In an article published on July 28, 2026, Islamic economist Md. Mukhlesur Rahman argues that Bangladesh should strengthen its role in the expanding global halal economy. The article says halal industries now extend beyond food to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, tourism, logistics, financial services and digital technology. It estimates the global halal economy at about $5.2 trillion, potentially exceeding $9 trillion by the start of the next decade, while Bangladesh’s annual halal-product exports stand at $850 million.

The author says Bangladesh has capabilities in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, garments, pharmaceuticals, leather and food processing. However, he identifies policy frameworks, international acceptance and institutional capacity as the main weaknesses rather than production. Bangladesh lacks a strong internationally recognized national halal accreditation authority, the article says, forcing some exporters to obtain additional certification from recognized bodies in Malaysia, Singapore, India or Thailand.

The article calls for an internationally accepted national accreditation authority, coordinated work by public agencies and private businesses, modern laboratories, digital traceability and trained auditors. It also proposes halal-focused university education and research, easier certification and subsidies for small and medium enterprises, and inclusion of halal industries in national export, investment and industrial policies.

Bangladesh has brought retail shopkeepers into the tax net for the first time, requiring them to pay a 0.2% advance income tax on goods bought from manufacturers or importers. Under a new Section 127(b) added through an amendment to the Income Tax Act 2023, a retailer would pay two taka in tax for every 1,000 taka of goods purchased. The July 28, 2026 report said the measure is intended to broaden the tax base and raise revenue.

The National Board of Revenue plans to collect the tax through an app that is still at an early stage of development and may take at least three months to build. Company sales representatives or agents would use it to generate an “A” challan against a retailer’s TIN. Retailers would receive tax information through digital copies or SMS, and excess advance tax could be refunded if they file returns.

Officials cited major implementation obstacles, including no reliable database of shopkeepers, some manufacturers lacking TINs, network problems and the need for piloting and training. Earlier VAT collection efforts using ECR and EFD systems did not achieve expected results. Sources estimate annual revenue could reach about Tk5,000 crore, while manufacturers or importers could face penalties if collection fails.

Global crude oil prices fell by more than 10 percent in a day on Monday as prospects for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran strengthened. By 12:45 a.m. Bangladesh time, Brent crude was trading at about $88.6 per barrel, down 10.4 percent from $91.68 a day earlier. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude also fell 8 percent to $82.35 per barrel.

Investor concerns over the Middle East eased amid hopes that talks between Washington and Tehran were progressing positively. Last week, fears of disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab raised concern over reduced oil exports from the region, briefly pushing Brent to $100 per barrel. Prices began falling after US President Donald Trump suspended military strikes against Iran last Friday following nearly two weeks of conflict.

Trump said Monday that “good talks” were under way and that an agreement was possible, while warning that attacks could resume if negotiations failed. Iran said it had also suspended retaliatory military operations and was discussing normal maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz with Oman. Crude shipments from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast also resumed, improving global supply conditions, though markets remained cautious after Houthi claims of attacks on Saudi Aramco-linked facilities.

Australia is considering building a new oil refinery for the first time in more than six decades as global fuel supplies tighten amid the US and Israeli war against Iran. The plan was reported on July 28, 2026, with Canberra seeking to assess whether such a project could strengthen domestic fuel security.

Australia’s federal government and the Western Australian state government will jointly conduct a preliminary study to examine the proposal’s feasibility, according to a government statement. The report said Canberra has faced difficulty obtaining fuel as the Middle East war has continued and disrupted global supply conditions.

Australia relies on imports for about 80 percent of its total fuel needs, increasing pressure on energy security when international supplies are disrupted. Only two oil refineries are currently operating in the country, compared with eight active facilities in 2004. Analysts said a new refinery could play a significant role in addressing domestic fuel shortages and reducing reliance on imports.

Persistent rain and flooding have disrupted Bangladesh’s essential-goods market, pushing up prices of vegetables, fish, poultry and eggs, according to a report published on July 28, 2026. Surveys of markets in the capital found that vegetables priced below Tk100 per kilogram have become difficult to find. Eggplant was selling for Tk100-150 per kilogram, bitter gourd for Tk120 and tomatoes for Tk120-160. Onion prices rose from Tk35-40 a few days earlier to Tk55-60.

Green chili recorded one of the steepest increases, more than doubling in a month to Tk260-300 per kilogram. Sellers cited reduced supplies and stronger demand, while a Keraniganj vendor said waterlogged fields had damaged crops. Shoppers said rising prices were making household budgets difficult to manage.

