Islami Bank had called a board meeting to facilitate the joining of its new chairman, but the meeting could not take place due to protests by customers. The bank’s acting managing director (MD) obtained permission from the central bank to hold the meeting online, yet that plan also failed under pressure from protesting customers. Allegations emerged that law enforcement officials pressured the MD to proceed with the online meeting.

On Monday afternoon, police officers were reportedly seen in the MD’s office urging him to conduct the meeting online, while customers gathered outside in protest. Leaders of the customer forum told journalists that police and Detective Branch officials were applying pressure similar to what they claimed happened during a 2017 takeover of the bank. They vowed to resist any such attempt.

Acting MD Altaf Hossain stated that despite receiving central bank approval, he refrained from holding the online board meeting out of respect for customer demands.

China has introduced new regulations imposing strict controls on overseas investment and technology transfer. Prime Minister Li Qiang signed the decree on May 5, and it will take effect on July 1, according to the state news agency Xinhua. The rules were finalized after approval at a State Council executive meeting on April 17. They apply to Chinese companies, institutions, and individual residents engaging in outbound investment.

Beijing stated that the move aims to strengthen oversight of capital flows amid rising geopolitical tensions. The regulations prohibit investors from transferring restricted or controlled products, technologies, services, or data abroad without government approval. They also ban unauthorized technology or information transfers through overseas employment, technical assistance, or training programs, closing potential loopholes for export control evasion.

The new framework includes national security reviews for foreign investments or asset transfers that could affect national security. China also warned that foreign individuals or entities attempting to harm its sovereignty, security, or development interests may face countermeasures.

Russia has announced a temporary ban on jet fuel exports starting Monday to stabilize its domestic energy supply. According to a government statement cited by Turkish media outlet Yeni Safak, the restriction will remain in effect until November 30. The ban also applies to jet fuel purchased through commodity exchanges, though exceptions include shipments already cleared through customs and supplies under intergovernmental agreements.

Officials stated that the primary goal of the measure is to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market. Earlier in April, Russia had taken a similar step by restricting petrol exports until July 31 to manage seasonal demand and price pressures driven by global market conditions.

The government emphasized that it continues to work toward maintaining a steady and reliable energy supply within the country.

Thousands of customers and shareholders of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC staged a protest in front of the bank’s head office in Motijheel, Dhaka, on Monday, demanding the cancellation of newly appointed chairman Md. Khurshid Alam. Police used batons, water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators, but they regrouped and continued their sit-in outside the Islami Bank Tower. As of the latest report, protesters and police remained in a tense standoff at the site.

The demonstration was organized under the banner of the Islami Bank Affected Customers Coordination Council. Participants began gathering from various parts of the capital and beyond early in the morning to join the human chain program. Police later dispersed the crowd, but the protest resumed shortly afterward. According to Motijheel Zone Deputy Commissioner Harunur Rashid, the situation was under control.

The ongoing standoff highlights growing unrest among the bank’s stakeholders following the leadership change, though no further details on official responses or next steps were available.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced that the government has decided to adjust fuel prices due to rising pressure in the international energy market. Speaking to reporters at his office in the Secretariat on Monday, he said the government would act quickly to reduce prices if global oil rates decline significantly, aiming to ease consumer burdens.

The minister explained that fuel prices are reviewed monthly, though no adjustment was made in May. He noted that about 66 percent of the country’s fuel consumption is diesel, which receives the highest government subsidy, and its price has been kept unchanged to protect ordinary consumers. He cited the Middle East crisis as a key factor behind the recent adjustments and reaffirmed that unnecessary price hikes would be avoided.

Amit added that the government is pursuing long-term plans to reduce subsidies by expanding renewable energy use and advancing major projects such as offshore exploration, a second Eastern Refinery unit, and new LNG infrastructure to ensure stable energy supply and lower production costs.

