The Bangladesh government has issued a circular reducing operational expenditures across nine sectors to address the energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The Cabinet Division released the directive following decisions made at the fourth cabinet meeting on April 2, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

According to the circular, fuel allocations for government vehicles will be reduced by 30 percent, and interest-free loans for vehicle purchases and all foreign training funded by the government will be suspended. Domestic training expenses, meeting and seminar costs, and travel expenditures will also face significant cuts. Additionally, the purchase of vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and computers in the public sector will be halted entirely, while energy use in government offices will be reduced by 30 percent. Expenditures on building decoration and land acquisition will also be curtailed.

The measures are intended to manage the fiscal impact of the energy shortage and ensure efficient use of public resources until further notice.

The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) has called for prioritizing renewable energy to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The appeal was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where BSREA leaders highlighted that heavy reliance on imported fuels, rising global energy prices, and pressure on foreign reserves have created severe challenges. They noted that the government currently spends over Tk 200 crore daily in subsidies due to high LNG, coal, and oil prices.

BSREA President Mostafa Al Mahmud said renewable energy, especially solar power, is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly long-term solution but lacks adequate policy support. The association pointed out that import duties of 50–60% on renewable equipment and high tariffs on lithium-ion batteries hinder investment, while conventional energy sectors continue to receive subsidies. Citing examples from countries like India and Vietnam, BSREA argued that policy incentives can rapidly enhance energy security.

The organization recommended reducing taxes on renewable imports, introducing zero duty on lithium-ion batteries, ensuring low-interest financing, and expediting stalled solar projects to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy resilience.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive to all scheduled banks to accept torn, damaged, and dirty banknotes and provide new or reissuable notes in exchange. The circular, released recently, aims to ensure smooth and fair cash transactions for the public. It requires every branch of all banks to regularly offer exchange services for such notes in accordance with existing regulations.

The central bank noted that despite earlier instructions issued on December 15, 2025, damaged and dirty notes remain widespread in circulation, causing inconvenience in daily transactions. To implement its 'Clean Note Policy,' the bank instructed that all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka notes, must be accepted at designated counters and exchanged immediately.

The circular also warned that any bank branch refusing to provide this service would face necessary action. Bangladesh Bank emphasized the importance of this directive and urged all banks to ensure full compliance.

Merchant banks and brokerage houses in Bangladesh are under pressure to adjust margin loans by April 30, 2026, as required by the new Margin Rules 2025. The adjustment deadline comes amid a prolonged downturn in the stock market, worsened by global instability following Iran’s attacks on the United States and Israel. Analysts warn that enforcing the adjustment now could trigger heavy selling pressure and deepen the market crisis.

In response, the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) has requested the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to extend the adjustment deadline by three months, until July 31, 2026. The DBA’s letter to BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud, signed by President Saiful Islam, argues that forced adjustments during the current slump could negatively affect trading and investor confidence.

The Margin Rules 2025, effective since November 1, 2025, introduced stricter conditions on margin financing, including limits based on investment size, company category, and capital adequacy requirements. Market participants fear that forced compliance could intensify the ongoing market weakness.

Bangladesh is experiencing a major energy crisis, with 65 percent of its power generation capacity currently inactive. Out of a total capacity of 32,322 megawatts, only 10,000 to 10,500 megawatts are being added daily to the national grid. Officials from the Power Division and related agencies said the Power Development Board paid over Tk 26,000 crore in capacity charges in one fiscal year. They blamed the previous Awami League government’s policies for the current crisis, citing mismanagement and corruption in the energy sector.

Gas-based plants, with a capacity of 12,000 megawatts, are producing only about 4,000 megawatts due to gas shortages, while coal-based plants are generating 4,500 megawatts out of 7,500. Oil-based plants are also underperforming. Experts warned that if the fuel crisis continues, the country could face severe power disruptions as summer demand rises to 18,000 megawatts. The interim government has published a white paper alleging Tk 1.25 trillion in corruption in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

Officials said the government is struggling to maintain supply despite having 32,000 megawatts of installed capacity, while unpaid bills exceeding Tk 50,000 crore threaten future energy imports and production.

