In Nabinagar of Brahmanbaria, farmers are struggling to harvest ripe Boro paddy due to a severe shortage of laborers during peak season. Despite fields being filled with golden paddy, they cannot bring the crop home as labor wages have doubled. Even the price of two maunds of paddy is not enough to hire one worker, leaving many farmers in distress as ripe paddy begins to spoil in the fields.

Local farmers report that laborers now demand between Tk 1,600 and Tk 1,800 per day, while a maund of raw paddy sells for only Tk 750 to Tk 900. The government’s fixed price for a maund of dry paddy is Tk 1,440. Rising costs of plowing, irrigation, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor have worsened the situation, while recent heavy rains have caused additional crop damage.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, Boro paddy was cultivated on 18,115 hectares this season, with 151 hectares affected by storms. Officials hope that government procurement at fixed prices will help farmers recover some losses.

Farmers in Nilphamari district are facing heavy financial losses as the market price of Irri rice has dropped sharply despite a bumper Boro harvest this season. Rising costs of fertilizer, irrigation, seeds, pesticides, and labor have increased production expenses, but rice prices have fallen to Tk 700–750 per maund from around Tk 1,000 a week earlier. Many farmers are being forced to sell at low prices to meet household needs and repay debts.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Boro rice was cultivated on 81,859 hectares in Nilphamari with a production target of 374,901 metric tons, and about 15 percent of the crop has already been harvested. Officials said favorable weather and low pest attacks contributed to good yields. However, the oversupply of rice and the delayed start of government procurement have allowed middlemen to buy at low prices, depriving farmers of fair returns.

Agricultural officials expect the situation to improve once government procurement begins. Farmers have urged authorities to ensure fair prices, accelerate procurement, and control input costs to prevent future declines in food production.

The Forest Department under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a recruitment notice to appoint 382 foresters. Applications can be submitted until June 10, 2026, either by post or directly to the designated box on the second floor (Level-1) of the Forest Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka. The position offers a salary range of 9,700 to 23,490 taka under grade-15, with an application fee of 100 taka.

Applicants must hold a Diploma in Forestry and meet physical requirements of 163 cm height and 76 cm chest measurement. The eligible age range for candidates is 18 to 32 years. Application forms are available for download from the Forest Department’s official website and must be sent to the Chief Conservator of Forests at the department’s Agargaon office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The recruitment aims to strengthen the department’s workforce in forest management and conservation activities across Bangladesh, as outlined in the official notice.

A canal excavation program was inaugurated in Patnitala upazila of Naogaon on Tuesday at 11 a.m. as part of Bangladesh’s nationwide ‘Canal Re-excavation Program’ initiated in March 2026. The program, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to enhance agricultural production, improve irrigation, and reduce waterlogging across 54 districts through the excavation of 63 canals. The Patnitala event was inaugurated by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Ara, with local officials, political representatives, and residents in attendance.

Under this project, a 1.80-kilometer canal stretching from the brickfield near Chakabdal (Kanchipukur) in Patnitala Union to the Abedia sluice gate will be re-excavated at an approved cost of 5.46 million taka, with completion expected by June 30, 2026. The initiative seeks to ensure water flow to farmland, improve monsoon drainage, and support fish cultivation and rural economic growth.

The program is modeled after the 1977 voluntary canal excavation initiative introduced by former President Ziaur Rahman and is expected to have a positive impact on rural livelihoods.

The Indian rupee fell to a historic low against the US dollar on Tuesday, pressured by sustained high crude oil prices, foreign investment withdrawals, and weak market sentiment. The currency opened trading at 95.50 per dollar, surpassing its previous record of 95.4325, and later weakened further to 95.6250. Since the start of the Iran-Israel war, the rupee has depreciated by about 5.2 percent. The Reserve Bank of India intervened in the market to stabilize the decline, but analysts noted that rising global oil prices continue to strain India’s import-dependent economy.

Brent crude prices have risen by nearly 46 percent, affecting other Asian currencies such as the Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah. So far this year, the rupee has dropped around 6.5 percent, marking the worst performance among Asian currencies. Analysts warned that a prolonged US-Iran conflict could keep oil prices high, widening India’s current account deficit and further pressuring investment inflows.

