Four large diesel-laden ships are arriving at Chattogram Port between Friday, April 17, and the following Sunday, carrying around 141,000 tons of diesel. The consignment aims to stabilize Bangladesh’s fuel supply amid recent disruptions. Officials expect that once distribution begins, uncertainty in the transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors will ease significantly. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) estimates the new supply will meet national demand for about 12 days.

According to the Chattogram Port Authority, three ships—MT Oaktree, MT Cape Bonny, and MT Lian Song Hu—are scheduled to anchor on Friday, while the fourth, MT Golden Horizon, will arrive on Sunday. Pride Shipping Lines’ managing director confirmed that the vessels are arriving on schedule and that quick unloading will accelerate fuel distribution.

BPC officials reported that the country’s diesel stock has risen from 155,000 tons to about 296,000 tons, extending reserve capacity from 13 to 25 days. Diesel accounts for roughly 63 percent of Bangladesh’s total fuel demand, projected at 4.35 million tons for fiscal year 2024–25.

Turkiye’s leading missile manufacturer Roketsan is aiming to become one of the world’s top 10 defence exporters amid rising global demand for air defence and missile systems. The company, which currently exports to around 50 countries and ranks 71st among global defence firms, plans to expand mass production following the inauguration of new facilities by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Roketsan’s General Manager Murat Ikinci said the firm’s growth strategy is driven by lessons from recent conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Iran, which have underscored the importance of drone and hypersonic technologies.

Turkiye’s defence industry expansion accelerated after Western sanctions and embargoes restricted access to foreign systems, prompting the country to develop a domestic ecosystem of nearly 4,000 local suppliers. With a local production rate exceeding 90 percent, the sector reported $10 billion in exports in 2025. Roketsan employs 3,200 engineers and is the third-largest R&D institution in Turkiye, focusing on systems such as the ALKA and BURC air defences and the Tayfun hypersonic missile.

As global stockpiles of advanced weapon systems decline, Roketsan is positioning itself to fill supply gaps, offering joint production partnerships to allies in the Middle East, Far East, and Europe.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, announced that the country currently has full fuel reserves for April and May. He made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists after inspecting Eastern Refinery Limited in Chattogram. The minister added that efforts are underway to secure adequate reserves for June to maintain uninterrupted energy supply.

He claimed that Bangladesh now holds the highest fuel reserves in its history. The government is working to import both refined and crude fuel from alternative sources to strengthen supply security. According to the minister, refined fuel supply is being expanded, and initiatives have been taken to import crude oil for Eastern Refinery from countries including Malaysia.

The announcement reflects the government’s ongoing strategy to ensure energy stability and diversify import sources amid rising demand across the country.

A new survey titled “Measurement of ICT Access and Use” released on Thursday at the BBS office in Agargaon, Dhaka, shows that while over half of Bangladesh’s population now uses the internet, significant disparities and skill limitations persist. The survey found that 53.4 percent of people use the internet, but most users’ digital abilities are limited to basic tasks such as copy-paste. A sharp divide remains between urban and rural areas, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages, a gap of 32.1 percentage points.

The survey also revealed that Dhaka Division has the highest internet access, while Panchagarh lags behind. Only 11.3 percent of people use computers, though 88.4 percent use mobile phones and 64.4 percent own one. In the past three months, 64.4 percent of users searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and only 11.6 percent shopped online. While 78.5 percent said they could respond to cyberattacks, half identified viruses and malware as major threats.

High internet costs remain a key barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as the main reason for not using the internet.

Saudi Arabia has announced an $8 billion financial support package for Pakistan, including an additional $3 billion deposit and an extension of an existing $5 billion deposit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to reinforce Pakistan’s economic stability and enhance its resilience amid global economic changes. The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed via social media that it has already received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, effective until April 15, 2026, to bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The announcement followed a meeting in Jeddah between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pakistan is currently preparing to repay $3.5 billion in loans to the United Arab Emirates by the end of this month and expects an additional $5 billion in support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan repaid $1.4 billion in foreign debt last week.

