Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman told the national parliament on Monday that the proposed budget lacks any guideline for recovering laundered money and called for strong initiatives to bring it back. Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget, he also suggested changing the fiscal year from July–June to January–December to align with the calendar year and improve efficiency. The session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin, began at 10:30 a.m.

Dr. Rahman argued that recovering even one-ninth of the laundered funds would eliminate the budget deficit and emphasized that such money belongs to the people. He urged visible and effective steps to ensure accountability and prevent future illicit transfers. The opposition leader also discussed education, health, expatriate welfare, and corruption, urging reforms and equitable treatment for all sectors. He called for better allocation for Qawmi madrasa and Ebtedayee education, improved healthcare infrastructure, and stronger research funding in universities.

He further proposed forming a task force to address expatriate workers’ issues and demanded increased allowances for freedom fighters. Rahman concluded by urging cooperation between government and opposition to ensure justice, transparency, and national progress.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union (EU) fell sharply in the first four months of 2026, marking the steepest decline among the bloc’s top ten garment suppliers. According to Eurostat data, exports from Bangladesh dropped by 19.33 percent year-on-year to 6.086 billion euros between January and April, down from 7.544 billion euros in the same period of 2025. In April alone, exports fell 19.53 percent to 1.494 billion euros. The decline has raised concern among industry stakeholders amid global trade uncertainty and domestic challenges.

Eurostat figures show that the EU’s overall apparel imports decreased by 10.42 percent during the same period, totaling 27.77 billion euros. However, Bangladesh’s export contraction exceeded the EU’s average decline. Other major suppliers such as China, Turkey, India, Vietnam, and Pakistan also saw reductions, but none as steep as Bangladesh’s. The country’s export volume to the EU fell 9.91 percent to 435.9 million kilograms, while the average unit price dropped 10.45 percent to 13.96 euros per kilogram.

Industry representatives noted that nearly half of Bangladesh’s total export earnings come from the EU, warning that a prolonged downturn in this market could negatively affect the broader economy.

International oil prices increased following several days of retaliatory attacks between the United States and Iran, which disrupted energy transport through the Strait of Hormuz and exposed the fragility of their interim peace agreement. On Monday, Brent crude rose by 58 cents, or 0.8 percent, to 72.57 dollars per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 88 cents, or 1.3 percent, to reach 70.11 dollars per barrel.

Analysts from ING warned that significant risks remain in the oil market, noting that if supply normalization takes longer than expected, prices could rise further. ANZ Bank analysts added that earlier assumptions about a quick recovery of oil supply from the Persian Gulf may now be reassessed. The two countries have agreed to halt attacks and plan to meet in Doha on Tuesday to discuss resolving their Hormuz Strait dispute.

Saudi Aramco resumed crude loading at its Ras Tanuma terminal last Friday after a four-month suspension, despite a helicopter crash there on Sunday that killed 14 people. Analysts cautioned that tanker congestion, damaged infrastructure, and halted production could delay a full supply recovery for the rest of the year.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku told parliament on Sunday that two power stations in Bangladesh’s national grid have been shut down due to technical faults, removing about 3,000 megawatts from the transmission system. He said this disruption has forced authorities to impose load-shedding across various parts of the country, including Dhaka. The minister added that he has discussed the issue with the leader of the opposition and expects the situation to improve within two days.

The statement came during a parliamentary session under Rule 300, where Tuku explained the reasons behind the recent power shortages. His remarks followed a separate comment from National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam, who criticized the ruling party for alleged increases in leaders’ wealth during their tenure and mentioned personal financial difficulties.

The minister’s assurance of quick recovery suggests that the government expects the technical problems to be resolved soon, potentially stabilizing electricity supply across the country.

Bangladesh and China have signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the export of Bangladeshi jackfruit to the Chinese market. The agreement, concluded during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, is viewed as a significant step for Bangladesh’s agricultural export sector. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two countries signed a total of 17 MoUs covering areas such as infrastructure, disaster management, digital economy, and agricultural trade.

Experts note that despite being an agriculture-based economy, Bangladesh has yet to achieve its full export potential. Access to China’s vast market could help increase farmers’ income and expand the agricultural economy, while also opening new markets for other produce. However, challenges remain in maintaining international quality standards, improving processing, storage, and packaging systems.

