Farmers in Panchagarh have intensified Boro rice cultivation this season, encouraged by stable paddy prices in recent years. The district, which typically plants Boro seedlings later than other regions, is now witnessing widespread transplanting activity. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, the target for this year’s Irri-Boro season covers 33,994 hectares across five upazilas, including 9,021 hectares of hybrid and 24,973 hectares of Ufshi varieties. So far, seedlings have been transplanted on 14,490 hectares, with completion expected within two weeks.

Boda and Debiganj upazilas have seen the largest cultivation areas, totaling over 21,000 hectares. Farmers report favorable weather and manageable pest conditions, raising hopes for another bumper harvest. Some, however, have shifted portions of their land to maize and peanut cultivation due to previous losses from Aman rice. Agricultural officials noted that last season’s Boro crop achieved high yields despite pest attacks, and similar conditions this year could lead to strong production again.

If current weather patterns persist and proper care continues, the district’s farmers anticipate a productive harvest season ahead.

Bangladesh’s long-held strong position in the European Union apparel market has weakened, according to recent Eurostat and Export Promotion Bureau data. Despite overall EU apparel imports rising 2.10% in 2025 to reach USD 90 billion, average unit prices fell 10.27%. Bangladesh’s exports to the EU totaled USD 9.46 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, down 4.14% from the same period a year earlier. In December 2025 alone, export earnings dropped 12.05% year-on-year as prices fell despite stable shipment volumes.

Analysts attribute the intensified competition to exporters from several countries redirecting goods to Europe after the United States imposed higher tariffs on multiple nations. This surge in supply has driven down prices and increased pressure on Bangladeshi exporters. The situation is further complicated by the newly announced India-EU free trade agreement, which will eliminate around 12% tariffs on Indian apparel once it takes effect in 2027, giving India a cost advantage.

Industry leaders from BGMEA and EAB warned that without timely policy support, efficiency upgrades, and product diversification, Bangladesh risks losing market share in Europe to more aggressive competitors such as China, India, and Vietnam.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will raise global tariffs on imported goods to 15 percent after the United States Supreme Court struck down his previous trade measures. The ruling has triggered widespread concern and responses from governments and markets, as countries assess the legal and economic implications of the decision and Trump’s new tariff plan.

In South Korea, the presidential office said it would review its trade deal with the US, while India faces uncertainty over a recently signed framework agreement that includes major purchases in defence, energy, and artificial intelligence. China’s response was muted, though analysts said the ruling could ease tariff pressure on its exports. Canada and Mexico both welcomed the court’s decision but noted that some tariffs remain in place. European leaders, including those from France and Germany, emphasized the importance of legal checks and signaled coordinated responses within the European Union.

Legal experts described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a landmark moment, asserting that the court acted to reaffirm constitutional limits on presidential authority rather than to decide on economic policy.

In Tanore upazila of Rajshahi, potato prices have dropped sharply this season, with new potatoes selling for Tk 8 to 9 per kilogram, and in some places even lower. Farmers report being forced to add an extra 5 kilograms per sack as ‘dholon,’ increasing their losses. One farmer, Raihan Kabir, said he harvested 40 to 45 sacks per bigha, selling each for Tk 550 to 650, earning Tk 22,000 to 28,000 per bigha against production costs of Tk 60,000 to 65,000, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 30,000 per bigha. Another farmer, Mejbaul, said his expenses were Tk 45,000 per bigha, but he earned only about Tk 25,000.

Farmers allege that although each sack weighs 70 kilograms, they are paid for only 65 kilograms, losing about 250 kilograms per bigha. Traders claim the extra weight compensates for natural loss during transport and storage. The local agriculture officer, Saifullah Ahmed, said 12,190 hectares were cultivated this year, with 150 hectares already harvested and yields satisfactory. He added that coordination is underway to help farmers with storage and marketing, expressing hope that prices will improve soon.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman secured a two-thirds majority in the 13th national election held on February 12, 2026, following the 2024 student-led uprising. With the Awami League barred from participation, Rahman was sworn in as prime minister on February 17. Analysts note that his political success will depend on reviving the struggling economy amid youth discontent over jobs and corruption.

