Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed has alleged that extortion in Bangladesh has increased by 20 to 50 percent during the interim government period. Speaking at a press conference at the DCCI office in Motijheel, Dhaka, he said the rise followed the fall of the Awami League government. When asked who was involved, he mentioned individuals linked to the ruling party, police, and revenue officials among those engaged in extortion.

The press conference, titled “Expectations from the Newly Formed Government to Address the Current Economic Situation,” outlined DCCI’s concerns and recommendations. Ahmed urged the government to identify those responsible for extortion and corruption, warning that businesses might shut down if the situation persists. He called for strong government action to restore law and order, ensure transparency in public administration, and support non-willful loan defaulters with working capital.

He further advised reducing dependence on bank loans by listing quality companies on the capital market and creating a green channel for profitable state-owned enterprises. DCCI also demanded disclosure of trade-related clauses in the tariff agreement with the United States.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has demanded visible improvements in law and order and a complete end to extortion to keep Bangladesh’s trade and economy functional. At a press conference on February 23 in Motijheel, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed warned that business leaders might shut down operations if the government fails to act. He described widespread extortion affecting factories and transport, saying the situation has become increasingly complex and burdensome for businesses.

DCCI highlighted that corruption and informal transactions have sharply raised business costs and discouraged new investment. The organization presented four key demands: effective improvement of law enforcement, elimination of extortion, corruption-free public institutions, and investment-friendly financial policies. It also called for refinancing non-willful loan defaulters and lowering bank interest rates. Ahmed urged reform of the tax system through automation and separation of the National Board of Revenue, and emphasized activating the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s single-window system to ease business processes.

The chamber expressed concern over unemployment affecting about 2.6 million people and stressed technical education to strengthen the private sector. It also urged review of a recent U.S.-aligned trade agreement and prioritized development of 30 sectors, including leather and light engineering, to boost export diversification.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that Bangladesh’s market situation remains satisfactory and that positive changes in market management will be visible soon. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon after an unannounced visit to Mohammadpur Town Hall kitchen market in Dhaka, where he inspected product prices and supply conditions. The minister stated that there is adequate supply of goods and that legal action will be taken against those manipulating prices ahead of Ramadan.

Muktadir emphasized that several plans have been adopted to make the market stable and consumer-friendly, though implementation will take time. He noted that ten monitoring teams from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection are working regularly, as it is not feasible to deploy inspection teams simultaneously across all markets in Dhaka. The minister urged media cooperation and reminded traders to act ethically during Ramadan, avoiding excessive profit-taking.

He added that the ministry’s efforts through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh have kept import-dependent markets stable, with some product prices even lower than last year. A recent assault on a consumer rights official has led to a filed case, and legal proceedings are underway.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government will introduce a farmer card as soon as possible, similar to the existing family card. He made the statement on Monday after an inter-ministerial meeting on the farmer card held at the Secretariat, chaired by the Prime Minister.

The minister said that the decision to issue farmer cards had been made earlier in principle, and the meeting discussed its implementation. He added that a pilot project would begin soon to distribute the cards. According to him, farmers will receive all production-related benefits through the card, and the initiative aims to prevent middlemen from taking undue advantage.

Swapan further noted that the smart farmer card will gradually be provided to all farmers across the country, ensuring that agricultural support reaches the intended beneficiaries directly.

China has called on the United States to unilaterally withdraw tariffs following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated some of former President Donald Trump’s imposed duties. The court, in a six-to-three decision on Friday, ruled that Trump lacked the authority under the 1977 law to impose sudden tariffs on multiple countries. The verdict has had a significant impact on global trade. In response, Trump expressed anger and announced a new 10 percent global import tariff under a different legal authority, later raising it to 15 percent, effective Tuesday for up to 150 days with some exemptions.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said Monday it is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the ruling’s impact and urged Washington to remove the tariffs, warning that trade wars have no winners and protectionism leads nowhere. The Chinese Foreign Ministry added that it is closely monitoring potential U.S. actions such as trade investigations and will safeguard its interests.

The ruling is seen as a major setback for Trump, whose economic policies were often upheld by the judiciary. The decision has also unsettled global trade systems, prompting the European Union and other nations to review the developments.

