The 24-Hour CNG Gas Supply Implementation Unity Council has issued five demands, including keeping all CNG filling stations open around the clock and ensuring uninterrupted gas supply. The demands were announced at a Tuesday press conference at the National Press Club, where the group also called for an end to illegal gas supply to covered vans and trucks carrying cascade cylinders.

Member secretary Md Golam Faruk said official Energy and Mineral Resources Division data show daily gas demand of 3,800 million cubic feet against supply of 2,700 to 2,800 million cubic feet. He said damage to the Maheshkhali LNG terminal has worsened the shortage, affecting CNG-powered transport. He also said the sector faces about Tk125 crore in daily economic losses and nearly 90 million wasted work hours.

The council sought dedicated gas lines for filling stations, supply of vehicle-allocated gas only to legal CNG vehicles, and regular monitoring and mobile courts to prevent irregularities. It plans a roundtable at Dhaka Reporters Unity on August 16, followed by a gathering outside the National Press Club and submission of a memorandum to the ministry on August 24.

Corporate clients of Islami Bank Bangladesh have alleged that major business decisions are slowing because the bank lacks a full board, chairman and regular managing director. After its board was dissolved, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Mohammad Zahir Hossain was assigned responsibility for the bank’s board. The August 4 report said delays have affected import letters of credit, loan renewals and working-capital approvals for businesses.

The bank still handles salary payments for workers at several hundred garment factories and other industrial companies. One industrial entrepreneur said four of his garment factories, employing more than 4,000 workers, use Islami Bank for salary payments and letters of credit but have recently not received needed support. Corporate clients said approvals for large loans, letters of credit and important financial decisions have become more complicated without full leadership.

Hossain rejected the complaints, saying necessary and important decisions are being taken and reasonable applications are approved. Bank officials said routine banking operations continue under the one-member board, although central-bank liquidity support cannot be used for new investment or working capital. Bangladesh Bank said work to form a new board is at a final stage, pending screening and selection of qualified, acceptable individuals.

Bangladesh is facing a severe gas shortfall that is disrupting industrial production and cutting output from gas-fired power plants to less than half of capacity, according to a report published on August 4, 2026. Petrobangla sources said daily demand exceeds 3.8 billion cubic feet, while combined domestic production and imports can supply no more than 2.65 billion cubic feet, leaving a daily deficit of 1.15 billion cubic feet.

Titas officials said technical faults at the Maheshkhali LNG terminal have reduced gas delivery to the national grid by about 450 million cubic feet a day. Supply from two floating LNG terminals has fallen by around half since a mechanical problem emerged on July 21. BGMEA leaders said garment factories' production capacity has declined by an average of 25 to 30 percent, while factory owners reported shutdowns for more than half the day and pressure to lay off workers.

The government is discussing LNG imports from Malaysia and pipeline gas imports from Myanmar as alternatives. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said efforts to raise domestic gas production may take another three to four years to yield results. The Power Development Board said gas-based plants capable of producing 8,000 to 10,000 megawatts generated 3,500 megawatts the previous day.

Bangladesh has retained its position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter for a fifth consecutive year, according to the WTO’s World Trade Statistical Review 2025. The report, published on August 4, 2026, said China remained the leading exporter despite a slight decline in global apparel exports. Vietnam ranked third, followed by India in fourth and Turkey in fifth place.

Bangladesh exported $38.82 billion in ready-made garments last year, about $2 billion more than nearest competitor Vietnam. Vietnam had overtaken Bangladesh for second place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but Bangladesh regained the position in 2021. Vietnam remained third in apparel exports in 2024 and held the same ranking in 2025.

Bangladesh’s share of the global apparel export market fell to 6.76 percent in 2025 from 7 percent a year earlier, marking a second consecutive annual decline. Its share was 6.68 percent in 2023 and reached a high of 7.91 percent in 2022. Vietnam’s share rose to 6.53 percent in 2025, from 6.17 percent in 2024 and 5.81 percent in 2023.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman urged citizens to submit detailed written complaints to relevant authorities rather than make broad allegations over excessive electricity and fuel bills. He made the appeal at a weekly briefing held Tuesday afternoon at the Department of Information conference room in the Secretariat. He said people with concerns about overbilling should first notify the nearest relevant authority in writing.

Rahman said complainants should also report specifically if an authority refuses to accept their submission or if they do not receive redress. He said similar complaints had been received previously, verified, and followed by necessary action. He stressed that citizens should clearly identify where a problem occurred and what type of problem they experienced.

The adviser said he had discussed the issue with the energy minister and that the Energy Ministry was interested in examining overbilling complaints seriously. He added that people may inform the authorities if they fail to lodge a complaint or if the relevant office declines to receive it. Rahman expressed hope that specific complaints would be verified and addressed through necessary measures.

