Gold prices in Bangladesh have increased again, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announcing a new rate effective from 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The price of 22-carat gold has been raised by 2,216 taka per bhori, bringing it to 250,193 taka. The adjustment was made due to higher prices of refined gold in the local market, according to a BAJUS statement signed by committee chairman Dr. Dewan Aminul Islam Shahin.

The new price list also sets 21-carat gold at 238,820 taka per bhori after a 2,099 taka increase, 18-carat gold at 204,703 taka after a 1,808 taka rise, and traditional gold at 166,737 taka following a 1,448 taka increase. The decision was taken at a meeting of the BAJUS Pricing and Price Monitoring Standing Committee.

Just six days earlier, on April 9, gold prices had been reduced by 4,432 taka per bhori for 22-carat gold. Silver prices have also been raised, with 22-carat silver now priced at 6,065 taka per bhori, up by 350 taka.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is undergoing a severe crisis marked by soaring non-performing loans, deepening capital shortfalls, and reduced private investment due to heavy government borrowing. As of September 2025, non-performing loans reached 35.73 percent, while banks faced a provisioning gap of over Tk 1 trillion in 2024. The World Bank estimates that recapitalizing the sector would require 10 percent of GDP, or about Tk 5.5–6 trillion. Government borrowing from banks tripled between December 2020 and December 2025, reaching Tk 5.99 trillion, pushing private sector credit growth down to 6.03 percent in January 2026.

The article argues that this is not merely a banking crisis but a national economic priority requiring immediate policy action. It calls for asset recovery mechanisms, legal reforms, recapitalization with strict accountability, tax incentives for transparency, and modernization of collateral systems. It also recommends reducing government borrowing from banks, improving tax collection through digital integration, and promoting a cashless economy.

The author stresses that the success of these measures depends on ensuring the effective independence of Bangladesh Bank to restore public confidence in the financial system.

Two fuel tankers carrying a total of about 68,000 tons of diesel have anchored at the outer mooring of Chattogram port. The vessels, MT Torm Damini supplied by Unipac Singapore with 33,000 tons and MT Lucia Solis from Vitol Asia with 35,000 tons, arrived late on Tuesday night, April 14.

According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the country currently sells over 11,000 tons of diesel daily. As of April 12, the available stock was 119,000 tons, enough to meet around ten days of demand. The new shipments are expected to extend reserves by another four to five days.

BPC Chairman Rezanur Rahman stated that several vessels have already arrived and more are expected soon. He added that, alongside contracted suppliers, efforts are underway to import fuel from alternative sources, ensuring no supply shortage is anticipated this month.

The Bangladesh government has issued new directives to reduce fuel consumption by shifting official meetings, workshops, and training sessions to virtual platforms. The Cabinet Division recently sent letters to the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, all senior secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and upazila executive officers instructing them to avoid in-person meetings unless absolutely necessary.

According to the directive, participants from field levels must join ministry or departmental programs through virtual means. For divisional programs, district-level participants will attend online, while for district-level programs, upazila participants will connect virtually. The government emphasized that these measures aim to ensure uninterrupted and efficient administrative operations while conserving fuel in light of the global energy situation.

The instruction will remain in effect until further notice, and all concerned authorities have been asked to ensure full compliance and take necessary actions to implement the directive.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that new talks with Iran could begin in Pakistan within two days, aiming to ease ongoing tensions between the two countries. The announcement coincided with a continued decline in the U.S. dollar, which fell for the seventh consecutive day in global markets. At the end of trading on April 14, the dollar index dropped 0.26 percent to 98.8 points, its lowest level since March 2.

The dollar’s decline was further supported by lower-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which reassured investors and reduced pressure on the currency. Market analyst Karl Schamotta noted that the Trump administration appeared to be seeking an honorable exit from the conflict, raising the possibility of a symbolic agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt attacks.

Analysts said investors are now watching diplomatic developments in Pakistan and the Middle East. If a lasting ceasefire or peace deal is achieved, the dollar could fall further to pre-conflict levels.

Allegations have surfaced that a multi-storey building is being constructed illegally on reserved forest land in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar. According to local sources, the construction is taking place at Swarnapahar in Kutupalong East Para under Rajapalong Union. The sons of the late Ilyas, known locally as Rohingya Ilyas, are accused of occupying forest department land and building a five-storey structure, with three floors already completed.

Residents claim that an influential group has long been encroaching on forest areas to build various structures, causing environmental damage. Environmentalist and journalist Jasim Azad stated that forest encroachment, hill cutting, and illegal construction are increasing across the upazila, urging urgent action to protect the environment. Under the Forest Act of 1927, such encroachment and construction are punishable offenses, and the Environment Act of 1995 also provides penalties for environmental harm.

Forest department officials said about five acres of forest land were recently recovered, and regular drives are ongoing. Ukhiya Range Officer Mohammad Shahinur Islam confirmed that legal action is being prepared against the accused and that necessary measures will be taken promptly.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel could bring the global economy dangerously close to recession if the war continues and energy prices remain high. In its World Economic Outlook report released in Washington on April 15, 2026, the IMF projected that global growth could fall below 2 percent in 2026, a level seen only four times since 1980. The report noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war had driven up fuel prices, and a failed peace effort in Pakistan has prolonged the crisis.

The IMF said that if oil prices average 110 dollars per barrel this year and rise to 125 dollars by 2027, global growth will slow further, with inflation possibly reaching 6 percent. Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas stated that such conditions would feel like a recession for most people, with rising unemployment and food insecurity in some countries. The report also warned that the UK would be among the hardest hit developed economies, while Iran, Iraq, and Qatar could see sharp contractions this year.