Global demand for jackfruit is rising, with the export market growing from USD 2 billion in 2012 to USD 3.7 billion in 2023. Bangladesh, one of the world’s largest producers, currently holds only 0.3 percent of global exports. Experts emphasize that enhancing processing capacity and ensuring quality compliance are essential for Bangladesh to compete internationally.

Bangladesh Bank has amended the policy of its Tk 10,000 crore agricultural refinance scheme aimed at boosting agricultural production, ensuring food security, and creating rural employment. The central bank’s Agricultural Credit Department issued a circular on Sunday announcing the revisions, which modify two sections of an earlier circular issued on June 8.

Under the revised policy, the refinance fund will now be formed and operated using surplus liquidity from scheduled banks, instead of being financed directly by Bangladesh Bank as previously planned. The duration of the scheme has also been shortened from five years to three years, effective from the date of the circular’s issuance.

The changes are intended to adjust the funding structure and operational timeline of the scheme to better align with current financial conditions and policy priorities.

State-owned Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) has paid Tk 291.5 million in unpaid income taxes for its first four fiscal years—2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, and 2021–22. The payment was made in June of the current fiscal year following a review of the company’s financial management by the current administration.

According to BSCL, settling these long-standing liabilities marks a significant step toward establishing financial discipline within the organization. The company stated that this initiative will reinforce its financial foundation and help ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance in the future. Managing Director and CEO Dr. Imadur Rahman said the leadership prioritized transparency and discipline in financial management and has been systematically resolving past financial obligations.

BSCL became profitable for the first time in the 2024–25 fiscal year, reporting total revenue of Tk 2.45 billion, expenses of Tk 2.06 billion, and a net profit of Tk 383.5 million. Observers believe that clearing old debts and achieving profitability signal a positive shift in the company’s financial management and will support sustainable growth ahead.

State Minister Zunaid Abdur Rahim Saki told Parliament on Sunday that taxes on grocery and kitchen markets will be determined rationally under the proposed 2026–27 national budget. He said the expansion of the tax net will be done carefully, with flat rates based on taxpayers’ capacity. Saki emphasized that the government aims to reassure citizens while ensuring fair revenue collection.

He announced that revenue policy formulation and collection will be separated, with an independent policy body formed outside the bureaucracy. The minister expressed confidence that strict anti-evasion measures and automation will help achieve the revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion. He noted that Bangladesh’s budget size is about 13 percent of GDP, smaller than neighboring countries, and described the new budget as expansionary yet realistic, balancing development priorities with economic realities.

Saki said the government inherited a fragile economy but designed the budget to rebuild and ensure long-term prosperity. He added that automation programs have already begun in the National Board of Revenue and five other institutions to curb tax evasion and improve efficiency.

A virtual policy dialogue titled “Budget Review for Sylhet’s Development: Prospects, Challenges and Way Forward” was held on Saturday, organized by the Sylhet Sustainable Development Research Firm (SSDRAF). The discussion focused on the national budget’s role in promoting sustainable development, infrastructure improvement, human resource growth, and economic progress in Sylhet. Key speakers included Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, Dr. A. K. Enamul Haque, Director General of BIDS, and Dr. Shah Md. Atiqul Haque, Professor of Sociology at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).

Organizers stated that the event aimed to generate evidence-based discussions and policy recommendations to ensure inclusive and sustainable development in Sylhet through effective resource allocation and long-term planning. Speakers emphasized prioritizing local realities, climate risks, regional disparities, and long-term strategies in development planning. They also highlighted the importance of education, innovation, agriculture, environmental conservation, tourism, and the commercial use of local resources.

During the question session, participants raised issues about innovation capacity, trade policy, and the potential of Sylhet’s natural products in international markets. The event was moderated by SUST professors Dr. Munshi Naser Ibn Afzal and Dr. Tasmina Chowdhury Tania.

Switzerland has expressed strong interest in working with Bangladesh to develop a skilled and internationally competitive workforce. The announcement came after a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli at the ministry on Sunday. The ambassador also assured continued cooperation in Bangladesh’s overall development and safe migration management.

During the meeting, Minister Chowdhury voiced concern over the ongoing instability in the Middle East, which has forced many Bangladeshi workers to return home. He emphasized the urgent need to ensure rehabilitation, employment, and social protection for these returnees. The minister highlighted that the Overseas Employment Platform has made migration management more modern and transparent, and he sought Swiss technical assistance to further enhance it through manpower demand management, medical center integration, job portal development, and a dedicated mobile app.

