Qatar has expressed interest in recruiting skilled workers from Bangladesh in four technical sectors: electrician, welding, air conditioning technician, and plumbing. The development was discussed during a meeting in Dhaka between Qatar’s visiting Labour Minister Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri and Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. Following the meeting, Chowdhury said Qatar is now prioritizing skilled manpower over unskilled labor, and Bangladesh is preparing to send trained workers accordingly.

The ministers also discussed expanding Qatar’s visa processing facilities in Bangladesh, as the country currently has only one visa center. Dhaka requested additional centers to reduce public inconvenience, and Qatar assured that the issue would be considered seriously. The matter is expected to be finalized in the upcoming joint working group meeting between the two nations.

State Minister Md. Nurul Haque noted that Qatar also showed interest in hiring Bangladeshi workers for religious professions such as imams and muezzins, alongside the four technical sectors. Both sides described the talks as positive and aimed at strengthening bilateral labor cooperation.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks will remain closed from May 25 to May 31 for the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. However, to facilitate salary payments for garment sector workers, the central bank has instructed that some branches in industrial areas remain open on May 25 and 26. A circular issued on Sunday was sent to the chief executives of all scheduled banks outlining these directives.

According to the circular, all bank branches and sub-branches will operate normally on May 23 and 24 as per the Ministry of Public Administration’s notification. To ensure smooth payment of wages, bonuses, and allowances for garment workers and to maintain import-export operations, limited banking services will be available in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram. These branches will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with transactions allowed until 1 p.m.

Additionally, bank branches located in sea, land, and airport areas will remain partially open from May 25 to May 31 to support import and export activities. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that employees working during the holidays will receive allowances as per regulations.

Finance ministers from the G7 industrialized nations are meeting in Paris on Monday for a two-day session aimed at forming a unified stance amid global economic uncertainty and the ongoing war in the Middle East. France, currently holding the G7 presidency, faces the challenge of maintaining open dialogue as trade tensions rise following U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures. Reducing dependence on China’s rare mineral supplies, crucial to the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector, is among the meeting’s top priorities.

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said last week that the global economic trajectory of the past decade is unsustainable, citing the U.S. budget deficit, Europe’s innovation gap, and China’s weak consumer demand and industrial overcapacity. He emphasized that while multilateral cooperation remains possible, discussions are difficult, especially with the United States. Trump’s trade-focused diplomacy has raised concerns among G7 leaders as the Middle East conflict heightens risks of stagnation and inflation.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the G7 as an appropriate platform to discuss ending the Iran war, stressing the need to stabilize the region and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A final press conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Renowned South Asian singer Runa Laila and Bangladeshi musician, composer, and director Bappa Majumder have released their first Bengali ghazal titled 'Anayase'. Written by Galib Hasan and composed by Bappa Majumder, the song was published on May 16 at 9 p.m. on Bappa Majumder’s YouTube channel. The music video was also directed by Bappa. A launch event was held the same evening at a club in Banani, Dhaka, hosted by National Film Award-winning singer Konal.

Originally intended to be a solo performance by Runa Laila, the ghazal became a duet at her own request. Bappa Majumder expressed deep gratitude and emotion for the opportunity to sing alongside Runa Laila, describing it as a dream come true. Runa Laila praised the lyrics, composition, and Bappa’s dedication to perfection, extending her best wishes to him and lyricist Galib Hasan.

The release follows Runa Laila’s recent recognition at the 15th International Film Festival in Delhi, where she received the 'Minar-e-Delhi' award. She is also scheduled to perform on BTV’s 'Ananda Mela' during the upcoming Eid celebrations.

In Lama upazila of Bandarban district, around 10 acres of hilly land have been leveled allegedly to prepare for a new brick kiln. The activity reportedly took place in the Bashkhaillya Jhiri area of Fasiakhali Union under the name of Lokman Hossain, a resident of Satkania. Local resident Md. Osman Gani filed a written complaint with the Department of Environment on Sunday, accusing Lokman Hossain of illegally cutting hills to build the kiln.

According to the complaint, the hill cutting has damaged natural forests, streams, water flow, and biodiversity. Osman Gani claimed that although the land was jointly purchased, it was later flattened through deceit, and a hilly stream was filled in. Locals fear that unregulated hill cutting could increase the risks of landslides, water shortages, and environmental degradation. They have demanded a prompt investigation and legal action against those responsible.

