Eastern Railway in Bangladesh is facing an escalating locomotive shortage that has severely disrupted passenger and freight services. According to officials, the region requires 119 engines daily to maintain normal operations but currently has only 75 to 76 available. The shortage has forced several local and mail train routes, including Chattogram–Laksam and Chattogram–Sylhet, to suspend operations. The Nasirabad Express, running between Chattogram and Jamalpur, now faces frequent cancellations, with seven to eight trips canceled each month.

Railway officials warn that the situation could further deteriorate if new engines are not procured soon. The Eastern Railway’s General Manager stated that existing engines are being overused without adequate rest or maintenance, leading to faster wear and breakdowns. The shortage has also prevented the introduction of new train services. The railway authority has submitted a request for additional engines to the ministry, but the decision depends on higher government approval.

Freight transport has also been hit hard, with only five engines available daily against a need for fifteen, causing significant logistical disruptions.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has approved the introduction of scrip netting, also known as intraday trading, in the country’s stock market. The decision was made at a commission meeting chaired by BSEC Chairman Masud Khan on Tuesday, according to a statement signed by Executive Director and Spokesperson Abul Kalam. The Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges have been authorized to implement the system once all necessary preparations are complete. The new mechanism will allow investors to buy and sell shares of the same company within a single day and settle only the net position at the end of the trading day.

BSEC earlier indicated that the facility would initially be limited to high-quality companies, possibly around 30, due to concerns about investor maturity and the limited number of strong securities. DSE Brokers Association President Saiful Islam said scrip netting is a globally recognized practice but has not been implemented in Bangladesh due to fears of misuse. He suggested starting with the DS-30 companies as a pilot phase.

Islam added that the Dhaka Stock Exchange is technically ready but may need software upgrades. He also noted that full implementation across all listed companies would require the operational readiness of Central Counter Party Bangladesh Limited (CCBL), which has yet to begin activities since its launch in 2019.

Stakeholders and experts have called for Bangladesh’s blue economy to be treated as a national priority, emphasizing coordinated initiatives to harness its potential. The call came on Tuesday at a policy discussion titled “Consultation of National Stakeholders on Blue Economy Management in Bangladesh,” organized by the Blue Economy Think Tank at the Doyel Seminar Hall of the CEMEC Institute of Technology in Uttara, Dhaka.

Speakers, including academics, government officials, and private sector representatives, highlighted the sea as a major source of opportunity for Bangladesh. They stressed the need for a national framework, legal structure, and effective policies for sustainable management of marine resources. The discussion underscored stronger inter-ministerial coordination, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and inclusion of trained officials and researchers in planning and management.

Participants also noted that public-private partnerships could transform the blue economy into a key source of national income. The consultation was supported by the Australian government under the “Australia Awards–Driving Change: Alumni Grants for Innovation” program, aiming to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building in the sector.

The Mohonpur-Taltola connecting road in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla has remained unpaved for seven decades since its construction with soil. The 1.5-kilometer stretch, linking Mohonpur Bazar and Taltola village, becomes muddy and nearly impassable even after light rain, causing daily suffering for thousands of residents from three nearby villages. During the monsoon, the road turns almost unusable, disrupting movement for students, farmers, traders, and general commuters.

Locals report that the poor condition of the road severely hampers access to schools and madrasas, while rickshaws, vans, and goods carriers cannot operate, making it difficult for farmers to market their produce. Transporting patients, pregnant women, and the elderly to hospitals becomes extremely challenging, and accidents from slipping in the mud are frequent. Residents have long demanded the road’s paving, citing its impact on education, healthcare, agriculture, and local economic activities.

According to the Debidwar Upazila Local Government Engineering Department, an estimate for paving the road has been submitted to the project director. Once approved, the tender process will begin to start construction work.

Bangladesh Bank has granted a special facility to Shinepukur Ceramics Limited, a company owned by Salman F Rahman, former adviser on private industry and investment to the prime minister. The central bank issued a directive on Tuesday allowing the company to open import letters of credit (LCs) for raw materials with a 100 percent margin through Sonali Bank. This exemption will remain effective until December 31, 2027, and temporarily suspends the application of Section 27 KaKa(3) of the Bank Company Act for the firm.

The directive clarifies that neither the government nor Bangladesh Bank will bear any liability for loans or financing extended under this facility, and lenders cannot seek financial support from them in the future. Shinepukur Ceramics faced legal complications in opening LCs since August 5, 2024, after its parent group, Beximco, was classified as a loan defaulter. Although Shinepukur itself is not a defaulter, it was affected by the group’s classification.

