Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has expanded export cargo screening capacity at the country’s airports. The authority confirmed that Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport regained approval to use the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) method for screening cargo bound for the United Kingdom. This reinstatement, achieved through coordinated diplomatic and technical efforts, aligns Bangladesh’s cargo security system more closely with international standards.

CAAB spokesperson Kawsar Mahmud said the renewed EDD approval will strengthen and streamline security verification for UK-bound goods, reducing delays and costs for exporters. He added that the launch of a second Explosive Detection System (EDS) at Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport has significantly increased screening capacity, enabling faster and more efficient cargo processing.

According to CAAB, these developments will enhance direct cargo transport capabilities to the UK and European Union. The improvements are expected to boost exporter confidence, attract new airlines seeking validation, and support Bangladesh’s broader international trade expansion.

The Ministry of Commerce has launched a control room to ensure proper preservation and management of raw hides from sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha 2026. The initiative aims to streamline collection, storage, and care of hides across the country. A special awareness campaign will also be broadcast on government and private television channels to educate the public on proper handling methods.

According to a ministry press release issued on Sunday, an inter-ministerial meeting was held on April 12 to review preparations for raw hide management during the festival. The meeting emphasized correct skinning techniques, adequate use of salt, and timely preservation after collection. It also decided to run awareness programs through various media outlets to inform the public about best practices.

The ministry stated that the control room will supervise hide management activities and provide related services. Citizens can contact the control room at 01617-338067 for information or assistance. Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in Bangladesh on May 28, and the government has taken early measures to prevent the recurring problem of hide spoilage due to poor preservation.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged for sector-specific proposals to expand exports to Saudi Arabia. He made the call during a meeting with a delegation from the Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry at his office on Sunday. The minister said Bangladesh’s exports remain heavily dependent on the ready-made garment sector, but there are significant opportunities in pharmaceuticals, leather goods, jute products, food items, and customized apparel for Saudi consumers.

He emphasized that the government is ready to support initiatives that enhance the country’s image, export capacity, and skilled workforce. Muktadir also highlighted the importance of training and skill development for migrant workers, noting that skilled human resources can become a major national asset. The minister asked the delegation to submit specific and realistic proposals identifying areas where policy or financial support is needed.

The chamber’s president, Ashraful Haque Chowdhury, said Saudi Arabia offers major trade potential for Bangladeshi goods and services. With coordinated government support, he projected that exports to Saudi Arabia could reach one billion US dollars by 2027.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that the government has taken comprehensive measures to prevent counterfeit currency and ensure safety at livestock markets across Bangladesh ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. During a visit to the Diabari cattle market in Dhaka on Sunday, he said special machines have been installed to detect fake notes, and banking services are available at the markets for secure transactions and account openings.

The minister confirmed that the country has an adequate supply of locally raised cattle, goats, and buffaloes to meet the sacrificial demand this year. He added that administrative, law enforcement, and volunteer teams are working continuously to prevent theft and recover lost animals. The government has also instructed border and security forces to stop illegal livestock entry from neighboring countries.

Rashid noted that livestock prices are determined by animal quality and market demand, and that a shift toward weight-based pricing could make transactions more transparent in the future. He said the government has deployed sufficient personnel to maintain order and safety at markets until Eid.

The upcoming 2026–27 national budget of Bangladesh is expected to be presented in parliament on June 11 by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, marking the first budget of the BNP government. Based on published reports, the proposed budget size may reach about Tk 9.32 trillion, the largest since independence. The budget’s main goals include job creation and inflation control, with the government targeting 10 million new jobs within five years. The finance minister has emphasized reopening closed factories, ensuring power and gas supply, and supporting small and medium enterprises through loans and incentives.

The World Bank, IMF, and ADB project GDP growth below 5 percent for the current fiscal year, prompting calls for a stable business environment. Inflation reached 9.04 percent in April, straining household purchasing power. Experts suggest that monetary policy alone is insufficient to curb inflation and recommend supply-side measures. The article also highlights structural weaknesses such as a low tax-to-GDP ratio of 8–9 percent, urging progressive tax reforms, pension incentives for taxpayers, and raising the tax-free income threshold to Tk 500,000–800,000.

The budget is also expected to promote export diversification beyond the garment sector and increase allocations for education, health, and technical training to build skilled human resources and boost remittance income.

