Bangladesh Bank’s liquidity support to weak banks, funded by money creation, has exceeded Tk85,000 crore as of August 13, 2026, according to the report. The central bank provided nearly Tk17,000 crore more over the past three months to address severe liquidity shortages at 13 banks. Despite the support, the banks have not repaid the large outstanding loans over a long period.

The report says widespread looting at more than a dozen banks during the Awami League government left them financially weak, with some unable to return depositors’ money. In late 2022, five Shariah-based banks were allowed to conduct transactions despite negative current-account balances. When those facilities were later stopped, the banks struggled to repay customers and instability emerged at branches.

Islami Bank Bangladesh received the largest amount, Tk17,000 crore, followed by First Security Islami Bank with Tk15,810 crore and EXIM Bank with Tk12,010 crore. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson and Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan said such support should not continue, but the central bank is compelled to provide it because failure to return depositors’ funds could undermine confidence in the banking sector and deepen the crisis.

A column published by Amardesh writer Minar Rashid criticizes a possible amicable settlement with Summit concerning Bangladesh’s cancelled third floating storage and regasification unit, or FSRU, project. According to the column, the interim government finally cancelled the work order for Summit’s third FSRU project, which had been approved without tender, on January 14, 2025. Summit LNG Terminal II Co. Ltd. then filed a writ against the cancellation and sought court directions to discuss an amicable settlement.

The column says the High Court Division heard the application on July 14, 2026, granted it, and observed that the petitioner was free to discuss the matter with the other side for an amicable resolution. The writer questions the ruling’s implications and the role of state lawyers. He alleges that reliance on a small number of business groups, non-tender awards and capacity charges have raised concerns about state interests, transparency and accountability.

The writer also argues that proposals from international firms for alternative FSRU facilities and energy supplies were not properly considered during the past 17 months. He cites offers from Saudi Aramco, Oman’s OQT, Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and the UAE-linked IRH, and calls for an investigation into whether such proposals reached policy-level consideration.

Global crude oil prices declined further by late Thursday night, Bangladesh time. Brent crude fell $1.29, or 1.5%, to $87.69 a barrel by 1 a.m. West Texas Intermediate crude in the United States dropped $1.30, or 1.6%, to $81.97 a barrel, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Analysts believe the war involving the United States and Israel over Iran could reduce oil demand worldwide. Concerns over weaker demand have led to a reduction in the forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026. OPEC, the alliance of oil-producing countries, cut its projection in its monthly oil market report released on Wednesday.

Under OPEC's revised forecast, global oil demand is expected to increase by 580,000 barrels per day in 2026. However, the same conflict could create a potential oil supply crisis. Fears of major supply disruptions are limiting the scope for further declines in oil prices, as possible supply shortages continue to affect market expectations.

Bangladesh’s gas crisis has intensified, pushing pressure in the national transmission line to its lowest level and disrupting industry, households and CNG-powered transport, according to a report published on August 13, 2026. The government attributed the reduced supply to natural hazards and rough seas affecting floating LNG terminals at Maheshkhali. Residents in Dhaka and other areas reported little or no cooking gas for much of the day, while CNG vehicles faced long waits and limited refuelling.

Energy Division and Petrobangla data put daily gas demand at 400 crore cubic feet, although sector experts believe it exceeds 500 crore cubic feet. The government has capacity to supply 270 crore cubic feet to the national grid from domestic production and imports. Supply from the Excelerate-operated terminal fell from 60 crore to 28 crore cubic feet, while the Summit-operated terminal fell from 50 crore to 25 crore cubic feet, a combined reduction of 57 crore cubic feet.

Industrial operators said factories had reduced output, cut shifts or closed temporarily amid gas and power shortages. More than 100 factories in Gazipur and Narsingdi reportedly produced less than 10 percent of capacity on Tuesday and Wednesday. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said the government was working to resolve the crisis but could not specify when conditions would normalize.

Residents, civil defense workers and environmental groups have accused Israeli forces of deliberately setting fires that are damaging forests, farmland and homes in southern Lebanon. Local officials said Israeli forces fired flares into woodland outside Khiam on Tuesday, after which a fire spread. Nabatieh civil defense chief Hussein Fakih said firefighters responding to blazes had come under drone attack and were forced to withdraw for safety.

Although a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel took effect on June 17, rescue workers and video footage indicate that fires have continued in southern Lebanon. Fakih estimated that about 30 to 40 percent of land near the border and combat zones had been affected, while noting he had no precise figures. He alleged the use of incendiary bombs, small drones dispersing flammable material, white phosphorus shells and illumination flares. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment.

