Bangladesh Bank has withdrawn the administrator from EXIM Bank, one of five banks merged into Sammilito Islami Bank. The move means EXIM Bank’s operations will now be run through Sammilito Islami Bank’s board of directors and managing director. Administrator Shawkatul Alam and his representatives were withdrawn on Thursday, according to a report published on July 30.

During the interim government period, EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank and Global Islami Bank were merged to form Sammilito Islami Bank. The boards of the banks were dissolved and their managing directors were removed. Bangladesh Bank subsequently appointed administrators to oversee the banks’ operations.

In June, the government appointed Kazi Shayrul Hasan as chairman of Sammilito Islami Bank’s board and Abedur Rahman Shikdar as managing director. After the new board and management assumed responsibility, Bangladesh Bank decided to withdraw administrators in stages. Relevant central bank officials said administrators would also be withdrawn from the remaining four merged banks by August.

Foreign banks operating in Bangladesh more than doubled their transfers of profit and income abroad in the second half of 2025 while sharply cutting reinvestment in the country. Bangladesh Bank data showed they sent Tk1,314.60 crore overseas during July-December 2025, up about 128% from Tk577.30 crore in the same period of 2024. They also remitted Tk562.70 crore as dividends, compared with Tk476.80 crore a year earlier.

Reinvested earnings fell from Tk4,594.80 crore in the second half of 2024 to Tk2,096.40 crore a year later. Sector sources said lower reinvestment and the resumption of dividend payments contributed to higher overseas profit transfers. Foreign banks' net profit after tax rose to Tk3,738.70 crore in July-December 2025 from Tk3,557.60 crore in the corresponding period of 2024.

Their total loans and advances declined 11.3% year-on-year to Tk46,123 crore. During the period, foreign banks brought in $4.12 billion in export earnings and paid $4.29 billion in import bills. Nine foreign commercial banks operate in Bangladesh through 70 branches and five sub-branches.

International crude oil prices edged lower on July 30 despite renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran, as oil tanker traffic continued normally through the tense Middle East. Reuters data showed Brent crude fell by $1.29, or 1.42%, to $89.45 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude declined by 56 cents, or 0.66%, to trade at $83.90 a barrel.

Oil markets have seen sharp swings this week. On the previous trading day, Brent rose 7.91% and WTI gained 6.56%, among the largest price increases during the five-month conflict. Earlier on Tuesday, crude prices dropped about 5% on news of a temporary pause, before subsequent political and military moves pushed prices higher again.

Military tensions remain elevated. On Wednesday night US time, US Central Command launched major air strikes on military and strategic targets inside Iran. Iran's state media outlet Press TV reported loud explosions in several southern provinces and on several islands after the operation. Despite the tense situation, operating shipping routes have kept oil prices moving lower for now.

Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, or Bapex, has formally begun drilling the Sundarpur-4 appraisal-cum-development gas well in Senbagh, Noakhali. Bapex Deputy General Manager for Drilling and drilling in-charge Zakir Hossain Khan said the work started on Tuesday afternoon. The well is located in Bara Charigaon village of Nabipur Union in Senbagh.

Project officials said the well was named Sundarpur-4 because it belongs to the same underground gas field. Sundarpur gas field wells 1, 2 and 3 were previously drilled in the Sirajpur area of Companiganj. Although the new well is about 13 kilometres from the Sundarpur-2 well, it is part of the same reservoir.

The target depth is about 1,600 metres, with a possible gas-bearing layer estimated at around 1,361 metres. Bapex aims to complete drilling within two months, followed by a drill stem test requiring another 15 to 20 days. Based on analysis of nearby wells, Bapex expects the well could produce five to seven million cubic feet of gas per day.

Policymakers, economists and business leaders called for energy security, banking-sector reform, a business-friendly environment and policy continuity to make Bangladesh’s transition from least developed country status sustainable and effective. The views emerged at a strategic dialogue organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh at its Ruhul Quddus Auditorium in Nilkhet, Dhaka, on Wednesday night.

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh had qualified for LDC graduation, but the central challenge was ensuring a sustainable transition. He said the end of LDC benefits would create new realities for exports, pharmaceuticals and international trade, making structural reforms necessary before proceeding. The government is working to increase energy supplies, expand LNG infrastructure, restore balance in banking and streamline online business services, he said.

Speakers also stressed governance, infrastructure, political stability, skilled human resources and an investment-friendly climate. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted value addition, retention, improved energy conditions and low-interest financing. CPD Distinguished Fellow Professor Dr Mustafizur Rahman emphasised productivity gains, export diversification and policy reforms while discussing post-graduation competition and reduced tariff preferences.