Eggs were selling at Tk140 per dozen, broiler chicken at Tk190-210 per kilogram and rohu fish at Tk400-450. Consumer-rights groups alleged that some traders raised prices abnormally before the full effects of flooding reached markets. Officials said market raids were continuing and legal action was being taken against dishonest price increases. Agricultural officials said prices could ease after weather conditions normalize and new vegetables reach markets.

Bangladesh's power, energy and mineral resources minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said the country's severe gas crisis may take another 10 to 15 days to resolve. Speaking at separate events on July 27, Mahmud and State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said repairs were under way at damaged floating terminals in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar. Gas supplies from Accelerate Energy's terminal stopped after a fire last Tuesday, intensifying the shortage.

Mahmud said the two private-sector floating terminals convert imported LNG for delivery to the national grid, and the government and concerned institutions were making maximum efforts to restore imported gas supplies. Amit apologized to the public for the disruption, saying people were facing hardship from the lack of gas and authorities were trying to overcome the situation.

Daily gas demand exceeds 3.8 billion cubic feet, while about 2.7 billion cubic feet is being supplied to the grid, Amit said. Technical faults have reduced LNG supply by about 450 million cubic feet a day. Specialists have been brought from Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, while required spare parts are being arranged for air freight.

Oil prices fell more than 5% on Monday after the United States and Iran suspended attacks following two weeks of reciprocal strikes, according to a report published on July 27, 2026. The pause raised hopes for a diplomatic solution that could ease the conflict and allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. At 08:04 GMT, Brent crude futures were down about 5.9% at $91.08 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 5.4% at $84.51 a barrel. Both markets were trading at their lowest levels after three weeks of gains. Supply reductions through Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel, while the conflict later spread to the Red Sea, disrupting Saudi oil exports to Asia through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump paused US attacks to allow more time for diplomatic talks. Analysts cautioned that shipping through Hormuz may normalize slowly and only partially. Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day crossed the strait over the weekend. Continued Red Sea disruption and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ships and refineries could keep supply risks and global inflation concerns elevated.

Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association has withdrawn its planned symbolic closure of CNG filling stations on July 30, citing the ongoing gas crisis. The group said its previously announced plan to shut all CNG filling stations nationwide indefinitely from August 23 would remain in force if its demands and problems are not resolved positively and reasonably. Steering committee convener Amiruzzaman Chowdhury announced the decision at a July 27 press conference at Akram Tower in Bijoynagar, Dhaka.

General Secretary Farhan Noor said the association did not want to increase public suffering while gas supplies were already being disrupted nationwide because of problems in Maheshkhali. The association said part of the floating LNG terminal operated by Excelerate Energy in Maheshkhali caught fire, causing a gas-supply disruption, and that it withdrew the symbolic programme to cooperate with the government.

The association said CNG operators had been compelled to announce action because of continuing losses. It said a July 25 meeting with the Petrobangla chairman discussed gas supply conditions and its demands, but produced no specific proposal for resolving the problems. The group also cited expert committee recommendations from 2013 and 2017 and repeated communications with government bodies without a solution.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said Bangladesh’s gas supply shortage is expected to begin easing next week. Speaking at a briefing on the power and energy situation on July 27, he said the plan depends on Excelerate Energy restoring 50 percent of expected supply next week, followed by a full restoration in the subsequent week.

Amit cautioned that the government was not providing firm dates because the assessment was based on the company’s statements. He said previously announced timelines had not been met for various reasons. Comparing the work to repairing an engine, he said additional problems can emerge after equipment is opened, complicating the expected repair period.

The minister said neither Excelerate, Summit nor the Bangladesh government had prior experience handling this type of incident, describing it as a new situation from which those involved must learn. He also said the elected government had no hesitation in apologizing to the public and was trying to meet public expectations while taking responsibility.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal organized a display and festival of Bangladeshi mango varieties and mango-based processed products in Kathmandu. The event, titled “Bangladesh Mango Delicacy,” was held Saturday at the Utsav Kunj Banquet Hall beside the embassy. It highlighted Bangladesh’s quality mangoes, agricultural heritage and potential for agricultural-product exports. About 250 guests attended.

SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, the chief guest, said South Asia has major potential for mango production but exports of mangoes and related products from the region have not reached the expected level. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry Joint Secretary Gahendra Rajbhandari said the event reflected Bangladesh’s warmth and hospitality and would strengthen ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and Nepal. He praised Ambassador Md. Shafiqur Rahman’s “mango diplomacy” initiative.

