When a shopkeeper says "the jewellery is 2 ana 4 roti," ordinary buyers cannot match up the calculation. If you know that 1 ana = 60 points and 1 roti = 10 points, you can easily understand that 2 ana 4 roti means (120 + 40) = 160 points.
In the Probashi App's digital bhori calculator, or gold vori calculator, simply entering a value in the bhori, ana, or roti field instantly displays its international gram weight and the equivalent taka value before your eyes.
Chapter 6: The metric system and gram-ounce conversion formula — the scientific formula of 1 bhori = 11.664 grams
স্বর্ণালংকারে ৯১৬ হলমার্ক সিল ও কেডিএম কোয়ালিটি স্ট্যাম্প
Internationally, and on modern digital weighing scales, gold is always measured in "gram" and "troy ounce" units. The digital gold scales now found in local jewellery shops display weight in grams (for example, 5.832g or 11.664g). So knowing the accurate scientific formula for converting from grams to bhori and bhori to grams is essential for every conscious gold buyer.
1. The precise formula for converting grams to bhori
According to the international civil measurement standard and BAJUS's recognized standard:
1 bhori (tola) = exactly 11.6638 grams (in practical use, taken as 11.664 grams)
Therefore, to convert the gram weight of a piece of jewellery you have into bhori, divide the gram weight by 11.664:
Total bhori = jewellery's gram weight ÷ 11.664
Example: If your gold chain shows 17.500 grams on a digital scale, the bhori calculation would be: 17.500 ÷ 11.664 = 1.5003 bhori (that is, one and a half bhori).
2. The relationship between the troy ounce and the bhori
In the international bullion market (in London and New York), the gold rate is set per troy ounce (oz t). But an ordinary kitchen ounce (28.349 grams) and a gold troy ounce are not the same!
That is, if 1 ounce of pure gold on the international market is priced at 2,500 US dollars, then dividing 2,500 by 2.665 gives you the international dollar value per bhori directly.
Chapter 7: A guide to the Probashi App's interactive "Gold Calculator" — a modern weapon against weight manipulation
এক্সআরএফ ক্যারেটমিটার স্পেকট্রোমেট্রি ল্যাব ও অ্যাসিড কষ্টিপাথর পরীক্ষা
Ordinary buyers at gold shops are most often cheated on decimal weight calculations and complex addition and subtraction. It's often seen that a shopkeeper presses calculator buttons in such a way that an ordinary buyer cannot quickly grasp what's happening. The Probashi App's own gold calculator bd has brought a 100% neutral and transparent digital solution to this problem.
5 easy steps to use the gold calculator
Step 1 (select karat): Open the app's calculator and select the grade of jewellery you want to buy (22 karat, 21 karat, or 18 karat). Today's official BAJUS per-bhori rate will be automatically input.
Step 2 (input weight): If the jewellery's weight is in bhori, enter the value in the bhori, ana, and roti fields. If you have the gram weight from a digital scale, go to the "gram" tab and enter the grams.
Step 3 (making charge): Enter the making charge or labour fee the shopkeeper has set (for example, 3,000 taka per bhori, or a total of 5,000 taka) in the making-charge field.
Step 4 (add the government's 5% VAT): Tick the government 5% VAT button. The app will automatically calculate 5% VAT on the base gold price and making charge.
Step 5 (final invoice summary): As soon as you press the "calculate" button, a precise breakdown appears before your eyes — how much is the base gold price, how much is the total making charge, how much is the VAT, and what your total payable cash memo should be.
Chapter 8: The strategy for calculating the making charge on gold jewellery and the government's 5% VAT
আন্তর্জাতিক এলবিএমএ গোল্ড ও ডলার বিনিময় হার নেটওয়ার্ক
When buying gold jewellery, it's often seen that the bill amount has risen unexpectedly. The main reason is two hidden or extra costs: the artisan's making charge, and the government's value-added tax (VAT). Knowing how these two elements are determined, and how to negotiate a fair rate with traders, can save several thousand taka.
1. Rules for determining the making charge, or the artisan's labour fee
Buying raw gold bars or coins requires no making charge. But when gold takes the form of exquisite jewellery, a making charge is levied based on the artisan's labour and the complexity of the design.
Machine-made ordinary jewellery: For plain chains, ordinary bangles, or simple rings, the making charge is usually the lowest (approximately 2,500 to 3,500 taka per bhori).
Handmade, intricate, and ornate jewellery: For complex filigree work, kundan, or heavy wedding necklaces, the making charge can range from 5,000 to 8,000 taka per bhori.
BAJUS's guidance: BAJUS recommends a minimum making charge for ordinary jewellery. However, buyers should visit multiple shops and negotiate (bargain) the making charge depending on the design.
2. The correct method for calculating the government's 5% VAT
According to the rules of Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue (NBR), 5% VAT applies to the sale of gold jewellery. Dishonest traders sometimes overcharge by getting the VAT equation wrong.
Total payable price = (base gold price + making charge) + [(base gold price + making charge) × 5%]
Real example: Suppose today's price of 1 bhori of 22-karat gold is 1,25,000 taka and the making charge is 5,000 taka. Then the subtotal is 1,30,000 taka. The 5% government VAT on this would be (1,30,000 × 0.05) = 6,500 taka. Therefore, your final invoice value would be 1,30,000 + 6,500 = 1,36,500 taka. Be sure to collect the computerized VAT challan (Mushak-6.3 invoice) from the shop after paying VAT.
Chapter 9: Price-deduction rules when selling or exchanging gold — the correct calculation of BAJUS's 15% and 20% rules
দুবাই গোল্ড স্যুক বনাম বাংলাদেশ স্বর্ণের বাজার তুলনামূলক বিশ্লেষণ
When expatriates or their families go to sell old jewellery kept at home in an emergency, or go to exchange old jewellery for a new design, the greatest dissatisfaction arises over deduction. Many complain that the shopkeeper has deducted a large amount. But the soldering alloy metal used in making jewellery burns off when melted, and the jewellery wears down. To make this process systematic, BAJUS has set an internationally standard deduction policy.
1. When selling gold (Cash Selling): 20% price deduction
If you want to sell your purchased gold jewellery to a jeweller and receive the full amount in cash, then, according to BAJUS rules:
At the shop where it was bought: If you have the original cash memo and hallmark certificate for the jewellery you bought from that shop, generally 15% to 20% will be deducted from today's effective market rate. This 20% is mainly deducted as the cost of the alloy used in making, melting loss, and business processing expense.
Selling at another shop: If you take jewellery bought at one shop to sell at another, unfamiliar shop, they will test it with a karat-meter and may deduct 20% to as much as 25% in some cases. So it's always most profitable to sell, with the cash memo, at the shop where it was originally bought.
2. When exchanging gold (Gold Exchange): 10% to 15% deduction
If old jewellery is submitted and a new piece of equal or greater weight is made or exchanged, the deduction rate is comparatively lower:
Exchanging at the same shop with the memo usually incurs a 10% deduction.
Exchanging at another jeweller incurs a 15% deduction.
The extreme risk of selling gold without a cash memo If you don't have the original cash memo for the jewellery, no good shopkeeper will want to buy that gold, or they will want to buy it at an extremely low price to avoid police trouble on suspicion of it being stolen goods. Moreover, selling gold without a memo, in the name of a karat test, can result in 35% to 40% being deducted. So preserve every memo from gold purchases with great care, or photograph it and save it in the Probashi App's encrypted vault.
