U.S. President Donald Trump announced that new talks with Iran could begin in Pakistan within two days, aiming to ease ongoing tensions between the two countries. The announcement coincided with a continued decline in the U.S. dollar, which fell for the seventh consecutive day in global markets. At the end of trading on April 14, the dollar index dropped 0.26 percent to 98.8 points, its lowest level since March 2.

The dollar’s decline was further supported by lower-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which reassured investors and reduced pressure on the currency. Market analyst Karl Schamotta noted that the Trump administration appeared to be seeking an honorable exit from the conflict, raising the possibility of a symbolic agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt attacks.

Analysts said investors are now watching diplomatic developments in Pakistan and the Middle East. If a lasting ceasefire or peace deal is achieved, the dollar could fall further to pre-conflict levels.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel could bring the global economy dangerously close to recession if the war continues and energy prices remain high. In its World Economic Outlook report released in Washington on April 15, 2026, the IMF projected that global growth could fall below 2 percent in 2026, a level seen only four times since 1980. The report noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war had driven up fuel prices, and a failed peace effort in Pakistan has prolonged the crisis.

The IMF said that if oil prices average 110 dollars per barrel this year and rise to 125 dollars by 2027, global growth will slow further, with inflation possibly reaching 6 percent. Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas stated that such conditions would feel like a recession for most people, with rising unemployment and food insecurity in some countries. The report also warned that the UK would be among the hardest hit developed economies, while Iran, Iraq, and Qatar could see sharp contractions this year.

If the conflict eases within weeks and energy exports normalize by midyear, global growth could recover to 3.1 percent in 2026, though still below earlier forecasts.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could have lasting effects on global energy supplies and supply chains. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said instability in global energy and raw material markets is now inevitable and likely to persist for an extended period.

Lee emphasized that the current situation will continue to cause disruptions in global energy and raw material supply chains and maintain high oil prices. He called for the rapid development of alternative supply routes and structural changes in the industrial sector to mitigate the impact.

The president further stated that building alternative supply chains, pursuing medium- and long-term industrial restructuring, and transitioning toward a post-plastic economy should be treated as national strategic priorities.

Russia’s oil export revenue nearly doubled in March as Western sanctions were partially eased during the ongoing war between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that Russia earned about 19 billion dollars from oil exports last month, compared to significantly lower earnings in February.

According to the IEA, Russia’s crude and refined oil exports rose from 3.2 million barrels per day in February to 7.1 million barrels per day in March. The United States relaxed some restrictions originally imposed due to the Ukraine war, allowing countries to purchase oil from floating tankers until April 11. This temporary relaxation contributed to the sharp increase in Russia’s export income.

The report indicates that the combination of high global fuel prices and limited sanctions enforcement has boosted Russia’s oil revenue despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stated that the country’s oil sales during March and April were satisfactory, according to a report by Iran’s Fars News Agency. The minister emphasized that part of the oil revenue should be used to rebuild the oil industry, which has been damaged by the ongoing war.

Earlier, Paknejad had mentioned that the price of Iran’s crude oil had risen significantly in the previous month. The report did not specify the volume of oil sold or the exact reasons behind the increase in sales performance.

The statement comes as Iran continues to face economic and industrial challenges linked to the conflict, with the government focusing on recovery and stabilization of its energy sector.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin stated that the newly introduced 'Farmer Card' will make the agricultural sector stronger and that future farming will be a respected profession. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon during the inauguration ceremony of the 'Farmer Card' program held at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, coinciding with the celebration of Pahela Baishakh.

According to the minister, about seventy percent of the country's population is involved in agriculture, and national economic progress depends on improving the livelihoods of farmers. Before his speech, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman handed over the 'Farmer Card' to local cultivators in Tangail, marking the official start of the program and the distribution of incentive funds to farmers.

The initiative also includes plans to establish factories in agriculture-dependent areas, with the belief that a prosperous farming community will ensure Bangladesh’s overall well-being.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Farmer Card' program on April 14, 2026, at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative to distribute 27.5 million cards over the next five years. The launch coincided with Pahela Baishakh celebrations, highlighting the connection between the festival and the country’s agricultural roots.

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that the well-being of Bangladesh depends on the prosperity of its farmers. He stated that the government is engaging with agricultural traders to ensure better prices for farmers and that both domestic and foreign investors have shown interest in building cold storage facilities. The initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The distribution began with over 20,000 farmers receiving cards as part of a pre-piloting phase, fulfilling one of the government’s key electoral pledges. The Prime Minister described the effort as part of the broader goal of national reconstruction and development through public participation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Krishok Card' program in Tangail on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, coinciding with Pahela Baishakh. The launch took place at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar upazila, where the Prime Minister handed over the cards to farmers, marking the official start of the initiative. The event was attended by his adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. During the visit, the Prime Minister was also scheduled to pay respects at the mausoleum of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

The 'Krishok Card' is one of the major election pledges of the BNP government, following earlier implementations of the Family Card, Sports Card, and canal excavation programs. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid stated that the pre-piloting phase will begin in 11 agricultural blocks across the country, benefiting 20,671 landless, marginal, and small farmers. Each cardholder will receive an annual cash benefit of 2,500 taka.

The initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure financial support for small-scale farmers, aligning with the government’s broader agricultural development agenda.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has indicated that global oil prices could reach their highest levels in the coming weeks due to ongoing disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the ‘Semaphore World Economy’ conference in Washington, D.C., Wright said fuel prices will remain high until meaningful maritime traffic resumes through the key waterway, adding that prices could rise even further before stabilizing.