BNP has pledged to double the economy by 2034, raising GDP from USD 460 billion to USD 1 trillion, requiring 9% annual growth. The party also promised major increases in education and health spending but lacks a credible revenue plan. Economists warn that high interest rates, structural distribution issues, and weak private investment pose serious risks. Agriculture employs 44% of the workforce, and Rahman must ensure fair prices for farmers while controlling food costs.

Remittance inflows have surged to USD 30 billion in 2025, but dependence on Gulf labor markets and corruption in overseas employment remain concerns. Economist Khan Ahmed Sayeed Murshid urged pragmatic reforms and reliable energy supply. Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status in November 2026 adds further pressure on exports and economic stability.

The Bangladesh Government Employees Demand Implementation Alliance has announced new programs and issued an ultimatum to the government for the implementation of the ninth pay scale. According to a press release signed by Member Secretary Md. Mahmudul Hasan and Chief Coordinator Md. Warez Ali, if the demand is not met by March 15, the organization will announce further programs on March 28. The plan includes submitting memorandums to the Prime Minister through local MPs and ministers, holding representative assemblies, and organizing activities in divisional cities during Ramadan.

The statement said that since the introduction of the eighth pay scale in 2015, employees in grades 11–20 have faced discrimination, and repeated appeals to successive governments have gone unanswered. The alliance noted that despite the formation of the eighth pay commission in 2025 and its report submission, the interim government did not implement the promised pay scale. It emphasized that rising living costs have made it difficult for employees to support their families.

If no visible government action is taken by March 15, the alliance will announce its next steps at a press conference on March 28, after Eid-ul-Fitr.

The United States Supreme Court has declared President Donald Trump’s ‘Universal Baseline Tariff’ unconstitutional, ruling that it violated the US Constitution. The verdict, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, invalidates tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which the court said were used as economic coercion rather than for national security. The decision has global implications, particularly for countries like Bangladesh that recently signed trade agreements under Trump’s tariff regime.

Following the ruling, Trump swiftly announced a new 10 percent tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, replacing Bangladesh’s previous 19 percent rate. While this appears to ease pressure, economists warn that the new law allows tariffs to rise up to 50 percent after a 150-day review of labor and environmental conditions. Bangladeshi economists and business leaders have criticized the earlier trade deal as unequal and coercive, noting that the US gained more benefits.

Experts suggest Bangladesh should avoid immediate renegotiation and instead focus on improving domestic compliance and preparedness as the US reviews trade practices under the new tariff framework.

Bangladesh’s Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that significant visible progress will be achieved within the next six months in the modernization and ongoing development projects of Mongla Port, the country’s second-largest seaport. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Mongla Port Authority jetty on Saturday afternoon.

The minister said Mongla Port’s role in the economic growth, industrialization, and foreign trade of the southwestern region is expanding. Redirecting more import-export operations to Mongla could ease pressure on Dhaka and Chattogram, reduce transport costs, and save time. Under the government’s priority plans, infrastructure upgrades, addition of modern equipment, and digital transformation of services are underway. He emphasized coordinated efforts to make Mongla a modern, efficient regional trade hub contributing more to the national economy.

Alam also highlighted the importance of the newly launched rail link to the port and said integrated management of rail and maritime transport will make cargo movement more dynamic. About 15 integrated development plans have been undertaken to transform Mongla into a competitive seaport modeled after Chattogram Port.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a temporary 10% global tariff after the Supreme Court declared his earlier trade policy invalid. The order, signed late Friday local time, will apply to all countries for the next 150 days under Section 122 of the 1974 U.S. Trade Act. Trump also directed his administration to explore whether previous tariff systems could be reinstated under other legal provisions.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States has several strong alternatives that could generate more revenue and strengthen the country. The move follows his earlier tariff policy announced on April 2, 2025, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which introduced a 10% baseline tariff and reciprocal tariffs on trade partners.

According to the report, the United States earned an additional 13.35 trillion dollars in the past year from tariffs under Trump’s previous policy.

Markets across Bangladesh have become unstable at the start of Ramadan, with prices of almost all essential goods rising sharply. Reports from Sunamganj, Naogaon, Kurigram, and Pabna show that vegetables, fish, meat, and grocery items are being sold at significantly higher prices than a week earlier. In Sunamganj, cucumbers and carrots have doubled in price, while onions, garlic, and green chilies have also seen steep increases. Similar trends are reported in other districts, where milk, lemons, and dates are being sold at inflated rates, putting pressure on ordinary consumers.