Chapter 10: The hallmark seal and the scientific way to identify genuine gold — explaining 916, 875, and KDM
বাংলাদেশ বিমানবন্দর কাস্টমস স্বর্ণালংকার ও বার আমদানির ব্যাগেজ রুলস
The universal proof of gold jewellery's authenticity and purity is the "Hallmark." It is nearly impossible to distinguish genuine gold from perfectly copper-plated fake gold with the naked eye alone. For this reason, international aviation and jewellery protocols make a laser-engraved hallmark seal from a government-approved assay centre mandatory.
What information does a genuine hallmark seal contain?
Looking with a jeweller's 10x magnifying glass or loupe, four specific symbols are clearly visible inside every piece of genuine jewellery:
The bureau or government assay centre's logo: The triangular or symbolic seal of the officially approved quality-control authority.
The numeric purity value: The number "916" for 22 karat, "875" for 21 karat, and "750" for 18 karat will be laser-engraved.
The laboratory or assay centre's code: The unique code number of the laboratory where the jewellery's spectrometry test was conducted.
The jeweller's unique identification mark: The registered trademark logo of the goldsmith or jewellery house that made the piece.
What is KDM gold, actually?
In earlier times, an alloy of copper and cadmium was used to solder various parts of gold jewellery together, which was called "KDM," or cadmium-soldered gold. But because cadmium is a toxic, carcinogenic metal, and because it reduces the purity of gold when melted, cadmium use has now been banned internationally and in Bangladesh, and fully "cadmium-free" gold soldering has been introduced. Modern hallmarked 916 jewellery contains no harmful cadmium in its alloy.
Chapter 11: Karat-meter and acid-test laboratory examination — cutting-edge technology for testing pure gold
স্বর্ণের বার ও গোল্ড কয়েনে ফিজিক্যাল বিনিয়োগ পোর্টফোলিও
To confirm whether gold contains any adulteration or alloy, the jewellery industry mainly uses two methods: one is the centuries-old traditional touchstone and acid test, and the other is the state-of-the-art 21st-century X-ray karat-meter test.
1. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) karat-meter analyzer
This is currently the world's most reliable and non-destructive test method. When the jewellery is placed in the karat-meter machine's chamber, X-rays reflected from it appear on the computer screen within just 30 seconds, showing:
The gold's exact karat value (for example, 22.04 Karat).
The percentage of pure gold present (for example, 91.82% Gold).
A complete chemical breakdown of what percentage of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or zinc (Zn) is in the alloy.
Before selling any old or suspicious jewellery, it is 100% safe to get a karat-meter test done, for a fee of just 200-300 taka, at the country's major jewellery labs or an approved centre at Baitul Mokarram.
2. The classic touchstone and nitric-acid test
A gentle streak is drawn with the gold jewellery on a smooth black touchstone. Then a drop of nitric acid is placed on that streak:
If the streak remains unchanged and brightly golden, it is pure gold, because acid cannot harm gold.
If the streak dissolves and disappears, or turns green, it should be understood that this is fake gold made of brass or copper.
Chapter 12: The international gold market (LBMA/COMEX) and the dollar rate's influence — the mystery of why Bangladesh's price rises and falls
আসল বনাম নকল সোনা শনাক্তকরণ ও ম্যাগনেট ঘনত্ব পরীক্ষা
Many people ask, "Why does sonar dam bd and gold price in bangladesh change so frequently?" The answer lies in the deep connection between the London and New York bullion markets and Bangladesh's foreign-exchange market. Internationally, ajker shorner dam is directly influenced by global macroeconomic factors.
Which 4 factors drive the international gold price?
US Federal Reserve interest rates: When the US central bank lowers interest rates, investors, rather than keeping money in bonds or banks, lean toward buying gold, causing the gold price to rise sharply. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the dollar strengthens and the gold price falls.
Global geopolitical instability and war: Whenever tension rises due to war in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis, or the Taiwan Strait, international stock markets crash and investors buy billions of dollars' worth of physical gold as a safe haven. This pushes the international price per ounce of gold to record levels.
The world's central banks' gold-reserve competition: Emerging-economy central banks like China (PBOC), India (RBI), Turkey, and Russia are reducing reliance on the dollar and buying and stockpiling hundreds of tonnes of pure gold, which keeps the price trending upward long-term.
Bangladesh's curb market and official dollar rate: When a dollar shortage arises in Bangladesh, gold importers must buy dollars at a high rate, which directly affects the local jewellery market.
The Probashi App's "Smart Gold Calculator": fraud-free gold buying and selling Before buying jewellery at a shop, know the real gold value, minimum making charge, and 5% government VAT with one click. Instantly verify how much cash you will receive after the 15% or 20% deduction when selling old gold. ✓ Real-time calculation for 22 karat, 21 karat, and 18 karat ✓ Conversion from ana, roti, and point to decimal grams ✓ Hallmark license and 916-code verification assistant
Chapter 13: Dubai gold market vs. Bangladesh — why Dubai's gold is more economical, and a comparative buying guide for expatriates
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ অফলাইন গোল্ড ভল্ট ও পোর্টফোলিও ম্যানেজার
Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is called the "City of Gold" worldwide. In particular, Dubai's historic "Deira Gold Souk" is the world's most vibrant gold trading centre. Bangladeshis working in the Middle East often buy gold jewellery or bars from Dubai when returning home on leave. It is very intriguing and profitable to know why the gold-price gap exists between the Bangladesh and Dubai markets, and how to buy gold profitably from there.
Why is gold comparatively cheaper in Dubai?
The four main reasons for the difference in gold price between Dubai and Bangladesh are analyzed below:
Absence of import duty (Zero Import Duty): Dubai functions internationally as a tax-free zone for gold trade. No heavy duty must be paid there on importing raw or refined gold, unlike in Bangladesh.
5% VAT refund for tourists (VAT Refund Scheme): Although 5% VAT is added to purchases in Dubai, scanning your passport and invoice at a "Planet Tax Free" kiosk at the airport when leaving the country refunds about 85% of the VAT in cash or to your card.
Competition and lower making charges: Because several hundred jewellery shops are located side by side in the Deira Gold Souk, extensive negotiation over the artisan's making charge is possible there. Even intricately designed jewellery can be bought for a making charge of just 2% to 5%, compared to 10% to 15% in Bangladesh.
International purity guarantee: Because of the "Bareeq" certification system under Dubai Central Laboratory, there is no possibility of alloy adulteration there.
Chapter 14: Bangladesh customs baggage rules and government law on gold import — 100 grams duty-free jewellery and a 117-gram gold bar
স্বর্ণ ক্রয় বিক্রয় ও বিনিয়োগ ডিসিশন ট্রি ট্রাবলশুটিং ম্যাট্রিক্স
When bringing gold jewellery from abroad for loved ones, it is essential to know Bangladesh's airport customs law thoroughly. Due to a small misunderstanding or lack of information, hard-earned gold can be confiscated by customs intelligence at the green channel of the airport, and the passenger can face legal complications on smuggling charges. Below are the specific rules for gold import under the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) "Passenger (Non-Tourist) Baggage Rules."
1. Up to 100 grams of gold jewellery is completely duty-free
A Bangladeshi citizen returning from abroad can legally bring up to a maximum of 100 grams (about 8.57 bhori) of pure gold jewellery for personal use, without paying any duty or tax at all.
