Bangladesh’s domestic borrowing has increased significantly over the past year, reaching Tk 10.94 trillion by the end of January 2026, up from Tk 9.42 trillion a year earlier. According to a Bangladesh Bank report released on Thursday, the government borrowed Tk 726.47 billion from domestic sources between July and January of the current fiscal year, compared with Tk 401.44 billion during the same period of the previous year.

The report shows that Tk 649.23 billion was borrowed from the banking sector and Tk 77.23 billion from non-bank sources during the first seven months of the fiscal year. Sector insiders said the borrowing occurred under the interim government to cover election expenses, new bank investments, and operational costs, as revenue collection fell short of targets. The government’s budget deficit for the fiscal year was set at Tk 2.21 trillion, or 3.5% of GDP, with plans to borrow Tk 1.25 trillion domestically.

By March 30, 2026, the government had already borrowed Tk 1.06 trillion, surpassing its full-year domestic borrowing target, with most loans sourced from the banking system.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has said that energy production across the Middle East, heavily damaged by the ongoing Iran war and subsequent attacks, could take about two years to return to normal levels. Speaking to a Swiss media outlet, Birol explained that the recovery timeline will vary by country, with some nations requiring more time than others to restore their energy infrastructure.

Birol noted that Iraq, for example, will need significantly more time than Saudi Arabia to resume pre-war production levels. He emphasized that, overall, the region’s energy output is expected to take roughly two years to reach the levels seen before the conflict began.

The IEA’s assessment highlights the scale of disruption caused by the conflict and underscores the challenges facing regional energy recovery efforts.

Bangladesh currently has the highest fuel reserves in its history, according to State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit. During a visit to the Eastern Refinery in Patenga, Chattogram on Friday, he said the existing stock of refined fuel is sufficient to meet national demand for April and May. He added that the government is actively managing supply amid global concerns over fuel availability caused by conflict in the Middle East.

The minister explained that Bangladesh is sourcing fuel from both traditional and alternative suppliers to ensure stability. The country now has capacity to meet more than six weeks of demand and is working to secure supplies for June. Refining operations at Eastern Refinery have slowed due to reduced crude reserves, prompting the government to focus on importing refined fuel. Maintenance work is underway on two refinery units, which are expected to resume full production once new crude shipments arrive.

Amit also announced that the second unit of Eastern Refinery is scheduled to begin operations in 2029, which he said will further reduce future fuel supply risks.

A severe fuel shortage has caused widespread disruption across Dhaka, with motorists waiting for hours at petrol pumps without getting fuel. Many ride-share drivers have been unable to work, while others have switched to using the metro to avoid the long queues. On Thursday, long lines of motorcycles and private cars stretched up to two kilometers at several filling stations, with many returning empty-handed as supplies ran out. Some stations have closed entirely due to lack of fuel.

Petrol pump owners reported receiving significantly less fuel than usual, forcing them to turn away customers. At some stations, tensions flared as drivers argued and fought over access to fuel, prompting police deployment at multiple locations including Motijheel and Arambagh. The congestion around operating pumps has also caused severe traffic jams in surrounding areas.

The shortage has led to a surge in metro ridership as commuters seek alternatives to private vehicles. Many residents said they preferred public transport to avoid the frustration and time loss of waiting in long lines under the hot weather.

Bangladesh’s domestic debt has reached Tk 10.94 trillion by the end of January 2026, according to a Bangladesh Bank report released on Thursday. The figure stood at Tk 9.42 trillion a year earlier, marking an increase of Tk 1.51 trillion within twelve months. During the first seven months of the current fiscal year, the government borrowed Tk 72,647 crore from domestic sources, up from Tk 40,144 crore in the same period of the previous year.

The report shows that Tk 64,923 crore was borrowed from the banking sector and Tk 7,723 crore from non-bank sources. Sector insiders attributed the rise to borrowing during the interim government period to cover election expenses, new bank investments, and operational costs amid lower-than-expected revenue collection. The interim government’s Tk 7.9 trillion budget projected a deficit of Tk 2.21 trillion, or 3.5 percent of GDP, with plans to borrow Tk 1.25 trillion domestically.

