Safety concerns have intensified across Chattogram Port’s main navigation channel and outer anchorage after vessel collisions, robberies aboard foreign ships and illegal fishing nets disrupted waterways. The report, published on August 18, said four mother vessels were involved in collisions at Alpha Anchorage within 36 hours. The incidents have affected the roughly 62-nautical-mile navigation route from Patenga to Kutubdia.

On Saturday night, MV Anassa struck the already anchored MV Jahan while anchoring, damaging Anassa’s exterior. On Friday, the diesel tanker MT Sea Spike, carrying about 33,000 metric tons of diesel, lost control in strong currents and collided with bulk carrier MV Sun Shine, causing an engine-room crack, water ingress and a temporary power disruption. On August 3, container ship MV CNC Uranus hit the No. 2 red buoy and became stuck on a retaining wall; its operator cited mechanical failure.

Three foreign-flagged commercial ships were reportedly robbed at the outer anchorage in the past month. The Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union demanded removal of illegal nets and warned it could halt vessel movement. Port secretary Kefaet Hamim said strong currents appeared to be the initial cause of recent accidents and separate inquiry committees had been formed.

The theatre group Swapnadal has organized the three-day “Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Birth Festival 2026” to mark the 77th birth anniversary of playwright Selim Al Deen. The festival is scheduled for August 18 and August 20-21 at Jahangirnagar University and the Studio Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Its stated slogan highlights the Bengali theatre tradition and the paths of Rabindranath Tagore and Selim Al Deen.

On August 18, a remembrance procession will leave the old arts building at Jahangirnagar University at 10 a.m., followed by floral tributes at the dramatist’s grave. On August 20, the Studio Theatre will host the 124th and 125th performances of Tagore’s verse drama “Chitrangada.” The closing day, August 21, will feature the 52nd and 53rd performances of Selim Al Deen’s “Hargaj.”

Both productions were directed by Zahid Ripon and created through a laboratory method in a traditional Bengali theatrical style. “Chitrangada” explores tensions in male-female psychological and physical relations and crises of self-identity. “Hargaj” draws on the devastating 1989 Manikganj tornado. Selim Al Deen was born on August 18, 1949, and died on January 14, 2008. The event is Swapnadal’s 34th festival.

Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam said Bangladesh will bring battery-powered e-rickshaws under registration through city corporations and municipalities, requiring them to charge only with solar power. The August 18 report said operators who use other power sources would face fines and could be denied registration or renewal. The plan is intended for 13 city corporations, 330 municipalities and all upazilas nationwide.

A CPD study cited in the report estimated that about 6 million battery-powered autorickshaws operate in the country and consume 800-850 megawatts from the national grid daily for charging. The report put annual electricity costs above Tk20,000 crore and alleged at least Tk5,000 crore in lost government revenue from illegal charging. Dhaka Metropolitan Police data listed 48,136 illegal charging points and 992 garages in the capital.

The minister also outlined plans to divide Dhaka e-rickshaws into eight zones, assign different colours, use QR codes and introduce geofencing. Representatives of BUET, traffic police and the two city corporations attended an initial meeting on the regulations. Labour and passenger welfare representatives called for a policy and registration, while a labour party leader objected to blaming rickshaw workers for the power crisis.

Artist Concetta Antico says she sees subtle red, blue and green hues within ordinary shadows that her students did not perceive. Genetic testing later indicated that she may have tetrachromacy, a visual trait linked to the possible presence of a fourth type of cone cell in addition to the three cone types found in most people. In theory, the additional cell could send a wider range of signals to the brain and support finer color discrimination.

Research cited from Newcastle University’s tetrachromacy project suggests that about 12 percent of women may carry genetic traits associated with producing four cone types, although rates can differ among populations. Having the gene or an extra cone cell does not by itself establish that someone sees more colors. Dr Kimberly A. Jameson of UC Irvine says functional tetrachromacy refers to demonstrably enhanced color discrimination, but proving it is difficult.

Scientists disagree on whether tetrachromats perceive entirely new colors or simply distinguish more subtle differences within familiar colors. Online tests cannot reliably diagnose the condition because most screens use only red, green and blue channels. Experts say genetic testing and laboratory-based assessments are comparatively more reliable, while the process through which retinal tetrachromacy becomes functional tetrachromacy remains incompletely understood.

Iran’s annual inflation rate has reached 66 percent, intensifying living-cost pressures amid international sanctions, regional conflict expenses and currency depreciation, according to a report published on August 18, 2026. The rising costs have further weakened household purchasing power, with lower- and middle-income families facing the greatest strain.

Citing data from Iran’s Statistical Center, the Iranian Labour News Agency said year-on-year inflation in July stood at 87.9 percent. Food and beverage prices rose 128.1 percent over one year, while prices of at least eight essential goods more than doubled during the previous 12 months. Monthly inflation in July was 3.1 percent.