Pakistan’s foreign reserves stand at about $21.89 billion, with $16.4 billion held by the central bank and $5.49 billion by commercial banks, reflecting ongoing pressure from high import costs and external debt obligations.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s Special Assistant for Investment and Capital Market Affairs, Tanvir Gani, held a meeting with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting took place at the BSEC headquarters in Agargaon and was attended by BSEC Chairman Khandaker Rashed Maksud, Commissioners M. Mohsin Chowdhury, Md. Ali Akbar, Farzana Lalarukh, and Md. Saifuddin, among others.

During the session, BSEC presented an overview of its role, institutional structure, regulatory framework, and the broader capital market ecosystem. The presentation also covered the commission’s key initiatives, achievements, and future plans related to implementing the government’s election manifesto. Tanvir Gani was briefed on recent BSEC measures aimed at reforming and ensuring sustainable development of the capital market.

The special assistant inquired about various aspects of the market, signaling continued coordination between the Prime Minister’s Office and the regulatory body on capital market development.

The government of Bangladesh has set a target to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2030. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani announced the plan during a briefing at the Secretariat following a cabinet meeting on Thursday night. The estimated production cost is expected to range between four and eight taka per unit. The initiative also includes discussions on biogas and wind energy as part of the broader renewable energy expansion.

According to the cabinet secretary, the government will use state-owned land to implement large-scale renewable energy projects, allowing participation from private investors. A committee has been formed to begin work shortly after final approval, with possible policy revisions and new legislation to expedite implementation. The government aims to simplify existing policies to create a more investment-friendly environment.

Dr. Gani added that both small and large-scale projects are being considered on government land near educational institutions and hospitals. The government also plans to increase private sector involvement in major power projects while ensuring easier investment procedures with state support.

International oil prices declined after Asian markets opened, driven by optimism that the ongoing Middle East conflict could end soon following the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. As of 00:21 GMT on Friday, Brent crude futures dropped by more than one percent to 98.05 dollars per barrel, while U.S. crude prices fell below 94 dollars.

Earlier in March, oil prices had surged nearly 50 percent to record highs amid tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Recently, prices have fallen below 100 dollars, though they have remained around the 90-dollar range throughout the week. The easing of geopolitical risks has contributed to the latest downward trend.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American officials may meet Iranian representatives in Pakistan this week, a potential diplomatic initiative that has drawn investor attention and added a positive tone to market sentiment.

A new survey released on Thursday at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics office in Agargaon revealed that internet usage in Bangladesh has grown significantly, with 53.4 percent of the population now online. However, the study found major disparities in both access and digital skills. While most users can perform basic tasks like copy-paste, advanced digital literacy remains limited. The gap between urban and rural internet use stands at 32.1 percent, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages.

Regionally, Dhaka Division recorded the highest internet penetration, while Panchagarh ranked lowest. In terms of computer use, Dhaka households lead, whereas Thakurgaon lags behind. The survey also found that 88.4 percent of people use mobile phones, but only 11.3 percent use computers. Among internet users, 64.4 percent searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and 11.6 percent shopped online.

High internet costs remain a major barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as a reason for not using the internet.

A workshop titled “Use of Innovative Automated Technology for Rapid Breeding and Year-Round Sustainable Crop Production through Controlled Environment Agricultural Research” was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) on Thursday morning. The event marked the formal launch of an initiative aimed at integrating advanced automation technologies with controlled-environment agriculture to accelerate crop breeding cycles and ensure sustainable production throughout the year. The workshop was organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project and took place at the university’s old auditorium.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman attended as chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad as special guests. Representatives from major agricultural research institutions and seed companies, along with university faculty, researchers, and students, participated. The keynote presentation by Dr. Mohammad Sharif Raihan outlined the project’s objectives, activities, and future plans.

An open discussion session followed, focusing on the project’s potential, challenges, and ways to enhance GAKRUBI’s research impact nationally and internationally. The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to collaboration and innovation in agricultural research.

