Gold ornament prices in Bangladesh have declined following a new VAT-inclusive pricing system introduced by the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS), marking a significant shift in how jewellery prices are calculated and displayed in the market.
Under the revised system, BAJUS has set the price of 22-carat gold ornaments at Tk2,32,930 per bhori (11.664 grams), effective from Thursday morning. This is the first time the association has incorporated VAT directly into ornament pricing.
The change follows a government proposal in the national budget for FY2026-27, which replaced the earlier 5 percent VAT system with a fixed VAT of Tk2,500 per bhori. As a result, the price of 22-carat gold ornaments has dropped by Tk9,013 per bhori compared to the previous calculation method.
The decision was made at a meeting of the BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring, with the new rates taking effect from 10am on Thursday.
Earlier, on 15 June, BAJUS had fixed the price of 22-carat gold at Tk2,30,422 per bhori, which rose to Tk2,41,943 per bhori after adding the 5 per cent VAT. Under the updated system, prices have been recalculated to include VAT within the base rate.
Alongside 22-carat gold, prices for other categories have also been revised. The price of 21-carat gold ornaments has been set at Tk2,22,491 per bhori, marking a reduction of Tk8,491. Similarly, 18-carat gold now stands at Tk1,91,056 per bhori, down by Tk6,920, while traditional gold has been fixed at Tk1,56,064 per bhori, a decrease of Tk5,170.
BAJUS stated that the updated prices will remain effective across all jewellery shops until further notice. However, making charges will vary depending on design and craftsmanship, and will be added separately.
Under the new arrangement, VAT has already been incorporated into gold ornament prices, meaning jewellers are no longer permitted to charge VAT separately from customers.
For silver, however, the previous VAT system will continue for now. Customers will still need to pay an additional 5 per cent VAT on fixed silver prices until a separate decision is announced.
With VAT included, the price of 22-carat silver ornaments has been set at Tk5,365 per bhori, while 21-carat silver stands at Tk5,132 per bhori. The prices for 18-carat and traditional silver ornaments have been fixed at Tk4,432 and Tk3,324 per bhori respectively.