The Iranian rial has fallen to a record low against the US dollar on the unofficial market, adding to the pressure on consumers. The report put a working family’s minimum monthly living costs at about 90 million tomans, compared with a minimum worker wage of about 25 million tomans. Labour rights activist Faramarz Towfiqi said many workers’ monthly income can now cover only eight days of expenses.

International crude oil prices rose on August 18 as concerns mounted over energy supplies from the Middle East. By 12 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time, Brent crude had gained 27 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $91.14 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 42 cents to $85.04 a barrel.

The increase followed fading prospects for an agreement between Iran and the United States to extend a ceasefire. Tensions in the region increased after Tehran announced it would take a more aggressive stance. Washington also ruled out the possibility of extending the ceasefire, raising concerns that conflict between the two countries could intensify again.

Earlier in the day, WTI had risen by more than 1 percent to $85.37 a barrel. In the previous session, Brent reached its highest level since late July. Market participants fear that a major disruption to oil supplies from the Middle East could push international crude prices higher.

Chittagong has suffered severe waterlogging during the current monsoon, while floods and landslides have killed more than 50 people across Chittagong division, according to an article by Dr. Md. Iqbal Sarwar of the University of Chittagong. He argues that heavy rain alone should not be blamed, pointing instead to mismanagement, poorly planned development and indiscriminate hill cutting as major drivers of the disaster.

The article says 30 minutes to one hour of rain can leave about 40 to 50 percent of the metropolitan area waterlogged. In some places, flooding lasts from 30 minutes to nearly eight hours, with depths ranging from 0.50 to 1.60 metres. Research cited by the writer attributes 63 percent of the city’s waterlogging causes to human activity, including inadequate drainage, uncleared canals and drains, filled water bodies, waste obstruction, unplanned infrastructure and land-use changes.

The government has allocated about Tk13,000 crore to four projects, but the benefits of a CDA waterlogging project, 95 percent complete by May 2026, remain uncertain. The writer calls for halting unplanned urbanisation, hill cutting and destruction of rivers, canals and water bodies, while protecting forests and preventing settlements on vulnerable slopes.

The Rural Development Academy, or RDA, has claimed success in pilot electricity generation using flywheel technology in Bandi Dighi, Erulia, Bogura. In a demonstration held last Sunday, electricity produced at the experimental plant was used to run two pumps and a welding machine. Officials involved said preliminary calculations indicate the technology could produce each unit of electricity for Tk1.50.

Acting RDA Director General Dr Md Abdul Majid Pramanik said a one-megawatt round-the-clock solar power installation would cost more than Tk100 crore, while an equivalent output using the flywheel system could be possible for Tk25 crore. He said work on the technology began in 2004, with new research prospects emerging after 2010. Flywheel technology is currently used in several countries, including the United States and China, according to him.

RDA has planned a full one-megawatt power plant and submitted the project to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and the Climate Trust. Researcher Dr Monirul Islam said wider public access to the low-cost electricity would be possible if funding and supporting equipment were secured. Bogura-6 lawmaker Rezaul Karim Badsha described the initiative as promising and pledged government support.

Illegal sand and soil trading is allegedly continuing on terminal land and riverbanks at Paturia Ghat in Shibaloy, Manikganj, according to a report published on August 18. The activity is said to endanger the ferry terminal, river port and surrounding areas through erosion, with local residents fearing increased risks during the current monsoon season. The report says erosion has already begun in the area.

A field visit found at least five illegal sand depots on BIWTA foreshores near the ferry terminal. The report alleges that excavators are used overnight to remove sand and soil from riverbank areas for sale after occupying government land. Businessman Mintu Kazi said extraction from the river and adjoining areas is prohibited but continues. The Shibaloy Model Union Parishad chairman said sand-carrying vehicles damaged a union road and that repeated requests for administrative intervention had not brought relief.

Aricha and Paturia river port officer Subrata Roy said authorities are preparing a list of illegal depots and will conduct an eviction drive soon. Shibaloy Upazila Nirbahi Officer Monisha Rani Karmakar said mobile courts have been conducted against illegal soil traders and will continue. BIWTC Chairman ATM Abdul Bari Dany visited the ghat on August 15.

Farmers in Barura upazila of Cumilla are reporting a bumper sugarcane harvest this season, with higher market prices than last year boosting their expected returns. Published on August 18, 2026, the report said harvesting is under way across local fields. Farmers are showing growing interest in sugarcane cultivation because it is seen as offering comparatively higher profits at lower costs than other crops.

Sugarcane has been widely cultivated in Shilmuri North and South, Bhabanipur, Aganagar, Jhalam and Barura municipality. About 350 farmers planted the crop on roughly 147 hectares, with an output target of 15,000 to 16,000 tonnes, according to agriculture department and local farmer estimates. The main varieties are BSRI-47, BSRI-43 and BSRI-46, with BSRI-47, also known locally as CU-208, the most widely grown because of demand for its sweetness and taste.

