Workers in Khulna blocked a major highway on Tuesday morning demanding withdrawal of conditions imposed on raw jute exports and payment of overdue wages. The protest took place at Daulatpur Railgate intersection, where demonstrators set tires on fire and erected barricades, halting traffic. Organized under the banner of the Daulatpur Jute Press and Baling Workers’ Union, the protesters marched to the Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) building and staged a sit-in. Some participants threw bricks and vandalized property before police and union leaders restored order.

Union leaders said the export restrictions, introduced on 8 September 2025, had plunged the jute sector into crisis, leaving many workers jobless for nine months. The BJA had earlier announced the protest at a press conference, arguing that the Ministry of Commerce’s decision to list raw jute as a conditional export item effectively halted exports. According to BJA Chairman Khandaker Alamgir Kabir, the policy caused severe financial losses to exporters and unemployment for thousands of workers.

The BJA claimed that despite sufficient domestic supply, Bangladesh could export 800,000–1,000,000 bales of raw jute annually, earning up to Tk 20 billion, but exports dropped sharply under the new restrictions.

Premier Bank has failed to repay a Tk 5,000 crore special loan taken from Bangladesh Bank due to ongoing liquidity problems. The central bank had provided the loan for three months, but after the repayment deadline passed on May 2, 2026, the term was extended by another three months. The loan, issued on February 2, included Tk 1,000 crore in cash and Tk 4,000 crore in bonds. Although the bank paid Tk 142 crore in interest, it could not return the principal amount.

The loan was granted under sections 16(4)(d) and 17(1)(b) of the Bangladesh Bank Order at an interest rate of 11.5 percent for 90 days, secured by a demand promissory note. Similar assistance had previously been extended to five other banks, including Islamic banks, which also struggled to repay. Premier Bank’s liquidity crisis deepened after several large corporate clients withdrew deposits, leaving it unable to maintain required CRR and SLR reserves.

Following the fall of the Awami League government, Bangladesh Bank restructured Premier Bank’s board, citing earlier mismanagement and alleged fraud under former chairman HBM Iqbal’s tenure. Despite regulatory support and deferral facilities, the bank still reported losses and significant capital shortfalls.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to make the VAT Identification Number (BIN) mandatory for registering land and vehicles under business entities, as well as for obtaining essential services such as electricity, gas, and water. According to NBR sources, this proposal will be included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to expand VAT coverage and increase the number of registered businesses.

An NBR official said the next budget will prioritize bringing unregistered businesses under VAT registration. The registration process will be simplified by removing certain documentation requirements, such as bank account details, and enabling online registration. Currently, businesses with annual turnover above 3 million taka must register for VAT, but many remain outside the system. The new plan aims to include them while offering special exemptions for smaller enterprises.

Officials added that small businesses may be allowed to submit VAT returns annually or semiannually instead of monthly. The NBR’s initiative follows a recent meeting with the Prime Minister, emphasizing broader participation in national development through fair tax compliance.

Farmers and households in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh have prepared 23,133 sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, exceeding the local demand of 17,220 by nearly 6,000. According to the upazila livestock department, more than 600 farmers and families have raised these animals, with cattle making up the majority. Among them are 13,126 cows, including 9,020 bulls, 1,501 oxen, and 2,605 cows, along with 9,505 goats, 420 sheep, and 82 buffaloes.

Officials noted that commercial livestock farming has grown in Debiganj in recent years, with many families also raising animals at home in preparation for the festival. Farmers said that despite higher costs for feed and care, they expect good prices during the Eid market. The livestock officer confirmed there is no shortage of animals and that regular inspections are being conducted to ensure healthy and safe livestock.

Local markets such as Bhaulaganj, Tepriganj, Laxirhat, and Kaliganj have already started receiving animals, and some will also be sold in nearby Domar upazila of Nilphamari. Authorities have taken measures to ensure market security and prevent counterfeit currency transactions.

Bangladesh has approved the long-discussed Padma Barrage Project to address the country's worsening water crisis caused by reduced flow from the Ganges, known locally as the Padma. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has given final approval to the project, with an estimated cost of Tk 50,443.64 crore. The government has allocated Tk 34,497.25 crore for the first phase. Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anwar stated that there is no need for discussions with India regarding this project, which aims to store about 2,900 million cubic meters of water in the Padma River.

