Global fuel markets surged after renewed escalation of conflict in the Middle East, pushing Brent crude to $100 per barrel — the first time since May. Prices climbed sharply after the United States intensified military action against Iran and following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea, which also threatened alternative export routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Natural gas benchmarks rose alongside oil, with UK gas near 150 pence per therm, up from about 98 pence in late June.

Economists warn the Middle East fighting could sharply increase inflationary pressures worldwide because higher oil prices raise petrol and diesel costs, which in turn lift transport and food prices. The article notes recent impacts in developed countries: UK petrol and diesel prices have risen over the past two weeks to about £1.56 and £1.72 per litre respectively, and US average gasoline has surpassed $4 per gallon after being $3.92 a month earlier. US officials signalled a return to heightened tensions after a temporary ceasefire earlier reduced prices.

US Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh told Congress that prolonged high inflation would not be tolerated and the Fed remains committed to restoring price stability, while Fed policy rates were left unchanged in a recent meeting at 3.5–3.75 percent.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the recently drafted budget, prepared after one to one-and-a-half months of effort, has been appreciated across all levels of the country and its true success depends on effective implementation. He made the remarks while addressing the first meeting with finance department officials at the ministry on Thursday, where the meeting was chaired by Finance Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Majumdar.
The minister urged changing negative public perceptions about bureaucracy, stressing that working together can overcome any obstacle and that officials should move beyond traditional practices to adopt innovative, out-of-the-box thinking. He called for meetings to allow free and spontaneous expression of views, mutual cooperation, family-like work environments, direct presentation of problems and ideas, and objective feedback from subdivisions to enable proper decision-making.
He said the government has initiated a coordinated masterplan to develop Cox’s Bazar as an international and regional tourist hub and is reconsidering long-standing 50m and 500m coastal restrictions where development will occur, ensuring environmental protection. Work on an international airport, rail service, and improved road links from Chattogram are underway and will be coordinated to transform Cox’s Bazar into a modern digital tourism city contributing to the goal of a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

At a seminar titled “Bangladesh’s Economy in July’s Aspirations,” held on July 23 at Dhaka University, Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, emphasized that creating new employment opportunities must be the top priority to revive Bangladesh’s economy. He argued that sustainable development and equitable wealth distribution are impossible without expanding productive industries and agriculture. Rahman criticized the focus on mega projects over manufacturing, citing corruption risks and questioning the credibility of official economic statistics.

The event, organized by the Center for Advanced Studies and Thoughts (CAST), also featured the launch of two books analyzing Bangladesh’s recent economic trends. Speakers, including Dr. A.K.M. Waresul Karim of North South University, highlighted rising inflation, high non-performing loans, and inadequate income growth among low-wage groups. They called for transparency in industrial revival plans and greater research funding for young scholars.

Participants further stressed the need for reliable infrastructure, energy supply, and skilled human resources to attract investment and ensure inclusive economic growth.

Vegetable prices across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, have surged sharply, with most items now selling above Tk100 per kilogram. According to a report published on July 23, 2026, prices have risen by Tk20 to Tk50 per kg due to continuous rainfall disrupting supply chains. Retailers report that eggplant, bitter gourd, and okra are selling between Tk100 and Tk120 per kg, while cucumber and tomato prices have reached Tk130 and Tk160 respectively. Green chili prices have doubled or tripled within a month, now retailing between Tk200 and Tk280 per kg.

Traders attribute the price hike to rain-induced supply shortages, as waterlogging has damaged crops and limited farmers’ ability to harvest. A vegetable seller from Keraniganj said wholesalers are receiving fewer supplies, forcing retailers to sell at higher prices. Consumers, particularly middle- and lower-income families, expressed frustration over the escalating costs of daily essentials.

Agricultural expert Dr. Jamal Uddin warned that continued adverse weather could further strain local supply chains. However, traders expect prices to ease once weather conditions improve and new harvests reach the markets.

A severe gas shortage has gripped Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh since Thursday, July 23, 2026, disrupting household cooking and industrial production. Many CNG filling stations in the capital displayed 'no gas' signs, forcing drivers of CNG-run vehicles to wait for hours in long queues. Even where gas was available, pressure remained too low to meet demand, causing widespread inconvenience.

According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, a technical fault at one of the country’s floating LNG terminals (FSRU) has reduced national gas supply by about 450 million cubic feet per day. This has lowered gas pressure across industrial zones, power plants, CNG stations, and residential areas. The gas authority noted that Bangladesh already faces a supply deficit, with daily demand exceeding 3,800 million cubic feet while only 2,700 million cubic feet can be supplied.

