Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller on Thursday morning at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Denmark. The minister urged greater Danish investment, highlighting Bangladesh’s investor-friendly environment, skilled workforce, large market, and strategic location. He emphasized ongoing government efforts to improve infrastructure, logistics, and business facilitation to attract foreign investors.

Muktadir invited Danish investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, expressing optimism for deeper future economic collaboration. Ambassador Møller congratulated Bangladesh’s new government and described the bilateral relationship as a successful transition from development cooperation to business partnership. He noted that Danish companies, including Marks-Bangladesh, are operating successfully and investing in renewable energy and other sectors. The ambassador reaffirmed Denmark’s support for Bangladesh’s economic and democratic reforms and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the livestock sector and developing a dairy value chain.

Commerce Ministry Secretary (routine duty) Md. Abdur Rahim Khan also attended the meeting.

A powerful storm struck Dhanbari upazila in Tangail, causing extensive damage to trees, houses, and standing crops. The storm, which hit on Sunday during the Kalbaishakhi season, left large areas waterlogged, submerging low-lying paddy fields and disrupting daily life. Several unions and municipal areas, including Bajitpur Shyamlarchar, Kathaliabari, and Balasuti, reported fallen trees and damaged homes.

Residents said the storm snapped power lines after trees fell on electric poles, leaving areas like Shyamlarchar without electricity for three days. Farmers reported that boro paddy fields were submerged, and many plants had fallen due to heavy rain and wind. They expressed concern that continued bad weather could destroy their crops before harvest and urged government assistance. One farmer noted that high cultivation costs and earlier droughts had already strained them.

According to the Dhanbari agriculture officer, boro paddy was cultivated on 10,300 hectares this season, and harvesting had begun. He said that if weather conditions improve, farmers will be able to resume harvesting soon. Power department officials confirmed that repair work is ongoing to restore electricity.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that there will be no irregularities or looting in the stock market under the BNP government. He also confirmed that political figures will not be appointed to financial institutions. The minister made these remarks on Thursday morning before the passage of the Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Act in the National Parliament.

Addressing opposition concerns about the bill, the finance minister said that since a special committee had already examined the legislation, there was no need for further scrutiny. Following his statement, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Act was passed in Parliament as recommended by the special committee.

The new law aims to strengthen oversight of Bangladesh’s capital market, protect investors’ interests, and promote the development of the securities market, according to the official proceedings described in the source.

Seven people were killed in lightning strikes across six districts of Bangladesh on Wednesday, according to local authorities. The fatalities occurred in Jamalpur, Rajbari, Rangpur, Gazipur, Mymensingh, and Shariatpur. Two young men died in separate incidents in Jamalpur’s Islampur upazila, while one person each was killed in the other five districts. In addition, ten schoolgirls were injured when lightning struck near a school in Barguna’s Bamna upazila.

In Jamalpur, the victims were identified as Sagar, 18, and Shamim, 25, who died while working and fishing respectively. Rajbari’s victim, Suman Mondal, 35, was struck while walking with his daughter, who survived with minor injuries. In Rangpur, a housewife named Sahera Begum, 40, was killed near her home. Mymensingh’s victim, Saddam Hossain, 28, died while fishing, and in Shariatpur, fisherman Rajib Sheikh, 35, was killed. Gazipur’s victim was identified as Jakir Hossain Khan, 32.

Officials confirmed each incident and reported that the Shariatpur district administration provided Tk 25,000 in government assistance to one victim’s family.

Global oil prices surged as reports emerged that the United States is preparing to impose long-term sanctions on Iran. On Wednesday, Brent crude prices exceeded 122 dollars per barrel, marking the highest level since 2022. The price later stabilized around 120 dollars after a nearly 10 percent daily increase.

The rise followed stalled ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran and the effective closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to the Wall Street Journal, former US President Donald Trump has instructed preparations to extend existing blockades on Iranian ports to increase pressure on Tehran. In response, Iran stated it would continue to obstruct shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Guardian reported that this is the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine that Brent crude has crossed the 120-dollar mark, underscoring renewed geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.

