In Saidpur of Nilphamari, hundreds of battery-run auto-rickshaw, easy-bike, van, and mishuk drivers staged a protest and besieged the municipality office on Monday, demanding a reduction of the annual parking charge from Tk 2,000 to Tk 1,000. The demonstration was organized by the Saidpur Upazila branch of the Autobike Workers Welfare Society, which also submitted a memorandum to the municipal authorities. The workers warned of tougher programs within 72 hours if their demand is not met.

During the rally, labor leaders argued that the current charge is double that of other municipalities in Nilphamari district, where the annual fee is Tk 1,000. They said the increased rate has become a financial burden for low-income drivers and called for equal treatment across municipalities. The workers emphasized that their demand is fair and aimed at removing discrimination.

Municipal Executive Engineer Ayub Ali stated that the parking charge has not been increased recently and that the existing rate was set in 2019. He added that the submitted memorandum will be reviewed seriously and discussed in the next municipal meeting for a possible decision.

A meeting between the chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Engineer Belayet Hossain, and a Chinese delegation was held on Sunday. Following the meeting, Hossain said Chinese businesses have shown interest in investing in Chattogram’s housing sector. He invited them to invest, noting that population pressure on the city’s core areas is increasing. He added that Chinese investors are experienced in developing large-scale mega residential projects and smart townships, which could support CDA’s master plan to build modern housing and satellite cities in Hathazari, Boalkhali, Anwara, and Karnaphuli.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with the chairmen of nine development authorities at his office, directing them to coordinate with service agencies to reduce public suffering and to make cities greener, sustainable, and livable. During that meeting, Hossain presented CDA’s current activities and proposed developing suburban areas to ease pressure on the main city. He also urged the Prime Minister to improve transport for Sandwip residents through a modern sea-truck and upgraded ferry terminals, to which the Prime Minister gave a positive response.

A rare black croaker fish weighing nearly eight kilograms was sold for fifty thousand taka at an auction in Alipur Fish Port, Kuakata, Patuakhali, on Sunday morning. The fish was caught by fisherman Abdur Rahim Majhi late Saturday night in the Bay of Bengal, following the end of a 58-day fishing ban. PM Musa, owner of Kuakata Fresh Fish, purchased the fish at a rate of 6,250 taka per kilogram.

Fisherman Abdur Rahim expressed joy over the high price, saying such fish are rarely caught. Buyer PM Musa explained that the fish’s swim bladder is highly valuable in international markets, and his company exports such fish to Dhaka and abroad. Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha noted that the species, locally known as black croaker or lombu croaker, can weigh between 4 and 40 kilograms and is often called the “black gold of the sea.”

Officials described the catch as a positive sign for fishermen resuming work after the seasonal fishing ban.

Bangladesh Bank has made the use of 'Bangla QR' mandatory at all commercial outlets and merchant points from July 1, replacing older QR codes. The move aims to promote digital payments and advance the country toward a cashless economy. Customers can now make payments by scanning a single QR code through any bank or mobile banking app, eliminating the need for multiple QR stands or expensive POS machines.

However, questions have emerged among consumers and small businesses about transaction fees and potential cost increases. The central bank clarified that the merchant discount rate (MDR) is a matter between banks and merchants, not to be charged to customers. Yet, experts fear that merchants may offset these costs by raising product prices. The new directive sets a minimum MDR of 1 percent, replacing earlier lower caps.

Experts believe the system will ultimately benefit small businesses by reducing cash handling risks and helping them build digital financial identities. Bangladesh Bank expects 75 percent of all transactions to become cashless by 2027, though challenges remain regarding internet access, cybersecurity, and merchant confidence.

OPEC Plus, the coalition led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has decided to increase its crude oil production target starting in August. The move comes as global oil prices continue to decline and exports through the Strait of Hormuz return to normal levels. The group said the decision reflects its shared commitment to maintaining stability in the global energy market.

According to an OPEC statement, seven participating countries agreed to implement an additional daily production increase of 188,000 barrels, building on the voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023. Analysts noted that the resumption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has already boosted supply, contributing to downward pressure on prices.