The disruption has forced many factories to cut production and left households without cooking gas for much of the day. Drivers and CNG station managers reported severe operational difficulties and financial uncertainty due to the ongoing shortage.

Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has achieved record-breaking performance in both revenue collection and water production, according to a report published on July 23, 2026. The agency’s monthly revenue, which had long remained between Tk 18 crore and Tk 20 crore, rose to Tk 26.8 crore from last month’s water bills—an increase of nearly Tk 7 crore. At the same time, daily water production reached an average of 496 million liters, the highest in the organization’s history.

Managing Director Engineer Selim Mohammad Jahan Alam said that after noticing low revenue figures in a news report, he held meetings with revenue officials to identify causes and strengthen collection efforts. The coordinated actions of the revenue department led to the significant rise in monthly revenue. WASA sources stated that the agency typically aims to collect 80–90 percent of billed amounts from residential and commercial customers.

Currently, Chattogram WASA serves 86,309 connections through about 1,200 kilometers of pipelines, with residential users paying Tk 18 and commercial users Tk 37 per 1,000 liters of water.

Mercantile Bank PLC has inaugurated a new ATM booth at Noakhali Club, Dhaka Limited to provide round-the-clock transaction services. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the bank’s Executive Committee Chairman M A Khan Belal as the chief guest. With this addition, the total number of Mercantile Bank’s ATM booths has reached 200.

The event also featured remarks from Md. Abdul Hai, General Secretary of Noakhali Club, Dhaka Limited, as a special guest. Senior executives and officers of Mercantile Bank, along with directors and members of the club, were present at the ceremony.

According to the bank, this expansion reflects its commitment to enhancing digital banking coverage and delivering modern financial services to customers across the country.

The Bangladesh government is set to finalize a purchase agreement with France’s Airbus for ten aircraft by August 31, 2026, according to officials. The decision reportedly follows pressure from the European Union (EU). State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat confirmed the plan, saying details on pricing and conditions will be disclosed after signing. The move will make Biman Bangladesh Airlines a mixed-fleet carrier for the first time, operating both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanom Rita said the government aims to modernize Biman’s fleet with 14 Boeing and 10 Airbus aircraft, along with five leased planes this year. Ministry sources indicated that the EU raised transparency concerns over the earlier Boeing deal and linked the Airbus purchase to broader trade and diplomatic interests, as nearly half of Bangladesh’s exports go to Europe. The Airbus agreement will follow the same evaluation process used for Boeing, with four A350-900 wide-body jets and six narrow-body aircraft to be added gradually.

Aviation experts cautioned that expanding the fleet without maximizing current capacity could create financial pressure, though the government views the deal as part of its long-term plan to modernize Biman and strengthen ties with the EU.

Bangladesh Railway has issued a final notice to SMEC Bangladesh, the supervising consultancy for the Dohazari–Cox’s Bazar–Ghumdhum rail line project, for failing to submit essential completion documents. Despite repeated reminders, SMEC has not provided performance certificates, final bills, project closure reports, ‘as-built’ drawings, or handover papers. The notice, sent on May 13, 2026, warns that payment suspension and contract termination may follow if the documents are not submitted on time.

Railway officials said the consultancy’s failure has stalled project closure, auditing, and final disbursements. The firm has been accused of cost escalations in multiple projects, including Akhaura–Laksam and the Jamuna Rail Bridge. Questions have also arisen over potential conflicts of interest, as several former senior railway officials, including former project directors, joined SMEC after retirement.

SMEC has been involved in 22 railway and bridge-related projects worth over 35 billion taka in the past decade. The company’s feasibility assessments have also faced criticism for labeling unprofitable routes as viable, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in Bangladesh’s railway consultancy contracts.

Crude oil prices rose again in the international market amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. On Thursday, Brent crude increased by 1.93 dollars or 2 percent to reach 96 dollars per barrel, marking its highest level since June 8. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also gained 1.44 dollars or 1.7 percent, trading at 88.27 dollars per barrel.

Earlier trading sessions had already seen Brent crude rise by more than 3 dollars to 94.07 dollars per barrel, while WTI climbed nearly 3 percent during the same period. Analysts cited renewed US military strikes in Iran and intensified attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea as key drivers of the surge. These developments have heightened strategic instability in the Middle East and disrupted supply confidence.

The report indicates that uncertainty in global oil supply chains continues to fuel price volatility, with markets reacting sharply to geopolitical risks in the region.

