Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy must be inclusive and participatory for all citizens. Speaking on February 18, 2026, at the Finance Ministry’s conference room during a reception for newly appointed ministers and state ministers, he said that a level playing field should be ensured so that every person can contribute to and benefit from the national economy.

The minister noted that after August 5, there has been a significant shift in public sentiment, requiring economic activities aligned with this change. He stressed the need to reform underperforming state institutions by restoring professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. He also called for transforming the patronage-based economy into a democratic one through deregulation and liberalization, expanding beyond manufacturing to include sports, culture, and other professions.

State Minister Zonayed Saki, in his remarks, said the country’s economic system should be built in line with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program. Senior officials, including the Bangladesh Bank governor and secretaries from various departments, attended the event.

The Rangpur district administration and the Department of Livestock have launched a month-long program to sell eggs, milk, and broiler chickens at fixed prices throughout the city during Ramadan. The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the DC Mor area by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan. The sale is taking place at seven locations, including Shapla Chattar and Payera Chattar, with eggs priced at 33.25 taka per four pieces, milk at 70 taka per liter, and dressed broiler chicken at 225 taka per kilogram. Trading began immediately after the inauguration, alongside the launch of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) product sales in the city.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the initiative aims to ensure safe food and stabilize market prices during Ramadan. He stated that strict monitoring is being conducted in coordination with business owners and relevant government departments to maintain supply, quality, and fair pricing. The administration also urged traders to act responsibly in selling goods during the holy month.

A meeting of the market monitoring committee was held in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to ensure control over the prices and quality of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting, organized by the upazila administration at the Upazila Parishad conference room, was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Abdul Khalek Patwari.

In his remarks, the UNO announced that regular market monitoring would continue throughout Ramadan to keep commodity prices reasonable and protect consumer interests. He urged all concerned parties to work together and reaffirmed a strict stance against artificial crises, hoarding, and overpricing. The meeting was attended by local officials, political representatives, journalists, and businesspeople.

Speakers emphasized maintaining normal supply of essentials during Ramadan, ensuring visible price lists in shops, and taking effective action against adulteration, manipulation, and hoarding.

Bangladesh’s new Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government will take steps to defer the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on February 18, he said all necessary actions will be taken to pursue the deferral and coordination has already begun between the Ministry of Commerce and the Economic Relations Division (ERD). He emphasized that the government has started working on the issue immediately, even though there is no formal deadline for submitting a request.

Muktadir noted that business organizations have long demanded a delay in LDC graduation, and the government is giving the matter top priority. He also discussed the country’s narrow export base, with about 85 percent of exports dependent on a single product, and stressed the need for diversification and new market expansion. On domestic issues, he assured that essential goods are adequately stocked for Ramadan and that temporary price hikes are due to short-term demand surges.

The minister further highlighted that stable conditions are essential for investment and warned that prolonged stagnation could pose risks to employment and the economy.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power and Energy, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during the upcoming Ramadan and summer season is one of the government’s biggest challenges. He made the remarks on Wednesday during a briefing held at his office in the Secretariat on his first day in the position.

The minister emphasized that preventing corruption and maintaining discipline in the power sector are also key priorities for the government. His comments highlight the administration’s focus on improving reliability in electricity distribution during periods of high demand, particularly for religious and seasonal needs.

The government has also issued directives to ensure continuous electricity during sahri, iftar, and tarawih prayers, reflecting its commitment to stable power supply during Ramadan.

Newly appointed Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has declared that Bangladesh’s economy must become democratic and inclusive, rejecting the continuation of a patronage-based system. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Finance on his first day in office on Wednesday, he emphasized that the country’s economy should serve all citizens, ensuring transparency, accountability, and reactivation of state institutions.

He noted that many state institutions are currently in poor condition and must first be recovered. Chowdhury stressed the need to bring professionalism, transparency, and efficiency into these institutions, warning that without such reforms, even large-scale programs would fail to deliver results. He also called for serious deregulation and liberalization, arguing that Bangladesh has become over-regulated due to long-standing patronage politics.

