Bangladesh Bank has eased the conditions for appointing senior officials from one bank to another. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, bankers can now join higher positions in other banks without passing the Banking Professional Examination. Previously, passing this exam was mandatory for such appointments.

The central bank stated that a banker holding a senior officer rank with at least 15 years of experience can now be appointed to a higher position in another bank even without the exam qualification. The decision aims to enhance the development of skilled human resources in the banking sector.

Earlier, in January of the previous year, Bangladesh Bank had made passing the Banking Professional Examination a requirement for inter-bank senior-level appointments. The new relaxation marks a reversal of that policy to facilitate greater mobility and talent utilization within the sector.

Iran’s government has approved a new plan allowing citizens to purchase essential goods on credit, according to Iranian media reports published on April 29, 2026. Under the scheme, families receiving government assistance will be able to buy basic items from shops every two months on credit, with the government acting as a guarantor for repayment. The value of purchases cannot exceed the amount of assistance each family receives. Funding for the initiative will come from private companies.

The decision comes as prices of many goods in Iran have risen sharply in recent weeks. Tehran-based newspaper Donya-e-Eqtesad has presented three possible inflation scenarios for the current year. It reported that if Iran reaches an agreement with the United States, inflation could be contained at around 49 percent. If the current “no war, no peace” situation continues, inflation may rise to 67 percent. However, if conflict intensifies, the country could face hyperinflation, with rates potentially reaching 123 percent.

The plan aims to ease short-term financial pressure on low-income families while broader economic uncertainties persist.

An unexpected nor'wester accompanied by three days of heavy rain has caused extensive crop damage in Kachua upazila of Chandpur. The storm struck on Sunday evening, uprooting trees, damaging houses, and breaking electric poles. Continuous rainfall from Monday to Wednesday submerged vast areas of ripe and half-ripe boro paddy, maize, and sesame fields, leaving farmers in deep distress during the harvest season.

Field observations showed that large tracts of farmland in Sacher Ghograr Jala, Haripur, Atmor, Joarikhol, Budhunda, Bitara, Jalabitara, and Teteya lowlands were underwater, with around 80 percent of crops submerged. Fearing further water rise, many farmers began cutting half-ripe paddy early. Farmers expressed concern over repaying debts as their crops were destroyed. Kachua Upazila Agriculture Officer Tafu Ahmed advised farmers to harvest their paddy as soon as water recedes and to reinforce maize roots with soil once fields dry.

Officials expect water levels to drop within a few days, but prolonged rainfall could worsen the situation for local farmers.

The British government has directed its refineries to produce the maximum possible amount of jet fuel as part of an emergency plan to maintain energy supply stability. The order comes as the country faces fuel shortages linked to the ongoing Iran war, according to Energy Minister Michael Shanks.

The directive aims to ensure adequate fuel availability ahead of the upcoming peak holiday travel season, when demand for aviation fuel typically rises. Airlines are already under pressure from rising fuel prices caused by the conflict. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned earlier that the jet fuel shortage would first hit Asia before spreading to Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Facing this potential global supply disruption, the UK is taking early measures to stabilize its domestic energy system and safeguard the aviation sector from further shocks.

An elderly woman was killed when a wall collapsed due to heavy rainfall in Chattogram’s Karnaphuli upazila on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the Shikalbaha area under the local police beat. The deceased was identified as Delowara Begum, 60, wife of Fazal Ahmed from the Master Hat area. She was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead after examination.

According to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital police outpost in-charge, the wall beside a road suddenly gave way following intense rainfall, trapping Delowara Begum underneath. Locals rescued her and rushed her to the hospital, but she could not survive her injuries.

The report highlights the impact of heavy rainfall in the region, which has caused structural damage and safety hazards in parts of Chattogram.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) held a seminar and competition titled “PSREF Industrial Energy Challenge: Designing a Green Transition” on April 29, 2026. The event, jointly organized by RUET’s Institute of Energy and Environment Studies (IEES) and the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), focused on sustainable energy, renewable power potential, and industrial green transformation. RUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Abdur Razzak attended as chief guest, alongside senior faculty and CPD representatives.