The River Police of Bangladesh have reported a major success in their ongoing nationwide operations to protect river-based fisheries and restore discipline on waterways. Over the past seven days, officers seized 43.27 million meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,158 kilograms of fish, 657,000 shrimp fry, 15,000 bagda shrimp larvae, and 1,328 kilograms of jelly-mixed shrimp. A total of 279 individuals were arrested, and 133 illegal river obstacles were destroyed during the operation.

According to a statement issued by the River Police Headquarters on April 16, 83 bulkheads lacking valid documents faced prosecution in the naval court. Authorities filed 69 cases, including 46 under the Fisheries Act, nine for reckless navigation, and others related to sand extraction, drugs, theft, special powers, and abduction. Twelve bodies were also recovered during the campaign.

The seized illegal nets and jelly-mixed shrimp were destroyed, while shrimp fry were released back into the water to support natural growth. The recovered fish were distributed to local orphanages. The River Police stated that similar operations will continue to strengthen river safety and protect aquatic biodiversity.

International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has warned that Europe’s jet fuel reserves may last only about six weeks. In an interview with the Associated Press, Birol said that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted oil supplies, raising the risk of flight cancellations across Europe. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger one of the most severe global energy crises to date.

Birol emphasized that the situation could have a significant impact on the world economy. The longer the disruption continues, the more global economic growth may slow, while inflation could rise. He also cautioned that the crisis could lead to sharp increases in energy prices, including petrol, gas, and electricity.

The IEA chief further warned that if the Middle East conflict persists, volatility in global energy markets will intensify, affecting multiple sectors of the world economy.

Five people, including a school student and a woman, were killed by lightning strikes in three districts on Thursday. The incidents occurred in Munshiganj, Chuadanga, and Maheshpur of Jhenaidah. In Munshiganj’s Tongibari upazila, two young men, Rizwan Dhali and Arafat Khan, died after being struck by lightning during a nor’wester storm. Both were taken to Tongibari Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared them dead.

In Chuadanga, two people, including a ninth-grade student, died in separate lightning incidents. The victims were identified as Rasel from Jibannagar’s Ghoshnagar village and Tajimuddin, a student of Memnagar BD Secondary School in Damurhuda. Tajimuddin was struck by lightning while working with his father in a field. In Maheshpur of Jhenaidah, a housewife named Rozina Khatun died after being hit by lightning while working near her kitchen.

Local police confirmed the deaths in all three districts and stated that the bodies were handed over to the families as no complaints were filed.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam told the National Parliament that the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway will be upgraded to four lanes by 2029. He made the statement in response to a proposal raised by Shahjahan Chowdhury, MP for Chattogram-15 (Satkania-Lohagara) and secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s parliamentary party. The minister said the project is part of the Highway Improvement Project (Phase-1), under which 26.21 kilometers of the road will be widened to four lanes, with completion targeted for 2029.

He added that a 2.6-kilometer six-lane flyover will also be built under the same project, while feasibility studies for the remaining 48 kilometers are ongoing. Discussions with JICA are underway, and the government expects to finalize the Development Project Proposal soon. The minister acknowledged that the highway is accident-prone and said preventive measures have been planned for identified risky areas.

During the parliamentary discussion, Shahjahan Chowdhury urged the government to upgrade the highway to six lanes, citing its strategic importance for trade, border connectivity, and accident reduction. Other MPs also emphasized the need for rapid improvement and safer travel conditions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that his government will purchase an additional 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to boost the country’s fuel reserves. The announcement was made during a press conference in Malaysia, where Albanese confirmed that the diesel will arrive in two separate shipments.

According to AFP, the decision comes as global energy markets face ongoing instability in fuel supply. Albanese stated that one shipment will come from Brunei, which he visited recently, and the other from South Korea. The move is intended to strengthen Australia’s domestic energy security amid the worldwide fuel crisis.

Reports suggest that this measure is expected to enhance Australia’s resilience against supply disruptions and ensure stable energy availability in the near term.