By March 30, 2026, total bank borrowing had already exceeded the annual target, reaching Tk 6.56 trillion. The government’s foreign debt stood at Tk 9.49 trillion as of June 2025.

Four large diesel-laden ships are arriving at Chattogram Port between Friday, April 17, and the following Sunday, carrying around 141,000 tons of diesel. The consignment aims to stabilize Bangladesh’s fuel supply amid recent disruptions. Officials expect that once distribution begins, uncertainty in the transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors will ease significantly. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) estimates the new supply will meet national demand for about 12 days.

According to the Chattogram Port Authority, three ships—MT Oaktree, MT Cape Bonny, and MT Lian Song Hu—are scheduled to anchor on Friday, while the fourth, MT Golden Horizon, will arrive on Sunday. Pride Shipping Lines’ managing director confirmed that the vessels are arriving on schedule and that quick unloading will accelerate fuel distribution.

BPC officials reported that the country’s diesel stock has risen from 155,000 tons to about 296,000 tons, extending reserve capacity from 13 to 25 days. Diesel accounts for roughly 63 percent of Bangladesh’s total fuel demand, projected at 4.35 million tons for fiscal year 2024–25.

Turkiye’s leading missile manufacturer Roketsan is aiming to become one of the world’s top 10 defence exporters amid rising global demand for air defence and missile systems. The company, which currently exports to around 50 countries and ranks 71st among global defence firms, plans to expand mass production following the inauguration of new facilities by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Roketsan’s General Manager Murat Ikinci said the firm’s growth strategy is driven by lessons from recent conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Iran, which have underscored the importance of drone and hypersonic technologies.

Turkiye’s defence industry expansion accelerated after Western sanctions and embargoes restricted access to foreign systems, prompting the country to develop a domestic ecosystem of nearly 4,000 local suppliers. With a local production rate exceeding 90 percent, the sector reported $10 billion in exports in 2025. Roketsan employs 3,200 engineers and is the third-largest R&D institution in Turkiye, focusing on systems such as the ALKA and BURC air defences and the Tayfun hypersonic missile.

As global stockpiles of advanced weapon systems decline, Roketsan is positioning itself to fill supply gaps, offering joint production partnerships to allies in the Middle East, Far East, and Europe.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, announced that the country currently has full fuel reserves for April and May. He made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists after inspecting Eastern Refinery Limited in Chattogram. The minister added that efforts are underway to secure adequate reserves for June to maintain uninterrupted energy supply.

He claimed that Bangladesh now holds the highest fuel reserves in its history. The government is working to import both refined and crude fuel from alternative sources to strengthen supply security. According to the minister, refined fuel supply is being expanded, and initiatives have been taken to import crude oil for Eastern Refinery from countries including Malaysia.

The announcement reflects the government’s ongoing strategy to ensure energy stability and diversify import sources amid rising demand across the country.

Saudi Arabia has announced an $8 billion financial support package for Pakistan, including an additional $3 billion deposit and an extension of an existing $5 billion deposit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to reinforce Pakistan’s economic stability and enhance its resilience amid global economic changes. The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed via social media that it has already received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, effective until April 15, 2026, to bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The announcement followed a meeting in Jeddah between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pakistan is currently preparing to repay $3.5 billion in loans to the United Arab Emirates by the end of this month and expects an additional $5 billion in support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan repaid $1.4 billion in foreign debt last week.

Pakistan’s foreign reserves stand at about $21.89 billion, with $16.4 billion held by the central bank and $5.49 billion by commercial banks, reflecting ongoing pressure from high import costs and external debt obligations.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s Special Assistant for Investment and Capital Market Affairs, Tanvir Gani, held a meeting with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting took place at the BSEC headquarters in Agargaon and was attended by BSEC Chairman Khandaker Rashed Maksud, Commissioners M. Mohsin Chowdhury, Md. Ali Akbar, Farzana Lalarukh, and Md. Saifuddin, among others.