Speakers emphasized the importance of renewable energy research and investment for sustainable development. They discussed plans to install solar power systems on campus dormitory rooftops in collaboration with NESCO to promote green energy use. The PSREF initiative, under CPD’s Power and Energy Studies, aims to expand renewable energy adoption in the private sector through advocacy and collaboration with industry associations.

A total of 33 teams participated in the competition, with 10 reaching the final round. RUET’s “Team Everfresh” won the PSREF Innovator Award, followed by “Team Opchoy Zero” and “Team Greenery Grid.” Organizers said the initiative would raise youth awareness and foster research-driven solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Bangladesh may begin importing fertilizer from Belarus, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. He made the statement after meeting Belarus’s non-resident ambassador Mikhail Kasco at his office in the National Parliament on Wednesday. The minister noted that Belarus is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of potash fertilizer, while Bangladesh currently imports fertilizer from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other countries.

During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted Belarus’s agricultural mechanization capabilities, and the minister said Bangladesh could seek technical cooperation in that area as an agriculture-based country. The two sides also discussed law and order, defense, fertilizer imports, trade expansion, and mutual legal matters.

Ambassador Kasco emphasized the strong political and economic ties between the two nations and called for further strengthening of bilateral relations. He mentioned Belarus’s capacity in producing military equipment, including drones, and offered defense cooperation. The minister responded that Bangladesh would review the proposal before making any decision.

Widespread paddy fields in the haor areas of Kendua and Atpara in Netrokona were submerged within a short time due to continuous rainfall and sudden flooding. Many farmers tried to harvest their crops in waist-deep water but failed to save most of them. Losing their only annual harvest, they now face severe uncertainty about their livelihoods.

Local Member of Parliament Dr. Rafiqul Islam Hilali stated on Facebook that the situation has been brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. Following her directive, the Chief Secretary contacted him, and the district administration was instructed to prepare a three-month rehabilitation and assistance plan for affected farmers. However, on the ground, frustration and anger are evident among farmers who demand permanent solutions instead of temporary aid.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, about 3,100 farmers have been affected in Kendua, with 375 hectares of Boro paddy, 5.5 hectares of vegetables, 5.7 hectares of jute, and 0.45 hectares of Aman seedbeds submerged. The agriculture officer said a list of affected farmers is being prepared for future assistance through the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced a $1.5 billion aid package to support developing countries facing energy and trade disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. According to Reuters, the Vienna-based organization stated that the funds will be distributed in phases through 2028 to help nations manage rising economic pressures.

The OPEC Fund explained that the conflict has severely disrupted the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and fertilizer, driving prices sharply higher. The newly created demand-based fund aims to assist governments in covering increased costs and maintaining stable supply chains. The organization emphasized that the package will provide special protection to countries struggling with the negative global market impacts and trade stagnation resulting from the war.

The fund has previously extended financial assistance to developing nations during various global crises, continuing its role as an international development partner.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that Poland is ready to position itself as a key northern gateway for U.S. energy supplies to Central and Eastern Europe. Speaking at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Croatia on Tuesday, he said the country seeks to strengthen regional energy self-sufficiency while deepening ties with the United States, which he described as a strategic partner for Central Europe. Nawrocki also highlighted the participation of U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the summit as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation.

His remarks came amid domestic discussions following Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent comments questioning the U.S. stance on NATO’s collective defense commitments. Nawrocki indirectly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the foundation of security in NATO’s eastern flank remains the United States and that its presence should be further reinforced.

He added that the Three Seas Initiative plays a vital role in regional economic stability and called for discussions on establishing a dedicated investment bank to support the initiative’s goals.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that Bangladesh will reduce lending interest rates to single digits to foster an investment-friendly environment. Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Expo 2026 at ICCB in Dhaka, he said industries like textiles cannot sustain with current financing rates of 13–14 percent.

