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.

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.