The ongoing Middle East tensions are placing immense pressure on the global economy, with analysts estimating that the crisis could add nearly $1 trillion in extra costs. While the world faces rising economic burdens, major oil and gas companies are reporting soaring profits. The situation has intensified concerns that U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran are worsening global inequality, poverty, and hunger in a world still heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

According to climate group 350.org, based on International Monetary Fund data, even if the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal, high oil and gas prices could generate $600 billion in additional expenses. Continued supply disruptions could push losses beyond $1 trillion. Experts warn that this estimate likely understates the full impact, excluding long-term inflation, food and fertilizer price hikes, slower economic activity, and rising unemployment.

350.org has called for an emergency windfall tax on excess corporate profits to fund social protection and renewable energy investments. The demand was echoed at an international conference in Santa Marta, where over 50 countries discussed reducing fossil fuel dependence amid protests and warnings from developing nations about severe economic strain.

Heavy rainfall in Kutubdia upazila of Cox’s Bazar submerged around 4,000 acres of salt fields on Tuesday afternoon, causing an estimated loss of about 10 crore taka to local farmers. The downpour lasted for about an hour and flooded salt-producing areas across six unions, according to a survey by the local BSCIC office.

Local farmer and former union member Nur Mohammad said the heavy rain destroyed their salt fields, leaving them unable to recover production costs. He added that with the current market price of 170 taka per maund, farmers would still face losses if prices do not rise. Salt trader Abdu Rahim noted that many farmers had taken advance payments from traders, and with the fields now flooded, they may struggle to repay those advances.

The sudden flooding has created uncertainty about the continuation of salt cultivation in the affected areas, raising concerns about the financial stability of local producers and traders.

Bangladesh Bank has eased the rules governing incentive bonuses for bank employees, according to a circular issued on Tuesday. Under the new guidelines, banks may now offer incentive bonuses if they achieve operating profits, do not increase capital shortfalls compared to the previous year, and refrain from taking new deferred facilities from the central bank’s security deposits. The decision aims to encourage employee motivation and maintain competitiveness in the banking sector.

Previously, banks were prohibited from granting bonuses if they failed to post net profits, had capital or security deposit shortfalls, or received deferred facilities from the central bank. The new circular allows banks to provide up to one month’s basic salary as a special bonus for significant achievements, even if earlier conditions are not fully met, provided the new three criteria are satisfied.

A central bank official said the relaxation is intended to help retain skilled officers, as weaker banks often lose staff to stronger institutions. The move is expected to enhance employee engagement and sustain a competitive environment across the sector.

A new book titled “From Cash to Code” was officially launched at a hotel in Dhaka, marking a significant event for Bangladesh’s digital finance and fintech sectors. The book, authored by Md. Mahmudul Hasan, Digital Banking and Fintech Strategist at Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, explores how a large portion of Bangladesh’s digital economy remains outside the formal financial system, posing challenges to achieving full financial inclusion.

The launch event was attended by Al-Arafah Islami Bank Chairman Khaja Shahriar as chief guest and Managing Director Md. Rafat Ullah Khan as special guest, along with senior executives and professionals from banking, fintech, and digital finance industries. Hasan emphasized that true financial inclusion requires integrating people’s daily economic activities into formal digital systems, suggesting that Bangladesh’s next major transformation will occur when informal economic activities become part of the mainstream.

The book introduces a new framework for discussing digital finance in Bangladesh and is expected to serve as a key reference for policymakers, the banking sector, and the fintech industry.

French oceanography expert Ms. Tania Astrid Capuano paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam on Tuesday at the vice-chancellor’s office. Both sides emphasized strengthening mutual cooperation in education and research, particularly in oceanography and natural resource management. The meeting was also attended by Dr. K. M. Azam Chowdhury, Director of the Dhaka University International Center for Ocean Governance.

During the discussion, participants explored expanding ongoing joint academic and research programs between Dhaka University and various European universities. They agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding soon between Dhaka University and France’s Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS). According to the source, this initiative is expected to accelerate international research and academic exchange activities.

