Three liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers bound for various Asian destinations have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data. The vessels had their transponders turned off during part of their journey. Data reviewed by Reuters from LSEG and Kpler showed that two QatarEnergy-controlled tankers, Lebretha and Rashida, were last seen west of the strait on June 1 and April 30, respectively, after loading LNG at Qatar’s Ras Laffan port. Both reappeared in tracking data on June 10, with Lebretha heading toward Pakistan and Rashida nearing Southeast Asia. A third tanker, Marigold, operated under Abu Dhabi National Oil Company management, also reappeared in tracking data on June 10 and is believed to be heading toward India.

Since the outbreak of conflict in late February, a total of 12 LNG cargoes, including these three, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The continued movement of tankers through this critical maritime route has brought some relief to the global energy market, which relies heavily on stable fuel supply routes.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed a significant expansion of Bangladesh’s social safety net in the 2026–27 national budget, raising total allocations for the sector to Tk 1,44,338 crore, an increase of Tk 17,607 crore from the previous year’s revised budget. The proposal includes Tk 14,500 crore for the government’s flagship Family Card program, which will provide monthly allowances of Tk 2,500 to 4.1 million women heads of households. The initiative aims to reduce poverty and inequality through economic empowerment and inclusive development.

The minister said the Family Card program, inaugurated by the Prime Minister within a month of the government’s formation, will gradually expand nationwide by 2030. Other proposed measures include higher allowances and expanded coverage for the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. The budget also proposes increased assistance for patients with serious diseases and travel concessions for senior citizens.

The proposals reflect the government’s stated goal of building a welfare-oriented and equitable state through life-cycle-based social protection and empowerment programs.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has presented the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in the Jatiya Sangsad. The budget, under the government led by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman, totals Tk 9.38 trillion, which is Tk 1.48 trillion higher than the current fiscal year. The revenue target is set at Tk 6.95 trillion, with a deficit of Tk 2.43 trillion. The proposal includes adjustments in customs duties, VAT, and supplementary duties to boost revenue, protect domestic industries, and address public health concerns.

As a result of these measures, prices are expected to decrease for a wide range of products, including kidney dialysis services, heart stents, cancer medicines, medical equipment, laptops, computers, solar panels, electric vehicles, and locally produced electronics such as mobile phones and refrigerators. Conversely, prices of cigarettes, tobacco products, imported washing machines, alcoholic beverages, and several imported goods like honey, coffee, and tiles are expected to rise.

The proposed budget aims to balance revenue growth with consumer relief and industrial protection, signaling a focus on health, technology, and renewable energy sectors.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed a Tk 5,000 increase in the monthly allowance for families of gallantry awardee freedom fighters in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget. The proposal was made during the presentation of a Tk 9.38 trillion national budget in parliament, under the social security and inclusive development programs.

According to the proposal, the monthly allowance would rise to Tk 40,000 for Bir Shreshtha families, Tk 30,000 for Bir Uttam, and Tk 25,000 for both Bir Bikram and Bir Protik families. The monthly honorarium for general freedom fighters would remain unchanged at Tk 20,000. The minister said the initiative aims to strengthen the financial security of families who contributed to the Liberation War.

The budget also includes expanded social safety measures such as increased disability allowances, extended family card coverage, and higher one-time assistance for patients with six critical diseases, raising the amount from Tk 50,000 to Tk 100,000. A total of Tk 1.44 trillion has been proposed for the social security sector in the upcoming fiscal year.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue has proposed amendments to the Income Tax Act 2023 requiring proof of income tax return submission for opening bank accounts and purchasing motorcycles of 150cc or higher capacity. The same requirement will apply to buying three-wheeler motor vehicles. However, foreign nationals serving as company directors or sponsors would be exempted from the return submission obligation under the proposed changes.

The amendment adds bank accounts and motorcycles to the list of services and goods that require tax return proof under Section 264 of the Income Tax Act. Exceptions will apply to student accounts, no-frills accounts, and others exempted by government notification. No-frills accounts, designed for low-income individuals, will remain accessible with minimal documentation and no mandatory deposit requirements.

