Bangladesh has formally applied to the United Nations to postpone its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category by three years. A letter signed by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui was sent to the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) last Wednesday, requesting that the graduation preparation period be extended until November 24, 2029. The country was originally scheduled to graduate on November 24 this year, with the third review process currently underway.

The letter cited multiple global and domestic challenges, including the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, rising energy and food prices, global monetary tightening, and supply disruptions in shipping. Domestically, declining investment, slower revenue growth, and reduced GDP growth have hindered structural reforms. The government noted that uncertainty over GSP Plus access in European markets and policy shifts by major trading partners could further strain competitiveness.

Following the CDP meeting from February 24–28, a preliminary assessment report is expected within two weeks, with final recommendations and a decision anticipated in September.

State Minister for Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has announced that artificial crises created by syndicates in the food and agriculture sectors will be resolved through continuous monitoring. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a views-exchange meeting at the Tangail Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

Tuku said that a market monitoring cell has already been formed and that those responsible for market regulation are actively working. He added that the government has just begun its efforts and he will do his utmost to fulfill all promises made to the public. Earlier, the state minister held a meeting with district-level officials, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, attended by Superintendent of Police Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sanjay Kumar Mahanta, and heads of various district departments.

The minister emphasized that regular supervision and monitoring can solve all problems in the food and agriculture sectors, aiming to ensure stability and transparency in market operations.

Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin-ur-Rashid said that 70 percent of Bangladesh’s population depends on agriculture and that improving this sector will strengthen the country’s economic position. He made the remarks on Friday morning at a meeting with officials from the agriculture, food, and fisheries departments at the Cumilla Circuit House. The minister described the current administration as agriculture-friendly and committed to working for the welfare of the people.

Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Amin-ur-Rashid claimed that most of the BNP’s pledges were aimed at farmers and marginalized communities, and that implementing these promises would primarily benefit farmers. He thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for assigning him responsibility for the three ministries, saying he was given a portfolio he personally values. He called for cooperation from all concerned to solve problems and advance the sectors.

Speakers at the meeting discussed the progress of ongoing programs, service quality improvement, and field-level challenges and opportunities, providing necessary guidance for resolving issues.

A low-cost milk and egg sales program was inaugurated in Naogaon on Friday to ensure relief for residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative was launched at the Naogaon District Livestock premises by Zahidul Islam Dhalu, Member of Parliament for Naogaon-5 (Sadar). According to the District Livestock Office, consumers can purchase one hali (four pieces) of eggs for 28 taka and one liter of milk for 70 taka. The program will continue throughout Ramadan except on government holidays.

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by District Livestock Officer Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman, with Additional Superintendent of Police Joybrata Pal attending as a special guest. In his remarks, MP Zahidul Islam noted that many low-income people cannot afford milk, eggs, or meat, leading to nutritional deficiencies. He emphasized that the Livestock Department’s initiative would help meet their protein needs and suggested adding affordable meat sales.

Following the MP’s suggestion, Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman announced that a similar low-cost meat sales program would be launched soon.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that the government will launch the 'Family Card' program before the upcoming Eid as part of its 180-day priority plan outlined in the election manifesto. Initially, the initiative will be implemented as a pilot project in eight upazilas. The minister made the announcement on February 20 during a visit to Gokunda Bazar in Lalmonirhat, marking his first official tour of his home district after taking oath as minister.

Dulu stated that four cabinet meetings have already been held to advance the 180-day special package. The government is currently identifying genuinely impoverished families to bring them under the Family Card scheme, with plans to expand coverage gradually. He also mentioned joint efforts among the Water Resources, Local Government, and Disaster Management ministries for canal excavation and renovation, and a national plan to plant 25 crore trees, including a target of 5 crore this year.

The minister emphasized maintaining price stability and law and order during Ramadan and ensuring uninterrupted electricity and safe travel for homebound people during Eid.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has called on traders to fully cooperate with magistrates from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection during market inspection drives. He made the appeal on Friday afternoon while briefing journalists at Moulvibazar under Chawkbazar Police Station.

