Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon announced that reforms in Bangladesh’s banking sector will be brought under a commission framework. He made the statement on Sunday at a seminar titled “Good Governance in the Banking Sector and the Role of the Media,” held at the Economic Reporters Forum office in Dhaka. Swapon emphasized that banking sector governance is linked to the broader political and administrative governance of the state, and without systemic reform, discipline cannot be ensured.

During the event, speakers highlighted that the banking sector remains central to the country’s financing system, as the capital market and bond market have failed to meet demand. United Commercial Bank Managing Director Mamdudur Rashid noted that the sector has faced continuous pressure since 2020 due to the pandemic, foreign exchange volatility, and political changes. He identified lack of governance, transparency, and ethics as key causes of the current crisis, with non-performing loans rising from 11 percent in 2023 to 35 percent in 2025.

The seminar underscored that at least 14 banks and 20 financial institutions are struggling to return deposits on time, warning that further deterioration could trigger economic instability.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports have continued to decline in the current fiscal year, with earnings from July to May totaling 35.31 billion dollars, down 3.41 percent from the same period last year. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported that exports to the European Union, the country’s largest market, fell by 4.88 percent to 17.36 billion dollars. In May alone, total exports dropped 7.07 percent year-on-year, while apparel exports fell 8.29 percent.

Industry representatives said the sector’s earlier signs of recovery in April could not be sustained due to reduced orders from key markets, particularly in Europe. Mohammad Hatem of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association noted that export orders have fallen by about 30 percent, citing aggressive competition from China and India in the EU market. Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel added that overall demand for apparel in the EU has weakened, increasing price competition among suppliers.

Analysts warned that if the downturn in the EU market persists, it could have broader negative effects on Bangladesh’s export-driven economy, which relies heavily on apparel shipments to Europe.

Elon Musk is on the verge of becoming the world’s first trillionaire, with his total wealth potentially surpassing one trillion dollars. As of now, the Tesla CEO holds shares and options worth 273 billion dollars. If SpaceX, his rocket and artificial intelligence company, completes its planned initial public offering next week, his fortune could rise by another 841 billion dollars. The IPO values SpaceX at 1.77 trillion dollars, nearly half of which belongs to Musk. Combined, his holdings in Tesla and SpaceX could bring his total wealth to 1.11 trillion dollars.

The report notes that Musk’s wealth is largely paper-based, tied to stock valuations rather than cash reserves. Its sustainability depends on how investors continue to value his companies. To illustrate the scale, the article compares Musk’s potential wealth to national economies and major assets worldwide. Only about 20 countries have economies larger than 1.1 trillion dollars, while the combined value of the world’s top 50 sports teams is roughly one-third of Musk’s projected fortune.

The analysis underscores how Musk’s financial standing could surpass most global benchmarks if SpaceX’s IPO proceeds as planned.

Default loans in Bangladesh’s banking sector rose sharply during January–March 2026, with 44 of 61 banks reporting increases totaling Tk 31,487 crore. According to Bangladesh Bank data, total non-performing loans reached Tk 588,704 crore by the end of March, representing 32.26% of total loans, up from 30.60% in December. Officials said the rise followed post-inspection adjustments and sluggish business conditions that hindered loan recovery.

Among six state-owned banks, four saw defaults increase, led by Janata Bank, where bad loans rose by Tk 2,458 crore to Tk 74,996 crore. Private banks were hit harder, with 34 of 43 institutions reporting higher defaults. IFIC Bank recorded the largest jump of Tk 4,683 crore, followed by Islami Bank and EXIM Bank. Specialized and foreign banks, including Bangladesh Krishi Bank and HSBC, also reported increases.

City Bank’s managing director attributed the trend to slower overall economic growth. The data indicate widespread stress in both public and private banking segments, despite regulatory efforts to curb defaults.

Bangladesh Bank has increased interest rates to control inflation, leading to a slowdown in private investment as businesses avoid borrowing at higher costs. Following the removal of the interest rate cap, deposits have surged in financially strong banks, while weaker banks struggle with liquidity shortages. As of March, excess liquidity in the banking sector reached Tk 3.78 trillion, up 58.31 percent from a year earlier.

Bank officials said the fall of the Awami League government exposed the financial health of banks, prompting depositors to move funds to stronger institutions. This shift has created a liquidity imbalance, with some banks holding idle funds while others face shortages. The overall liquidity stood at Tk 7.02 trillion in March, exceeding the required Tk 3.16 trillion.

