Global crude oil prices rose by more than 3 percent as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, raising concerns over energy supply disruptions. Brent crude climbed by 2.67 dollars, or 3.51 percent, to reach 78.68 dollars per barrel, according to market data released on July 13, 2026.

Analysts attributed the price increase primarily to fears of transport disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy shipments. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicated that before the conflict began, nearly one-fifth of the world’s petroleum supply passed through this strait.

Market observers warned that if the conflict escalates further, oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz could be severely affected, potentially triggering greater instability in the global energy market.

In Durgapur of Rajshahi, farmers are discarding bitter gourds in local markets after failing to get fair prices. Despite abundant harvests, growers are being forced to sell at only 2.5 to 5 taka per kilogram, far below production costs. Some farmers have even destroyed their crops in frustration, as wholesale buyers are refusing to offer reasonable rates. At Hatkanpara market, one farmer was seen trampling his unsold bitter gourds after being offered just 120 taka per maund.

Farmers report spending 25,000 to 30,000 taka per bigha on cultivation, but recovering less than a quarter of that investment. The Durgapur Upazila Agriculture Office confirmed that 178 hectares were planted with bitter gourd this season. While early yields fetched 80 to 100 taka per kilogram, prices have since plummeted. Many farmers now face severe financial strain and loss of capital.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sahana Parvin Laboni urged farmers not to destroy their crops and assured that efforts are underway with the agricultural marketing department to stabilize prices soon.

The Kansat mango market in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj is witnessing daily transactions worth around Tk 15 to 18 crore, with an average of 4,500 to 5,000 tonnes of mangoes traded each day. Farmers from Shibganj and nearby districts bring their produce to the market early in the morning, where wholesalers and traders from across the country, including Dhaka, gather to purchase mangoes. The market, considered the second largest mango hub in Asia, remains vibrant throughout the peak harvesting season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension and local traders, about 400 to 450 trucks of mangoes are loaded daily from the Kansat market for distribution across Bangladesh. The market attracts around 15,000 to 16,000 people every day, creating significant employment opportunities for the local population. The mango trading season typically runs from late May to the end of July.

This year, mangoes have been cultivated on 37,487 hectares of land in Chapainawabganj, with a production target of 457,900 tonnes. Officials expect the target to be met if no natural disasters occur.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced a major expansion plan in Bangladesh’s private aviation sector, committing around 1.11 billion US dollars to add 21 brand-new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet in 2027. The airline disclosed the plan in a letter to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) chairman, stating that the aircraft will be procured through five leading global leasing companies. A formal announcement will be made jointly by Boeing and US-Bangla on July 29 at Sheraton Dhaka, attended by senior officials from Boeing, the US Embassy, and the aviation industry.

US-Bangla aims to transform Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet into regional aviation hubs, connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Aviation experts described the move as the largest fleet expansion by any Bangladeshi airline, predicting positive effects on the economy, tourism, exports, and employment. The addition of 21 aircraft will require a large number of pilots, engineers, and technical staff, creating thousands of new jobs.

Experts also noted that increased domestic airline capacity could reduce Bangladesh’s reliance on foreign carriers and retain more foreign currency within the country.

Typhoon Bavi struck China’s Zhejiang province on Saturday, causing severe weather across the southern and eastern regions and disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. According to Global Times, more than 2,800 domestic and international flights were canceled on Sunday, with hundreds more delayed or suspended in major cities including Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Shenyang, Dalian, and Chengdu.

Heavy rainfall in northern China led to widespread flight delays at Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing international airports. Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports reported that about 30 percent of their flights could be canceled due to adverse weather. Thunderstorm warnings were issued at 45 airports, including those in Hangzhou and Changzhou in Jiangsu province.

Rail services were also affected, with several high-speed train routes temporarily suspended for passenger safety. Airports in Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces experienced major disruptions. The weather bureau warned that heavy rain and flash floods could persist through Sunday night, potentially worsening transport difficulties across the country.