The DMP Commissioner said that such cooperation would help maintain transparency and fair pricing in the markets. He also sought the cooperation of all business leaders to keep commodity prices at a reasonable level during the upcoming Ramadan. Additionally, he emphasized that no adulteration of food products would be tolerated and urged everyone to remain alert and cautious.

The briefing was attended by Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S. N. Md. Nazrul Islam, leaders of the Moulvibazar Business Association, and representatives from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a contractual appointment for the position of Director in its Secretary Department. The appointment will be for a two-year term, according to a notice published on the bank’s website on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Interested candidates must submit their applications by March 15, 2026, either in person, by post, or via email to the Human Resources Department-1 at the bank’s head office in Dhaka.

The position requires a postgraduate degree along with a four-year honors degree in economics, management, marketing, accounting and information systems, finance, banking and insurance, or any other relevant field. Applicants must hold a Chartered Secretary or equivalent qualification and have at least 15 years of experience in a first-class or equivalent position, including a minimum of three years as a board or company secretary in a corporate, banking, or financial institution. The age limit for applicants is between 40 and 55 years, and the salary will be determined through discussion.

The recruitment aims to fill a single director-level vacancy in the Secretary Department under a fixed-term contract, reflecting Bangladesh Bank’s continued focus on experienced leadership in administrative management.

A mobile court in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur conducted a special drive on Friday morning to keep essential commodity prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shaikha Sultana, fined seven traders a total of Tk 12,000 for irregularities including overpricing, underweight sales, and selling goat and sheep meat at the same rate.

Before launching the drive, the magistrate wore a burqa and visited various shops in disguise as a regular buyer to observe market prices. After identifying violations, she carried out the formal operation under sections 37, 38, and 40 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. Police from Shibchar station assisted in the enforcement.

Authorities warned traders against forming syndicates or creating artificial shortages. Magistrate Sultana stated that such monitoring and enforcement actions would continue throughout Ramadan to protect public interest, with plans to intensify market surveillance in the coming weeks.

The government has directed all CNG stations across Bangladesh to remain closed for six hours daily, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting from the first day of Ramadan until March 14. The decision, announced in a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Muhammad Nazmul Haque of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, aims to address low gas pressure in the distribution network and ensure uninterrupted gas supply to households during the fasting month. Previously, CNG stations were closed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

According to the same circular, all CNG and filling stations will remain open around the clock from March 15 to 25 to facilitate smooth travel and fuel supply on highways during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday period. After March 26, the stations will revert to the earlier closure schedule of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The directive reflects the government’s effort to balance domestic gas demand during Ramadan with transportation needs around the Eid travel period.

Global oil markets experienced volatility following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, on Thursday, February 19, Brent futures rose by 24 cents or 0.3 percent to reach $70.59 per barrel. At the same time, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 28 cents or 0.4 percent to $65.47 per barrel, later climbing by $1.16 or 1.8 percent to $66.35 per barrel.

Analysts noted that about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical route for global energy transport. Any disruption in this waterway could significantly affect global supply. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities, said that while tensions remain, a full-scale armed conflict is unlikely. He added that US President Donald Trump does not favor a sharp rise in crude prices and that any military action would likely be limited and short-term.

Iran’s state media reported that the country had closed the strait for several hours on Tuesday as part of a military exercise. It remains unclear whether normal operations have fully resumed.

The new Bangladesh government has launched multiple initiatives to stabilize essential commodity prices during Ramadan, including nationwide market monitoring and mobile court operations led by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and district administrations. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged traders to avoid profiteering during the holy month and ensure affordability for ordinary citizens. An inter-ministerial committee, headed by the finance minister, was formed to implement a new family card program, expected to provide more than double the financial support of existing schemes.

Ministers and officials have announced strict measures against hoarding and market syndicates, while local administrations in Rajbari, Habiganj, Nilphamari, and Chattogram have conducted raids and imposed fines for irregularities. The government also began distributing affordable protein foods and essential goods through family cards, mobile truck sales, and OMS outlets, targeting over one million families. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) started selling five key products at reduced prices nationwide.

Business leaders and consumer groups expressed optimism that the government’s strict monitoring and supply measures would help keep prices stable throughout Ramadan.

