Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that energy security has become a major challenge amid the current global situation. Speaking on Monday at a workshop titled “Voice of Development: Bridging Dialogues, Policies and Partnerships for Sustainable Development” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, he emphasized the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and expand renewable energy, particularly solar power in rural areas. He noted that NGOs could play a key role by installing rooftop solar panels and using net metering to collect payments.

The minister said that fossil fuel imports have become increasingly difficult, with the government spending about USD 2 billion in two months on energy imports, putting pressure on foreign reserves. He highlighted growing gas shortages and reliance on imported LNG, whose prices are also rising. The government is providing large subsidies to the energy sector, which he described as unsustainable for the long term.

Tuku added that the government plans to raise solar power generation to 10,000 megawatts during its current term, reducing import dependency and saving funds for other development sectors.

Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the government is moving forward with the implementation of a plan to establish solar power plants with a total capacity of 10,000 megawatts. He made the remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Unnayan Konthoshor” organized by the National Development Program at the China Friendship Conference Center.

The minister noted that rising costs in the power and energy sector have become a major challenge for the government. Since taking office, the government has spent around 2 billion dollars on energy imports, with global conflicts driving up import expenses and electricity generation costs, putting pressure on the country’s foreign currency reserves. He also said that although the previous government achieved success in securing maritime boundaries, it failed to ensure effective progress in exploring and extracting marine energy resources, while neighboring countries have advanced in this area.

Tuku emphasized that the development of renewable energy is crucial for building a welfare-oriented state and called for greater investment and technical cooperation from development partners. He added that tax relaxations have been introduced in the current budget to encourage solar power use at individual and commercial levels.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) expects to sign an operational agreement with a Japanese consortium for the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by late August or early September. CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq confirmed that the terminal’s inauguration date remains set for December 16, and once operational, international flights will operate from the new facility without flight disruptions.

He made the remarks at a workshop on Civil Aviation and Air Traffic Operations held at CAAB headquarters in Kurmitola, Dhaka. The event, organized by CAAB’s Public Relations Department, aimed to enhance journalists’ technical understanding of aviation operations. Senior CAAB officials presented on airport management, air traffic control, passenger services, and international safety standards.

The chairman emphasized the importance of accurate and responsible aviation reporting, noting that the workshop would help journalists gain practical knowledge of civil aviation and airport management. He added that CAAB plans to hold similar sessions on operations and safety to strengthen collaboration with the media.

Global crude oil prices fell slightly after Iran announced that diplomatic communication with the United States was continuing through mediators, despite renewed conflict in the Middle East. Earlier, Brent crude for September delivery had surged nearly 4 percent overnight to 91.42 dollars per barrel, the highest in a month, before easing to around 90.20 dollars.

Since early July, the benchmark oil price has risen about 30 percent. According to SPI Asset Management analyst Stephen Innes, the market is reacting to two opposing forces: geopolitical risks driving prices higher and signs of easing inflation and a cooling labor market in the United States suggesting that the energy shock may not trigger a new inflationary cycle.

Over the past week, reciprocal attacks between Washington and Tehran had pushed crude prices up sharply, raising concerns about long-term disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried about one-fifth of global oil supply before the conflict.

European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers are under renewed pressure as fresh conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices upward. The escalation has raised concerns about inflation in the eurozone, prompting debate over whether to raise interest rates again this week. The ECB had increased rates in June for the first time since 2023 after inflation surged, but most analysts now expect the main rate to remain unchanged at 2.25 percent.

Economists cited in the report said the recent rise in oil prices has not yet had a broad impact on eurozone inflation. Felix Schmidt of Berenberg Bank and Carsten Brzeski of ING both suggested that the ECB is likely to hold rates steady, though a small chance of a hike remains. The renewed conflict, including Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has intensified debate between policy “hawks” favoring tighter measures and “doves” preferring flexibility.

Investors are expected to watch ECB President Christine Lagarde’s post-meeting remarks for clues about future policy direction. Some analysts believe another rate increase could come in September, though the outlook remains uncertain.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on Sunday night with the final match between Spain and Argentina, but the excitement surrounding the tournament has reportedly caused significant economic losses in the United States. According to a report by HR software provider UKG, reduced workplace productivity during the event may have cost the U.S. economy at least $117 billion, while global productivity losses could reach $170 billion. Many employees reportedly left work early, arrived late, or skipped work entirely to watch matches.