Wholesale prices now range from Tk65 to Tk70 per cane, while retail prices reach Tk90 to Tk100 depending on size and quality. Upazila agriculture officer Zahidul Islam said farmers receive advice on proper use of organic fertilizer and pesticides, although no special benefits are provided specifically for sugarcane cultivation.

Residents of Fulbaria in Mymensingh are facing increased hardship as a gas shortage has pushed up CNG auto-rickshaw fares and household cooking-gas costs. In a report published on August 17, passengers said commuting to workplaces and other destinations has become more expensive, while complaints of extra charges have emerged on several local routes. Drivers say fuel scarcity and higher operating costs have forced them to raise fares.

Fares from Fulbaria Old Bus Stand to the Mymensingh-Dhaka bypass and from Fulbaria to the old bus stand rose from Tk50 to Tk60. The fare from Fulbaria to Achim Bazar increased from Tk40 to Tk50. Drivers said they need Tk300 to Tk400 worth of gas daily, but one driver reported receiving only Tk120 worth after waiting from morning until afternoon at a Mymensingh gas station.

Passengers said the higher fares are straining household budgets, while drivers said they must sometimes buy more expensive LPG. CNG station master Insan Ali said fares would return to previous levels if gas supplies normalize. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahidul Islam Sohag said action would be taken if excessive fares or inflated cylinder prices are proven.

The government has moved to buy five cargoes of liquefied natural gas through international tenders to meet domestic energy demand, at an estimated cost of about Tk1,100 crore. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division’s proposal was placed before the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase for approval. The LNG is planned for delivery in August and September 2026 through an international quotation collection process.

The proposed delivery windows are August 23-24, August 26-27, August 29-30, September 1-2 and September 4-5, with one cargo scheduled for each period. The proposal names UK-based Blackcube International Limited and Oman-based Maxwell International SPC as the lowest bidders. Prices were determined using Platts’ published Japan Korea Marker, or JKM, energy price index.

For deliveries on August 23-24 and September 4-5, prices were set at $21.88 and $21.78 per MMBtu respectively, with the two cargoes valued at about Tk540 crore. Separate proposals also considered three additional LNG cargoes for August. Officials said a $15.50-per-MMBtu rate for deliveries on August 17-18 and August 22-23 reflected market conditions, high spot-market prices, supply risks and negotiations. Imports will begin quickly if approved.

Bangladesh’s cabinet approved a proposal to waive import duties and taxes on green chilies and tomatoes at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday. A cabinet press release, reported on August 17, 2026, said the measure aims to reduce prices of the two essential agricultural products and ensure uninterrupted market supply.

Under the proposal, the total tax burden will be reduced from 61 percent to 20.5 percent during the first month after issuance of the notification, and to 31 percent in the following month. The release cited seasonal production patterns, natural disasters, adverse weather, supply disruptions and production shortfalls as factors that can cause unusually high market prices and add financial pressure on consumers.

The cabinet also approved a draft law to abolish the existing Rapid Action Battalion law and establish a Special Response Battalion, or SRB, under the police force. It further decided to treat fiscal year 2027-28 as a nine-month transitional fiscal year, from July to March, before shifting government operations to an April-March fiscal year from 2028-29.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, known as DUCSU, created more than 430 job opportunities for Dhaka University students at 31 Chinese companies. The openings were offered during the Sino-Bangla Day 2026 job fair at the university’s Teacher-Student Centre grounds on August 17. Thousands of job seekers attended the daylong event and submitted CVs at company booths.

The fair was jointly initiated by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh and Dhaka University, and organized by DUCSU and the Confucius Institute. Running from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., it included 31 Chinese companies from technology and other sectors. The participating companies initially collected CVs from more than 400 candidates.

DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem said the union undertook the initiative amid institutional failures to create employment opportunities for young people. Organizers said qualified candidates would be selected in stages after initial screening, interviews and other recruitment procedures. The event also featured cultural performances, including lion dance, tai chi, and songs from China and Bangladesh. DUCSU International Secretary Khan Jasim said organizers would seek to arrange similar events in the future.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry urged direct business contact and joint investment between Bangladeshi and Chinese entrepreneurs to reduce Bangladesh’s trade deficit with China. FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque made the call at a meeting with a business delegation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade at the federation’s Motijheel office on Monday afternoon, August 17, 2026.

Hoque said Bangladesh imports a large volume of goods from China. Bilateral trade between the two countries is close to $20 billion, but Bangladesh faces a substantial trade deficit, while its annual exports to China are valued at less than $1 billion. He called for identifying promising sectors for joint trade and said the Chinese delegation’s visit could expand bilateral trade, raise Bangladeshi export prospects in China, and support increased investment.

Bangladeshi business representatives invited joint investment in food processing, medical devices and accessories, pharmaceuticals and APIs, renewable energy, jute, and jute products. He Tao, director of the Bureau of Commerce of China’s Honghe region, expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade and investment, citing easier import-export procedures and new business opportunities as key goals.