Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has warned that no one will be allowed to manipulate the dollar exchange rate. He stated that punitive measures will be taken against anyone buying or selling dollars above the official rate. The directive was issued during a meeting with treasury officials from all commercial banks held on Tuesday morning at the central bank’s Jahangir Alam Conference Room in Dhaka.

The meeting, organized by the Foreign Exchange Policy Department, discussed the current and future state of the foreign currency market. According to participants, the governor emphasized that all dollar transactions must remain transparent and within regulatory limits. He also ordered banks to stop selling dollars in the forward market and cautioned against any actions that could destabilize the market.

Treasury officials later suggested that a clear list defining what constitutes manipulation would help ensure compliance. The meeting ended without a final decision. Bangladesh Bank had introduced a market-based exchange rate in May of the previous year as part of an IMF loan condition, with the interbank rate now at 122.75 taka per US dollar.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over a high-level meeting on the development and environmental conservation of the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake. The meeting was held on Tuesday, May 19, at the Cabinet Division in the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat. Officials discussed measures to prevent water pollution, maintain ecological balance, enhance the lake’s beauty, and improve civic amenities around the area.

During the meeting, relevant officials presented the current condition of the lake and shared their opinions on sustainable development plans and initiatives. The session was attended by Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Suman, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, administrators of Dhaka South and North City Corporations, and senior officials from related ministries and departments.

The discussions focused on coordinated efforts among government agencies to ensure long-term environmental protection and urban improvement around the lake area.

Over the past 12 months, the Indian rupee has experienced an unprecedented depreciation of about 11.86 percent against the Pakistani rupee. The exchange rate dropped from 3.2913 Pakistani rupees per Indian rupee in May 2025 to 2.9010 by May 2026. This decline began after the 2015 'Operation Sindur' ceasefire mediated by then U.S. President Donald Trump and has continued despite the end of military tensions.

The report suggests that the rupee’s weakness reflects deeper structural issues in India’s economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, rather than solely global factors such as the strong U.S. dollar or Middle East conflicts. The Indian rupee also lost nearly 10 percent against the Bangladeshi taka during the same period. Analysts and international observers, including a Financial Times report, have linked the rupee’s fall to declining confidence in Modi’s administration.

A Japanese bank, MUFG, noted that the rupee’s depreciation is likely to persist through the year regardless of developments in West Asia, indicating that India’s internal economic vulnerabilities remain a key concern.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller on Tuesday at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. The meeting focused on bilateral trade relations, investment opportunities, and the removal of existing non-tariff barriers between Bangladesh and the European Union. Both sides emphasized the importance of making the trade environment more transparent, business-friendly, and efficient.

The commerce minister described the EU as one of Bangladesh’s key trading partners and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding trade ties. He highlighted ongoing policy and institutional reforms aimed at boosting exports, attracting investment, and simplifying trade procedures. The minister also mentioned that the draft import policy order had been published online for public feedback.

Ambassador Miller expressed the EU’s interest in strengthening trade cooperation with Bangladesh and praised the government’s initiatives to improve the business climate. He noted that while some complex issues may take time to resolve, the EU and its business community are ready to share expertise and collaborate toward sustainable solutions.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced new guidelines for adding money from bank cards to personal mobile financial service (MFS) accounts. According to a circular issued on Tuesday, users must now complete a token transaction of up to 500 taka when linking a card to an MFS account for the first time. Regular transactions using that card can begin 24 hours after the token transaction is successfully completed.

The central bank stated that this is a temporary measure. Starting August 1, the token transaction will no longer be required if the MFS account is verified to be registered under the same name as the cardholder. In that case, users can directly link their cards for add-money transactions.

Additionally, all add-money transactions from cards to MFS accounts must be categorized as fund transfers rather than merchant payments. Card issuers must also ensure that the beneficiary wallet number is visible during transactions. If these requirements are not implemented by July 31, the add-money feature via cards will be suspended from August 1.

Bangladeshi DJ and singer Sonika has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Banani, Dhaka. The news comes shortly after the death of content creator and actress Karina Kaisar, who also suffered from the same illness. On the night of May 18, Sonika shared her condition with fans through social media, posting a photo from her hospital bed and writing that it would be her home for the next few days.