Wright explained that oil prices may begin to decline once the United States-Iran conflict ends and energy supplies return to normal. However, he cautioned that this process will take time and may not occur until around September. His remarks highlight the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical tensions and supply chain interruptions in critical maritime routes.

The statement underscores the potential for short-term volatility in global fuel markets as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to constrain supply routes vital to international trade.

In Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, consumers have expressed anger over pharmacies selling medicines strictly at the maximum retail price (MRP) without offering the usual 5–10 percent discount seen elsewhere in the country. A field visit on April 13 revealed that almost all essential and life-saving drugs, including insulin, were being sold at full price, putting additional financial pressure on buyers, particularly those with chronic illnesses.

Buyers alleged that while pharmacies in neighboring districts such as Rangpur and Kurigram continue to offer regular discounts, Patgram traders have stopped doing so, creating what appears to be an informal market control or syndicate. Pharmacy owners, however, claimed that rising operational costs, including rent and electricity, have made discounts unfeasible. Some businesspeople also hinted at an unofficial local decision discouraging commission or discount offers.

Consumers reported filing complaints with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection but said no effective action had been taken. Observers stressed the need for stronger oversight to ensure transparency in the life-saving medicine market and protect ordinary consumers from financial strain.

Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp decline in both domestic and foreign investment, with private sector credit growth dropping to 6.03 percent in February 2026—the lowest in two decades, according to Bangladesh Bank. The slowdown follows months of reduced investment activity and growing uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, the BNP government aims to create 10 million new jobs within 18 months through investment-driven growth.

To revive industrial activity, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed efforts to reopen sick and closed factories, while four key investment agencies—BIDA, BEZA, PPP Authority, and MIDA—have jointly prepared a 180-day action plan focusing on infrastructure, investment support, and development. However, economists and business leaders doubt the feasibility of the government’s employment target amid global economic instability and declining exports.

The World Bank warns that ongoing conflicts could push about 1.2 million Bangladeshis below the poverty line, with economic recovery forecasts for 2026 now at risk. Experts emphasize that stabilizing the economy, rather than rapid job creation, remains Bangladesh’s most urgent challenge.

A fuel shortage has triggered significant price hikes in essential commodities across Dhaka, creating instability in the city’s markets. Prices of vegetables, fish, eggs, and certain types of chicken have surged sharply, while beef and mutton prices remain stable. At Karwan Bazar, most vegetables are selling above Tk 80 per kilogram, with some items like kakrol and drumsticks reaching Tk 140. Hilsa fish prices have soared ahead of Pahela Baishakh, with large sizes selling up to Tk 3,500 per kilogram. Open soybean and palm oil prices have also risen by Tk 10 per liter, and LPG cylinder prices have increased beyond the government’s fixed rate.

Traders attribute the price surge to reduced supply and higher transportation costs caused by the ongoing fuel crisis. Sellers report that local and Sonali chicken prices have increased by up to Tk 100 per kilogram compared to pre-Eid levels, while egg prices have risen by Tk 10 per dozen within a week. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has blamed weak government monitoring and opportunistic traders for worsening the situation.

Market participants warn that if the fuel shortage continues, prices of daily essentials could rise further in the coming days.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has announced plans to develop northern Bangladesh as the country’s main agro-processing hub. On Monday, April 13, he held three rounds of meetings with 16 leading business figures to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector. Entrepreneurs from fruit, dairy, food and beverage, and poultry industries attended the discussions, focusing on investment needs and government support for establishing industries in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was attended by his economic adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and top executives from major companies including Pran-RFL, Transcom, Nabil Group, Square, Akij, Kazi Farms, BRAC Enterprises, and Paragon. Business leaders highlighted issues such as gas supply shortages, limited radiation testing for agricultural exports, and the need for cold storage facilities. The Prime Minister reportedly instructed immediate action on some matters and assured tax holidays and infrastructure support for investments in the region.

A follow-up meeting is planned within six months to review progress. Stakeholders expect the initiative to boost employment and attract significant investment in northern Bangladesh’s agro-processing sector.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the government’s inclusion of a provision in the Bank Resolution Act 2026 that allows former shareholders of weak banks to regain ownership without accountability. In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, TIB described the move as a ‘suicidal’ initiative that effectively rehabilitates identified looters and risks turning the banking sector back into a haven for corruption and plunder.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the new law replaces earlier accountability measures from the 2025 ordinance with immunity for those responsible for bank failures. He argued that the decision rewards wrongdoers instead of ensuring justice and reflects a continuation of authoritarian practices in the financial sector. The statement also questioned the feasibility of repayment terms offered to former owners and the Bangladesh Bank’s ability to enforce them.

TIB warned that restoring ownership without proper legal accountability will prevent any qualitative reform in the sector and contradicts the ruling party’s electoral commitments. The organization urged the government to reconsider what it termed a self-destructive and interest-driven decision.

Bangladesh’s Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged Japan to take initiatives for automobile manufacturing in Bangladesh. The call was made on Monday, April 13, during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi at the minister’s office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The minister highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and Japan’s significant role in Bangladesh’s industrial and socioeconomic development.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized cooperation based on mutual interests and referred to existing memorandums of understanding between Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation and Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Toyota. He invited Japan to move forward with automobile production projects under these agreements. In response, the ambassador said work on the matter is underway and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic progress.

The Japanese ambassador also welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to establish a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for ship recycling in Sitakunda, Chattogram, and said feasibility studies would begin soon. Senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and the Japanese Embassy attended the meeting.