Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that the government is taking steps to reopen the long-closed Malaysia labor route soon. Speaking to journalists after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday, he said the initiative aims to expand overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. The minister also mentioned that the government is working to reactivate labor markets in several other countries.

During the meeting, the minister gave law enforcement agencies a one-week ultimatum to curb incidents of robbery and snatching in Sylhet. He noted that the law and order situation had improved compared to the previous month but emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He also directed authorities to prevent smuggling and ensure strict monitoring at border areas and fuel depots.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury added that the government is addressing visa extension issues for returnees from the Middle East through diplomatic discussions and ensuring the safety of expatriates in conflict zones. He described his recent Malaysia visit as productive, highlighting a successful joint venture agreement and positive bilateral relations.

After remaining closed for a long period, the much-anticipated Darwani Textile Mill in Nilphamari is set to reopen soon. The government announced that production activities are expected to begin within the next two to three months. State Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam shared the update on Sunday morning after inspecting the mill and meeting with officials to review its current condition.

The minister stated that the government is working to revive the country’s traditional jute sector, which had declined over the years. He emphasized that reopening closed textile and jute mills is part of the government’s election pledge. A tender has already been invited for the mill’s reopening and is currently under evaluation. Once operational, the mill is expected to create significant employment opportunities in Nilphamari and nearby areas, boosting the local economy.

The minister also noted that the government aims to discourage plastic use and promote diversified jute products through coordinated efforts between public and private institutions.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has increased the price of furnace oil (HFO) from Tk 70.10 to Tk 94.69 per liter, marking a rise of Tk 24.59. The new rate will take effect from Sunday midnight, according to a press release issued on Sunday. The adjustment was made under sections 34(4) and 34(6) of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, following proposals from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and oil marketing companies.

The commission stated that under the February 22, 2026 order, furnace oil prices are to be adjusted every three months or as needed. Since no crude oil was imported in March, the new price was determined based on the average international market rate of refined furnace oil and the exchange rate of the US dollar. A committee formed on March 15 analyzed the Platts index-based average price and exchange rate to recommend the April price.

The recommendation was reviewed and approved in special commission meetings held on April 5 and April 12, finalizing the new pricing structure for April 2026.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced on Sunday that edible oil prices will not increase for now. He made the statement after a meeting held to review the country’s edible oil supply situation. The minister said the government’s top priority is to prevent price hikes amid global instability and that regular reviews are conducted to monitor supply and imports of this sensitive commodity.

The meeting took place at the Commerce Ministry with representatives from domestic edible oil suppliers in attendance. The minister noted that no decision had been made to raise prices at this stage. Earlier, the Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had proposed a price increase in a letter to the ministry. After evaluation by the ministry and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, the proposal was rejected.

Discussions were also held about providing certain additional facilities to oil suppliers to help them adjust profits without raising prices, though the specific measures have not yet been finalized.

Information Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon stated that Bangladesh has not achieved significant progress in exploring new overseas labor markets, with migrant employment still concentrated in a few traditional destinations. He urged relevant ministries to identify and develop new markets through effective initiatives. The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Branding Bangladesh Beyond Borders’ conference in Dhaka, organized by the Center for NRB.

Swapon emphasized that the country’s greatest asset is its working population and called for active involvement of non-resident Bangladeshis in expanding employment opportunities abroad. He highlighted that export of ready-made garments and remittances remain the main sources of foreign currency and suggested that increasing exports and remittances should be central to foreign policy. He also stressed the need to prioritize skilled manpower export, attract foreign investment, and maintain incentives to boost remittance inflows.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid acknowledged that Bangladesh’s missions abroad lack adequate capacity to deliver expected services and to project a positive image internationally. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque urged awareness against irregular migration, while speakers at the event emphasized skill development and stronger national branding.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mahadi Amin announced that the government is actively working to reopen Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers as soon as possible. Speaking at a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, he said he and the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, recently visited Malaysia to discuss the reopening of the labor market, which has been closed for nearly two years. During the visit, they met Malaysia’s Prime Minister and senior policymakers to seek cooperation in resuming manpower exports from Bangladesh.