ANZ Bank revised its December forecast for the rupee from 93 to 97.5, while BMI cautioned that the currency could approach 100 if conditions worsen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce energy use, travel, and imports to conserve foreign reserves.

Observers report that the ongoing war in Iran is now directly affecting ordinary citizens’ livelihoods and the national economy. The U.S. naval blockade has disrupted import operations at Iranian ports, compounding the broader impact of the conflict. Analysts note that psychological stress, repeated clashes, and uncertainty are undermining market stability and increasing pressure on household expenses.

The conflict has also led to an attack on a major Iranian steel plant, disrupting supply chains and creating shortages in sectors such as household appliances and automobiles. As a result, prices of various goods are rising rapidly, reducing consumers’ purchasing power.

Despite these challenges, a sense of resistance and solidarity is emerging across cities, with gatherings held to express unity since the war began. Overall, the situation reflects a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, and social resilience, according to observers.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government is taking steps to strengthen Bangladesh’s stock market, investment environment, and overall financial sector. He made the remarks on Tuesday, May 12, at a hotel in Dhaka during the announcement of the inaugural fund of Bangladesh Start-up Investment Company. The minister noted that foreign investors have shown interest in entering the Bangladeshi market.

He emphasized that the government will not interfere in the financial sector and that there will be no political influence in the allocation of investments. The statement reflects the government’s intention to promote transparency and investor confidence in the country’s financial system.

The announcement comes amid broader efforts to attract foreign investment and ensure a stable financial environment, as highlighted by the minister during the event.

The Deputy Commissioner of Moulvibazar, Touhiduzzaman Pavel, visited the Kawadighi Haor area in Rajnagar upazila to assess the damage to Boro paddy crops and monitor government assistance activities for affected farmers. During the visit, he spoke directly with farmers to understand their current conditions, the extent of losses, and the type of support they require.

He also gathered farmers’ opinions on the causes of rising water levels, possible protective measures for crops, and strategies to reduce future losses. The Deputy Commissioner inquired whether all affected farmers were included in the official assistance list and advised those not listed to contact the respective Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Later, he inspected the Kashempur Pump House, which is responsible for maintaining water drainage in the haor, and instructed officials to strengthen the ongoing drainage operations.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Agricultural Extension, along with the Rajnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, were present during the inspection.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) will be transformed into an effective, modern, and sustainable institution. Speaking at the 62nd board meeting of BFTI held at the Ministry of Commerce conference room on Tuesday, he said the institute would be developed to achieve financial independence and become a self-reliant knowledge center supporting the country’s international trade capacity.

The minister emphasized that Bangladesh must enhance its preparedness to face the complexities of global trade. To support this, a permanent expert panel will be formed under BFTI to assist in WTO dispute resolution, trade policy analysis, and bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. The panel will include experienced trade experts, legal professionals, and researchers from both public and private sectors.

The meeting also recommended appointing a qualified Chief Executive Officer for BFTI and launching a postgraduate diploma program with University Grants Commission approval to develop skilled human resources in international trade, trade law, and policy research. Expanding research activities, strengthening training capacity, and building national and international research networks were also prioritized.

Bangladesh Railway has announced that all advance and return tickets for Eid-ul-Azha travel will be sold exclusively online. According to a notice issued on May 12, advance tickets for Eid journeys will be available from May 13 to May 17, while return tickets will be sold from May 21 to May 25. The tickets can only be purchased through the official Bangladesh Railway website and the 'Rail Sheba' mobile app.

The railway authority has urged passengers not to buy or sell tickets through any other individuals, organizations, or social media pages. It also warned travelers against making financial transactions outside the designated platforms, emphasizing that attempts to purchase tickets through unauthorized channels could lead to fraud.

This move aims to ensure transparency and prevent ticket-related scams during the busy Eid travel period, as the railway expects a high demand for tickets across the country.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has stated that there is no shortage in international bandwidth supply, rejecting recent media reports suggesting risks from geopolitical tensions or cable capacity issues. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the state-owned company under the Posts and Telecommunications Division said it operates two trusted submarine cable systems, SEA-ME-WE-4 and SEA-ME-WE-5, with a combined capacity of about 7,200 Gbps. Of this, 4,100 Gbps is currently supplied domestically, while 3,100 Gbps remains available for future use.

