At a daylong training workshop held on Saturday at the YWCA training center in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, speakers said that road safety in Bangladesh is no longer just a transport issue but a critical development concern tied to public health, urban management, rule of law, economy, social security, and citizens’ rights. They emphasized that deaths, injuries, disabilities, and financial losses from road accidents are undermining both family stability and national development.

The event, titled “Role and Partnership of Media in the Draft Integrated Road Safety Act,” was organized by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). Speakers highlighted that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.6 aims to halve global road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030, while SDG 11.2 stresses safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport for all, particularly for women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.

They further noted that ensuring road safety requires coordinated efforts across transport, health, police, education, local government, infrastructure, and media sectors. A comprehensive road safety law could bring these sectors under a unified framework to ensure responsibility, coordination, and accountability.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has called on citizens to become self-reliant by engaging in productive activities rather than depending solely on government assistance or family cards. He made the remarks on Saturday at the second phase of the family card distribution ceremony held at the Jaintapur Upazila auditorium, presided over by District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam. A total of 465 women from Nijpat Union received family cards during the event, which was also connected online to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s family card distribution program in Chandpur.

The minister emphasized the importance of agricultural work, poultry farming, and cattle rearing to improve living standards and stated that the government is taking various initiatives to develop skilled manpower. He also announced that a special expatriate card distribution program will begin within two months to help expatriates access government services more easily.

Earlier in the day, the minister inaugurated a flood shelter construction project at Towakul College and launched canal re-excavation work from Piyain Natar Khal Isti Bridge to Sakerpokar Khal in Gowainghat Upazila.

Employment Bank inaugurated its 289th branch in Tongibari, Munshiganj, on Friday at the Institute of Marine Technology conference hall. The event was chaired by the bank’s chairman and former secretary Dr. A.F.M. Matiur Rahman, with Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar attending as chief guest. Other guests included the secretaries of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Financial Institutions Division, and local MP Abdus Salam Azad, who officially opened the branch.

In his remarks, Abdus Sattar praised the bank’s strong position in the national banking sector and urged continued efforts toward financial inclusion and job creation. Dr. Matiur Rahman described the new branch as a milestone, encouraging youth, women entrepreneurs, and small business owners to pursue self-employment. MP Abdus Salam Azad highlighted Tongibari’s potential in agriculture, fisheries, and small enterprises, while Secretary Nazma Mobarek noted that the new branch would create employment opportunities, especially for women.

At the end of the ceremony, guests handed over loan checks to local entrepreneurs, marking the branch’s operational launch.

The Society for Asian Circular Innovation Network (SACHIN) officially launched in Dhaka with the goal of promoting circular economy practices across Asia. The inauguration ceremony took place at the BCI Conference Room in Tejgaon, where founder president Preeti Chakraborty said the organization aims to drive sustainable development through research, innovation, policy engagement, and regional cooperation. SACHIN’s slogan, “Think Circular. Innovate Regionally, Impact Globally,” reflects its vision of positioning Asia as a global leader in circular economy and sustainability.

Initially focusing on Bangladesh’s garment industry, SACHIN plans to expand into agriculture, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, plastics, energy, finance, water, and shipbuilding. EuroCham Bangladesh Chairperson Nuria Lopez emphasized that adopting circular economy principles is vital for Bangladesh’s competitiveness and environmental stability. The organization announced future initiatives including an Asian Sustainability Data and AI Portal, Circular Tech Marketplace, SACHIN Academy, and an Asian Circular Economy and Climate Summit.

SACHIN stated that its work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, and 17, and called for collaboration among governments, industries, researchers, and youth to build a sustainable and inclusive future for Asia.

International experts have called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the climate crisis a global public health emergency. The appeal came through a report by the independent Pan-European Commission on Health and Climate, which warned that without swift and coordinated action, millions more people could face premature death and severe health risks. The report will be presented to European ministers on Sunday, ahead of the WHO World Health Assembly starting Monday.

The commission stated that climate change has reached a stage requiring classification as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). It cited the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, heatwaves, floods, food insecurity, and air pollution as major threats. The report also urged an end to fossil fuel subsidies, noting that fossil fuels cause about 600,000 premature deaths annually in Europe while receiving €444 billion in subsidies.