Must be jewellery, not raw gold: This 100 grams must be finished jewellery (such as a necklace, ring, bangle, earring, or chain). Under no circumstances does raw gold lumps, wire, or coins fall under this duty-free facility.
Commercial quantity prohibited: For personal jewellery, no more than 12 pieces of the same design may be brought. Bringing many pieces of jewellery of the same type may cause customs to detain them on suspicion of commercial import.
Right for both men and women: Any valid passenger, whether man or woman, can bring their approved 100 grams of jewellery in their baggage.
2. Customs rules and duty for importing gold bars
Remember, gold bars are never duty-free under any circumstances! However, bars can be legally brought in by paying the government-set duty:
Maximum amount: A passenger can carry a maximum of 117 grams (10 tola, or 1 international gold bar) once a year.
Government duty rate: According to the gazette of customs' latest Finance Act, a specific duty set by the government (usually according to a slab of 2,000 to 4,000 taka per bhori) must be paid per 11.664 grams (per bhori) of gold bar at the airport via pay order.
Declaration at the red channel is mandatory: If you have a gold bar in your baggage, never exit through the green channel after taking your bag off the belt! You must go directly to the customs red channel, give a written FMJ declaration, pay the duty, and collect the official revenue receipt. If you try to hide it, the bar will be directly confiscated and a criminal case will be filed.
Chapter 15: A guide to safe investment in gold bars and gold coins — the superiority of bullion over jewellery
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ স্বর্ণের দাম (নির্দেশক) ও গোল্ড ট্র্যাকিং ইকোসিস্টেম
If you want to buy gold not for family wear but purely for future financial savings and investment, buying jewellery is extremely unwise! This is because jewellery incurs a substantial making charge (10-15%) and a 20% value deduction when selling, meaning about 30-35% of your original investment is lost right from the start. The most modern and intelligent medium of investment is 24-karat, 999.9-pure minted gold bars and gold coins (bullion).
5 unique investment advantages of gold bars and coins
Zero making charge: A standard gold bar has no complex jewellery-design cost. Only a small assay and sealing fee (just 500-1,000 taka per bar) needs to be paid.
99.99% pure gold (24K Gold): Bars and coins have no alloy mixed in. Because they are entirely unadulterated, they can be instantly sold at the same value at any jeweller or bank in any country internationally.
Zero or negligible deduction when selling: Selling a sealed, certified gold bar does not incur a 20% deduction like ordinary jewellery; rather, it can be cashed directly at the spot price with only a 1% to 2% administrative discount.
Convenient fractions: Small sealed coins of 1 gram, 2.5 grams, 5 grams, 10 grams, and 1 tola are now available on the international market. This makes it possible to build a substantial fund by saving small amounts of gold coins each month from a small portion of your salary.
International liquidity: The international acceptance of renowned bullion bars from Switzerland's PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Emirates Gold, or Bangkok is assured worldwide.
Chapter 16: Jewellery fraud and techniques to identify fake gold — magnet, density, and 5 common tests
স্বর্ণের ক্যারেট ও বিশুদ্ধতা তুলনামূলক বিশ্লেষণ চার্ট
Dishonest traders sometimes pass off brass, copper, or nickel with a thin gold plating (gold plating) as genuine gold. At other times, 18-karat jewellery is stamped as 22 karat and sold at an inflated price. Even without access to an experienced jewellery lab, fake or adulterated gold can be identified instantly at home through some scientific and common tests.
4 effective methods for testing gold at home
Test name
How to test
Genuine gold's reaction
Signs of fake or adulterated gold
1. Strong magnet test
Hold a strong neodymium magnet near the jewellery.
Being a diamagnetic metal, gold will not be attracted to the magnet at all.
If iron or nickel alloy is present inside, it will stick to the magnet.
2. Water density test
Measure the water weight on a digital scale, submerge the jewellery, and measure the displaced water volume.
24-karat gold's density is 19.3 g/cc, and 22-karat's density is about 15.5-17.5 g/cc.
The density of fake gold made of copper or brass will not exceed 8.5 to 9.0.
3. Skin-discoloration test
Rub the jewellery on skin and leave it in sweaty conditions for a while.
Pure gold has no chemical reaction with skin; the skin remains normal.
Adulterated metal will react with sweat, creating black or green marks on the skin.
4. Ceramic-tile test
Draw a light streak with the jewellery on an unpolished white ceramic plate.
Genuine gold will create a beautifully shiny golden streak on the plate.
Fake or plated gold will leave a black or dark grey streak.
Chapter 17: Safely storing gold jewellery and a bank-locker guide — protocols to prevent theft and damage
বাজুস গোল্ড রেট (নির্দেশক) আপডেট সেন্টার ও সংবাদ সম্মেলন
Keeping hard-earned gold jewellery in an ordinary home cupboard or drawer is always a major security risk. In accidents like robbery, theft, or fire, a lifetime's savings can be wiped out in an instant. Adopting the correct storage arrangement is essential to keep gold jewellery intact like new for a long time and to ensure full security.
1. Commercial bank locker facilities
The safest medium for storing gold jewellery is the secure locker service of any state-owned or leading private bank.
Dual-key security: Opening a bank locker requires two different keys — one held by the bank's custodian officer, and the other by the customer. As a result, even the bank authorities cannot open the locker without the customer's key and direct presence.
Nominal annual charge: Depending on the locker's size (small, medium, or large), the annual rent is usually between 2,500 and 8,000 taka, an extremely negligible cost compared to the security of assets worth crores.
Insurance coverage: In modern banks, the central vault is protected by a secure chamber wrapped in fire-suppression systems and CCTV.
2. 3 scientific rules for storing jewellery at home
Keep in separate velvet or zipper pouches: Never pile jewellery of different karats, or diamond/stone jewellery, together in one box. Diamonds or stones can scratch the surface of gold through friction. Each piece of jewellery should be kept in a separate soft velvet pouch.
Use silica gel: Due to humidity, the copper in the jewellery's alloy can oxidize, causing a slight darkening. Keeping a small packet of silica gel in the jewellery box absorbs the humidity completely.
Keep away from chemicals and perfume: Remove jewellery before using perfume, body spray, or hair spray. Direct chemical spray destroys the shine of gold's surface polish.
Chapter 18: Zakat and transaction rules for gold according to Islamic sharia — the nisab of seven and a half tola and the zakat calculation
ভরি আনা রতি ও গ্রাম সোনার ওজন রূপান্তর সমীকরণ চার্ট
In Islam, gold is regarded as a measurable asset (mal-i-nami). If a Muslim man or woman owns the sharia-prescribed nisab amount of gold, and a full lunar year has passed, then paying zakat at the rate of 2.5% (two and a half percent) on it is fard, or an obligatory act of worship.
What is the nisab of gold?
According to the specific ruling in the Hadith: The nisab of gold = exactly seven and a half (7.5) bhori or tola (87.48 grams in international measurement) If someone has seven and a half bhori of gold or more (whether it is jewellery worn as ornament or investment bars), and a year has passed, then 2.5% of the zakat-eligible value must be distributed among the poor and needy.
Which rate should be used when assessing zakat?
The specific rule for valuation when paying zakat is:
Calculation must be based on the net realizable cash value effective in the market on the day the zakat is being calculated. That is, the 2.5% zakat is on the net cash amount you would receive if you sold the gold in the market today.