The proposal also mandates educational institutions with return obligations to show proof of submission when renewing approvals. The NBR initially considered imposing advance income tax on motorcycles but withdrew the plan following opposition from riders and lack of government approval. The revised proposal focuses instead on ensuring tax compliance through return documentation.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed increasing the monthly disability allowance to Tk 1,000 in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget. Currently, 3.45 million people receive Tk 900 each month under this program. The minister also proposed expanding the number of beneficiaries to 3.8 million.

In his budget speech in the National Parliament, the finance minister said that the number of disabled students receiving stipends would rise from 81,000 to 100,000. Their monthly stipends would range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,400 depending on educational level. The proposal is part of the government’s broader social safety net initiatives.

The budget allocates Tk 1,44,338 crore for the social safety sector in 2026–27, compared to Tk 1,26,731 crore in the revised budget for 2025–26, reflecting an increase in social welfare spending.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a new social protection program to modernize and climate-proof the agriculture sector. In the 2026–27 fiscal year, 4.25 million landless, marginal, and small farmers across 100 upazilas will receive special 'Farmer Cards'. Each cardholder will get Tk 2,500 in annual cash support and access to ten additional benefits. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury made the announcement while presenting the national budget in parliament, chaired by Speaker Major (Retd.) M Hafizuddin.

The budget proposes an allocation of Tk 1,062.5 crore for the Farmer Card initiative, extending coverage to fishers, livestock farmers, and salt producers. A pre-pilot involving 22,065 farmers in 11 blocks across eight divisions has already been completed. The government has also implemented a loan waiver program for up to Tk 10,000 in agricultural loans and plans to introduce agricultural insurance to mitigate disaster risks.

The combined allocation for agriculture, fisheries, and food ministries in 2026–27 stands at Tk 43,335 crore, representing 0.63 percent of GDP, marking a steady increase from previous years.

Bangladesh’s finance minister has proposed allocating Tk 500 crore in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget to encourage new entrepreneurs in the information technology sector. The announcement was made on Thursday, June 11, during the minister’s budget speech in the National Parliament.

According to the minister, the proposed fund will serve as a ‘start-up fund’ aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship, women’s development, and youth entrepreneurship. The initiative reflects the government’s recognition of the IT sector’s potential and its intention to foster innovation and business growth among emerging entrepreneurs.

If approved, the allocation is expected to support the creation of new technology-based enterprises and strengthen the country’s digital economy by empowering young and female entrepreneurs.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed a Tk 42,291 crore allocation for the defense sector in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget. The proposal, presented in the National Parliament on Thursday, marks an increase of Tk 1,593 crore from the revised allocation of Tk 40,502 crore in the outgoing 2025–26 fiscal year. The total proposed national budget amounts to Tk 9,38,000 crore.

According to the proposal, Tk 38,721 crore is earmarked for operating expenses of defense services, Tk 1,611 crore for development expenditure, and Tk 1,959 crore for operating costs of other services under the Ministry of Defense. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and marked the first budget presentation by the BNP government and Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.

This is the 55th national budget of Bangladesh, reflecting the new government’s fiscal priorities and expenditure plans for the upcoming year.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced in the proposed 2026–27 national budget that the government will allocate Tk 300 crore to strengthen the tourism sector with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly development. The plan includes establishing a specialized training institute of international standards to enhance the skills of tourism professionals and introducing global certifications through renowned institutions.

The minister said that international hospitality benchmarks will be set to upgrade training in areas such as culinary arts and other tourism-related fields. A comprehensive tourism master plan is also being finalized to integrate the sector’s potential, diversity, and creative concepts. Additionally, Tk 500 crore will be mobilized from Bangladesh Bank’s corporate social responsibility fund to support these initiatives.

According to the government, these measures aim to conserve natural resources and biodiversity while creating new employment opportunities through ecotourism, ultimately increasing tourism’s contribution to the national economy.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury proposed Tk 5,196 crore for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in the 2026–27 fiscal year, a decrease of Tk 175 crore from the revised Tk 5,371 crore in 2025–26. Presenting the proposal in Parliament, he emphasized that women’s empowerment is a key indicator of development and said the government is prioritizing legal and scientific capacity to protect women’s and children’s rights.