Commission leaders emphasized that climate change poses a direct threat to human survival and health. They called for stronger climate-health assessments, combating misinformation, and making hospitals more resilient and environmentally sustainable.

At a press conference held at the Economic Reporters Forum in Dhaka on Saturday, owners of 26 export-oriented garment factories accused Premier Bank’s Narayanganj branch of creating around Tk 10,500 crore in fake loans using forged sales contracts, falsified back-to-back letters of credit, and illegal foreign currency transactions. The owners alleged that former chairman HBM Iqbal and several bank officials misappropriated funds through these irregularities, which were not detected in previous audits or Bangladesh Bank inspections.

The affected business owners said that since 2017, some bank officials used fake IDs to open multiple back-to-back LCs without importing raw materials, later showing the liabilities as loans under the companies’ names. They claimed that forced and demand loans were created without consent, violating Bangladesh Bank’s foreign exchange guidelines. Many factories have since shut down, and the owners demanded an independent forensic audit and intervention from Bangladesh Bank and the finance ministry.

Premier Bank’s current chairman, Arifur Rahman, stated that a forensic audit is underway and nearing completion, after which the actual liabilities and responsible parties will be identified.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Professor Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has rejected claims that the government is printing money, calling such allegations baseless. Speaking on Saturday at a pre-budget shadow parliament at FDC focused on inflation control, he said the government is prioritizing investment and employment and has taken special initiatives to reopen closed factories.

Titumir stated that during the previous administration, income levels fell sharply, pushing many lower-middle-class families below the poverty line and causing social fragmentation. He accused the former government of borrowing heavily under the guise of infrastructure development and engaging in corruption, while manipulating data to portray false progress. He added that the current administration will ensure transparency by making all Bureau of Statistics data publicly accessible.

He emphasized that the government aims to democratize the economy and avoid handing over sectors to syndicates. At the same event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the government is moving toward a universal social protection program to improve the lives of marginalized groups.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Textiles and Jute, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, emphasized that sustaining the long-term competitiveness of the country’s ready-made garment and textile industry requires prioritizing sustainable production, innovation, research, and product diversification. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Textile Innovation Exchange held at Le Méridien in Dhaka on Saturday, he said sustainability is no longer a slogan but a necessity for the industry’s survival and future.

The minister noted that Bangladesh’s natural resources are limited, making efficient use of energy, water, and raw materials essential through circular production and effective management. He warned that the country’s export base remains narrow and must expand into high-value segments such as sportswear, man-made fiber apparel, and technical textiles to remain globally competitive. He also highlighted the need for research, design development, skill enhancement, and modern technology adoption.

Muktadir added that the government will repurpose closed factories through industrial parks, public-private partnerships, or leasing to attract new investment. He said other promising sectors like leather, light engineering, and shipbuilding will be revitalized through technology, skills, and international collaboration.

Iraq announced that it exported around 10 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in April, according to Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed. The report highlights that despite recent war-related tensions and concerns over maritime security in the region, oil shipments through this vital route have continued without disruption.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transport corridors. Analysts noted that even amid ongoing instability in the Middle East, the strait continues to serve as a stable and indispensable route for global energy supply. Iraq’s oil minister also indicated that the country is in discussions with OPEC to increase both production and exports.

The continued flow of oil through the strait suggests resilience in global energy logistics despite regional security challenges, reinforcing the strategic importance of this maritime passage for international trade.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that it will take another two years to restore Bangladesh’s fragile economy, which was left in a deteriorated state by previous governments. He made the remarks on Saturday morning while inaugurating a new building of the Mother and Child Hospital in Agrabad, Chattogram.

The minister explained that the current government faced a major global crisis immediately after taking office due to the war in the Middle East. He said the energy sector alone required Tk 40,000 crore in the upcoming fiscal year, while an additional Tk 50,000 crore was spent within two months on the power sector and foreign loan repayments. He acknowledged that the national economy remains in a difficult position.

Amir Khosru also criticized past administrations for misusing health sector allocations and pledged that the current government would ensure proper monitoring of funds. He emphasized that the government would not interfere in medical colleges or other professional institutions to preserve their integrity and educational standards.

