Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the government aims to raise tourism’s contribution to Bangladesh’s GDP from about 3 percent to between 6 and 7 percent. She made the remarks as chief guest at the inauguration of the Travel Tourism Development Center at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on August 9.

Khanam said the country’s tourism sector had seen no significant development over the past 17 years. She said the government is working under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s instructions to bring the sector to international standards. The minister called for coordinated action across travel, tourism, aviation and hospitality to meet that goal.

She said the new platform could play an important and effective role in enabling stakeholders to work together. Khanam stressed that sustainable tourism development requires active participation by private-sector stakeholders alongside government initiatives. She said the government is ready to provide policy support and necessary assistance, and emphasized cooperation from all stakeholders to establish Bangladesh as an international tourism destination.

Bangladesh’s government has begun drafting a policy for private-sector imports, storage, transport, distribution and marketing of refined fuel oil to ensure uninterrupted and safe supplies. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division said the proposed policy offers no scope for special benefits to any particular individual, institution or group. The statement was issued on Saturday by Deputy Chief Information Officer Muhammad Arif Sadeq.

The proposed 2026 policy aims to strengthen energy security and maintain continuous fuel supplies. It also envisages a transparent, competitive system that can use private-sector infrastructure and investment capacity alongside existing government arrangements in emergencies or crises, in the national interest.

The division said the policy remains under preparation and will be finalized after gathering views and recommendations from all relevant stakeholders. It said consideration of such a policy depends on ensuring public interest, energy security, competitive markets, transparency and accountability. The division also said some media and social-media reports on the proposal contained speculative and false information, and urged all concerned to act responsibly.

Bangladesh’s Energy Division said a proposed policy allowing private-sector imports of refined fuel has not yet been finalized. The statement followed media reports alleging that control of the country’s energy sector was gradually being handed to an influential group. The clarification was issued on Saturday in a press release signed by Muhammad Arif Sadek, deputy chief information officer at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

The government has begun preparing a draft titled the “Policy for Import, Storage, Transportation, Distribution and Marketing of Refined Fuel by the Private Sector, 2026,” the release said. Its stated purpose is to ensure energy security and maintain uninterrupted, safe fuel supplies across the country.

The proposed framework also aims to create a transparent and competitive system, enabling private-sector infrastructure and investment capacity to support national interests during emergencies or crises alongside existing government arrangements. The policy will be finalized after gathering views and recommendations from all relevant stakeholders. The division said it would be considered only if public interest, energy security, competition, transparency and accountability can be ensured, and said it offers no scope for special benefits to any individual, institution or group.

Jute farmers in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur are facing difficulties retting their crop because of inadequate water, despite a good harvest in the current Kharif-1 season. The report, published on August 8, says many farmers have piled cut jute beside fields, roads, canals, wetlands and water bodies. Some are attempting retting in limited water, while others are transporting jute several kilometres to canals or rivers, increasing labour and transport expenses.

According to the upazila agriculture office, the jute cultivation target in Kaunia was 740 hectares, while actual cultivation reached 865 hectares. The production target for the season has been set at 10,101 bales. Farmer Al-Amin of Godai village said good yields have been offset by the added expense of taking jute to distant sites. Babu Haji of Rajib village said insufficient water during retting left fibres dark after washing, leading wholesalers to offer lower prices.

Farmers said the water shortage is affecting hundreds of growers and may prevent them from earning expected profits. Upazila Agriculture Officer Tania Akter said water receded early this year, creating some difficulty, but water remains in local canals and ponds where farmers can ret jute. Local growers called for fair jute prices that account for production and additional retting costs.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have signed a new bilateral Air Services Agreement to expand air connectivity and address longstanding operational complications. Published on August 8, 2026, the report said the agreement raises the permitted number of weekly flights between the two countries from 49 to 85. The deal was finalized after Saudi authorities agreed to Bangladesh’s proposal for 36 additional weekly flights.

Flights from Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah are expected to increase significantly. Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Chairman Mostafa Mahmud Hasan Siddique, who was visiting Saudi Arabia, said the higher flight allocation would make travel easier for Bangladeshi expatriates and reduce ticket shortages and high fares. He also said it would resolve various long-running complications involving Hajj and Umrah flight operations.

Siddique said he led a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia on August 3, during which the agreement was finalized and signed. The delegation met Saudi Slot Management to raise operational issues faced by Bangladeshi carriers. Representatives of Biman Bangladesh Airlines and US-Bangla Airlines discussed securing practical schedules, while the new arrangement also emphasizes permanent and effective slot management.

The government has announced a series of development plans for Bogura, including a 400-acre BSCIC industrial park, a multidisciplinary university, the Bogura-Sirajganj railway, and efforts to start flights from Bogura International Airport. The plans were presented on August 8, 2026, at an inauguration ceremony for Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s newly elected board at Moin Convention Centre.

Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said a survey found strong demand for industrial development in Bogura, while development had not matched that demand. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said Bogura is a food-surplus district whose products create a market worth about Tk3,500 crore across Bangladesh and abroad.