Mahadi Amin stated that both governments discussed making the migration process more transparent and reducing costs for workers. Malaysia is reportedly planning a technology-driven platform using artificial intelligence to recruit workers from multiple countries, including Bangladesh. He emphasized that Bangladesh requested assurance that its workers could migrate through a fair and low-cost process.

He added that a joint statement between Bangladesh and Malaysia has already been issued, marking a breakthrough in bilateral cooperation to ensure transparency and cost reduction in overseas employment procedures.

Mongla Port has seen a significant rise in reconditioned car imports in recent years, contributing notably to Bangladesh’s import sector and national revenue. The port first began handling reconditioned cars in 2009, opening new opportunities for trade. According to port sources, around 60 percent of all imported cars in the country are now cleared through Mongla Port. On average, 1,000 to 1,200 units arrive monthly, supported by two modern storage yards capable of holding about 20,000 vehicles.

Importers attribute this growth to improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and better road connectivity through the Padma Bridge. Many traders are increasingly choosing Mongla over Chattogram Port due to these advantages. Port officials stated that service quality has improved significantly, and facilities for importers are being expanded.

In the 2024–25 fiscal year, 11,579 cars were imported through Mongla, while 8,770 units arrived in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, indicating sustained growth. Officials and stakeholders believe continued infrastructure and service development will further strengthen Mongla Port’s role in national trade.

Iran has launched an extensive repair initiative to restore oil refineries and distribution centers damaged in recent Israeli attacks. Deputy Oil Minister Mohammad Sadegh Azimifar told SNN News Agency that the government targets recovering 70 to 80 percent of its energy production and distribution capacity within the next two months. The affected infrastructure includes refineries, transmission lines, oil depots, and aircraft refueling centers across the country.

To overcome the widespread damage, Iran has deployed special teams to clear debris and replace destroyed equipment. Priority is being given to the Lavan Island refinery in the Persian Gulf, where partial operations are expected to resume within ten days if the plan proceeds as scheduled.

Analysts cited in the report said the attacks on the oil sector pose a major challenge to Iran’s economy, but the government’s restoration plan reflects its determination to safeguard national energy security.

Two fuel-carrying vessels, Central Star and MEI, arrived at Chattogram Port on April 12, 2026. The unloading process began at noon, confirmed by the port authority’s secretary, Syed Refayet Hamim. According to the Chattogram Port Authority, the Malaysia-origin Central Star is unloading petrol at Dolphin Jetty DOG/05 berth, while the U.S.-origin MEI is discharging LNG at the FSRU terminal. Both unloading operations are expected to be completed within the day, and the ships arrived through Pride Agency.

The port’s marine department report indicates that several other fuel vessels are awaiting arrival. Ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and LNG from India, Australia, and Angola are scheduled to reach the port sequentially. Meanwhile, two other LPG carriers, Gas Courage from India and DL Lily from Malaysia, are stationed at Bravo and Charlie points, continuing their unloading activities. Another LNG vessel from the United States, named Kongtong, is also expected to reach the port later today.

These developments reflect ongoing energy import operations through Chattogram Port, highlighting its role in managing Bangladesh’s fuel supply chain.

The Bangladesh Automobile Workshop Owners Association has demanded that authorities stop the planned eviction of 172 automobile workshops in Dhaka’s Motijheel and Kamalapur areas. The appeal was made on Sunday during a press conference at the National Press Club, where association representatives said the workshops have been operating in the area for about 25 years.

Speakers at the event warned that sudden eviction would push thousands of workers, employees, and their families into uncertainty and could disrupt the country’s ongoing transport system. They urged the authorities to consider humanitarian and practical realities before proceeding with any eviction.

The association called for an immediate suspension of the eviction drive, adequate time for adjustment, and a planned rehabilitation process to ensure sustainable management of the sector. The press conference was attended by association president Engineer Jahangir Alam and other members.