Ms. Capuano has been serving as a visiting fellow at the International Center for Ocean Governance for the past two years, contributing to building connections and implementing joint research projects with European institutions. The vice-chancellor thanked her for her contributions and expressed hope for continued collaboration.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected in its latest World Economic Outlook report that Bangladesh’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) could exceed India’s in 2026. According to the report, Bangladesh’s per capita GDP is expected to reach 2,911 US dollars, compared to India’s 2,812 dollars. The IMF attributes this potential shift to Bangladesh’s sustained economic growth, steady export earnings, and slower population growth. However, the report also notes that India may regain the lead in 2027.

Economists have cautioned against overinterpreting the forecast, emphasizing that a temporary lead in per capita GDP does not necessarily reflect stronger overall economic performance. Former World Bank economist Zahid Hossain explained that exchange rate fluctuations can significantly affect GDP comparisons in dollar terms. Selim Raihan, executive director of SANEM, added that Bangladesh’s economy remains under pressure from inflation, investment stagnation, and global instability, including the Middle East conflict.

The IMF publishes the World Economic Outlook twice a year, offering short- and medium-term forecasts of global economic trends. Economists noted that such projections are subject to change due to external factors and methodological limitations.

Thakurani Canal, once a vital waterway flowing through wards 3, 4, and 5 of Mongla Port Municipality in Bagerhat, is now facing an existential crisis due to encroachment, landfilling, and pollution. The canal, officially 2.10 kilometers long and 30 to 40 feet wide, has been severely narrowed, with parts buried under multi-story buildings, shops, and permanent structures. Although government records list 31 encroachers, locals claim the actual number is higher, alleging that influential individuals have built illegal structures beyond the official list.

Mongla Citizens’ Society president Nur Alam Sheikh described the canal as the lifeline of Mongla town and warned that the city’s survival is at risk if the canal is not freed from illegal occupation. Upazila Executive Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi stated that verification of documents and boundary demarcation has begun, and visible action against illegal occupiers will follow soon. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward encroachment on canals, rivers, and water bodies.

Authorities indicated that enforcement measures are imminent to restore the canal’s natural flow and protect Mongla’s urban environment.

A delegation from Chevron Corporation paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat. The meeting took place on April 28, 2026, and was attended by senior officials from both the government and Chevron.

The Chevron team included Xavier La Rossa, President of the company’s Base Assets and Emerging Countries (BAEC) division, and Eric M. Walker, President of Chevron Bangladesh. On the government side, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Affairs Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit were present.

The source did not provide details about the topics discussed or any outcomes from the meeting.

A severe shortage of safe drinking water has hit Ramganj upazila in Lakshmipur, with most deep tube wells failing to pump water due to a prolonged drought and a sharp drop in groundwater levels. Residents and business owners are struggling to meet daily needs, as even previously reliable wells have become nearly inoperative. Many are resorting to installing shallow tube wells or fetching water from distant areas.

Local residents report that the municipal water supply is insufficient to meet demand. Shop owners and households are forced to carry water long distances, while some rely on bottled or pond water, raising health concerns. Schools are also affected, with teachers and students facing acute shortages. The municipal engineer said groundwater levels fell significantly after a December 2023 earthquake, reducing water output and increasing costs.

Authorities are working to address the crisis. A new water plant is under construction in Kazirkhil, expected to ease shortages once operational. Officials from the Department of Public Health Engineering and the upazila administration have pledged urgent action and long-term planning to ensure sustainable water supply.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Housing and Public Works, Zakaria Taher, held a courtesy meeting with Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen at the ministry office in Dhaka on Tuesday. The meeting focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and Turkey, including potential areas for collaboration and investment.

During the discussion, Minister Taher highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s construction, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sectors. He stated that Bangladesh aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2035 and that the government’s business-friendly policies have created a favorable environment for foreign investment.

Ambassador Sen reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two countries and noted the potential to further expand cooperation in trade and development. He also invited Minister Taher to attend the upcoming “Turkey Construction Summit 2026” scheduled for June.