The minister said his goal is to create a level playing field where every citizen has equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the economy, marking a shift toward a more open and accountable economic system.

State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that work on the promised farmer card program will begin soon. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon at the Secretariat during the first working day of the new government, speaking to journalists about his ministry’s upcoming plans.

Tuku said he would hold meetings with officials from the three ministries under his responsibility to plan and initiate future activities. He also sought cooperation from members of the press in carrying out the ministry’s work. The announcement marks one of the first policy steps under the new administration.

The farmer card initiative was mentioned as a commitment, and the minister’s remarks indicate the government’s intention to move forward with its implementation in coordination with relevant departments.

India’s trade deficit rose to a three-month high of 34.68 billion dollars in January, according to data released by the country’s commerce ministry. The increase was driven by a 12 percent rise in imports to 71.24 billion dollars, largely due to higher gold and silver imports, while exports fell 5 percent to 36.56 billion dollars. Economists had expected the deficit to be around 26 billion dollars based on the previous month’s figure of 25.04 billion dollars.

The widening deficit comes as India prepares to send a delegation to Washington next week to finalize a trade deal aimed at reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. The Trump administration had imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, which officials say will drop to 18 percent this week. President Donald Trump earlier confirmed the reduction, bringing relief to exporters and policymakers.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal told Reuters that the delegation’s visit is intended to conclude the trade agreement. Trump also stated that India has pledged to cut oil imports from Russia and increase purchases of U.S. goods more than twofold.

Farmers in Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj are increasingly turning to sunflower cultivation due to its low production cost and promising profitability. Supported by the local agriculture department, around 10 bighas of land in areas such as Bara Ajaldi and Chandipasha have been brought under sunflower farming this year. The bright yellow fields have also become a local attraction, drawing visitors and nature enthusiasts.

According to the upazila agriculture office, sunflower farming is both easy and economically rewarding. It holds importance for oil production and has gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal. Farmers are receiving incentives and continuous guidance from agricultural officials, helping them achieve good yields. Local markets are offering favorable prices for sunflower seeds, increasing farmers’ confidence in the crop.

Officials noted that limited availability of oil extraction machines remains a challenge, slightly reducing farmers’ interest. They believe that ensuring adequate supply of such equipment could further expand sunflower cultivation in the region.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest banking update report reveals a sharp rise in loan defaults, particularly among large borrowers. As of June last year, 48.2 percent of loans exceeding Tk 50 crore were classified as defaulted, compared to 17.1 percent during the same period in 2024. The report indicates that loan classification ratios have increased significantly across all lending categories between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 fiscal years, signaling mounting pressure on the banking sector’s loan portfolio.

The analysis shows that default rates stood at 16 percent for loans up to Tk 1 crore, 26.1 percent for loans between Tk 1 crore and Tk 10 crore, and 45.7 percent for loans between Tk 10 crore and Tk 20 crore. Sector-wise, business and trade loans had the highest default rate at 44.7 percent, followed by industrial loans at 35.9 percent and construction loans at 27 percent. The overall national default rate rose from 34.6 percent in June to 35.73 percent in September.

Bankers noted that the actual scale of defaults is now more accurately reflected, as previous underreporting during the former Awami League government has ceased. They warned that the default rate may continue to rise in the coming months.

Prices of key consumer goods have increased in markets across Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, with the highest jumps seen in dates, green chilies, bananas, cucumbers, and lemons. The Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) attributed the rise to reduced government monitoring and recent disruptions in product transportation, which created supply shortages. CAB’s senior vice president S.M. Nazrul Hossain said controlling the market is a major challenge for the new government, as unscrupulous traders often exploit the season.

