Bangladesh Bank has appointed its director Hasan Tarek Khan as administrator of Aviva Finance, a financially troubled non-bank institution. He will serve as the company’s managing director and chief executive officer. The central bank issued the appointment order on Sunday and sent it to the chairman of Aviva Finance.

Aviva Finance was among six financial institutions recently targeted by the central bank for closure due to severe irregularities. The company, formerly known as Reliance Finance, was linked to former managing director Prashanta Kumar (P K) Halder, during whose tenure the firm suffered major financial losses and a default rate exceeding 80 percent. After Halder fled the country, the institution was renamed Aviva Finance but failed to recover.

Following the interim government’s move to remove S Alam Group from several banks, its chairman Saiful Alam also left Aviva Finance. Bangladesh Bank subsequently dissolved the company’s board and reconstituted it with four independent directors, led by former central bank executive director Md Golam Mostafa as chairman.

Mongla Port in Bagerhat has achieved record progress in container handling following the launch of new anchorage facilities. According to port authorities, from July 2025 to April 15, 2026, the port handled 25,250 TEUs of containers through 39 foreign container vessels, surpassing the 21,456 TEUs handled in the previous fiscal year. The import of reconditioned vehicles also remained strong, with 9,160 cars imported on 22 ships during the same period.

Cargo handling reached 10.818 million metric tons, and the port is expected to meet its annual target of 15 million metric tons within the current fiscal year. On February 16, 2026, three new operational anchorage berths were inaugurated at Hiron Point, allowing vessels up to 200 meters long and with a 9-meter draft to anchor and operate efficiently. Successful trial operations have already been completed with 39 commercial ships.

Port officials expect the total number of vessels docking this fiscal year to rise to between 860 and 870, compared to 830 last year, reflecting the growing capacity and efficiency of Mongla Port.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam informed the Bangladesh Parliament that a feasibility study is ongoing for the construction of a second Jamuna Bridge. He said the existing four-lane Jamuna Bridge often faces traffic congestion, making an alternative bridge over the river necessary. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority’s master plan recommends implementing the second Jamuna Bridge by 2033. The minister made the remarks on Sunday in response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Mostafizur Rahman Babul, during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that three possible alignments are being assessed: one between Sariakandi in Bogura and Madarganj in Jamalpur, another from Balasi Ghat in Gaibandha to Dewanganj in Jamalpur, and a third along another suitable corridor. In response to other parliamentary questions, he also noted that project costs for the Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway had been revised multiple times, with corruption investigations ongoing at the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The minister further mentioned that under the ADB’s Master Plan 2040, 496.5 kilometers of highways will be upgraded to six lanes and 102 kilometers to eight lanes by 2040.

The 10th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for the current fiscal year was held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman. This was the second ECNEC meeting under the current BNP government.

According to the Planning Ministry, a total of 17 projects were placed for consideration at the meeting, with an estimated implementation cost of around Tk 7,000 crore. Among these, four projects belong to the Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission, two to the Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division, and eleven to the Physical Infrastructure Division. Additionally, 33 projects previously approved by the Planning Minister were presented for ECNEC’s information.

Earlier, on April 6, the first ECNEC meeting of the current government approved five projects worth Tk 483.43 crore.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved 14 development projects worth Tk 13,445.41 crore at a meeting held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Of the total cost, Tk 8,089.56 crore will come from government funds, Tk 5,340.26 crore from project loans, and Tk 15.59 crore from the implementing agencies’ own resources. The approved projects include five new, five revised, and four time-extension projects.

Among the approved projects are initiatives under the ministries of Health, Finance, Fisheries and Livestock, Local Government, and Road Transport and Bridges. Notable projects include the expansion of urban healthcare access, customs modernization, disease control programs, and several major road and bridge developments. A committee led by the Cabinet Secretary was formed to investigate repeated time extensions for three road projects.