At a press conference organized by the Energy Division on Wednesday, government officials attributed Bangladesh’s ongoing gas crisis to corruption, mismanagement, and policy failures of the former Awami League administration. They said that while a technical fault at a floating LNG terminal (FSRU) triggered the immediate disruption, long-term dependence on imported LNG had intensified the impact. The fault has temporarily halted gas supply from one terminal, reducing national grid supply by about 450 million cubic feet per day.

Officials explained that the supply shortfall has affected industries, power plants, and CNG stations across several regions, causing reduced gas pressure and temporary public inconvenience. Technical teams are prioritizing repairs to restore normal supply, while authorities are managing limited gas to maintain supply to critical sectors.

The government announced plans to reduce import reliance by expanding domestic exploration and production. A project worth 7.29 billion taka to drill three wells in Begumganj and Sunamganj has been approved, alongside ongoing efforts to attract local and foreign investment in onshore and offshore gas exploration.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized that Bangladesh’s housing industry is a key driver of the national economy and essential for overall economic growth. During a meeting with representatives of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) at the Secretariat on Wednesday, July 22, he said the government is working to create a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly environment to ensure planned, sustainable, and corruption-free development in the housing sector.

The meeting discussed the current state of the housing industry, challenges of planned urbanization, practical issues arising from Detailed Area Plan (DAP) implementation, and long-term development strategies. The REHAB delegation requested a rational reduction in land, plot, and flat registration fees and stressed the need for full digitalization of government services related to housing. They also highlighted the importance of vertical urbanization to optimize limited land use in the capital.

The Prime Minister stated that reforms have already been introduced to prevent irregularities in the sector and that further effective measures are underway. He also underscored the need for balanced urban development beyond Dhaka while protecting agricultural land.

Bangladesh’s largest retail chain, Shwapno, has received international recognition for promoting equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The company was named winner in the category of ‘SDG Brand Champion in Sustainable Partnerships and Institutions – Employment for Differently-Abled Individuals’ at the fourth SDG Brand Champion Awards. The announcement was made on Tuesday through a company press release highlighting Shwapno’s long-term efforts to ensure inclusive and equitable workplaces.

According to Shwapno, the award reflects its commitment to inclusive employment, diversity, and social responsibility. The company stated that it will continue expanding job opportunities for persons with disabilities while ensuring a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free work environment. Organizers said this year’s awards aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, receiving 472 nominations across 19 categories. A seven-member grand jury panel of 27 experts selected 34 winners and 25 honorable mentions.

Shwapno also received an honorable mention in the ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Farm-to-Shelf’ category, recognizing its role in improving agricultural supply chains and innovation. The company reaffirmed its goal to contribute to social and economic development through responsible business practices and sustainable initiatives.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku announced that the government plans to hand over Bangladesh’s electricity distribution system to the private sector. Speaking at a policy conclave on energy security and transition in Dhaka, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed with the proposal and urged all stakeholders to prepare for the transition. The minister argued that private management would enhance transparency, improve service quality, and lessen the government’s operational responsibilities, while electricity generation would remain under state control.

Tuku criticized the previous Awami League government, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement that left the energy sector without proper planning or gas exploration. He cited recent disruptions in LNG supply following a fire at an FSRU facility, which caused gas shortages in several regions. The minister emphasized the need to boost domestic gas exploration and strengthen LNG infrastructure to ensure long-term energy security.

He also highlighted new renewable energy policies, including incentives for rooftop solar installations and plans to reach 10,000 megawatts of solar power with international cooperation.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has announced three private Hajj packages for 2027, with the lowest-priced package set at Tk 513,545. The announcement was made in Dhaka by HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar, accompanied by Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumdar. The special package (Package-1) will cost Tk 791,060, the general package (Package-2) Tk 595,580, and the affordable package (Package-3) Tk 513,545. Agencies may also offer an additional special package based on pilgrim demand. Package prices were calculated at an exchange rate of Tk 33.20 per Saudi Riyal and will be adjusted if the rate changes.

Compared to the current year, the 2027 packages show slight increases in cost. The 2026 special package cost Tk 750,000, the general package Tk 550,000, and the affordable package Tk 510,000. HAAB stated that the new packages were prepared based on estimated expenses, as final Saudi-side costs are yet to be confirmed. The packages include meals and mandatory Qurbani payments through the Nusuk platform.

A three-day Hajj and Umrah fair will be held from July 30 at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center to facilitate direct bookings. The 2027 Hajj is expected to take place on May 15, subject to moon sighting, with around 127,198 pilgrims participating.