The long-awaited fuel loading process officially began today at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh’s nuclear energy development. The process involves placing uranium-based nuclear fuel into the reactor, initiating the gradual preparation for electricity generation. Experts describe fuel loading as one of the most sensitive phases in nuclear power operations, typically taking 40 to 45 days to complete.

According to Professor Md. Shafiqul Islam of Dhaka University’s Nuclear Engineering Department, the plant operates through nuclear fission, where uranium nuclei split to produce heat. This heat converts water into high-pressure steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Following fuel loading, multiple tests and a Final Safety Analysis Report will be conducted and reviewed by the regulatory authority. The pilot operation phase may last six months to a year, during which synchronization and emergency systems will be tested.

Before commercial operation begins, another round of approval will be required. Once fully operational, the reactor is expected to run at 90 percent capacity for 18 months before undergoing maintenance and fuel replacement.

Residents of Bakshiganj upazila in Jamalpur have reported receiving only two to three hours of electricity within a 24-hour period. The limited supply often comes in short bursts of five to thirty minutes. According to the Bakshiganj Palli Bidyut zonal office, the substation serves about 98,000 customers, with a demand of around 24 megawatts but a current supply of only 7 to 8 megawatts. This shortfall has forced frequent load-shedding across the area.

The power crisis has disrupted daily life, particularly for SSC examinees who are struggling to study at night without electricity. Many are relying on candles, while fuel shortages have made it difficult to use kerosene lamps. Small businesses, workshops, and battery-run auto-rickshaw drivers have also been severely affected, with many unable to operate due to lack of power. Auto-rickshaw fares have doubled as fewer vehicles are available.

Local residents and business owners have urged authorities to take immediate action, warning that continued outages could further harm agriculture, education, and the local economy.

A severe nor'wester storm struck Brahmanbaria on Tuesday morning, causing extensive damage across several villages in the border upazila of Kasba. The storm partially damaged at least 30 houses and uprooted more than 300 trees. In the Tinlakhpir area, a mobile phone tower collapsed, disrupting mobile and internet services. Strong winds and heavy rainfall accompanied the storm, which also toppled electric poles and left parts of the area without power. No casualties were reported, but residents experienced panic during the storm.

Kasba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamimul Islam said that damage assessment is ongoing, with initial reports confirming the destruction of homes, trees, and electric poles. Authorities have cleared fallen trees from roads to restore traffic movement and pledged government assistance for affected residents. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in several parts of Brahmanbaria town, severely affecting commuters, including SSC examinees. Locals blamed poor drainage systems for recurring flooding and urged municipal authorities to address the issue.

The storm’s aftermath has disrupted daily life, with restoration of power and communication services underway in affected areas.

Comilla City Corporation was submerged after one and a half hours of rain on Tuesday morning, recording 102 millimeters of rainfall between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Major roads including Kandirpar, Stadium Road, and Nazrul Avenue went underwater, disrupting daily life and school commutes. Despite being upgraded to a city corporation in 2011, Comilla continues to suffer from severe waterlogging after short spells of rain.

The report notes that successive mayors and administrators have failed to resolve the drainage crisis. Over the past five years, about 1,000 crore taka was spent on road and drain projects, yet many box drains remain incomplete or ineffective. Current administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, in office for a month, blamed years of corruption and poor oversight, saying he has begun dredging key canals to improve water flow.

Residents and local experts attribute the flooding to unplanned urbanization, blocked drains, and reduced water bodies. They warn that without a comprehensive drainage plan, Comilla’s waterlogging will worsen during future monsoons.

Iran has imposed a ban on the export of steel and related products following damage to its industrial sector caused by recent US-Israeli airstrikes. According to local media citing the country's customs authority, the directive prohibits the export of various steel products, including slabs, sheets, and strips. The new restriction took effect on April 26, 2026.

Earlier, Israel claimed that its airstrikes had destroyed about 70 percent of Iran’s steel production capacity, along with causing major damage to petrochemical facilities and transport infrastructure. The strikes occurred just days before a ceasefire that came into effect on April 8.

Analysts cited in the report warned that the loss of capacity in this strategically vital sector could have long-term negative effects on Iran’s economy, which relies heavily on industrial exports for revenue.