Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) held a seminar and competition titled “PSREF Industrial Energy Challenge: Designing a Green Transition” on April 29, 2026. The event, jointly organized by RUET’s Institute of Energy and Environment Studies (IEES) and the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), focused on sustainable energy, renewable power potential, and industrial green transformation. RUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Abdur Razzak attended as chief guest, alongside senior faculty and CPD representatives.

Speakers emphasized the importance of renewable energy research and investment for sustainable development. They discussed plans to install solar power systems on campus dormitory rooftops in collaboration with NESCO to promote green energy use. The PSREF initiative, under CPD’s Power and Energy Studies, aims to expand renewable energy adoption in the private sector through advocacy and collaboration with industry associations.

A total of 33 teams participated in the competition, with 10 reaching the final round. RUET’s “Team Everfresh” won the PSREF Innovator Award, followed by “Team Opchoy Zero” and “Team Greenery Grid.” Organizers said the initiative would raise youth awareness and foster research-driven solutions for a sustainable energy future.

Bangladesh may begin importing fertilizer from Belarus, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. He made the statement after meeting Belarus’s non-resident ambassador Mikhail Kasco at his office in the National Parliament on Wednesday. The minister noted that Belarus is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of potash fertilizer, while Bangladesh currently imports fertilizer from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other countries.

During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted Belarus’s agricultural mechanization capabilities, and the minister said Bangladesh could seek technical cooperation in that area as an agriculture-based country. The two sides also discussed law and order, defense, fertilizer imports, trade expansion, and mutual legal matters.

Ambassador Kasco emphasized the strong political and economic ties between the two nations and called for further strengthening of bilateral relations. He mentioned Belarus’s capacity in producing military equipment, including drones, and offered defense cooperation. The minister responded that Bangladesh would review the proposal before making any decision.

Widespread paddy fields in the haor areas of Kendua and Atpara in Netrokona were submerged within a short time due to continuous rainfall and sudden flooding. Many farmers tried to harvest their crops in waist-deep water but failed to save most of them. Losing their only annual harvest, they now face severe uncertainty about their livelihoods.

Local Member of Parliament Dr. Rafiqul Islam Hilali stated on Facebook that the situation has been brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. Following her directive, the Chief Secretary contacted him, and the district administration was instructed to prepare a three-month rehabilitation and assistance plan for affected farmers. However, on the ground, frustration and anger are evident among farmers who demand permanent solutions instead of temporary aid.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, about 3,100 farmers have been affected in Kendua, with 375 hectares of Boro paddy, 5.5 hectares of vegetables, 5.7 hectares of jute, and 0.45 hectares of Aman seedbeds submerged. The agriculture officer said a list of affected farmers is being prepared for future assistance through the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced a $1.5 billion aid package to support developing countries facing energy and trade disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. According to Reuters, the Vienna-based organization stated that the funds will be distributed in phases through 2028 to help nations manage rising economic pressures.

The OPEC Fund explained that the conflict has severely disrupted the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and fertilizer, driving prices sharply higher. The newly created demand-based fund aims to assist governments in covering increased costs and maintaining stable supply chains. The organization emphasized that the package will provide special protection to countries struggling with the negative global market impacts and trade stagnation resulting from the war.

The fund has previously extended financial assistance to developing nations during various global crises, continuing its role as an international development partner.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that Poland is ready to position itself as a key northern gateway for U.S. energy supplies to Central and Eastern Europe. Speaking at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Croatia on Tuesday, he said the country seeks to strengthen regional energy self-sufficiency while deepening ties with the United States, which he described as a strategic partner for Central Europe. Nawrocki also highlighted the participation of U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the summit as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation.

His remarks came amid domestic discussions following Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent comments questioning the U.S. stance on NATO’s collective defense commitments. Nawrocki indirectly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the foundation of security in NATO’s eastern flank remains the United States and that its presence should be further reinforced.

