Oil prices fell more than 5% on Monday after the United States and Iran suspended attacks following two weeks of reciprocal strikes, according to a report published on July 27, 2026. The pause raised hopes for a diplomatic solution that could ease the conflict and allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. At 08:04 GMT, Brent crude futures were down about 5.9% at $91.08 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 5.4% at $84.51 a barrel. Both markets were trading at their lowest levels after three weeks of gains. Supply reductions through Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel, while the conflict later spread to the Red Sea, disrupting Saudi oil exports to Asia through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump paused US attacks to allow more time for diplomatic talks. Analysts cautioned that shipping through Hormuz may normalize slowly and only partially. Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day crossed the strait over the weekend. Continued Red Sea disruption and Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ships and refineries could keep supply risks and global inflation concerns elevated.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rain accompanied by gusty winds across parts of the country for five days from Monday evening, driven by a deep depression over the northwestern Bay of Bengal. Moderate to heavy rainfall is possible in various areas, with very heavy rain expected at isolated locations, the department said in a forecast issued Monday.

The seasonal low over the northwestern Bay and adjacent Odisha-West Bengal coast has intensified into a deep depression. At 6pm Monday, it was located over the northwestern Bay and the adjacent West Bengal-North Odisha coast. It may move northward and cross the West Bengal-North Odisha coast by Monday evening. The monsoon trough extends through Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, the depression’s centre, southern Bangladesh and Assam.

Rain is forecast in most areas of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during the first two days, while rainfall may expand across all eight divisions on the third day. Very heavy rain is possible in parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet during the fourth and fifth days.

Model and actress Snigdha Chowdhury has sought justice and security in a case alleging physical abuse by the chairman of an institution. At a press conference on the afternoon of July 27, 2026, she said she was called to a hospital after being offered an advertising contract and was then physically abused. She said she has filed a case over the allegation.

Chowdhury said the accused has already obtained bail, expressing anger that no arrest was made despite the allegation. She appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for justice, saying she believed he would look into the matter and ensure that she receives a fair outcome.

She also told journalists that she has repeatedly received death threats. Chowdhury said her safety and a fair investigation were urgently needed, while the accused had instead received anticipatory bail. She said those involved would be responsible if anything happened to her or if she suffered an unnatural death. Chowdhury began modelling in 2018 and became known through the film “Pressure Cooker.”

Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association has withdrawn its planned symbolic closure of CNG filling stations on July 30, citing the ongoing gas crisis. The group said its previously announced plan to shut all CNG filling stations nationwide indefinitely from August 23 would remain in force if its demands and problems are not resolved positively and reasonably. Steering committee convener Amiruzzaman Chowdhury announced the decision at a July 27 press conference at Akram Tower in Bijoynagar, Dhaka.

General Secretary Farhan Noor said the association did not want to increase public suffering while gas supplies were already being disrupted nationwide because of problems in Maheshkhali. The association said part of the floating LNG terminal operated by Excelerate Energy in Maheshkhali caught fire, causing a gas-supply disruption, and that it withdrew the symbolic programme to cooperate with the government.

The association said CNG operators had been compelled to announce action because of continuing losses. It said a July 25 meeting with the Petrobangla chairman discussed gas supply conditions and its demands, but produced no specific proposal for resolving the problems. The group also cited expert committee recommendations from 2013 and 2017 and repeated communications with government bodies without a solution.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said Bangladesh’s gas supply shortage is expected to begin easing next week. Speaking at a briefing on the power and energy situation on July 27, he said the plan depends on Excelerate Energy restoring 50 percent of expected supply next week, followed by a full restoration in the subsequent week.

Amit cautioned that the government was not providing firm dates because the assessment was based on the company’s statements. He said previously announced timelines had not been met for various reasons. Comparing the work to repairing an engine, he said additional problems can emerge after equipment is opened, complicating the expected repair period.

The minister said neither Excelerate, Summit nor the Bangladesh government had prior experience handling this type of incident, describing it as a new situation from which those involved must learn. He also said the elected government had no hesitation in apologizing to the public and was trying to meet public expectations while taking responsibility.

Speakers at a discussion in Chattogram urged all relevant service agencies to stop blaming one another and work jointly to restore the city’s lost traditional ponds and water bodies. The event, organized by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association on July 27, 2026, was held at a restaurant in Lalkhan Bazar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Urban planner engineer Delwar Hossain Mazumder chaired the meeting, while CUET dean Dr Mohammad Rashidul Hasan presented the keynote paper.

