The government of Bangladesh is preparing to implement a Tk 6,000 crore project aimed at improving border connectivity roads under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). A Development Project Proposal (DPP) titled 'Border Connectivity Road Rural Infrastructure Development Project' has been prepared, with an estimated cost of Tk 5,991.28 crore and a project duration from July 2026 to June 2031. A letter signed by LGED’s acting chief engineer Belal Hossain was sent to the Local Government Division secretary on July 12, requesting necessary approval.

According to the source, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has not yet been involved or informed about the project. However, a senior BGB officer acknowledged that poor road conditions currently hinder troop movement and welcomed the government’s initiative. Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam and Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam both stated that improved border roads would help curb smuggling, illegal entry, and enhance rapid response capabilities.

The project proposal follows a series of reports published by the newspaper highlighting challenges faced by BGB and border residents, prompting LGED to take this development initiative.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has deployed special teams across Bangladesh to strengthen monitoring and verification of tax deduction at source. According to an official statement issued on Sunday by NBR’s Public Relations Officer Al Amin Sheikh, the teams are inspecting various commercial and economic institutions under the authority granted by Section 147 of the Income Tax Act, 2023.

The NBR notice explained that under Section 147, tax officials are empowered to enter business premises, examine financial records, and access digital systems, including cloud servers and encrypted data, to verify the authenticity of tax deductions. They may temporarily seize relevant documents or electronic devices and mark or seal copies of records as needed. The law also provides for penalties in cases of obstruction or non-cooperation during these operations.

The NBR urged taxpayers to deposit deducted taxes into the government treasury through e-challan using the correct legal provisions and economic codes. It also advised taxpayers to contact the Section 147 committee’s member secretary via email for assistance in case of confusion, complexity, or grievances related to the enforcement of the law.

An opinion article published on July 19, 2026, highlights Bangladesh’s persistent struggle to eliminate brokers from the overseas employment process. Despite having formal institutions such as BMET, BOESL, DEMO offices, technical training centers, and digital tools like the OIM-BMET platform and Ami Probashi app, the system remains inaccessible to many rural job seekers. The article notes that in 2023, over 1.1 million workers went abroad, but only 1.3 percent used the state recruiting agency BOESL, reflecting a major gap between policy and field reality.

The author cites findings from the World Bank, CPD, and ITUC showing that weak data integration, limited outreach, and informal recruitment practices allow brokers to dominate the process, often charging excessive fees and exploiting workers. To address this, the article proposes embassy-based Labor Market Development Cells, one-stop support for foreign employers, performance-based incentives for officials, and integrated upazila-level assistance centers combining existing agencies.

It further calls for transparent cost disclosure, verified contracts, expanded training linked to real labor demand, and direct access to low-interest loans. The author argues that investing a small portion of remittance income in these reforms would strengthen worker safety and national economic stability.

US energy company HKN Energy has suspended all operations in Iraq’s Kurdistan region due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The decision was reported by Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, citing a company official. It came only days after HKN signed an agreement with Iraq’s oil ministry to develop the Hamrin oil field in Salahuddin province. The deal, signed on July 9, aimed to raise daily oil output to 140,000 barrels and gas production to 40 million cubic feet.

The suspension follows a series of drone attacks in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah provinces that killed nine members of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group. The deteriorating security situation prompted the company to halt its activities. Earlier, UAE-based Dana Gas had also temporarily suspended operations at the Khor Mor gas field near Sulaymaniyah, citing credible threats.

The back-to-back suspensions highlight growing instability in northern Iraq’s energy sector as regional tensions intensify.

The Government of Bangladesh will launch the pilot phase of the 'Probashi Card' next month to provide multifaceted services for expatriate Bangladeshis. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office, where it was announced that the trial launch will take place in mid-August. The initiative aims to enhance the social status, empowerment, and financial inclusion of expatriates through dual-currency cards enabling international payments and banking services.

According to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing, the Probashi Card will offer at least ten special benefits, including complimentary airport lounge access, priority immigration booths, meet-and-greet services, discounts on air tickets and hotel bookings, affordable car rentals, airport pick-and-drop for signature cardholders, dedicated service booths at government hospitals, and special discounts at private hospitals. Additional privileges include free repatriation of deceased cardholders, rehabilitation and insurance for returnees, priority in land registration and utility services, and remittance-linked financial incentives.