The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has imposed a complete ban on cow slaughter and sale, joining 19 other Indian states with similar restrictions. The decision, announced just before Eid al-Adha, has sparked widespread unrest across the state. Hindu farming families have taken to the streets in protest, accusing Chief Minister Suvendu of destroying their livelihoods. Many farmers claim they can no longer sustain their families without the income from selling cattle.

According to Indian media reports and expert analyses cited in the article, the ban has triggered a severe chain reaction across India’s rural economy. Farmers, unable to sell aging cows, face mounting debts and reduced income. The dairy sector has slowed as farmers stop raising new cattle, driving milk prices beyond the reach of ordinary consumers. The meat and leather industries have also collapsed due to raw material shortages, leaving millions unemployed. Stray cattle now roam freely, damaging crops and forcing the government to spend heavily on shelters.

Experts warn that the cumulative impact of these policies has placed immense pressure on India’s national budget and worsened rural poverty, creating a broad economic downturn linked to religiously motivated governance decisions.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union, the country’s largest export destination, declined sharply in early 2026. According to Eurostat data, export earnings from the EU fell by 19.26 percent in January and February compared with the same period in 2025, dropping from 3.57 billion euros to 2.88 billion euros. In February alone, exports decreased by 12.39 percent to 1.45 billion euros. The fall was driven by both lower export volumes and reduced average prices.

The EU’s overall apparel imports also declined by 11.27 percent during the same period, reflecting weaker consumer demand across Europe. Industry representatives attributed the downturn to global trade shifts, increased competition from China, India, and Vietnam, and reduced purchasing power in Europe due to high living costs and interest rates. Buyers have become more cautious and are negotiating lower prices, putting pressure on suppliers.

Experts warned that if the EU market slump continues, it could negatively affect Bangladesh’s broader economy, as nearly half of the country’s export earnings come from this region. They recommended diversifying products, improving value addition, and strengthening trade diplomacy to sustain export growth.

An investigative report by Amar Desh claims that Bangladesh’s recent fuel crisis, triggered by Middle East tensions, was worsened by a powerful domestic syndicate allegedly tied to former Awami League leaders and officials. Despite nearly doubling fuel imports between March and May 2026, the shortage persisted until the government raised fuel prices on April 19, after which the crisis abruptly ended. Customs data show that 97 ships brought over 2.7 million tons of fuel in 70 days, yet supply disruptions continued.

The report alleges that a large portion of the fuel market operates outside the state distribution system through smuggled supplies controlled by politically connected groups. Many tankers used for illegal fuel transport are reportedly owned by former ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats linked to the Awami League. Experts cited in the report describe this parallel market as an “open secret” that undermines the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s capacity.

Analysts warn that without stricter monitoring and transparency, similar crises could recur. The BPC acknowledged the sudden resolution of the shortage after the price hike but offered no explanation.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a Tk 600 billion stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the economy by reopening closed factories, boosting agricultural production, expanding exports, and creating new jobs. Of the total, Tk 410 billion will come from commercial banks, while the central bank will refinance Tk 190 billion. Borrowers will pay a 7 percent interest rate, with the government subsidizing 6 percent. The central bank expects the initiative to generate employment for over 2.5 million people. Governor Mostakur Rahman made the announcement at a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday.

The governor said economic growth had slowed over the past three years, with GDP falling from 5.8 percent to an estimated 3.7 percent. Key sectors such as garments, textiles, ceramics, IT, and manufacturing have been hit hard. The package allocates funds across multiple sectors, including Tk 200 billion for closed industries and services, Tk 100 billion for agriculture and rural activities, and Tk 30 billion for export diversification. The central bank will also support creative and green investments.

Rahman emphasized that strict measures have been introduced to prevent misuse of funds, excluding willful defaulters. He added that the scheme will not inject new money into the market, as it will operate through existing bank liquidity.

Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, has been honored with the “Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026” for his outstanding contribution to Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector. The award was presented at the 2nd TOAB International Tourism Award 2026, organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), where State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat handed over the recognition.

Hossain was specially praised for introducing the concept of “cricket tourism” in Bangladesh, which opened new opportunities for the country’s tourism industry. He also played a key role in initiating the first agreement between the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The event celebrated excellence across 13 categories in tourism, hospitality, and aviation, attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, industry leaders, and professionals from around 10 countries.