International discussion has intensified over whether the United States’ ongoing economic and naval sanctions can effectively stop Iran’s oil exports. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that despite the sanctions, no major damage has occurred to Iran’s oil fields and the country is prepared to withstand economic pressure for at least 30 more days. The US, however, maintains that its sanctions are working, arguing that if Iran cannot export oil, storage limits will eventually force production cuts.

Satellite data show that since the sanctions began on April 13, Iran’s oil storage has risen sharply. By April 20, storage tanks on Kharg Island—through which about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports pass—were 74 percent full, with an additional three million barrels added, according to the Center on Global Energy Policy. Analysts note that oil companies typically avoid filling storage beyond 80 percent for safety reasons.

Experts suggest that while the sanctions are increasing pressure, they are unlikely to halt production immediately. Instead, Iran may face a gradual slowdown leading to a prolonged economic strain.

Sumi Khatun, the eldest daughter of a struggling family, began producing vermicompost fertilizer in Mymensingh during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing her low-paying NGO job. Guided by agricultural officer Alamgir Hossain, she started with only ten rings and three kilograms of earthworms, using vegetable waste and cow dung to create organic fertilizer. Despite initial setbacks and six months without sales, she persevered and produced 15 maunds of fertilizer, later gaining market access with help from the Upazila Agriculture Officer Shakura Nambir.

Over time, Sumi expanded her farm to twelve chambers and added a nutrition garden and pineapple plantation, cultivating fruits like papaya and malta alongside companion crops such as chili, mustard, and banana. She is also an active member of Transparency International Bangladesh’s YES group and local blood donation organizations. In 2025, she survived a severe road accident that claimed two fellow activists but continued her work after recovery.

Sumi received the Joyeeta Award in 2024 at both upazila and district levels for economic self-reliance and earned regional agricultural productivity awards in 2024 and 2025. She now studies for a master’s degree at Anand Mohan College and plans to expand production and create jobs for local youth.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is facing one of its biggest crises in 65 years, with officials holding an emergency meeting at its Vienna headquarters. The group is grappling with multiple challenges, including a global energy crisis and the United Arab Emirates’ announcement to leave the organization after years of membership, raising questions about OPEC’s future stability.

The main focus of Wednesday’s meeting was OPEC’s 61st annual report, which detailed global oil import, export, and reserve data. According to the report, global oil demand, reserves, and exports all increased in 2025 compared to 2024, with Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East receiving the largest shares of exports. However, the data reflects conditions before the UAE’s withdrawal decision, which is expected to significantly affect next year’s report.

OPEC officials declined to comment on the UAE’s move or the internal situation, further highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the organization’s cohesion and direction.

Sudden heavy rainfall and flash floods from India have submerged vast areas of Boro rice fields across northeastern Bangladesh, leaving farmers in despair. The worst-hit districts include Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Mymensingh, Netrokona, and Moulvibazar, where ripe and half-ripe paddy fields are underwater. Farmers are struggling to harvest submerged crops, facing labor shortages and machinery inoperability due to flooding. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has intensified field monitoring and provided mechanical support, including dryer machines, to minimize losses.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed concern in parliament and announced three months of government assistance for affected farmers, directing local administrations to expedite relief and rehabilitation. Meteorological officials warned that rainfall may continue until May 4, increasing the risk of crop rot and further damage. Agricultural economists fear a significant production shortfall this year, potentially up to 10 percent, as Boro rice accounts for over half of the nation’s rice output.

Experts urged coordinated action among government agencies to mitigate the crisis, emphasizing urgent harvesting and price support to prevent long-term agricultural setbacks.

Heavy and continuous rainfall combined with upstream hill torrents has severely disrupted life in Habiganj’s haor region. Over the past few days, vast areas have gone underwater, destroying the district’s only boro crop. On Wednesday, April 29, water from the Khoai River entered the haor after an embankment broke at Dattagaon in Sujatpur under Baniachong upazila, flooding hundreds of acres of farmland within moments.

According to the district agriculture officer, around 5,000 hectares of paddy fields are now submerged, with about 30 percent of the crop still unharvested. If the weather does not improve within 24 hours, the remaining paddy may also be lost. The Water Development Board reported 110 millimeters of rainfall in the last 24 hours and said vulnerable embankments are being monitored.

Farmers in Baniachong, Ajmiriganj, and Lakhai upazilas are harvesting paddy in waist- to chest-deep water using small boats. Many are suffering from skin diseases due to prolonged exposure to water, and they complain that the agricultural warning came too late to prepare.

