Three major Indian airlines—Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet—have warned the government that the country’s aviation industry is on the verge of shutting down. According to a Press Trust of India report, the carriers, which together control about 95 percent of India’s aviation market, said the situation has become critical due to soaring fuel prices and operational restrictions.

The report attributes the crisis to the Iran war and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which have driven aviation fuel prices sharply higher in India, the world’s fifth-largest aviation market. Additional restrictions on airspace use have further increased operating costs, particularly for long-haul routes.

In response, the airlines have demanded a revision of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has also urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to introduce a special mechanism to regulate fuel prices for both domestic and international flights.

The United Arab Emirates has demanded that Pakistan immediately repay a $3.5 billion loan, creating new pressure on Islamabad as it faces an ongoing economic crisis. The demand, made earlier this month, threatens to deplete nearly one-fifth of Pakistan’s central bank reserves and could jeopardize the $7 billion IMF bailout package promised in 2024. Saudi Arabia has since stepped in, providing a $3 billion loan to strengthen Pakistan’s reserves and extending an existing $5 billion loan for more than a year.

Analysts view Abu Dhabi’s sudden move as a reflection of growing dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s softer stance toward Iran and its mediation efforts in conflicts involving the United States and Israel. The situation also highlights underlying competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose relations have been strained over Yemen and regional influence. UAE’s closer economic ties with India have further complicated its relationship with Islamabad.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry described the repayment as a routine financial transaction and denied any diplomatic rift, though officials privately expressed frustration. Observers see the episode as part of shifting alliances and power balances in the Gulf region.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC Plus alliance, effective May 1. According to the state news agency WAM, the decision aligns with the country’s long-term strategic and economic vision and aims to accelerate domestic energy investment. The UAE stated that the move will strengthen its role as a responsible and reliable energy producer in the global market.

The statement cited ongoing instability in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as key factors disrupting energy supply chains. The UAE said it seeks to ensure market stability and meet global demand amid the crisis. The decision comes against the backdrop of the Iran war, which has severely affected global energy flows and regional economies. The UAE reportedly expressed frustration that Arab nations failed to provide sufficient protection from Iranian attacks during the conflict.

Analysts view the UAE’s withdrawal as a major setback for OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential disruptions in global oil supply and price volatility.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan, representing Dhaka-12, expressed concern in the national parliament that businessman S Alam might take advantage of the new provisions introduced by the finance minister under the amended Bank Resolution Act 2026. Speaking on Tuesday during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address, he highlighted the current situation of Islami Bank, one of the country’s largest private banks.

Saiful Alam cited media reports claiming that Islami Bank saw withdrawals of Tk 705 crore in a single day, with three-day transaction data showing a negative trend. He alleged that large-scale misappropriation had occurred across private Islamic banks, blaming S Alam and his associates for the losses. Referring to the finance minister’s statement about “opening a window” through the new law, he warned that S Alam might exploit this opportunity.

The MP urged the government to take steps to protect Islami Bank, noting that it serves around 12 million customers. He cautioned that a collapse of the bank could have serious repercussions for the national economy.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir emphasized the need for export diversification, greater market access, and increased investment to strengthen the United States–Bangladesh economic partnership. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a program titled “Strengthening US–Bangladesh Economic Partnership,” organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at Hotel Sheraton in Dhaka.

The minister noted that while bilateral trade between the two countries continues to grow, Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on the ready-made garment sector, which poses risks. He said the government is prioritizing pharmaceuticals, leather, agricultural products, light engineering, and ICT to expand the export base. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring market access as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least developed country status by November 2029, seeking US cooperation for a smooth transition.

Muktadir added that although US investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector has been positive, overall investment remains below potential. He underscored opportunities for collaboration in technology transfer, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen and AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed also stressed expanding trade and investment cooperation.

