Shipping through the Panama Canal has increased sharply amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly surrounding Iran. According to the canal authority’s chief financial officer, Victor Vial, around 300 additional vessels have passed through the canal since October compared with the same period last year. He noted that this trend is expected to continue until the regional situation stabilizes, as reported by Reuters.

The main reason for the surge is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, prompting commercial ships to use the Panama Canal as an alternative route. In some cases, supply sources have also been shifted to avoid the Iranian coastline. The Associated Press reported that while the average cost of crossing the canal ranges from 300,000 to 400,000 US dollars depending on vessel type, some ships have recently paid up to 425,000 dollars for faster passage.

Analysts believe the increased pressure on this vital trade route is raising both transportation costs and delivery times, potentially affecting the broader global economy.

Implementation of Bangladesh’s Guchchhogram Phase III project, aimed at rehabilitating 20,000 landless and river erosion-affected families on government land, has become uncertain. Despite several meetings, the Planning Commission’s Project Evaluation Committee has not responded, delaying construction and leaving thousands of families in limbo. The project, titled “Climate Victims Rehabilitation Project,” was initially planned for July 2025 to June 2030 with a budget of Tk 776.62 crore, later reduced to Tk 760 crore after cost reviews.

According to the Land Ministry, feasibility studies were completed in April 2024, and the project’s manpower structure was approved in early 2025. However, the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) faced repeated scrutiny for excessive and unclear expenses, including vehicle costs, allowances, and promotional spending. The Planning Commission has urged further cost rationalization and transparency in expenditure breakdowns.

Officials said the project remains under review but may be presented to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council soon. If implemented, it would provide housing, utilities, and livelihood support to vulnerable families across 64 districts, contributing to social security and rural resilience.

The closure of the Hormuz Strait has caused a disruption in global oil supply, leading to economic effects in the United States. Although President Donald Trump stated that the US is a net oil exporter and not dependent on oil passing through the strait, the indirect impacts are becoming evident across the economy.

Experts note that reduced oil supply has driven up fuel prices, directly affecting consumers. Americans are paying more for gasoline and everyday goods, as higher diesel costs have increased transportation expenses. This has led to a general rise in living costs, contradicting earlier assurances from Trump that such inflation would not occur.

The ongoing price increases have reportedly fueled public dissatisfaction, and analysts suggest the situation could influence the upcoming midterm elections in November, potentially affecting Trump and the Republican Party’s political standing.

Pakistan has announced the opening of six trade corridors for Iran under the 'Transit of Goods Through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026'. The move allows Iran to use Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports for imports and exports to third countries. The decision comes as Iran faces severe trade disruptions due to ongoing conflict since February 28 and U.S. sanctions blocking access to its own ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, the new order aims to facilitate transit trade and strengthen regional connectivity. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said the initiative will enhance Pakistan’s strategic importance as a logistics hub. Analysts view the decision as a sign of growing trust between Islamabad and Tehran, noting that Iran requested the corridor amid wartime shortages of essential goods. Former trade officials and economists said the arrangement follows international law and should not trigger U.S. sanctions, as it provides transit rather than direct trade.

The first shipment under the new corridor has already traveled from Karachi through Iran to Uzbekistan, signaling Pakistan’s ambition to become a regional trade center and secure alternative routes beyond Afghanistan.

Experts and political scientists have long warned that sanctions rarely achieve their intended goals, often failing to topple governments while increasing hardship for ordinary citizens. Despite these warnings, the United States has continued to expand its sanctions programs. The current geopolitical situation has made the ineffectiveness of such punitive measures more evident.

According to the report, the ongoing Iran-Israel war has further accelerated the weakening of the long-standing impact of U.S. sanctions. The conflict is reshaping both regional and global political dynamics. Countries facing sanctions are now reducing their dependence on the U.S. dollar and turning toward alternative currencies for trade. In addition, barter systems and informal money transfer networks such as hundi are becoming more common.