The Bangladesh government authorized 12 foreign companies to supply diesel, octane, and crude oil under the Direct Purchase Method (DPM) to address a fuel shortage caused by the Iran war. However, none of the companies had delivered oil by mid-May 2026. Only two firms provided performance guarantees, while one pledged to do so. The companies are based in the United States, Dubai, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Japan. The energy minister said the move aimed to prevent panic buying and ensure adequate reserves.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) officials said the DPM initiative was temporary and launched after several cargoes were deferred due to force majeure declarations. BPC Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman explained that final prices would be determined using the Platts Arab Gulf rate around the loading date. He confirmed that three companies were proceeding properly, while others declined or failed to meet requirements. The government has since returned to open tendering for June–August to maintain a 90-day reserve.

Transparency International Bangladesh acknowledged the government’s authority to bypass tenders in emergencies but emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in supplier selection and contract execution.

Qatar’s energy sector has suffered severe damage following Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel and U.S.-linked sites in the Middle East, as well as Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to a New York Times report published Thursday, the disruptions have left the Gulf nation’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports paralyzed, with tankers stranded and billions of dollars in revenue lost. The LNG carrier Rashida, circling near the Gulf for over two months, has become a symbol of the global energy gridlock.

Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, saw major infrastructure damage in March when Iranian drones and missiles struck its Ras Laffan production complex. Two heavily damaged units accounted for about 17 percent of total output. QatarEnergy estimates that restoring full capacity could take three to five years. Even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, shipping companies remain wary due to security risks, leaving around 1,600 vessels trapped in the area.

Industry observers cited in the report believe the crisis may permanently alter regional energy routes, as support grows for infrastructure projects bypassing the Hormuz Strait.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the re-excavation of the Khorda canal in the Waruk Bazar area of Tamta Dakshin Union under Shahrasthi upazila of Chandpur. The event, held on Saturday, marked the official launch of a nationwide initiative to re-excavate rivers, canals, and waterways aimed at strengthening environmental conservation and climate resilience.

According to the announcement shared on the BNP’s Facebook page, the program is part of the party’s election manifesto commitments. During the inauguration, emphasis was placed on long-term planning for water reservoir preservation, maintaining natural water flow, and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

Before arriving in Chandpur, Tarique Rahman traveled from Dhaka to Lakshmipur in Barura upazila of Cumilla by special bus, where he delivered a roadside speech before proceeding to Shahrasthi for the inauguration ceremony.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced another major reduction in gold prices across the country within 24 hours. According to a notice issued on Saturday morning, the price of 22-carat gold has been reduced by up to Tk 4,374 per bhori, bringing it down to Tk 238,121. The new rates took effect from 10 a.m. on May 16, 2026. On the previous day, May 15, the same quality gold was priced at Tk 242,495 per bhori.

BAJUS stated that the price adjustment was made due to a fall in the international market price of pure (tejaabi) gold. Under the revised structure, 21-carat gold now costs Tk 227,331 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 194,847, and traditional gold Tk 158,689. The association also announced a decrease in silver prices, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk 5,657 per bhori.

The latest price revision reflects BAJUS’s ongoing adjustments to align domestic gold and silver rates with global market trends.

Professor Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam writes that many rivers in southern Bangladesh have dried up, leaving bridges standing over sand and weeds instead of flowing water. The article attributes this severe environmental change primarily to the Farakka Barrage, built in 1975 on the Ganges in West Bengal to maintain navigability at Kolkata port. Reduced water flow from the Ganges has caused rivers such as the Padma, Gorai, Madhumati, Kumar, Bhairab, and Kopotakkho to lose vitality, turning once-thriving waterways into barren channels.

The drying of rivers has disrupted agriculture, fisheries, navigation, and biodiversity, while salinity intrusion has damaged farmland and freshwater sources in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat. The loss of river-based livelihoods has forced migration and eroded local culture and communication traditions. The author notes that Bangladesh has repeatedly demanded fair water sharing from India, but dry-season flows remain inadequate despite agreements.

He argues that Bangladesh’s own policy failures, including weak diplomacy, river encroachment, pollution, and lack of dredging, have worsened the crisis. With the same political party now governing both West Bengal and India’s central government, he urges Bangladesh’s new BNP administration to pursue strong diplomatic action for a sustainable water-sharing solution.