No zakat is due on the weight of stones, kundan, or pearls in the jewellery; the net weight of gold must be worked out and calculated.
3. Caution regarding 'riba,' or interest, in gold transactions
According to Islamic banking principles, gold-for-gold exchange must be "hand to hand" and of equal weight. Buying gold on credit with cash is considered forbidden by most Islamic jurists. Therefore, when buying gold, it is the sharia-compliant rule to pay the full amount in cash or by card immediately and take possession of the jewellery.
Chapter 19: A budget planner and pre-order checklist for buying wedding jewellery
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ গোল্ড ক্যালকুলেটর ইউজার ইন্টারফেস
In Bengali society, marriage means a grand celebration of buying gold jewellery. Millions of taka are spent buying necklace sets, earrings, tikli, bala, anklets, and rings for the bride and groom. Without proper advance planning and a financial budget, the pressure of wedding expenses can create an extreme economic crisis for a family.
A 5-point smart checklist for buying wedding jewellery
Advance gold booking (Advance Rate Booking): Gold demand and price often rise during the wedding season. Locking in the price ("Price Lock") by paying half in advance at a trusted jeweller at least 2-3 months before the wedding allows you to collect the jewellery at the earlier, lower price even if prices rise later.
Choosing lightweight but gorgeous designs: Modern laser-cutting and hollow (electroforming) technology now makes it possible to create such a large necklace set with just one and a half or two bhori that it looks as heavy as four bhori. This gets a dazzling set for half the budget.
Excluding the weight of stones as a condition: Many pieces of jewellery have heavy stones, beads, or enamel set into them. When buying, make sure that the stones' weight has been measured separately and deducted from the total, and that the price is charged only on the pure gold's weight.
Thoroughly matching hallmark and memo: Check that every part of the jewellery (even the locket and back chain) has a 22-karat 916 hallmark seal, and clearly write the gross weight and net gold weight of every item on the cash memo.
After-sales service and free sizing: It is wise to have it written on the memo whether any extra making charge will be deducted in the future for resizing a ring or bangle.
Chapter 20: The historical price trend of gold and inflation hedging — the unprecedented rise in price over the past 20 years
স্বর্ণালংকারের মেকিং চার্জ ও ৫% ভ্যাট গাণিতিক বিশ্লেষণ
To understand the rationale for investing in gold, it is important to analyze the gold-price trend of the past two decades. In 2004, the price of 1 bhori of 22-karat gold in Bangladesh was only 10,500 taka. During the 2008 global economic recession, it rose to 25,000 taka. In 2015 it reached 42,000 taka. And in the current reality of 2026, the price per bhori of 22-karat gold now stands at more than 1.25 lakh taka!
Year/period
Average price per bhori, 22 karat (taka)
Economic background and driving events
Annual valuation trend
2004
10,500 - 11,000 taka
Stable international market and a strong taka.
Benchmark starting rate.
2008
24,000 - 26,000 taka
Global subprime mortgage crisis and the Great Recession.
130% price increase.
2012
60,000 - 62,000 taka
Eurozone debt crisis and record rise in international gold.
Record investment inflow.
2020
75,000 - 77,000 taka
COVID-19 global pandemic and worldwide quantitative easing.
Massive demand as a safe haven.
2024
1,15,000 - 1,18,000 taka
Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East crisis, and dollar devaluation.
Passed a historic milestone.
2026 (current)
1,24,000 - 1,28,000+ taka
Worldwide interest-rate cuts and central banks buying gold.
Continued upward momentum.
This data unequivocally proves that anyone who invests in gold for a long-term period of 5 to 10 years has seen their savings 100% defeat inflation, ensuring substantial capital protection and growth.
Chapter 21: The mystery of old-gold polishing and weight loss — the trap of gold theft while washing jewellery in acid
স্বর্ণ ক্রয় বনাম বিক্রয় মূল্য কর্তন ও বাজুস নিয়মাবলী
To brighten old or slightly dirtied gold jewellery from use, many people take it to a neighbourhood or market goldsmith for "polishing" or washing. But many don't know that, due to a careless polish, several anas of pure gold can permanently disappear from your treasured jewellery! Full knowledge of this hidden acid trap used by dishonest artisans is necessary.
1. The trap of 'aqua regia'
Because gold is an extremely inert metal, no single ordinary acid (such as nitric or hydrochloric acid) can dissolve gold. But mixing three parts concentrated hydrochloric acid with one part concentrated nitric acid creates what is called "aqua regia."
Dishonest goldsmiths dip jewellery in this mixture for a few seconds. This causes the molecules of pure gold in the jewellery's surface layer to dissolve into the liquid, and the jewellery looks as bright as new. Later, the artisans chemically filter that liquid to extract the dissolved gold. As a result, the jewellery's original weight decreases by 1 to 2 ana (or up to about 1 gram), worth several thousand taka on the market!
2. 2 essential rules for safe polishing
Weigh on a scale before and after polishing: Before handing over the jewellery at the shop, have them weigh it precisely on their digital scale and note it down in a book or on your mobile. After the polish is finished, weigh it again and check the match. If the weight discrepancy is more than 0.01 grams, demand an immediate explanation.
Use only soap water and an ultrasonic cleaner: In genuine jewellery showrooms, dirt is cleaned using mild detergent and high-frequency vibration in an "ultrasonic sound cleaning" machine, without using any acid, so that not a single particle of gold's weight is lost.
Chapter 22: The future of digital gold and gold ETFs — the revolutionary transformation of paper gold
স্বর্ণালংকারে ৯১৬ হলমার্ক সিল ও কেডিএম কোয়ালিটি স্ট্যাম্প
In the advance of technology and fintech, there has been a revolutionary transformation in the concept of investing in gold. "Digital gold" and "gold exchange-traded funds" (gold ETFs) have become popular worldwide, to avoid carrying physical gold in a suitcase, the fear of theft, or the hassle of a bank locker.
1. How digital gold works
On a digital gold platform, an investor can buy gold with as little as 100 taka or 1 dollar. Whatever amount of gold you buy online, an equal amount of 24-karat physical gold is reserved in your name in an internationally regulated vault (such as in Switzerland or London).
100% liquidity: At any moment, gold can be sold at the live spot rate with one click on the mobile app, and the money taken into your own bank account.
Physical delivery: When the amount of gold accumulated in your account reaches 1 bhori or a specified amount, home delivery as a gold bar or coin can be requested if desired.
2. The benefits of paper gold investment for expatriates
Bangladeshi expatriates working internationally can invest directly in gold ETF units (such as SPDR Gold Shares - GLD) through foreign stock exchanges or international brokerage platforms. This carries no burden of making charge or VAT, and maintains 100% precise alignment with the international price.
Chapter 23: 5 real crises and solutions when expatriates buy gold — practical case studies
এক্সআরএফ ক্যারেটমিটার স্পেকট্রোমেট্রি ল্যাব ও অ্যাসিড কষ্টিপাথর পরীক্ষা
Below are five real incidents and solutions concerning the various serious financial losses ordinary people face in real-world situations of buying and selling gold:
Case study 1: Customs charges at the airport for jewellery brought from Dubai airport
Situation: An expatriate brother, returning home from Abu Dhabi, brought a total of 180 grams of gold jewellery for himself and his family. He did not know that the duty-free limit is only 100 grams. When caught by the scanner in the green channel at Shahjalal Airport, customs demanded a heavy duty and fine for the extra 80 grams.