Under Hossain’s leadership, Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, which operates The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA – A Premium Residence, continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s premium hospitality sector through service quality, destination branding, and sustainable practices.

Authorities have opened the Bogura–Rangpur-bound flyover lane of the Hatikumrul Interchange on the Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway in Sirajganj ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The move aims to make travel smoother for people heading to northern Bangladesh. Officials expect the new lane to significantly reduce long-standing traffic congestion and travel delays. The lane was opened on May 21 for trial use, bringing relief to drivers and passengers using the busy route.

The Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway is a key route connecting at least 22 districts across northern and southern Bangladesh. During Eid, daily traffic on this 22-kilometer stretch between the Jamuna Bridge roundabout and Hatikumrul roundabout can rise to 45,000–50,000 vehicles. The new lane is part of the ongoing SASEC-2 project, costing about Tk 738 crore, and is expected to be completed by December. Around 60 percent of northbound vehicles are projected to use the new lane.

Sirajganj police have also strengthened security and traffic management, deploying over 600 personnel to ensure safe and uninterrupted Eid travel for passengers and traders.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced a reduction in jet fuel prices by Tk 39.57 per liter, effective from Saturday midnight. Under the new rate, domestic flight operators will pay Tk 165.88 per liter, down from Tk 205.45. The commission disclosed the decision in a notice issued on Saturday.

Earlier, on May 7, the price of jet fuel was reduced by Tk 22.35 per liter, following a Tk 25 increase on April 7 and a Tk 90 hike on March 24. The latest adjustment also affects international flights, with the price per liter lowered from USD 1.33 to USD 1.08.

BERC officials stated that the new rates were determined after a hearing that considered the average international market price between May 5 and May 21, the exchange rate of the US dollar for Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s LC settlements, and the prevailing diesel price.

Workers and employees of the Barapukuria coal mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, observed a two-hour work stoppage on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., demanding payment of their pending coal face bonus. The protest took place in the corridor of the mine’s administrative building. Union leaders including Farizar Rahman Topu, Raihanul Islam, and Ashraful Islam addressed the gathering, stating that although they have received face bonuses regularly since 2015, the bonus for the recently completed 1406 coal face has not been paid.

The protesters said that while Petrobangla’s board meeting on May 20 approved bonuses for company officials, the workers’ bonuses were not approved. They warned that if the bonus was not paid by Sunday, they would hold Eid prayers and continue their protest at the mine gate. Later, union representatives met twice with the mine’s Managing Director, Engineer Md. Shah Alam, who expressed support for their demand and assured that efforts were underway to release the payment.

According to mine officials, the delay occurred due to procedural complexities requiring ministerial approval. The mine currently employs 1,058 workers and employees under contractor XMC-CMC, and about one crore taka is needed to pay each worker a bonus of 7,000–8,000 taka.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has released a draft regulation governing mergers, divisions, amalgamations, and acquisitions of listed companies. The draft, published on the BSEC website on Saturday, invites stakeholder feedback within two weeks. The regulator stated that the new framework aims to prevent past abuses in corporate restructuring that often benefited directors at the expense of general shareholders.

The draft rules prohibit backdoor listings or reverse takeovers and require at least 75 percent approval from general shareholders for any restructuring scheme. Independent valuers from BSEC’s approved panel must assess such schemes using at least two absolute and two relative valuation methods. The rules also set limits on growth projections and discount rates, require submission of audit reports, tax returns, and financial justification reports, and mandate disclosure of employee benefits and tax liabilities.

After BSEC and stock exchange review, shareholder consent and court approval will be required before final implementation. The regulation seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of investor interests in corporate restructuring.

India is planning to increase its oil imports from the United States in response to the ongoing disruptions in the strategic Hormuz Strait. Sumit Ritolia, chief energy analyst at business analytics platform Kpler, told Al Jazeera that India is seeking alternative energy sources as the situation in the strait remains uncertain. Discussions are reportedly underway between India and the United States to expand oil and gas imports.

Ritolia cautioned that while the United States has the capacity to export oil and gas, it cannot fully replace the large volumes India currently imports from the Middle East. He also noted that India’s oil imports from Russia have risen, with the country continuing to buy discounted Russian crude despite Western sanctions following the Ukraine war, which has helped strengthen its energy security.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India, where discussions are taking place on various agreements related to energy and defense cooperation, according to reports.