The new production increase is expected to play a significant role in addressing supply shortages in the global energy market, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

The Bangladesh government has decided to continue providing cash incentives for 43 export products in the 2026–27 fiscal year, maintaining the same rates as before. A circular issued by Bangladesh Bank on Sunday confirmed that no new sectors were added to the list. The incentives, ranging from 0.30 percent to 10 percent depending on the product, will apply to goods shipped between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, subject to compliance with foreign exchange regulations and documentation requirements.

According to the circular, export-oriented domestic textile industries will receive a 1.50 percent cash incentive as an alternative to duty drawback and bond facilities, while exporters to the Eurozone will get an additional 0.50 percent. Other eligible sectors include handmade products from natural fibers, frozen fish, agricultural goods, halal meat, leather goods, furniture, plastic, paper, pharmaceuticals, software, and IT products, each with specific incentive rates.

The continuation of the same incentive structure as the previous fiscal year indicates the government’s intent to sustain export competitiveness and support diverse manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

After nearly five months of suspension, maritime cargo transport between Iran’s Dayyer port and Qatar’s Al-Ruwais port has resumed. The route had been temporarily halted due to wartime conditions that disrupted regional trade. According to Iran’s commercial attaché in Doha, Abbas Abdolkhani, the resumption followed coordinated efforts between the Iranian embassy in Doha and relevant Qatari authorities.

Both Dayyer and Al-Ruwais ports are key hubs for regional commerce. During the conflict, Dayyer port suffered multiple attacks, severely affecting cargo movement along the route. Al-Ruwais serves as one of the main entry points for Iranian exports to Qatar, making the reopening of this sea route significant for bilateral trade.

The renewed operation is expected to reduce transportation costs and improve the speed and efficiency of goods delivery between the two countries. The report also noted that Qatar continues to play a mediating role between Iran and the United States in efforts to ease recent tensions.

Bangladesh’s key export sector, ready-made garments, has seen a significant slowdown in its two largest markets—the European Union and the United States—during early 2026. According to Eurostat, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell by 19.33 percent between January and April 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, dropping to 6.09 billion euros. The decline was sharper than that of other major suppliers such as China, Turkey, India, and Vietnam. In the US market, data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel showed a 17.21 percent year-on-year fall in April 2026, attributed by exporters to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Analysts noted that Bangladesh’s export earnings from the US totaled 2.98 billion dollars in the first four months of 2026, down 11.24 percent from a year earlier, with both unit prices and shipment volumes decreasing. The overall export income for fiscal year 2025–26 fell by 0.58 percent to 48 billion dollars, missing the government’s 55 billion target. Economists warned that reduced demand in key markets could pressure industrial output, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

While global apparel imports have weakened, competitors like Vietnam and Cambodia recorded export growth to the US, intensifying Bangladesh’s challenge to maintain market share.

Bangladesh’s current BNP government is facing bureaucratic complications in fertilizer imports, a system inherited from the previous Awami League administration. Without verifying the actual cultivated land area, officials have advised purchasing 100,000 tons less fertilizer than the target for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Although the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) director said procurement follows high-level policy decisions and no crisis is expected, field-level experts warn that ignoring real demand could cause serious shortages.

Farmers and agricultural economists have expressed concern that reduced allocations of urea and DAP fertilizers could repeat past crises. In Kishoreganj, local authorities reported receiving significantly less fertilizer than requested, prompting formal appeals to increase supply. Similar complaints have emerged from other districts. Experts caution that such shortfalls could lower food production and undermine the government’s positive initiatives for farmers.

To address the situation, the government has formed a 15-member National Fertilizer Coordination and Advisory Committee led by the agriculture minister to review production, import, and distribution. However, the minister and secretary did not respond to media inquiries about the issue.

A government-built luxury guesthouse near the Karnaphuli Tunnel’s Anwara end in Chattogram remains unused despite being constructed at a cost of Tk 450 crore. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority has issued a third tender to lease the facility commercially after two previous international tenders in July and September last year failed to attract suitable bids. Only a few local firms showed interest, but their offers were below the authority’s estimated value.

Officials said the guesthouse is a state asset and the new tender aims to secure maximum revenue. The selected lessee will operate and maintain the property, paying rent in four annual installments. The lessee will have full freedom to set prices for services such as accommodation, dining, travel, conferences, and spa facilities but must seek approval for any structural changes. The guesthouse, built as part of the Karnaphuli Tunnel project, covers about 72 acres and includes a VIP bungalow, 30 additional bungalows, and 48 motel units.