He added that the Three Seas Initiative plays a vital role in regional economic stability and called for discussions on establishing a dedicated investment bank to support the initiative’s goals.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that Bangladesh will reduce lending interest rates to single digits to foster an investment-friendly environment. Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Expo 2026 at ICCB in Dhaka, he said industries like textiles cannot sustain with current financing rates of 13–14 percent.

He highlighted that the textile and garment sector plays a vital role in economic growth through investment and employment but faces challenges from high interest rates and energy shortages. The minister detailed that the country’s gas demand is about 4,300 MMCFD, while domestic production ranges between 1,700 and 2,300 MMCFD, leaving a daily shortfall of 1,400–1,700 MMCFD even after LNG imports. To address this, new FSRU tenders will be issued soon. He also emphasized renewable energy expansion with a plan to generate 10,000 MW of solar power.

Muktadir added that business licensing and tax processes are being simplified to attract investors, reduce harassment, and expand the tax base through digital systems rather than raising tax rates.

More than half of Americans believe their financial situation is deteriorating, according to a Gallup survey released on Tuesday. The 2026 poll found that 55% of respondents said their finances had worsened, up from 53% in 2025 and 47% in 2024. Gallup described the current situation as historically poor, marking the fifth consecutive year that more Americans reported financial decline. A similar trend was last seen during the 2007–2009 global recession.

The survey also revealed that 62% of Americans are worried about having enough savings for retirement, while 60% fear they could not afford medical costs in case of serious illness or accident. Additionally, 54% expressed concern about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living. Nearly half are anxious about regular healthcare expenses, 41% about paying monthly bills, and 40% about higher education costs.

Gallup attributed these concerns mainly to inflation and rising costs of energy, housing, and healthcare. It added that college, transportation, and childcare expenses are also creating significant financial pressure for households.

Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie announced that the government plans to plant 2.5 billion trees over the next five years to protect coastal communities from natural disasters. The initiative aims to create a strong green belt along the coastline to mitigate the impacts of cyclones, tidal surges, and floods. The minister made the announcement while addressing a national seminar titled “If the Coast Survives, Bangladesh Survives,” organized by the Coastal Development Foundation at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

He said Bangladesh is among the six most disaster-prone regions in the world and recalled the devastating cyclone of April 29, 1991, which struck several coastal districts. The government also plans to construct sustainable embankments, establish sufficient cyclone shelters, and take coordinated measures for disaster management. Additionally, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government will revive the canal excavation program initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman, targeting 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, ponds, and reservoirs for excavation and re-excavation.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamal Hossain, with several members of parliament from Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram attending as special guests.

Severe river erosion has struck Babuganj upazila in Barishal even before the monsoon season has fully begun, with the Sandhya, Sugandha, and Arial Khan rivers eroding rapidly. The erosion has placed homes, farmland, educational institutions, and key infrastructure at serious risk, with the century-old Babuganj market facing the greatest threat. Areas near the Barishal airport, Bakultala station, and parts of Dakshin Bhuterdiya are also in danger.

Local residents report that river erosion has been a persistent problem for decades, swallowing hundreds of acres of farmland and displacing families. Temporary measures by the Water Development Board, such as placing sand-filled geobags, have proven inadequate. Residents are demanding a permanent solution as more homes and institutions, including Char Sadhukathi Islamia Fazil Madrasa, face imminent danger.

Barishal-3 MP Zainul Abedin stated that preventing river erosion in Babuganj is his top priority, and a Tk 550-crore project proposal to protect Babuganj and Uzirpur is awaiting approval by the Planning Commission. Officials believe the project could safeguard Babuganj market and nearby critical areas from further destruction.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a move analysts describe as a major setback for Saudi Arabia and a political gain for U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, set to take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern energy alliances.

According to the report, the UAE’s departure stems from long-standing policy differences with Saudi Arabia. While Riyadh favors production cuts to maintain high oil prices, Abu Dhabi prioritizes maximizing output and export volumes for greater profit. Energy analyst Arne Lohmann Rasmussen noted that the UAE focuses on production levels, whereas Saudi Arabia emphasizes price stability.