A severe nor'wester storm struck Char Zahir Uddin in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola on Tuesday afternoon, causing extensive damage to the 63 No. Mariam Government Primary School. The storm blew away the school’s tin roof and destroyed classroom furniture, leaving the building in disarray. No casualties were reported as students had been dismissed early when the sky darkened.

Local residents urged immediate repairs to resume classes, emphasizing the disruption to the learning environment. Headteacher Abul Kashem confirmed that the furniture inside was badly damaged but said timely evacuation prevented injuries. School authorities warned that without quick restoration, continuing educational activities would be difficult.

Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Riaz Alam stated that photos and details of the damage would be sent to higher authorities for emergency funding. He added that once funds are allocated, repairs will begin promptly to restore normal schooling conditions.

International oil prices rose sharply after the United States decided to extend sanctions on Iran’s ports, raising concerns about prolonged supply disruptions from the Middle East’s key energy-producing region. According to the Wall Street Journal, Brent crude prices climbed 3 percent on Wednesday, reaching their highest level in a month.

The report said President Donald Trump instructed his aides on Tuesday to prepare for extending the sanctions, aiming to maintain pressure on Iran’s economy and oil exports by keeping its ports closed to shipping. Despite a temporary ceasefire between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, the conflict remains unresolved. Brent crude futures for June rose by $3.33, or 3 percent, to $114.59 per barrel, while July contracts increased 2.9 percent to $107.43. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for June climbed 3.6 percent to $103.48 per barrel, the highest since April 13.

Analysts noted that the Hormuz Strait blockade is the main driver of the price surge. Investors are also assessing the impact of the United Arab Emirates’ sudden exit from OPEC, though experts expect limited short-term effects.

A severe nor'wester accompanied by hail and lightning struck Matlab North in Chandpur on Sunday night, damaging around 445 hectares of farmland, according to preliminary data from the Upazila Agriculture Office. The affected crops include boro paddy, maize, jute, sesame, mung beans, and summer vegetables. The storm followed several days of intense heat, bringing temporary relief but leaving farmers worried about extensive crop losses.

Field visits on Monday revealed that many paddy fields under the Meghna-Dhonagoda irrigation project were ready for harvest, with some farmers already cutting their crops. However, the hailstorm flattened many fields and uprooted trees, disrupting road traffic and electricity supply in several areas. Farmers reported significant damage to ripe paddy, maize, jute, and vegetables, raising concerns about financial losses.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Faisal Mohammad Ali said officials are assessing the exact extent of the damage. Farmers have been advised to move harvested paddy to safe locations and take protective measures for remaining crops.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has issued a new directive requiring all bank chairmen, managing directors, and directors to sign written pledges against corruption, bribery, money laundering, and fraud. The instruction, sent through an internal letter to banks, mandates that these signed declarations be displayed prominently in office spaces. The BFIU has also provided a fixed format for the pledge.

According to the directive, the move follows concerns over weak corporate governance, loan management, and risk control in recent years, with widespread loan frauds reported in the banking sector. The initiative aims to strengthen ethical standards, accountability, transparency, and anti–money laundering measures across financial institutions.

The BFIU further stated that the pledge and declaration will be required for every new or reappointed chairman, director, or managing director. Customers who face bribery, corruption, or harassment while seeking banking services will be able to report directly to the BFIU.

Europe experienced one of its warmest years in history in 2025, according to a report released Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and European Union scientists. The report highlighted widespread heatwaves, record wildfires, glacier melt, and drought across the continent. WMO data indicated that including Greenland and the Caucasus, 2025 was Europe’s hottest year on record, while Copernicus data ranked it second or third when those regions were excluded.

Nearly 99 percent of Europe recorded above-average temperatures, marking the first time almost the entire continent exceeded normal levels. The WMO warned that a powerful El Niño could form by the end of the current year, potentially raising global temperatures through 2027. The UK Met Office suggested this event might evolve into a “super El Niño,” possibly the strongest of the century.

The report also noted unprecedented wildfire damage, record sea surface temperatures for the fourth consecutive year, and alarming glacier loss. Experts said Europe is warming about twice as fast as other continents, urging immediate large-scale climate action.