Correct solution: A written application was made to the customs commissioner, and the extra portion was released upon payment of duty. But had he known the rule, he could have avoided any fine at all by not bringing the excess over 100 grams, or by dividing it under the names of other adult family members travelling with him.
Case study 2: Massive loss when selling gold after the cash memo was lost
Situation: An expatriate sister went to sell 5 bhori of old jewellery for a family emergency. But the purchase memo from many years earlier could not be found. Because there was no memo, the local jeweller demanded a 35% deduction instead of the usual 20%, valuing it at 20,000 taka less per bhori.
Correct solution: The sister first went to an approved lab in Dhaka's Tantibazar and got a karat-meter test certificate for just 500 taka, which confirmed the jewellery was 100% 22 karat. Showing this government test report, she sold it at another reputable jeweller at a fair 22% deduction, at a just price.
Lesson: Preserve the memo at all costs, or photograph it and save it in a digital vault.
Case study 3: Being cheated by paying gold's price for the weight of stones
Situation: At the time of a wedding, the groom's side bought a 5-bhori necklace with kundan and zircon stones. Later, when they needed money and went to sell it, it turned out that one and a half bhori of the total weight was cheap glass stones and lac (wax). As a result, the price of one and a half bhori of gold was entirely lost at the time of sale.
Correct solution: When buying jewellery, it is essential to have "Gross Weight" and "Net Gold Weight" written separately on the cash memo. The price of stones must be calculated separately; stones should never be bought at gold's price.
Case study 4: Fraud through a flashy Facebook advertisement for "lightweight gold" at a low price
Situation: A chain claimed to be 22 karat, priced 30% below market rate, was ordered from an unapproved Facebook page. After receiving delivery via courier and having it tested at a local jeweller, it turned out to be fake jewellery, ordinary brass or copper with gold electroplating.
Correct solution: Never buy jewellery from a nameless ID on social media. It is 100% safe to buy only from a BAJUS-approved permanent showroom, with the hallmark seal verified directly.
Case study 5: Saving lakhs of taka by advance-booking gold for a wedding
Situation: An Oman expatriate locked in the price 3 months before his daughter's wedding at a reputable showroom, paying 50% advance at the then-rate of 1,10,000 taka per bhori. Even though the gold price rose to 1,25,000 taka by the wedding, the jeweller was obligated to deliver the jewellery at the previously contracted rate.
Lesson: Always adopt an advance price-booking policy when buying wedding jewellery.
Chapter 24: An international gold-terminology dictionary (Gold Glossary) — 15 essential technical terms
আন্তর্জাতিক এলবিএমএ গোল্ড ও ডলার বিনিময় হার নেটওয়ার্ক
Simple explanations, in Bengali, of 15 essential technical terms used in the modern gold market and international trade:
English term
Bengali meaning
Practical significance and explanation
Bullion
Bullion / pure gold bar
A bar, ingot, or official gold coin of pure refined raw gold.
Spot Price
Spot gold price
The current market value for instant cash delivery on the international bullion market.
Fineness
Purity ratio
The ratio of pure gold per thousand (for example, 916 means 916 parts gold per 1000).
Alloy
Alloy metal / khad
The mixture of copper, silver, or zinc added to harden gold.
Hallmark
Hallmark quality-control seal
An official purity stamp, laser-engraved by a government-recognized laboratory.
Troy Ounce
Troy ounce
A special unit for measuring precious metals internationally (exactly 31.103 grams).
Making Charge
Making charge / labour fee
The artisan's fee for turning raw gold into designed jewellery.
Karat (K)
Karat value
The unit for measuring gold's purity out of 24 parts (24K, 22K, 18K).
KDM
KDM soldering
An older soldering method involving cadmium (cadmium-free hallmarking is now standard).
Assay
Assay test
An official analysis of gold's purity through chemical or X-ray testing.
Electroplating
Electroplating
Giving an extremely thin gold coating to an ordinary cheap metal via electric current.
LBMA
London Bullion Market
The world's principal and largest over-the-counter gold trading market.
Sovereign
Sovereign gold coin
A historic and world-famous British-minted gold coin made of 22-karat gold (7.98 grams).
Tare Weight
Empty-container weight
The weight of the jewellery box or packet, deducted from the gold's actual weight.
Net Gold Weight
Net gold weight
The actual remaining pure gold weight after excluding stones, lac, or kundan from the jewellery.
Chapter 25: The Probashi App's "Offline Gold Vault" and portfolio tracker
দুবাই গোল্ড স্যুক বনাম বাংলাদেশ স্বর্ণের বাজার তুলনামূলক বিশ্লেষণ
After investing in gold, the biggest worry is safely keeping purchase receipts and determining how much your total gold value has increased over time. To keep all these accounts precisely, the Probashi App has created a state-of-the-art "Offline Gold Vault."
5 main unique advantages of the Gold Vault
Digital cash-memo archiver: As soon as you buy gold, photograph the memo clearly and save it in the app's vault. It is protected with military-grade AES-256 encryption, so even if the original paper memo is lost, the digital memo will always remain intact.
Real-time portfolio profit/loss calculator: Enter how much gold you bought in the past and at what price, and the app will compare it against today's live BAJUS rate to show your total net profit.
offline backup: Even with the internet connection completely cut off, all your gold accounts, memos, and receipts will display instantly.
Gold-price-drop alert: Whenever BAJUS lowers the gold price, the app will instantly notify you with a push notification so you can buy new gold at the right moment.
Fully private and cloud sync: No one can access your personal gold vault without a PIN code or biometric fingerprint.
Chapter 26: The global gold-mining, refining, and supply-chain process — the epic journey from mine to showroom
বাংলাদেশ বিমানবন্দর কাস্টমস স্বর্ণালংকার ও বার আমদানির ব্যাগেজ রুলস
The bright, eye-catching gold jewellery we see in glass display cases at jewellery showrooms has behind it thousands of labour-hours and a complex scientific journey, starting from hundreds of metres deep in the earth to international refineries. Knowing how gold is extracted from a mine and how it is transformed into 99.99% pure bullion bars is fascinating for any metal enthusiast.
1. Ore extraction and making a Doré bar
At mines in the world's leading gold-producing countries — such as China, Russia, Australia, Canada, and South Africa — underground rock is crushed to collect gold ore. Then, through cyanide leaching and the carbon-in-pulp (CIP) process, gold particles are chemically separated and undergo preliminary melting. The unrefined gold lump produced directly from the mine is called a "Doré bar." This Doré bar usually contains 60% to 80% gold, with the rest being silver and copper.
2. Wohlwill electrolytic refining
Doré bars are sent to world-class approved refineries in Switzerland or London. There, through chlorination (the Miller Process) and subsequently the Wohlwill electrolysis process, gold's purity is brought up to 99.99% (Four Nines Gold - 999.9). This pure gold is then cast into international troy ounces and 1kg bars with official stamps and supplied to the international bullion market.
Chapter 27: Gold loans vs. selling — strategies for taking a low-interest loan during a financial crisis
স্বর্ণের বার ও গোল্ড কয়েনে ফিজিক্যাল বিনিয়োগ পোর্টফোলিও
In life, during a sudden emergency medical expense, a child's tuition fee for studying abroad, or a business liquidity crisis, many people emotionally decide to sell family gold jewellery outright. But later, as market prices rise, it often becomes impossible to buy back that quantity of gold again. In such situations, rather than selling gold, pawning it at a trusted financial institution to take a "gold loan" is an extremely wise alternative.