As a result, the United States’ traditional sanctions regime is losing its effectiveness against Iran and its trading partners, contributing to a broader restructuring of global economic patterns.

European governments are expressing deep concern over potential fuel shortages as the ongoing war involving Iran disrupts global oil supplies. Several European countries fear severe energy deficits in the coming months. Sweden’s Minister for Economic Affairs voiced particular worry about the nation’s jet fuel reserves, describing them as a major cause for concern.

The Swedish government had earlier stated that the Middle East conflict was shifting from having a limited to a significant impact on its economy. Authorities have prepared contingency plans, including possible fuel rationing, to manage the situation. Meanwhile, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies are set to hold a key meeting in Vienna, Austria, tomorrow.

The meeting is expected to be the last attended by the United Arab Emirates, which has announced its withdrawal from the alliance effective May 1. The crisis has been worsened by a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global oil prices and intensifying pressure on major markets such as Europe and India.

The ongoing Middle East tensions are placing immense pressure on the global economy, with analysts estimating that the crisis could add nearly $1 trillion in extra costs. While the world faces rising economic burdens, major oil and gas companies are reporting soaring profits. The situation has intensified concerns that U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran are worsening global inequality, poverty, and hunger in a world still heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

According to climate group 350.org, based on International Monetary Fund data, even if the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal, high oil and gas prices could generate $600 billion in additional expenses. Continued supply disruptions could push losses beyond $1 trillion. Experts warn that this estimate likely understates the full impact, excluding long-term inflation, food and fertilizer price hikes, slower economic activity, and rising unemployment.

350.org has called for an emergency windfall tax on excess corporate profits to fund social protection and renewable energy investments. The demand was echoed at an international conference in Santa Marta, where over 50 countries discussed reducing fossil fuel dependence amid protests and warnings from developing nations about severe economic strain.

Heavy rainfall in Kutubdia upazila of Cox’s Bazar submerged around 4,000 acres of salt fields on Tuesday afternoon, causing an estimated loss of about 10 crore taka to local farmers. The downpour lasted for about an hour and flooded salt-producing areas across six unions, according to a survey by the local BSCIC office.

Local farmer and former union member Nur Mohammad said the heavy rain destroyed their salt fields, leaving them unable to recover production costs. He added that with the current market price of 170 taka per maund, farmers would still face losses if prices do not rise. Salt trader Abdu Rahim noted that many farmers had taken advance payments from traders, and with the fields now flooded, they may struggle to repay those advances.

The sudden flooding has created uncertainty about the continuation of salt cultivation in the affected areas, raising concerns about the financial stability of local producers and traders.

Bangladesh Bank has eased the rules governing incentive bonuses for bank employees, according to a circular issued on Tuesday. Under the new guidelines, banks may now offer incentive bonuses if they achieve operating profits, do not increase capital shortfalls compared to the previous year, and refrain from taking new deferred facilities from the central bank’s security deposits. The decision aims to encourage employee motivation and maintain competitiveness in the banking sector.

Previously, banks were prohibited from granting bonuses if they failed to post net profits, had capital or security deposit shortfalls, or received deferred facilities from the central bank. The new circular allows banks to provide up to one month’s basic salary as a special bonus for significant achievements, even if earlier conditions are not fully met, provided the new three criteria are satisfied.

A central bank official said the relaxation is intended to help retain skilled officers, as weaker banks often lose staff to stronger institutions. The move is expected to enhance employee engagement and sustain a competitive environment across the sector.

A new book titled “From Cash to Code” was officially launched at a hotel in Dhaka, marking a significant event for Bangladesh’s digital finance and fintech sectors. The book, authored by Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Digital Banking and Fintech Strategist at Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, explores how a large portion of Bangladesh’s digital economy remains outside the formal financial system, posing challenges to achieving full financial inclusion.