If the conflict eases within weeks and energy exports normalize by midyear, global growth could recover to 3.1 percent in 2026, though still below earlier forecasts.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has warned that escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could have lasting effects on global energy supplies and supply chains. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, he said instability in global energy and raw material markets is now inevitable and likely to persist for an extended period.

Lee emphasized that the current situation will continue to cause disruptions in global energy and raw material supply chains and maintain high oil prices. He called for the rapid development of alternative supply routes and structural changes in the industrial sector to mitigate the impact.

The president further stated that building alternative supply chains, pursuing medium- and long-term industrial restructuring, and transitioning toward a post-plastic economy should be treated as national strategic priorities.

Russia’s oil export revenue nearly doubled in March as Western sanctions were partially eased during the ongoing war between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that Russia earned about 19 billion dollars from oil exports last month, compared to significantly lower earnings in February.

According to the IEA, Russia’s crude and refined oil exports rose from 3.2 million barrels per day in February to 7.1 million barrels per day in March. The United States relaxed some restrictions originally imposed due to the Ukraine war, allowing countries to purchase oil from floating tankers until April 11. This temporary relaxation contributed to the sharp increase in Russia’s export income.

The report indicates that the combination of high global fuel prices and limited sanctions enforcement has boosted Russia’s oil revenue despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

A steel Bailey bridge on the Sunamganj–Jagannathpur–Aushkandi–Dhaka regional highway collapsed again on Tuesday morning, April 14, 2026, when a freight truck was crossing it. Two steel planks in the middle section gave way, forcing authorities to suspend all passenger and heavy vehicle movement toward the capital. Only light vehicles such as CNG-run auto-rickshaws and motorcycles are moving cautiously, while fear and frustration spread among commuters.

Residents said the bridge has collapsed multiple times in recent years, including a fatal incident in August 2024 when a cement-laden truck plunged into the river, killing two people. Despite a strict ban by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) on vehicles carrying more than ten tons, overloaded trucks continue to use the bridge. Locals blame this disregard for safety rules for repeated accidents and fear more casualties if the bridge remains in use.

Although a permanent RCC bridge was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in September 2023, no visible construction has begun. The local RHD executive engineer said repair work on the planks is underway and traffic is expected to resume by evening, while the permanent bridge project remains in process.

Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad stated that the country’s oil sales during March and April were satisfactory, according to a report by Iran’s Fars News Agency. The minister emphasized that part of the oil revenue should be used to rebuild the oil industry, which has been damaged by the ongoing war.

Earlier, Paknejad had mentioned that the price of Iran’s crude oil had risen significantly in the previous month. The report did not specify the volume of oil sold or the exact reasons behind the increase in sales performance.

The statement comes as Iran continues to face economic and industrial challenges linked to the conflict, with the government focusing on recovery and stabilization of its energy sector.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid Yasin stated that the newly introduced 'Farmer Card' will make the agricultural sector stronger and that future farming will be a respected profession. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon during the inauguration ceremony of the 'Farmer Card' program held at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, coinciding with the celebration of Pahela Baishakh.

According to the minister, about seventy percent of the country's population is involved in agriculture, and national economic progress depends on improving the livelihoods of farmers. Before his speech, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman handed over the 'Farmer Card' to local cultivators in Tangail, marking the official start of the program and the distribution of incentive funds to farmers.

The initiative also includes plans to establish factories in agriculture-dependent areas, with the belief that a prosperous farming community will ensure Bangladesh’s overall well-being.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Farmer Card' program on April 14, 2026, at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative to distribute 27.5 million cards over the next five years. The launch coincided with Pahela Baishakh celebrations, highlighting the connection between the festival and the country’s agricultural roots.

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that the well-being of Bangladesh depends on the prosperity of its farmers. He stated that the government is engaging with agricultural traders to ensure better prices for farmers and that both domestic and foreign investors have shown interest in building cold storage facilities. The initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The distribution began with over 20,000 farmers receiving cards as part of a pre-piloting phase, fulfilling one of the government’s key electoral pledges. The Prime Minister described the effort as part of the broader goal of national reconstruction and development through public participation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Krishok Card' program in Tangail on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, coinciding with Pahela Baishakh. The launch took place at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar upazila, where the Prime Minister handed over the cards to farmers, marking the official start of the initiative. The event was attended by his adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. During the visit, the Prime Minister was also scheduled to pay respects at the mausoleum of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

The 'Krishok Card' is one of the major election pledges of the BNP government, following earlier implementations of the Family Card, Sports Card, and canal excavation programs. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid stated that the pre-piloting phase will begin in 11 agricultural blocks across the country, benefiting 20,671 landless, marginal, and small farmers. Each cardholder will receive an annual cash benefit of 2,500 taka.

The initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure financial support for small-scale farmers, aligning with the government’s broader agricultural development agenda.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has indicated that global oil prices could reach their highest levels in the coming weeks due to ongoing disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the ‘Semaphore World Economy’ conference in Washington, D.C., Wright said fuel prices will remain high until meaningful maritime traffic resumes through the key waterway, adding that prices could rise even further before stabilizing.

Wright explained that oil prices may begin to decline once the United States-Iran conflict ends and energy supplies return to normal. However, he cautioned that this process will take time and may not occur until around September. His remarks highlight the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical tensions and supply chain interruptions in critical maritime routes.

The statement underscores the potential for short-term volatility in global fuel markets as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to constrain supply routes vital to international trade.