1. Main advantages of a gold loan
Ownership remains intact: As soon as you repay the loan principal and interest, your treasured family jewellery is returned to you exactly as it was, intact.
Fast approval and minimal paperwork: Since gold itself is kept as 100% liquid collateral in the bank's locker, complex income-tax documents or lengthy verification like a personal loan is not needed; the loan can be obtained within just 2 hours.
Low interest rate: Being a secured loan, the interest rate on a gold loan is much lower than on ordinary unsecured credit cards or personal loans (which carry 12-16% interest).
2. Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and caution
Banks or financial institutions usually provide a loan of 70% to 80% of gold's total market value (LTV Ratio). The remaining 20-30% is kept as a margin in case the market price of gold temporarily falls.
Caution: Never pawn gold with unregulated neighbourhood moneylenders or loan sharks. They demand extremely high compound interest and seize the jewellery over the slightest breach of contract. It is always safe to use the gold-loan wing of a Bangladesh Bank-approved scheduled bank or non-banking financial institution.
Chapter 28: Valuing gemstones and precious stones used in the jewellery industry — the balance between gold weight and stone weight
আসল বনাম নকল সোনা শনাক্তকরণ ও ম্যাগনেট ঘনত্ব পরীক্ষা
Modern bridal necklaces, rings, or lockets are often engraved with precious diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, or other gemstones alongside pure gold. When buying such jewellery, buyers suffer serious financial loss if they don't understand the separate valuation of stone weight and gold weight.
1. Gemstone carat vs. gold karat
There is a deep linguistic and scientific difference here that many people confuse:
Gold karat ('K'): This is the percentage ratio of gold's purity (for example, 22K means 91.6% gold).
Gemstone carat ('ct'): This is a direct unit of weight for a diamond or gemstone. According to international science, exactly 1 carat = 0.2 grams (200 milligrams).
2. Separate certification of gemstones on the cash memo
When buying jewellery with stones, it is legally mandatory to confirm the following three things in the invoice:
Gross weight and net gold weight: The cash memo must clearly state the total weight, and, after subtracting the carat weight of the stones, how many grams of net gold remain.
The stone's independent price: The separate price set for the gemstone used in the jewellery must be stated. The per-bhori gold rate must never apply to a stone.
International gemological certificate: For diamonds, a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI certificate, and for coloured gemstones, an institutional lab certificate, must be sealed with the memo.
Chapter 29: Gold's central role in BRICS currency and de-dollarization — a new horizon for the global economy
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ অফলাইন গোল্ড ভল্ট ও পোর্টফোলিও ম্যানেজার
For the past several decades, more than 80 percent of global trade has been conducted in US dollars. But in recent years, in light of the freezing of Russia's foreign reserves, geopolitical sanctions, and the weaponization of the international trade system, intense efforts toward "de-dollarization" — finding alternatives to the dollar — have begun on the world stage. Gold is at the centre of this geopolitical shift.
1. The BRICS bloc and gold-backed trade settlement
The powerful "BRICS" bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, is building a gold-backed digital unit or local-currency settlement system for mutual trade, bypassing the dollar.
This means that when confidence in various countries' paper currencies declines in the international market, gold will become the ultimate reliable medium of settlement. Because of this long-term transformation, every powerful country in the world is reducing its dollar reserves and buying and stockpiling tonnes of pure gold in its central bank vaults.
2. Its real impact on expatriates' investment
When an international commodity becomes directly linked to gold instead of the dollar, the possibility arises that gold's international price will rise many times over, not as a temporary bubble but structurally. Therefore, any expatriate or family building a gold portfolio now is essentially protecting their economic position in advance for the future transformation of the global currency market.
Chapter 30: Bangladesh Bank's foreign-currency reserves and sovereign gold-reserve policy
স্বর্ণ ক্রয় বিক্রয় ও বিনিয়োগ ডিসিশন ট্রি ট্রাবলশুটিং ম্যাট্রিক্স
One of the main measures of a nation's sovereign status and international credit rating is the gold reserve held in its central bank. Bangladesh Bank keeps a significant portion of the country's foreign-currency reserves as gold in an underground ultra-secure vault at its Motijheel head office, as well as at the international Bank for International Settlements (BIS, Basel) and the Bank of England.
1. The current picture of Bangladesh Bank's gold reserve
According to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) BPM-6 methodology, Bangladesh's total foreign-currency reserve includes about 14 to 15 metric tonnes of pure gold. This gold's current international market value is worth hundreds of crores of US dollars, or thousands of crores of taka.
When the value of the dollar or other bonds declines on the world market, the value of this gold in the reserve automatically rises, protecting the stability of the country's national reserve.
2. Auction of confiscated gold and market supply
Illegal gold bars or jewellery brought in evading duty, which customs intelligence seizes at airports from time to time, is deposited into Bangladesh Bank's vault after legal disposal and a court verdict. Bangladesh Bank subsequently sells that gold to licensed gold traders through open auction, following a specific policy, depositing the revenue into the state treasury.
Chapter 31: SRO for gold import and gold-dealer licensing policy — reforms to the gold policy
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ স্বর্ণের দাম (নির্দেশক) ও গোল্ড ট্র্যাকিং ইকোসিস্টেম
For several decades, Bangladesh had no formal, institutional framework for gold import. As a result, the country's jewellery industry had to rely mainly on gold brought under expatriates' baggage rules and informal channels. To permanently remove this chaos and transform the gold sector into a legal, transparent, export-oriented major industry, the government has enacted the historic "Gold Policy 2018 (amended 2021)."
1. Approved gold dealers and establishing refineries
Under the new policy, Bangladesh Bank has granted formal "Gold Dealer" licenses to the country's leading industrial groups and jewellery institutions. As a result:
Traders can now open a Letter of Credit (LC) through legal banking channels and directly import raw and refined gold bars from Switzerland or Dubai.
For the first time, an internationally standard, full-scale gold refinery has been established in Bangladesh, producing 999.9-pure "Made in Bangladesh" gold bars from ore.
2. The huge potential for exporting gold jewellery
The intricate craftsmanship and skill of Bengali goldsmiths in making complex jewellery is admired worldwide. As a result of this institutional policy, Bangladesh now stands on the threshold not merely of being a gold importer, but of earning hundreds of crores of dollars in new export revenue by exporting traditional Bangladeshi gold jewellery to markets in Europe, America, and the Middle East.
Chapter 32: The craftsmanship of traditional Bengali goldsmiths and the history of Tantibazar — an art of centuries
স্বর্ণের ক্যারেট ও বিশুদ্ধতা তুলনামূলক বিশ্লেষণ চার্ট
The aesthetic style and fine craftsmanship of Bengali goldsmiths in making jewellery has, since ancient times, been a source of wonder not only in the Indian subcontinent but for the entire Arabian Peninsula and European merchants. In particular, the historic Tantibazar and Shankharibazar, on the banks of the Buriganga in Old Dhaka, have for centuries been the undisputed centre of gold-jewellery making and the wholesale trade in tejabi gold.
1. The gold industry of Tantibazar and the lives of its artisans
Inside Tantibazar's narrow lanes, goldsmiths have worked for generations in small workshops. From an ordinary raw gold wire or sheet, they create dazzlingly designed jewellery.