Turkey is positioning Istanbul as a rival to Dubai by expanding tax incentives and support measures to attract international investors. According to a report citing a senior Turkish official, Ankara plans to enhance benefits already available at the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC), including tax exemptions and income incentives for foreign professionals. The move comes as regional instability, triggered by Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf financial hubs following strikes by the United States and Israel, threatens the Middle East’s investment centers.

Bloomberg reported that Turkey intends to broaden these tax incentives for multinational companies, allowing up to 50 percent tax exemption on income from foreign trade activities. Earlier this year, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted 40 global CEOs at a World Economic Forum event in Istanbul, signaling growing foreign interest in Turkey’s investment landscape. IFC’s CEO said some firms are considering relocating or expanding operations in Turkey due to the Iran conflict.

However, concerns remain over Turkey’s legal system, inflation, and rule of law, which some international bankers say could deter investors. Officials acknowledge that addressing these issues is key to attracting data centers and AI companies.

Freight transport in Chattogram has dropped sharply due to a fuel shortage, with the number of operating trucks, lorries, and covered vans falling below 8,000—a 30 percent decline from the usual 13,000 vehicles. At the same time, transport fares have risen by 20 to 40 percent, severely affecting importers and exporters who now face difficulties in maintaining regular supply chains. The shortage has also led to fears of an artificial market crisis.

Truck drivers and transport offices report that fuel scarcity has reduced vehicle availability, forcing them to pay significantly higher rental rates. For example, the cost of sending an open truck from Chattogram to Dhaka has increased from about Tk 24,000–25,000 to Tk 33,000–35,000, while covered van and container lorry rates have also surged. Drivers describe long waits at fuel stations, limited fuel allocations, and growing safety concerns.

Industry representatives warn that if fuel supply to port-based transport is not prioritized, Chattogram Port’s operations and the national economy could face serious disruption. Business leaders allege that some groups are exploiting the crisis to manipulate the supply chain, though consumer markets have not yet shown major instability.

Telenor Group President and Chief Executive Officer Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday, April 13, 2026. The meeting took place in the Prime Minister’s office at the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat in Dhaka. No further details of the discussion were disclosed in the source.

The report, published by Amar Desh Online, confirmed the meeting as part of the Prime Minister’s official engagements for the day. It did not specify the topics discussed or any agreements reached between the two sides.

Further information about the purpose or outcomes of the meeting was not provided in the source text.

The Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA) held a public hearing in Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar with over a hundred male and female microcredit clients. Organized jointly by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and COAST Foundation on April 12, the event allowed rural participants to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to microcredit. MRA’s Executive Vice Chairman Professor Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin attended as chief guest, emphasizing proper fund utilization and institutional capacity building.

Participants raised issues such as high service charges, lack of safe drinking water, and the need for grants for injured or affected members. They also discussed expanding employment opportunities for women and in the tourism sector to boost the local economy. COAST and YPSA representatives highlighted ongoing training programs and joint efforts to address water scarcity.

Dr. Helal Uddin noted that regulatory reforms and concessional funding are being pursued to strengthen microcredit institutions. He added that new tourism demand following the railway expansion could create local employment through professional training.

Employees of the West Zone Power Distribution Company (Ozopadico) highlighted severe deprivation and unfair wages during a press conference held at Khulna Press Club on Sunday. Organizational leaders warned that if the current situation continues, the quality of electricity service will deteriorate and employees’ livelihoods will be at risk. They demanded fair wages, immediate recruitment to fill vacant posts, and an end to outsourcing.