Bangladeshi exporters have expressed renewed concern following U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to increase a planned global tariff from 10 percent to 15 percent within 24 hours. The tariff, announced for 150 days after a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Trump’s earlier reciprocal tariffs, has created uncertainty about when it will take effect. Although the new rate remains below the 19 percent set under the Bangladesh-U.S. trade agreement, exporters say the policy volatility poses long-term risks.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the previous reciprocal tariff’s cancellation means the current trade deal with the U.S. will also lapse. However, trade experts caution that Bangladesh cannot easily withdraw from such agreements without facing pressure in global forums. Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Chairman Dr. M. Masrur Reaz noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling removes the threat of a 37.5 percent counter-tariff, opening room for renegotiation of unfavorable terms.

Market analysts believe the 15 percent tariff could temporarily benefit Bangladesh’s apparel exports by lowering import costs for U.S. buyers, but competition from China, Vietnam, and India is expected to intensify once the new structure takes effect.

A bumper potato harvest is underway in Bogura, where farmers and agricultural officials expect total production to surpass the district’s target of about 1.235 million tons this season. Favorable weather, use of high-yield varieties, and organic fertilizers have contributed to strong yields across 55,454 hectares of farmland. Early varieties have already reached markets, selling at 40–60 taka per kilogram, while wholesale prices range between 600 and 750 taka per maund.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bogura, potato yields have steadily increased since the 2011–12 season, when production was just over 1.1 million tons. Farmers report healthy crops free from cold injury and late blight disease, with fields in Sadar, Shibganj, Sonatala, Dhunat, and Sherpur still vibrant. The district’s 33 cold storages can hold slightly over 200,000 tons of potatoes.

Officials note that the absence of storms and timely use of land after Aman rice harvest have supported the bumper yield. Farmers are optimistic about profits as stable prices continue throughout the year.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to expedite the launch of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal, which has faced years of delay due to management and contractual complications. The directive came after a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, attended by key ministers and aviation officials. Aviation experts said the terminal could open soon if an operator is appointed promptly or if talks with the Japanese consortium are resumed.

The Third Terminal, 99 percent complete, has been stalled by disagreements over operational terms with a Japanese consortium that sought high landing charges, revenue sharing, and control over commercial spaces. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also decided to investigate allegations of misappropriation of about Tk 4,500 crore from the project. Additionally, an international arbitration board has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to pay Tk 1,650 crore to a foreign contractor following a dispute.

Design flaws, including the absence of mobile network coverage inside the terminal, are being corrected, which may take another six to seven months. Once operational, the terminal is expected to double the airport’s passenger and cargo handling capacity.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has expressed a special interest in sending Bangladeshi workers to Japan. The announcement came during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, followed by a follow-up session on Sunday at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The meeting, chaired by Senior Secretary Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, was attended by Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and State Minister Md. Nurul Haque.

Discussions highlighted Japan’s projected need for about 11 million young workers by 2040 and Bangladesh’s current surplus of 2.3 million youth laborers. The meeting focused on transforming unskilled workers into skilled manpower for deployment abroad, particularly to Japan. It was noted that 53 Technical Training Centers (TTCs) are now offering Japanese language and skill training, up from 33 previously, though there remains a shortage of language instructors.

Participants also discussed collaboration with 200 private training centers and recruiting agencies to expand training capacity. A comprehensive action plan is being prepared for submission to the Prime Minister within seven days, with progress reviews scheduled every two working days.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s earlier tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful, declaring that he exceeded his authority by using a law meant for national emergencies. In response, Trump invoked Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974 to impose a new 15 percent tariff on all trading partners, effective February 24, 2025. The new levy, which can last 150 days unless extended by Congress, is the first use of this legal authority by any US president.

The ruling has cast uncertainty over multiple trade agreements signed last year with countries including the United Kingdom, India, and the European Union. While some deals, such as those covering UK steel, aluminium, and pharmaceuticals, remain unaffected, others face ambiguity about whether the new 15 percent rate supersedes negotiated terms. Trade lawyer Shantanu Singh noted that the incentive for partners to uphold their deals has diminished following the court’s decision.

