Crude oil prices in the international market have fallen to their lowest level in three months. The decline followed a preliminary understanding between the United States and Iran and optimism over the reopening of the vital Hormuz Strait. On Tuesday, Brent crude dropped by 2.02 dollars or 2.4 percent to 81.15 dollars per barrel, briefly touching 80.89 dollars, the lowest since March 4. Meanwhile, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell by 2.22 dollars or 2.8 percent to 78.53 dollars per barrel, reaching as low as 78.27 dollars, the lowest since March 10.

Market analysts attributed the price drop to expectations that shipping and oil supply through the Hormuz Strait would remain stable following the US-Iran understanding. This reduced global energy supply concerns and exerted downward pressure on prices. Earlier, oil prices had already fallen sharply after US President Donald Trump announced an interim agreement aimed at easing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The easing of geopolitical tensions and improved supply outlook may keep oil prices under pressure in the short term, according to the market trend described in the report.

The traditional product ‘Manikganj’s Hazari molasses’ has officially received Geographical Indication (GI) certification from the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks under the Ministry of Industries. The recognition was granted on Monday, June 15, 2026, under the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 2013. According to the certificate, the product’s registration number is 64, and the registration date is May 20, 2024.

Hazari molasses, produced for generations across different parts of Manikganj, is widely known for its distinctive taste, quality, and cultural heritage. The GI recognition is expected to enhance the product’s reputation and open new market opportunities both nationally and internationally.

Local residents expressed joy over the certification, describing it as a matter of pride and fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. Stakeholders believe the recognition will help preserve the heritage of Hazari molasses, protect producers’ interests, and expand its market reach beyond Bangladesh.

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government will allocate more funds for livestock research in the coming years. Speaking as the chief guest at the closing workshop of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute’s (BLRI) ‘Buffalo Research and Development (First Revised)’ project on Tuesday, he emphasized that no nation can progress without research and that the government will not hesitate to invest in it. He also stressed the need to ensure that genuine research is being conducted.

The minister highlighted the importance of popularizing buffalo farming, noting that buffalo milk is a valuable resource in developed countries. He suggested expanding salt-tolerant grass cultivation in coastal areas to promote buffalo farming and called for further research on profitable farming in limited spaces. Earlier in the day, he visited BLRI’s goat research farm and underscored the cultural and economic significance of the Black Bengal goat, encouraging investment in goat farming to create employment opportunities.

The event was chaired by BLRI Director General Dr. Shakila Faruq and attended by senior officials from the ministry, universities, and related institutions.

Switzerland has expressed interest in participating in ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The interest was conveyed by Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli during a courtesy meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Afroza Khanam (Rita) and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Secretariat on Tuesday morning, according to the ministry’s public relations department.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized strengthening and expanding the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Switzerland in a dynamic and multifaceted manner. The Swiss side also expressed willingness to work jointly in Bangladesh’s aviation sector and highlighted the interest of Swiss company Swissport in taking part in the airport’s ground handling operations.

In response, the adviser and state minister invited Swissport to submit a formal proposal and assured that the matter would be considered positively. Previously, the United Kingdom and Turkey had also shown interest in participating in the third terminal’s ground handling activities.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Shipping, and Railways, Sheikh Robiul Alam, announced that ten additional districts will soon be brought under the country’s rail network. Speaking at a press conference at the Press Information Department in Dhaka on Tuesday, the minister said the expansion will cover districts near Dhaka and in the southern region. According to the Railway Ministry, the new districts include Sherpur, Meherpur, Magura, Satkhira, Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur, and Lakshmipur.

The minister explained that the initiative follows a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to review railway connectivity and service quality. Several key decisions were made, including the implementation of major projects such as Akhaura–Sylhet and Sirajganj–Bogra lines, and the approval of an ICD container project at Dhirashram. Plans were also discussed for dual-gauge upgrades and a new Dhaka–Cumilla chord line to shorten travel distance.

Currently, 49 districts have rail links, and the government aims to connect all 64. The minister added that future projects will integrate rail lines, locomotives, and carriages under unified plans to ensure immediate operational readiness upon completion.