The Bridge Authority expects the lease to help generate revenue for the tunnel project, which has been operating at a loss since its opening in October 2023.

The Bangladesh government has announced a plan to create 10 million new jobs within the next five years to address the country’s severe employment crisis. Each year, around 2 to 2.2 million young people enter the job market, but limited opportunities leave many unemployed or underemployed. The plan, led by the General Economics Division (GED), aims to generate about 8 million jobs domestically and 1.5 million through overseas employment, with the private sector driving most of the growth in services, industry, and agriculture.

Officials said investment-led production expansion will be the main strategy, supported by a 60,000 crore taka fund, tax reforms, and renewable energy initiatives. Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir emphasized policy continuity and infrastructure improvements, including railway modernization. However, economists and business leaders warned that fragile financial conditions, high inflation, and energy shortages could hinder investment and job creation. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority acknowledged that resolving the energy crisis could take up to two years.

Experts from universities and research institutions stressed that sustainable employment growth requires stronger financial institutions, macroeconomic stability, and reliable labor data. They also noted that private investment has stagnated at around 23–24 percent of GDP for over a decade, limiting job expansion.

The proposed 2026–27 national budget of Bangladesh has reset the value-added tax (VAT) on locally produced refrigerators, air conditioners, and compressors to 7.5 percent, restoring the previous rate. The decision has brought relief to the domestic electronics industry, which had faced higher production costs and reduced sales after the VAT was raised to 15 percent in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Industry representatives said the adjustment will help stabilize prices, boost demand for local brands, and positively affect investment, production, employment, exports, and government revenue.

According to the Bangladesh Refrigerator Manufacturers Association, VAT rates on these products have fluctuated over recent years, with the latest reduction expected to make fridges and air conditioners more affordable for middle-class consumers. Stakeholders noted that the previous VAT hike had led to job losses for around 10,000 people due to increased costs and reduced production.

Industry leaders, including association officials and executives from Walton Hi-Tech Industries, welcomed the move as timely and supportive of domestic manufacturing. They believe continued policy support will strengthen the sector, reduce import dependence, and expand export opportunities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to expedite the process of reopening unprofitable and closed state-owned factories through domestic and foreign investments. The directive was issued on Saturday during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting discussed the progress of attracting investors and the steps needed to restart operations at the affected industrial units.

According to information presented at the meeting, several private companies have expressed interest in investing in these factories. The feasibility of the proposed industrial ventures will now be assessed. The Prime Minister emphasized that the entire process must be conducted transparently and instructed authorities to avoid unnecessary delays while completing the procedures.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of commerce, industry, and textiles, along with senior officials from relevant ministries, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The three-day International B-Beauty Tech Expo 2026 will be held in Dhaka from July 16 to 18 at the Bashundhara International Convention City (ICCB). Organized by WEM Bangladesh Limited, the event aims to boost investment, modern technology adoption, and local production capacity in Bangladesh’s beauty, cosmetics, personal care, wellness, and beauty technology sectors. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity office.

According to the organizers, companies and brands from Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates will participate. The expo will feature over 60 exhibitors and 120 local and international brands, with around 8,000 industry visitors and business representatives expected. The event is positioned as a platform for international business networking, investment, and technology transfer.

Organizers highlighted that Bangladesh’s beauty and personal care market is valued between 10 and 12 billion US dollars, with potential annual growth of 6 to 9 percent. They expect the expo to help reduce import dependency, attract foreign investment, and create up to 800,000 new jobs over the next decade through enhanced local production and technology transfer.

Prime Minister’s economic and planning affairs adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has said that the decision to implement Bangladesh’s new pay scale will be made considering the country’s economic reality and the government’s election manifesto commitments. In an interview with the BBC, he stated that the new salary structure will be executed in phases, beginning with an increase in the basic pay of government employees. However, he did not specify when the official gazette would be published or disclose details of salary adjustments across grades.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury had earlier announced in the 2026–27 budget speech that the new pay scale would start taking effect from July 1, 2026, after nearly 11 years under the same structure. The move aims to address rising living costs caused by inflation. According to finance ministry sources, the gazette may be issued by mid or late July.

The last national pay scale was introduced in 2015. The 2025 National Pay Commission, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, recommended a 100–140 percent salary increase, raising the minimum scale from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000.