As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, cattle farmers across Bangladesh are working intensively to prepare their livestock for the sacrificial market. In districts such as Netrakona, Jamalpur, and Bogura, farmers have invested heavily—some through bank loans and others from personal savings—to raise cattle using natural and local methods. Many farms are now in their final stages of preparation, with families and workers providing extra care, feeding, and health monitoring to ensure the animals are ready for sale.

Farmers report that the cost of cattle feed, medicine, and maintenance has risen sharply, increasing production expenses. In border areas like Bakshiganj, concerns persist about the illegal entry of Indian cattle, which could depress local prices. Livestock officials have instructed farmers to avoid harmful substances and use natural fattening methods, assuring that animals are being prepared safely. Despite higher costs, farmers remain hopeful for fair prices and potential profits if market conditions remain stable.

Officials in Bogura’s Dhunot upazila confirmed that local supply exceeds demand, indicating no shortage of sacrificial animals this year.

The Bangladesh Madrasa General Teachers Association (BMGTA) has demanded that 20 percent of the upcoming national budget be allocated to the education sector. The demand was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Friday morning, where the association’s founder president Md. Harun-or-Rashid presented a written statement. The group also called for full festival allowances for MPO-listed teachers and the nationalization of all education systems, including madrasas.

According to the statement, the education sector received Tk 95,644 crore in the 2025–26 fiscal year, representing 12.1 percent of the total national budget, only Tk 934 crore higher than the previous year. The association noted that international standards recommend allocating 15–20 percent of the national budget or 4–6 percent of GDP to education, but Bangladesh’s allocation remains below both benchmarks. The statement added that this shortfall negatively affects marginalized communities.

The association further demanded the implementation of the ninth pay scale, government-standard medical and housing allowances, promotion opportunities for teachers, and the inclusion of independent ibtedayi madrasas under the MPO scheme.

Farmers across Cumilla are struggling to harvest ripe Boro paddy due to an acute shortage of laborers. Despite offering double the usual wages, they are unable to find workers, leaving large areas of golden paddy unharvested and at risk of damage. The crisis has spread across Chandina, Debidwar, Muradnagar, Sadar Dakshin, Brahmanpara, Burichang, Barura, and Laksam upazilas.

Farmers report that daily wages have surged from Tk 700–800 to as high as two maunds of paddy per day, yet labor remains scarce. Many rural workers have shifted to urban jobs in brick kilns, construction, garment factories, or battery-run rickshaw driving, which offer higher income with less effort. The sudden ripening of paddy across the district has further intensified demand. Heavy rainfall last week damaged around 3,000 hectares of paddy, with 36 hectares severely affected, causing losses estimated at Tk 8–9 million.

Officials said the government is purchasing paddy at Tk 36 per kilogram, but small farmers complain of complex procedures at government warehouses, forcing them to sell at lower local market prices. Agricultural experts warn that without fair pricing and mechanization support, many farmers may abandon paddy cultivation in the future.

China has expressed interest in purchasing oil from the United States, leading to a rise of more than one percent in global oil prices. The increase followed a statement from US President Donald Trump. Market data showed that the international benchmark Brent crude rose by 1.17 dollars, or 1.11 percent, reaching 106.89 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 1.10 dollars, or 1.09 percent, to 102.27 dollars per barrel.

In addition to Trump’s statement, ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have also influenced the oil market. Although reports indicated that at least 30 ships passed through the strait last Thursday, concerns about potential detentions or attacks remain. This instability has prompted investors to anticipate further price increases.

Analysts suggest that the combination of geopolitical uncertainty and renewed trade interest between China and the United States is shaping short-term market expectations.

The newly elected government of Bangladesh, led by Tarique Rahman, has given final approval to the long-awaited Padma Barrage Project during the third meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday. The project, estimated to cost Tk 50,443.64 crore, aims to restore water flow and biodiversity in 26 districts and 123 upazilas of the country’s southwest region. The government has allocated Tk 34,497.25 crore for the first phase of implementation.

According to the Water Resources Ministry, the project seeks to mitigate the severe environmental and agricultural damage caused by India’s unilateral withdrawal of water through the Farakka Barrage. The ministry’s documents describe how reduced river flow has led to desertification, salinity, and water scarcity across large areas, threatening livelihoods and ecosystems, including the Sundarbans. Environmentalists have welcomed the approval, calling the barrage a vital step to revive dying rivers and ensure water security.