According to the written statement by the organization’s general secretary, Ozopadico serves 1,728,316 customers through 10,786 kilometers of distribution lines and 97 substations, with only 440 officers and 964 workers. Each employee currently serves an average of 1,792 customers, causing excessive workload and declining service quality. The shortage of substation operators (SBA) was identified as a critical issue, with 119 of 344 positions vacant and further retirements expected by 2027.

The employees alleged that despite working 8 to 16 extra hours daily, they are not paid for 21,360 monthly overtime hours. They also claimed that recruitment notices issued in 2025 remain unimplemented and that outsourcing violates decent work principles. The organization warned of strong protests if their demands are not met.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in the country’s transport sector. During a courtesy meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday, US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T. Christensen reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to advance Bangladesh’s transport infrastructure. The meeting also discussed ongoing development projects and future collaboration opportunities, attended by Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Ziaul Haque.

The minister said the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is working tirelessly to modernize and ensure sustainable and safe transport systems. The US ambassador emphasized that his country would continue supporting road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Separately, a delegation from Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) met the minister to discuss road safety, accident prevention, and public awareness. The minister highlighted government initiatives to reduce accidents and stressed the importance of citizen awareness and social movements in ensuring safer roads.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive requiring all bank branches to accept torn, damaged, and dirty currency notes from the public and provide usable replacements. The circular, released on Sunday, warns that any bank showing reluctance to serve customers in this regard will face legal action under the Bank Company Act, 1991. The directive takes immediate effect.

According to the central bank, despite previous instructions to ensure smooth cash transactions, a large number of defective notes remain in circulation. To address this, banks must set up special counters to regularly collect damaged notes of all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka, and replace them with usable notes.

The move aims to maintain the quality of currency in circulation and ensure uninterrupted public access to clean and usable banknotes across the country.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir held separate meetings with German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz and Swedish Ambassador Niclas Wik at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the two European nations.

During the meeting with the German envoy, the minister emphasized Europe’s importance as a key export destination for Bangladesh and called for German investment in the light engineering, textile, and leather sectors. He noted that the government is working to remove non-tariff barriers and create an investment-friendly environment. Dr. Lotz expressed Germany’s interest in deepening trade relations, improving skill development, and ensuring a level playing field for businesses.

In the subsequent meeting with the Swedish ambassador, both sides discussed enhancing trade and investment ties. The minister said steps have been taken to remove non-tariff barriers with Sweden, while Ambassador Wik expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s telecom sector, citing Sweden’s global leadership in that field.

Islami Bank’s board of directors has placed its Managing Director, Md. Omar Faruk Khan, on one and a half months of leave effective from April 13, 2026. According to bank sources, the decision will take effect from tomorrow. Khan had originally applied for a 15-day leave starting April 28, but the board extended the duration and adjusted the dates to run from April 13 to May 31.

The bank’s chairman, Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts by reporters. Omar Faruk Khan was appointed as the Managing Director of Islami Bank in August of the previous year.

No official explanation for the extended leave has been provided by the bank, and it remains unclear whether an acting managing director has been appointed during Khan’s absence.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that digitalization is essential to eradicate corruption in Bangladesh. Speaking at the launch of United Commercial Bank’s digital app ‘UCB One’ in Dhaka on Sunday, he said the government is advancing toward a “One Citizen, One Card” and “One Digital Wallet” system. He expressed hope that by next year, every citizen will have a bank account, bringing the entire population under the banking system.

Titumir highlighted structural weaknesses, policy gaps, and patronage culture as major causes of fragility in the banking sector. He noted that although the interim government reduced non-performing loans from 35% to 30% through rescheduling, the actual figure may be higher pending forensic audits. He warned that many banks are lending up to 100% of deposits, exceeding international standards, and that short-term deposits are being used for long-term loans, creating systemic risks.

He emphasized three reform priorities: reducing excessive charges to attract customers, introducing innovative incentives for deposits, and overhauling risk management. He added that concentrated lending has increased poverty and unemployment, urging coordinated government–private sector efforts to restore sustainable growth.