State-run broadcaster Bangladesh Television (BTV) has reported expenses 32 times higher than its income, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. Responding to a parliamentary question from MP Fazle Huda, the minister said BTV earned Tk 8.05 crore including taxes in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, while spending Tk 254.18 crore. The statement was presented during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister also detailed BTV’s income and expenditure from fiscal years 2020–21 to 2024–25, showing consistent deficits each year. He further informed parliament about ongoing initiatives to counter misinformation through the ‘BanglaFact’ program, which has identified over 300 Facebook accounts and 199 X accounts spreading false or misleading content. Additionally, the ministry is working to amend the Press Council Act 1974 to set educational qualifications and registration requirements for journalists.

Swapan added that Bangladesh currently has 55 private television channels, of which 39 are broadcasting, and 1,436 daily newspapers nationwide. There are also 474 registered online news portals across various categories.

Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC organized a half-day financial literacy workshop titled “Let Financial Literacy Begin Safe Cashless Transactions” at its Uttara branch on Saturday. The event was jointly arranged by the bank’s Risk Management Division and Uttara branch. Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest, while customers and representatives from six branches participated. The program was conducted by Mohammad Abu Chayem, head of the Risk Management Division and Financial Inclusion Unit.

During the workshop, Khandaker Bedoura Mahbub, Head of IT and CTO, and Md. Riad Hossain, Head of Card Division, discussed the use and benefits of cashless transactions. Uttara branch manager Abu Hanif and several other branch managers were also present. The speakers presented detailed visuals explaining how cashless transactions can enhance convenience and reduce risks for customers.

The workshop emphasized that adopting cashless methods can save time and make financial transactions safer, reflecting the bank’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and digital banking practices.

Italian company The Edge Company has expressed interest in installing Bird Control Management Systems (BCMS) at airports across Bangladesh. During a meeting on Monday between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, the proposal was discussed along with plans by another Italian firm, Flyon Aero, to establish a training academy to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi technicians.

According to a press release from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Italy. The ambassador expressed gratitude for the contribution of around 250,000 Bangladeshi workers to the Italian economy. The minister also conveyed Bangladesh’s willingness to work jointly with Italy to develop the aviation sector and discussed potential foreign investment in airport expansion under a public-private partnership model.

The meeting also addressed the need to increase flight frequency on the Dhaka–Rome route to facilitate travel for expatriate Bangladeshis. The ambassador assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address this issue.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government aims to enhance hilsa export capacity through long-term, science-based planning. Speaking at the closing workshop of the project titled “Hilsa Resource Development and Management (2nd Revised)” held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium, he emphasized the need to preserve hilsa resources, increase production, and expand international markets.

The minister stressed ensuring natural river flow and water quality for safe breeding and movement of hilsa, alongside coordinated efforts among ministries to stop industrial waste discharge. He said the government remains strict against illegal fishing practices such as jatka catching, mother hilsa harvesting, and the use of current nets. He also highlighted initiatives to support fishermen through alternative employment, training, and financial empowerment. A special advisory team of researchers and experts is under consideration to guide future policy.

State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku noted that Bangladesh produces 70–80 percent of the world’s hilsa and called for sustainable management to protect this national resource. He added that about 2.4 billion taka in assistance was provided to fishermen in FY 2025–26, with plans to expand support further.

The Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum has demanded that a full board of directors be formed for Islami Bank within the next 24 hours, comprising honest, skilled, and professional individuals. The demand was made on Monday during a sit-in in front of Bangladesh Bank’s headquarters in Motijheel, Dhaka. Hundreds of customers gathered earlier in front of Islami Bank Tower and later marched to the central bank gate, where law enforcement maintained a strict stance.

Forum president Nur-un-Nabi Manik stated that restoring customer confidence in Islami Bank requires a competent and credible board. He emphasized that the new board should include individuals with integrity, professional expertise, and sound knowledge of Islamic finance. Speakers at the rally also insisted that those previously involved in irregularities, corruption, or unlawful appointments must not be reinstated, urging Bangladesh Bank to take firm measures to protect depositors’ interests.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said a strong board comprising experienced and professional members will soon be formed to ensure good governance and stability at Islami Bank.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government is working to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and simplify licensing procedures to create a more business-friendly environment. Speaking at a debriefing session in Dhaka’s InterContinental Hotel, he said the goal is to shorten the business startup process from nearly one year to just 14 days, allowing companies to open letters of credit for machinery imports by the 15th day. The session was jointly organized by the International Labour Organization and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.