Analysts suggest the decision is driven more by political motives than economic ones. Ellen Wald of the Atlantic Council indicated that the UAE may be seeking to weaken OPEC, historically viewed as hostile by Trump, in exchange for U.S. security assurances against Iran. The exit of OPEC’s third-largest producer raises questions about the 65-year-old alliance’s future and signals intensifying regional competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced an increase in edible oil prices on Wednesday during a press conference at the ministry’s conference room. The price of bottled soybean oil has been raised by four taka per liter, from 195 to 199 taka, while loose soybean oil will now sell for 179 taka per liter, up from 175 taka.

The minister explained that the adjustment reflects global market conditions, as product prices at the source have risen worldwide. He expressed hope that consumers would understand the decision in light of the global situation and that the supply situation in the domestic market would become more stable as a result.

The announcement highlights the government’s effort to align domestic pricing with international cost pressures while maintaining supply stability in the edible oil market.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that promising export sectors such as gold and diamond industries will receive the same facilities as the ready-made garment sector. He made the statement on Wednesday at the 46th meeting of the National Board of Revenue’s advisory committee, jointly organized by the NBR and FBCCI at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

The minister said that while Bangladesh’s garment industry has achieved remarkable success, other sectors like gold and diamond remain underdeveloped. From now on, any promising export sector that submits a proposal will be granted equal benefits. He emphasized that fear of theft should not restrict business opportunities, and that corruption and inefficiency at ports will be addressed separately. He also highlighted the government’s focus on reforming the fragile economy through a large, quality budget aimed at poverty reduction and investment growth.

Chowdhury added that revenue collection will be strengthened through full digitization and the “One Citizen One Card” system to reduce direct contact between taxpayers and officials, thereby curbing corruption. He urged business associations to help bring untaxed entities into the tax network and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratizing the economy.

Extensive farmlands in various areas of Kaliakoir upazila in Gazipur have been submerged due to continuous rainfall, leaving local farmers in severe distress. According to local sources, four days of rain combined with hill runoff from the north have flooded low-lying areas, damaging crops at the start of the Irri-Boro season. Many farmers have been forced to harvest half-ripe paddy early, while others have seen their fields completely submerged.

Farmers from villages such as Rashidpur and Medi Ashulai reported that large portions of their paddy fields are underwater, with some waiting for the water to recede to prevent total crop loss. Abdul Malek of Rashidpur said nearly two bighas of his land are submerged, while another farmer, Mostafa, noted he had to harvest prematurely to save what he could.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Zahid Hasan stated that the situation is being closely monitored and that farmers are being advised to harvest their crops quickly to minimize damage.

French energy company TotalEnergies has announced the restart of operations at the SATORP oil refinery in Saudi Arabia. The facility had been shut down as a precaution after sustaining damage during an Iranian attack on April 8. According to the company, operations resumed on April 14, and the refinery is now running at a capacity of 230,000 barrels per day.

TotalEnergies stated that three units of the refinery were damaged in the incident, prompting a full shutdown for safety reasons. The unaffected units have since been brought back online. The refinery is jointly owned by Saudi Aramco, holding 62.5 percent, and TotalEnergies, with 37.5 percent.

The attack occurred amid ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East, targeting one of the area’s key energy installations. The resumption of operations marks a significant step toward restoring stability in Saudi Arabia’s oil production network.

In Dingapota Haor of Mohanganj upazila, Netrokona, ripe boro paddy fields have gone underwater after continuous heavy rain and water inflow from Sunamganj caused a breach in the haor protection embankment. The harvesting season had begun in early April, but the sudden flooding has submerged large portions of the crop.

Local farmers reported that this year’s yield was abundant, with most fields planted with BRRI-88 rice variety producing 8–10 maunds per katha. However, due to torrential rain and poor road conditions, they were unable to harvest in time. Farmers expressed frustration that despite successive governments, no sustainable embankment or road improvement has been implemented in the haor area.

According to the Mohanganj Agriculture Extension Office, boro rice is cultivated on 6,000–7,000 hectares in Dingapota Haor each year, producing over 6–7 metric tons per hectare. Farmers estimate that more than 50 percent of this year’s crop is now submerged.