Honestly, if you've been eyeing that gold necklace or thinking about a wedding gift lately, the news from the jewelry markets in Dhaka and Chattogram might make you do a double-take. Gold prices in Bangladesh didn't just go up; they basically catapulted into a whole new dimension this week.
As of today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the gold rate in Bangladesh today is officially at its highest point in the nation's history. We aren't just talking about a small "inflation adjustment." We're looking at a market where the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) had to step in and hike prices for the seventh time already this year. It's only mid-January.
The Shocking Numbers: Gold Rate in Bangladesh Today
Let's look at the actual damage to the wallet. According to the latest update from BAJUS, which became effective on Thursday and carries through today, the price of 22-carat gold is now a staggering Tk 2,34,680 per bhori (11.664 grams). To put that in perspective, just a few days ago, it was over Tk 2,600 cheaper.
Prices vary based on the purity, so here’s what you’re looking at per bhori right now:
- 22-carat: Tk 2,34,680
- 21-carat: Tk 2,24,007
- 18-carat: Tk 1,91,989
- Traditional Gold: Tk 1,57,231
Keep in mind, these are just the base prices for the metal. When you walk into a shop in Baitul Mukarram or a fancy mall in Banani, you've gotta add a mandatory 5% VAT and a minimum 6% making charge. Depending on how intricate the design is, that making charge can climb even higher.
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Why is this happening right now?
It’s a mix of a few things. Locally, there's a shortage of "tejabi shona" (pure gold) in the market. When the supply of raw gold dries up but everyone still wants to buy for wedding season, the price stays high. Plus, the global scene is a mess. With central banks across the world—especially in places like China and India—hoarding gold to move away from the US Dollar, the global spot price is pushing toward $5,000 per ounce.
Breaking Down the "Bhori" and "Karat" Confusion
In Bangladesh, we don't really talk in grams or ounces when we're at the jewelry store. We use the bhori. One bhori is exactly 11.664 grams. If you see a price quoted per gram (which is around Tk 20,120 for 22K today), just multiply it by 11.664 to get the bhori rate.
The karat thing is even more important because it’s about what you’re actually getting for your money.
22K gold is 91.6% pure. It's the standard for high-end jewelry in our country because it has that rich, bright yellow color everyone loves.
21K gold is slightly less pure (87.5%) but a bit harder, so it’s great for rings or things that might take a beating.
18K gold is basically 75% gold mixed with other metals. It’s becoming way more popular with the younger crowd in Dhaka because it’s "cheaper" and works better for modern, stone-set jewelry.
Is Gold Still a Good Investment in 2026?
You might think that buying at an all-time high is a bad idea. Usually, that's true for stocks. But gold in Bangladesh? It’s different. The Taka has been sliding against the Dollar for a while now, and that makes imported gold more expensive regardless of the global price.
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Investors like Masudur Rahman from the BAJUS pricing committee have noted that even though prices are record-breaking, people are still buying. Why? Because the alternatives look shaky. The stock market is volatile, and real estate requires massive capital. Gold is something you can hold in your hand. It’s "portable wealth."
"In 2025 alone, BAJUS had to adjust prices 93 times. Most of those were increases. If you wait for a 'dip,' you might end up waiting while the price climbs another 20,000 Taka." — Common sentiment among Dhaka bullion traders.
Silver is the Quiet Alternative
While gold is stealing all the headlines, silver hasn't actually moved much this week. If the gold rate in Bangladesh today makes your head spin, silver is still somewhat accessible.
- 22-carat silver: Tk 2,100 per bhori (approx)
- 21-carat silver: Tk 2,041 per bhori
It’s a fraction of the cost, though it doesn't have the same "prestige" or resale liquidity as the yellow metal.
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What You Should Do Before Buying
If you absolutely must buy today, don't just walk into the first shop you see.
- Check the BAJUS website: They are the official authority. If a shop is charging significantly more than the BAJUS rate, walk out.
- Ask about the "Making Charge": This is where you can negotiate. While the gold price is fixed, the cost of labor isn't. You can often shave a few hundred Taka off the total by haggling here.
- Get the Memo: Never, ever buy gold without a proper invoice that specifies the weight and karat. You'll need this if you ever want to sell it back to the same jeweler for a better rate.
The trend for 2026 looks like it’s going to be a "high-price environment" for the foreseeable future. J.P. Morgan and other global analysts are predicting that gold could hit $6,000 an ounce eventually. If that happens, today's "expensive" price of Tk 2.34 lakh might actually look like a bargain a year from now.
To make the most of your purchase, keep a close eye on the daily local news for any BAJUS notifications, as they usually announce price changes late in the evening for the following day. Always compare the "buy-back" policy of different jewelers, as most reputable shops in Bangladesh will give you 80-90% of the current market value if you return the gold with the original memo. If you are buying for investment, consider 24K gold bars or coins instead of jewelry to avoid the heavy making charges and VAT that eat into your profit margins.
Stay informed and watch the Taka-Dollar exchange rate, as it often predicts the next gold price hike before it even happens.