Bus operations between Rajshahi and the rest of Bangladesh have been suspended indefinitely following a dispute over the formation of the Rajshahi District Motor Workers’ Union committee. Workers announced the shutdown on Monday afternoon after the deputy commissioner’s mediation failed to resolve the issue. The suspension has caused severe travel disruptions for passengers on routes including Dhaka.

According to reports, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation announced a 21-member committee for the Rajshahi union on May 12, appointing Rafiqul Islam Pakhi as president and Mominul Islam Momin as general secretary. The committee was formed without an election, prompting protests from a faction of workers who demanded a vote. Clashes, chases, and even explosions occurred during the unrest, after which the district administration temporarily took charge of the organization.

Talks held at the district commissioner’s office on Tuesday failed to produce a resolution or election schedule. Workers declared that the strike would continue until an ad hoc committee is formed and elections are held.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will work on developing new startup ideas and provide financial assistance to promising ventures, even if they initially fail. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning at a special event titled “Youth, Startups and the Potential of Bangladesh” held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University.

Rahman said that due to a lack of job opportunities in the country, skilled individuals are moving abroad, and the government aims to support new entrepreneurs. The ICT Division will provide funds ranging from 500,000 to 50 million taka for innovative projects. He emphasized that developing young and female entrepreneurs is now a national priority to integrate their creativity into the mainstream of economic progress.

As part of this initiative, the government’s 2026 election manifesto has given special priority to startup and entrepreneurship development. A startup fund of 5 billion taka has already been established to finance and promote innovative ventures, contributing to growth, employment generation, and technological transformation.

Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel trade has come under renewed pressure as its export growth lags behind global trends. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), global apparel exports grew by 4.46 percent this year, while Bangladesh’s growth was only 0.89 percent. The country’s market share fell from 7 percent in 2024 to 6.76 percent, reversing earlier gains. In contrast, Vietnam’s export value reached 37.51 billion dollars in 2025, just 1.31 billion dollars below Bangladesh’s 38.82 billion, sharply narrowing the gap from previous years.

The WTO data indicates that Vietnam and Cambodia have become key drivers of global apparel trade expansion, benefiting from China’s shrinking market share. Cambodia’s exports grew by 16.88 percent and Vietnam’s by 10.53 percent, while Bangladesh failed to capitalize on shifting orders. Industry analyst Mohiuddin Rubel attributed Vietnam’s advantage to free trade agreements, shorter lead times, better port management, and stable supply chains. He added that Bangladesh’s garment sector remains strong but needs policy support and a business-friendly environment to regain momentum.

Export data from Eurostat and Otexa show sharp declines in Bangladesh’s shipments to the EU and US. The Export Promotion Bureau has recommended a 58 billion dollar export target for 2026–27, urging diversification beyond garments.

A week of continuous heavy rainfall and rough seas has severely disrupted import and export operations at Chattogram Port. Container handling at jetties and delivery from yards have slowed sharply, while more than 60 mother vessels remain idle offshore due to turbulent seas. The suspension of lighter vessel movement has also halted inland cargo transport, raising concerns about shortages of essential goods and industrial raw materials across Bangladesh.

Port sources report that daily container handling has dropped by nearly half, and deliveries have fallen from around 4,500 to 2,500 containers per day. Operators say general cargo unloading has decreased by 30–35 percent, while over 500 lighter vessels remain anchored at the Karnaphuli River and coastal areas. Importers are incurring significant demurrage costs, and garment factories are facing production slowdowns due to waterlogging, damaged containers, and reduced worker attendance.

Industry representatives have highlighted weaknesses in the port’s drainage and management systems. The port authority maintains that operations remain active and expects conditions to normalize once the weather improves.

Global crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday, climbing more than 9 percent to reach their highest level in a month. The surge followed renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the United States’ announcement to reinstate a naval blockade against Iran starting Tuesday at 4 p.m. Washington time. The blockade had previously been lifted in mid-June.

Analysts from Gelbar & Associates said President Trump’s new restrictions on Iranian maritime movements, retaliatory attacks, and reduced shipping through the Hormuz Strait have heightened short-term concerns over energy supply. Brent crude closed up by $7.29, or 9.59 percent, at $83.30 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $6.73, or 9.42 percent, to $78.14 per barrel.