Chattogram Development Authority is preparing a new 25-year masterplan after about 80 percent of the city’s two previous plans remained unimplemented, according to the report published on August 4, 2026. CDA said 87 percent of work on the project had been completed. The proposal would combine the city’s 41 wards with five municipalities, two upazilas and parts of six other upazilas.

The 1961 and 1995 plans called for protecting hills, farmland, water bodies and green areas, while building roads, bus terminals and railway overbridges. Research and environmental groups cited in the report say about 120 hills have disappeared over three decades and 23,000 ponds have been lost in the past two decades. At least 500 buildings have been constructed over canals, the report said.

The plan is budgeted at Tk35.88 crore and proposes 276 projects across 19 sectors. It includes conservation of hills, water bodies and the Karnaphuli River, alongside a “One City Two Town” concept to reduce pressure on the city. Urban experts called for legal reforms, increased CDA staffing and coordination among agencies. CDA Chairman Belayet Hossain said all would be required to follow building laws and agencies would work in coordination.

Saudi Arabia’s state oil company Saudi Aramco reported a 44% rise in profit in the second quarter of the year despite instability in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. In the three months from April to June, Aramco recorded net profit of $32.69 billion, according to information published on August 4. Higher prices for crude oil, refined fuels and chemical products played a major role in the profit increase.

Saudi Arabia’s oil-sector activity, however, declined during the same period. Official statistics showed the country’s oil-sector activity fell 24.7% in the second quarter compared with the same period a year earlier. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s real gross domestic product declined 4.8% in the second quarter.

The profit disclosure came as oil production and transport were being disrupted after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and energy infrastructure in the Gulf region was attacked. Yemen’s Houthi group also declared a blockade against Saudi Arabia in Bab al-Mandab, creating limits on use of the Saudi east-west pipeline extending to the Red Sea. Instability along both waterways has added pressure to global energy supplies.

Severe electricity load-shedding is disrupting rural life and industrial production across Bangladesh, according to a report published on August 4, 2026. Residents in Rajbari, Baraigram in Natore, Rupsa in Khulna, Kathalia in Jhalakathi and Chitalmari in Bagerhat reported frequent and prolonged outages amid intense heat. The disruptions have affected routine household activities, education, commerce and public office operations.

In Rajbari, businesses, courts and offices, and students’ studies have been badly affected, while small industries, shops and irrigation-dependent farming face losses. Baraigram residents alleged 15 to 16 hours of outages over a day and night, affecting poultry operators, fish farmers, vehicle drivers and factory owners. In Rupsa, customers said power is cut four to five times during the day and for long periods at night.

Kathalia electricity officials said national-grid shortages prevent supply from meeting demand: local demand is about 3.8 megawatts while allocation is 1.5 to 2 megawatts. In Chitalmari, the local zonal office said around 43,000 customers require 10 megawatts, but receive five to six megawatts over 24 hours. Residents have called for prompt action to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Severe flooding in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram has caused extensive damage to vegetables and other crops, affecting 27,000 farmers, the report said. Crops on 3,446.5 hectares of land were submerged by hill runoff and tidal water from the sea. The report was published on August 4, 2026.

Most vegetable fields were inundated in Pui Chhari, Napora, Shekherkhil, Chambal, Jaldi, Bailchhari, Gandamara, Baraghona, Saral, Katharia, Baharchhara, Pukuria and Sadhanpur, reducing production. A significant share of vegetables sold in Chattogram markets comes from Banshkhali. Helal, a vegetable grower from East Pui Chhari, said most of his bitter gourd field was destroyed, while the remaining produce was selling for Tk100 per kilogram.

Local prices have risen sharply, with bitter gourd, tomatoes, yardlong beans and okra selling for Tk120 to Tk160 per kilogram, while green chilies cost Tk200. Most vegetables had sold for Tk10 to Tk15 per kilogram only days before the flood. Agriculture officer Shyamal Chandra Sarkar put official agricultural losses at about Tk55 crore. Farmers say actual losses exceed Tk100 crore and seek aid and quickly available loans on easy terms.

A leak has developed in a main Titas Gas transmission pipeline running beneath the Arial Kha River in Kazirchar village of Masua Union, Katiadi upazila, Kishoreganj. The report, published on August 4, said gas has been escaping at high pressure for a prolonged period and has not yet been fully controlled. Continuous bubbles are visible on the river surface and a strong gas smell is spreading through the air, causing concern and fear among riverside residents.

