Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said Bangladesh’s electricity demand has suddenly increased because of illegal battery-powered auto-rickshaws. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, he said a large number of battery-run auto-rickshaws operate across the country and nearly all are charged at night.

The minister said most electricity connections used to charge these vehicles are illegal. Authorities are conducting drives to disconnect such connections, but face protests during these operations, he said. He also said power department workers have been attacked while carrying out enforcement activities. Tuku urged people not to spread rumours about oil.

He said the government plans to establish three more terminals to increase LNG supply. An order for one terminal was placed 10 to 12 days earlier, he said, while an initiative has also been taken to set up another LNG terminal in the Mongla-Hiron Point area. He said the government is making its utmost effort to resolve electricity and gas problems, and blamed the previous Awami League government for bringing the energy sector to its current crisis situation over 17 years.

German container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd said it suffered a $600 million loss in the second quarter because the Strait of Hormuz remained closed amid conflict in the Middle East. The report, published on August 13, 2026, said the closure created significant financial pressure for one of the world’s leading container shipping companies.

On Thursday, the company said its net profit fell to $83 million from $306 million a year earlier. Hapag-Lloyd said strong exports from Asia and improved demand in the United States partly offset losses caused by instability in the Middle East.

The strait’s closure increased costs for bunker fuel, insurance, storage, rerouting and inland transport. As a result, operating profit in Hapag-Lloyd’s liner shipping division declined to $153 million from $167 million. The source did not state any further company measures or provide a new outlook.

A meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and representatives of 25 US companies was highly productive and effective, according to Dr Mahdi Amin, an adviser to the prime minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office. He made the remarks after a US-Bangladesh Business Council delegation met at the Prime Minister’s Office at 9:30am on Thursday.

The meeting discussed Bangladesh-US trade relations and their potential, the report said. Amin said Bangladesh was moving toward a future as a self-reliant and prosperous country. He did not provide details of any agreement, investment commitment, or specific project arising from the discussion.

The delegation was led by Oliver Simpson, senior vice president of the Business Council and chief commercial officer of Excelerate Energy, and Atul Keshap, president for South Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce. Former US ambassador Peter Haas, diplomat Nisha Desai and Business Council members also attended. On August 12, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Humayun Kabir, the prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser.

Import and export operations at Dhanua Kamalpur Land Port in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, remain closed for much of the year, according to a report published on August 13, 2026. The port, shut for seven days during the Eid-ul-Azha holiday, had not reopened nearly three months later. The closure is depriving the government of potential revenue worth crores of taka and has left about 8,000 workers and traders dependent on the port in severe difficulty.

Stone imports have been halted for a long period, leaving the port area largely empty and hundreds of stone-crushing machines idle. Traders cite duties on soil and sand arriving with stones, additional charges, poor roads on the Indian side and internal disputes among importers and exporters as reasons for mounting losses. Customs officials say traders have repeatedly been asked to resume imports, but they are avoiding stone shipments over fears of losses.

Land Customs Station and port sources said operations were closed for about five months in fiscal year 2024-25 and about six months in fiscal year 2025-26. Activity has also remained suspended so far in fiscal year 2026-27. Revenue officer Md Abul Hossain Akand said repairs are underway on damaged roads on the Indian side, while disagreement among traders over losses has also kept imports halted.

Chattogram’s gas crisis has intensified, with the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited saying the region is receiving 54.29 percent of demand, leaving a 45.71 percent shortfall. In a report published on August 13, the company said it was receiving 190 million cubic feet of gas daily against an allocation of 246 million cubic feet from the national grid. The shortage has disrupted household cooking, CNG stations and gas-based power generation, while load-shedding has increased.

Gas-sector sources said Chattogram depends on floating LNG terminals at Maheshkhali for supply. The crisis began after a fire incident at Exelerate Energy’s terminal on July 21. One boiler was partially restarted on August 6 after nearly two weeks of closure, but repairs to damaged electrical control and instrument systems, as well as replacement of required parts, are continuing.

The report said output at rod, garment, shipbreaking and steel-structure factories has fallen to 40 percent. Several 210-megawatt power-generation units, including at Raozan and Anwara, are shut. BSRM said its factory had been fully closed since Wednesday and it had not received gas at the desired rate for 20 days. Long queues were reported at CNG stations, some of which suspend service when gas pressure falls.

Bangladesh Bank’s liquidity support to weak banks, funded by money creation, has exceeded Tk85,000 crore as of August 13, 2026, according to the report. The central bank provided nearly Tk17,000 crore more over the past three months to address severe liquidity shortages at 13 banks. Despite the support, the banks have not repaid the large outstanding loans over a long period.

