As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, Bangladesh reflects on five decades of bilateral relations that have shifted from post-war aid to a multifaceted partnership rooted in trade, technology, and innovation. The relationship, formally established in 1972, now spans sectors including apparel exports, agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience. In 2025, bilateral trade reached about 11.8 billion US dollars, with Bangladesh exporting roughly 9.5 billion dollars’ worth of goods to the US.

The article highlights how cooperation once centered on development assistance through USAID has expanded into investment, research, and knowledge exchange. US programs have supported Bangladesh’s progress in public health, agriculture, disaster management, and women’s empowerment. Educational exchanges such as Fulbright and Humphrey fellowships have fostered leadership and institutional capacity.

This evolving partnership is increasingly defined by mutual economic interests and shared goals in innovation, human capital, and sustainable growth. The shift from “aid to trade” symbolizes a new era of collaboration, positioning Bangladesh as a key Indo-Pacific partner in global supply chains and technology-driven development.

Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known as the 'Father Emir' of Qatar, has died at the age of 74. During his 18-year rule from 1995 to 2013, Qatar transformed from a small, oil-dependent economy into a major global energy exporter and investment powerhouse. Under his leadership, the country began large-scale gas extraction and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, becoming the world’s largest LNG exporter within 15 years.

Qatar’s GDP grew from about 8 billion dollars in 1995 to nearly 199 billion dollars in 2013, driven by rapid expansion in the gas sector. Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005 to channel surplus energy revenues into global investments, including stakes in Barclays, Volkswagen, and Harrods. He also prioritized education, healthcare, and infrastructure, founding the Qatar Foundation and initiating projects such as Hamad International Airport and Lusail City.

His long-term vision, embodied in the Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed to reduce reliance on natural resources and build a knowledge-based economy. Analysts credit Sheikh Hamad with laying the foundation for Qatar’s sustained prosperity and global economic influence.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major investment plan worth about Tk 14,000 crore (US$1.1 billion) to add 21 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet. The company informed the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority that the aircraft will be leased from five leading global aircraft leasing firms and delivered gradually by 2027. Once implemented, the airline’s fleet will expand from 25 to 46 aircraft.

According to the company, the expansion aims to develop Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet as regional aviation hubs, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The formal announcement of the investment will take place on July 29 at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka, with representatives from Boeing, the US Embassy, and international leasing companies expected to attend. The event will also outline delivery schedules and future expansion strategies.

US-Bangla stated that the new aircraft will feature upgraded cabins, premium seating, wireless in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The airline expects the expansion to increase international routes, flight frequency, and passenger capacity while creating hundreds of new jobs and boosting tourism, trade, and foreign exchange earnings.

India has decided not to rush into a trade agreement with the United States, opting instead to wait for more favorable terms. The interim deal expected during U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer’s visit to New Delhi last month did not materialize, as Washington failed to meet India’s key demands. These included tariff advantages over competitors like China and assurances that the U.S. would not impose new tariffs after signing. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later confirmed that no deal would proceed without concrete benefits.

Analysts cited India’s growing export strength, reduced economic risks, and political stability as reasons behind its firm stance. India’s exports rose by about 15 percent in April–June, supported by high petroleum prices and recovery in Gulf markets. The country is also expanding trade ties with the UK and the EU. Goldman Sachs raised India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8 percent, noting improved inflation and current account conditions.

Officials indicated that New Delhi is watching potential legal and political hurdles to U.S. tariff plans. Domestic political gains and legal uncertainty in Washington have further encouraged India to hold its position.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a reduction in gold prices across the country. In a notice issued on Thursday morning, the association said the price of 22-carat gold has been lowered by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate at Tk 221,966 including VAT. The revised prices took effect from 10 a.m. the same day.

BAJUS explained that the adjustment follows a decrease in the price of pure gold. Under the new pricing, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 211,993 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 182,075, and traditional gold Tk 148,774. The association stated that these rates will remain in force until further notice, and that VAT is already included in the retail price, meaning no separate VAT may be charged to customers.