The meeting also reviewed 33 previously approved small-scale projects costing less than Tk 50 crore. Ministers from various portfolios and senior government officials attended the session.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli in Dhaka on Sunday to discuss strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Switzerland. The meeting took place at the minister’s office in the Secretariat and was described as productive.

During the discussion, both sides noted the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and Bangladesh’s duty-free access to the Swiss market under the GSP scheme. The minister highlighted that Swiss products are well-regarded in Bangladesh for their quality and that competitive pricing could attract more middle-class consumers. He encouraged Swiss investment in service-oriented sectors and potential industries such as pharmaceuticals, leather goods, light engineering, and shipbuilding. Muktadir also mentioned Bangladesh’s request to delay its LDC graduation process by three years and sought Switzerland’s support.

Ambassador Renggli acknowledged the existing trade imbalance and expressed Switzerland’s interest in expanding trade and investment in Bangladesh. The meeting was also attended by the acting Commerce Secretary Md. Abdur Rahim Khan.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all government agencies to ensure cost efficiency and rational spending in project adoption and implementation. He emphasized that every project must align with the government’s electoral commitments and broader development plans. The directive came during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) held at the Secretariat on Sunday, which he chaired.

After the meeting, State Minister for Finance and Planning Md. Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki told reporters that 17 projects were presented, of which 15 were discussed in detail and most received conditional approval. Among them, six were new and seven were revised projects, while others remain under review. Some projects required cost increases and time extensions, prompting further scrutiny.

Saki added that the government is reassessing the progress, costs, and timelines of ongoing projects while evaluating the necessity and effectiveness of new proposals. He also noted that delays in implementation are being investigated, with efforts underway to balance project review and development progress.

Bata Group’s Global CEO Panos Mytaros paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his first visit to Bangladesh. He was accompanied by Bata Bangladesh Managing Director Faria Yasmin. The meeting included constructive discussions on future plans and collaboration between the government and the company.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised Bata’s long-standing contribution to Bangladesh’s economy and industrial sector, encouraging the company to expand its export potential. He assured continued government support and close monitoring of the company’s future operations. Mytaros highlighted Bangladesh’s growing economic prospects, the development of the footwear industry, and Bata’s role in it, reaffirming the company’s commitment to local capacity building and industrial growth.

Social initiatives such as the ‘Bata Children’s Program’ were also discussed, emphasizing the company’s responsible and inclusive approach to creating positive social impact. Bata Bangladesh expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his time, cooperation, and encouragement.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated that the U.S.-Israel invasion of Iran has permanently changed the global fossil fuel industry. In an interview published by The Guardian on Friday, he said the conflict has eroded global confidence in fossil fuels and reduced demand, prompting countries to shift toward safer energy sources such as renewables and nuclear power.

Birol explained that governments are now reassessing their energy strategies, with growing interest in renewable and nuclear energy and a stronger move toward electrified systems. He warned that the crisis has caused irreversible damage to the global energy market, describing it as a permanent turning point. He also urged caution in approving new fossil fuel exploration and production projects.

Commenting on the UK’s plan to explore North Sea resources, Birol said it would not significantly alter Britain’s energy security or global oil and gas prices. He added that renewable energy holds vast potential, though rising oil and gas prices could push developing nations toward cheaper coal, even as solar power becomes increasingly competitive.

A sharp rise in fuel prices has begun to affect agriculture, transport, and market systems across Bangladesh, particularly in Rajshahi. From farms to wholesale markets, costs are rising and profits shrinking, pushing up consumer prices and creating market instability. Traders report that truck rental rates have surged by several thousand taka per trip, while farmers dependent on diesel-powered irrigation pumps face sharply higher production costs.

At Naohata and Maugachi markets, traders said that increased transport expenses are forcing them to raise prices in urban markets, hurting both sellers and buyers. Transport operators report fuel shortages and long waits at pumps, making it impossible to operate at previous rates. Farmers are reducing irrigation due to higher diesel costs, which could lower crop yields. Small traders and transport workers are also struggling as their operating costs climb.

