Google's digital payment platform, Google Pay, is officially launching in Bangladesh on Tuesday, signaling a new chapter in the country’s financial sector. The service is being introduced in collaboration with City Bank, with the inauguration to be officiated by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Adviser Asif Mahmud remarked, “A new era of smart and seamless financial transactions begins with Google Pay’s entry. We welcome this innovation to Bangladesh.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has disbursed $1.3 billion in loan funds to Bangladesh, bringing the country’s foreign currency reserves to $27.31 billion. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the development. The loan includes the fourth and fifth tranches of a $4.7 billion package approved in an IMF board meeting on Monday. As of June 23, gross reserves stood at $26.82 billion, while BPM6-compliant reserves were $21.75 billion.

At a Dhaka workshop jointly hosted by the SME Foundation and IFC, SME entrepreneurs demanded the effective implementation of the Secure Transactions (Movable Assets) Act 2023. They emphasized that most small businesses lack immovable property, making it difficult to access bank loans. Although the law allows movable assets like machinery and produce as collateral, proper enforcement and banker training are still lacking. The SME sector contributes 32% to GDP and employs over 25 million people, highlighting the urgent need for accessible financing options.

The United States saw the creation of more than 1,000 new millionaires daily in 2024, totaling 379,000 for the year—a 1.5% increase from 2023, according to UBS. China ranks second with 6.3 million millionaires, while Turkey experienced the highest percentage growth at 8.4%. Despite market volatility in early 2025, US wealth remains stable, driven by Wall Street and a strong dollar. Globally, nearly 60 million millionaires hold $226 trillion in assets, with wealth concentrated in tech and real estate.

Google Pay has officially launched in Bangladesh for the first time, in partnership with City Bank, Google, Mastercard, and Visa. The service enables City Bank customers to make secure, contactless payments using NFC-supported Android devices via Google Wallet. The launch event was held in Dhaka, with notable guests including the Bangladesh Bank Governor and U.S. Embassy representatives. This innovation marks a major step in advancing the country's digital payment ecosystem, allowing users to pay for travel, shopping, and more directly from their smartphones.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Following the announcement, global oil prices have been falling sharply. Brent crude prices dropped an additional 4%, settling near $68 per barrel, continuing the downward trend from a 7% drop in the previous session. Meanwhile, stock markets in Asia have seen a significant rise, with major indices in Japan, South Korea, and Australia posting gains.

In reaction to discussions about shutting down Iran’s Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump urged: “Everyone, keep oil prices down. I’m watching closely!” He warned that such actions would play into the hands of enemies and urged against it. However, Trump did not specify whom his call was directed at. In a subsequent post, he instructed the U.S. Energy Department to “Drill, baby, drill!!! And I mean it right now!!!” The talks of closing the strategic waterway gained momentum after Iran’s parliament approved the proposal, leading to increased instability in the global oil market.

Three oil tankers have altered course away from the strategic Strait of Hormuz and anchored near the United Arab Emirates’ coast, according to marine traffic data. Among them are the Mary C and Red Ruby, both chemical and crude carriers. Bloomberg reported that this diversion may signal the beginning of a shift to alternate shipping routes due to heightened regional tensions. There are growing concerns that Iran could retaliate by closing the vital oil transit chokepoint.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is grappling with a growing crisis due to a sharp increase in non-performing loans (NPLs). As bad loans surge, banks are failing to maintain required provisions, creating a record shortfall of Tk 170,655 crore as of March 2025. Capital reserves have plunged to historic lows, limiting investment capacity. Corruption during the previous government’s tenure worsened the issue. Although reforms are underway, unrecovered and laundered funds have weakened financial foundations, reducing profits and increasing loan interest rates across the economy.

Brent crude prices rose to $80 per barrel on Sunday, a 3.9% increase, while U.S. crude climbed 4.3% to reach $77 per barrel. The market volatility followed heightened military tensions, including Iran’s recent missile attack and its parliament's call to close the Strait of Hormuz. The rise in oil prices impacted financial markets: the S&P 500 futures dropped by 0.6%, and U.S. Treasury bond prices slightly declined.

Over two-thirds of Bangladesh’s foreign loans disbursed in the first 11 months of FY2024 were used to repay previous debts, according to the ERD. Out of $5.6 billion received, $3.78 billion went toward servicing past loans. Loan disbursements fell by over 20% compared to last year, while debt repayment rose by 23%. Sluggish project implementation has also slowed new disbursements. Loan commitments from development partners dropped nearly 31%. Despite export and remittance growth, the government faces rising debt pressure and reduced foreign loan demand in the next budget.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) are prioritizing four key areas to accelerate investment growth, according to Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun.

In a recent statement, he said, “Our top priorities are the fast-tracking of high-impact investment projects, enhancing and expanding one-stop services, resolving investor concerns swiftly, and building a strong pipeline of large-scale investments.”

Despite the current administration being interim in nature, Mahmud stressed that the government remains committed to sustaining investment momentum. “We are working tirelessly to assure investors that their investments in Bangladesh will be safe, supported, and profitable,” he added.

Bangladesh is planning to build an international-standard dockyard at Matarbari to enhance maritime infrastructure and promote the blue economy. Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain highlighted the need for modern hydrographic surveys and nautical charting during a seminar in Dhaka. The initiative aims to support safe navigation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. Speakers emphasized the importance of hydrographic data in mega projects like the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and called for advanced mapping using autonomous underwater vehicles and modern technology.

Israel’s economy is under increasing strain as it grapples with simultaneous conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and now direct confrontation with Iran. Defense spending has surged by 65% in 2024, reaching $46.5 billion, with 8.8% of GDP allocated to military expenses. Labor shortages are rising due to mass military deployments and revoked Palestinian work permits. Taxes have also increased to cover growing costs. While key sectors like technology remain stable, signs of stress are emerging. Experts warn that if the conflicts continue, Israel’s economic stability could falter despite current investor confidence.

Bangladesh is preparing to cancel India’s proposed 117-kilometer-long high-capacity power corridor project, citing concerns over grid security, environmental risks, and national interests.

Despite India's eagerness to begin construction this year and complete the project by 2028, Dhaka has decided to reconsider its involvement. Under the proposal, a 765kV transmission line would run from Borang Nagar in India's Meghalaya state through Parbatipur in Bangladesh, eventually reaching Katihar in Bihar. In return, India has offered to supply Bangladesh with an additional 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

While the Hasina administration initially moved forward with the plan, many engineers within Bangladesh’s Power Division raised objections, warning of potential threats to national security and risks of large-scale blackouts. Now, with growing resistance and critical assessments, the government has opted to review the project with the possibility of scrapping it altogether.