More than a week of heavy rainfall has severely disrupted life across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, where several neighborhoods such as Mirpur, Dhanmondi, and Banani remain waterlogged. According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, 51 people have died and 39 others were injured in landslides and flash floods in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, and Chattogram. Cox’s Bazar alone reported 28 deaths, while Bandarban and Chattogram recorded seven and thirteen fatalities respectively.

The ministry reported that over one million people have been affected in seven districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj. Around 267,000 families remain stranded, and 44,457 people have taken shelter in 1,131 relief centers. The Chattogram Education Board has postponed HSC and equivalent exams scheduled for July 13, 15, and 16, while several Dhaka schools have delayed midterm exams due to adverse weather.

Rail services between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar remain suspended as tracks at Shamsherpara are still submerged. The Meteorological Department warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue for the next five days, with short-term flooding likely in several northern and northeastern districts.

Bangladesh’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported on July 12, 2026, that water levels in four rivers across four districts were flowing above the danger mark at five points. While flood conditions in Chattogram and the hill districts were slowly improving, the agency warned of a short-term flood risk in the country’s northeastern region due to continued heavy rainfall. The forecast indicated that heavy to very heavy rain could occur in six divisions and adjoining upstream areas of India over the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially inundating new areas.

According to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, seven districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj—have been severely affected by recent floods, impacting over one million people and leaving 51 dead and 39 injured. More than 1,100 shelters have been opened, housing over 44,000 displaced residents. Relief efforts, including food, cash, and materials, are ongoing with support from government and non-government organizations.

Officials expect gradual improvement in the northeastern flood situation within 72 hours if rainfall decreases, though continuous monsoon activity may prolong risks in low-lying areas.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called on private universities to use funds saved from tax exemptions to enhance education quality and research. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion organized by the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh at The Westin Dhaka, he emphasized self-regulation over government control and announced plans to bring all sectors and marginalized groups under GDP coverage by 2034.

He justified the tax waiver by describing education as a non-profit sector and said the 5% tax savings should be directed toward achieving international benchmarks and improving university ratings. Despite economic challenges, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private sector–driven growth and policy continuity for five years to support long-term planning. He also urged universities to engage with the capital market and prioritize local ICT graduates and companies to reduce foreign dependence.

The event, chaired by APUB Chairman Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, was attended by UGC Chairman Prof. Mamun Ahmed and representatives from academia and industry, who praised the government’s supportive stance toward private higher education and research.

Dhaka experienced its heaviest July rainfall in 17 years as 175 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours on Sunday, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The intense monsoon activity caused severe waterlogging across the capital, disrupting daily life. Meteorologists AKM Nazmul Haque and Khondaker Hafizur Rahman attributed the heavy rainfall to an active monsoon system.

Other regions also recorded significant rainfall, including 160 millimeters in Chattogram, 152 in Patuakhali, and 113 in Cox’s Bazar. The department warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall might continue for two more days across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Experts linked the abnormal weather pattern to global warming and the El Niño effect, noting that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns.

Senior meteorologist Bazlur Rahman said the monsoon’s traditional gentle rhythm has been replaced by short, intense bursts of rain. The report highlighted growing public distress over Dhaka’s inadequate drainage and called for urgent modernization to protect urban life from worsening climate impacts.

A Dhaka court has issued a summons against actress Tanjin Tisha in a fraud and breach of trust case. The order was given on Sunday, July 12, by Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana of the 10th Court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Tisha has been instructed to appear before the court on August 13 for the next hearing, confirmed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Advocate Salimullah Sarkar.

According to the case statement, Tanjin Tisha allegedly took a sari worth 28,800 taka from an online fashion page named ‘Aponia’ for promotional purposes but neither paid for it nor maintained contact afterward. The plaintiff claims that conversations through Instagram, WhatsApp, and voice messages support the allegations. Tisha, however, stated in a Facebook post that the sari had been given to her as a gift.

The plaintiff’s lawyer said the investigation report found preliminary evidence supporting the complaint, and the matter will now proceed in court.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have reached a policy-level agreement to simplify and strengthen bilateral trade in food products. Both countries are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing commercial cooperation. The decision followed a visit to Bangladesh by a delegation led by Asim Azim Siddiqui, chairman of Pakistan’s Trading Corporation, who met with officials from the Ministry of Industries and Bangladesh’s Commerce and Industry Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir.