Residents alleged that the pipeline was damaged during an attempt to obtain an illegal gas connection for a lime-making factory beside the river, though the allegation has not been confirmed by investigation. The pipeline was installed about three decades ago to supply gas from Narsingdi to Kishoreganj. A hole recently formed at one of its welding joints, allowing gas to escape. The factory was closed after the allegations emerged, while its owner and workers could not be found.

Repair supervisor Noman Mia said the large hole at the welding section has made repairs difficult, with 20 to 25 workers working continuously for several weeks. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamima Afroze Marliz visited the site and said the factory’s legal documents would be checked and the cause investigated. Locals demanded prompt repairs, an impartial inquiry and legal action against those involved.

Oil prices rose again on Tuesday as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran reduced hopes for a swift diplomatic resolution. Brent crude futures gained 62 cents, or 0.7 percent, to reach $84.39 a barrel. The report said the worsening tensions were contributing to uncertainty in the oil market.

US West Texas Intermediate crude also increased, rising 61 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $80.95 a barrel. The market response was linked to the lower prospect of a rapid diplomatic settlement between Washington and Tehran.

Before the rebound, Brent had fallen 7 percent and reached its lowest level in three weeks. WTI had dropped more than 5 percent in the previous session, falling to its lowest level in nearly a week. The report identified continued US-Iran tensions and diminished expectations of a quick diplomatic outcome as factors affecting oil market conditions.

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir said the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, with South Korea could take bilateral economic relations to a new level. Speaking at a dinner in Dhaka’s Hotel Sonargaon on 3 August in honor of South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, he said the proposed deal would serve not only as a bilateral trade agreement but also as a strong foundation for a long-term economic alliance.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and ERD Secretary Mohammad Shahriar Kader Siddiky attended the event, while Commerce Ministry Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan delivered welcome remarks. Muqtadir praised South Korea’s economic progress and expressed hope for a lasting trade and investment partnership. He said ties that began with development cooperation have expanded into trade, investment, industrialization, innovation and shared prosperity.

Yeo said Bangladesh’s economy, industrial base and large market offer significant potential for expanded trade and investment. Citing his work experience in Chattogram, he said he had prioritized concluding negotiations quickly. He said the agreement would create a stable, predictable legal framework. Muqtadir said he expects formal signing after remaining legal and procedural steps are completed.

Bangladesh’s Power Division has urged people not to spread misleading information or propaganda over allegations of excessive electricity bills. In a notice issued on August 3, the division said it and the relevant distribution companies had already resolved the complaints received about excess billing.

The division said some individuals or groups had recently been conducting propaganda centred on complaints of excessive electricity bills. It strongly protested against such campaigning and asserted that there was currently no scope for confusion on the issue.

Customers who still have complaints regarding excessive electricity bills were asked to apply to the relevant authority with necessary supporting documents. The notice said such applications would be verified and necessary action would be taken. The Power Division also requested all concerned to behave responsibly in relation to the matter.

Bangladesh Bank has abolished the TT discounting facility previously available to scheduled banks for short-term liquidity or cash collection. The central bank issued a directive on August 3, and said the decision will be considered effective from July 1 this year. Banks will no longer be able to obtain the facility by placing a lien on balances held in their current accounts with Bangladesh Bank.

The facility had been available to scheduled banks since 1994. Under the earlier rules, banks were required to keep an amount equivalent to 20 percent of their approved limit as a lien in their current accounts at the central bank. Those liened funds were not included in the calculation of statutory cash reserves, or CRR.

Bangladesh Bank said several modern mechanisms now meet banks' daily liquidity needs, including the call money market, repo, the Standing Liquidity Facility and interbank borrowing. Use of TT discounting has fallen to nearly zero in recent years. Yet the lien remained against approved limits even when the facility was unused, preventing the funds from being counted as CRR and creating unnecessary pressure in regulatory ratio management.

Bangladesh began importing green chilies from India through the Hili land port in Dinajpur on the afternoon of August 3 to help control domestic prices. Trucks carrying Indian chilies started entering the country after import procedures were completed. Eleven importers received permission to bring in about 3,400 tonnes through Hili, and traders said news of the imports had already lowered prices by Tk80 to Tk90 per kilogram.

Importer Shahabul Islam said continuous rain and adverse weather had damaged chili fields in several parts of the country, reducing production and creating a supply shortage. He said prices had climbed to Tk300 to Tk400 per kilogram. Importers had sought permission because green chilies were comparatively cheaper in India, and they opened letters of credit and completed other required formalities after approval.

Anwar Hossain, deputy director of the Hili Land Port Plant Quarantine Centre, said the government granted the import permission to control market prices. He said Indian green chilies were last imported through the port on November 20 of last year. Traders expect supplies to increase and prices to decline further if imports continue regularly.