The White House said certain goods like beef, tomatoes, fertilisers, and aerospace products will be exempt. Analysts expect the US to use the 150-day window to reassess trade practices and potentially reinstate reciprocal tariffs under other legal provisions.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new policy allowing defaulted loan borrowers to pay their required down payment in two installments instead of a single payment. The central bank announced the decision in a circular sent to banks on Sunday, February 22, 2026, stating that the measure applies to loan rescheduling or restructuring cases. Borrowers can now pay 50 percent of the required down payment at the time of application and the remaining 50 percent within six months after the rescheduling takes effect. Institutions that have already received approval from the policy support committee but could not implement it on time will get an additional three months to do so.

The circular also mentioned that bank boards may decide on interest waivers under existing policies based on their relationship with clients. A Bangladesh Bank official said many struggling businesses were facing difficulties paying the full down payment at once, prompting this relaxation. The new measure aims to support financially distressed enterprises in reorganizing their operations and restoring stability.

The policy is expected to ease liquidity pressure on affected borrowers and help banks expedite the restructuring of non-performing loans.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury said the Prime Minister has given several directives regarding the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He made the remarks on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, where the third terminal project was discussed.

Chowdhury explained that BIDA briefed the Prime Minister on the project, and future actions will be based on her instructions. He added that a meeting with the Japanese ambassador is scheduled for the following day. The BIDA chief also noted that a new minister has joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and efforts are underway to understand the long-standing issues surrounding the project, which has been ongoing for six years.

When asked whether a new tender would be called for the terminal’s operation, Chowdhury declined to comment, saying it is a government-to-government matter.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has emphasized the need to initiate organic farming in Bangladesh’s char areas. He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with ministry and departmental officials at the Ministry of Agriculture. The minister said the vast char regions have fertile soil and ideal conditions for producing export-oriented organic crops. He stressed that prioritizing agricultural development in these areas is essential for achieving industrial-scale agricultural exports.

Rashid added that strengthening the agricultural sector would reinforce the national economy. He outlined government plans to restructure the sector by reducing fertilizer use, improving soil quality, and excavating irrigation canals. State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said efforts are underway to ensure genuine farmers receive incentives, agricultural loans, and other support. He also mentioned that the government has started work on issuing farmer cards.

The meeting was chaired by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian.

The government of Bangladesh has reduced the price of furnace oil used in power plants and heavy industries by Tk 15.90 per litre. Starting from midnight on Sunday, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will sell furnace oil to public and private power plants, industrial units, and other customers at Tk 71.10 per litre, down from the previous rate of Tk 86. The new price was announced in a notice signed by Md. Nazrul Islam Sarkar, Secretary of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

According to BERC, the price revision followed a proposal submitted by BPC on 20 January 2025 to adjust the consumer-level price of heavy fuel oil (HFO). Meghna Petroleum, Standard Asiatic Oil, Jamuna Oil Company, and Padma Oil Company also submitted proposals to revise their marketing and transport charges. A public hearing on these proposals was held on 29 January. After detailed review and analysis, BERC redefined the consumer price, marketing charges, and integrated transport costs.

BERC stated that the marketing charge for the oil companies has been set at Tk 0.71 per litre and the integrated transport charge at Tk 1.20 per litre.

Libya’s Ramadan festivities, marked by fireworks and family gatherings, have been dampened by soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and deep political divisions. Fifteen years after the fall of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, the country remains split between eastern and western administrations. Despite vast oil and gas reserves, shortages of fuel and essential goods have disrupted daily life, with supermarkets rationing products and ATMs running out of cash in Tripoli.

Residents report worsening economic conditions, blaming currency traders for the dinar’s sharp decline. Prices of cooking oil have doubled, while meat and poultry costs have risen by about 50 percent. Gas cylinders, officially priced at 1.5 dinars, are selling for up to 75 dinars on the black market. The western central bank recently devalued the dinar by 15 percent for the second time in less than a year, a move Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah admitted has increased public hardship.

UN envoy Hanna Tetteh warned that rising poverty and social pressure could combine with fragile security to create new political and security challenges. Analysts say the lack of a unified budget and reduced oil revenues continue to strain Libya’s divided economy.