Canada has made significant progress toward building a new pipeline aimed at expanding crude oil exports to Asian markets. On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed an industrial carbon pricing agreement that removed a major obstacle to the project. The deal introduces a phased carbon tax on large emitters, setting a fee of 130 Canadian dollars per ton of carbon dioxide by 2040, lower than the 170 dollars proposed by the previous Trudeau government. Carney said the final pipeline plan will be submitted to the government’s Major Projects Office by July 1.

The initiative is part of Carney’s strategy to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the United States and strengthen energy trade with Asia. However, the project has sparked environmental controversy and opposition from several Indigenous and First Nations groups who vowed to resist any pipeline construction from Alberta to the Pacific coast. Left-wing New Democratic Party leader Avi Lewis criticized the move as a surrender to the oil and gas lobby.

The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time, as separatist sentiment in Alberta grows, with Carney emphasizing that Alberta’s prosperity depends on a united Canada.

Stone imports through the Sonamasjid land port in Chapainawabganj have been suspended for 13 consecutive days since May 2, 2026, following a dispute over increased assessment value for customs purposes. The shutdown has brought operations at one of the country’s key land ports to a standstill, depriving the government of revenue and leaving around 8,000 port workers without work. The port’s managing authority, Panama Sonamasjid Port Link Limited, confirmed the ongoing halt in imports.

Importers stated that they had long imported stones at an assessment value of USD 13 per ton, which determined customs duties. Recently, Indian customs authorities raised this value to USD 15 per ton. Importers argue that 20–30 percent of the imported stones are of low quality, and the higher valuation would cause heavy financial losses. They have decided not to resume imports until the increased rate is withdrawn.

The suspension has severely affected daily wage laborers who depend on stone handling for income. Port officials warned that unless the valuation issue is resolved soon through discussions between importers and authorities, both government revenue and workers’ livelihoods will continue to suffer.

Several areas of Taraganj upazila in Rangpur have been inundated following days of heavy rain and a nor'wester, submerging farmlands and damaging crops including vegetables, Boro paddy, and maize. The flooding has led to widespread crop loss and a sharp rise in summer vegetable prices, causing hardship for both farmers and consumers.

Farmers reported root rot in vegetable plants due to stagnant water, threatening reduced yields. Market prices have surged, with pointed gourd, bitter gourd, and other vegetables selling between Tk 60 and Tk 100 per kilogram. Local farmers described severe losses, noting that many plants have died and harvests have declined. Vendors said wholesale prices have tripled compared to normal times.

According to the upazila agriculture officer, prolonged rainfall has caused waterlogging in many fields, leading to plant decay and crop death. Field officers are advising farmers to drain water quickly, harvest ripe paddy, and store it safely to minimize further losses.

The government’s introduction of a digital fuel card system has significantly improved fuel supply management and revenue collection in Nilphamari district. Implemented to curb fuel wastage, illegal hoarding, and manipulation, the system has generated about 15 million taka in revenue over two months. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) office in Nilphamari reported that the system ensures each vehicle receives its allocated fuel, monitored through a central server, reducing black-market activities and improving accountability.

The initiative has also streamlined fuel collection at pumps, reducing waiting times and cash handling risks through digital payments. Initially, vehicle owners were required to have valid registration, driving licenses, fitness certificates, and tax payments to obtain fuel cards. After some conditions were relaxed, applications increased sharply. Between March 1 and April 30, 784 motorcycles were registered and 7,400 learner licenses issued, generating over 13.5 million taka in revenue. BRTA officials noted that more vehicle owners are now updating legal documents, reducing unregistered vehicles on roads.

Officials and transport stakeholders believe the system is fostering discipline and modernization in the transport sector, with long-term benefits for governance and energy efficiency.

The Dhaka Metro Passenger and Goods Transport Committee has approved route permits for 690 new air-conditioned buses to operate across various routes in the capital. The decision, confirmed by multiple committee members on Friday, allows eight transport companies to introduce modern and comfortable buses aimed at improving passenger experience. The companies include Shapla Paribahan, Chitra Paribahan Limited, Time Bird Express, Sprint Shuttle Private Limited, Iqbal Enterprise, New Dhaka Paribahan, Trust Transport Services, and Dhaka Transport Line, each assigned specific routes and bus numbers.

According to the committee’s decision, all buses must feature automatic doors and e-ticketing systems, operate under a counter-based service instead of contract systems, display route numbers and company names, and maintain uniform colors for each company’s fleet. The committee, chaired by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief, oversees route permits and transport operations in the city.