Brent recorded its largest single-day dollar gain since April 2 and its highest closing price since June 12. WTI also saw its biggest daily increase since April 29 and reached its highest closing level since June 15, reflecting market anxiety over potential supply disruptions.

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed the foreign currency transaction rules for industries operating in the Domestic Processing Areas (DPA) of economic zones. According to a circular issued on Monday, companies can now remit amounts exceeding the previously fixed limits for royalty, technical know-how, and technical assistance payments abroad, provided they obtain prior approval from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

Previously, authorized dealer banks could remit funds within a capped limit—up to 6 percent of the imported machinery value for new projects, and up to 6 percent of declared sales revenue from the previous fiscal year for existing industries. Under the new directive, remittances beyond these limits are allowed with BEZA’s prior approval. Additionally, any other legitimate foreign payments by DPA-based industries will also require BEZA’s authorization regardless of the amount.

Business representatives noted that the decision will simplify cross-border financial transactions for DPA-based industries and reduce restrictions on technology-related payments, potentially supporting greater foreign investment inflows.

Saudi Arabia has assured Bangladesh of cooperation in reducing taxes and charges imposed on Hajj flights to help lower travel costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims. The assurance came during a meeting between Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Ibn Dhafeer Ibn Ubaiah and Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, held on Monday at the Secretariat. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present.

During the meeting, Minister Afroza Khanam emphasized that lowering Saudi-imposed taxes and charges on Hajj flights would significantly reduce expenses for the large number of Bangladeshi pilgrims. In response, the Saudi ambassador said his government would consider the issue positively and is committed to improving services and facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims while keeping costs reasonable.

State Minister Millat highlighted that the absence of Category-D accommodation has increased lodging costs for Bangladeshi pilgrims and requested Saudi cooperation to reinstate the category. Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in civil aviation, tourism, and Hajj management.

As the United States celebrates 250 years of independence, Bangladesh reflects on five decades of bilateral relations that have shifted from post-war aid to a multifaceted partnership rooted in trade, technology, and innovation. The relationship, formally established in 1972, now spans sectors including apparel exports, agriculture, health, education, and climate resilience. In 2025, bilateral trade reached about 11.8 billion US dollars, with Bangladesh exporting roughly 9.5 billion dollars’ worth of goods to the US.

The article highlights how cooperation once centered on development assistance through USAID has expanded into investment, research, and knowledge exchange. US programs have supported Bangladesh’s progress in public health, agriculture, disaster management, and women’s empowerment. Educational exchanges such as Fulbright and Humphrey fellowships have fostered leadership and institutional capacity.

This evolving partnership is increasingly defined by mutual economic interests and shared goals in innovation, human capital, and sustainable growth. The shift from “aid to trade” symbolizes a new era of collaboration, positioning Bangladesh as a key Indo-Pacific partner in global supply chains and technology-driven development.

Former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, known as the 'Father Emir' of Qatar, has died at the age of 74. During his 18-year rule from 1995 to 2013, Qatar transformed from a small, oil-dependent economy into a major global energy exporter and investment powerhouse. Under his leadership, the country began large-scale gas extraction and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, becoming the world’s largest LNG exporter within 15 years.

Qatar’s GDP grew from about 8 billion dollars in 1995 to nearly 199 billion dollars in 2013, driven by rapid expansion in the gas sector. Sheikh Hamad established the Qatar Investment Authority in 2005 to channel surplus energy revenues into global investments, including stakes in Barclays, Volkswagen, and Harrods. He also prioritized education, healthcare, and infrastructure, founding the Qatar Foundation and initiating projects such as Hamad International Airport and Lusail City.

His long-term vision, embodied in the Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed to reduce reliance on natural resources and build a knowledge-based economy. Analysts credit Sheikh Hamad with laying the foundation for Qatar’s sustained prosperity and global economic influence.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major investment plan worth about Tk 14,000 crore (US$1.1 billion) to add 21 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet. The company informed the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority that the aircraft will be leased from five leading global aircraft leasing firms and delivered gradually by 2027. Once implemented, the airline’s fleet will expand from 25 to 46 aircraft.

According to the company, the expansion aims to develop Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet as regional aviation hubs, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The formal announcement of the investment will take place on July 29 at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka, with representatives from Boeing, the US Embassy, and international leasing companies expected to attend. The event will also outline delivery schedules and future expansion strategies.