The report says widespread looting at more than a dozen banks during the Awami League government left them financially weak, with some unable to return depositors’ money. In late 2022, five Shariah-based banks were allowed to conduct transactions despite negative current-account balances. When those facilities were later stopped, the banks struggled to repay customers and instability emerged at branches.

Islami Bank Bangladesh received the largest amount, Tk17,000 crore, followed by First Security Islami Bank with Tk15,810 crore and EXIM Bank with Tk12,010 crore. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan said such support should not continue, but the central bank is compelled to provide it because failure to return depositors’ funds could undermine confidence in the banking sector and deepen the crisis.

A column published by Amardesh writer Minar Rashid criticizes a possible amicable settlement with Summit concerning Bangladesh’s cancelled third floating storage and regasification unit, or FSRU, project. According to the column, the interim government finally cancelled the work order for Summit’s third FSRU project, which had been approved without tender, on January 14, 2025. Summit LNG Terminal II Co. Ltd. then filed a writ against the cancellation and sought court directions to discuss an amicable settlement.

The column says the High Court Division heard the application on July 14, 2026, granted it, and observed that the petitioner was free to discuss the matter with the other side for an amicable resolution. The writer questions the ruling’s implications and the role of state lawyers. He alleges that reliance on a small number of business groups, non-tender awards and capacity charges have raised concerns about state interests, transparency and accountability.

The writer also argues that proposals from international firms for alternative FSRU facilities and energy supplies were not properly considered during the past 17 months. He cites offers from Saudi Aramco, Oman’s OQT, Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and the UAE-linked IRH, and calls for an investigation into whether such proposals reached policy-level consideration.

Global crude oil prices declined further by late Thursday night, Bangladesh time. Brent crude fell $1.29, or 1.5%, to $87.69 a barrel by 1 a.m. West Texas Intermediate crude in the United States dropped $1.30, or 1.6%, to $81.97 a barrel, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Analysts believe the war involving the United States and Israel over Iran could reduce oil demand worldwide. Concerns over weaker demand have led to a reduction in the forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026. OPEC, the alliance of oil-producing countries, cut its projection in its monthly oil market report released on Wednesday.

Under OPEC's revised forecast, global oil demand is expected to increase by 580,000 barrels per day in 2026. However, the same conflict could create a potential oil supply crisis. Fears of major supply disruptions are limiting the scope for further declines in oil prices, as possible supply shortages continue to affect market expectations.

Bangladesh’s gas crisis has intensified, pushing pressure in the national transmission line to its lowest level and disrupting industry, households and CNG-powered transport, according to a report published on August 13, 2026. The government attributed the reduced supply to natural hazards and rough seas affecting floating LNG terminals at Maheshkhali. Residents in Dhaka and other areas reported little or no cooking gas for much of the day, while CNG vehicles faced long waits and limited refuelling.

Energy Division and Petrobangla data put daily gas demand at 400 crore cubic feet, although sector experts believe it exceeds 500 crore cubic feet. The government has capacity to supply 270 crore cubic feet to the national grid from domestic production and imports. Supply from the Excelerate-operated terminal fell from 60 crore to 28 crore cubic feet, while the Summit-operated terminal fell from 50 crore to 25 crore cubic feet, a combined reduction of 57 crore cubic feet.

Industrial operators said factories had reduced output, cut shifts or closed temporarily amid gas and power shortages. More than 100 factories in Gazipur and Narsingdi reportedly produced less than 10 percent of capacity on Tuesday and Wednesday. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said the government was working to resolve the crisis but could not specify when conditions would normalize.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said closer partnerships with US businesses and investors could significantly support Bangladesh’s economic growth, job creation, and exchanges of technology and knowledge. He made the remarks during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on August 12, 2026, with a high-level US business delegation.

The delegation, led by US-Bangladesh Business Council President Atul Keshap, held a courtesy meeting with the adviser and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. Kabir said Bangladesh is passing through an important phase of economic transformation and that new opportunities are emerging. He cited the countries’ longstanding multidimensional relationship and said expanded economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, would strengthen the partnership.

The sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, increasing economic cooperation, and using Bangladesh’s investment potential. They also exchanged views on US investment and cooperation opportunities in industry and infrastructure, energy, technology, the digital economy, healthcare, and other promising sectors. Keshap expressed interest in Bangladesh’s economic potential and investment opportunities, emphasizing wider cooperation between the two countries’ private sectors.

Bangladesh’s Dhaka Stock Exchange saw a strong early rise on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, before broad selling in the final hour pushed most share and unit prices lower. All DSE indices ended down, while trading turnover also declined compared with the previous trading day.