Lokman Hossain denied the allegations, calling them false and motivated by personal disputes. An inspector from the Department of Environment stated that legal measures would be taken if hill cutting is confirmed.

Toxic waste and foul water from Rohingya camps in Teknaf are severely polluting nearby canals, wetlands, and the Naf River. The contaminated water, flowing through canals such as Alikhali, Muchhni Chhuri, Jadimura, Unchiprang, and Omar, has turned black and unusable. Local farmers report that crop production has been disrupted, while fish yields in canals and rivers have declined. The pollution is also affecting salt cultivation, as saline farmers cannot use the foul water for irrigation.

According to local sources, six Rohingya camps in Hnila Union house around 180,000 people within a four-square-kilometer area. About 70 percent of the camps’ waste, including sewage, flows directly into nearby canals and rivers. Residents say the water remains discolored even during the monsoon and that many locals are suffering from waterborne diseases. Farmers and residents have urged the Department of Environment and local administration to establish proper waste management systems.

Officials have acknowledged the problem, emphasizing the need for modern treatment facilities to prevent further environmental and health damage in the region.

Salt farmers in Banshkhali, Chattogram, have alleged that middlemen and syndicates are preventing them from receiving fair prices for their produce. Despite a bumper harvest this year, many farmers who took high-interest loans are facing heavy losses. They report selling salt at Tk 240–250 per maund while production costs reach about Tk 350, resulting in losses of around Tk 170 per maund. Farmers claim cargo boat owners and intermediaries have formed a syndicate that controls prices and transport routes, leaving them with no alternative sales channels.

At a recent meeting held at the Khatkhali estuary in Gondamara Union, participants demanded fair pricing, interest-free loans, and government measures to curb syndicate control. Speakers said production costs have doubled or tripled due to rising land rent, labor wages, and input prices such as polythene, fuel, and irrigation pumps. While packaged salt sells for Tk 40–45 per kilogram in retail markets, farmers are paid only Tk 5–6 per kilogram, causing severe financial distress.

The meeting called for long-term policies to protect coastal salt and fisheries industries and ensure sustainable livelihoods for producers.

Continuous rainfall and upstream water flow from India have caused the Teesta River’s water level to rise, raising fears of flooding in northern Bangladesh. As of Monday morning, water at the Dalia Barrage point in Lalmonirhat was flowing 60 centimeters below the danger level, according to the Water Development Board. Officials said the river began swelling on Sunday night and the increase continued through Monday.

Residents along the Teesta River expressed concern that the situation could worsen if India releases more water through the Gajoldoba Barrage in West Bengal. Locals accused the barrage of acting as a “death trap” for Bangladesh, alleging that India closes the gates during dry seasons and opens all 54 gates during monsoon periods, causing floods downstream. The barrage, located in India’s upstream section of the Teesta, is controlled by the West Bengal state government.

People in Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Rangpur, and Gaibandha districts are now living in fear of potential flooding as rainfall continues and river levels remain high.

In Tarash upazila of Sirajganj, the canals of Chalan Beel are filling with new water from rainfall and upstream flow, submerging low-lying areas. During this season, many local residents who lack regular work turn to fishing for their livelihood, using traditional bamboo traps known as chhai or kholsuni. Thousands of people in the region are now busy crafting these traps from bamboo and palm fibers, which are sold in various local markets.

The traps are sold wholesale and retail in markets such as Naoga Hat, Gulta Hat, Chachkoir Hat, Nimgachhi Hat, Salonga Hat, Chatmohar, Chhaikola Hat, and Mirzapur Hat. In Chachkoir village of Gurudaspur upazila, around 250 families are engaged in making kholsuni, with prices ranging from 400 to 600 taka per pair depending on size. Each pair takes two to three days to make, with material costs of 150 to 200 taka.

The craft has been passed down through generations, and participation continues to grow as new people join the trade. Family members, including women and students, contribute to the production process.

In Sunamganj, extensive boro paddy fields have been submerged due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, leaving thousands of farmers destitute. Authorities have prepared a list of 129,559 affected farmers and sent it to the ministry for assistance distribution. However, many haor-area farmers allege that genuine victims were excluded from the list, while non-farmers and relatives of local representatives were included.