Traders, however, blamed international price hikes and instability at Chattogram port for the increase, particularly in dates. Field visits to major Dhaka markets found Zahidi dates selling at Tk 280 per kg, up from Tk 180 last year, while green chilies rose by Tk 40 per kg. Imported fruits such as apples, oranges, and grapes also became costlier by Tk 20–60 per kg. Despite higher imports of fresh dates this fiscal year, prices remain elevated.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said the country has sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onions, and lentils, urging authorities to curb extortion in supply chains and consumers to avoid panic buying to maintain market stability.

On the first day of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s (TCB) discounted product sales for Ramadan, long queues and chaotic scenes were observed across multiple points in Dhaka. Crowds gathered behind TCB’s mobile trucks, with reports of pushing, shoving, and even scuffles as people tried to buy goods. Many customers left empty-handed after waiting for hours. The sales began at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and will continue until March 12, excluding Fridays and public holidays.

Witnesses at Topkhana Road, Suritola School, the Secretariat area, and Karwan Bazar reported disorderly lines and alleged favoritism in distribution. Several buyers complained that influential individuals and associates of local leaders were purchasing multiple packages, while ordinary citizens struggled to obtain any. A newspaper vendor described the process as lacking proper regulation and urged government action to restore order.

According to TCB, each truck serves 400 buyers daily, offering a package of five essential items—edible oil, lentils, sugar, chickpeas, and dates—for 590 taka. The program operates through 450 mobile trucks nationwide, including 50 in Dhaka and 20 in Chattogram.

French-inspired artisan bakery and café brand La Delicia has launched a new outlet in Dhaka’s Aftabnagar. The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday with the participation of the company’s Chief Executive Director Mannujan Nargis, representatives from the marketing and sales departments, invited guests, loyal customers, and media personnel.

According to Mannujan Nargis, customers in the Aftabnagar area had long requested a local outlet, prompting the company to open this new branch to strengthen its connection with the community. The outlet will offer La Delicia’s signature products, including classic and customized cakes, fresh pastries, handcrafted donuts, artisan cookies, premium desserts, and a variety of savory items.

To mark the opening, the Aftabnagar outlet is offering a 10 percent savings promotion on February 17 and 18. Customers can shop directly at the outlet or place online orders through the brand’s website and Facebook page for home delivery of cakes and other baked goods.

Mongla Port, Bangladesh’s second-largest seaport, has achieved record container handling in the first seven months of the 2025–26 fiscal year. Between July 2025 and January 2026, the port handled 21,651 TEUs of containers through 31 foreign container ships, marking a 79.19% increase compared to the entire previous fiscal year. During the same period, 515 foreign commercial vessels arrived, 6,404 reconditioned cars were imported, and cargo handling reached 8.266 million metric tons, up 25.03% from the same period last year.

According to Deputy Director Md. Makruzzaman, the port authority congratulated the newly elected BNP-led alliance government formed after the 13th national election. He expressed optimism that under the new administration, ship arrivals and trade through Mongla Port would continue to grow, strengthening the national economy.

To improve operational capacity, three new anchor berths—HP-1, HP-2, and HP-3—have been declared operational at Hiron Point. Sixteen commercial ships with a 9.00-meter draft have already completed trial operations there, allowing vessels up to 200 meters in length to conduct cargo operations at these berths.

In Chandpur’s Faridganj municipality, grocery shop owner Shah Alam from Madhya Charkumira village has decided to sell eight essential food items at their purchase price during the holy month of Ramadan. The items include chickpeas, khesari lentils, gram flour, puffed rice, flattened rice, sugar, dates, and soybean oil. He has displayed a price list in his shop, and customers have been buying with satisfaction. Shah Alam previously sold these items with only one taka profit but has now continued his cost-price initiative for the second consecutive year.

Local residents have praised Shah Alam’s generosity, noting that while many traders across Bangladesh raise prices during Ramadan, he has chosen to support fasting and low-income families. The initiative has drawn commendation from the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate’s Chandpur office, whose assistant director Abdullah Al Imran said other traders could learn from this example.

Shah Alam explained that he usually keeps his profit margins low throughout the year to attract more customers and that his Ramadan initiative aims to ease the burden on poor and working-class people affected by price hikes.