US-Bangla stated that the new aircraft will feature upgraded cabins, premium seating, wireless in-flight entertainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The airline expects the expansion to increase international routes, flight frequency, and passenger capacity while creating hundreds of new jobs and boosting tourism, trade, and foreign exchange earnings.

India has decided not to rush into a trade agreement with the United States, opting instead to wait for more favorable terms. The interim deal expected during U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer’s visit to New Delhi last month did not materialize, as Washington failed to meet India’s key demands. These included tariff advantages over competitors like China and assurances that the U.S. would not impose new tariffs after signing. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later confirmed that no deal would proceed without concrete benefits.

Analysts cited India’s growing export strength, reduced economic risks, and political stability as reasons behind its firm stance. India’s exports rose by about 15 percent in April–June, supported by high petroleum prices and recovery in Gulf markets. The country is also expanding trade ties with the UK and the EU. Goldman Sachs raised India’s 2026 growth forecast to 6.8 percent, noting improved inflation and current account conditions.

Officials indicated that New Delhi is watching potential legal and political hurdles to U.S. tariff plans. Domestic political gains and legal uncertainty in Washington have further encouraged India to hold its position.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a reduction in gold prices across the country. In a notice issued on Thursday morning, the association said the price of 22-carat gold has been lowered by Tk 2,216 per bhori, setting the new rate at Tk 221,966 including VAT. The revised prices took effect from 10 a.m. the same day.

BAJUS explained that the adjustment follows a decrease in the price of pure gold. Under the new pricing, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 211,993 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 182,075, and traditional gold Tk 148,774. The association stated that these rates will remain in force until further notice, and that VAT is already included in the retail price, meaning no separate VAT may be charged to customers.

According to BAJUS, this is the 90th price adjustment of the year, with 44 increases, 45 decreases, and one VAT revision so far. In 2025, the association made 93 adjustments, most of which were price increases.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has questioned why Bangladesh has not taken steps to close or restructure banks with extremely high default loan ratios, some exceeding 80 percent. The issue was raised during a series of meetings held on Sunday between IMF representatives and officials from various departments of Bangladesh Bank. The IMF delegation, led by mission chief Ivo Krznar, is in Dhaka for a five-day visit to begin preliminary discussions on a new loan program.

Discussions covered banking sector reforms, non-performing loan (NPL) reduction, bank resolution strategies, Islamic banking, foreign exchange management, and a new 600 billion taka stimulus package. The IMF sought explanations on why state-owned banks were excluded from asset quality reviews and why weak banks had not yet entered resolution processes. Bangladesh Bank officials said guidelines for NPL resolution are being prepared for release by December, and IFRS-9 implementation instructions have already been issued to banks.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that any new IMF loan program will prioritize national interests. The government expects to secure $4–4.5 billion over three years to support macroeconomic stability and external financing needs.

Global crude oil prices rose by more than 3 percent as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, raising concerns over energy supply disruptions. Brent crude climbed by 2.67 dollars, or 3.51 percent, to reach 78.68 dollars per barrel, according to market data released on July 13, 2026.

Analysts attributed the price increase primarily to fears of transport disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy shipments. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that before the conflict began, nearly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum supply passed through this strait.

Market observers warned that if the conflict escalates further, oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz could be severely affected, potentially triggering greater instability in the global energy market.

In Durgapur of Rajshahi, farmers are discarding bitter gourds in local markets after failing to get fair prices. Despite abundant harvests, growers are being forced to sell at only 2.5 to 5 taka per kilogram, far below production costs. Some farmers have even destroyed their crops in frustration, as wholesale buyers are refusing to offer reasonable rates. At Hatkanpara market, one farmer was seen trampling his unsold bitter gourds after being offered just 120 taka per maund.

Farmers report spending 25,000 to 30,000 taka per bigha on cultivation, but recovering less than a quarter of that investment. The Durgapur Upazila Agriculture Office confirmed that 178 hectares were planted with bitter gourd this season. While early yields fetched 80 to 100 taka per kilogram, prices have since plummeted. Many farmers now face severe financial strain and loss of capital.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sahana Parvin Laboni urged farmers not to destroy their crops and assured that efforts are underway with the agricultural marketing department to stabilize prices soon.