The European Parliament is preparing to give final approval to a tariff agreement with the United States, marking a potential end to a turbulent phase in transatlantic trade relations. The vote, expected on Tuesday, follows last year’s July accord that set a 15 percent tariff on most EU goods while eliminating tariffs on U.S. exports to the bloc.

Implementation of the deal had been delayed due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction, tensions over Greenland, and a Supreme Court ruling that canceled several tariffs. All EU member states have already endorsed the agreement, leaving parliamentary approval as the final political step. The deal’s supporters include the European People’s Party and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Once approved, only administrative steps will remain before publication in the EU’s official gazette. The agreement includes safeguards limiting its duration to the end of 2029 and allowing suspension if the U.S. fails to meet commitments or disrupts trade and investment.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has raised its short-term policy interest rate to 1 percent, the highest level in 31 years, in an effort to control inflation caused by the energy crisis stemming from the Iran war and to normalize its monetary policy. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks the first rate hike since December and aligns Japan with other major central banks that have tightened monetary policies to combat inflation.

According to Reuters, the BOJ stated that risks to Japan’s economy from Middle East conflicts have eased due to government measures to reduce energy costs and progress in securing alternative energy sources. However, the bank warned that rising energy costs are being passed quickly among companies, potentially increasing consumer prices. The BOJ also noted that medium- and long-term inflation expectations are rising, posing a risk of exceeding its target.

Following the announcement, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 1 percent to a record high above 70,000, the yen strengthened slightly against the dollar, and 10-year government bond yields increased. One board member, Touichiro Asada, opposed the decision, citing greater downside risks to growth.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved five development projects with a total estimated cost of Tk 7,003.36 crore. The approval came on Tuesday during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat Cabinet Room. Of the total cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will come from government funds and Tk 2,467.26 crore from project loans. The approved list includes three new projects and two revised ones.

Among the approved projects are the Prime Minister’s Office initiative titled ‘Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone,’ three projects under the Ministry of Water Resources, and one under the Ministry of Education. The water projects include rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni, development of the Karatoa River system, and protection of areas in Kushtia district from Padma River erosion. The education project involves establishing one technical school and college in each of 100 upazilas.

The meeting was attended by several ministers and senior government officials. ECNEC was also informed about four additional small-scale projects already approved by the Planning Minister, each costing less than Tk 50 crore.

An Iranian delegation led by Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati has traveled to Moscow to discuss financial and banking relations between Iran and Russia, according to a report by Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. The visit focuses on developing mechanisms to simplify financial transactions, strengthen cooperation between the two central banks, and expand overall economic exchanges.

The report highlights that Russia remains one of Tehran’s key allies amid longstanding Western sanctions. The discussions come ahead of a planned memorandum of understanding (MoU) expected to be signed on Friday. In the coming months, talks between the United States and Iran on lifting sanctions are also anticipated, signaling potential shifts in Iran’s international financial engagement.

The Moscow visit underscores Iran’s efforts to enhance economic resilience through closer ties with Russia while awaiting possible easing of Western restrictions.

The proposed Finance Bill 2026 in Bangladesh seeks to exempt listed banks, insurance, and non-bank financial institutions from the obligation to distribute 30 percent of their income as dividends. The bill, presented in the National Parliament, introduces amendments to Section 22 of the Income Tax Act 2023, allowing these institutions to transfer post-tax profits to retained earnings or reserves without paying the current 10 percent tax on such transfers.

The Bangladesh Bank recently restricted dividend payments by banks with less than Tk 2,000 crore in paid-up capital to strengthen their financial base. The new proposal extends dividend distribution relief to other financial institutions as well. For general listed companies, the bill revises the tax calculation method, imposing a 10 percent tax only on the portion of profit transferred to reserves exceeding the 70 percent limit, instead of taxing the entire amount.

Tax expert Snehashish Barua noted that the changes would significantly reduce the tax burden on companies, lower business costs, and encourage reinvestment, while allowing financial institutions to reinforce their capital structures.

Global oil prices increased again on Tuesday as uncertainty persisted over the details of the US-Iran agreement and concerns grew that it may take time for the Strait of Hormuz to return to full normalcy. Brent crude rose by 26 cents, or 0.3 percent, to reach 83.42 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed by 46 cents, or 0.3 percent, to 81.12 dollars per barrel.