A complete gas supply shutdown from the national grid has disrupted daily life in Netrokona for five consecutive days, affecting about 5,600 residential and commercial customers under Titas Gas. The report, published on July 30, 2026, said household cooking has been severely affected, the district’s only CNG filling station has closed, and transport services have been disrupted. The district সদর hospital, jail and police lines are also facing difficulties in carrying out cooking and daily operations.

Titas Gas said the crisis was caused by a technical fault at an LNG terminal at the national level and described it as temporary. The district has gas connections for one CNG filling station, 24 commercial establishments and 29 government institutions. Gas pressure has effectively fallen to zero for five days, following roughly two weeks of low-pressure problems.

Borhan Kabir, station engineer at the AR Khan Pathan CNG filling station, said inlet pressure had been zero for seven to eight days, preventing fuel supply to vehicles. Drivers said they were using costlier LPG and charging an extra 10 to 20 taka per trip. Titas deputy manager Md Golam Mortuza said domestic engineers and specialist teams from the United States and United Kingdom were working on the fault, and he hoped conditions would improve within five days.

Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, or Bapex, has formally begun drilling the Sundarpur-4 appraisal-cum-development gas well in Bara Charigaon village of Nabipur union, Senbag upazila, Noakhali. Bapex Deputy General Manager for drilling and drilling in-charge Zakir Hossain Khan confirmed on July 29 that drilling had started on Tuesday afternoon. Initial assessments indicate potential production of 5 to 7 million cubic feet of gas per day.

The well has a target depth of about 1,600 metres, with a potential gas-bearing layer expected at roughly 1,361 metres. Khan said total gas reserves cannot yet be determined, but Bapex expects the projected daily output after analysing information from nearby wells. Land acquisition and infrastructure development were completed before a rig was installed at the site in late April.

The well is named Sundarpur-4 because it belongs to the same underground gas reservoir as the Sundarpur field, despite being about 12 to 13 kilometres from Sundarpur-2. Drilling is targeted for completion within two months, followed by a drill stem test lasting 15 to 20 days. Final results are expected within about two and a half months, and a successful well could contribute new gas supplies to the national grid.

Mobile financial service provider Nagad paid Bangladesh Post 185.69 million taka as its revenue-sharing portion for fiscal year 2025-26, according to a report published on July 29. Bangladesh Bank-appointed Nagad administrator Md Motasim Billah handed over the cheque to Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam at an event held Wednesday at Dak Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The payment was nearly 50 million taka, or more than 34 percent, higher than in the previous fiscal year. The minister said Nagad was needed to prevent a monopoly in the market and should remain competitive and become more profitable. He urged journalists not to pay attention to rumours surrounding the company. Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi said work would be undertaken to expand cooperation between Bangladesh Post and Nagad.

Nagad said it has paid 946 crore taka in taxes to the government and 47 crore taka in revenue to Bangladesh Post since its launch. Operating under an agreement with Bangladesh Post since March 2019, the service allocates 51 percent of earnings to the postal department and 49 percent to Nagad Limited. Its FY2025-26 transaction volume rose 25.50 percent to 427,000 crore taka, while active customers exceeded 30 million.

The Jute Mill Protection United Citizens’ Council has urged the government to reverse its decision to hand over 25 state-owned jute mills to the private sector. At a news conference at Khulna Press Club on Wednesday at 11:30am, the group questioned why state-run mills were incurring losses while private jute mills operated profitably. It demanded an investigation into the losses, action against those responsible, and guarantees of fair wages, benefits and rights for workers.

Council member Sutapa Bedoggo read the written statement. Convenor Advocate Kudrat E Khuda, member secretary M A Rashid and joint convenor Janardan Dutta Nantu were among those present. The statement said nearly 90,000 workers became unemployed after production at 25 state-owned jute mills was shut on July 2, 2020, citing losses. It blamed administrative inefficiency, red tape, BJMC corruption and limits on independent local management.

The group also called plans to transfer 44 industrial establishments, including state-owned sugar mills, through BIDA to private ownership self-destructive. Its 10 demands include reopening closed mills under skilled management, administrative restructuring, diversifying jute products, implementing the Mandatory Packaging Act, paying workers’ arrears and ensuring comparable benefits for private mill workers. Leaders warned unemployed workers could return to street protests if the demands are not met.

Pubali Bank PLC has launched a two-day cashless campaign in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, under Bangladesh Bank instructions and with the aim of building a cashless Bangladesh. The Siddhirganj branch inaugurated the programme on Wednesday by arranging a rally and an exchange meeting.

The campaign is intended to expand cashless transactions and ensure the easy and secure use of Bangla QR. The opening event was chaired by Siddhirganj branch head Mohammad Khairuzzaman. Regional Office Regional Relationship Manager Md Salahuddin attended as chief guest, while Assistant General Manager Sonia Jahan was the special guest.