Muktadir emphasized that the United Nations’ recommendation on Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country category should be treated as an opportunity for planned institutional and economic strengthening. He said the government’s recent budget reflects priorities such as simplifying business processes, reducing licensing complexities, and diversifying markets. The Commerce Ministry has also established a Responsible Business Conduct Cell to coordinate among government bodies, regulators, business groups, and development partners.

He added that a committee has already identified areas to reduce time and procedural overlaps, and a zone announcement on implementation is expected in July.

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that it has imposed export controls on ten United States companies involved in the defense industry and rare mineral extraction. Among the affected firms is Oshkosh Defense, a manufacturer of military vehicles for the US armed forces, according to a report by AFP.

In its statement, the Chinese ministry said that the listed companies are now prohibited from receiving dual-use goods from China. It also specified that no individual or organization from any country or region may transfer or supply Chinese-made dual-use products to these companies.

The move is viewed as a significant development within the ongoing trade and technological competition between China and the United States.

The market for polao rice in Bangladesh has become highly unstable, with prices rising by up to Tk 30 per kilogram and Tk 900 to Tk 2,000 per sack over the past month. Despite adequate supply, consumers have expressed frustration at the sudden spike in prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Traders and wholesalers claim that mill owners and corporate groups have artificially created a supply crisis to increase profits, while rising fuel, gas, and electricity costs have also contributed to higher transport and ancillary expenses.

Retailers allege that large corporate groups are syndicating to control supply and exploit seasonal demand during Eid and wedding events. However, corporate representatives deny these accusations, attributing the price hike to reduced production caused by crop disease and increased export activity. Nabil Group’s managing director stated that export restrictions may be necessary to stabilize the domestic market.

Consumer rights advocates, including the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, have described the price surge as abnormal and criticized weak market monitoring, arguing that government tax reductions have not benefited ordinary consumers.

Bangladesh’s industrial sector has plunged into a deep crisis due to acute energy shortages, soaring bank interest rates, and a sluggish domestic market. Production costs have surged while technological stagnation has eroded global competitiveness. Many factories are operating below half capacity, and new investments have stalled. Experts warn that shrinking employment and industrial stagnation could push the overall economy toward a prolonged downturn.

Sectoral data show steep declines in textile, jute, cement, and food processing output, while high borrowing costs have discouraged new investment despite rising bank liquidity. The steel and cement industries are struggling with higher electricity prices and reduced demand, while the ready-made garment sector—responsible for over 80% of export earnings—has seen production drop by up to 30% due to power and gas shortages. Leather exports remain weak amid environmental compliance failures and financing constraints.

Export earnings fell 7.07% year-on-year in May 2026, with major markets shifting orders to competitors such as Vietnam and India. Industry leaders urge urgent policy action to stabilize energy supply, reduce interest rates, and restore investor confidence to avert long-term economic damage.

Global oil prices increased following the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. According to a Reuters report, Brent crude reached 81.66 dollars per barrel at 10:06 p.m. GMT on Sunday, up by 1.09 dollars or 1.35 percent. Earlier in the day, prices had climbed as high as 82.30 dollars per barrel.

The report noted that crude prices had fallen slightly the previous week after several oil tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns about supply disruptions. However, renewed geopolitical uncertainty has again pushed prices upward.

Meanwhile, high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran began in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. The mediators described the discussions as taking place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, suggesting cautious optimism for further progress.

The market for polao rice in Bangladesh has become highly unstable, with prices rising sharply over the past month. Despite adequate supply, the price of various types of polao rice has increased by up to Tk 30 per kilogram and Tk 900 to Tk 2,000 per sack. Retailers and consumers have expressed frustration, blaming corporate groups and mill owners for creating an artificial crisis to raise prices. Traders reported that transportation and utility cost hikes have also contributed to the surge.