Data from workplace management platform Envoy showed that office attendance in the U.S. dropped by 26 percent on July 7, the day after the national team’s elimination by Belgium, a decline nearly ten times greater than the post–Super Bowl drop. External visits such as client meetings and vendor appointments also fell by 32 percent, about three times the usual post–Super Bowl rate. Envoy labeled the day “Knockout Tuesday.”

Some companies, including S&P, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Goldman Sachs, advised employees in host cities to work remotely on match days to avoid traffic and maintain operations.

After six months of uncertainty, the second revision proposal for the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway project is set to be presented at the upcoming Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, will be held on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The Planning Division has completed preparations to present this proposal along with eight other development projects.

According to the Planning Commission, the revised plan includes three new connections: the Baipail Interchange, access to and from the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, and integration with the under-construction MRT Line-1. These additions are expected to enhance connectivity between the expressway and Dhaka’s broader road network. The proposed revision also seeks to increase the project cost from the previously approved Tk 17,553 crore to Tk 26,581 crore, citing currency depreciation, tax changes, customs duties, utility relocation, and additional land acquisition.

The 24-kilometer expressway, financed under a government-to-government arrangement with China, is now proposed to extend its completion deadline to June 2030 due to delays. As of June 2025, financial progress stood at 66.86 percent, with physical progress exceeding 58 percent.

Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday as military tensions between the United States and Iran intensified. According to Al Jazeera, crude prices climbed more than 3 percent after disruptions in energy transport through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The escalation followed US airstrikes on Iranian targets for the ninth consecutive night after two American soldiers were killed in an Iranian attack. In response, Tehran suspended its interim peace agreement commitments and effectively halted shipping through the strait.

Brent crude rose by $2.75, or 3.12 percent, to $90.85 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by $2.56, or 3.10 percent, to $85.50 per barrel. Around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and the disruption has raised fears of a major supply shortage.

Analysts cited uncertainty in energy supply and rising maritime insurance costs as factors that could sustain volatility in the oil market in the coming days.

According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Amar Desh Online, Iran exported crude oil worth about $6 billion to China within 20 days after the United States temporarily lifted its export sanctions. The sanctions were lifted on June 17, 2026, following an agreement signed in Islamabad, but were reimposed on July 7 amid renewed tensions. During this brief window, Iran shipped nearly 70 million barrels of crude oil to China using around 20 tankers routed through Malaysia’s eastern coast.

The report stated that Iran took full advantage of the short sanction-free period to boost its oil exports. China remains Iran’s largest oil buyer, purchasing about 90 percent of its total exports. Even during previous sanction periods, Iranian tankers reportedly transferred oil to Chinese vessels in the Eastern Outer Port Limits area of the South China Sea.

After sanctions were reinstated on July 7, the United States also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, preventing Iranian ships from leaving and foreign vessels from entering.

After India resumed visa services for Bangladeshi citizens following a long suspension, Kolkata’s major commercial areas such as New Market and Marquis Street have remained unusually quiet. Local traders and hotel owners had expected a revival of business once visas reopened, but the anticipated influx of Bangladeshi tourists has not materialized. Many attribute this reluctance to political tensions, safety concerns, and the growing appeal of alternative destinations.

Social media discussions among Bangladeshis reveal widespread apprehension about traveling to India, citing reports of hostility toward Muslims and fears of harassment. Some travelers emphasize that personal safety and hospitality are now their top priorities. The political climate and negative rhetoric from Indian political groups have further discouraged potential visitors.

As a result, many Bangladeshis are exploring other destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Kolkata’s tourism-dependent economy is suffering, with hotel occupancy and retail sales plummeting. Local business owners warn that unless safety and respect are restored in travelers’ perceptions, the city’s tourism and trade sectors may face a deeper crisis.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict ultimatum to 29 banks with high levels of default loans, directing them to reduce their non-performing loan (NPL) ratios within six months. Banks with NPLs above 20 percent must bring them below that threshold, while those already under 20 percent must lower them to below 10 percent. Failure to comply will result in the transfer of default loans to an asset management company. The directive was delivered by Governor Mostakur Rahman during meetings with managing directors of the affected banks held between July 12 and 19, 2026.