According to BAJUS, this is the 90th price adjustment of the year, with 44 increases, 45 decreases, and one VAT revision so far. In 2025, the association made 93 adjustments, most of which were price increases.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has questioned why Bangladesh has not taken steps to close or restructure banks with extremely high default loan ratios, some exceeding 80 percent. The issue was raised during a series of meetings held on Sunday between IMF representatives and officials from various departments of Bangladesh Bank. The IMF delegation, led by mission chief Ivo Krznar, is in Dhaka for a five-day visit to begin preliminary discussions on a new loan program.

Discussions covered banking sector reforms, non-performing loan (NPL) reduction, bank resolution strategies, Islamic banking, foreign exchange management, and a new 600 billion taka stimulus package. The IMF sought explanations on why state-owned banks were excluded from asset quality reviews and why weak banks had not yet entered resolution processes. Bangladesh Bank officials said guidelines for NPL resolution are being prepared for release by December, and IFRS-9 implementation instructions have already been issued to banks.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that any new IMF loan program will prioritize national interests. The government expects to secure $4–4.5 billion over three years to support macroeconomic stability and external financing needs.

Global crude oil prices rose by more than 3 percent as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, raising concerns over energy supply disruptions. Brent crude climbed by 2.67 dollars, or 3.51 percent, to reach 78.68 dollars per barrel, according to market data released on July 13, 2026.

Analysts attributed the price increase primarily to fears of transport disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy shipments. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that before the conflict began, nearly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum supply passed through this strait.

Market observers warned that if the conflict escalates further, oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz could be severely affected, potentially triggering greater instability in the global energy market.

In Durgapur of Rajshahi, farmers are discarding bitter gourds in local markets after failing to get fair prices. Despite abundant harvests, growers are being forced to sell at only 2.5 to 5 taka per kilogram, far below production costs. Some farmers have even destroyed their crops in frustration, as wholesale buyers are refusing to offer reasonable rates. At Hatkanpara market, one farmer was seen trampling his unsold bitter gourds after being offered just 120 taka per maund.

Farmers report spending 25,000 to 30,000 taka per bigha on cultivation, but recovering less than a quarter of that investment. The Durgapur Upazila Agriculture Office confirmed that 178 hectares were planted with bitter gourd this season. While early yields fetched 80 to 100 taka per kilogram, prices have since plummeted. Many farmers now face severe financial strain and loss of capital.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sahana Parvin Laboni urged farmers not to destroy their crops and assured that efforts are underway with the agricultural marketing department to stabilize prices soon.

The Kansat mango market in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj is witnessing daily transactions worth around Tk 15 to 18 crore, with an average of 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes of mangoes traded each day. Farmers from Shibganj and nearby districts bring their produce to the market early in the morning, where wholesalers and traders from across the country, including Dhaka, gather to purchase mangoes. The market, considered the second largest mango hub in Asia, remains vibrant throughout the peak harvesting season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension and local traders, about 400 to 450 trucks of mangoes are loaded daily from the Kansat market for distribution across Bangladesh. The market attracts around 15,000 to 16,000 people every day, creating significant employment opportunities for the local population. The mango trading season typically runs from late May to the end of July.

This year, mangoes have been cultivated on 37,487 hectares of land in Chapainawabganj, with a production target of 457,900 tonnes. Officials expect the target to be met if no natural disasters occur.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major expansion plan in Bangladesh’s private aviation sector, committing around 1.11 billion US dollars to add 21 brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet in 2027. The airline disclosed the plan in a letter to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) chairman, stating that the aircraft will be procured through five leading global leasing companies. A formal announcement will be made jointly by Boeing and US-Bangla on July 29 at Sheraton Dhaka, attended by senior officials from Boeing, the US Embassy, and the aviation industry.

US-Bangla aims to transform Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet into regional aviation hubs, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Aviation experts described the move as the largest fleet expansion by any Bangladeshi airline, predicting positive effects on the economy, tourism, exports, and employment. The addition of 21 aircraft will require a large number of pilots, engineers, and technical staff, creating thousands of new jobs.