The project seeks to revive five rivers—Hisna-Mathabhanga, Gorai-Madhumati, Chandana-Barasia, Baral, and Ichamati—by supplying around 800 cubic meters of water per second during the dry season. It is expected to benefit nearly 2.9 million hectares of farmland across southwestern Bangladesh and generate 113 megawatts of hydroelectric power. Experts believe the barrage will help mitigate salinity and waterlogging in the Sundarbans region.

Analysts note that India’s water diversion through the Farakka Barrage has long reduced Bangladesh’s river flow. The new project is seen as a strategic response to safeguard national water resources and agricultural productivity.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the import of jet fuel to reinforce the country’s supply system amid a global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to a Reuters report, Australia will procure a total of six million barrels, equivalent to about 100 million liters, of jet fuel across three shipments.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the government has also secured an additional 38,500 tons of urea fertilizer from Brunei. The three shipments of jet fuel are expected to begin arriving in Australia from China in early June, according to Albanese.

The announcement underscores Australia’s efforts to ensure energy and agricultural supply stability as international conflicts continue to disrupt global markets.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, stated that the government has never treated space, satellite, and drone technologies as luxuries. Speaking on Monday at a seminar titled ‘Satellites, Drones and the Future of Space Technology in Bangladesh’ at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, he said these technologies have become essential for national development, disaster management, agriculture, fisheries, communication, and security. He highlighted the 2018 launch of Bangladesh’s first satellite as a major milestone, noting its role in broadcasting, telecommunications, and emergency communications.

Anam added that the government is planning a new low-earth orbit satellite to enhance data accuracy for agriculture, coastal security, and environmental monitoring. He emphasized that satellite data can improve weather forecasting and safety for coastal fishermen. The minister also underlined the growing importance of drone technology in border security, land surveys, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response.

Keynote speaker Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited said space technology is a driving force of the fourth industrial revolution and vital for economic growth, security, and climate resilience in developing countries like Bangladesh.

One person was killed and three others were injured in separate lightning strikes in Khoksa upazila of Kushtia district on Monday evening. The incidents occurred around 6:30 p.m. in Joyonti Hajra, Kalishongkorpur, Biljani, and Holudbariya villages. The deceased, Hazrat Ali Pramanik, was a farmer from Joyonti Hajra village. He was struck by lightning while gathering harvested paddy near his home and was later declared dead at the Khoksa Upazila Health Complex.

According to family members, Hazrat Ali collapsed in his field during heavy rain and thunder. He was taken to the hospital by relatives but could not be saved. The injured—10-year-old student Antora from Kalishongkorpur, housewife Dolly Khatun (20) from Biljani, and housewife Sima Parvin (25) from Holudbariya—are receiving treatment at the same health complex.

Emergency department physician Sharmin Akter Rima confirmed that Hazrat Ali had died before reaching the hospital, while the three injured victims remain under medical care.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced new banknotes of 10, 500, and 1000 taka under the theme 'Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh'. The central bank began issuing the notes from its Motijheel office on Monday, May 18, 2026, and will gradually distribute them through other offices across the country. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by Bangladesh Bank on the same day.

According to the release, the new notes bear the signature of the current governor, Md. Mostakur Rahman. The bank also stated that notes of 20, 50, and 100 taka from the same series will later be issued with the governor’s signature. The color, size, design, and security features of the new notes remain unchanged from the previous versions.

Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing paper notes and metal coins will continue to be legal tender and remain in circulation alongside the newly issued notes.

The Spanish High Court has ruled in favor of pop star Shakira in a long-running tax dispute, canceling a €55 million fine and ordering the Spanish tax authority to return approximately €60 million to her with interest. The court found that the amount had been collected following a 2011 tax disagreement. According to court documents, the dispute centered on whether Shakira qualified as a tax resident of Spain that year.

