Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, described bilateral relations as “spiritual and natural,” emphasizing that economic trade is the core of the partnership. He is currently on a three-day visit to Tripura aimed at strengthening cross-border ties. On the first day, he inspected Agartala’s Integrated Checkpost and land port, and held meetings with officials from India’s Land Port Authority, immigration, and customs departments. The visit reflects Bangladesh’s high level of trust in India and a commitment to deepening economic ties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to prioritize domestic products and safeguard national economic interests amidst global instability. This comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports—reportedly the highest among South Asian nations. Modi appealed especially to traders and retailers, urging them to commit to selling only Indian-made goods. This statement follows growing U.S. pressure, including warnings of increased tariffs if India continues purchasing oil from Russia.

If Bangladesh can withstand increased tariffs, it stands to gain significantly, with potential order shifts from China and Vietnam. The U.S. has imposed nearly equal tariffs on Bangladesh and its competitors except China, preserving Bangladesh’s global competitiveness. Industry leaders thank the U.S. for a fair tariff system and urge local entrepreneurs to enhance skills and educate buyers about cost impacts. Despite possible price rises and order fluctuations, strong negotiation remains key. Success could lead to a long-term boost in garment exports.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that New Delhi is paying close attention to developments in Bangladesh due to India's national interest and security concerns. This follows remarks by a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha, who raised concerns over a controversial map released by a group called “Saltanat-e-Bangla,” reportedly during a Dhaka University event. The map allegedly included parts of several Indian states as part of a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Jaishankar said the Indian government contacted Dhaka about the issue. In response, Bangladesh clarified that the map was part of a historical exhibit for Pahela Baishakh and had no affiliation with any foreign organization or group. The Bangladeshi government also denied the existence of any organization named "Saltanat-e-Bangla."

Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), expressed concern over the proposed 20% tariff on exports to the U.S. While it may sustain competitiveness on paper, he warned that demand for Bangladeshi goods could drop by 30–35%, citing research from American analysts.

He also criticized the lack of internal cost-reduction measures and unexpected port charge hikes. “Instead of finding solutions, we are facing rising shipping costs due to mismanagement and reduced container traffic,” Parvez lamented.

Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to slash tariffs on Bangladeshi textile products from 35% to 20%, shares of several major Indian textile companies plummeted. The move is expected to make Bangladesh even more competitive in the US market. According to Upstox, KPR Mills fell by 5%, Welspun Living by 2%, Alok Industries by 0.8%, Pearl Global by 3.7%, Gokaldas Exports by 2.6%, Kitex Garments by 3.21%, and Bardhaman Textiles by 2.8%. The new tariff structure has caused concern among Indian exporters, especially in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and electronics, with the US being India’s largest export destination.

Kashmir’s pencil industry is on the brink of collapse as widespread felling of poplar trees has caused a severe shortage of raw materials. The Lasipora industrial area in Pulwama district supplies wood to major Indian brands like Hindustan Pencils, which produces Nataraj and Apsara pencils. Despite a 2020 court suspension on tree felling, cutting continues while new planting declines. Experts warn this trend threatens both production and the environment in the region.

The government fell short of its revised revenue target by Tk 92,626 crore in FY 2024-25, collecting Tk 3,70,874 crore against the target of Tk 4,63,500 crore. Unrest within the National Board of Revenue (NBR) during May and June significantly disrupted collections, especially in customs and VAT sectors. Growth over the previous fiscal year was just 2.23%. The NBR cited large-scale tax evasion in the cigarette sector as a major reason for the loss and vowed recovery efforts.

Bangladeshi media personality and aspiring politician Hero Alom has expressed interest in running for mayor, possibly in the Dhaka South City Corporation election. Speaking to reporters, he said, “No election is easy. I'm working in my own way, but ultimately it depends on the people.”

Alom added that if there is strong public demand, he would consider contesting in the national elections as well. “Right now, my focus is on the mayoral race. Many are calling and encouraging me. Discussions are ongoing. I want a chance to serve the people,” he said.

Hero Alom previously contested in the 2023 by-elections for Bogura-4 and Bogura-6 constituencies.

Chattogram Port Authority is reducing the number of approved vessels to enhance operational efficiency, citing increased waiting times at outer anchorage due to excess traffic. Currently, 118 approved ships are causing delays of up to 10 days, especially for gearless vessels. Businesses argue the root problems lie in customs delays, outdated infrastructure, and poor coordination among agencies. Industry leaders call for digitalization and management reforms instead of limiting vessel numbers, warning that the current approach may raise shipping costs and hurt trade competitiveness.

India’s state-owned oil refineries have stopped purchasing Russian crude following a reduction in price discounts and stern warnings from Donald Trump. Reuters reported that Indian companies made no purchases from Russia in the past week, turning instead to alternatives like Murban oil from the UAE and West African crude. However, private firms like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy—partly owned by Russian entities—continue sourcing under annual contracts. On July 14, Trump warned of a 100% tariff on countries buying oil from Russia if no major peace deal is reached with Ukraine.

National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has successfully avoided a potential 35% tariff, a development he described as crucial for the country's garment sector and millions of workers. He emphasized that the negotiations maintained Bangladesh’s global competitiveness and expanded access to the world’s largest consumer market. Bangladesh agreed to import more U.S. agricultural products as part of the deal. The new 20% tariff aligns Bangladesh with competitors like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Pakistan—while India now faces a 25% tariff after failing to secure a similar agreement.

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin confirmed that the U.S. has reduced tariffs on Bangladeshi imports to 20%, down from the previous 35%. He noted that Bangladesh had hoped for a rate lower than 20% but emphasized that exports to the U.S. will remain unaffected. Bashir Uddin, who is leading Bangladesh’s negotiating team currently in the U.S., said the new rate keeps Bangladesh competitive in global markets.

The White House has announced a reduction in import tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. The tariff rate has been cut from 35% to 20%. In contrast, the U.S. has imposed a 15% tariff on imports from countries including Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Cameroon, Chad, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, and Guinea. Algeria now faces a 30% tariff, Canada 35%, India 25%, and South Korea 15%. Meanwhile, EU member countries will enjoy zero tariffs. Thailand will face a 19% tariff, and Brazil the highest at 50%.

A new report by the Planning Commission’s General Economics Division shows that 24.05% of Bangladesh’s population—approximately 39.77 million people—live in poverty. The highest poverty rate is in the hill district of Bandarban, while the lowest is in Jhenaidah.

The data, however, is based on outdated metrics, raising questions about its current relevance. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures access to services rather than income alone. Economist Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury called this approach innovative and useful for identifying vulnerable populations, though more research is needed to understand regional disparities.