During the discussions, Pakistan expressed interest in exporting rice, lentils, chickpeas, fertilizer, and edible oil to Bangladesh, while showing willingness to import jute and jute goods from Bangladesh to meet growing domestic demand. Pakistan also proposed cooperation to help Bangladesh procure essential commodities at more competitive prices from international markets.

The meeting decided to make the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Working Group more active, with plans for future trade delegations and joint ventures in agriculture and industry. If the MoU is implemented, it is expected to reduce trade barriers, improve government coordination, and ease business operations between the two countries.

Four major business organizations have jointly appealed to the Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam for urgent assistance following heavy rainfall and flash floods that disrupted operations at Chattogram port. In a letter sent on Sunday, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), and the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) requested immediate measures to restore port and transport connectivity and to compensate affected industries.

The letter stated that flooding has hampered unloading, storage, and transport of goods, putting imported raw materials and export-ready products at risk of damage and shipment delays. The port authority’s earlier notice rejecting compensation claims has caused dissatisfaction among traders. The organizations demanded a neutral investigation to determine responsibility for losses and called for waivers on demurrage, detention, and storage charges. They also sought low-interest refinancing, extended loan repayment periods, and special fast-track customs clearance for essential goods.

The groups outlined nine specific demands, urging swift implementation to protect industrial output, maintain export commitments, and restore business confidence in the country’s main seaport.

Authorities in Kamarkhanda upazila of Sirajganj seized and destroyed approximately 1,400 feet of illegal Chinese fishing nets worth about Tk 1.5 lakh. The operation was conducted on Sunday in the Dashsika River area by the Upazila Fisheries Office. The confiscated nets, identified as 28 sets of Chinese duari nets, were burned after seizure.

Upazila Fisheries Officer Anjan Kumar Roy stated that the drive was part of regular operations aimed at protecting native fish species and other aquatic life in local rivers. He added that such enforcement actions would continue in the future to prevent illegal fishing practices. Kamarkhanda police assisted in the operation.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and ensure sustainable fishing practices in the region.

Following continuous heavy rainfall in Dhaka, several areas under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) experienced waterlogging, causing temporary disruption to residents’ movement. In response, DNCC launched emergency operations to remove stagnant water and keep the drainage system functional. On Sunday, DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton visited the affected areas to oversee the ongoing efforts and instructed officials and staff to work continuously until the situation normalized.

According to DNCC, teams from its sanitation and engineering departments are working tirelessly in the field to clear waste from drains and box culverts, maintain water flow, and ensure quick drainage. The affected neighborhoods include Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, Mohakhali, Mirpur, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Pallabi, Agargaon, Uttara, Diabari, and Mohammadpur.

The DNCC administrator emphasized that all necessary preparations have been taken to reduce public suffering and restore normal urban life. He also urged residents to cooperate by refraining from dumping waste into drains, canals, and sewers to help maintain a cleaner city.

A dead Irrawaddy dolphin was found washed ashore on Kuakata beach in Patuakhali on Sunday afternoon. Local residents discovered the roughly eight-foot-long dolphin near the national park area during high tide. Forest Department officials, assisted by the local administration, later recovered and buried the carcass. Preliminary observations suggest the dolphin may have died after being struck by a vessel or entangled in fishing nets or other fishing gear. The body showed signs of decomposition, indicating it had been dead for several days.

Environmental and research workers expressed concern over recurring dolphin deaths along the Kuakata coast. KM Bachchu, a local environmental activist, said that although such incidents have decreased, dead dolphins still occasionally wash ashore, underscoring the need for coordinated research by government and scientific institutions. WCS and WorldFish researcher Md Bakhtiar Rahman confirmed the species as Irrawaddy and noted visible injuries. Conservation leaders urged stronger measures to prevent future deaths and identify their root causes.

Environmentalists warned that repeated dolphin deaths signal growing threats to coastal marine biodiversity in the region.