The budget outlines several initiatives, including new software for DNA analysis in forensic laboratories, a national database for women entrepreneurs, and the establishment of 80 modern daycare centers in two phases. Programs for the rehabilitation and social security of returning female migrant workers, protection of street and vulnerable children, and expansion of the Vulnerable Women Benefit program are also included. Additionally, 33 integrated child rehabilitation centers are operating in 17 districts.

Special projects aim to strengthen coastal women’s resilience to climate change and support children with disabilities. The minister also announced one-time financial awards for families of children killed in the July uprising and ongoing rehabilitation for injured children.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury proposed new benefits for private sector employees under the universal pension program while presenting the 2026–27 national budget in parliament on June 11. The proposal includes allowing participants to receive 30 percent of their total accumulated savings as a one-time gratuity upon retirement.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to strengthen social protection and make the system more inclusive. The government is taking several measures to enhance financial security for private employees after retirement through the universal pension fund. If implemented, the proposal would enable retirees to receive both a regular pension and a lump-sum payment, which many believe will improve their post-retirement financial stability.

The budget also emphasizes expanding social safety programs, increasing support for women and the elderly, raising allowances for persons with disabilities, and further strengthening the universal pension system.

The government of Bangladesh has proposed an allocation of Tk 1,884 crore for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism in the 2026–27 national budget, presented in parliament by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The proposal exceeds the revised allocation of Tk 1,300 crore from the outgoing fiscal year but remains below the original Tk 2,455 crore. Alongside the budget, a roadmap was introduced to transform Bangladesh into a regional aviation hub.

The finance minister outlined plans to modernize the aviation sector and accelerate tourism-driven economic growth through infrastructure upgrades, fleet expansion, and improved connectivity. Ongoing projects include terminal expansions at Jashore and Saidpur airports, full readiness of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, and runway enhancements at Sylhet and Chattogram airports. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has finalized a contract with Boeing to purchase 14 modern aircraft worth approximately USD 3.7 billion.

The minister said these initiatives aim to strengthen international connectivity, enhance passenger services, and raise tourism’s contribution to GDP to 6–7 percent. Future plans include establishing a national air connectivity grid, new international gateways, and a digital logistics platform to support trade and transport.

The proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year has allocated Tk 40,245.83 crore for Bangladesh’s Local Government Division. Of this, Tk 6,510.04 crore is earmarked for operating expenses and Tk 33,735.79 crore for development activities. The allocation was detailed in government documents presented to the National Parliament on Thursday.

Compared to the revised budget of Tk 44,242.56 crore in 2025–26, the new allocation marks a reduction of about Tk 3,996.73 crore. Despite the decrease, the budget emphasizes major initiatives such as the nationwide safe water supply program, which includes installing new water sources, rural pipe water schemes, and arsenic mitigation in coastal and vulnerable areas. It also highlights the “Climate-Resilient Rural Infrastructure Construction and Preservation” project to strengthen rural development against climate impacts.

The budget further outlines programs to enhance rural livelihoods through road, bridge, and culvert construction, modernization of rural markets, and excavation of ponds and canals. It also prioritizes infrastructure repair for educational, social, and religious institutions and aims to improve the accuracy of birth and death registration across the country.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has proposed an allocation of over Tk 1,457 crore for the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs in the 2026–27 fiscal year budget, marking an increase of about Tk 95 crore from the previous year. The proposal emphasizes physical infrastructure development and improving the living standards of small ethnic communities in the three hill districts—Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban.

According to the budget analysis, Tk 964.64 crore of the total allocation is earmarked for development projects, while Tk 492.36 crore is set aside for operational expenses. The plan includes Tk 658.57 crore in recurring expenditure and Tk 798.43 crore in capital expenditure. Priority areas include road connectivity, safe water supply, electrification, and tourism infrastructure, alongside vocational education and primary healthcare for remote communities. Cultural preservation programs for indigenous languages and traditions are also planned.

The government aims to boost employment and income in the hill districts through expanded agricultural and afforestation projects, reflecting a broader focus on socio-economic advancement in the region.