A protest organized by customers and shareholders of Islami Bank Bangladesh in front of Islami Bank Tower in Motijheel turned violent on Monday, according to a statement from the Victim Customers Coordination Council. Demonstrators claimed that police used batons, tear gas, water cannons, and sound grenades to disperse their human chain, leaving more than a hundred people injured and around fifty shot. The incident occurred during a demonstration opposing the appointment of Khurshid Alam as the bank’s new chairman.

The council stated that thousands joined the protest demanding the cancellation of Khurshid Alam’s appointment and the reinstatement of former managing director Omar Faruk Khan. Despite police intervention, protesters regrouped in front of the bank tower. Council president Professor Nur Nabi Manik alleged that the appointment, made through a Bangladesh Bank circular on May 24, reflected government interference and an attempt to reintroduce individuals linked to S Alam Group into the bank.

He further claimed that Islami Bank is facing a liquidity crisis, with customers struggling to withdraw funds. The protesters demanded the removal of S Alam Group affiliates and restoration of control to the bank’s original owners.

After the extended Eid-ul-Azha holidays, regular operations have resumed across government and private offices, courts, banks, insurance companies, and stock exchanges in Bangladesh. On Monday morning, employees were seen returning to their workplaces, including the Secretariat and Motijheel’s banking district, before 9 a.m. The official holiday had lasted from May 25 to May 31, marking a seven-day break for most institutions.

During the holiday period, essential services such as electricity, gas, water, fire service, sanitation, telecommunications, postal operations, and healthcare remained active. Hospitals and emergency medical services continued uninterrupted, along with the transport of medicines and medical supplies.

From today, banking transactions are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with office hours extending until 5 p.m. Insurance companies are following the same schedule. The Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges have also reopened, with trading hours from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and office operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The government of Bangladesh has announced another increase in fuel prices at the consumer level, marking the second adjustment in about six weeks. According to a statement from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday, the prices of petrol, octane, and kerosene have each been raised by 5 taka per liter for June. The new rates—diesel at 115 taka, octane at 145 taka, petrol at 140 taka, and kerosene at 135 taka per liter—will take effect from June 1.

The ministry explained that the revision aligns domestic prices with fluctuations in the global oil market. The previous adjustment was made on April 18, when the Energy and Mineral Resources Division raised the prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene. The latest decision continues the government’s policy of adjusting local fuel prices in response to international market trends.

The announcement signals continued monitoring of global energy prices and suggests that further adjustments may occur if international rates change significantly.

State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan said that Bangladesh’s waterways will regain their traditional vibrancy through modernization of pontoons and continuous dredging. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting the Chandpur river port, emphasizing that the government is working to accommodate high-speed vessels in line with modern demands.

The minister stated that after the Eid holidays, the government is ensuring passengers’ safe return to workplaces by monitoring major terminals and addressing existing problems. He also discussed the halted construction of the Chandpur Modern River Terminal, noting that some work had been completed but stopped after August 5. A new contractor will soon be appointed to finish the remaining work quickly, which he said will help restore the port’s heritage.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), local government representatives, and political leaders were present during the visit.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin-ur-Rashid announced that modern technology will be ensured for safe food production and agricultural enrichment. He made the statement on Saturday, May 30, during a virtual address at a seminar in Muradnagar, Cumilla, focused on agricultural modernization, safe food production, and integrating farmers into technology-based systems. A total of 120 agricultural entrepreneurs participated in the event.

The minister emphasized that agriculture today is not limited to food production but is a key driver of the economy, employment, and sustainable development. He said the government is prioritizing the use of modern technology, expanding research, and providing training to farmers to make agriculture more profitable and contemporary.

He added that the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have introduced new ideas and plans for agricultural development, calling for joint efforts from both public and private sectors to implement them. He highlighted that smart farming, improved seeds, balanced fertilizer management, and eco-friendly production methods will play vital roles in boosting productivity.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Qatar rejected a proposal to impose a permanent transit fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, said such a measure would ultimately place additional economic pressure on global consumers. He emphasized that Qatar and its Gulf partners oppose any long-term toll or fee system for maritime traffic in the strait.