Corporate company owners have denied the allegations, attributing the price increase to reduced production caused by crop disease and higher fuel and electricity costs. Nabil Group’s managing director said some traders are exporting polao rice, suggesting that exports should be halted to stabilize the domestic market. Market visits in Dhaka revealed that both wholesale and retail prices have risen significantly, with branded rice reaching up to Tk 190 per kilogram.

Consumer rights advocates described the price hike as abnormal and criticized weak market monitoring. They noted that despite government tax reductions on essentials, consumers have not benefited, leaving middle- and lower-income groups under severe pressure.

Thousands of Afghan women are turning to entrepreneurship as one of the few remaining paths to independence under Taliban rule. Despite restrictions on education, employment, and public participation, the government has allowed women to run businesses under specific conditions to mitigate economic collapse and international isolation. According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 10,000 women now hold business licenses, a tenfold increase in five years, while another 120,000 operate small ventures without licenses.

Many women who once aspired to be lawyers, engineers, or teachers have shifted to carpet weaving, cosmetics production, or vocational training. UNDP data show that only 7 percent of Afghan women were employed as of 2024. Entrepreneurs like Nasira Azizi in Mazar-i-Sharif, Rokiya Rezayi in Herat, and beekeeper Ghoncha Karimi have built small enterprises despite social and administrative barriers.

Officials claim to support women’s vocational training, but critics argue that government initiatives remain limited. For many Afghan women, business ownership has become a last refuge for dignity, income, and survival amid ongoing restrictions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) reported collecting over Tk 3.6 trillion in revenue during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, from July 2025 to May 2026. Despite achieving a record collection, the NBR fell short of its revised target by Tk 810 billion, according to an official statement released on Sunday night. In the first 20 days of June, an additional Tk 293.11 billion was collected, bringing the total to Tk 3.899 trillion, surpassing last year’s total revenue of Tk 3.708 trillion.

The NBR expects that with another Tk 250 billion collected in the final ten days of June, total revenue for the fiscal year could reach Tk 4.15 trillion, the highest in the country’s history. This would still be Tk 880 billion below the revised target but Tk 431.57 billion higher than the previous fiscal year. The NBR reported over 10 percent growth in revenue collection, with customs up 7.08 percent, VAT up 10.05 percent, and income tax up 12.54 percent.

To accelerate revenue collection, the NBR has formed three task forces for income tax, VAT, and customs divisions to expedite legal processes, recover evaded taxes, and strengthen audit and monitoring activities.

Swiss banks have long been regarded as reliable institutions for safeguarding wealth, attracting wealthy individuals, business leaders, and influential figures worldwide. Their reputation stems from strict confidentiality rules established under the 1934 Swiss Banking Law, which restricts disclosure of client information. Switzerland’s political neutrality, economic stability, and advanced financial infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a secure destination for asset management.

Former head of the Association of Swiss Private Bankers, Michel de Robert, compared bankers’ duty of confidentiality to that of doctors or lawyers, emphasizing that unauthorized disclosure of client data constitutes a legal violation. Although Swiss banks were once believed to allow anonymous accounts, current regulations require full identity verification and adherence to strict Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. The Swiss Bankers Association confirms that even numbered accounts are traceable to verified clients.

In recent decades, international pressure over tax evasion and money laundering allegations has led Switzerland to share financial data with global authorities in specific cases. These reforms have increased transparency while maintaining the country’s status as a leading global banking hub.

Bangladesh has formally begun work on its first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), marking a major step in long-term aviation sector planning. The initiative was launched on Sunday at a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview” held at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. Organized by the ICAO Gold-certified Civil Aviation Academy under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and with technical support from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita).

According to the workshop, the proposed master plan will outline development goals, priorities, and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years or more. It will cover airport infrastructure upgrades, modernization of air navigation services, airline expansion, human resource development, safety improvements, and environmental sustainability. Minister Afroza Khanam said the government aims to make Bangladesh a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034 under its “Bangladesh First” election manifesto.

Officials stated that the plan is expected to be finalized within the next one to one and a half years, with the workshop’s guidance contributing to sustainable aviation growth, trade, tourism, and economic progress.