Chowdhury added that the government prioritizes safe workplaces, labor welfare, and skill development. He noted that Bangladeshi workers could contribute significantly to Swiss sectors such as healthcare, caregiving, IT, engineering, hospitality, and construction, and requested more scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students and researchers.

Pakistan is considering purchasing oil and gas from Iran at lower prices following the end of the Iran–United States conflict and the lifting of sanctions on Tehran. Energy Minister Ali Parvez Malik announced the plan on Sunday, noting that the government aims to take advantage of the new trade opportunities with Iran.

Speaking in Lahore, Malik recalled that during the peak of the Iran–US conflict in April, petroleum prices had reached 460 rupees per liter, but global prices have since declined significantly. On June 17, Washington and Tehran signed the ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan, under which the United States committed to lifting restrictions on Iran’s crude oil and petroleum exports, including related banking, insurance, and transport services.

Malik added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already passed on the benefits of lower energy costs to the public by reducing fuel prices.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that one of the government’s key goals is to export livestock products after meeting domestic demand. He said this during a ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Cargo Village on Sunday, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever export of hatching eggs to Nigeria. The minister emphasized that such exports will strengthen the national economy and accelerate overall development.

He noted that under the Prime Minister’s vision, every sector is being developed with an export-oriented approach, and the fisheries and livestock sector is gradually becoming a strong contributor to export diversification. The minister described the export as a milestone reflecting Bangladesh’s growing capacity and international recognition in livestock production.

According to the Department of Livestock Services, private company Kazi Farms Limited exported 10,440 Ross 308 Broiler parent hatching eggs worth 18,729 US dollars to Nigeria. Officials from the ministry, the department, and Kazi Farms attended the event, where it was stated that the department continues working to build an internationally competitive livestock sector.

Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin visited the Karnaphuli Paper Mills Limited (KPM) in Kaptai, Rangamati on Sunday, June 28, 2026. During the visit, he inspected the aging and deteriorated facilities of the mill and sought suggestions from the mill authorities on how the large industrial complex could be reactivated and restored to operation. The commissioner toured various production units and offered key recommendations for improvement.

At the KPM guest house, the mill’s Managing Director, Shahid Ullah, presented an overview of the mill’s past and current conditions through a projector presentation. The visit was attended by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Md. Alomgir Hossain, Kaptai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Raihanul Islam, and several senior KPM officials and local representatives.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Ziauddin was welcomed with flowers by local department heads upon his arrival in Kaptai and later visited the Raikhali Headman Office.

Residents of Madarganj upazila in Jamalpur are facing severe disruptions to daily life due to prolonged power outages amid intense heat. For several weeks, electricity has been unavailable for 16 to 18 hours a day, affecting both urban and rural areas. The shortage has disrupted normal routines, business operations, and students’ studies, with children, the elderly, and the sick suffering the most.

According to the Madarganj zonal office of Palli Bidyut, the upazila’s current electricity demand stands at 18 megawatts, but only 7 megawatts are being supplied—about 39 percent of total demand. The shortfall has forced authorities to impose long hours of load-shedding. Residents report frequent power cuts lasting two to three hours at a time, with electricity returning only briefly before going out again.

Local businesses are incurring financial losses, and students preparing for exams are struggling to study by candlelight. The deputy general manager of the Madarganj zonal office said the situation would improve once power supply from the national grid increases.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon told the National Parliament on June 28, 2026, that around 67,000 applications for retirement benefits from private educational institution teachers and employees remain unresolved. Each applicant is entitled to an average of 1.3 million taka in retirement benefits. To settle all pending applications, about 8,710 crore taka is required, but the retirement fund currently holds only 1,300 crore taka, leaving a shortfall of roughly 7,410 crore taka.

The minister also said that the Private Educational Institution Teachers and Employees Welfare Trust has about 45,000 pending applications from August 2023 to June 21, 2026, requiring a one-time allocation of 3,150 crore taka. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring timely disbursement of retirement and welfare benefits and has initiated measures to address the financial crisis.

To speed up processing, the government has taken steps including reactivating software systems, increasing manpower, expanding online operations, and enabling direct fund transfers to teachers’ and employees’ bank accounts through the iBAS++ system.