The rebound followed a sharp decline on Monday, when oil prices dropped more than 4 percent after the announcement of a preliminary understanding between the United States and Iran to end ongoing hostilities. Analysts noted that many questions about the agreement remain unanswered, and uncertainty over the timeline for restoring normal oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz continues to weigh on the market.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict had been electronically signed by him, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, according to reports from Reuters and AFP.

Workers of Nasa Garments staged a protest on Tuesday morning by blocking the main road near Love Road in Dhaka’s Tejgaon industrial area. The demonstration, demanding payment of salaries, leave allowances, service benefits, and other dues, brought traffic on the Mohakhali-Tejgaon corridor to a standstill. Police and eyewitnesses said hundreds of workers gathered around 10:15 a.m., occupying a large section of the road and causing severe congestion across nearby routes.

According to Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station’s officer-in-charge Mahbubur Rahman, the workers were demanding settlement of long-pending dues. Police were present at the scene to maintain order and continued discussions with the protesters. The workers claimed that despite repeated assurances, their legal entitlements remained unpaid even after factory downsizing or closure, forcing them into financial hardship.

The protesting workers presented seven demands, including payment of May 2026 wages, 2025 leave allowances, December 2025 area bills, notice pay, 120 days’ wages and benefits under labor law, full service benefits, and assurance against harassment or legal action. Similar protests by the same group’s workers occurred in April, May, and June, but no lasting resolution has been achieved.

Rice prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply ahead of the national budget announcement, with wholesale and retail prices increasing by up to 10 taka per kilogram over the past month. Traders attribute the surge to manipulation by mill owners and corporate groups, citing the suspension of import letters of credit (LCs) as a key factor. Consumers accuse a syndicate of creating an artificial shortage to raise prices, while mill owners claim reduced paddy supply and rising costs are driving the increase. Government officials, however, maintain that no commodity prices have risen due to the budget.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, prices of fine, medium, and coarse rice varieties have increased by 1.29%, 2.50%, and 3.70% respectively in a month. Retailers in Dhaka’s major markets report that all rice types, including Miniket, Atash, and Nazirshail, have become costlier, alongside flour and soybean oil. The Consumer Rights Directorate and the Commerce Ministry have been urged to intensify monitoring to prevent hoarding and manipulation.

Officials from the Food Department said the government has sufficient reserves and can stabilize the market through imports and open market sales if necessary. The Commerce Ministry indicated that strict action may follow if syndicate activity is proven.

The long-delayed Chinese Economic Zone project in Chattogram’s Anwara upazila is being resubmitted for approval at the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The meeting will also consider five projects worth Tk 7,003.36 crore, including three new and two revised ones. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone project, under the Prime Minister’s Office, is among those awaiting approval.

The zone will be developed on about 800 acres in Belchura, near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port, and Shah Amanat International Airport. Initiated in 2014 and formalized through a government-to-government deal with China in 2016, the project stalled due to financing and administrative delays. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will handle offsite infrastructure, while China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will manage internal development. The project is scheduled from January 2027 to December 2031, funded by Tk 1,722 crore from the government and Tk 2,467 crore in Chinese credit.

BEZA expects the project to create about 100,000 direct and 400,000 indirect jobs and attract around USD 500 million in foreign investment, though the Planning Commission has raised concerns over high construction costs.

In Gobindaganj of Gaibandha district, farmers have achieved an excellent yield of the special 'Chewn' variety of sugarcane this season. The crop, known for being consumed both by chewing and as juice, has seen strong market demand, particularly during the recent spell of intense heat. The combination of bumper production and favorable prices has brought significant satisfaction to local growers.

According to the Gobindaganj Upazila Agriculture Office, sugarcane has been cultivated on 215 hectares of land across several unions, including Kamardah, Mahimaganj, Sapmara, Darbast, Kochashahar, and Fulbari. The varieties grown include Ishwardi-16, 37, Bari-1, 42, and 17. Farmers reported higher returns this year, with prices rising from 10–12 taka per cane last season to 12–15 taka. Buyers from nearby districts, such as Bogura, are purchasing both thin and thick canes in bulk for transport.

Agriculture officials noted that the soil in parts of Gobindaganj is particularly suitable for this variety, and farmers are benefiting from the favorable conditions and strong market response.