Participants said nearly 21,000 ponds and water bodies have already disappeared in Chattogram. They expressed concern that enforcement measures and fines alone have not been sufficient to protect them. Speakers proposed holding-tax rebates and special benefits in plot-design approvals for owners who preserve ponds on their land. They also emphasized a policy of collecting environmental surcharges from others and using the funds as incentives for pond conservation.

The meeting called for protection of the city’s green zones and water-reserve areas, and for bringing the Chattogram Development Authority, Chattogram WASA, Chattogram City Corporation and other agencies under accountability. CDA project director and executive engineer Ahmed Moinuddin presented overall progress on CDA’s part of the mega waterlogging reduction project.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal organized a display and festival of Bangladeshi mango varieties and mango-based processed products in Kathmandu. The event, titled “Bangladesh Mango Delicacy,” was held Saturday at the Utsav Kunj Banquet Hall beside the embassy. It highlighted Bangladesh’s quality mangoes, agricultural heritage and potential for agricultural-product exports. About 250 guests attended.

SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, the chief guest, said South Asia has major potential for mango production but exports of mangoes and related products from the region have not reached the expected level. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry Joint Secretary Gahendra Rajbhandari said the event reflected Bangladesh’s warmth and hospitality and would strengthen ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and Nepal. He praised Ambassador Md. Shafiqur Rahman’s “mango diplomacy” initiative.

The exhibition featured fresh Fazli, Amrapali, Bari-4, Katimon, Gourmati and Ashwina mangoes, alongside juice, pickles, fruit bars, dried mango, chutney, jam and jelly. Mango grower Rafiqul Islam presented methods for safe, quality production using Good Agricultural Practices. Organizers said the initiative could increase interest in Bangladeshi mango products in Nepal and create opportunities for bilateral agricultural and food trade.

Hydrogen-powered trains are drawing growing global interest as countries seek cleaner rail transport amid climate change, air pollution and rising fossil-fuel use. The trains use hydrogen fuel cells rather than diesel or coal-based fuel to generate electricity for electric motors. The process produces mainly water and water vapour, with virtually no carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides or black smoke emissions, according to the source.

Hydrogen is stored in specialised high-pressure tanks and reacts with oxygen in fuel cells to generate power. Surplus energy is stored in batteries, while energy produced during braking can also be recovered, reducing waste. Germany tested the world’s first hydrogen passenger train in 2018 and commercially introduced the technology in 2022. France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, China, Japan and South Korea have also begun development and trial operations.

India inaugurated its first domestically built hydrogen-powered train on July 17. The technology can operate on existing non-electrified tracks without overhead electric lines, but green hydrogen costs, dedicated storage and supply infrastructure, safety systems, investment and skilled personnel remain challenges. For Bangladesh, it could become a long-term option on routes where electrification is costly.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh is now open to foreign investment as the China Economic and Industrial Zone formally began operations in Anwara, Chattogram, on Sunday. He described the inauguration as a milestone for the economies of Chattogram and the country.

The finance minister said investment in the zone could exceed $500 million and may reach $1 billion. He said the launch had fulfilled part of the prime minister’s stated $1 trillion investment target. Calling private investment necessary to meet the prime minister’s vision, he said existing laws had already been amended to make them more investment-friendly.

Chowdhury urged environmentally friendly factories and said housing should be provided for workers, alongside efforts to improve their welfare. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed Chowdhury stressed the need for stable law and order to expand investment and trade. BEZA and China Bridge signed an agreement after the event, followed by the formal opening through the unveiling of a plaque. BIDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the prime minister had set a target to see the zone’s first factory operating within 18 months.

Bangladesh laid the foundation stone for the China Economic and Industrial Zone, or CEIZ, on the eastern bank of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara, Chattogram, on July 27, 2026. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government-to-government Bangladesh-China project, developed under Belt and Road Initiative principles, marked a new phase for industrial transformation. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended as chief guest.

The project will cover about 776 acres, or 314.39 hectares, and is expected to create more than 36,000 direct jobs in the Chattogram region. Planned industries include ready-made garments and textiles, biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and leather goods. The finance minister said policy support could help secure about $1 billion in investment for infrastructure and industrial facilities.

Officials said the site is 700 metres from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, six kilometres from Shah Amanat International Airport and 12 kilometres from Chattogram Port, with direct access to the N-1 highway. The government pledged investor security, streamlined approvals and utility services through BEZA's one-stop service. The zone is also planned to include environmentally friendly infrastructure and an international-standard central effluent treatment plant.

The Upazila Fisheries Department seized a large quantity of banned fishing nets valued at about Tk 3 million during an operation at Dhamura Bazar in Uzirpur Upazila, Barishal. The operation was conducted on Monday from 11:40am to 1:50pm. After the seizure, officials burned the nets to destroy them.