Nearly all issues opened higher, lifting the DSE’s main index by as much as 40 points at one stage. The market began to reverse around 12:30pm as issues moved from the gainers’ list to the losers’ list. By the close, 119 issues gained, 231 declined and 35 remained unchanged.

The DSEX fell 6 points to 5,897, while the DSE-30 dropped 4 points to 2,200 and the DSE Shariah index slipped 1 point to 1,180. DSE turnover totaled Tk1,073.73 crore, down Tk41.69 crore from the previous session. At the Chittagong Stock Exchange, the CASPI rose 37 points; 92 issues gained, 114 fell and 31 were unchanged, with turnover of Tk17.99 crore.

National Krishak Shakti has called for farmer interests, transparency and accountability in implementing the revised Integrated Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution Policy-2025. In a joint statement published on August 12, convenor Saeed Ujjwal and member secretary agriculturist Golam Mortuza Selis presented eight proposals to address fertilizer shortages. They called for an accessible farmer complaint system, strict penalties for overpricing, hoarding and harassment, and immediate cancellation of dealership licences when irregularities are proven.

The group said DAP fertilizer, officially priced at Tk1,050, has reportedly been sold for Tk1,700 to Tk2,200 in several areas. It demanded an investigation and action against those responsible. It also warned that dealership redistribution could create disorder in the fertilizer market and an artificial shortage during the Aman season. The organization welcomed ending multiple dealerships within one family and reorganizing dealer units in unions and municipalities, but rejected the decision to abolish sub-dealer and retail systems.

National Krishak Shakti proposed priority for interested farmers in sub-dealer appointments, incentives for organic fertilizer use and retention of all agriculture-related subsidies. It urged full digitalization of fertilizer supply, stock and sales using smart agriculture card data. The group also called for eligible existing retailers to receive priority as authorized sales representatives, while others should receive low-interest loans, training and rehabilitation support.

Japan has suspended imports of Indian mangoes after quarantine inspectors found flaws in disinfection, pesticide control and certification procedures at a vapour heat treatment centre in Rehmanpur village, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Yokohama’s plant protection authority said it would not accept Indian mango consignments carrying inspection certificates issued on or after March 25 until it is assured that procedures have improved. The report was published on August 12, 2026.

The suspension affects six mango varieties: Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, Banganapalli, Chausa and Mallika, during the key April-to-June export season. Japan imported about $1.54 million in fresh and processed mangoes from India in fiscal 2025-26. Exporter Vikram Shah and Ratnagiri farmer Rajesh Patil said access to Japan’s strict market had required years of investment, while mango prices there were roughly double local-market prices.

China cancelled import licences for three Indian rice exporters on April 17, citing the presence of genetically modified organisms in rice consignments. Hong Kong has banned some Indian spices over pesticide residues, while the European Union has increased monitoring of Indian cumin. Experts cited fragmented supply chains, weak traceability and testing shortcomings. A trade department official said steps are being taken to upgrade laboratories and strengthen oversight.

Bangladesh Bank has cancelled the remaining term of Chief Economist Dr Mohammad Akhtar Hossain’s contractual appointment, according to a notification issued Wednesday by the central bank’s Human Resources Department-1. The notification said the cancellation of his remaining contract term will take effect from September 10, 2026.

Dr Akhtar Hossain was appointed chief economist of Bangladesh Bank on a two-year contract on July 1 last year. About 10 months remained before the scheduled end of that appointment, but the central bank moved to end the contractual engagement before its completion.

As chief economist, Dr Akhtar Hossain advised the Bangladesh Bank governor and board of directors on the country’s macroeconomy, monetary policy and stability of the banking sector. The report describes the position as highly important for economic policymaking. The notification did not state a reason for cancelling the contract’s remaining term.

Eighty rural electricity cooperatives in Bangladesh have sought police protection for their offices and grid substations amid fears of attacks linked to worsening load shedding. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Association sent a letter to the inspector general of police on Wednesday, citing rising public anger over supply disruptions caused by an energy shortage and severe heat.

The association said electricity generation has been disrupted relative to demand, reducing supply nationwide, especially in rural areas served by the cooperatives. It said some substation offices had already faced attacks. Rural electricity cooperatives serve about 40 million of the country’s 52 million customers, or 80 percent, and distribute about 60 percent of generated electricity. The group stressed that the cooperatives do not generate power; they supply electricity based on allocations.

Over recent days, average demand from the cooperatives was about 8,000 to 9,000 megawatts, while average allocations were only 5,000 to 6,000 megawatts, the association said. It reported daily outages of eight, 10 or 12 hours in some places. The letter requested instructions to local law-enforcement agencies to strengthen security at every cooperative’s grid substations and offices.