Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry has entered a severe downturn since July of the current fiscal year, with exports falling steadily due to global instability and the Middle East war. According to BGMEA data, March 2026 exports dropped to USD 2.78 billion, down over 19 percent from a year earlier. The industry now faces a fourfold crisis—declining orders, surging shipping and transport costs, and worsening power shortages. BGMEA warns that if the situation persists, many factories may be forced to close.

Former BGMEA vice president Nasir Uddin Chowdhury said the Middle East conflict has intensified existing global economic disruptions, making buyers cautious and pushing Bangladesh behind China and Vietnam. Shipping costs have soared, with container rates to Europe rising from USD 1,600 to as high as USD 2,400, while Middle East-bound freight now costs up to USD 5,000 per container. Domestic transport and fuel costs have also nearly doubled, and frequent load-shedding has crippled production.

BGMEA leaders have urged the government for greater policy and financial support, including soft loans, to help sustain the sector amid prolonged global and regional instability.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said Bangladesh’s people are becoming hostage to IMF loans due to past bailout decisions made under tough conditions. Speaking at a seminar at the Economic Reporters Forum office in Dhaka’s Paltan on Saturday, he claimed the previous government concealed the true economic crisis and pursued nepotistic policies. The event focused on economic stability, fiscal capacity, and the government’s 180-day action plan.

Titumir emphasized that the current administration inherited a fragile economy, with remittance inflows sustaining growth rather than structural reforms. He outlined five pillars of the government’s manifesto, including state reform, equitable development, and institutional strengthening. He also called for better coordination between fiscal and monetary policies and expressed confidence in Bangladesh Bank’s independence. Economist Mustafizur Rahman identified three major tests for the government: managing inherited crises, maintaining policy autonomy amid IMF conditions and geopolitical pressures, and ensuring inclusive growth.

Speakers from the garment and export sectors highlighted energy shortages, inconsistent policies, and declining exports as key obstacles to investment and employment recovery.

Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has announced that the country will resume oil exports from all its fields within the next few days. Ministry spokesperson Saheb Bazoun confirmed the development in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency, stating that Iraq is in contact with major companies and tankers to finalize export agreements. He emphasized that all oil fields are ready for operation and that the ministry’s doors remain open to all companies.

Bazoun added that accelerating the export process will help bring economic stability, increase state revenue, and strengthen domestic oil production. He also noted that the move will support local demand for liquid and dry gas, ensuring continued operation of power plants.

Separately, Iraq’s Ministry of Transport reported that a large oil tanker has arrived at Basra port. This marks the first Iraqi shipment since the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, from which two million barrels of oil are expected to be loaded.

A powerful nor'wester storm struck Taraganj upazila in Rangpur on Saturday night, causing extensive damage across several unions. Beginning around 8 p.m. and lasting for three hours, the storm brought strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain that uprooted hundreds of trees and damaged numerous houses. Electricity supply was cut off in many areas, plunging residents into hardship.

According to local sources, the hardest-hit areas were Haryarkuthi, Alampur, and Kursha unions. Tin roofs were blown away, mud houses collapsed, and many families were forced to spend the night under the open sky. In Ward 8 of Kursha Union, more than 20 houses were reported destroyed. Fallen trees and branches blocked major roads, temporarily halting traffic until local residents, representatives, and administration teams began clearing operations.

Officials from Taraganj Palli Bidyut Samiti-2 confirmed that multiple power lines were severed when trees fell on them, causing widespread outages. The upazila executive officer and local representatives visited the affected areas to assess the damage.

Iran has remained largely disconnected from the global internet for nearly 50 consecutive days, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The organization stated in a post on social media platform X that the country has been effectively cut off from international networks for about seven weeks, calling the prolonged digital blackout highly unusual in the modern world.

BBC Arabic reported that the Iranian government has begun gradually easing communication restrictions, with some media outlets noting that internet services are being partially restored. After nearly 50 days of disruption, access to various Google services has resumed, though users continue to experience significant connectivity issues.

Due to limited access, many Iranians have turned to satellite-based internet options such as Starlink, which reportedly costs around six dollars per gigabyte. With the country’s average monthly income estimated between 200 and 300 dollars, the expense has become a heavy burden for ordinary citizens.

