Bangladesh is boosting seasonal fruit exports, especially mangoes, jackfruits, and pineapples, aiming to tap into the global market. Despite increased production, farmers face challenges due to low prices and post-harvest losses. Government initiatives, improved logistics, and "mango diplomacy" are expanding export potential to China, Europe, and the Middle East. Local consumers are also favoring domestic fruits over imports. With rising global demand and proper support, Bangladesh can significantly increase foreign earnings through fruit exports in the coming years.

OPEC+ has announced it will raise crude oil production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, exceeding earlier plans. The group, which includes OPEC members and allies like Russia, cited a stabilizing global economy and declining oil inventories for the move. This follows earlier increases in May, June, and July. However, the news caused global oil prices to drop, with Brent and WTI falling by 0.7% and 0.75%, respectively, on Friday. Analysts attribute the price dip to anticipated market oversupply.

Imports of dried turmeric through Satkhira’s Bhomra land port rose to 32,291 tonnes in FY 2024–25, up 1,841 tonnes from the previous year. The increase, valued at BDT 542.54 crore, is driven by growing demand. As a result, prices of ground turmeric have fallen in local markets—from BDT 320 to BDT 280 per kg. Traders report higher supply, while officials monitor prices of other spices to ensure market stability. Imports are being distributed across major regions including Dhaka and Chattogram.

Information about extensive Indian military casualties during the Pehelgam clash with Pakistan has been deliberately concealed. Although over 250 Indian soldiers were killed in an operation along the Line of Control (LoC), the government has officially downplayed the losses. More than 100 soldiers received posthumous honors in secret. Despite attempts by the military and government to keep the details under wraps, multiple senior officials have since acknowledged the toll. Families of the deceased are reportedly pressured to keep silent. International media and analysts have criticized the Indian government for withholding facts. Pakistan’s claim of success in its ‘Operation Buniyadum-Marsus’ has further heightened tensions in the region.

LNG prices in Asia's spot market fell this week due to increased supply, weaker industrial demand from China and India, and high inventory levels in China and South Korea. Eased geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel also contributed to price stability. LNG for August delivery traded at $12.70 per MMBtu, down from $13.10 last week. Analysts expect prices to remain under pressure, though rising temperatures could spur future demand. European LNG prices also remained stable amid low global demand.

An Indian Army soldier was found dead from a gunshot wound at a military camp in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday night.

The incident occurred at the company headquarters in Solki village while the soldier was on duty. Fellow soldiers discovered the body after hearing gunfire. Authorities are investigating whether it was a case of suicide or an accidental discharge. A formal inquiry is underway.

The U.S. national debt has now exceeded $33 trillion, sparking global concern among economists and policymakers. Analysts warn that former President Donald Trump's “Big Beautiful Budget Bill,” which includes significant tax cuts, could increase the debt by an additional $3 trillion. Financial expert Ray Dalio cautioned that the U.S. is at a tipping point, with three alarming paths ahead: slashing public spending and increasing taxes, printing more dollars, or facing a catastrophic default. Although the situation is grave, experts believe the crisis might be delayed due to the lack of a viable alternative to the U.S. dollar in global finance.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to impose a 2% advance income tax without prior discussion. At a press conference in Gulshan, industry leaders warned this measure—coming amid severe crises in gas supply, electricity, and bank loans—could devastate the sector. “Is this policy designed to destroy local industries and benefit our neighbors?” one leader asked. The association demanded the tax’s withdrawal within seven days, threatening factory closures if their call goes unheeded. They stressed that $75 billion in investments and the national economy itself are now at risk.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the interim government, cautioned that increasing interest rates on savings certificates could lead to a liquidity crisis in the banking sector. “Higher returns will drive people away from banks and toward savings instruments,” he warned during a meeting with government officials in Nabinagar. He emphasized the need for balanced policymaking and noted that steps are being taken to rehabilitate struggling banks. He also confirmed the formulation of a “Bank Resolution Act” to protect customer deposits and address instability within the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system enabling importers and exporters to pay customs duties through automated challans from home. This initiative, integrated with internet banking and mobile financial services, allows goods to be cleared from ports faster and more efficiently. Already active in several customs houses, the system will be rolled out nationwide from July 7. The move is expected to boost transparency, improve government revenue collection, and ensure immediate deposit of funds into the state treasury.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has announced that the United Nations will oversee an investigation into the state of journalism in Bangladesh over the past 15 years. He stated that the government is committed to ensuring media freedom and is currently not interfering in press activities. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated commission for journalists and to set a minimum monthly salary of BDT 30,000 for reporters. There have also been calls for defining minimum educational qualifications and a structured wage scale for media professionals.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that China does not want Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, as it could shift U.S. geopolitical focus directly onto China. During a meeting with the EU in Brussels, Wang reportedly said a prolonged conflict could serve China’s interests by keeping the U.S. engaged elsewhere. Meanwhile, Ukraine has alleged that some Russian-used drones are Chinese-made and that Beijing is providing military assistance—claims China has denied.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that if he were a journalist—especially a freelance reporter—he would have eagerly joined the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in its symbolic Tetulia-to-Teknaf electoral journey. In a Facebook post, he described the campaign as a "new beginning for democracy" and praised the young leaders involved. He urged media professionals to document this journey as a historic event and become active participants in the movement for change.

The Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) has allegedly removed Novartis Bangladesh Limited's information from its website without legal grounds, prompting concerns among legal experts and foreign investors. The company profile has been locked, blocking any share transfers despite no pending litigation or court orders.

Despite two formal requests from the company, the profile remains inaccessible. When contacted, the registrar's office stated that any clarification must be sought in person, adding to the frustration surrounding the lack of transparency.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has stated that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and the railway section of the Padma Bridge project cost nearly twice the estimated amount. The Rooppur project, he said, could have been completed for $6 billion but ended up costing $13 billion. The railway bridge expenses were described as unnecessarily extravagant. Dr. Mansur criticized policymakers for prioritizing personal gain over national interest and vowed to bring back funds that were illicitly transferred abroad.