The central bank issued the directive following approval from the Ministry of Finance. A similar exemption had previously been granted to Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery for one year under comparable circumstances.

A national roundtable titled “Meaningful Tourism: Prospectives on Planning and Sustainability” was held on Tuesday, July 14, at Daffodil International University’s International Conference Hall in Birulia, Savar. The event brought together leading stakeholders from Bangladesh’s tourism sector. German tourism expert Professor Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt presented the keynote paper, highlighting strategies for developing the country’s tourism industry through meaningful engagement and sustainability.

The roundtable, moderated by Associate Professor Mahabub Parvez and opened by Dean Professor Dr. Mohammad Rakibul Kabir, aimed to promote the concept of “Meaningful Tourism” as a tool for ensuring both tangible benefits and emotional satisfaction for all stakeholders. Participants included representatives from TOAB, ATAB, PATA Bangladesh, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Novoair, InterContinental Dhaka, and The Westin Dhaka.

Speakers noted that climate change, artificial intelligence, and evolving traveler behavior are reshaping global tourism. They emphasized that Bangladesh, despite its rich culture and biodiversity, has yet to realize its full potential, attracting only 650,000 foreign tourists in 2025 who spent 440 million USD. They urged focusing on service quality and regional markets to transform challenges into opportunities.

US-Bangla Airlines has proposed to transport Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims in 2027 at a fare of Tk 98,000 per person, significantly lower than the Tk 154,830 charged in 2026. The airline submitted a formal letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday, expressing readiness to operate Hajj flights upon government approval.

The ministry confirmed receipt of the proposal, with Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad describing it as a positive factor in ongoing discussions to reduce airfare for pilgrims. US-Bangla stated in its letter that it aims to help Bangladeshi Muslims perform Hajj at a lower cost while complying with all flight conditions. Currently, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Saudia, and Flynas handle Hajj flights from Bangladesh.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh welcomed the proposal and said it would be discussed in an upcoming meeting. Officials from relevant ministries and agencies were scheduled to meet Tuesday to finalize the 2027 Hajj package, with the Religious Affairs Minister expected to announce the package later in the day.

A special event titled “Youth, Startups and the Prospects of Bangladesh” was held on Tuesday at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka. Organized by the ICT Division in collaboration with the university, the event was attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as chief guest. The program featured discussions, startup grant distributions, and the inauguration of the National Startup and Entrepreneur Platform, designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to government support, training, mentoring, and investment opportunities through a unified digital system.

In his address, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that young entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Bangladesh’s future development. He urged them to overcome challenges with perseverance and confidence, assuring that the government will continue to support their innovation and growth. University Vice-Chancellor Professor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam highlighted the importance of technology-driven entrepreneurship and the need for universities to become centers of innovation in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Speakers noted that a dedicated startup fund of Tk 500 crore has been established to promote innovation-based economic growth and youth employment across the country.

Bus operations between Rajshahi and the rest of Bangladesh have been suspended indefinitely following a dispute over the formation of the Rajshahi District Motor Workers’ Union committee. Workers announced the shutdown on Monday afternoon after the deputy commissioner’s mediation failed to resolve the issue. The suspension has caused severe travel disruptions for passengers on routes including Dhaka.

According to reports, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced a 21-member committee for the Rajshahi union on May 12, appointing Rafiqul Islam Pakhi as president and Mominul Islam Momin as general secretary. The committee was formed without an election, prompting protests from a faction of workers who demanded a vote. Clashes, chases, and even explosions occurred during the unrest, after which the district administration temporarily took charge of the organization.

Talks held at the district commissioner’s office on Tuesday failed to produce a resolution or election schedule. Workers declared that the strike would continue until an ad hoc committee is formed and elections are held.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will work on developing new startup ideas and provide financial assistance to promising ventures, even if they initially fail. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a special event titled “Youth, Startups and the Potential of Bangladesh” held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University.

Rahman said that due to a lack of job opportunities in the country, skilled individuals are moving abroad, and the government aims to support new entrepreneurs. The ICT Division will provide funds ranging from 500,000 to 50 million taka for innovative projects. He emphasized that developing young and female entrepreneurs is now a national priority to integrate their creativity into the mainstream of economic progress.

As part of this initiative, the government’s 2026 election manifesto has given special priority to startup and entrepreneurship development. A startup fund of 5 billion taka has already been established to finance and promote innovative ventures, contributing to growth, employment generation, and technological transformation.

Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel trade has come under renewed pressure as its export growth lags behind global trends. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), global apparel exports grew by 4.46 percent this year, while Bangladesh’s growth was only 0.89 percent. The country’s market share fell from 7 percent in 2024 to 6.76 percent, reversing earlier gains. In contrast, Vietnam’s export value reached 37.51 billion dollars in 2025, just 1.31 billion dollars below Bangladesh’s 38.82 billion, sharply narrowing the gap from previous years.

The WTO data indicates that Vietnam and Cambodia have become key drivers of global apparel trade expansion, benefiting from China’s shrinking market share. Cambodia’s exports grew by 16.88 percent and Vietnam’s by 10.53 percent, while Bangladesh failed to capitalize on shifting orders. Industry analyst Mohiuddin Rubel attributed Vietnam’s advantage to free trade agreements, shorter lead times, better port management, and stable supply chains. He added that Bangladesh’s garment sector remains strong but needs policy support and a business-friendly environment to regain momentum.

Export data from Eurostat and Otexa show sharp declines in Bangladesh’s shipments to the EU and US. The Export Promotion Bureau has recommended a 58 billion dollar export target for 2026–27, urging diversification beyond garments.

A week of continuous heavy rainfall and rough seas has severely disrupted import and export operations at Chattogram Port. Container handling at jetties and delivery from yards have slowed sharply, while more than 60 mother vessels remain idle offshore due to turbulent seas. The suspension of lighter vessel movement has also halted inland cargo transport, raising concerns about shortages of essential goods and industrial raw materials across Bangladesh.

Port sources report that daily container handling has dropped by nearly half, and deliveries have fallen from around 4,500 to 2,500 containers per day. Operators say general cargo unloading has decreased by 30–35 percent, while over 500 lighter vessels remain anchored at the Karnaphuli River and coastal areas. Importers are incurring significant demurrage costs, and garment factories are facing production slowdowns due to waterlogging, damaged containers, and reduced worker attendance.

Industry representatives have highlighted weaknesses in the port’s drainage and management systems. The port authority maintains that operations remain active and expects conditions to normalize once the weather improves.

Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday, climbing more than 9 percent to reach their highest level in a month. The surge followed renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ announcement to reinstate a naval blockade against Iran starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. Washington time. The blockade had previously been lifted in mid-June.

Analysts from Gelbar & Associates said President Trump’s new restrictions on Iranian maritime movements, retaliatory attacks, and reduced shipping through the Hormuz Strait have heightened short-term concerns over energy supply. Brent crude closed up by $7.29, or 9.59 percent, at $83.30 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $6.73, or 9.42 percent, to $78.14 per barrel.

Brent recorded its largest single-day dollar gain since April 2 and its highest closing price since June 12. WTI also saw its biggest daily increase since April 29 and reached its highest closing level since June 15, reflecting market anxiety over potential supply disruptions.

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed the foreign currency transaction rules for industries operating in the Domestic Processing Areas (DPA) of economic zones. According to a circular issued on Monday, companies can now remit amounts exceeding the previously fixed limits for royalty, technical know-how, and technical assistance payments abroad, provided they obtain prior approval from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

Previously, authorized dealer banks could remit funds within a capped limit—up to 6 percent of the imported machinery value for new projects, and up to 6 percent of declared sales revenue from the previous fiscal year for existing industries. Under the new directive, remittances beyond these limits are allowed with BEZA’s prior approval. Additionally, any other legitimate foreign payments by DPA-based industries will also require BEZA’s authorization regardless of the amount.

Business representatives noted that the decision will simplify cross-border financial transactions for DPA-based industries and reduce restrictions on technology-related payments, potentially supporting greater foreign investment inflows.

Saudi Arabia has assured Bangladesh of cooperation in reducing taxes and charges imposed on Hajj flights to help lower travel costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims. The assurance came during a meeting between Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Ibn Dhafeer Ibn Ubaiah and Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, held on Monday at the Secretariat. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.

During the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized that lowering Saudi-imposed taxes and charges on Hajj flights would significantly reduce expenses for the large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims. In response, the Saudi ambassador said his government would consider the issue positively and is committed to improving services and facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims while keeping costs reasonable.

State Minister Millat highlighted that the absence of Category-D accommodation has increased lodging costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims and requested Saudi cooperation to reinstate the category. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in civil aviation, tourism, and Hajj management.