Legendary Bangladeshi actor Humayun Faridi was posthumously honored by Jahangirnagar University, his beloved alma mater, during the opening session of the three-day Jahangirnagar Film Festival 2026. The event took place at the university’s Zahir Raihan Auditorium, where the award recognized his outstanding contributions to film and performing arts.

Organized by Bangla Theatre, the festival ran from April 14 to 16 and featured film screenings, discussions, and recognition of distinguished figures in cinema. On the closing day, special honors were presented in 18 categories, including awards for Shahiduzzaman Selim, Abu Rizwan Eureka, and Avanti Sithi for their contributions to Bangladeshi film.

Faridi, who completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in economics at Jahangirnagar University, began his acting journey on this campus through theatre. His career spanned stage, television, and film, with iconic performances such as his role in the drama “Sangsaptak.” He passed away on February 13, 2012.

Five farmers were killed and at least three others injured by lightning strikes while harvesting paddy in different haor areas of Sunamganj district on Saturday. The incidents occurred across Dharmapasha, Tahirpur, Dirai, and Jamalganj upazilas. The deceased were identified as Habibur Rahman, Rahmat Ullah, Abul Kalam alias Kala Mia, Liton Mia, and Nur Jamal. Local representatives and health officials confirmed the deaths, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to local correspondents, the lightning strikes occurred during sudden storms in the afternoon. In Dharmapasha, Habibur Rahman died on the way to hospital after being struck, while 13-year-old Rahmat Ullah was pronounced dead at the local health complex. In Tahirpur, Abul Kalam died at Jamalabaj village, and another person was seriously injured. Dirai’s Liton Mia and Jamalganj’s Nur Jamal also lost their lives while working in the fields. Several others were referred to hospitals in Sylhet and Mymensingh for advanced care.

Officials confirmed the incidents and ongoing treatment of the injured. The lightning also killed two cows in Jamalganj during the same storm.

The SME Foundation and Prime Bank have signed a refinancing agreement in Dhaka to expand access to affordable loans for cottage, micro, small, and medium (CMSME) entrepreneurs. The initiative, supported by the government’s Tk 300 crore revolving fund and guided by credit wholesaling directives, aims to strengthen grassroots economic activity. Industry, Commerce, and Textile Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir attended the signing ceremony as chief guest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment for small entrepreneurs.

Under the agreement, eligible entrepreneurs will receive loans at a maximum annual interest rate of 8 percent, ranging from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 25 lakh, with a repayment period of up to four years including a six-month grace period. A significant portion of the fund is reserved for women entrepreneurs and those in specific industrial clusters. Priority will also be given to young ICT innovators, import-substitute producers, and entrepreneurs in climate-vulnerable or disadvantaged regions.

Leaders from both institutions expressed optimism about the program’s potential to enhance employment, promote eco-friendly technology, and integrate returning migrants into productive sectors, thereby strengthening Bangladesh’s CMSME sector.

KDS Group, a well-known name in Bangladesh’s construction sector, has inaugurated a new branch office of KY Two Tone in Purbachal. The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with KY Steel’s Chief Operating Officer Jabir Hossain attending as the chief guest. Other senior officials from KY Steel, including General Manager Wahid Farhad and branch in-charge Wasif Zobayer, were also present alongside company distributors and staff.

During the event, Jabir Hossain stated that the new branch would bring KY Two Tone’s services closer to customers, emphasizing modern technology, quality, and customer service. Speakers highlighted the company’s development plans, architectural solutions, and commitment to customer satisfaction. They expressed optimism that the new office would play a key role in delivering quality construction services in Purbachal and surrounding areas.

After the inauguration, guests toured the new facility and wished success for the company’s future operations.

Two farmers were killed by lightning while harvesting paddy in the haor areas of Dharmapasha upazila in Sunamganj on Saturday afternoon. The victims were identified as Habibur Rahman, 22, of Baroihati village in Paikurati Union, and Rahmat Ullah, 13, of Saraswatipur village in Joysree Union. The incidents occurred separately in different locations.