Traders attribute the price hikes to transportation problems, increased demand, and reduced imports. Local business associations and consumer rights officials have acknowledged the situation, saying monitoring and enforcement drives are underway to prevent artificial shortages and overpricing. In several districts, local administrations have pledged to take legal action against traders found guilty of price manipulation.

Officials and traders expressed hope that prices of key items such as onions and garlic may stabilize within a few days as supply improves and monitoring continues.

United States President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the Supreme Court after a 6-3 ruling struck down his global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Speaking at a Friday news conference, Trump called the court a “disgrace” and accused it of being influenced by foreign interests. He said he would continue his tariff policy using the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, announcing a new 10 percent global tariff for 150 days to replace some of the duties invalidated by the court. The new measure is expected to take effect within three days.

The Supreme Court majority, comprising three liberal and three conservative justices, ruled that only Congress can levy tariffs in peacetime. The decision dealt a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda, which had projected $3.6 trillion in tariff revenue from 2026 to 2035. Oxford Economics estimated the ruling would immediately lower the effective tariff rate from 12.7 percent to 8.3 percent. Trump, however, insisted that his powers under the Trade Expansion Act could yield even higher revenues.

Experts warned that the ruling complicates the administration’s ability to impose tariffs quickly, creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Analysts said Trump’s alternative approach may sustain tariff burdens but with reduced flexibility and scope.

Bangladesh has formally applied to the United Nations to postpone its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category by three years. A letter signed by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui was sent to the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) last Wednesday, requesting that the graduation preparation period be extended until November 24, 2029. The country was originally scheduled to graduate on November 24 this year, with the third review process currently underway.

The letter cited multiple global and domestic challenges, including the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, rising energy and food prices, global monetary tightening, and supply disruptions in shipping. Domestically, declining investment, slower revenue growth, and reduced GDP growth have hindered structural reforms. The government noted that uncertainty over GSP Plus access in European markets and policy shifts by major trading partners could further strain competitiveness.

Following the CDP meeting from February 24–28, a preliminary assessment report is expected within two weeks, with final recommendations and a decision anticipated in September.

State Minister for Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has announced that artificial crises created by syndicates in the food and agriculture sectors will be resolved through continuous monitoring. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a views-exchange meeting at the Tangail Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

Tuku said that a market monitoring cell has already been formed and that those responsible for market regulation are actively working. He added that the government has just begun its efforts and he will do his utmost to fulfill all promises made to the public. Earlier, the state minister held a meeting with district-level officials, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, attended by Superintendent of Police Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sanjay Kumar Mahanta, and heads of various district departments.

The minister emphasized that regular supervision and monitoring can solve all problems in the food and agriculture sectors, aiming to ensure stability and transparency in market operations.

Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin-ur-Rashid said that 70 percent of Bangladesh’s population depends on agriculture and that improving this sector will strengthen the country’s economic position. He made the remarks on Friday morning at a meeting with officials from the agriculture, food, and fisheries departments at the Cumilla Circuit House. The minister described the current administration as agriculture-friendly and committed to working for the welfare of the people.

Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Amin-ur-Rashid claimed that most of the BNP’s pledges were aimed at farmers and marginalized communities, and that implementing these promises would primarily benefit farmers. He thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for assigning him responsibility for the three ministries, saying he was given a portfolio he personally values. He called for cooperation from all concerned to solve problems and advance the sectors.

Speakers at the meeting discussed the progress of ongoing programs, service quality improvement, and field-level challenges and opportunities, providing necessary guidance for resolving issues.

A low-cost milk and egg sales program was inaugurated in Naogaon on Friday to ensure relief for residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative was launched at the Naogaon District Livestock premises by Zahidul Islam Dhalu, Member of Parliament for Naogaon-5 (Sadar). According to the District Livestock Office, consumers can purchase one hali (four pieces) of eggs for 28 taka and one liter of milk for 70 taka. The program will continue throughout Ramadan except on government holidays.

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by District Livestock Officer Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman, with Additional Superintendent of Police Joybrata Pal attending as a special guest. In his remarks, MP Zahidul Islam noted that many low-income people cannot afford milk, eggs, or meat, leading to nutritional deficiencies. He emphasized that the Livestock Department’s initiative would help meet their protein needs and suggested adding affordable meat sales.

Following the MP’s suggestion, Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman announced that a similar low-cost meat sales program would be launched soon.