Kfarchouba civil defense chief Samir Hardan said permission restrictions also limited firefighting operations. Environmental advocates warned of long-term damage to biodiversity and livelihoods. Yaroun Mayor Hafez Ghasem said satellite images bought by displaced residents showed 880 of the village's 900 homes had been bulldozed, and alleged that olive and fruit orchards were also set on fire.

The Jhenaidah district administration conducted a mobile court operation against the stockpiling and sale of banned polythene in T Bazar on KPBosu Road in Jhenaidah town on Wednesday afternoon. The operation fined two traders a total of Tk2,000 and seized an estimated 32 kilograms of illegal polythene shopping bags.

Nazneen Sultana, assistant commissioner (land) of Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila and executive magistrate, led the operation. The two traders were found guilty and fined under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, according to the report.

Muntasir Rahman, assistant director of the Jhenaidah district Department of Environment, served as prosecutor during the operation. Assistant Engineer Ahsanul Kabir of the Roads and Highways Department and a team from Jhenaidah district police provided overall assistance.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said closer partnerships with US businesses and investors could significantly support Bangladesh’s economic growth, job creation, and exchanges of technology and knowledge. He made the remarks during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on August 12, 2026, with a high-level US business delegation.

The delegation, led by US-Bangladesh Business Council President Atul Keshap, held a courtesy meeting with the adviser and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. Kabir said Bangladesh is passing through an important phase of economic transformation and that new opportunities are emerging. He cited the countries’ longstanding multidimensional relationship and said expanded economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, would strengthen the partnership.

The sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, increasing economic cooperation, and using Bangladesh’s investment potential. They also exchanged views on US investment and cooperation opportunities in industry and infrastructure, energy, technology, the digital economy, healthcare, and other promising sectors. Keshap expressed interest in Bangladesh’s economic potential and investment opportunities, emphasizing wider cooperation between the two countries’ private sectors.

Bangladesh’s Dhaka Stock Exchange saw a strong early rise on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, before broad selling in the final hour pushed most share and unit prices lower. All DSE indices ended down, while trading turnover also declined compared with the previous trading day.

Nearly all issues opened higher, lifting the DSE’s main index by as much as 40 points at one stage. The market began to reverse around 12:30pm as issues moved from the gainers’ list to the losers’ list. By the close, 119 issues gained, 231 declined and 35 remained unchanged.

The DSEX fell 6 points to 5,897, while the DSE-30 dropped 4 points to 2,200 and the DSE Shariah index slipped 1 point to 1,180. DSE turnover totaled Tk1,073.73 crore, down Tk41.69 crore from the previous session. At the Chittagong Stock Exchange, the CASPI rose 37 points; 92 issues gained, 114 fell and 31 were unchanged, with turnover of Tk17.99 crore.

Salman Shah’s mother, Neela Chowdhury, has said there was no romantic relationship between the late Bangladeshi actor and his frequent co-star Shabnur. In remarks reported on August 12, 2026, she said Salman, who had no sister of his own, treated Shabnur like a younger sister and affectionately called her “Pichchi.”

Chowdhury said Shabnur relied on Salman for various needs and that he looked after her like an elder brother. She argued that people and media outlets at the time misinterpreted their close relationship and spread romance rumours. Shabnur had previously denied the claims several times, describing Salman as a respected senior co-star and elder brother, and saying the false rumours caused her mental distress during her career.

Salman acted in 27 films during his short career, with Shabnur starring opposite him in 14 of them. Their pairing began with “Tumi Amar” and later featured commercially successful films including “Sujon Sokhi” and “Anondo Oshru.” The old controversy resurfaced recently following the arrest of villain actor Don, nearly three decades after Salman’s mysterious death on September 6, 1996.

National Krishak Shakti has called for farmer interests, transparency and accountability in implementing the revised Integrated Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution Policy-2025. In a joint statement published on August 12, convenor Saeed Ujjwal and member secretary agriculturist Golam Mortuza Selis presented eight proposals to address fertilizer shortages. They called for an accessible farmer complaint system, strict penalties for overpricing, hoarding and harassment, and immediate cancellation of dealership licences when irregularities are proven.

The group said DAP fertilizer, officially priced at Tk1,050, has reportedly been sold for Tk1,700 to Tk2,200 in several areas. It demanded an investigation and action against those responsible. It also warned that dealership redistribution could create disorder in the fertilizer market and an artificial shortage during the Aman season. The organization welcomed ending multiple dealerships within one family and reorganizing dealer units in unions and municipalities, but rejected the decision to abolish sub-dealer and retail systems.