Mir Shahe Alam said the prime minister is expected to lay the foundation stone for the Bogura-Sirajganj rail line in November or December. Authorities are trying to open the airport for domestic routes by January 2027, while work on a drone manufacturing factory is due to begin next month. Plans also include an overpass over the city rail line, Karatoya River restoration, and a sports village with an international-standard football stadium.

Iraq’s oil exports have fallen by 75 percent because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Minister Basem Mohammed Khudair said. In a report published on August 8, 2026, he linked the steep decline to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Before the war began, Iraq exported about 3.4 million barrels of oil per day through the strait.

Speaking at a news conference, Khudair said Iraq is currently producing about 2.7 million barrels of oil a day, with roughly 1.5 million to 1.7 million barrels exported daily. He said Iraq needs to create alternative export routes in the future and is focusing on diversifying export infrastructure and routes.

Khudair said Iraq has discussed with Iran the possibility of enabling Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, but no practical initiative has yet begun. The Iraqi government also opposed any attacks on oil companies and agreed to compensate companies if they are damaged in attacks. The source notes that disruption on the major oil and gas transit route could have significant effects on international energy markets.

A proposed cross-border gas pipeline between Bangladesh and Myanmar requires explicit approval from the Arakan Army, political analysts say, because the group controls much of Rakhine state and the entire border area between the two countries. The proposal gained renewed momentum after an August 2 meeting in Dhaka between Bangladesh’s power, energy and mineral resources minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Myanmar’s ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe. Bangladesh formally expressed interest in importing natural gas from Myanmar’s offshore Shwe gas project by pipeline to Chattogram to address its growing energy shortage.

Regional experts said Myanmar’s junta government does not control the territory needed to implement such commitments. Analyst U Myo Kyaw said the Arakan Army controls about 90 percent of Arakan state, including the Bangladesh border area, making its approval essential for gas transport across the territory.

Since early 2024, the Arakan Army has established full control over key border towns including Buthidaung and Maungdaw, as well as Paletwa township in neighboring Chin state, placing cross-border transit corridors under its administration. Fighting remains intense around strategically important Sittwe and Kyaukphyu. DMG editor-in-chief U Aung Min Oo said the group could support the project if it brings direct local economic benefits and prospects for international recognition, while formal contact with Bangladesh remains limited.

A government special audit has raised 20 objections involving Tk13,361.52 crore in alleged financial irregularities in the Padma Bridge rail link project, according to a report published on August 8. The project cost rose from about Tk35,000 crore to Tk39,000 crore, while the audit cited spending outside the original contract, payments exceeding work completed and releases of money for substandard work. The audit report covered the period from January 1 to March 20 of last year.

The largest objection concerned construction of the Dhaka-Jashore railway line. The audit alleged that contractors received full payment despite reduced work after a design change, identifying Tk2,130.42 crore in excess payment. It also cited alleged losses linked to extra rail imports, reduced granular sand use, increased bills of quantities and contracts priced above estimates. The project authority offered explanations, but the audit said most were not helpful in resolving the objections.

The audit recommended recovering excess payments from contractors, depositing the money in the state treasury and taking departmental action against those responsible. Railway Director General Md Afzal Hossain said most objections had been resolved or withdrawn. Current project director Naznin Ara Keya said responses to the objections were being processed. State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid said the government would act if evidence is found.

Fishers aboard the FB Junaid trawler caught 46 maunds of hilsa in a single net cast in the Bay of Bengal off Kuakata, Patuakhali. The fish were auctioned at Monowara Fish market after the trawler arrived at Mahipur fishing port on Friday afternoon, selling for Tk 4.85 million. The large catch brought relief to fishers after a prolonged period of failing to find the desired volume of hilsa at sea.

According to fishers, the catch was made on August 6 near the final buoy of Payra seaport in deep waters, when about 2,200 hilsa were hauled in. Of the total, 24 maunds weighing one kilogram or more sold for Tk 115,000 per maund, generating Tk 2.76 million. The remaining 22 maunds, weighing 800 to 900 grams, sold for Tk 95,000 per maund.

Helmsman Alamgir said it was the largest such haul they had received together in about five years and expressed happiness after extended losses. Fisheries academic Dr Rajib Sarkar described the catch as reassuring and a source of hope for fishers. Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Apu Saha said continued rainfall could bring more hilsa in the coming period.

Prices of essential goods have risen sharply in Chattogram for several weeks, with flooding cited as a reason, according to a report published on August 8. Vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and chicken were described as increasingly unaffordable for ordinary consumers. On Friday, retail markets were selling eggs at Tk150 per dozen and broiler chicken at up to Tk210 per kilogram, compared with Tk185 a week earlier.