The exhibition featured fresh Fazli, Amrapali, Bari-4, Katimon, Gourmati and Ashwina mangoes, alongside juice, pickles, fruit bars, dried mango, chutney, jam and jelly. Mango grower Rafiqul Islam presented methods for safe, quality production using Good Agricultural Practices. Organizers said the initiative could increase interest in Bangladeshi mango products in Nepal and create opportunities for bilateral agricultural and food trade.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh is now open to foreign investment as the China Economic and Industrial Zone formally began operations in Anwara, Chattogram, on Sunday. He described the inauguration as a milestone for the economies of Chattogram and the country.

The finance minister said investment in the zone could exceed $500 million and may reach $1 billion. He said the launch had fulfilled part of the prime minister’s stated $1 trillion investment target. Calling private investment necessary to meet the prime minister’s vision, he said existing laws had already been amended to make them more investment-friendly.

Chowdhury urged environmentally friendly factories and said housing should be provided for workers, alongside efforts to improve their welfare. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed Chowdhury stressed the need for stable law and order to expand investment and trade. BEZA and China Bridge signed an agreement after the event, followed by the formal opening through the unveiling of a plaque. BIDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the prime minister had set a target to see the zone’s first factory operating within 18 months.

Bangladesh laid the foundation stone for the China Economic and Industrial Zone, or CEIZ, on the eastern bank of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara, Chattogram, on July 27, 2026. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government-to-government Bangladesh-China project, developed under Belt and Road Initiative principles, marked a new phase for industrial transformation. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended as chief guest.

The project will cover about 776 acres, or 314.39 hectares, and is expected to create more than 36,000 direct jobs in the Chattogram region. Planned industries include ready-made garments and textiles, biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and leather goods. The finance minister said policy support could help secure about $1 billion in investment for infrastructure and industrial facilities.

Officials said the site is 700 metres from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, six kilometres from Shah Amanat International Airport and 12 kilometres from Chattogram Port, with direct access to the N-1 highway. The government pledged investor security, streamlined approvals and utility services through BEZA's one-stop service. The zone is also planned to include environmentally friendly infrastructure and an international-standard central effluent treatment plant.

Electronic toll collection at Padma Bridge has generated more than Tk100 million, while the number of vehicles registered for the system has exceeded 1,000, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority said on July 27. A press release sent by Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md Masud Rana Shikder said collections through ETC reached Tk100.8246 million by July 26. The number of registered vehicles stood at 1,008.

Since the service was launched, 56,406 vehicles have crossed Padma Bridge after paying tolls through the cashless system, according to the release. Bridges Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the authority was working to implement the ETC initiative to bring discipline to road transport and provide convenience and comfort to the public.

Tolls can currently be paid through Tap, bKash, Nagad and Upay, as well as apps operated by Trust Bank, Midland Bank, NCC Bank, Prime Bank and Mutual Trust Bank. Users must register their vehicles through the D-Toll option, recharge funds and have a BRTA-approved RFID tag verified at the Mawa toll plaza registration booth or toll booth on their first use. Once registered, vehicles can use ETC lanes without a separate RFID tag.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a vision to transform Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Speaking as chief guest at an investment conference organized by the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on July 23, he said the plan aims to make Bangladesh a manufacturing hub and create 10 million new jobs by 2030. The conference was attended by 600 representatives.

After taking office on February 17, the government adopted a special 180-day programme at its first cabinet meeting to implement its election manifesto. The 2026-27 budget of Tk 938,000 crore prioritizes renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, advanced textiles, healthcare and logistics.

The roadmap identifies export diversification, youth empowerment and governance and institutional reform as key drivers. Rahman said the government is modernizing legal and regulatory systems, strengthening investor protection, simplifying tax and VAT administration, digitizing public services, and improving ports, logistics and energy security. The article says meeting the target would require average annual GDP growth of 8% to 9%, alongside energy security, control of non-performing loans, higher revenue collection and inflation management.

Global crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a two-week conflict between the United States and Iran was temporarily halted, raising hopes for a diplomatic solution and more normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude dropped $4.89, or 5.05%, to $91.89 a barrel, briefly falling below $90 early in trading. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate declined $4.67, or 5.23%, to $84.64 a barrel.

Both benchmarks reached their lowest levels in about a week after rising for three consecutive weeks. Earlier, the spread of conflict in the Middle East and disruption to oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel. The conflict also affected the Red Sea, disrupting supplies from Saudi Arabia to Asia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump had decided to pause attacks to allow diplomatic efforts a chance. Shipping has not fully normalized: Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day transited Hormuz over the weekend. Analyst Saul Kavonic said any recovery in shipping would be gradual and partial because many companies remain cautious about security risks.