The launch event was attended by Al-Arafah Islami Bank Chairman Khaja Shahriar as chief guest and Managing Director Md. Rafat Ullah Khan as special guest, along with senior executives and professionals from banking, fintech, and digital finance industries. Hasan emphasized that true financial inclusion requires integrating people’s daily economic activities into formal digital systems, suggesting that Bangladesh’s next major transformation will occur when informal economic activities become part of the mainstream.

The book introduces a new framework for discussing digital finance in Bangladesh and is expected to serve as a key reference for policymakers, the banking sector, and the fintech industry.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected in its latest World Economic Outlook report that Bangladesh’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed India’s in 2026. According to the report, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP is expected to reach 2,911 US dollars, compared to India’s 2,812 dollars. The IMF attributes this potential shift to Bangladesh’s sustained economic growth, steady export earnings, and slower population growth. However, the report also notes that India may regain the lead in 2027.

Economists have cautioned against overinterpreting the forecast, emphasizing that a temporary lead in per capita GDP does not necessarily reflect stronger overall economic performance. Former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain explained that exchange rate fluctuations can significantly affect GDP comparisons in dollar terms. Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, added that Bangladesh’s economy remains under pressure from inflation, investment stagnation, and global instability, including the Middle East conflict.

The IMF publishes the World Economic Outlook twice a year, offering short- and medium-term forecasts of global economic trends. Economists noted that such projections are subject to change due to external factors and methodological limitations.

A delegation from Chevron Corporation paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat. The meeting took place on April 28, 2026, and was attended by senior officials from both the government and Chevron.

The Chevron team included Xavier La Rossa, President of the company’s Base Assets and Emerging Countries (BAEC) division, and Eric M. Walker, President of Chevron Bangladesh. On the government side, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Affairs Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit were present.

The source did not provide details about the topics discussed or any outcomes from the meeting.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Housing and Public Works, Zakaria Taher, held a courtesy meeting with Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen at the ministry office in Dhaka on Tuesday. The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Turkey, including potential areas for collaboration and investment.

During the discussion, Minister Taher highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s construction, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sectors. He stated that Bangladesh aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2035 and that the government’s business-friendly policies have created a favorable environment for foreign investment.

Ambassador Sen reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries and noted the potential to further expand cooperation in trade and development. He also invited Minister Taher to attend the upcoming “Turkey Construction Summit 2026” scheduled for June.

Residents of Bakshiganj upazila in Jamalpur have reported receiving only two to three hours of electricity within a 24-hour period. The limited supply often comes in short bursts of five to thirty minutes. According to the Bakshiganj Palli Bidyut zonal office, the substation serves about 98,000 customers, with a demand of around 24 megawatts but a current supply of only 7 to 8 megawatts. This shortfall has forced frequent load-shedding across the area.

The power crisis has disrupted daily life, particularly for SSC examinees who are struggling to study at night without electricity. Many are relying on candles, while fuel shortages have made it difficult to use kerosene lamps. Small businesses, workshops, and battery-run auto-rickshaw drivers have also been severely affected, with many unable to operate due to lack of power. Auto-rickshaw fares have doubled as fewer vehicles are available.

Local residents and business owners have urged authorities to take immediate action, warning that continued outages could further harm agriculture, education, and the local economy.

Iran has imposed a ban on the export of steel and related products following damage to its industrial sector caused by recent US-Israeli airstrikes. According to local media citing the country's customs authority, the directive prohibits the export of various steel products, including slabs, sheets, and strips. The new restriction took effect on April 26, 2026.

Earlier, Israel claimed that its airstrikes had destroyed about 70 percent of Iran’s steel production capacity, along with causing major damage to petrochemical facilities and transport infrastructure. The strikes occurred just days before a ceasefire that came into effect on April 8.

Analysts cited in the report warned that the loss of capacity in this strategically vital sector could have long-term negative effects on Iran’s economy, which relies heavily on industrial exports for revenue.