Vegetable prices rose by Tk20 to Tk30 per kilogram amid lower supply. At Karnaphuli Market near No. 2 Gate, ridge gourd and okra sold for Tk80 per kilogram, teasel gourd for Tk100, and green chilies for Tk240 to Tk250. Prices of rohu, catla, pabda and tilapia were also Tk50 to Tk100 higher than the previous week. Traders attributed the increases to flood damage to vegetable fields, stronger demand for chicken and eggs, and higher fishing costs.

Onions, garlic and ginger also became more expensive. At Khatunganj, onions sold for Tk43, ginger for Tk95 and garlic for Tk115 per kilogram, while retail ginger prices reached Tk120 to Tk130. Consumer Anwar Hossain called for regular market monitoring. CAB vice-president SM Nazer Hossain alleged that traders had raised prices of other goods by using flooding as an excuse.

Farmers across Khansama upazila in Dinajpur are actively transplanting aman rice after enduring persistent rain and flooding, according to a report published on August 8. Seedlings are being lifted from nursery beds and planted in muddy fields in Alokjhari, Bhabki, Bherbheri, Goaldihi, Angarpara, Khamarpara and nearby areas. Many farmers are working with family members to complete cultivation within the scheduled period.

The Department of Agricultural Extension has set a target of cultivating transplanted aman rice on 13,760 hectares in Khansama this season. Transplanting has already been completed on 11,950 hectares, while work on the remaining land is progressing rapidly. Despite a shortage of labourers, farmers have continued planting because they expect timely transplantation to support a satisfactory yield.

Farmer Jabed Ali said timely rainfall reduced irrigation costs and kept soil moisture adequate, although higher fertilizer and labour costs remain a concern. Under an incentive programme, 3,500 farmers received five kilograms of rice seed, 10 kilograms of DAP fertilizer and 10 kilograms of MOP fertilizer free of charge. Agriculture officer Yasmin Akhtar said the upazila expects about 71,697 tonnes of aman rice if weather conditions remain favourable.

Severe gas and power shortages have nearly halted operations at hundreds of textile, dyeing, ceramic and other medium-to-heavy factories, as well as CNG stations, in Bangladesh's Narsingdi industrial area. The report, published on August 8, 2026, attributes the prolonged energy shortage to an accident at the LNG terminal in Maheshkhali, leaving pipeline gas pressure too low for production.

Narsingdi has more than 3,000 textile, dyeing and spinning mills and supplies a large share of the country's cloth demand. Business leaders said nearly 80 percent of mills in the Narsingdi and Madhabdi areas have shut down. Local industrial owners and business representatives estimated average daily losses across the industrial zone at Tk400 crore to Tk500 crore as dyeing, printing, textile and spinning output has become almost fully stalled.

Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan of Bhuiyan Textile and Calender Mills said his factory has been almost closed for two weeks, receiving only one to two PSI of gas pressure against a minimum requirement of 10 PSI. Entrepreneurs said halted production and sales have made monthly wage payments difficult. BTMA spokesperson Abdullah Al Mamun warned that continued energy shortages could trigger public anger.

Guava growers in Nesarabad, Pirojpur, say they are losing crores of taka worth of produce each year because there is no cold storage facility. The floating guava market, located near the canal confluence along the Nesarabad and Jhalakathi border, is busy during the monsoon season, particularly from July to September, drawing domestic and foreign visitors. Farmers say low prices, a lack of business-friendly conditions and the halt in exports have reduced their profits.

Around 4,000 guava growers operate in nearly 24 villages across areas bordering Nesarabad, Banaripara and Jhalakathi. According to the Barishal divisional agriculture office, 3,220 guava orchards cover 878 hectares in 23 villages of three upazilas, with about 16,000 workers involved from orchard care to fruit sales. Growers describe guava cultivation as their main source of income but say maintenance costs are high and have sought bank loans on easy terms.

Farmer Binoy Haldar said several crores of taka worth of guavas spoil annually without cold storage. Exports stopped in 2020 amid storage constraints, alleged non-cooperation from the agriculture department, the effects of Covid-19 and other challenges. Upazila agriculture officer Mahafuzur Rahman said he would inform senior officials about constructing a government cold storage facility.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom said Natore will be developed into a tourist hub with a world-class tourism system. She made the remarks after visiting Uttara Ganabhaban on Friday afternoon, August 7. The minister said the district’s tourism potential would be used to build facilities for visitors and strengthen Natore’s profile as a destination.

Khanom cited Uttara Ganabhaban, Rajbari, Halti Beel and Chalan Beel as sites demonstrating Natore’s substantial tourism potential. She said accommodation and tourism facilities have not developed sufficiently in the area, while many people still do not know detailed information about Natore. She pledged improvements to necessary infrastructure and transport links, along with facilities for tourists’ residence and stays.

Member of Parliament and parliamentary whip Advocate M Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu, District Commissioner Asma Shaheen and Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Ifte Khayer Alam were among officials present during the visit. After later visiting Halti Beel, Dulu told a local public meeting that thousands of tourists visit Natore from across the country each year, but inadequate lodging and dining arrangements have discouraged many visitors.