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.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on three individuals and nine companies accused of helping Iran illegally supply oil to China. The U.S. Treasury Department announced the measures on Monday, targeting entities in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Officials said the sanctions focus on those assisting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in disguising oil sales and shipping operations to China. The move follows earlier sanctions issued last Friday against individuals and firms accused of aiding Iran’s drone and ballistic missile programs.

The sanctioned companies include Hong Kong Blue Ocean Limited, Hong Kong Sunmu Limited, Jiandi HK Limited, Max Honor International Trade Company, Dubai-based Ocean Allianz Shipping, Sharjah-based Atique Energy, and Oman’s Zeus Logistic Group. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated that the U.S. will continue using sanctions to curb Iran’s weapons development, nuclear activities, and funding of regional proxy groups. The State Department also announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the disruption of the IRGC’s financial network.

The action comes just days before a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Iran-related issues are expected to be discussed.

The United States government has announced a major step to stabilize the global energy market amid disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel war and a worldwide supply crisis. As part of an international agreement to control market volatility, the Trump administration is lending 50.33 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to several companies, according to a Reuters report.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) stated that the oil will be supplied to nine major energy firms, including ExxonMobil, Trafigura, and Marathon Petroleum. Last month, the DOE had announced the release of 92.5 million barrels, though companies accepted only 58 percent of that allocation. The current loan is part of a broader DOE plan to release 172 million barrels to address the global oil shortage.

The initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of the Iran-Israel conflict on global oil prices and ensure market stability through coordinated international measures.

The United States’ ‘Gold Card’ program, launched by President Donald Trump to offer rapid permanent residency for a $1 million fee, is struggling to attract wealthy applicants. According to a CNBC report, the initiative, introduced in December last year, promised record-time residency approvals but has failed to deliver. Court filings reveal that despite the high cost, applicants are not guaranteed faster visa processing, undermining the program’s main appeal.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security show that only 338 people have applied so far, with just 165 paying the $15,000 initial fee. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had earlier projected 80,000 cards and over $100 billion in revenue. Legal experts note that the program’s shaky legal basis—launched by executive order without congressional approval—has led to court challenges. Critics argue it undermines existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories.

Immigration consultants say the lack of expedited processing and non-refundable payment make the Gold Card unattractive compared to the EB-5 program, which allows investment-based green cards with potential returns. Despite global demand for relocation among millionaires, the program has yet to gain traction.

In an unprecedented climate event, all of the world’s top 50 hottest cities were recorded in India on April 27, according to data from air quality monitoring agency AQI. The agency reported that this was the first time in modern history such a concentration of extreme heat occurred in one country. The ranking was based on 24-hour temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity data, showing an average high of 112.5°F (44.7°C) across the cities. Banda in Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 115.16°F (46.2°C), the highest temperature on Earth that day.

Climate historian Maximiliano Herrera described the heatwave as one of the harshest Aprils on record, breaking hundreds of temperature records. Experts warned that rising heat levels could exceed human survivability thresholds by 2050, straining India’s agriculture, economy, and health systems. Outdoor workers, children, and the elderly face the greatest health risks.

The heatwave coincides with an energy shortage worsened by reduced oil supply due to the Iran conflict. The Indian Meteorological Department cautioned that above-normal temperatures may persist, while El Niño conditions could reduce monsoon rainfall, threatening agriculture and water resources.

Bangladesh Bank’s Human Resources Department has replaced Salah Uddin, the administrator of Social Islami Bank Limited (SIBL), and his associate Rashedul Islam, despite the bank being under a merger process. Executive Director Abul Basar has been appointed as the new administrator. According to regulations, the appointment and removal of administrators fall under the jurisdiction of the Bank Resolution Department (BRD), not the HR department. The move has reportedly sparked strong reactions among central bank officials.

Salah Uddin was appointed as SIBL’s administrator by the BRD in November of the previous year, along with four associates. Officials allege that the replacement occurred without cause and under the direction of a deputy governor and an executive director. The Bank Resolution Act 2026 stipulates that all activities of a troubled bank under resolution must be overseen by the BRD, which holds exclusive authority over administrator appointments and removals.

Some officials argue that bypassing the BRD undermines the legal framework and could jeopardize the ongoing merger process. However, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that the transfer was part of a routine internal process under the governor’s authority.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government has adopted a plan to allocate 5 percent of Bangladesh’s GDP to the health and education sectors within the next five years. He made the statement on Monday in Dhaka’s Banani area while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Economic Future Amid Global Instability.” The minister said the increased allocation aims to strengthen human resource development and build a skilled workforce.

He noted that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio, once above 11 to 12 percent, has now fallen below 7 percent, making it difficult to implement development projects and ensure social protection. To address this, a new committee has been formed to make the National Board of Revenue’s reform process more effective and modernize the revenue structure.

The minister added that most remittance inflows come from unskilled workers and that improving their skills could raise remittances above 50 billion dollars. He also said the government is working to ensure internationally recognized training and create new employment opportunities within two years.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, announced that the government plans to produce 5,000 megawatts of electricity from solar energy within the next five years. He made the statement at a seminar marking the 78th founding anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka. The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman raised the issue of solar power in his second cabinet meeting and sought a detailed plan to expand generation.

Mahmud criticized the previous government for keeping the power sector import-dependent, which left a financial burden of Tk 56,000 crore. He outlined plans to install rooftop solar panels across Dhaka and other areas through private investment, suggesting tax exemptions and incentives to encourage participation. He also proposed using unused government land for solar installations.

At the seminar, BUET professor Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman Khan presented a roadmap targeting 30 percent renewable energy by 2030, emphasizing the need for strong grid systems, tariff reforms, and policy support. The paper highlighted challenges such as land scarcity, high import duties, and bureaucratic delays that hinder solar expansion.

India’s financial markets faced a sharp downturn on Monday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce energy consumption, limit non-essential imports, and cut gold purchases. Following his remarks, the rupee fell steeply against the US dollar, reaching 95.31 per dollar, one of its largest single-day declines. The NSE Nifty-50 index dropped 1.5 percent to 23,815 points, while the BSE Sensex lost 1,276 points to close at 76,015.

Analysts attributed the pressure to rising global crude oil prices, which have strained India’s foreign exchange reserves. Brent crude climbed to 104 dollars per barrel after US President Donald Trump rejected a peace proposal from Iran. Market analyst Arun Kejriwal said Modi’s comments triggered immediate investor concern, warning that sustained high oil prices could prolong market stress.

Most sectors saw losses, particularly small- and mid-cap stocks. Shares of state-run oil firms and major companies like Reliance Industries fell sharply, while travel, hospitality, and jewelry sectors also declined. However, Hyundai Motor India and agrochemical firm UPL recorded gains amid the broader slump.