In Cumilla city, allegations have surfaced that Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) products distributed at low prices for Ramadan are being given short in weight. At the Racecourse area on Thursday afternoon, a truck operated under dealer Parvin Akter of Faruk Store was found delivering goods with 100 grams less per kilogram, 200 grams less for two kilograms, and about 50 grams less for half a kilogram, despite using digital scales. The TCB package includes sugar, lentils, chickpeas, oil, and dates.

Following complaints, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection inspected the site and confirmed the irregularities. The Faruk Store owner was fined Tk 10,000 for the discrepancy. Each of the five TCB trucks in Cumilla serves 400 families daily, totaling 2,000 households. Reports suggest that around 600 grams of goods are being withheld per person, amounting to about Tk 24,000 in value per truck.

TCB’s deputy director Mamunur Rashid Gazi stated that any allegations of favoritism or corruption against authorized dealers would be investigated and addressed accordingly.

Bangladesh’s newly appointed Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury faces a major challenge as repayment periods for several foreign-funded mega infrastructure projects begin. Over the past decade, projects such as the Padma Rail Link, Metro Rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and Cox’s Bazar Rail have driven infrastructure growth but also created heavy debt burdens. With grace periods ending, large installments and interest payments in foreign currency are now due, straining the national budget.

According to official documents from the Asian Development Bank and the Planning Commission, project costs have risen 30–70 percent beyond initial estimates. The Padma Rail project’s cost rose from Tk 26,000 crore to Tk 39,000 crore, while Metro Rail’s cost increased from Tk 21,000 crore to over Tk 33,000 crore. Repayments for some projects, including Cox’s Bazar Rail and Karnaphuli Tunnel, have already started, while others like Rooppur will begin in 2028.

Experts warn that without improved revenue collection, subsidy reduction, and better project management, Bangladesh could face severe fiscal pressure within five years, potentially forcing budget cuts and new taxes to meet repayment obligations.

The United States trade deficit widened sharply in December, reaching a five-month high of $70.3 billion, according to the Commerce Department. The goods trade shortfall for 2025 hit a record $1.24 trillion, despite tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on foreign-manufactured products. Imports rose 3.6 percent in December to $357.6 billion, driven by higher purchases of industrial supplies, copper, crude oil, and capital goods such as computer accessories and telecommunications equipment. Exports fell 1.7 percent to $287.3 billion, though semiconductor and pharmaceutical shipments increased.

The report showed that trade made little or no contribution to fourth-quarter GDP growth. American companies boosted imports of computer chips and other technology goods from Taiwan to support large-scale investments in artificial intelligence. While the goods trade deficit with China dropped nearly 32 percent to $202 billion amid ongoing tensions, trade shifted toward Taiwan and Vietnam, where deficits rose sharply. Factory employment declined by 83,000 jobs between January 2025 and January 2026, underscoring limited benefits from tariffs.

Economists noted that strong imports may reflect robust business investment, particularly in AI-related infrastructure such as data centers, suggesting continued demand for technology equipment.

The Bangladesh government has begun reviewing its controversial power purchase agreement with India’s Adani Group. A high-level meeting was held at the Secretariat on Thursday to examine inconsistencies and details of the deal. The session, lasting about ninety minutes, was attended by four ministers, the prime minister’s adviser, and international experts. The meeting also discussed other unequal power and energy contracts signed during the previous Awami League administration. The review follows recommendations from the National Review Committee, which labeled the Adani Power Limited deal as one of the world’s worst and “suicidal” for Bangladesh, urging its renegotiation or cancellation.

The committee’s report highlighted that Bangladesh pays Adani significantly higher rates than other Indian suppliers, with imported electricity costing 85 percent more. The Power Development Board reported paying over 300 billion taka to Adani, including capacity charges exceeding 4.5 billion taka monthly. Ministers stated that decisions will prioritize national and public interests, considering all legal and international obligations. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan and the upcoming irrigation season.

Officials indicated that further discussions will follow as the government evaluates the committee’s recommendations and explores options for revising or terminating the deal.