Transport experts emphasized the need for demand assessment, designated stops, and scheduling before launching the new buses. They also urged a scientific approach to route permits for sustainable solutions to Dhaka’s public transport challenges.

Bangladesh’s universal pension scheme is facing a severe trust crisis, with declining public interest and irregular contributions from existing members. The National Pension Authority met with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury to discuss ways to restore confidence and revitalize the program. The meeting emphasized stronger public outreach, cybersecurity, professional staffing, and a goal to include at least one member from each of four crore families by 2030. The minister also supported proposals for Shariah-based schemes and lifelong pension benefits for nominees.

The scheme, launched in August 2023 under the previous government, was designed to cover private and informal sector workers through four programs—Prabash, Suraksha, Pragati, and Samata. However, allegations of corruption under the former administration and the controversial, later-cancelled Pratyay scheme eroded public confidence. As of April 2026, only 377,554 people were enrolled, with 40–45 percent irregular in payments.

The new leadership of the National Pension Authority plans to make the schemes more attractive through reforms, awareness campaigns, and potential Shariah-compliant options. Officials hope renewed government support will help overcome skepticism and expand participation nationwide.

The Bangladesh government has taken major steps to begin oil, gas, and mineral exploration in the deep waters of the Bay of Bengal. Officials from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources confirmed that international tenders will be invited within days, following approval of the 'Bangladesh Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC) 2026' by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on May 7. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported fuel and increase domestic production.

Officials noted that despite resolving maritime boundary disputes with India and Myanmar years ago, Bangladesh has failed to capitalize on its marine resources due to weak policies and technical limitations. Previous exploration efforts by international companies such as ConocoPhillips, ONGC, Santos, and POSCO Daewoo were discontinued for various reasons. Experts said the country’s gas reserves could be exhausted within 12 years if no new fields are discovered.

Petrobangla and government policymakers expressed optimism that the new exploration drive will end two decades of stagnation in offshore energy development and help Bangladesh achieve energy self-sufficiency.

Bangladesh observed the 50th anniversary of the Farakka Barrage operation on May 16, 2026, amid continuing concerns over its long-term effects on rivers, agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. Experts warned that the current Ganges water-sharing treaty, expiring in December 2026, must be renegotiated to include a mandatory guarantee clause ensuring minimum dry-season water flow. They argue that without such assurance, water scarcity and environmental degradation in northern and southwestern Bangladesh will intensify.

Since India began diverting Ganges water through the Farakka Barrage in 1975, vast stretches of the Padma River have dried up, turning once-thriving waterways into sandbanks. Researchers estimate that at least 60 million people have suffered losses in irrigation, fisheries, and drinking water access. The Water Development Board reports that dry-season flow has dropped from 120,000 to 24,000 cusecs, while over 2,000 kilometers of navigable routes have become defunct.

Experts and civic groups called for Bangladesh to raise the issue in international forums, seek compensation for economic losses, and form a regional water forum with neighboring countries to ensure equitable river management.

Residents of Burichang and Brahmanpara upazilas in Cumilla formed a human chain on Friday afternoon demanding the repair of the flood control embankment. Several thousand people from Burburia, Mithilapur, Baherchar, and Sripur villages joined the demonstration, calling for immediate renovation of the vulnerable embankment and permanent development measures.

The event was attended by Cumilla-5 Member of Parliament Haji Jasim Uddin, Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir Hossain, former upazila chairman and BNP president ATM Mizanur Rahman, BNP general secretary Kabir Hossain, and leaders from various political, social, and professional groups. Speakers said the northern embankment of the Gomti River has become risky, causing annual flood fears among residents. They recalled that the 2024 floods broke the Burburia section, inundating large parts of both upazilas and damaging homes, crops, livestock, and farms.

Participants urged immediate intervention from the authorities, the Water Development Board, and the administration, warning of larger movements if no effective action is taken soon.

The United States Secretary of Energy has stated that the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz will gradually decline as Middle Eastern nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and others, significantly expand their pipeline capacities. In an interview with CNBC, the secretary said that future energy transport from the Gulf region will have alternative routes, reducing dependence on the narrow maritime passage that currently handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments.

The US official emphasized that while the Strait’s importance may lessen, the energy production and supply roles of Gulf countries will remain vital. He praised the contributions of Middle Eastern nations, describing them as key allies of the United States and major partners in the global energy supply system.

