Dhaka, Thursday, Apr 16, 2026
The government is placing the highest priority on rapidly exploring and utilising the country's own energy resources to address the global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Planning State Minister Zonayed Saki said on Wednesday."For a long time, the failure to fully exploit Bangladesh's promising gas fields was due to a lack of rigs and weak capacity. Despite various international surveys pointing to significant gas potential in Bangladesh, that potential went untapped for 17 long years," Saki told journalists after the first meeting of the Advisory Committee formed to counsel the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission in Agargaon.Noting that institutions like BAPEX and Petrobangla had long been neglected, the state minister said the government has now taken initiatives to strengthen BAPEX's capacity and intensify gas exploration activities. Steps are also being taken to make Petrobangla more efficient than before.On renewable energy, Saki stressed ...
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government has specific plans to explore alternative labour markets in the context of recent instability in Iran and across the Middle East.“Bangladesh missions abroad have been instructed to explore labour markets and assess profession-specific demand for Bangladeshi workers. In addition, local lobbyist firms are being appointed in different countries as needed based on recommendations from Bangladesh missions overseas,” he said.The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to a question from BNP MP Ashraf Uddin (Narsingdi-5 MP) during the question-answer session.He said initiatives have been taken to sign bilateral agreements to expand alternative labour markets in new countries including Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Brazil and Russia.The Prime Minister said initiatives have been taken to arrange high-level visits to countries beyond the Middle East that recruit workers, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations.Mentioning that efforts are underway to reopen the ...
Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Wednesday said the development of the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprise (CMSME) sector is synonymous with the country’s overall economic progress, underscoring the need for a strong and inclusive financing ecosystem.“We want to see a strong CMSME base in the country,” he said while addressing a focus group discussion titled “Synergizing the Banking Sector: Lenders and Borrowers’ Perspective,” organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its auditorium.Titumir stressed closer collaboration between the government and the private sector to accelerate CMSME growth, noting that reforms in the Bank Company Act and other financial laws are inevitable to build a coordinated economic framework.Highlighting the need for sustainable financing, he emphasised developing a robust bond and capital market as alternative sources of funding alongside traditional banking channels.“The government is committed to supporting labour-intensive industries to boost ...
Russia has signalled readiness to offset any global oil supply disruptions triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying Moscow can support China and other partners if Iranian exports are curtailed.Speaking during a two-day official visit to China, Lavrov said Russia has the capacity to “make up for resource shortages” faced by countries willing to cooperate with Moscow on “an equal and mutually beneficial basis.”His remarks come as the United States intensifies efforts to restrict Iran’s oil flows following renewed conflict in the region. US President Donald Trump recently announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a key maritime chokepoint that handles about 20% of global oil trade—after diplomatic efforts with Iran failed.Iran responded by declaring restrictions on “enemy ships” and demanding recognition of its sovereignty over the waterway, including the right to impose transit tolls.Lavrov accused Washington and its ally Israel of targeting ...
Warning that the energy crisis has already taken a toll on Bangladesh’s economy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought a US$2 billion fund from development partners to help overcome the crisis and stabilise the economy.“The situation before us demands urgency, solidarity and decisive action,” he said while addressing the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit.The Prime Minister said immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of the collective agenda of the summit.“In this regard, Bangladesh is seeking to mobilise US$2 billion from development partners to meet our immediate energy needs and safeguard our economic stability. We urge the international community to respond swiftly and positively to this call,” he said.The Prime Minister said the current global energy crisis is a stark reminder of global communities’ shared vulnerability and interdependence.No nation- regardless of its size or strength- can overcome this challenge in isolation, ...
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Wednesday said students and parents are extremely delighted as the primary scholarship examination has been reinstated after a prolonged suspension.“The government's core objective is to encourage students to attend school and pursue education through various initiatives, including scholarships. In line with this, there are plans to carry out the programme on a larger scale in the future,” the state minister told reporters after inspecting the primary scholarship examination centre at Motijheel Government Primary School in the morning.Earlier, the state minister also visited the Motijheel Ideal Government Primary School examination centre.“The primary purpose of the inspection was to ensure that students can sit their exams comfortably with all necessary facilities in place. We found that school authorities have made all the required arrangements,” he said, adding that he personally visited two centres on the day.Bobby Hajjaj said updates from across the ...
Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Wednesday said the BNP government has a proven political history of navigating global crises while simultaneously delivering two percent economic growth, asserting that the current administration is equally equipped to manage challenges arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.Titumir made these remarks after the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee formed under the Planning Commission's General Economics Division, tasked with formulating economic strategies to accelerate national development and implement the government's electoral manifesto.“Every time BNP came to power, it faced a crisis and every time, it overcame that crisis and opened new horizons,” Titumir said. “In the 1970s, President Ziaur Rahman confronted the twin challenges of a global energy crisis and a post-famine economy. He rose to the occasion, laid the foundation of remittance earnings by exporting manpower to the Middle East, and unlocked a new chapter for ...
The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) on Wednesday raised the price of gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate for 22-carat gold at Tk 2,50,193 per bhori, effective immediately.In a morning statement, BAJUS said the price revision was made in light of the overall market situation, following a rise in the price of pure (tejabi) gold in the local market.Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk 2,38,820 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 2,04,703, and traditional-method gold at Tk 1,66,737 per bhori (1 bhori = 11.664 grams).The last adjustment was made on the morning of April 9, when BAJUS had cut the price by Tk 4,432 per bhori, setting the 22-carat rate at Tk 2,47,977.So far in 2026, gold prices in the domestic market have been revised 55 times; raised on 32 occasions and reduced on 23.Silver prices also revised upwardAlongside gold, BAJUS also raised ...
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday reaffirmed that the July National Charter – as signed by political parties – will be implemented in full, warning that attempts to create instability over the issue will be resisted.Addressing a rally at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail, he alleged that opposition parties are trying to create anarchy in the country centring on the implementation of the charter.“I want to clearly say that the July Charter signed by political parties at the invitation of Dr Muhammad Yunus at the South Plaza of Parliament will be implemented in its entirety – every word, every line and every provision – Inshallah,” the Prime Minister said.He also warned against any attempt to obstruct government public welfare programmes, including canal excavation, Farmers’ Card and Family Card initiatives, saying the BNP, along with the people, will resist such moves.“What have we seen in Parliament? Those who ...
Bangladesh got the USA permission on Saturday to import Russian oil up to a certain period to ease the energy crisis, highly-placed sources said.The Treasury Department of the USA communicated the positive decision on Bangladesh’s proposal on import of Russian oil Saturday as the six-week war in the middle-east deepens energy crisis, sources in Dhaka, Moscow and Washington said.Bangladesh has requested the USA to consider the waiver until next three months considering the present situation.However, after completing every step, a minimum one month will be required to bring Russian oil into Bangladesh.Over the last two weeks, Bangladesh diplomats working in Washington DC have been pursuing the Treasury Department of the USA to make a decision on importing Russian oil very promptly.Sources said the USA gave some names of the Russian oil companies to be consulted regarding the Russian oil.The positive USA decision will give a sigh of relief to Bangladesh ...
The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday lowered its global growth forecast, warning that the ongoing Iran war has disrupted economic momentum and is likely to push inflation higher worldwide.In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF projected global growth at 3.1% for 2026, down from the 3.3% forecast in January. The figure also reflects a slowdown from the estimated 3.4% growth in 2025.The downgrade comes as US and Israeli strikes on Iran, along with Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory attacks on regional energy infrastructure, have driven up global oil and gas prices.As a result, the IMF raised its global inflation forecast to 4.4% this year, compared to 4.1% in 2025 and its earlier estimate of 3.8% for 2026.Before the conflict, the global economy had shown resilience despite protectionist trade policies introduced by Donald Trump, including tariffs on imports. A strong technology sector, driven by investments in ...
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said the government has launched the Farmers’ Card scheme with the goal of making farmers self-reliant and prosperous.“The goal of the current elected government is to make farmers self-reliant and economically secure. That is why we have given this Farmers’ Card,” he said.The Prime Minister made the remarks after inaugurating the Farmers’ Card pre-pilot programme at the Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail on Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year.He said the government has taken initiative to bring meaningful changes to farmers’ lives by ensuring direct access to essential services.“You are aware that through this Farmers’ Card, we will try, Inshallah, to deliver 10 types of services directly to farmers. These services will help improve their overall condition in many ways,” Tarique Rahman said.Referring to his party’s election manifesto, the BNP chairman said agriculture remains central to Bangladesh’s economy and society.“Many ...