According to the agriculture department, 223,511 hectares were cultivated this season with a production target of 1.4 million tons of rice worth about Tk 5,000 crore. Around 20,550 hectares of crops have been damaged across 137 haors. The district administration plans to provide three months of humanitarian aid, including cash ranging from Tk 2,500 to Tk 7,500 and 20–30 kilograms of rice per farmer, depending on the level of loss.

Officials said the list will be reviewed, and any non-farmers found will be removed. The local MP stated that the Prime Minister has directed that only genuine affected farmers receive assistance, with further agricultural input support planned for the next season.

A Reuters analysis published on Monday reported that global companies have suffered losses of at least $25 billion due to the ongoing war situation surrounding Iran. The report stated that listed firms across the United States, Europe, and Asia cited rising energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and interruptions to trade routes caused by Iran’s activities in the Strait of Hormuz as major factors behind the losses.

According to the analysis, at least 279 companies identified the conflict as a key reason for implementing defensive measures aimed at minimizing financial damage. The report highlights how the instability in the region has affected international trade and corporate operations across multiple sectors.

The findings underscore the widespread economic impact of the Iran conflict on global markets, particularly through energy and logistics channels, as companies continue to adjust their strategies to mitigate further risks.

A 10-kilometer road renovation and expansion project in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura has remained incomplete even after two years, causing severe suffering for residents of ten nearby villages. The project, costing around Tk 18 crore, covers the Chapapur-Nashratpur via Bihigram road. Locals allege that poor-quality materials are being used due to collusion between contractors and officials, and that the responsible department has failed to take effective action against the influential contractor.

According to local sources, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) invited tenders in 2024 to repair and widen the road by six feet. The contract was initially awarded to Ananta Bikash Tripura Limited, which later sold it to another contractor. Work began in May last year but soon stopped, and despite several contractor changes, progress has been minimal. Locals report the use of substandard brick chips and old rubble, raising fears that the road will not last long.

Local leaders have repeatedly complained about the slow pace and poor quality of work, but no effective measures have been taken. Residents are urging urgent government intervention to ensure timely and quality completion of the project.

The government has decided to keep all CNG filling stations across Bangladesh open 24 hours a day for 13 consecutive days to ensure smooth travel for passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. According to a letter issued by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to the chairman of Petrobangla, the stations will operate continuously from May 21 to June 2.

The directive means that all filling stations will remain open seven days before and five days after Eid-ul-Azha. The government has also announced a seven-day holiday for the festival, while garment factories will close in phases to accommodate the holiday period.

The decision aims to facilitate uninterrupted fuel supply and ease transportation pressure during one of the country’s busiest travel seasons.

The National Economic Council has approved a record Annual Development Programme (ADP) worth nearly Tk 3 trillion for the 2026–27 fiscal year. The approval came on Monday at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the NEC conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka. The session emphasized government development planning, economic restructuring, social protection, and balanced regional growth.

According to the Planning Commission’s working paper, the total ADP size is set at Tk 3 trillion, with Tk 1.9 trillion from domestic resources and Tk 1.1 trillion from foreign loans and grants. Including self-financed projects by autonomous bodies and corporations, total development expenditure will exceed Tk 3.08 trillion. The plan aligns with a five-year reform and development strategy built on five pillars: state system reform, equitable socioeconomic development, economic reconstruction, regional balance, and social cohesion.

The transport and communication sector receives the highest allocation of Tk 50,092 crore, followed by education, health, power and energy, and housing. A total of 1,121 projects are included, with 1,277 new unapproved projects listed for future consideration. The council directed faster project implementation, financial discipline, and timely completion by June 2027.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck China’s southwestern Guangxi region early on Monday, May 18, killing at least two people and leaving one missing. More than 7,000 residents were evacuated from Liuzhou city following the tremor. State media outlets CCTV and Xinhua reported that the deceased were a 63-year-old man and his 53-year-old wife. Four others were injured and hospitalized, though none were in critical condition.

CCTV said at least 13 buildings collapsed as a result of the quake. Videos released by local media showed panicked residents rushing out of high-rise buildings and debris scattered across several areas. Rescue teams were searching through the rubble using sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to locate the missing person and clear debris.

Rail authorities reported potential transport disruptions as they inspected rail lines and infrastructure for damage. However, Chinese media confirmed that electricity, communications, water, gas, and road networks remained normal.