The Water Resources Minister stated that the Padma Barrage is an internal matter for Bangladesh and does not require India’s consent. The project includes construction of the main barrage, hydroelectric facilities, and dredging of major river systems to restore natural water flow.

The United Nations General Assembly is set to hold a crucial vote in New York next week on a new resolution addressing climate justice. The proposal urges member states to endorse the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion recognizing legal obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and control fossil fuel use. The initiative, led by Pacific island nation Vanuatu, seeks to reinforce international legal accountability in tackling the climate crisis.

The ICJ issued its advisory opinion last year after hearings in The Hague, which was supported by 132 countries without opposition. Small island states hailed the opinion as a historic victory. Vanuatu has since spearheaded efforts to translate that opinion into a binding political commitment, aiming to secure broad support before the May 20 vote.

The latest draft of the resolution has been softened under pressure, particularly from the United States. References to a rapid and just phaseout of fossil fuels have been replaced with a call for gradual transition, and plans for an international registry of climate-related losses have been dropped.

The United States Justice Department is preparing to withdraw all fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, according to reports citing individuals familiar with the case. The decision follows Adani’s appointment of a new legal team led by Robert J. Giuffra Jr., one of former President Donald Trump’s personal attorneys. The team presented its case at a meeting in Washington, arguing that prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence and jurisdiction to pursue the matter.

During the same meeting, Giuffra proposed that if prosecutors dropped the charges, Adani would invest 10 billion dollars in the US economy and create 15,000 jobs, though officials later clarified that this offer would not influence the criminal case. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has already settled its civil dispute with Adani, imposing an 18 million dollar fine, of which Adani will pay six million. The Treasury Department is reportedly preparing a separate 275 million dollar penalty related to sanctions violations.

If finalized, the resolution would mark a major victory for the Adani Group, which has faced business obstacles due to the case since 2024.

Severe early rains have caused extensive damage to boro rice crops in Bangladesh’s haor region, destroying 49,073 hectares or 11 percent of cultivated land and resulting in losses of about 213,000 tons of rice worth Tk 1,047 crore. Around 236,000 farmers have been affected, raising serious concerns for national food security. The boro season, which supplies 55–60 percent of the country’s total rice, has become increasingly vulnerable to weather disruptions.

The report attributes the crisis to human-driven factors, including government agricultural policies that prioritize high-yield, irrigation-dependent BRRI rice varieties such as BRRI dhan-28 and dhan-29. These varieties have lost disease resistance over time, and farmers faced delays and quality issues with seeds supplied by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation. Mechanization efforts, including the use of ACI’s combined harvesters, failed to mitigate the disaster. Unplanned embankments built by the Water Development Board have worsened waterlogging, while excessive pesticide use has harmed livestock and aquatic life.

The interim government has formed committees to regulate pesticide use in haor districts, but farmers and fishers continue to demand an end to the lease system that favors political and business elites.

Bangladesh’s new government is facing major challenges in finalizing the 2026–27 national budget, expected to total Tk 9.3 trillion, about 25 percent higher than the previous year. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is scheduled to present the budget on June 11. The plan includes Tk 3 trillion for development spending, Tk 1.16 trillion for subsidies and incentives, and ambitious revenue targets of Tk 6.95 trillion despite a current shortfall exceeding Tk 1 trillion. Key allocations include large subsidies for power, LNG, fertilizer, and food, as well as funding for mega projects like the Padma Barrage and new metro rail lines.

Officials say the budget aims to balance election pledges and economic stability by expanding social safety programs such as family and farmer cards, while offering tax relief on essentials and higher taxes on luxury goods. The Annual Development Programme will rise 50 percent to Tk 3 trillion, with 39 percent in block allocations. Economists, however, warn that the revenue goals are unrealistic and that rising government spending could worsen inflation and debt pressures.

The budget’s focus on employment, investment, and welfare reflects the new administration’s attempt to revive growth amid economic stagnation and high inflation.

Prices of most essential commodities in Dhaka’s major markets have continued to rise, increasing the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Despite the overall upward trend, the price of boiled rice has fallen by 5 to 7 taka per kilogram over the past week. Traders at Karwan Bazar, Nayabazar, and Segunbagicha reported that new rice arrivals have reduced prices of Miniket and medium-quality rice, while premium polao rice remains expensive.

Other daily necessities such as flour, edible oil, sugar, pulses, and chicken have become costlier. Eggs are now selling for 135 to 145 taka per dozen in wholesale markets and up to 160 taka in neighborhood shops. Vegetable prices have slightly eased but remain high, with most items selling above 70 taka per kilogram. Cooking gas prices have also increased by more than 600 taka in two phases, adding to household expenses.

