To compensate for recent disruptions in import-export activities caused by server issues, the Benapole Customs House will remain open on Friday and Saturday, despite these being government holidays.
Additional Commissioner Shariful Islam confirmed that all operations will continue as per directives from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). While the presence of traders remains relatively low on holidays, customs officers and staff are actively maintaining full operations. Port authorities have also ensured necessary preparations for loading and unloading activities.

OPEC's latest World Oil Outlook 2025 projects global crude oil demand will grow by 7.9% over the next five years, reaching 113.3 million barrels per day by 2030. While demand forecasts for China have been revised downward due to slower economic growth and increased EV usage, OPEC expects rising consumption in developing regions like India, Africa, and the Middle East. The organization also called for $18.2 trillion in global energy investment by 2050 to meet future demand.

During the second day of discussions between Bangladesh and the United States on tariff-related matters, both sides reached a general consensus on several aspects concerning current and future trade dynamics, though some issues remain unresolved, according to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser.

A post from the Chief Adviser’s official Facebook page stated that Bangladesh Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin engaged in a constructive dialogue with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The discussions focused on tariffs and other trade-related interests. Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to improving both exports and imports, and expressed hope for U.S. cooperation in ensuring fairness and a competitive trade environment. Further talks are scheduled in the coming days.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, set to take effect from August 1. This follows earlier tariffs of 25% imposed on select Canadian imports. In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated that U.S.-based manufacturing would be exempt from the tariffs. He cited Canada's protectionist dairy policies, trade imbalance with the U.S., and failure to prevent fentanyl trafficking as key reasons behind the move. The new tariff is expected to have a significant impact on the Canadian economy.

All seven operational units at the Ghorashal Thermal Power Plant in Narsingdi have been forced to shut down due to a severe gas crisis, confirmed Chief Engineer Md. Enamul Haque.

The crisis, ongoing for the past two years, has worsened since Eid. Units 3, 4, 5, and 7 are currently offline. The government’s prioritization of fertilizer factories for gas supply has further strained operations. Unit 6 has remained permanently out of service since a fire in 2010, and Units 1 and 2 have long been shut due to mechanical issues.

Bangladeshi and U.S. officials successfully concluded the second day of a three-day bilateral dialogue on tariff and trade agreements in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer at his office to discuss mutual trade interests. All key aspects of bilateral trade relations were reportedly covered. Further meetings are scheduled for Friday night, Bangladesh time.

The United States has set two key conditions for Bangladesh during ongoing talks to waive the 35% tariff effective from August 1: investing in the U.S. manufacturing sector and ensuring labor rights in Bangladesh. Bangladesh aims to reduce the trade deficit by increasing imports of cotton, wheat, fuel, and purchasing Boeing aircraft. Despite challenges, both sides agree on most trade aspects. Discussions continue to finalize a bilateral trade agreement to protect Bangladesh’s interests amid growing U.S. tariff pressures.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports. Lula asserted that Brazil is a sovereign nation and will not accept foreign interference in its democratic institutions or judicial system. He dismissed claims of a U.S. trade deficit with Brazil, stating that over the past 15 years, the U.S. has enjoyed a $410 billion trade surplus. Lula emphasized that Brazil would respond to unilateral tariff actions through its own legal and economic frameworks.

The second round of three-day tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States began in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Discussions covered nearly all major aspects of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Fayez Ahmed Tayeb joining virtually from Dhaka. Senior officials from U.S. agricultural, energy, trade, and copyright departments also participated. Bangladesh aims to finalize an agreement before the new U.S. tariffs — set to take effect on August 1 for 14 countries — come into force. Talks will continue through Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, effective August 1. The decision follows escalating tensions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently criticized Trump, calling him an “emperor.” The move is also seen as a response to Brazil’s stance on the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged suppression of free speech.

Brazil has threatened to retaliate with its own tariffs. The decision has already impacted Brazil’s currency and stock market, and analysts warn it may drive up food prices in the U.S.

To boost innovation and entrepreneurship, Bangladesh Bank has launched a BDT 500 crore ‘Startup Loan Fund’, offering loans at a 4% interest rate, with a maximum limit of BDT 8 crore per venture.

Banks and financial institutions will be required to contribute 1% of their 2021 profits to the fund annually. Entrepreneurs must be at least 21 years old, and the loan limit will depend on the age of the startup. The repayment term can extend up to 8 years.

Only banks or financial institutions with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 10% will be eligible to participate in the fund.

The US is set to impose a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods from August 1, up from the current 15%, raising concerns for the ready-made garment sector—Bangladesh's largest export. Talks on a trade agreement remain unresolved, with controversial terms threatening the country’s economic and foreign policy independence. Past incidents show potential risks. Without a deal, export losses, job cuts, and economic strain may follow. Experts urge immediate action and diversification of export markets and products to reduce dependency on a few countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticized the U.S. for using tariff threats as an economic weapon against weaker countries. Speaking at a regional forum, he urged ASEAN nations to strengthen internal trade and cooperation to counter external pressures.

Anwar emphasized the need for a robust economic foundation to preserve the region’s sovereignty, calling for ASEAN nations to work together in the face of growing global tensions.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the interim government’s economic advisor, stated that reforms in Bangladesh’s financial sector are being driven not solely by IMF and World Bank recommendations but also by domestic initiatives. Speaking at a press briefing, he emphasized the importance of transparency, auditing, and accountability. Dr. Ahmed highlighted the need for auditing the National Board of Revenue (NBR), pointing out the implausibly high number of zero-tax filings. He stressed that to attract foreign investment, Bangladesh must enhance its auditing and accounting standards.

The United States has invited Bangladesh for the second round of discussions on the 2025 tariff agreement. Talks are set to begin Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The Bangladeshi delegation is being led in person by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman participating virtually. Senior trade ministry officials have already arrived in the U.S. Bangladesh is among the first nations to respond following President Trump’s July 7 letters to 14 countries about tariff revisions. Following initial talks on June 27, Dhaka is hopeful for a swift finalization of the agreement.