To utilize idle funds, Bangladesh Bank announced a Tk 610 billion stimulus package, including Tk 410 billion from banks’ own funds and Tk 190 billion from refinancing. The package targets industrial, SME, agricultural, and export diversification sectors, aiming to create over 1.6 million jobs with loans offered at 7 percent interest, significantly below prevailing market rates.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman’s adviser on information and broadcasting affairs, Zahed Ur Rahman, stated that the recent electricity price increase will not significantly affect market prices. He made the comment during a press briefing at the Secretariat’s Press Information Department on Saturday, responding to questions about the timing of the price adjustment ahead of the national budget.

Rahman explained that while subsidies have become costly, the government must balance spending on development, health, education, and social safety programs. He emphasized that vulnerable groups are being protected, as electricity and fuel prices were not raised for them, and many will receive allowances or family cards under the upcoming budget. Existing safety net programs, including those run by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), will continue.

He added that the Commerce Ministry will remain vigilant against any unjustified price increases in the market and that the government will act if irregularities occur.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has released its shadow budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year under the theme “Bangladesh 2.0: Sustainable Growth through Reform, Employment and Investment.” The proposals were presented on June 5 at the Rupayan Tower in Dhaka by party leaders including MP Hasnat Abdullah and Dr. Atik Mujahid. The shadow budget outlines 71 actionable policy recommendations across 12 major sectors, ranging from macroeconomy and taxation to education, health, agriculture, and clean energy.

Key proposals include limiting the budget deficit to 3.09% of GDP, setting total expenditure at Tk 8.52 trillion, and targeting 13% nominal GDP growth. The NCP also proposed reducing inflation to 8% in 2026–27 and to 6% by 2027–28, raising foreign reserves to USD 32 billion, and expanding the tax base through digital registration and mandatory tax filings. Other measures cover education funding, national health insurance, renewable energy incentives, and social inclusion programs.

The party’s shadow budget emphasizes fiscal discipline, transparency, and inclusive growth, aiming to balance social spending with macroeconomic stability if implemented.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said there is significant potential to rapidly expand trade with Turkey. The statement came after a bilateral meeting in Dhaka with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday, where both sides discussed strengthening economic ties and exploring new trade frameworks.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed the possibility of signing a free trade agreement and a preferential trade deal to enhance bilateral commerce. Dr. Rahman emphasized that the visit marked an important moment in Bangladesh-Turkey relations, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to deepen cooperation and elevate their partnership to new levels.

He also highlighted Bangladesh’s political stability, business-friendly environment, and growing domestic market as opportunities for Turkish investment. The minister requested expanded collaboration with Turkish investment promotion agencies and urged Turkey to offer more scholarships for Bangladeshi students while inviting broader cooperation in culture, tourism, education, trade, and business connectivity.

All varieties of lychees, including the traditional Bedana type, have flooded markets across Dinajpur district, with daily transactions exceeding three crore taka. The district’s agriculture department expects total sales to reach around one thousand crore taka this season. Wholesale and retail markets in Kalitla and Masimpur are witnessing heavy trading of Madrazi, Bedana, Bombay, and China-Three varieties. Farmers are harvesting early due to weather concerns, and hundreds of vehicles are transporting lychees daily to Dhaka and other districts.

Dinajpur’s Bedana lychee has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and has been exported to countries such as France, Canada, and Australia. The agriculture department reported that more lychees will be exported this year than last year, with several foreign buyers already contacting the department. Local traders noted higher prices compared to last year, with Bedana lychees selling between 500 and 700 taka per hundred pieces in local markets.

Officials said lychee cultivation covers 4,484 hectares this year, targeting production of about 32,000 tons. Stakeholders believe that with government support, this promising fruit market could play a significant role in strengthening the national agricultural economy.

Mango farmers in Kansat market of Shibganj upazila, Chapainawabganj, have voiced dissatisfaction with the current season’s mango prices. Although the market has become busy with varieties such as Khirshapat, Lakhkhanbhog, Guti, and Langra arriving from local orchards, growers say prices are lower than last year. Khirshapat mangoes are selling for Tk 1,300–2,400 per maund compared to Tk 2,500–2,800 last year. Farmers attribute the decline to increased production costs, smaller fruit size due to low rainfall, and fewer wholesale buyers from other regions.

Several farmers said they are facing losses as expenses for pesticides, labor, and orchard maintenance have risen sharply. They hope prices will improve once more traders arrive next week. Market authorities confirmed that production is good but prices remain below expectations. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported that mangoes are selling at around Tk 50 per kilogram, which may prevent major losses, and that 37,000 hectares of land in the district are under mango cultivation this season with a production target of 458,000 tons.

