In the proposed national budget for FY 2025–26, the Chief Economic Adviser has recommended increasing duties and VAT on a range of consumer goods, including mobile phones, washing machines, LPG cylinders, and cosmetics such as lipsticks. The VAT exemption benefits for manufacturing items like washing machines, microwave ovens, blenders, juicers, irons, rice cookers, and pressure cookers have been partially reduced. VAT on plastic household items has been doubled to 15%, although environment-friendly alternatives remain exempt. The VAT exemption period for locally produced LPG cylinders has been extended, but the exemption itself has been slightly reduced. Import valuation for cosmetics used on the lips, eyes, and face has been significantly increased, potentially raising their market prices.

Economic Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed stated that a marginal increase in VAT on biscuits is unlikely to significantly affect the poor, though he did not justify the hike as entirely reasonable. “Bread affects everyone equally—rich and poor alike,” he said, adding that efforts are being made to keep the VAT on essential items like bread, biscuits, and cakes within tolerable limits. He also noted that the government has imported essential food items like wheat, chickpeas, soybean, and lentils to ensure food security. “When we took office, food reserves were nearly depleted. We are working to bring them to satisfactory levels,” he added. He acknowledged price fluctuations in the global market, including rising fertilizer costs and mixed trends in rice and soybean prices, calling it a significant challenge.

In his budget speech, Economic Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed announced that the government has decided not to increase electricity prices for now, in light of ongoing high inflation. He stated that a long-term plan is underway to reduce subsidies in the power sector by lowering overall production costs. Measures include reviewing power purchase agreements and conducting energy audits. He also revealed plans to supply 648 million cubic feet of gas from domestic sources this year, with an additional 1,500 million cubic feet expected by 2028.

The main office and 10 regional offices of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have remained closed for the past 17 days, crippling essential urban services. With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, the disruption has raised serious concerns over cattle market management and waste disposal. While some emergency services like waste collection are being maintained through ward offices, around 30 services—including street lighting, rainwater drainage, and mosquito control—are severely affected. Commenting on the situation, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that while the right to protest is fundamental, prolonged office closures are unacceptable. He emphasized the need to find alternative forms of protest that do not paralyze public services.

Employee organizations continued their protests today, demanding the repeal of the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’. As part of their pre-announced program, the demonstrators submitted a memorandum to Adviser Asif Mahmud and Adviser Mahfuz Alam. The memorandum was received on their behalf by Asif Mahmud’s Public Relations Officer and Mahfuz Alam’s Personal Secretary. Earlier in the day, starting from 11 AM, employees from various ministries and departments staged demonstrations at the Secretariat.

To ease urban traffic congestion, Chattogram will be the first city in Bangladesh to implement a monorail project. The initiative, led by Chattogram City Corporation, has secured collaboration from a German-Egyptian joint venture—Orascom and Arab Contractors Group. A memorandum of understanding was signed Sunday, and feasibility studies are set to begin soon. The estimated investment ranges from Tk 20,000 to 25,000 crore.

The Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus, has approved a budget of Tk 7,89,999 crore (7.89 trillion) for the fiscal year 2025–2026. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will record the budget speech at Bangladesh Television (BTV). The pre-recorded speech will be broadcast today at 3 PM on BTV and Bangladesh Betar.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has condemned Israel’s refusal to allow an Arab ministerial delegation to visit the occupied West Bank, calling it an act of extremism and a rejection of peace. The Arab ministerial meeting, originally planned for the West Bank, was relocated to Amman, Jordan due to the Israeli ban. “By blocking the visit, Israel has shown it believes in suppression, not peace,” Prince Faisal said. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi added that Israel’s obstruction is killing any chance for a just Arab-Israeli resolution.

At least six people were injured in Colorado, USA, when pro-Israel protesters were targeted with a petrol bomb during a demonstration demanding the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The FBI has labeled the attack a “deliberate act of terrorism” and launched an investigation. Video footage shows an individual with a spray can chanting, “Down with Zionists,” “Free Palestine,” and “They are murderers.”

During her visit to Dhaka, Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Armanatha Christiawan Nasir emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and institutional cooperation between the two countries. “We are here to plant the seeds of future collaboration,” she said. “Let us transform Bangladeshi and Indonesian brands into regional and innovative forces—across sectors from textiles to tech, agriculture to green energy.” She added, “Business is built on trust, networks, and human connections—not just contracts.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus is scheduled to hold talks with political parties today at 4:30 PM at the Foreign Service Academy, confirmed Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. BNP will participate with a three-member delegation. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam indicated that more meetings may be held before and after Eid-ul-Azha. He noted that in Japan, the Chief Adviser had stated that among the major parties, only one is genuinely interested in elections.

Teachers of Dhaka University have called on the government to grant the institution "special status" in recognition of its historic and significant contributions to Bangladesh’s politics, society, economy, and education. On Sunday afternoon, a memorandum signed by faculty members from 83 departments was submitted to Vice Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. White Panel Convener Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan stated, “Despite its pivotal role, DU holds no special status. Globally, institutions of national importance are often given such recognition. We urge the government to do the same.”

In a week-long crackdown, Saudi authorities detained more than 12,100 foreign nationals for violating housing, labor, and border regulations. The arrests were made between May 22 and May 28 as part of an ongoing initiative to enforce residency and employment laws. According to Arabian Business, 63% of the detainees were Ethiopian, 34% Yemeni, and 3% of other nationalities. Additionally, 90 individuals were arrested while attempting to illegally exit the country.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, preparations are underway to ensure smooth travel. At a coordination meeting chaired by BRTA Chairman Md. Yasin in Gazipur, he emphasized the urgent need for road repairs, drainage improvements, and the completion of flyovers. GMP Police Commissioner Dr. Md. Nazmul Karim Khan stated that special traffic control and law enforcement measures will be intensified to maintain order during the Eid rush.

The Jatiyo Muktijoddha Council (JAMUKA) has initiated field-level hearings to identify individuals who have fraudulently obtained freedom fighter status. The first phase includes hearings for 31 individuals from the Comilla region, scheduled for today at 10:00 AM at the Comilla Circuit House. Participants, including local officials and witnesses, will present evidence regarding the accused's involvement in the Liberation War. This initiative follows directives from the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to verify the authenticity of freedom fighter certificates amid allegations of widespread fraud.