Global fuel markets surged after renewed escalation of conflict in the Middle East, pushing Brent crude to $100 per barrel — the first time since May. Prices climbed sharply after the United States intensified military action against Iran and following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea, which also threatened alternative export routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Natural gas benchmarks rose alongside oil, with UK gas near 150 pence per therm, up from about 98 pence in late June.

Economists warn the Middle East fighting could sharply increase inflationary pressures worldwide because higher oil prices raise petrol and diesel costs, which in turn lift transport and food prices. The article notes recent impacts in developed countries: UK petrol and diesel prices have risen over the past two weeks to about £1.56 and £1.72 per litre respectively, and US average gasoline has surpassed $4 per gallon after being $3.92 a month earlier. US officials signalled a return to heightened tensions after a temporary ceasefire earlier reduced prices.

US Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh told Congress that prolonged high inflation would not be tolerated and the Fed remains committed to restoring price stability, while Fed policy rates were left unchanged in a recent meeting at 3.5–3.75 percent.

A rare parrotfish was caught by fishermen off the Kuakata coast in the Bay of Bengal and brought to Mohipur fish market on Thursday afternoon. The fish, locally called 'tota' or 'tia' fish, weighed about 700 grams and drew a crowd at Faisal Fish auction due to its bird-like mouth and beak. The manager Mo. Jahangir bought it at auction for three thousand taka.

The catch was made by the trawler FB Vai Vai under skipper Babul Matubber, who went fishing with 17 crew near Payra port's last buoy two days earlier. The parrotfish was hauled up alongside hilsa, poa and other species during net retrieval. Manager Jahangir said the fish was purchased and preserved on ice and will be sent to Chattogram for sale.

Experts and officials noted the species' beak-like teeth and bright coloration; its scientific name is Scarus ghobbani and it is occasionally caught in deep Bay of Bengal waters near Cox's Bazar and Kuakata.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the recently drafted budget, prepared after one to one-and-a-half months of effort, has been appreciated across all levels of the country and its true success depends on effective implementation. He made the remarks while addressing the first meeting with finance department officials at the ministry on Thursday, where the meeting was chaired by Finance Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Majumdar.
The minister urged changing negative public perceptions about bureaucracy, stressing that working together can overcome any obstacle and that officials should move beyond traditional practices to adopt innovative, out-of-the-box thinking. He called for meetings to allow free and spontaneous expression of views, mutual cooperation, family-like work environments, direct presentation of problems and ideas, and objective feedback from subdivisions to enable proper decision-making.
He said the government has initiated a coordinated masterplan to develop Cox’s Bazar as an international and regional tourist hub and is reconsidering long-standing 50m and 500m coastal restrictions where development will occur, ensuring environmental protection. Work on an international airport, rail service, and improved road links from Chattogram are underway and will be coordinated to transform Cox’s Bazar into a modern digital tourism city contributing to the goal of a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034.

At a seminar titled “Bangladesh’s Economy in July’s Aspirations,” held on July 23 at Dhaka University, Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, emphasized that creating new employment opportunities must be the top priority to revive Bangladesh’s economy. He argued that sustainable development and equitable wealth distribution are impossible without expanding productive industries and agriculture. Rahman criticized the focus on mega projects over manufacturing, citing corruption risks and questioning the credibility of official economic statistics.

The event, organized by the Center for Advanced Studies and Thoughts (CAST), also featured the launch of two books analyzing Bangladesh’s recent economic trends. Speakers, including Dr. A.K.M. Waresul Karim of North South University, highlighted rising inflation, high non-performing loans, and inadequate income growth among low-wage groups. They called for transparency in industrial revival plans and greater research funding for young scholars.

Participants further stressed the need for reliable infrastructure, energy supply, and skilled human resources to attract investment and ensure inclusive economic growth.

Vegetable prices across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, have surged sharply, with most items now selling above Tk100 per kilogram. According to a report published on July 23, 2026, prices have risen by Tk20 to Tk50 per kg due to continuous rainfall disrupting supply chains. Retailers report that eggplant, bitter gourd, and okra are selling between Tk100 and Tk120 per kg, while cucumber and tomato prices have reached Tk130 and Tk160 respectively. Green chili prices have doubled or tripled within a month, now retailing between Tk200 and Tk280 per kg.

Traders attribute the price hike to rain-induced supply shortages, as waterlogging has damaged crops and limited farmers’ ability to harvest. A vegetable seller from Keraniganj said wholesalers are receiving fewer supplies, forcing retailers to sell at higher prices. Consumers, particularly middle- and lower-income families, expressed frustration over the escalating costs of daily essentials.