At least seven people were killed and six others injured after a rice-laden truck plunged into a roadside ditch on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Daudkandi upazila of Cumilla district early Tuesday.The deceased were identified as Sohrab hossain, son of Alam of Khalibpur village, Afzal Hossain, son of Azad Mia, Salek, son of Fazlur Rahman of Nababganj upazila, Sumon, son of Palash Mia, Bishu, Abul Hossain, son of Mazharul Islam and Abdur Rashid, son of Rakibullah of Birampur upazila in Dinajpur district.Iqbal Bahar, Inspector of Daudkandi Highway Police said the accident occurred around 3 am when the Chattogram-bound rice-laden truck from Dinajpur truck was heading skidded off the road and fell into a ditch, leaving seven people killed on the spot and six others injured.The injured were taken to local hospital.A total of 13 people travelling on top of the truck were trapped underneath after the accident.Vehicular movement on the highway ...
Pahela Baishakh was welcomed in a colourful and festive atmosphere as the traditional Baishakhi Shobhajatra brought out from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka drew crowds of enthusiastic people on Tuesday.The procession, adorned with masks and traditional folk motifs, reflected the rich cultural heritage of Bengal while promoting messages of unity, harmony and resistance to injustice.People from different walks of life—students, artists, and cultural activists—joined the procession, turning it into a vibrant public celebration of the Bengali New Year.The procession, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage event, is widely regarded as a symbol of Bangladesh’s inclusive identity.
The Treasury Department of the USA is likely to impart a positive decision on Bangladesh’s proposal on import of Russian oil this week as the six-week war in the middle-east deepens energy crisis, sources in Dhaka and Washington said.Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman in a meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the Department of Energy in Washington DC recently has requested the United States to grant Bangladesh a special waiver to import refined diesel and other petroleum products from Russian sources to ease energy pressures.Diplomats working in Dhaka and Washington said that the USA hints a positive signal to Bangladesh on importing Russian oil until a certain period. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has triggered an abnormal surge in global energy prices, significantly increasing Bangladesh’s subsidy burden. In this context, he said that the government will need to ...
Bangladesh is now forced to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) at nearly double the earlier price and crude oil at sharply higher rates due to volatility in the global energy market triggered by the Middle East conflict, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Monday.“Under G2G contracts, we used to buy LNG at $10 per unit, which now has to be purchased at $20. On the other hand, crude oil was priced at $50–60 per barrel, which has now crossed $110. Soon after the formation of the government, fuel prices doubled due to the Middle East war,” the commerce minister said at a seminar organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at a city hotel in the morning.The sudden outbreak of war created an unexpected havoc that no one had planned for, and managing this situation has now become a major challenge, he said.The commerce minister also ...
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Monday placed a set of proposals for the national budget for FY2026–27, urging tax reforms, financial sector modernization and large-scale infrastructure investment to support business growth and economic stability.The proposals were presented at a city hotel at a discussion attended by Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir as the chief guest, alongside business leaders and policymakers.In its recommendations, DCCI said Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains low at around 6.7 percent, while nearly 80 percent of the economy still operates informally, limiting revenue mobilisation and forcing reliance on borrowing. It stressed automation and simplification of tax procedures to expand the tax base. The chamber proposed raising the tax-free income threshold to Tk 5 lakh and setting the maximum corporate tax rate at 25 percent. It also called for equalising tax rates for non-listed companies with listed ones and introducing a fully automated corporate tax return ...
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of Norway-based telecom company Telenor Group Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday.The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at Secretariat, said a PMO press release.During the meeting, they discussed issues related to telecommunications investment and digital infrastructure development in Bangladesh.Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer assumed the role of President and CEO of Telenor Group in December 2024.
Oil prices rose in early market trading Sunday after the U.S. said it would blockade Iranian ports beginning Monday.The price of U.S. crude oil rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29.Brent crude has swung dramatically during the Iran war, rising from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. On Friday, ahead of the peace talks, Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel.Iran has been effectively controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping.U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be “enforced impartially against vessels of all nations” entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.Around a ...
Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Sunday disclosed that City Bank PLC has recommended a total 30 percent dividend for the year ended December 31, 2025, comprising 15 percent cash and 15 percent stock.The bank fixed June 7, 2026 for its annual general meeting (AGM) to be held on a digital platform at 3:00 pm, while the record date is May 3, 2026.According to the disclosure, City Bank reported a consolidated earnings per share (EPS) of Tk 8.71 for 2025, up from Tk 6.67 in the previous year. Consolidated net asset value (NAV) per share stood at Tk 40.67, while net operating cash flow per share (NOCFPS) was Tk 47.The bank attributed the EPS growth to a 16 percent increase in operating profit, which rose to Tk 2,727 crore from Tk 2,351 crore a year earlier. Net profit also climbed to Tk 1,324 crore, compared to Tk 1,014 crore in 2024.The ...