The Dhaka Traffic Relief Committee, a private organization, unveiled 11 proposals aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital. The proposals were presented by committee president Ishaq Dulal at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Sunday. Key recommendations include canal restoration for water transport, construction of tram and ring roads, relocation of major bus terminals, and improved traffic management training. The committee also suggested launching city transport under the two city corporations, freeing sidewalks from illegal occupation, and halting gas supply to private vehicles to redirect it toward industrial production.

Citing a United Nations Development Programme report, Dulal warned that Bangladesh’s population could reach 230–250 million by 2050, with most growth occurring in urban areas, intensifying congestion if no action is taken. He noted that Dhaka’s average vehicle speed has dropped from 21 km/h in 2007–2008 to between 4.5 and 7 km/h. A CPD survey found that passengers lose 46 minutes to traffic every two hours, costing the economy an estimated 500 billion taka annually.

The committee urged the government to consider these proposals, some of which are already under partial implementation.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government will distribute farmer cards without any political consideration. The initiative targets 22.7 million marginal farmers, ensuring that all eligible recipients will receive cards in phases. He made the statement on Sunday at a press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID) auditorium in Dhaka, marking the launch of the farmer card distribution program.

According to the minister, the government aims to modernize Bangladesh’s agriculture sector through a technology-driven and farmer-centered system. The farmer card will serve as a universal digital identity for each farmer, enabling access to banking and agricultural services. Accounts have already been opened through Sonali Bank, and preparations for distribution are complete. As of April 11, data from 22,065 farmers have been collected, including 20,671 marginal and small farmers, 1,303 medium farmers, and 91 large farmers.

In the pre-pilot phase, landless, marginal, and small farmers will receive annual direct cash assistance of 2,500 taka. The card will also provide access to fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, and agricultural loans at fair prices and easy terms.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam announced that the process of reopening the Dinajpur Textile Mill under a public-private partnership (PPP) model has begun. He made the statement on Sunday after inspecting the mill and speaking to journalists. The mill, once a symbol of pride for the people of Dinajpur, has remained closed for a long time.

The minister explained that the government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, had pledged in its election manifesto to revive closed industrial establishments and create new employment opportunities. As part of that commitment, initiatives have been taken to gradually reopen all closed institutions under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. He noted that many jute and textile mills across the country have unused land, which the government plans to utilize through domestic or foreign investment.

According to the minister, the reopening of the Dinajpur Textile Mill through PPP investment will restore industrial activity in the area and generate new employment opportunities for local residents in the near future.

Bangladesh’s government directive to close shopping malls and commercial establishments by 7 p.m. to conserve energy has caused major disruptions in the retail sector. Small and medium traders across the country report that reduced operating hours have sharply cut daily sales, with many struggling to cover rent, wages, and utility bills. Retailers are urging authorities to extend business hours to 8 p.m. to recover part of the lost revenue.

Shop owners in Dhaka’s major markets, including New Market, Bashundhara City, and Gulistan, say sales have dropped by 40–50 percent since the rule took effect. The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association estimates daily losses in the hundreds of crores of taka, noting that 60–70 percent of retail transactions usually occur after sunset. The group has appealed to the prime minister to allow shops to remain open until 8 or 9 p.m.

Experts warn that the restriction may reduce domestic consumption and slow economic activity, even as it helps save electricity. They recommend balancing energy conservation with economic stability through better coordination between government and private sectors.

Ahead of the Bengali New Year, the traditional weaving industry in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj has regained its vibrancy. After a long lull, weavers have become busy producing towels, saris, and lungis to meet growing demand from wholesalers and customers. However, rising production costs, fuel shortages, and higher raw material prices are causing concern among those involved in the trade.

Visits to various weaving villages revealed that both handlooms and power looms are running at full capacity. Workers said that although work increases during the festive season, income does not rise proportionately, and frequent power outages disrupt production. Factory owners reported that irregular electricity supply and high prices of yarn, dyes, and chemicals have raised production costs. Diesel shortages have also made it difficult to operate generators, putting small and medium owners under pressure.

According to a Bangladesh Handloom Board official, the Raiganj weaving industry has strong potential but faces multiple constraints. Observers believe that timely government support and stable electricity and raw material supplies could help the sector recover sustainably.