Experts also noted that increased domestic airline capacity could reduce Bangladesh’s reliance on foreign carriers and retain more foreign currency within the country.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called on private universities to use funds saved from tax exemptions to enhance education quality and research. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion organized by the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh at The Westin Dhaka, he emphasized self-regulation over government control and announced plans to bring all sectors and marginalized groups under GDP coverage by 2034.

He justified the tax waiver by describing education as a non-profit sector and said the 5% tax savings should be directed toward achieving international benchmarks and improving university ratings. Despite economic challenges, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private sector–driven growth and policy continuity for five years to support long-term planning. He also urged universities to engage with the capital market and prioritize local ICT graduates and companies to reduce foreign dependence.

The event, chaired by APUB Chairman Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, was attended by UGC Chairman Prof. Mamun Ahmed and representatives from academia and industry, who praised the government’s supportive stance toward private higher education and research.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have reached a policy-level agreement to simplify and strengthen bilateral trade in food products. Both countries are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing commercial cooperation. The decision followed a visit to Bangladesh by a delegation led by Asim Azim Siddiqui, chairman of Pakistan’s Trading Corporation, who met with officials from the Ministry of Industries and Bangladesh’s Commerce and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.

During the discussions, Pakistan expressed interest in exporting rice, lentils, chickpeas, fertilizer, and edible oil to Bangladesh, while showing willingness to import jute and jute goods from Bangladesh to meet growing domestic demand. Pakistan also proposed cooperation to help Bangladesh procure essential commodities at more competitive prices from international markets.

The meeting decided to make the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Working Group more active, with plans for future trade delegations and joint ventures in agriculture and industry. If the MoU is implemented, it is expected to reduce trade barriers, improve government coordination, and ease business operations between the two countries.

Four major business organizations have jointly appealed to the Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam for urgent assistance following heavy rainfall and flash floods that disrupted operations at Chattogram port. In a letter sent on Sunday, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), and the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) requested immediate measures to restore port and transport connectivity and to compensate affected industries.

The letter stated that flooding has hampered unloading, storage, and transport of goods, putting imported raw materials and export-ready products at risk of damage and shipment delays. The port authority’s earlier notice rejecting compensation claims has caused dissatisfaction among traders. The organizations demanded a neutral investigation to determine responsibility for losses and called for waivers on demurrage, detention, and storage charges. They also sought low-interest refinancing, extended loan repayment periods, and special fast-track customs clearance for essential goods.

The groups outlined nine specific demands, urging swift implementation to protect industrial output, maintain export commitments, and restore business confidence in the country’s main seaport.

Bangladesh Bank has increased the cash incentive for the domestic export-oriented textile sector from 1.5 percent to 5 percent. The central bank issued a circular on Sunday implementing the decision based on a directive from the Ministry of Finance. The incentive serves as an alternative to the duty bond and duty drawback facilities previously available to exporters.

According to the circular, exporters who are members of BGMEA, BKMEA, or other relevant associations must submit proof of sourcing raw materials, particularly yarn and fabric, from domestic sources before receiving the incentive. The measure aims to encourage the use of locally produced inputs in textile exports.

Industry sources noted that about two and a half years ago, exporters using local yarn received a 4 percent incentive, which was gradually reduced to 1.5 percent by mid-2024 as part of preparations for Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country list. The new increase to 5 percent is expected to support local raw material use and strengthen the textile sector’s competitiveness.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury informed the National Parliament that nine state-owned banks in Bangladesh hold defaulted loans totaling Tk 1,88,701.75 crore as of May 31. He provided the figure while responding to a question from Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Sabikun Nahar during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister identified the banks as Agrani, Janata, Rupali, Sonali, BASIC, Bangladesh Development Bank, Krishi Bank, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, and Probashi Kallyan Bank. He emphasized the need to reduce the high rate of defaulted loans to restore discipline in the banking sector. In response to other parliamentary questions, the minister also disclosed that as of December 31, the government’s total debt stood at Tk 22,06,462 crore, including Tk 9,59,311 crore in foreign loans and Tk 12,47,151 crore in domestic loans.

He further stated that during the 2025–26 fiscal year, Bangladesh repaid foreign loans amounting to USD 4.65 billion, comprising USD 3 billion in principal and USD 1.65 billion in interest.