Salahuddin said digital financial transactions have no alternative in building Smart Bangladesh. He said Bangla QR would allow customers of different banks and mobile financial services to use a single QR code for fast, easy and secure money transfers. Managers from the Shibu Market, Tanbazar and Fatullah branches also attended, while Siddhirganj branch Operations Manager Gazi Md Shahidul Alam conducted the event.

US-Bangla Airlines announced plans to invest about $1.5 billion to add 21 Boeing aircraft to its fleet, aiming to become an integrated global aviation group. The announcement was made on July 29 at the “Beyond Youth Boeing” event at Sheraton Dhaka in the capital. The airline said it would lease 15 Boeing 737-8 aircraft and six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with the additions to be phased in by 2027.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government is pursuing an aviation master plan and pilot training academy to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub. He said the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport would be able to serve 24 million passengers annually. US Ambassador Brent T Christensen described the investment as important for Bangladesh’s future aviation sector.

US-Bangla plans to send about 200 Bangladeshi pilots to the United States for advanced training. It also intends to increase flights on existing routes and launch services to several destinations in Asia and the Middle East. The company said it plans to station new Boeing aircraft in Chattogram and Sylhet to develop them as international regional hubs, while pursuing aviation training and flight catering facilities in Purbachal.

Shibchar upazila in Madaripur has recorded a bumper jute harvest this season, while satisfactory market prices have brought relief to farmers. Jute is selling for Tk4,000 to Tk5,000 per maund at different local markets, depending on quality. The report was published on July 29, 2026.

Sheikhpur farmer Masum Tayani said yields were much better this year than in recent years and that market demand remains available. He expects a good profit after covering production costs. Local jute traders said wholesalers from different parts of the country are purchasing jute at Shibchar municipal bus stand, Madbar Char, Uttarail, Kutubpur and Chander Char markets.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Alimuzzaman said jute was cultivated on 7,800 hectares in Shibchar this season. He attributed satisfactory production to cultivation following agriculture department advice and said technical support for farmers is continuing. Farmers hope to gain further if current prices remain stable, while stakeholders stressed higher production, better storage and fair prices.

Customers of five merged banks can now withdraw up to Tk10 lakh for medical treatment and other urgent needs, following a Bangladesh Bank board decision on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Governor Mostakur Rahman chaired the meeting. The decision covers First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank and EXIM Bank.

Previously, the repayment scheme allowed withdrawals only for a depositor’s own medical treatment. The revised scheme also prioritises treatment needs for parents, children, siblings and spouses, while permitting withdrawals for other emergencies. A Bangladesh Bank official said customers may need money for matters such as a daughter’s wedding or treatment of a family member, which had not been covered under the earlier arrangement.

The interim government merged the five Shariah-based banks last year to form Sammilito Islami Bank. Under payments from the deposit insurance fund, Tk3,887 crore has so far been paid to 822,000 depositors, including Tk1,600 crore to 350,000 First Security Islami Bank customers. At the end of last December, the five banks had Tk170,500 crore in defaulted loans, equal to 87.43 percent of their total loans.

Bangladesh Bank has launched a new bank-intermediated digital payment framework to make foreign digital transactions more modern, secure and accessible. According to a circular issued by the central bank on Wednesday, authorised dealer banks will be able to provide outbound remittance services through partnerships with foreign digital payment service providers. The report was published on July 29, 2026.

The circular collectively describes foreign payment platforms and service providers as Cross-Border Digital Payment Service Providers, or CDPSPs. The framework will introduce Digital Value Accounts, or DVAs, which will function as digital wallets or stored-value accounts. These accounts will operate under a master DVA managed by the relevant bank.

Users will be able to use DVAs for foreign-currency spending related to personal travel, medical treatment, official visits and other travel purposes. Payments will also be allowed for membership fees, information technology services, visa fees, hotel bookings and other approved services, as well as online e-commerce transactions within prescribed limits. Bangladesh Bank said the facility can also be accessed against retention quotas and Resident Foreign Currency Deposit account balances, while banks must obtain prior approval before launching such services.

A protest march and rally demanding the arrest of former president Md Shahabuddin Chuppu was held outside Islami Bank’s head office in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Wednesday afternoon, July 29. The Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum organized the programme, accusing Chuppu of being an associate of S Alam and of involvement in alleged Islami Bank share manipulation and bank looting.

Speakers at the rally alleged that Chuppu had assisted irregularities, corruption and looting in the banking sector, including at Islami Bank, through the S Alam Group. They called for an impartial investigation into people involved in damaging the banking sector and their associates, and demanded exemplary punishment.

Protesters also sought the arrest of Chuppu, prosecution of those involved in alleged bank-looting incidents, and effective measures to protect depositors’ interests. During the programme, participants chanted slogans and called for the swift trial of people linked to corruption in the banking sector. The march later ended peacefully.