The central bank emphasized that no dividends can be distributed from unrealized interest on toxic assets and instructed banks to resolve long-standing classified loans through legal or alternative dispute resolution processes. It also warned against irregularities and urged bank boards to act independently of political pressure. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s overall default loan ratio rose to 32.26 percent by March 2026, the highest in South Asia.

Officials said the move aims to restore stability in the banking sector by enforcing strict monitoring and accountability among weak banks.

US-Bangla Airlines Managing Director Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said Bangladesh cannot become a developed nation without strengthening its aviation sector. He made the remarks on Sunday at a press event in Cox’s Bazar marking the airline’s tenth anniversary. Mamun emphasized that aviation ensures connectivity and should be a national priority. He criticized high cargo export costs and the lack of government support during crises such as the pandemic and fuel price hikes, describing the sector as operating under a “go-it-alone” policy.

He noted that nine airlines have shut down in recent years due to high landing, parking, and fuel costs, heavy taxes, and policy complications. US-Bangla plans to expand to 30 destinations in 20 countries by 2027, adding 21 new aircraft and developing Chattogram and Sylhet as regional hubs. Mamun urged journalists to promote domestic airlines and report responsibly on technical issues.

He also announced plans to build a healthcare city on 1,000 bighas of land, send students abroad for pilot training, and establish a data center and software park, all funded without bank loans.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines plans to lease 10 aircraft by 2027 to expand its international routes and increase passenger capacity. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the initiative aims to address the airline’s short-term capacity gap until 14 new Boeing aircraft are added to the fleet from 2031. Initially, three aircraft will be leased, with the number potentially increasing based on operational needs and route expansion strategies.

The government has emphasized transparency in the leasing process and has begun selecting an international consultant to oversee it. Around 40 applications have been received, and one qualified firm will be chosen. The leasing plan is separate from Biman’s $3.7 billion Boeing purchase agreement. As part of the initiative, Biman has invited proposals for a six-year dry lease of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, expected to join the fleet in early 2027.

The expansion comes amid rapid growth in Bangladesh’s aviation sector, with private airlines like US-Bangla, Air Astra, and Novoair also pursuing fleet and route expansions to capture a larger share of the international passenger market.

A Bangladesh-flagged vessel, MV Jahan Brothers-2, arrived at Pakistan’s Gwadar port on Saturday after sailing from Singapore. The ship is carrying more than 53,000 tons of prime steel billets, which will later be transported to the Al Hamriya port in the United Arab Emirates. The cargo will be temporarily unloaded and stored at Gwadar before being reloaded onto another vessel for onward shipment.

According to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, the operation is part of a transshipment process linking regional ports. Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch stated that despite regional challenges, port and commercial activities continue uninterrupted, and Gwadar is positioning itself as a safe, reliable, and efficient regional trade hub.

The development highlights Gwadar’s growing role in regional logistics and its efforts to attract more transshipment traffic through improved operational reliability.

Forkan Haider Chowdhury, ambassador and adviser of Netherlands-based United Dutch Exporters (Unidex), said that opportunities for Bangladeshi food products in European markets are expanding. He emphasized that ensuring international standards, building long-term business relationships, and maintaining regular market connections could further increase demand for Bangladeshi goods. The current market value of these exports already exceeds hundreds of crores of taka annually.

Unidex, founded in 1989 by Roland Jansen, has grown from a small operation into one of Europe’s largest ethnic food distribution networks. The company operates in both ethnic and mainstream retail markets, supplying products across Europe from Helsinki to Malta. It sources food items from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Norway, China, and Bangladesh. Under Chowdhury’s initiative, Bangladeshi brands such as Pran, BD Food, Ifad, and Danish have entered European markets through Unidex.

Recently, Unidex merged with the Europe-based Asian Food Group, significantly increasing its purchasing power and distribution capacity. Chowdhury noted that this expansion creates new opportunities for producers from Bangladesh and other countries to access European markets.