Initially, Janata Bank will issue the debit cards, targeting 50,000 cards by December 2026 and 200,000 by June 2027. In the second phase, Probashi Kallyan Bank will manage all related operations.

Iraq and the United States signed 48 agreements and memorandums of understanding during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington. The deals include major partnerships in the energy sector, particularly oil, involving companies such as ExxonMobil, KBR, GE Vernova, Shell, and Halliburton. Iraq also reached agreements with Syria on constructing a crude oil pipeline and signed a deal with satellite communications firm Starlink to launch its services in the country.

Iraq, rich in oil resources, is seeking to rebuild its economy after decades of war and instability. The country continues to face challenges including weak infrastructure, poor public services, mismanagement, and widespread corruption. The recent halt in oil exports due to regional conflicts has severely impacted state revenues, prompting Baghdad to seek urgent investment and cooperation.

Prime Minister al-Zaidi, who took office earlier this year with U.S. support, has pledged to strengthen Iraq’s fragile economy and disarm Iran-backed armed groups. Iraq continues to balance its diplomatic relations between the United States and neighboring Iran.

Chinese-owned Huaran Tex Company Limited will invest 30 million US dollars to establish a textile manufacturing factory at the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram. The land lease agreement between the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and Huaran Tex was signed on July 16 at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. The factory, to be built on 36,000 square meters of land, will produce 24,000 tons of yarn and 20 million meters of grey woven fabric annually once fully operational, creating employment for 580 Bangladeshi workers.

The agreement was signed by BEPZA Member (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain and Huaran Tex Managing Director Mr. Bin Wang, with BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessing the ceremony. Senior officials from BEPZA and representatives of the company were also present.

During the event, the BEPZA Executive Chairman thanked Huaran Tex for choosing the BEPZA Economic Zone as its investment destination and reaffirmed BEPZA’s commitment to providing a secure, modern, and business-friendly environment for investors.

The Department of Architecture under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has issued a recruitment notice to fill 33 positions across nine categories. According to the announcement, applications opened on July 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will remain open until August 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Interested candidates must apply online, and both men and women are eligible. The appointments will be made on a temporary basis, and selected candidates may be posted anywhere in the country.

Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years of age as of July 1, 2026, though departmental candidates for position number five may apply up to age 37. Affidavits will not be accepted as proof of age. Applications must include a scanned photograph sized 300×300 pixels and a signature sized 300×80 pixels. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

Application fees must be paid through Teletalk pre-paid SIM within 72 hours. The fee is 168 taka for positions 1 and 2, 112 taka for positions 3 to 8, and 56 taka for position 9.

The European Union (EU) and the Group of 77 and China have reaffirmed their support for Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. The assurance came during two separate meetings at the United Nations headquarters, where Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis and G77 Chair Ambassador Laura Dupuy Lasserre of Uruguay.

During the discussions, the commerce minister highlighted Bangladesh’s request to extend the LDC transition period by three years, citing ongoing economic and political transformation, global economic uncertainty, and energy challenges. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening governance, improving the financial sector, expanding infrastructure, mobilizing domestic resources, and fostering an investment-friendly environment.

Ambassador Lambrinidis praised Bangladesh’s commitment to good governance and sustainable development, welcomed the initiation of Bangladesh-EU free trade agreement talks, and assured continued EU support. Ambassador Lasserre endorsed Bangladesh’s rationale for extending the transition period and proposed a separate G77 briefing on Bangladesh’s graduation strategy, which the delegation welcomed.

In Dubai, widespread job losses have followed the outbreak of war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Migrant workers, including domestic helpers and accountants, are struggling to find employment as the city’s tourism- and aviation-driven economy suffers from Iranian missile and drone attacks. Many wealthy expatriates have left, while low- and middle-income workers face layoffs and pay cuts. The government has released little data on the economic damage, though the UAE’s economy and tourism minister described the disruption as temporary.

Workers from countries such as the Philippines, India, Egypt, and Cameroon report severe financial strain, with some unable to send remittances home. A ManpowerGroup survey found that one in four employers plans to reduce staff in the third quarter of 2026. Dubai Investments’ CEO expressed confidence in the city’s resilience, citing its history of recovery from crises. However, the downturn’s impact is extensive, threatening livelihoods and remittance flows across Asia and Africa.

Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been reached, uncertainty over renewed conflict continues to weigh on Dubai’s labor market and economic outlook.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government is tirelessly distributing relief to flood-affected people, but ensuring their rehabilitation will be the biggest challenge. He made the remarks on Friday, July 17, 2026, while speaking to journalists after distributing relief at West Amirabad Government Primary School field in Lohagara, Chattogram. The minister stated that around 700,000 people in Chattogram district have been affected by the floods, and relief has already reached about 100,000 individuals through coordinated government efforts.

He emphasized that the government is focusing on agriculture, fisheries, livestock, housing, and health sectors to restore livelihoods. Efforts are underway to assist farmers, fish farmers, and poor families whose crops, livestock, and homes were damaged. Measures are also being taken to ensure medical treatment for those suffering from flood-related diseases.

The minister praised charitable individuals, social organizations, and voluntary institutions for their contributions and urged everyone to continue supporting rehabilitation activities as part of their humanitarian responsibility.

Badiur Rahman has been elected chairman of the board of directors of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, while Selim Rahman has been chosen as chairman of the bank’s executive committee. The decisions were made unanimously at the bank’s 464th emergency board meeting held on Thursday.

Badiur Rahman, one of the founding directors of the bank, previously served as chairman from 2008 to 2016, during which the bank achieved notable growth. He is also a director of several business and social organizations, including AIBL Capital Market Services Limited, Central Hospital Limited, and Hardco International School. Upon assuming his new role, he noted that the appointment comes at a challenging time, as Bangladesh Bank has again appointed an observer to the institution, and he expressed hope for renewed progress with collective effort.

Selim Rahman, the newly elected executive committee chairman, is the managing director of KDS Group and has previously served two terms as chairman of Al-Arafah Islami Bank in 2021 and 2024. He is also the first vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Bangladesh’s position in the European Union’s apparel export market has weakened significantly in early 2026. According to Eurostat data, from January to May 2026, Bangladesh recorded the steepest decline among the EU’s top ten garment suppliers. The country’s apparel exports to the EU fell by 18.89 percent to 7.28 billion euros, with export volume down 10.46 percent and average unit price dropping 9.41 percent. In May alone, export earnings declined 17.12 percent, reflecting both lower demand and falling prices.

The overall EU apparel import market contracted by 9.96 percent year-on-year to 33.84 billion euros, driven by a 6.46 percent drop in import volume and a 3.74 percent fall in average prices. While Bangladesh suffered the most, competitors such as China and Vietnam showed more resilience. China’s export value fell only 4.20 percent while its shipment volume rose 1.96 percent, and Vietnam maintained higher income through increased unit prices.

Analysts cited in the report view Bangladesh’s simultaneous decline in both export volume and price as a sign of deeper structural challenges in competitiveness, product diversification, and market strategy. They warned that prolonged weakness in the EU market could negatively affect the country’s overall economy unless efficiency and product value are improved.

Global crude oil prices increased following continued retaliatory attacks between the United States and Iran. On Friday, the international benchmark Brent crude rose by more than one percent, surpassing 85 dollars per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed to nearly 80 dollars. The gains erased the previous day's losses in the oil market.

Throughout the week, both Brent and WTI prices rose by about 12 percent. Brent marked its third consecutive week of price increases, and WTI recorded its second straight week of gains. The rise in oil prices also affected stock markets in Asia, where trading turned downward on Friday morning. Japan’s main stock index, the Nikkei 225, fell by more than three percent at the start of the day’s trading.

The report links the oil price surge directly to geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which have intensified through ongoing reciprocal attacks.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has announced that discussions with Bangladesh on a potential new loan will continue over the next few months. The talks will focus on the size of the loan, the scope of the program, and the reform commitments tied to it. The statement followed a five-day visit to Dhaka by an IMF mission led by Ivo Krznar, which concluded on Thursday. The mission reviewed Bangladesh’s recent economic and financial conditions and discussed the government’s reform priorities.

According to the IMF, Bangladesh’s economic growth may slow to 3.5 percent, and could fall below 3 percent in the medium term if fiscal and banking sector pressures persist. The mission noted that inflationary pressures, rising subsidy costs, and external balance challenges have intensified due to higher global commodity prices and supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. However, remittance inflows remain strong. The IMF emphasized the need for stronger revenue collection, rational subsidy reforms, and targeted social protection to support vulnerable groups.

The IMF also recommended maintaining tight monetary and prudent fiscal policies to control inflation and rebuild reserves, and implementing the 2025 crawling peg exchange rate system to enhance external stability.