Under Spanish law, an individual must reside in the country for at least 183 days in a year to be considered a tax resident. Reports cited by the court indicated that Shakira spent only 163 days in Spain in 2011, meaning she was not legally required to pay Spanish taxes for that period. The ruling, issued in mid-April, became public on April 18.

Shakira’s lawyer, José Luis Prada, said the decision came after eight years of hardship, highlighting flaws in the administrative process. The case had drawn attention due to similar tax issues previously faced by her former husband, ex-footballer Gerard Piqué.

The World Bank has approved a $350 million loan to Bangladesh under the Energy Sector Security Enhancement Project. The announcement was made in a press release on Monday, stating that the financing aims to support the country’s energy security and ensure stable power generation.

According to the release, disruptions in global LNG supply and rising prices caused by conflicts in the Middle East have put pressure on Bangladesh’s economy and foreign exchange reserves, as the country relies heavily on imported LNG. The World Bank said the funding will enable Petrobangla to import LNG at affordable prices through long-term contracts, reducing exposure to volatile spot markets.

The project is expected to help maintain steady electricity production, which in turn will support industrialization and job creation by ensuring a reliable energy supply.

A major collapse occurred in the river protection embankment along the Dhanu River in Singpur Union of Nikli upazila, Kishoreganj, before the completion of construction work. The incident caused about 70 to 80 feet of the embankment, including blocks and geo-bags, to sink into the river, washing away a nearby road and putting the Singpur market at risk.

According to the Water Development Board, around Tk 30 crore was allocated for a 1,200-meter riverbank protection and wave protection project, which has already received two deadline extensions due to delays. Local residents reported that the embankment blocks were gradually sinking and the soil beneath the geo-bags was eroding into the river. One resident alleged that poor-quality work contributed to the collapse.

Executive Engineer Md. Sajjad Hossain of the Kishoreganj Water Development Board stated that the embankment protection work is ongoing and that a team has inspected the collapsed area. He assured that all necessary support will be provided to stabilize the damaged section.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described Bangladesh as a highly promising and fertile ground for investment. He highlighted vast opportunities for foreign investors in infrastructure, public-private partnerships, transport, and technology sectors. The minister made these remarks on Monday during a courtesy meeting with Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of expanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in investment, healthcare, technology exchange, waste management, and rural development. The minister invited Singapore to invest in Bangladesh’s potential sectors, noting that Singapore’s experience and technological capacity could further accelerate Bangladesh’s development initiatives.

Senior officials from the ministry, including the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division and the Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing, were present at the meeting.

Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju announced plans to create a separate business area for women entrepreneurs in Khulna. He said that suitable land is being sought to establish this dedicated market, aiming to help women overcome existing challenges in product marketing and fair participation. The initiative was revealed on Monday during a cheque distribution event at the Shaheed Altaf Milonayatan of the city corporation building.

The event was organized under the Loss and Damage Special Initiative Project of the development organization Jagorot Jubo Songho (JJS). During the program, 25 young women who had received training to become self-reliant after being displaced from coastal areas due to climate impacts were each given a cheque of 27,000 taka. JJS Executive Director A.T.M. Zakir Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Senior Director M.M. Chishty conducted the session.

Architect Rezbina Khanam from KCC and Suraiya Siddika, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs, attended as special guests. Trainers and trainees also spoke at the event, sharing their experiences and perspectives on the empowerment initiative.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced another increase in furnace oil prices. According to a press release issued on Monday, May 18, the price per liter has been raised by Tk 18.85—from Tk 94.69 to Tk 113.54. The new rate will take effect from midnight. The adjustment was approved in a special commission meeting held on May 18, based on the Free on Board (FOB) price of imported refined furnace oil between April 13 and May 12, and changes in the US dollar exchange rate.

Earlier, on April 12, the price had been raised from Tk 70.10 to Tk 94.69 per liter. A committee formed on March 15 had recommended the adjustment after reviewing international Platts rates and exchange rate fluctuations. The commission reviewed these recommendations in special meetings on April 5 and 12 before approving the new rate.

A large portion of imported furnace oil is used in power generation, and stakeholders believe the price hike will increase production costs at oil-based power plants, potentially affecting electricity prices.