Consumer Association of Bangladesh Vice President S.M. Nazer expressed concern over the abnormal price hikes and criticized the lack of market monitoring, urging stronger government oversight to protect low-income consumers.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam has called for eliminating coordination gaps in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector and establishing an integrated agricultural engineering framework. Speaking as chief guest at a seminar at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) headquarters on Thursday, he emphasized the need to recruit skilled personnel in technical positions to ensure scientific, technology-driven, and efficient agricultural development.

The seminar, organized by IEB’s Agricultural Engineering Division, highlighted challenges such as lack of coordination among ministries, the need for a specialized agricultural engineering department, and the importance of mechanization and renewable energy in farming. Other speakers, including officials from the Agriculture Ministry and engineering associations, discussed modern irrigation, flood management, and digital agricultural systems as key to sustainable growth.

Participants expressed optimism that implementing the seminar’s recommendations could make Bangladesh’s agriculture sector more modern, efficient, and globally competitive.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that Bangladesh is poised to become one of the leading global investment destinations in the future. He made the remarks on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the three-day international exhibition “11th Safe HVACR and Cold Chain 2026” held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. The exhibition, organized by Saver International Limited, will remain open to visitors from May 14 to 16.

Titumir emphasized that the government will simplify tax policies and investment-related regulations to ensure a business-friendly environment. He added that eliminating irregularities and artificial barriers in the market will help guarantee equal opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors. With the right policies, transparency, and a supportive business climate, Bangladesh could emerge as a regional investment hub.

The exhibition aims to showcase technology, products, and innovations in the HVACR and cold chain industries while fostering collaboration among investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to create new business and investment opportunities.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that rainfall caused by a western low-pressure system is continuing across the country and is expected to persist for the next five days. The agency warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions until Saturday, with possible temporary waterlogging in some areas of Sylhet. The latest forecast issued at 6 p.m. on Thursday indicated that heavy rain could continue until Monday.

According to the department, rainfall between 44 and 88 millimeters is considered heavy, while more than 88 millimeters is classified as very heavy. In the past 24 hours until Thursday evening, Dinajpur recorded 87 millimeters of rain, Feni 69 millimeters, and Dhaka only one millimeter. The low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified and remains active, extending into West Bengal and nearby regions.

Meteorologist A.K.M. Nazmul Haque stated that while rainfall will continue nationwide until Monday, heavier downpours are expected in the three northern and northeastern divisions, after which conditions may improve.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has reported that although river levels across Bangladesh have risen due to continuous heavy rainfall, there is no risk of major flooding in the coming days. Assistant Engineer Partha Pratim Barua said on Thursday evening that the situation remains under control, particularly as the haor region’s rice harvest has already been completed. The agency has now shifted its focus to monitoring river conditions nationwide.

According to the FFWC’s Thursday review, water levels increased at 72 of 127 monitored stations, decreased at 45, and remained unchanged at 8. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in Mymensingh, Rangpur, and Dhaka divisions, while moderate to heavy rain occurred in India’s Meghalaya and Sikkim regions. The Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Ganges, and Padma rivers are all flowing below danger levels and are expected to remain stable for the next five days.

The forecast also indicates that northeastern rivers such as Someshwari, Jadukata, Manu, Dhalai, and Khowai may see rising water levels over the next three days, but overall conditions are expected to stay manageable.

At a pre-budget discussion organized by the Center for Advanced Studies and Thoughts at the National Press Club, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman cautioned the current government against repeating what he described as the 'development fallacy' of the previous Sheikh Hasina administration. He criticized past mega projects such as the Padma Bridge railway line and the Karnaphuli Tunnel as wasteful and urged the government to evaluate the rate of return before any investment.

Rahman emphasized that the government should prioritize quality over the size of the budget, reduce leakages in the Annual Development Programme, and focus on inflation control, employment generation, and agricultural reform. He highlighted that inflation had exceeded nine percent and called for policies ensuring fair prices for farmers and balanced wealth distribution. Other speakers, including economist Abu Ahmed, warned that the economy faced severe challenges, citing rising debt, falling exports, and growing unemployment.

Participants stressed the need for industrialization, diversification of exports beyond garments, and reforms in education to build skilled manpower. They urged the government to ensure equitable resource distribution to improve the livelihoods of low-income groups.