He highlighted that the textile and garment sector plays a vital role in economic growth through investment and employment but faces challenges from high interest rates and energy shortages. The minister detailed that the country’s gas demand is about 4,300 MMCFD, while domestic production ranges between 1,700 and 2,300 MMCFD, leaving a daily shortfall of 1,400–1,700 MMCFD even after LNG imports. To address this, new FSRU tenders will be issued soon. He also emphasized renewable energy expansion with a plan to generate 10,000 MW of solar power.

Muktadir added that business licensing and tax processes are being simplified to attract investors, reduce harassment, and expand the tax base through digital systems rather than raising tax rates.

More than half of Americans believe their financial situation is deteriorating, according to a Gallup survey released on Tuesday. The 2026 poll found that 55% of respondents said their finances had worsened, up from 53% in 2025 and 47% in 2024. Gallup described the current situation as historically poor, marking the fifth consecutive year that more Americans reported financial decline. A similar trend was last seen during the 2007–2009 global recession.

The survey also revealed that 62% of Americans are worried about having enough savings for retirement, while 60% fear they could not afford medical costs in case of serious illness or accident. Additionally, 54% expressed concern about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living. Nearly half are anxious about regular healthcare expenses, 41% about paying monthly bills, and 40% about higher education costs.

Gallup attributed these concerns mainly to inflation and rising costs of energy, housing, and healthcare. It added that college, transportation, and childcare expenses are also creating significant financial pressure for households.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie announced that the government plans to plant 2.5 billion trees over the next five years to protect coastal communities from natural disasters. The initiative aims to create a strong green belt along the coastline to mitigate the impacts of cyclones, tidal surges, and floods. The minister made the announcement while addressing a national seminar titled “If the Coast Survives, Bangladesh Survives,” organized by the Coastal Development Foundation at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

He said Bangladesh is among the six most disaster-prone regions in the world and recalled the devastating cyclone of April 29, 1991, which struck several coastal districts. The government also plans to construct sustainable embankments, establish sufficient cyclone shelters, and take coordinated measures for disaster management. Additionally, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government will revive the canal excavation program initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman, targeting 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs for excavation and re-excavation.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamal Hossain, with several members of parliament from Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram attending as special guests.

Severe river erosion has struck Babuganj upazila in Barishal even before the monsoon season has fully begun, with the Sandhya, Sugandha, and Arial Khan rivers eroding rapidly. The erosion has placed homes, farmland, educational institutions, and key infrastructure at serious risk, with the century-old Babuganj market facing the greatest threat. Areas near the Barishal airport, Bakultala station, and parts of Dakshin Bhuterdiya are also in danger.

Local residents report that river erosion has been a persistent problem for decades, swallowing hundreds of acres of farmland and displacing families. Temporary measures by the Water Development Board, such as placing sand-filled geobags, have proven inadequate. Residents are demanding a permanent solution as more homes and institutions, including Char Sadhukathi Islamia Fazil Madrasa, face imminent danger.

Barishal-3 MP Zainul Abedin stated that preventing river erosion in Babuganj is his top priority, and a Tk 550-crore project proposal to protect Babuganj and Uzirpur is awaiting approval by the Planning Commission. Officials believe the project could safeguard Babuganj market and nearby critical areas from further destruction.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a move analysts describe as a major setback for Saudi Arabia and a political gain for U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, set to take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern energy alliances.

According to the report, the UAE’s departure stems from long-standing policy differences with Saudi Arabia. While Riyadh favors production cuts to maintain high oil prices, Abu Dhabi prioritizes maximizing output and export volumes for greater profit. Energy analyst Arne Lohmann Rasmussen noted that the UAE focuses on production levels, whereas Saudi Arabia emphasizes price stability.

Analysts suggest the decision is driven more by political motives than economic ones. Ellen Wald of the Atlantic Council indicated that the UAE may be seeking to weaken OPEC, historically viewed as hostile by Trump, in exchange for U.S. security assurances against Iran. The exit of OPEC’s third-largest producer raises questions about the 65-year-old alliance’s future and signals intensifying regional competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.