Following her announcement, fans, followers, and colleagues expressed their wishes for her speedy recovery on social media. Sonika began her career as a professional DJ in 2007 and quickly gained prominence in Bangladesh’s music scene. She performed at the opening ceremony of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and was honored in 2013 as the best Bangladeshi female DJ. She also showcased her acting talent in television dramas such as “Last Sequence” and “Triple F” in 2015.

The entertainment community remains concerned as two prominent figures have recently been affected by Hepatitis A, prompting widespread attention to health issues within the industry.

Unplanned and unauthorized housing projects are rapidly expanding across Khulna city, making it increasingly unfit for habitation. These developments, often built on agricultural land without proper roads, drainage, water, or electricity connections, are being viewed as a looming crisis for the city’s future. Experts have urged immediate coordination among relevant agencies to ensure planned and environmentally sustainable urban development.

The concerns were raised at a seminar titled “Housing Projects and Urban Management in Khulna: Actions for Environmental Protection,” organized by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) at a city hotel on Tuesday morning. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Ahsanul Kabir of Khulna University, with Professor Anwarul Kadir moderating. Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju attended as chief guest, alongside senior officials from KCC, KDA, KUET, and BELA.

Representatives from KCC, WASA, KDA, and the Department of Environment participated in the seminar, emphasizing the need for integrated planning to prevent further environmental degradation in Khulna.

Hollywood actress Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in the comedy-drama series 'Hacks', reaffirmed her support for Palestinian rights during the 'Kering Women in Motion Talks' at the Cannes Film Festival. She said she would continue to speak out for Palestinians despite potential professional risks, emphasizing that fear of being blacklisted would not silence her. Einbinder described speaking up as a responsibility, stating that her career could never outweigh a human life.

She expressed pride in being part of the ongoing voices of Palestinians and their allies, adding that artists have a duty not only to entertain but also to stand against injustice. At Cannes, her new film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' premiered in the 'Un Certain Regard' section and received a six-minute standing ovation. In the film, she plays 'Chris', an independent filmmaker exploring themes of sexuality, body discomfort, identity, and desire.

Einbinder also reflected on the emotional end of 'Hacks', noting her sadness at saying goodbye to her character Ava. Her outspoken stance on social and political issues continues to distinguish her in Hollywood.

Singapore has expressed its intention to expand trade and investment in Bangladesh. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner Derek Loh and Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Discussions covered reducing the bilateral trade deficit, increasing Singaporean investment, cooperation in renewable energy, agricultural exports, food security, and environmentally friendly industries.

Minister Muktadir said Bangladesh is eager to strengthen trade and investment relations with Singapore, highlighting the country’s investment-friendly environment, improved infrastructure, skilled workforce, and export-oriented industries. He noted that there are significant opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, logistics, port infrastructure, and green industries.

High Commissioner Loh emphasized Singapore’s interest in major projects such as the Bay Terminal, describing it as a key initiative involving an investment of around USD 800 million to 1 billion. He said the project would enhance port efficiency, reduce demurrage costs, and create new opportunities for exporters, while also helping to attract further foreign investment.

The Burimari land port in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat will remain closed for all import and export activities for eight days due to the Eid-ul-Azha holidays and weekly closures. The suspension will be in effect from May 25 to June 1, halting trade between Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan. However, immigration services for passport-holding travelers will continue as usual through the Burimari check post, according to port officials.

The Burimari C&F Agents Association issued a notice on Monday confirming the closure. Mustafa Salauddin Opel, president of the Burimari Importers and Exporters Association, stated that trade operations will resume on June 2. Saifur Rahman, the immigration police officer-in-charge, reiterated that passenger movement will not be affected. Assistant Commissioner of Customs Motlubur Rahman added that the National Board of Revenue has directed all customs houses and land customs stations to remain partially open, except on Eid day, to ensure continuity of national trade.

Limited internal administrative work will continue at the Burimari customs station during the closure period, following the NBR directive.