The state-owned Jiban Bima Corporation has announced a new recruitment drive for 20 positions under the title of Insurance Representative or Agent. According to the notice published on April 28, 2026, interested candidates can apply online until May 27, 2026. Applicants must have at least an SSC or graduate-level qualification, and prior experience is not required, making it an opportunity for newcomers. Both men and women are eligible to apply.

The positions are full-time and categorized as private-sector roles. Salary and other benefits will be determined through discussion, and no specific age limit has been mentioned. Selected candidates must be willing to work in the districts of Bogura, Gaibandha, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Natore, and Sirajganj.

Applications are being accepted through the BDJobs online platform until the stated deadline.

Bangladesh and Bhutan have stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade and energy sectors. The discussion took place on Tuesday at the Secretariat in Dhaka during a courtesy meeting between Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Bhutan’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji. Both sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment as well as enhancing regional cooperation, with particular focus on renewable energy, including solar and hydropower projects.

The commerce minister highlighted that although South Asian countries collectively have a GDP of about 59 trillion US dollars, intra-regional trade remains around one percent, far below potential. He emphasized the need for stronger economic partnerships among neighboring countries and suggested that establishing small-scale hydropower plants near border areas could be mutually beneficial.

The Bhutanese ambassador congratulated the minister on his appointment and expressed Bhutan’s interest in deepening bilateral trade ties. He noted that the distance between Bhutan and Bangladesh’s Burimari border is about 100 kilometers, making trade and investment convenient. He also mentioned that Bhutanese students study in Bangladeshi medical colleges, contributing to cultural exchange between the two nations.

The Bangladesh government is taking extensive preparations to send a large number of skilled workers to Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) category across 16 sectors. Japan has set a target to recruit 820,000 foreign workers in these sectors by March 2029, and experts believe Bangladesh could supply up to 40 percent of that demand if properly prepared. Previously, Bangladesh could send workers to only six sectors, but now it is expanding readiness for all 16.

According to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, the government is implementing short-, medium-, and long-term plans to train workers in Japanese language, culture, and technical skills. Initiatives include upgrading training centers, launching hybrid courses, and strengthening cooperation with Japanese institutions. The ministry has also established a “Japan Cell” and enhanced the labor wing at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo to facilitate recruitment.

The government is also promoting student migration, aiming to send 10,000 students to Japan in 2026 with easy loan facilities. Officials say these measures will deepen bilateral cooperation and expand employment opportunities for Bangladeshi citizens in Japan.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman has disclosed the current diesel reserves in Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Tuesday while discussing government progress, he said the country currently holds 170,000 tons of diesel in stock. An additional 180,000 tons are expected to arrive by April 30. He assured that there is no fuel shortage and that long queues at fuel stations are not being observed.

Dr. Zahed also commented on the issue of militancy in Bangladesh, acknowledging that militant elements exist but emphasizing that the situation has not reached a level that should cause public fear. He noted that claims of widespread militancy during the Awami League’s tenure were exaggerated, while assertions made during the interim government that no militants existed were also inaccurate.

The adviser’s remarks aimed to clarify both the energy supply situation and the government’s stance on internal security concerns.

Bangladesh has started receiving approximately 925 megawatts of electricity from India's Adani Power Plant. The second unit of the plant was synchronized with Bangladesh’s national grid on Monday evening, beginning supply at around 7:45 p.m. According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) chairman, power supply will gradually increase, helping to boost overall generation and reduce load-shedding across the country.

BPDB officials also stated that from April 28, additional 600 megawatts each are expected to come from SS Power and RNPL. RNPL is a joint venture between Bangladesh’s Rural Power Company Limited (RPCL) and China’s state-owned Norinco, which will begin producing 600 megawatts from the same date.

BPDB data show that on Saturday evening, Bangladesh’s peak electricity demand reached 16,900 megawatts, while maximum generation without Adani’s supply was 14,712 megawatts. The new imports are expected to ease the supply gap and improve grid stability.