Analysts warn that if fuel prices and supply issues are not stabilized soon, the combined impact on agriculture, transport, and consumer markets could deepen inflationary pressures and strain the broader economy.

The BNP-led government of Bangladesh is facing a dual crisis over its loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meeting the IMF’s conditions could trigger higher inflation, while failing to do so risks foreign reserve shortages, exchange rate instability, and loss of international confidence. The IMF withheld the sixth tranche of a $5.5 billion loan after Bangladesh failed to meet key reform conditions related to subsidies, banking, and revenue collection.

Economists describe the situation as difficult, noting that the economy remains fragile despite some recovery under the interim government. The IMF’s conditions include eliminating energy subsidies by 2027, reforming the banking sector, and raising the tax-to-GDP ratio. The National Board of Revenue has missed its targets, with a shortfall of about 980 billion taka in the first nine months of the fiscal year. The government recently raised fuel prices by 15–20 taka per liter, citing global oil price increases rather than IMF pressure.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said further discussions with the IMF are planned. Analysts warn that failure to meet IMF conditions could jeopardize future foreign loan access and worsen economic instability.

A recent increase in fuel prices has begun to disrupt Dhaka’s essential goods market, causing widespread price instability. Traders report that transportation costs have risen, leading to higher prices for vegetables, fish, eggs, edible oil, and other daily necessities. Consumers say prices have surged since last week’s fuel price adjustment, straining lower- and middle-income households. Business activity has slowed, with traders noting a sharp decline in daily sales.

Market visits to Karwan Bazar, Babubazar, Nayabazar, and Hatirpool revealed that most vegetables now sell above 70 taka per kilogram, except for potatoes and okra. Prices of poultry, particularly local and Sonali chickens, have increased sharply, while edible oil and packaged goods such as sugar, milk, and rice have also become costlier. Traders attribute the trend to higher transport fares and reduced product supply from companies.

Although some items like rice and meat remain stable, traders warn that the full impact of the fuel price hike may intensify in the coming days as transport and supply costs continue to rise.

State-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has reported a significant rise in profits for the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven by growing internet bandwidth demand and digital infrastructure expansion. According to the unaudited financial report approved at the company’s 252nd board meeting on April 23, 2026, net profit reached Tk 2.19 billion, up from Tk 1.40 billion in the same period last year, marking a 56% increase.

The company’s Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Sales), Engineer Md. Ariful Haque, said the growth reflects customer trust and the rising national demand for bandwidth. BSCCPLC earned Tk 3.77 billion in revenue from bandwidth sales and related services, compared to Tk 2.94 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share rose from Tk 7.49 to Tk 11.71, while net asset value per share increased to Tk 98.71.

BSCCPLC is investing Tk 12.86 billion in the third submarine cable project, with Tk 8.09 billion from its own funds and Tk 4.76 billion in government equity. The project aims to expand bandwidth capacity and strengthen the company’s long-term revenue base.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has published a new fare list for inter-district and long-distance bus routes, including those in Dhaka and Chattogram, following the recent increase in fuel prices. The list was released on Saturday on the BRTA website, though passengers reported that no buses had yet displayed the updated fare charts. Supervisors said they had not received the official lists and were therefore continuing to charge previous fares.

According to a government notification issued on April 23, fares for diesel-run buses were raised by 11 paisa per kilometer. In Dhaka and Chattogram, 52-seat buses will now charge Tk 2.53 per kilometer, up from Tk 2.42, while inter-district buses will charge Tk 2.23, up from Tk 2.12. Minimum fares remain unchanged at Tk 10 for buses and Tk 8 for minibuses. The new rates do not apply to gas-powered vehicles.

Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam warned that any gas-run buses charging higher fares would face action. He added that future fare adjustments will automatically align with international fuel price changes through BRTA notifications, ensuring a transparent and consistent process.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.