Agricultural expert Dr. Jamal Uddin warned that continued adverse weather could further strain local supply chains. However, traders expect prices to ease once weather conditions improve and new harvests reach the markets.

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has expressed her support for the ongoing student protests in Delhi against exam paper leaks and irregularities. In an emotional message shared on social media on July 23, 2026, she praised the students’ courage and determination in demanding a fair and transparent education system. Bhatt said the recent days had been both painful and inspiring, acknowledging the sacrifices and dreams behind each protesting student.

She emphasized that the movement for accountability reminds society to listen to the voices of the younger generation. Bhatt described the students’ resilience as a mirror reflecting a question to all—whether the nation truly hears those shaping its future. Her message concluded with the sentiment that the future belongs to the students themselves.

Earlier, actor Salman Khan had also expressed solidarity with the protesters but voiced sorrow that the initially peaceful demonstrations had turned violent. He called the exam paper leak a serious issue and extended sympathy to affected students and their families.

Star Cineplex will release four internationally notable big‑budget films simultaneously in Dhaka starting July 24, offering a diverse cinematic lineup for local audiences. The slate includes the sixth installment of the Evil Dead franchise, the psychological horror Passenger, the animated sci‑fi family adventure Time Hoppers: The Silk Road, and a 3D concert film featuring Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft tour’s Manchester show.

Evil Dead Burn, directed by Sebastian Venichek and produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, follows a young woman who seeks solace with relatives after her husband’s sudden death. Passenger, directed by André Øvredal and starring Jacob Sipio, Lu Lobel and Melissa Leo, centres on a young couple whose van‑life road trip turns terrifying after a supernatural presence follows them. Time Hoppers is a Star‑Kinekor animated family film about four students who travel to 9th‑century Baghdad, while the Billie Eilish concert film is produced by James Cameron and Paramount Pictures.

Audiences can expect a genre‑wide offering from horror to family animation and concert cinema when the four films open together on July 24 at Star Cineplex in Dhaka.

A severe gas shortage has gripped Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh since Thursday, July 23, 2026, disrupting household cooking and industrial production. Many CNG filling stations in the capital displayed 'no gas' signs, forcing drivers of CNG-run vehicles to wait for hours in long queues. Even where gas was available, pressure remained too low to meet demand, causing widespread inconvenience.

According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, a technical fault at one of the country’s floating LNG terminals (FSRU) has reduced national gas supply by about 450 million cubic feet per day. This has lowered gas pressure across industrial zones, power plants, CNG stations, and residential areas. The gas authority noted that Bangladesh already faces a supply deficit, with daily demand exceeding 3,800 million cubic feet while only 2,700 million cubic feet can be supplied.

The disruption has forced many factories to cut production and left households without cooking gas for much of the day. Drivers and CNG station managers reported severe operational difficulties and financial uncertainty due to the ongoing shortage.

Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) has achieved record-breaking performance in both revenue collection and water production, according to a report published on July 23, 2026. The agency’s monthly revenue, which had long remained between Tk 18 crore and Tk 20 crore, rose to Tk 26.8 crore from last month’s water bills—an increase of nearly Tk 7 crore. At the same time, daily water production reached an average of 496 million liters, the highest in the organization’s history.

Managing Director Engineer Selim Mohammad Jahan Alam said that after noticing low revenue figures in a news report, he held meetings with revenue officials to identify causes and strengthen collection efforts. The coordinated actions of the revenue department led to the significant rise in monthly revenue. WASA sources stated that the agency typically aims to collect 80–90 percent of billed amounts from residential and commercial customers.

Currently, Chattogram WASA serves 86,309 connections through about 1,200 kilometers of pipelines, with residential users paying Tk 18 and commercial users Tk 37 per 1,000 liters of water.

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously passed new regulations to prevent satellite collisions and strengthen space safety as the number of satellites in Earth's orbit continues to rise sharply. The rules require satellite operators to share real-time tracking data, a move aimed at reducing the growing risk of orbital debris. The decision has sparked a jurisdictional dispute in Washington over which agency should oversee space traffic management.

Currently, more than 18,000 active and inactive satellites orbit the Earth, with most located in low-Earth orbit. The FCC’s new role has been questioned by members of Congress, who argue that the agency lacks clear legal authority for space traffic control. Lawmakers from both parties urged FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to delay the vote, but the commission proceeded without public response.