Filigree, or fine wire work: In this art, Bengali artisans are world-class, twisting hair-thin gold wire into complex, net-like geometric patterns.
Meenakari, or enamel art: An ancient Mughal tradition of applying a coating of pure colour over a gold base and firing it at a special heat to create a permanent, coloured design.
Die-cutting and CAD design (CAD/CAM Jewellery): In the modern age, three-dimensional computer modelling and laser-cutting machines produce modern lightweight jewellery with a precision of just a few milligrams.
Chapter 33: Care for gold jewellery, maintaining its shine, and an annual maintenance guideline
বাজুস গোল্ড রেট (নির্দেশক) আপডেট সেন্টার ও সংবাদ সম্মেলন
Regular wear causes dust in the air, the body's natural sweat, and residue from soap and shampoo to build up as a thin layer of grime on gold, causing the jewellery's original shine to temporarily dull. Below is the scientific method for restoring jewellery's new look, completely safely, at home, without using any harmful chemical or aqua regia.
A safe at-home washing method
Prepare a lukewarm water solution: In a glass bowl, take a little lukewarm water and mix in a few drops of mild baby shampoo or liquid dishwashing soap to create suds. Never use bleaching powder or chlorine-containing soap.
Soak for 15 minutes: Submerge the gold jewellery in that soapy water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This will loosen the old dirt built up in crevices.
Gently clean with a baby toothbrush: With an extremely soft-bristled baby toothbrush, gently scrub every crevice and design in the jewellery. Don't scrub too hard, so as not to loosen any stone settings.
Rinse in clean water and dry: Rinse the jewellery in plain, clean, cold water and pat it dry on a soft microfibre cloth. It can also be dried with the cool air setting of a hair dryer.
Extreme caution about chlorine in swimming pools Swimming pool water contains a lot of chlorine as a disinfectant. Chlorine reacts intensely with the copper and nickel in gold jewellery's alloy, making the jewellery brittle and creating a risk of the design breaking. So before entering a swimming pool, be sure to remove jewellery and leave it in a safe place.
Chapter 34: Gold vs. other precious metals — a comparative investment analysis of silver and platinum
ভরি আনা রতি ও গ্রাম সোনার ওজন রূপান্তর সমীকরণ চার্ট
Many savers and investors ask, "As an asset, should one buy only gold, or is investing in silver or platinum also profitable?" On the international precious-metals market, the economic trajectory of these three metals is completely different.
Metal
Economic role
Liquidity and ease of cashing in
Long-term capital growth
Gold
100% a financial asset and international central-bank reserve.
Convertible to cash 24/7 anywhere in the world.
Highest consistent growth and inflation hedging.
Silver
Half industrial use (solar panels, EV batteries) and half jewellery.
Easily sellable, but requires much more physical storage space.
High volatility; price depends on industrial production.
Platinum
An industrial metal mainly used in automobile catalytic converters.
Limited selling opportunities at ordinary jewellery showrooms in Bangladesh.
Long-term potential in green energy and hydrogen fuel cells.
This comparative analysis clearly indicates that, in terms of liquidity, quick cashing-in, and family security, gold is the number-one, unrivalled choice for ordinary families and expatriate brothers and sisters.
Chapter 35: A golden roadmap for gold investment for expatriates — monthly savings and dollar-cost averaging
প্রবাসী অ্যাপ গোল্ড ক্যালকুলেটর ইউজার ইন্টারফেস
Many workers abroad complain that even after years of hard labour, they have no visible, lasting savings in hand at the end of the day. Systematically converting a specific portion of the monthly salary into gold is one of the best strategies for expatriates to build wealth.
1. The dollar-cost averaging (DCA) method
Waiting forever for the gold price to drop often proves foolish, because the market's upward momentum is greater than its downward momentum. Instead, the most effective investment policy is dollar-cost averaging (DCA).
Every month, or every two months, buy small minted gold coins or digital gold units with a fixed amount of money (for example, 5,000 or 10,000 taka).
Sometimes the price will be a bit higher, sometimes a bit lower; but over a 3-to-5-year cycle, your average purchase price will be much lower than the market's, ensuring substantial profit.
2. The ideal proportion of gold in a portfolio
According to world-renowned investment experts, at least 15% to 25% of a conscious person's total personal savings should be in gold. The remainder can be in land or the bank. Gold will protect your entire portfolio from bankruptcy in any inflationary or financial crisis.
Chapter 36: Jewellery insurance and legal protection policy — compensation for theft or robbery
স্বর্ণালংকারের মেকিং চার্জ ও ৫% ভ্যাট গাণিতিক বিশ্লেষণ
When family members wear heavy gold jewellery to a wedding ceremony or a social festival, the risk of mugging or theft is highest. In the developed world, and now in Bangladesh too, specialized "jewellery insurance" has been introduced to protect ordinary people's valuable jewellery.
1. Documents needed to insure jewellery
A jewellery insurance policy can be obtained through the Sadharan Bima Corporation or leading private general-insurance companies:
Valuation Certificate: An official valuation document for each piece of jewellery's weight, karat, and current market value from a BAJUS-registered, first-class jeweller.
Clear colour photographs of the jewellery: High-resolution photographs of each piece of jewellery taken from separate angles.
A copy of the original cash memo: A copy of the purchase invoice.
2. Legal steps for filing a claim in case of theft or loss
Immediate GD or FIR (Police report): As soon as the incident occurs, one must go to the local police station and file a First Information Report or General Diary (GD) with a clear description.
Notifying the insurance company: Inform the insurance company's claims department by phone or written notice within 24 hours.
Submitting the police's final report: Once the police complete their investigation and submit a "final investigation report," the insurance company transfers the determined compensation amount directly to the customer's bank account.
Chapter 37: Environmental sustainability in the global gold sector and ethical, green gold
স্বর্ণ ক্রয় বনাম বিক্রয় মূল্য কর্তন ও বাজুস নিয়মাবলী
Traditional gold-mining processes raise environmental concerns because of the large-scale use of mercury and cyanide, which pollutes the environment and waterways. For this reason, "ethical gold" and "green gold" movements are rapidly spreading in the conscious world of the 21st century.
Under international Fairmined and Fairtrade certification, international demand is growing day by day for gold from mines where child labour is banned, mine workers are guaranteed fair wages and health protection, and gold is refined using mercury-free, environmentally friendly technology. The modern generation is no longer looking only at gold's shine, but also evaluating whether that gold was extracted without harming humanity and the environment.
Chapter 38: 30 essential FAQs about today's gold rate and buying/selling
স্বর্ণালংকারে ৯১৬ হলমার্ক সিল ও কেডিএম কোয়ালিটি স্ট্যাম্প
Below are documented answers to 30 important, real-world questions frequently asked by ordinary buyers and expatriate brothers and sisters about buying, selling, hallmarking, and customs related to gold.
What is today's gold price in Bangladesh, and who determines it?
Bangladesh's official gold price is determined daily by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). Today's gold price is regularly updated based on the international market, the local tejabi gold price, and the dollar exchange rate.
What is the main difference between 22k gold rate bd and 18-karat gold?
22-karat gold contains 91.6% pure gold and is the most popular standard for making jewellery. 18-karat gold, on the other hand, contains 75% pure gold, and, being harder, is mainly used for diamond jewellery and white gold.