According to local reports, Habibur Rahman was harvesting boro paddy with his uncle near Chokiyachapur village in Togar Haor when a sudden storm struck around noon. He was seriously injured by lightning and died on the way to Dharmapasha Upazila Health Complex. Several others were also injured and received local treatment.

In another incident around 1 p.m. in Islampur village of Joysree Union, lightning struck again, injuring Zainal Haque, his son Rahmat Ullah, and a woman named Shikha Moni. Rahmat Ullah was declared dead at the Upazila Health Complex, while the other two were referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced care.

Popular Bangladeshi band Ashes canceled their much-anticipated concert scheduled for April 18 at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The announcement came late on April 17 through a verified Facebook post by the band’s vocalist, Junayed Evan, confirming that the event would not take place as planned.

According to Evan, organizers informed the band that they expected an overwhelming turnout that would be difficult to manage in the open venue. The limited space and potential traffic disruptions in the surrounding area also prompted administrative concerns, leading to the decision to cancel the show. In an emotional message to fans, Evan expressed regret over the cancellation and promised future performances.

Ashes have already completed 12 concerts across Bangladesh since the beginning of April. The band is also scheduled to perform in Rome, Venice, and Paris in June, according to the same report.

The government has waived loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, for nearly 1.2 million small and marginal farmers, according to Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin. He announced the decision on Saturday afternoon at a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. The briefing marked two months of the current government’s tenure and highlighted 60 major initiatives taken during this period.

At the same event, the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said the government had resolved 133 ordinances during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, setting a precedent for parliamentary democracy. Sixteen of these ordinances, including those related to the Human Rights Commission and enforced disappearance prevention, will be reintroduced as bills after further review. The spokesperson added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Additionally, the government has launched a project to excavate and re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and water bodies across the country, with work already underway in 54 districts.

The government of Bangladesh has initiated steps to sign bilateral agreements with seven European countries to explore alternative labor markets. The countries include Serbia, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Portugal, Brazil, and Russia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin at a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon. The event marked two months of the current government’s tenure and highlighted 60 major initiatives taken so far.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson, the initiative aims to increase overseas employment by exporting more skilled and semi-skilled workers. The government is emphasizing technical training and multilingual education to enhance both the quantity and quality of migration. Nationwide technical training centers and updated curricula are being prioritized to support this goal.

The spokesperson also mentioned plans to develop North Bengal as a hub for agro-processing industries and to introduce PayPal and other payment gateway services in Bangladesh, signaling broader economic and technological reforms.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Aminur Rashid Yasin said that farmers are being deprived of fair prices due to syndicates controlling agricultural inputs and markets. He stated that farmers must buy fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at high prices and that the government will take strict action against these syndicates. The minister made these remarks on Saturday, April 18, during a gathering at Harindhara in Moynamoti Union of Burichang upazila, Cumilla, after inspecting the Gomti River and Jainta Canal.

He emphasized that the government is following farmer-friendly policies, noting that about 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. He added that a strong agricultural sector ensures a stable national economy. The minister also mentioned that the government has introduced agricultural cards to provide subsidies and other benefits to farmers, initiatives taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Yasin announced that a modern vegetable storage facility will be built soon at the Nimsar vegetable market, one of the largest in the region, to help farmers preserve their produce and sell it at fair prices, thereby strengthening local agriculture.

The Ministry of Finance has issued a recruitment notice for 23 vacant posts under the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy. The positions span 11 categories across grades 11 to 20, with applications open from April 19 to May 10, 2026. Candidates must apply through the designated website before the deadline.

The available posts include Subedar, Office Assistant-cum-Computer Typist, Driver, Havildar, Nurse, Lineman Electrician, Pump Operator, Armorer, Projector Operator, Office Assistant, and Cook. Salary ranges vary from 8,250 to 30,230 taka depending on grade. The age limit for applicants is 18 to 32 years as of May 10, 2026, though for certain positions—Subedar, Havildar, and Armorer—the maximum age is 40 years.

The recruitment aims to fill essential operational and support roles within the academy, which functions under the Finance Ministry’s administrative framework. Interested candidates are required to submit applications and examination fees within the specified timeframe.