Despite the legal debate, the satellite industry has welcomed the FCC’s broader 2,000-page reform package, which simplifies and lowers the cost of satellite licensing. The new performance-based system is expected to benefit startups by removing bureaucratic barriers and reducing financial burdens.

A delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), led by Chief of Mission Laura Tom Bonde, visited flood-affected areas in Katharia Union of Banshkhali upazila, Chattogram, on Wednesday afternoon. The team met with residents impacted by the severe flooding, listened to their experiences, and distributed tarpaulins provided through IOM’s partner organization, the Sustainable Development Organization (IPSA).

During the visit, Laura Tom Bonde said the IOM had been closely monitoring the flood situation caused by heavy rainfall and hill torrents. She expressed sympathy for those who lost homes and shelter, emphasizing that the visit aimed to understand their problems firsthand. Bonde stated that the current assistance was an initial step and that IOM intended to continue working on larger-scale support for flood victims in the future.

Local officials, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ruhul Amin, IPSA Director Mohammad Shahjahan, and other representatives from IOM and IPSA, were present during the visit.

Mercantile Bank PLC has inaugurated a new ATM booth at Noakhali Club, Dhaka Limited to provide round-the-clock transaction services. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the bank’s Executive Committee Chairman M A Khan Belal as the chief guest. With this addition, the total number of Mercantile Bank’s ATM booths has reached 200.

The event also featured remarks from Md. Abdul Hai, General Secretary of Noakhali Club, Dhaka Limited, as a special guest. Senior executives and officers of Mercantile Bank, along with directors and members of the club, were present at the ceremony.

According to the bank, this expansion reflects its commitment to enhancing digital banking coverage and delivering modern financial services to customers across the country.

The Bangladesh government is set to finalize a purchase agreement with France’s Airbus for ten aircraft by August 31, 2026, according to officials. The decision reportedly follows pressure from the European Union (EU). State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat confirmed the plan, saying details on pricing and conditions will be disclosed after signing. The move will make Biman Bangladesh Airlines a mixed-fleet carrier for the first time, operating both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

Civil Aviation Minister Afroza Khanom Rita said the government aims to modernize Biman’s fleet with 14 Boeing and 10 Airbus aircraft, along with five leased planes this year. Ministry sources indicated that the EU raised transparency concerns over the earlier Boeing deal and linked the Airbus purchase to broader trade and diplomatic interests, as nearly half of Bangladesh’s exports go to Europe. The Airbus agreement will follow the same evaluation process used for Boeing, with four A350-900 wide-body jets and six narrow-body aircraft to be added gradually.

Aviation experts cautioned that expanding the fleet without maximizing current capacity could create financial pressure, though the government views the deal as part of its long-term plan to modernize Biman and strengthen ties with the EU.

Bangladesh Railway has issued a final notice to SMEC Bangladesh, the supervising consultancy for the Dohazari–Cox’s Bazar–Ghumdhum rail line project, for failing to submit essential completion documents. Despite repeated reminders, SMEC has not provided performance certificates, final bills, project closure reports, ‘as-built’ drawings, or handover papers. The notice, sent on May 13, 2026, warns that payment suspension and contract termination may follow if the documents are not submitted on time.

Railway officials said the consultancy’s failure has stalled project closure, auditing, and final disbursements. The firm has been accused of cost escalations in multiple projects, including Akhaura–Laksam and the Jamuna Rail Bridge. Questions have also arisen over potential conflicts of interest, as several former senior railway officials, including former project directors, joined SMEC after retirement.

SMEC has been involved in 22 railway and bridge-related projects worth over 35 billion taka in the past decade. The company’s feasibility assessments have also faced criticism for labeling unprofitable routes as viable, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in Bangladesh’s railway consultancy contracts.

Continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff have caused severe flooding in Satkania upazila of Chattogram, collapsing large portions of 61 roads under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). About 47 kilometers of roads, six culverts, and one drainage structure have been damaged. LGED’s initial estimate suggests that at least 30 crore taka will be required to rebuild and restore transport connectivity.

Engineers reported that key roads across unions such as Keochia, Eochia, Charati, Chadaha, Bajalia, Kaliaish, Kanchana, Dhemsha, Sonakania, and Nolua were severely damaged by strong flood currents. Road surfaces have eroded, embankments have broken, and large holes have formed, making travel risky. Residents described severe hardship as transport routes became impassable, affecting farmers, students, and patients.

Local officials said detailed damage reports have been sent to higher authorities. Emergency funds will be used to reopen major roads first, followed by permanent reconstruction. The upazila administration and local lawmaker have visited affected areas and assured that repair work will be prioritized to ease public suffering.