National Krishak Shakti proposed priority for interested farmers in sub-dealer appointments, incentives for organic fertilizer use and retention of all agriculture-related subsidies. It urged full digitalization of fertilizer supply, stock and sales using smart agriculture card data. The group also called for eligible existing retailers to receive priority as authorized sales representatives, while others should receive low-interest loans, training and rehabilitation support.

Japan has suspended imports of Indian mangoes after quarantine inspectors found flaws in disinfection, pesticide control and certification procedures at a vapour heat treatment centre in Rehmanpur village, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Yokohama’s plant protection authority said it would not accept Indian mango consignments carrying inspection certificates issued on or after March 25 until it is assured that procedures have improved. The report was published on August 12, 2026.

The suspension affects six mango varieties: Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, Banganapalli, Chausa and Mallika, during the key April-to-June export season. Japan imported about $1.54 million in fresh and processed mangoes from India in fiscal 2025-26. Exporter Vikram Shah and Ratnagiri farmer Rajesh Patil said access to Japan’s strict market had required years of investment, while mango prices there were roughly double local-market prices.

China cancelled import licences for three Indian rice exporters on April 17, citing the presence of genetically modified organisms in rice consignments. Hong Kong has banned some Indian spices over pesticide residues, while the European Union has increased monitoring of Indian cumin. Experts cited fragmented supply chains, weak traceability and testing shortcomings. A trade department official said steps are being taken to upgrade laboratories and strengthen oversight.

Bangladesh Bank has cancelled the remaining term of Chief Economist Dr Mohammad Akhtar Hossain’s contractual appointment, according to a notification issued Wednesday by the central bank’s Human Resources Department-1. The notification said the cancellation of his remaining contract term will take effect from September 10, 2026.

Dr Akhtar Hossain was appointed chief economist of Bangladesh Bank on a two-year contract on July 1 last year. About 10 months remained before the scheduled end of that appointment, but the central bank moved to end the contractual engagement before its completion.

As chief economist, Dr Akhtar Hossain advised the Bangladesh Bank governor and board of directors on the country’s macroeconomy, monetary policy and stability of the banking sector. The report describes the position as highly important for economic policymaking. The notification did not state a reason for cancelling the contract’s remaining term.

Eighty rural electricity cooperatives in Bangladesh have sought police protection for their offices and grid substations amid fears of attacks linked to worsening load shedding. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Association sent a letter to the inspector general of police on Wednesday, citing rising public anger over supply disruptions caused by an energy shortage and severe heat.

The association said electricity generation has been disrupted relative to demand, reducing supply nationwide, especially in rural areas served by the cooperatives. It said some substation offices had already faced attacks. Rural electricity cooperatives serve about 40 million of the country’s 52 million customers, or 80 percent, and distribute about 60 percent of generated electricity. The group stressed that the cooperatives do not generate power; they supply electricity based on allocations.

Over recent days, average demand from the cooperatives was about 8,000 to 9,000 megawatts, while average allocations were only 5,000 to 6,000 megawatts, the association said. It reported daily outages of eight, 10 or 12 hours in some places. The letter requested instructions to local law-enforcement agencies to strengthen security at every cooperative’s grid substations and offices.

The government has set new operating hours for shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh to conserve electricity and promote restrained fuel use. A directive was issued on Wednesday night by the Coordination-2 branch of the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Under the decision, the establishments may remain open from 11am until 8pm.

The previous government decision had allowed shopping malls, markets and shops to stay open until 9pm. The new directive also requires illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7pm and orders all decorative lighting to be turned off. Relevant parties were instructed to take effective measures against unnecessary lighting and wastage of electricity.

The decision applies as well to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural events in different parts of the country. Organizers have been directed to make arrangements to end such events by 8pm. Restaurants, hospitals and pharmacies are exempted from the time restriction in consideration of the public’s emergency needs and may continue their operations as required.

A severe storm on Monday night flattened most of a 30-decimal sugarcane field owned by farmer Md Jahangir Alam in Balikhara village of Burichang upazila, Cumilla. Alam said the damage has shattered his hopes of a good harvest after a year of work and borrowed investment. He fears losses exceeding Tk 100,000 after finding much of his crop lying on the ground the following morning.

Alam said he had taken loans of more than Tk 100,000 to cultivate the sugarcane, expecting crop sales to repay the debt and cover family expenses. On Tuesday afternoon, he was trying to raise the fallen stalks in his field. Local farmers Solaiman and Sohel Rana said he would face substantial losses because the crop had been planted with borrowed money, and called for government support.

Burichang Upazila Agriculture Officer Afrina Akter said officials would inspect the damaged field and assess the losses. She said the relevant authorities would be informed about providing agricultural advice and bringing the affected farmer under government assistance, depending on the situation. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir Hossain also said the administration would seek information about the farmer and try to provide necessary assistance.