A severe shortage of fuel and electricity has brought life in the Rangpur region to a standstill, according to a report published on April 28, 2026. Worsening load-shedding has disrupted industrial production, halted irrigation, crippled transport, and severely affected students’ studies. Residents report that both fuel and electricity shortages have created a major crisis across the agriculture-dependent northern districts, with irrigation pumps unable to operate and crop yields at risk.

Industrial zones in Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, and Rangpur are facing production losses, leaving factory owners and workers in financial distress. Cold storage operators warn of potential spoilage of stored potatoes and vegetables due to insufficient fuel for generators. Auto-rickshaw drivers, dependent on electricity for charging, are also struggling to earn a living. Long queues and occasional clashes have been reported at fuel stations.

Power officials and experts acknowledge that many power plants have shut down due to the fuel crisis. They urge the government to restore supply quickly and explore alternative energy sources to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Farmers in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur have regained relief as diesel supply returned to normal, allowing irrigation to resume and revitalizing paddy fields. Earlier, irrigation in the upazila’s Irri-Boro fields was disrupted on March 30 and April 22 due to a diesel shortage, causing several hectares of paddy to wilt and raising fears of poor yield.

Following a report published by the newspaper, the upazila administration and agricultural officials took steps to improve the situation. Upazila Executive Officer Amit Dutta confirmed that diesel is now being supplied according to farmers’ demand and that there is no current shortage. Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahfuzur Rahman stated that with adequate diesel, irrigation and paddy production are proceeding smoothly, and yields are strong.

According to the upazila agriculture office, Irri-Boro paddy cultivation has been successful across 5,610 hectares of land, indicating a positive outcome after the earlier supply crisis.

In Syedpur of Nilphamari, unpaid electricity bills in 24 Bihari camps have reached Tk 66 crore as of February 2026, creating a prolonged dispute over who should bear the cost. Despite repeated letters from the local electricity office to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, no resolution has been reached. The ministry has stated it will only pay bills up to 2016, arguing that camp residents are now Bangladeshi citizens and must pay their own bills.

Field visits revealed that while each camp has a government-installed meter, many residents also use direct connections from nearby poles without meters. The camps consume about Tk 50 lakh worth of electricity monthly. Officials warn that continuous power use is maintained to prevent fire hazards from illegal connections.

Local leaders and rights activists attribute the crisis to poor planning and lack of formal integration of the camps into the city structure. They say the government is losing revenue while residents face safety risks. Camp representatives have called for dignified rehabilitation to resolve the issue permanently.

International crude oil prices continued to rise as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran to ease tensions remained stalled. As of 00:51 GMT, Brent crude futures for June delivery increased by 45 cents, or 0.4 percent, reaching $108.68 per barrel. The previous session saw a 2.8 percent gain, marking the seventh consecutive day of upward movement. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery rose by 58 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $96.96 per barrel after a 2.1 percent increase the day before.

Analysts attributed the sustained price rise to geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and the deadlock in US-Iran discussions, which have raised concerns about potential supply disruptions. These factors have maintained upward pressure on oil prices in global markets.

The ongoing instability in the region and lack of diplomatic progress suggest that volatility in energy markets may persist if the situation remains unresolved.

Five struggling Islamic banks—Exim, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami—were merged under the interim government to form the state-owned Sammilit Islami Bank. However, the bank’s chairman has resigned, and the appointed managing director has not joined. In the two months since the new government took office, no progress has been made on leadership appointments, branch consolidation, or IT integration, leaving depositors anxious about the bank’s future.

The merger was initiated under the 2025 Bank Resolution Ordinance, with the government contributing Tk 20,000 crore in capital and depositors receiving Tk 15,000 crore in shares. Yet, a recent legal amendment allowing former owners to regain control has reignited depositor unrest. Administrators report stalled operations, rising withdrawal pressure, and a lack of clear direction from Bangladesh Bank. Governor Mostakur Rahman has acknowledged that the government has not reached a final decision on the banks’ fate.

Experts warn that prolonged indecision could worsen financial instability. They stress that any move to return ownership to previous controllers must ensure accountability for past mismanagement and protect depositor confidence.