How many grams is 1 bhori of gold equal to?
According to international metric standards and BAJUS rules, 1 bhori (tola) equals exactly 11.664 grams (11.6638 grams for calculation purposes).
How many ana and roti are there in 1 bhori?
1 bhori equals 16 ana, 96 roti, and 960 points. That is, 1 ana equals 6 roti or 60 points.
Can a shopkeeper charge more than the bajus gold rate?
No, a BAJUS-registered jeweller cannot charge more or less than the set base gold price. However, the making charge or labour fee for jewellery may vary somewhat between shops.
How much government VAT must be paid when buying gold jewellery?
According to the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) rules, 5% government VAT applies to the sum of the base gold price and the making charge when buying gold jewellery.
What does having a 916 hallmark seal on gold jewellery mean?
Having a 916 hallmark seal means the jewellery is 100% confirmed to be 22 karat, containing 916 parts of pure gold per 1000.
Under BAJUS rules, how much money is deducted when selling old gold jewellery?
Selling at the shop where it was originally bought, with the original cash memo, usually incurs a 20% deduction from the market value. Exchanging it for other jewellery incurs a 10% deduction.
Can gold be sold without a cash memo?
Selling gold without a memo is extremely difficult and risky. In such cases, a karat-meter lab test may lead to a deduction of 35% to 40%.
How much gold jewellery can be brought duty-free when returning to Bangladesh from abroad?
According to customs baggage rules, a passenger can bring up to a maximum of 100 grams (about 8.57 bhori) of gold jewellery for personal use, completely duty-free, without any tax.
Can gold bars be brought in duty-free?
No, gold bars are never duty-free. Subject to paying a specific duty, a passenger can bring up to a maximum of 117 grams (10 tola, or 1 bar), declared at the customs red channel.
Is it better to buy jewellery for investment, or a gold bar/coin?
For investment, buying a 24-karat gold bar or minted gold coin is definitely the most profitable, because there is no making charge and no 20% deduction upon selling.
Why is Dubai's gold cheaper than Bangladesh's?
Because Dubai has no import duty, offers a VAT refund facility for tourists, and has an extremely low making charge, Dubai's gold is comparatively more economical than Bangladesh's.
What is an easy way to identify genuine gold at home?
Test it with a strong magnet. Genuine gold is not attracted to a magnet. Also, rubbing it on a ceramic plate will leave a golden streak, but fake gold leaves a black streak.
What is a karat-meter test, and where can it be done?
A karat-meter is an X-ray-based, non-destructive gold-testing machine. This test can be done for just 200-300 taka at an approved assay lab at Baitul Mokarram or Tantibazar.
Is KDM gold harmful?
Because the cadmium used in KDM is harmful, cadmium has now been internationally banned, and environmentally friendly, modern cadmium-free hallmarked gold is made instead.
What is the nisab for zakat to become obligatory on gold?
According to Islamic sharia, the nisab of gold is seven and a half (7.5) bhori, or 87.48 grams. If this amount of gold is owned for one year, paying 2.5% zakat on its current sale value is fard.
Does polishing gold jewellery reduce its weight?
Yes, if an artisan dips the jewellery in acid (aqua regia) to wash it, the surface layer of gold erodes and the weight decreases. So weighing before and after polishing is essential.
What karat are white gold and rose gold?
White gold and rose gold are usually 18 karat (75% gold). Silver, palladium, or extra copper is mixed in to create these aesthetic colours.
What is the difference between a troy ounce and an ordinary ounce?
An ordinary ounce is 28.349 grams, but the international troy ounce for gold is exactly 31.103 grams (2.665 bhori).
How can money be saved when buying gold for a wedding?
Locking in the price by paying an advance a few months before the wedding allows you to receive the jewellery at the earlier, lower price even if the market price rises later.
If jewellery has stones or kundan, how is the price calculated?
The stone's weight must be excluded from the total weight, and the gold rate applied only to the pure gold's weight. The gross and net weight must be listed separately on the memo.
What is the benefit of using the Probashi App's "Gold Calculator"?
Using the Probashi App's gold calculator bd instantly and transparently provides conversion between bhori and grams, and the full cash-memo calculation including making charge and VAT.
What effect does a rise in the dollar's price on the international market have on the gold price?
When the dollar's price against the taka rises, the cost of importing gold into Bangladesh rises, so even if the international market price stays stable, the local gold price rises.
Is it safe to keep gold in a bank locker?
Yes, a bank locker has dual-key security and a fireproof vault facility, making it hundreds of times safer than keeping gold at home.
What problem arises when trying to sell Sanatan (traditional) gold?
Because Sanatan gold has no specific karat value or hallmark, more alloy is found when it is melted, and traders deduct a much larger amount.
What is digital gold, and can it be converted to physical gold?
Digital gold is buying a fraction of gold online, against which an equal amount of pure gold is kept reserved in a vault. Upon reaching a certain amount, it can be taken as home delivery as a bar or coin.
What should be done if baggage is lost while bringing gold through the airport?
Without leaving the terminal, go immediately to the airline's baggage desk and file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report). However, it is safer to always keep valuable gold in hand baggage rather than checked luggage.
How does the Probashi App's "Offline Gold Vault" work?
The app's vault allows gold purchase memos and receipts to be saved encrypted, viewable without internet, and calculates the portfolio's total profit by matching against the live rate.
What is the most important task after buying gold?
Verifying, with a loupe, that the shop has provided a computerized cash memo, VAT challan, and that the 916 hallmark seal is clearly engraved on the jewellery.
Chapter 39: 10 golden rules for gold buyers, and a closing note — a commitment to building safe wealth
এক্সআরএফ ক্যারেটমিটার স্পেকট্রোমেট্রি ল্যাব ও অ্যাসিড কষ্টিপাথর পরীক্ষা
To ensure the protection of every taka when investing in gold or buying jewellery, follow these 10 golden rules for life:
Choose a BAJUS-approved shop: Always buy gold from a reliable, permanent showroom registered with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS).
Laser hallmark seal is mandatory: Confirm with a magnifying loupe that every part of the jewellery has the 916 (22K) or 875 (21K) hallmark laser marking.
Conscious negotiation over the making charge: Although the gold price is fixed, negotiate with the jeweller over the artisan's making charge to ensure savings.
Clarify gross vs. net gold weight: If the jewellery has any stones, have the net gold weight clearly written on the memo, excluding the stone's weight.
Collect the government's 5% VAT challan: After paying VAT, be sure to collect the official computerized VAT challan with the memo.
Digital memo backup: Photograph the original paper memo clearly and keep it secured in the Probashi App's offline vault.
Prioritize bullion and coins: For investment and savings purposes only, avoid jewellery and collect 24-karat bars and coins.
Respect the customs baggage limit: Bring a maximum of 100 grams of duty-free jewellery from abroad, and declare any extra gold or bars at the red channel.
Avoid acid polishing: Never wash jewellery in aqua regia acid to prevent gold erosion; use only ultrasonic washing.
A constant companion, the Probashi App: Keep the Probashi App installed on your phone to get live rates, a bhori calculator, and price-drop alerts.
Gold is not merely a luxury; it is the lasting financial security of your hard-earned sweat. As times change, the correct use of technology in buying and selling gold will keep you protected and free from fraud. The Probashi App's gold rate and gold calculator will always stand by the protection of your every valuable coin. May your family be economically prosperous and secure!
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