The secretary also expressed optimism that peace, prosperity, and economic growth would return to the region, underscoring the continuing strategic partnership between the United States and Gulf energy producers.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that rainfall across the country has decreased, though heavy to very heavy rain may continue in some regions until next Tuesday. The agency forecast a gradual rise in temperature nationwide, with humid and hot conditions already being felt in many areas. As of Friday evening, Narsingdi recorded the highest rainfall at 46 millimeters in the previous 24 hours, while Dhaka and several southern divisions saw no rain.

Earlier forecasts had warned of heavy rainfall in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions through Saturday, but this has now been extended to Tuesday. The department noted that rainfall between 44 and 88 millimeters is considered heavy, and above 88 millimeters is very heavy. A well-marked low over the southwest Bay of Bengal and another over West Bengal are influencing the current weather pattern.

Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Haque said that while rain will continue in varying intensity across the country until Tuesday, heavier rainfall is expected in the northern and northeastern divisions before conditions begin to improve.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that Bangladesh’s leather industry is being developed into a billion-dollar export sector. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the National Science and Technology Week and Science Fair in Sylhet on Friday, he said the government has identified weaknesses in the sector and initiated measures to address them.

The minister acknowledged concerns about the low prices of raw hides and said that frustration over unfair pricing has led to various criticisms. He noted that the current government is only two and a half months old, making it difficult to solve structural problems in such a short time. However, multiple meetings have been held with stakeholders to begin resolving the sector’s challenges.

Muktadir described leather as a valuable national resource and emphasized that wasting it would mean losing blessings. He said the government is pursuing long-term plans to transform the leather industry into a major contributor to the national economy.

The United States and Bangladesh signed a trade agreement on 9 February 2026 that reduced tariffs on Bangladeshi goods from 37% to 19% and promised zero duty for ready-made garments made with US cotton. However, subsequent US court rulings invalidated the legal basis for the original tariffs, creating uncertainty over the deal’s foundation. The agreement, signed just three days before Bangladesh’s national election, has drawn criticism for its unequal obligations and controversial clauses.

The 32-page deal contains 131 binding obligations for Bangladesh compared to only six for the US. Key contentious provisions include mandatory alignment with US sanctions, acceptance of genetically modified agricultural imports without local review, and a commitment to purchase Boeing aircraft. The deal also restricts Bangladesh’s ability to join regional trade blocs such as RCEP and obliges it to support a permanent WTO moratorium on digital customs duties. Some clauses, such as labor law reforms and environmental standards, align with Bangladesh’s own policy goals.

Following the US Supreme Court’s ruling and Malaysia’s similar experience, the BNP-led government now has legal and diplomatic grounds to seek renegotiation, focusing on sovereignty, GMO regulation, and trade diversification.

Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has passed away in Chennai, India, after suffering from severe liver-related complications. She was taken to Chennai for advanced treatment and was under care at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore. Her father, former national footballer Kaiser Hamid, confirmed her death. Doctors reportedly tried their best to save her after her blood pressure dropped suddenly during antibiotic treatment on Friday.

According to family sources, Karina initially developed a fever that later turned into a severe infection. She was diagnosed with liver failure caused by complications from hepatitis A and E. After her condition worsened, she was moved to intensive care and placed on life support at a private hospital in Dhaka before being flown to India by air ambulance.

Karina Kaiser was well known among young audiences for her creative social media content and acting performances. She had recently been focusing on acting and scriptwriting. Her untimely death has cast a shadow of grief over the entertainment community and her admirers.

Global financial markets reacted negatively after the recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping failed to produce any concrete agreements. The discussions included vague talks on agricultural purchases and limited commitments from China on oil imports. Although there were hints about easing restrictions on microchip sales to China, no major trade deal was reached. Trump also confirmed that tariff issues were not discussed, and no firm decision was made on reopening the strategic Hormuz Strait.

Investor uncertainty increased following the inconclusive talks. On Friday morning, Dow Jones futures dropped more than 300 points, or about 0.6 percent, while S&P 500 futures fell 1 percent and Nasdaq futures declined 1.4 percent. Continued uncertainty around the Hormuz Strait pushed Brent crude oil prices up nearly 3 percent to above $108 per barrel.

Analysts said the lack of clear outcomes weakened investor confidence and heightened inflation concerns, prompting greater caution in global markets.