However, Sheikh Saud indicated that discussions could be possible regarding temporary fees under specific circumstances. He noted that limited-time charges could be considered if they were linked to activities such as mine clearance or special security operations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy and trade routes. Ongoing talks between Iran and Oman about potential control mechanisms in the area have drawn attention to Qatar’s stance, which analysts view as significant for international trade and energy markets. Any new fees or restrictions in this passage could affect global energy supply and commodity prices.

Japan’s population has fallen by 3.1 million over the past five years, reaching just above 123 million, according to preliminary results from the 2025 national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Friday. The data, reflecting figures up to October 1 of the previous year, show a 2.5 percent decline compared with the 2020 census, marking the largest population drop in the country’s history.

The census, conducted every five years since 1920, confirms that Japan’s population has now declined for the third consecutive time since the first recorded drop in 2015. Among Japan’s 47 prefectures, only Tokyo and Okinawa saw population increases—by 199,000 and 1,000 respectively—though both grew at a slower pace than before. Hokkaido experienced the steepest decline, losing 239,000 residents, followed by Shizuoka and Hyogo.

Despite the shrinking population, the number of households rose to a record 57.12 million, up by about 1.29 million from the previous census. The average household size fell from 2.26 to 2.15, which the ministry attributed to the growing trend of elderly people living alone. Final and detailed census results are expected in September.

The Babuganj upazila administration in Barishal has launched a special initiative to collect and preserve sacrificial animal hides left abandoned along the Barishal-Dhaka highway. The action followed reports that local madrasa and orphanage authorities, unable to sell the hides at fair prices, had discarded them after Eid-ul-Azha. Officials quickly dispatched teams to recover the hides and took steps to prevent spoilage.

According to local sources, the institutions had hoped to fund educational and humanitarian activities through the sale of the hides. However, a reported syndicate among tannery traders and unusually low market prices left them disappointed. Babuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Ul Husna stated that teachers could have sought help from the administration, which had arranged salt for preservation. She emphasized that proper storage could help institutions benefit financially in the future.

Local residents expressed concern over persistent instability in the leather market and the influence of middlemen, urging the government to ensure fair pricing for sacrificial hides.

Workers have started returning to Dhaka after the Eid holidays, with passenger movement visible at major terminals since Saturday morning. The seven-day holiday will end on Monday when offices and courts reopen, though some private offices will resume on Sunday. Crowds were seen at the city’s entry points and at Gabtoli, Sayedabad, and Mohakhali bus terminals.

Buses arriving from nearby districts such as Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, and Gazipur reported normal passenger loads. Train services to Dhaka were also operating smoothly. There were no reports of long waits or excessive fares, and transport operators said passengers were returning gradually due to the extended holiday period.

Travelers described their return to Dhaka as more comfortable this year because of relatively empty roads. However, passenger numbers are expected to rise significantly by Sunday afternoon as more people head back to the capital.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed the expansion of alternative trade corridors through the country’s northern ports and neighboring nations to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and medicines. The order, issued during a meeting on Friday, aims to bypass U.S. sanctions affecting maritime routes and to accelerate the import and distribution of critical items.

The meeting, attended by Iran’s finance minister, central bank governor, and other officials, reviewed the latest situation regarding the supply and import of essential goods following restrictions on some southern entry points after the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Participants emphasized strengthening logistics, trade, and economic diplomacy to maintain market stability and supply chains.

Pezeshkian urged the use of capacities in Pakistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan for trade and called for faster implementation of related agreements. He also instructed the foreign ministry to enhance economic diplomacy to facilitate the purchase, transport, and clearance of vital goods and medicines, pledging to personally engage with neighboring and regional partners to remove obstacles.