Traders expect demand and prices to rise slightly in the coming days as supply stabilizes across the country.

In Kaliganj of Jhenaidah, parts of the Kaliganj-Ganna road are being dug up to replace the existing paved surface with brick soling. The work, covering about 850 meters under the Roads and Highways Department, is estimated to cost 8.8 million taka. Locals have questioned why a mostly intact asphalt road is being excavated instead of repaired, saying minor patchwork could have made it usable.

Residents and road users, including businesspeople and drivers, expressed frustration that a good road is being replaced unnecessarily, calling it a waste of public funds. They noted that the route serves long-distance vehicles and students from nearby areas, who now face travel difficulties. Contractor Golam Hossain of Gama Construction said the work follows tender requirements and should be completed within the week.

An official from the Kaliganj Roads and Highways office stated that the project is part of routine maintenance, claiming parts of the road had become unusable due to monsoon damage. He declined to comment on claims that good sections were being removed, advising inquiries to higher authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a good friend but criticized India for taking advantage of U.S. trade benefits over the years. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said India had imposed high tariffs on American goods while offering little in return. He expressed optimism that Washington and New Delhi would soon reach a trade agreement, citing his positive relationship with Modi.

Trump claimed that his administration was reversing the previous imbalance, stating that the United States was now earning substantial revenue from India. His remarks came as a U.S. delegation visited India earlier in the week to discuss an interim bilateral trade deal. According to India’s Ministry of Commerce, the talks were conducted in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism.

The discussions signal ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen trade ties despite past disputes over tariffs and market access.

Iran has asserted firm control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling it will not relinquish influence over the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. Analysts told CNBC that Tehran demonstrated its ability to block the route using limited missiles and drones, and that this leverage could outlast any potential deal with Washington. The U.S. and Iran remain far from an agreement, with recent missile exchanges underscoring ongoing hostilities. Experts warn that even a future accord would not strip Iran of its newfound energy weapon.

Tehran has formalized oversight through the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which verifies ship data and collects transit fees. The U.S. has sanctioned the PGSA and warned shipping companies against paying such tolls, though some traders reportedly reached secret arrangements to maintain oil flow. Analysts from Wood Mackenzie and Rystad estimate that prolonged closure could push Brent crude toward $200 per barrel, while partial reopening under Iranian control might add $1–20 per barrel in geopolitical premiums.

Regional producers are investing in alternative export routes, but experts caution that new pipelines remain costly, vulnerable, and insufficient to offset Iran’s enduring strategic advantage.

Bangladesh’s economy is undergoing significant challenges as private investment continues to stagnate despite modest growth in public sector spending. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Statistics, private investment now stands at 22.3 percent of GDP, the lowest in a decade. The GDP for fiscal year 2024–25 was valued at 55.15 trillion taka, with total investment reaching 15.74 trillion taka, of which 12.15 trillion came from the private sector. The slowdown in investment has hindered job creation and weakened overall economic momentum.

The financial sector is under pressure, with several banks requiring government liquidity support to remain operational. Inflation has exceeded 9 percent, eroding purchasing power and disproportionately affecting low-income groups. Reduced revenue collection has limited the government’s ability to stimulate the economy, while export performance remains weak despite higher remittance inflows. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are adding further risks to trade and remittance flows.

Experts emphasize that Bangladesh must attract new investment to boost employment, productivity, and infrastructure while addressing inflation, energy shortages, and weaknesses in the banking system to restore investor confidence.

Bangladesh has seen consecutive increases in fuel and electricity prices, with fuel costs rising by up to 25 taka per liter and electricity tariffs raised by 15–20 percent. The government’s decision has triggered widespread concern as transport fares, LPG cylinder prices, and essential goods costs have surged, severely affecting low- and middle-income households. Economists warn that inflation, already at 9.04 percent in April, could rise further, undermining the government’s target of reducing it to 7.5 percent.

Experts and consumer advocates attribute the crisis to corruption and inefficiency in the power sector, alleging massive financial mismanagement and misuse of capacity charges. They argue that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) favored vested interests instead of protecting consumers. Business leaders from the garment, steel, and CNG sectors warn that higher energy costs will raise production expenses, reduce competitiveness, and threaten employment.

With the upcoming national budget approaching, economists caution that controlling inflation, managing debt, and restoring economic momentum will be major challenges. The combined impact of energy price hikes and global market instability is expected to intensify pressure on ordinary citizens and industries alike.