During the session, BSEC presented an overview of its role, institutional structure, regulatory framework, and the broader capital market ecosystem. The presentation also covered the commission’s key initiatives, achievements, and future plans related to implementing the government’s election manifesto. Tanvir Gani was briefed on recent BSEC measures aimed at reforming and ensuring sustainable development of the capital market.

The special assistant inquired about various aspects of the market, signaling continued coordination between the Prime Minister’s Office and the regulatory body on capital market development.

The government of Bangladesh has set a target to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2030. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani announced the plan during a briefing at the Secretariat following a cabinet meeting on Thursday night. The estimated production cost is expected to range between four and eight taka per unit. The initiative also includes discussions on biogas and wind energy as part of the broader renewable energy expansion.

According to the cabinet secretary, the government will use state-owned land to implement large-scale renewable energy projects, allowing participation from private investors. A committee has been formed to begin work shortly after final approval, with possible policy revisions and new legislation to expedite implementation. The government aims to simplify existing policies to create a more investment-friendly environment.

Dr. Gani added that both small and large-scale projects are being considered on government land near educational institutions and hospitals. The government also plans to increase private sector involvement in major power projects while ensuring easier investment procedures with state support.

International oil prices declined after Asian markets opened, driven by optimism that the ongoing Middle East conflict could end soon following the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. As of 00:21 GMT on Friday, Brent crude futures dropped by more than one percent to 98.05 dollars per barrel, while U.S. crude prices fell below 94 dollars.

Earlier in March, oil prices had surged nearly 50 percent to record highs amid tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Recently, prices have fallen below 100 dollars, though they have remained around the 90-dollar range throughout the week. The easing of geopolitical risks has contributed to the latest downward trend.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American officials may meet Iranian representatives in Pakistan this week, a potential diplomatic initiative that has drawn investor attention and added a positive tone to market sentiment.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has warned that Europe’s jet fuel reserves may last only about six weeks. In an interview with the Associated Press, Birol said that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted oil supplies, raising the risk of flight cancellations across Europe. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the most severe global energy crises to date.

Birol emphasized that the situation could have a significant impact on the world economy. The longer the disruption continues, the more global economic growth may slow, while inflation could rise. He also cautioned that the crisis could lead to sharp increases in energy prices, including petrol, gas, and electricity.

The IEA chief further warned that if the Middle East conflict persists, volatility in global energy markets will intensify, affecting multiple sectors of the world economy.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam told the National Parliament that the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway will be upgraded to four lanes by 2029. He made the statement in response to a proposal raised by Shahjahan Chowdhury, MP for Chattogram-15 (Satkania-Lohagara) and secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s parliamentary party. The minister said the project is part of the Highway Improvement Project (Phase-1), under which 26.21 kilometers of the road will be widened to four lanes, with completion targeted for 2029.

He added that a 2.6-kilometer six-lane flyover will also be built under the same project, while feasibility studies for the remaining 48 kilometers are ongoing. Discussions with JICA are underway, and the government expects to finalize the Development Project Proposal soon. The minister acknowledged that the highway is accident-prone and said preventive measures have been planned for identified risky areas.

During the parliamentary discussion, Shahjahan Chowdhury urged the government to upgrade the highway to six lanes, citing its strategic importance for trade, border connectivity, and accident reduction. Other MPs also emphasized the need for rapid improvement and safer travel conditions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that his government will purchase an additional 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to boost the country’s fuel reserves. The announcement was made during a press conference in Malaysia, where Albanese confirmed that the diesel will arrive in two separate shipments.

According to AFP, the decision comes as global energy markets face ongoing instability in fuel supply. Albanese stated that one shipment will come from Brunei, which he visited recently, and the other from South Korea. The move is intended to strengthen Australia’s domestic energy security amid the worldwide fuel crisis.

Reports suggest that this measure is expected to enhance Australia’s resilience against supply disruptions and ensure stable energy availability in the near term.