Stone extraction at the Madhyapara hard rock mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, has been suspended since Tuesday morning because of a shortage of explosives. The mine’s General Manager (Administration and Services), Syed Rafizul Islam, confirmed that the imported ammonium nitrate stock has run out, forcing a temporary halt in production. He said the explosives are expected to arrive within 15 days, and maintenance work will continue in the meantime.

Officials from the contracting company Germania Trust Consortium (GTC), responsible for extraction and maintenance, stated that while extraction is paused, maintenance operations remain active. The mine, operated by Madhyapara Granite Mining Company Limited (MGMCL), began commercial production in May 2007 and employs about 700 underground workers across three shifts. MGMCL renewed a six-year contract with GTC in September 2021, under which the company extracts an average of 5,500 metric tons of rock daily.

The mine has faced similar shutdowns in previous years due to explosive shortages, including in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2022, and 2025, highlighting recurring supply challenges.

Small and marginal traders across Bangladesh have erupted in anger after the government sharply increased market periphery lease fees from 260 taka to 6,000 taka, a 23-fold jump. The new rates were set under the “Hat o Bazar Sthapan o Byabosthapona Bidhimala-2025,” issued by the Ministry of Land on October 6, 2025. Traders described the move as a threat to their survival and warned of nationwide protests if the decision is not withdrawn.

According to the report, traders have submitted multiple written appeals to the land minister but claim no effective action has been taken. Many argue that the sudden and steep increase is unjustified, noting that previous adjustments between 1990 and 2023 ranged only from 5 to 20 percent. Local officials in Uzirpur said they are bound to implement the central policy and cannot alter it.

Trader associations are preparing for larger demonstrations, including rallies and human chains, demanding a revision of the new fee structure. Experts warn that such a drastic rise could severely disrupt rural markets and damage the grassroots economy.

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government aims to transform Bangladesh’s jute sector from its current export earnings of about $1 billion into a $5–7 billion industry. He made the statement on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Jute Diversification Promotion Center’s Multifarious Jute Products Fair 2026 in Dhaka. The event was chaired by the ministry’s secretary, Abdun Naser Khan, with State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam attending as a special guest.

The minister highlighted that in 1972–73, jute and jute goods accounted for nearly 90 percent of Bangladesh’s export income, but the sector’s share has since declined. To revive its potential, the government has adopted time-bound plans focusing on quality seed production, technological advancement, and product diversification. He emphasized achieving self-sufficiency in jute seed production, reducing import dependence, and promoting high-value product design and innovation.

Muktadir added that collaboration with leading Chinese universities is planned to enhance productivity, seed development, and market-oriented design. A coordinated roadmap involving the Jute Diversification Promotion Center and private partners is being prepared, while state-owned jute mills are set to be operated under private management for modernization and profitability.

A mobile court in Lama upazila of Bandarban district sentenced Lokman Hossain, aged 35, to six months of imprisonment for illegally cutting hills. The operation took place on Tuesday afternoon in the Bashkhaillya Jhiri area following a report published in the newspaper Amar Desh. Lokman Hossain, son of Saleh Ahmed from Yangcha area, was found guilty of using two excavators to cut and sell soil from about 10 acres of hill land for brick kiln construction.

The report titled “Preparation to build brick kiln by cutting 10 acres of hill in Lama” was published on Monday on Amar Desh’s online edition, drawing the attention of the upazila and district administrations. Following this, the administration conducted the drive and took legal action against the offender.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md. Moin Uddin stated that there would be no leniency for those destroying the environment and that such drives would continue in the public interest.

Stone imports from India through the Sonamasjid land port in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj resumed on Tuesday after a 17-day suspension. More than 150 Indian trucks carrying stones entered the port between morning and afternoon, confirmed Mainul Islam, port manager of Panama Sonamasjid Port Link Limited. The import halt had begun on May 2 and continued until May 18 due to protests over increased LC values.

An online meeting between importers and exporters from both countries was held on Tuesday morning, where both sides agreed to set the customs valuation of stone at 14 dollars per ton. Previously, stones were imported at a maximum LC value of 13 dollars per ton, but Indian authorities had raised it to 15 dollars, prompting traders to stop imports in protest.

With the resumption of stone imports, port workers have expressed relief as trade activities return to normal levels at the Sonamasjid land port.