According to BSCCPLC, only 1.34 percent of total capacity passes through the Red Sea, and none through the Strait of Hormuz, making claims of potential disruptions from regional conflicts unfounded. The company clarified that SEA-ME-WE-5 still has 712 Gbps unused capacity and a lifespan until 2037, while SEA-ME-WE-4 remains operational with capacity until 2030. A new system, SEA-ME-WE-6, is under implementation and expected to add 30,000 Gbps by early 2027.

BSCCPLC assured that it is fully prepared to meet current and future bandwidth demand and urged operators and citizens not to be misled by inaccurate reports.

Bangladesh’s first institutionally managed venture capital platform has been launched jointly by 39 commercial banks. The Bangladesh Startup Investment Company PLC (BSIC) inaugurated its first fund, “Onkur Bangladesh Fund 1,” at an event in Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel. The platform begins with a committed capital of about Tk 425 crore (US$35 million). Each participating bank will contribute one percent of its annual net profit to the fund, creating a continuous capital structure. The fund will invest in seed, late-seed, and Series A stage startups.

The initiative stems from a long-term policy effort by Bangladesh Bank, which allowed banks to invest one percent of their average net profits from the past five years into the fund. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman attended the launch, emphasizing innovation, transparency, and financial inclusion. BSIC Chairman Masrur Arefin described the platform as a bridge between local trust and global venture standards.

BSIC announced plans to complete its first three investments by the end of 2026 after appointing key executives and forming an investment committee by the third quarter of the year.

US President Donald Trump will be accompanied by leading figures from the technology and business sectors during his upcoming visit to China, according to a White House official cited by Reuters. The delegation includes Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook, GE Aerospace’s Larry Culp, Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg, Meta’s Dina Powell McCormick, BlackRock’s Larry Fink, Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, and Mastercard’s Michael Miebach. Executives from Simon, Qualcomm, and Visa will also join, while Cisco’s Chuck Robbins will not attend due to business commitments. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was not invited.

The visit is expected to focus on easing trade and investment between the two countries. China may announce major purchases of Boeing aircraft, US agricultural products, and energy supplies. Sources indicate discussions are underway for a potential order of about 500 Boeing 737 Max and several dozen widebody jets, possibly the largest single aircraft deal in history.

Both sides will also discuss extending the suspension of their ongoing trade war, which could ensure continued Chinese exports of rare earth minerals to the United States. The White House said the trip will emphasize agriculture and commercial aviation as key areas of cooperation.

A resort named Mati-Ta has been built by cutting into protected hills in Bhatiari, Chattogram, allegedly destroying over five thousand trees and displacing wildlife. The resort, featuring swimming pools, artificial lakes, and multi-story buildings, is owned by Munal Mahbub and Tasnim Mahmud, daughter of former FBCCI president and Awami League-linked businessman Mahbubul Alam. Locals and environmentalists claim that the project has caused severe ecological damage and that authorities have failed to act despite legal cases filed by the Forest Department.

The Forest Department filed a case in 2021 accusing the resort of occupying 40 decimals of protected forest land and cutting 25 mature trees. Although the court accepted the charges, the resort continues to operate. Environmentalists argue that such construction violates environmental protection laws, while local residents say they have lost access to the forest and their livelihoods. The resort’s proximity to the Bangladesh Military Academy has also raised national security concerns.

Resort director Tasnim Mahmud denied all allegations, claiming the land belongs to Noorjahan Group and that a court ruling supports their ownership, though reports indicate the land was occupied before the verdict and cases remain pending.

The flood situation in Bangladesh’s northeastern haor region has improved in recent days as rainfall decreased, leading to a drop in river water levels. According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, water in two major rivers in the region has fallen below the pre-monsoon danger level over the past 24 hours. The improvement follows several days of reduced rainfall, which allowed floodwaters in low-lying areas of Netrokona, Sunamganj, and Habiganj to recede.

However, the centre warned that this improvement may be temporary. Heavy rainfall is expected after May 15, which could cause river levels to rise again and worsen flooding. The centre’s latest bulletin reported that three rivers—the Naljur in Sunamganj, the Someshwari in Netrokona, and the Mogra in Netrokona—were still flowing above the pre-monsoon danger level at three monitoring points on Monday.

Officials noted that if rainfall increases, the region will move from pre-monsoon to monsoon flood conditions, requiring updated danger level assessments.