According to the fisheries department, the seized items included 253 China duari nets, 65,000 metres of current nets and 67 boda nets. Upazila Fisheries Officer Prosen Majumdar led the operation. Upazila Rural Development Officer Md Moniruzzaman, Uzirpur Model Police Station Sub-Inspector Ripon Shikdar, fisheries staff, a representative of the National Fishermen’s Association and local dignitaries were present.

Majumdar said the use of banned nets is severely harmful to fish breeding and biodiversity in natural water bodies. He said regular operations are being conducted to stop the use of illegal nets, alongside awareness campaigns aimed at fishers. He added that such operations will continue to protect fisheries resources.

Electronic toll collection at Padma Bridge has generated more than Tk100 million, while the number of vehicles registered for the system has exceeded 1,000, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority said on July 27. A press release sent by Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Md Masud Rana Shikder said collections through ETC reached Tk100.8246 million by July 26. The number of registered vehicles stood at 1,008.

Since the service was launched, 56,406 vehicles have crossed Padma Bridge after paying tolls through the cashless system, according to the release. Bridges Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf said the authority was working to implement the ETC initiative to bring discipline to road transport and provide convenience and comfort to the public.

Tolls can currently be paid through Tap, bKash, Nagad and Upay, as well as apps operated by Trust Bank, Midland Bank, NCC Bank, Prime Bank and Mutual Trust Bank. Users must register their vehicles through the D-Toll option, recharge funds and have a BRTA-approved RFID tag verified at the Mawa toll plaza registration booth or toll booth on their first use. Once registered, vehicles can use ETC lanes without a separate RFID tag.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a vision to transform Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034. Speaking as chief guest at an investment conference organized by the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on July 23, he said the plan aims to make Bangladesh a manufacturing hub and create 10 million new jobs by 2030. The conference was attended by 600 representatives.

After taking office on February 17, the government adopted a special 180-day programme at its first cabinet meeting to implement its election manifesto. The 2026-27 budget of Tk 938,000 crore prioritizes renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, advanced textiles, healthcare and logistics.

The roadmap identifies export diversification, youth empowerment and governance and institutional reform as key drivers. Rahman said the government is modernizing legal and regulatory systems, strengthening investor protection, simplifying tax and VAT administration, digitizing public services, and improving ports, logistics and energy security. The article says meeting the target would require average annual GDP growth of 8% to 9%, alongside energy security, control of non-performing loans, higher revenue collection and inflation management.

Global crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a two-week conflict between the United States and Iran was temporarily halted, raising hopes for a diplomatic solution and more normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude dropped $4.89, or 5.05%, to $91.89 a barrel, briefly falling below $90 early in trading. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate declined $4.67, or 5.23%, to $84.64 a barrel.

Both benchmarks reached their lowest levels in about a week after rising for three consecutive weeks. Earlier, the spread of conflict in the Middle East and disruption to oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed Brent to $100 a barrel. The conflict also affected the Red Sea, disrupting supplies from Saudi Arabia to Asia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump had decided to pause attacks to allow diplomatic efforts a chance. Shipping has not fully normalized: Kpler data showed fewer than 10 cargo vessels a day transited Hormuz over the weekend. Analyst Saul Kavonic said any recovery in shipping would be gradual and partial because many companies remain cautious about security risks.

Numerous Baiera Life Insurance customers in Bangladesh say they have not received their savings or principal years after their policies matured, according to a report published on July 27, 2026. Policyholders including Cumilla resident Nurjahan Begum, Noakhali resident Nurunnabi and Alamgir described repeated visits to the insurer’s office without payment. Company officials acknowledged that Baiera Life currently lacks the financial capacity to settle maturity payments in full at once.

Officials said policy maturities began in 2010 and payments effectively stopped from that period. Following customer complaints to government offices in 2019, the company’s operations were dissolved under a government decision. General Manager Mobarak Hossain said Baiera Life has no new business or premium collection, while interest of Tk15 lakh to Tk22 lakh monthly on paid-up capital deposited with Bangladesh Bank is used to cover office costs. He said about 100 customers visit daily seeking dividend payments.

IDRA has red-listed Baiera Life and six other insurers, with about 6.5 million policies pending and total claims of roughly Tk4,600 crore. It said about Tk54 crore from acquisition of Baiera Life land in Malibagh for the metro rail project would be kept in a special account for customer claims. The insurer’s total dues are estimated at Tk58 crore to Tk60 crore, leaving a Tk8 crore to Tk10 crore shortfall.