Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the country is set to receive $3.5 billion in loans from the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank by June. Bangladesh has agreed to a more flexible exchange rate, prompting the IMF to release two pending tranches of a $4.7 billion loan simultaneously. “Remittances are strong, reserves are stable, and the balance of payments has improved. This is the ideal time to move toward a market-based exchange rate,” said Mansur.

Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, said, “We are aware that the ruling government has banned all political activities of the Awami League until legal proceedings against the party and its leaders conclude.” He emphasized that the US does not support any specific political party in Bangladesh. “We advocate for an independent, democratic, fair, and transparent legal process for everyone,” he said. Pigott also urged all governments, including Bangladesh’s, to uphold freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right of association. He reiterated the US’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the people of Bangladesh and working with the interim government.

The Government of Bangladesh has reached a consensus with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), agreeing to partially implement two key conditions. This includes further flexibilization of the exchange rate, which will lead to a weaker taka and a stronger dollar. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will also undergo significant reforms. With this agreement, Bangladesh is set to receive two loan tranches worth $1.3 billion by next month.

India has expressed concern over the imposition of sanctions on Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League without following proper procedures. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that such actions are troubling, particularly as they appear to curtail democratic freedoms and shrink political space. He reaffirmed India’s strong support for holding free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The scheduled foreign secretary-level meeting between Bangladesh and Japan, originally set for May 15, has been postponed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time. The ministry has requested the Japanese Embassy to communicate the matter to the appropriate authorities. Notably, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit Japan later this month to attend the Nikkei Conference and hold a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister.

With the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), two new departments—Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Administration Division—have been formed. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the move was strategic and would not hamper revenue collection. “At the very least, we expect collection to be on par with last year,” he said, noting that separating policy and administration is a common practice globally. He also emphasized a more cautious fiscal approach, saying, “We won’t take loans for mega projects or print money to implement the budget. Whether the budget is large or small will become clear soon.”

The United States and China have reached an agreement to significantly reduce mutual tariffs by 115% for a 90-day period, US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant announced. The deal follows high-level bilateral talks in Switzerland, marking the first major breakthrough since President Donald Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports in January. As part of the new arrangement, the US will lower its tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs on American goods to 10%, with both reductions taking effect for 90 days.

Calling the current state of the stock market “unimaginable,” the Chief Adviser has issued five urgent directives: reduce government ownership in multinational companies and bring them to the stock market; incentivize large domestic private companies to list; bring in foreign experts to reform the market within three months; take strict action against those involved in market manipulation; and reduce dependency on bank loans by encouraging businesses to raise funds through bonds and equity. “This crisis must be resolved,” the Chief Adviser asserted.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a high-level meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee to ensure Bangladesh’s smooth and timely transition from LDC status. The meeting identified five priority actions for immediate implementation:
1. Full operationalization of the National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies,
2. Implementation of the National Tariff Policy 2023,
3. Execution of key steps under the National Logistics Policy 2024, including infrastructure projects,
4. Completion of waste treatment facilities at Savar Tannery Village, and
5. Ensuring full functionality of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Park in Gazaria, Munshiganj.

India has blocked six Bangladeshi television channels on YouTube, citing national security concerns. According to Fayez Ahmad Tayyab, special assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and IT, the Bangladeshi government will seek an explanation from YouTube. “If we don’t receive a clear justification, retaliatory steps will be considered,” he warned. Disinfo Lab reported that channels including Jamuna TV, Ekattor TV, Banglavision, Mohona TV, Somoy TV, and DBC News are currently inaccessible from India.

In a statement issued by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, it was revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday. Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate tensions and offered US support to initiate constructive dialogue aimed at preventing future conflicts.

Citing national security concerns, Indian authorities requested YouTube to block access to four Bangladeshi television channels—Jamuna TV, Ekattor TV, Banglavision, and Mohona TV—from Indian territory. Users in India attempting to access these channels now see a message stating the content is restricted due to government orders. Independent Indian media outlet The Wire was also reportedly blocked. Platform X revealed that the Indian government ordered the blocking of over 8,000 accounts, some belonging to independent media.

The government has extended the special executive magistracy powers of armed forces officers ranked Captain and above for another 60 days, effective from May 14. A notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration confirmed the decision. Initially granted on September 17 last year, the powers have been extended multiple times since. Under several sections of the Criminal Procedure Code, these empowered officers can now take legal action on specific criminal matters.

BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun has announced plans to establish a free trade zone over 400 acres in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram. He described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Bangladesh’s economy. He further revealed a potential $800 million investment in the Chattogram Port Container Terminal. "Our annual FDI barely exceeds $700 million. If a single project can bring in $800 million, it would be a significant boost to our economy," he said. He emphasized Chattogram’s central role in national development, declaring, “Dhaka is our political capital, but Chattogram is destined to become the commercial capital.”

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen emphasized that Bangladesh must remain free from foreign interference and make independent decisions on domestic matters. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and mentioned an upcoming visit from China’s Commerce Minister along with a large delegation of investors—the largest ever from China to Bangladesh. He stated that peace and internal stability are essential for progress and that reforms are Bangladesh’s internal affair, distancing China from Western-style political commentary.