Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Farmer Card' program on April 14, 2026, at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar Upazila, marking the beginning of a nationwide initiative to distribute 27.5 million cards over the next five years. The launch coincided with Pahela Baishakh celebrations, highlighting the connection between the festival and the country’s agricultural roots.

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that the well-being of Bangladesh depends on the prosperity of its farmers. He stated that the government is engaging with agricultural traders to ensure better prices for farmers and that both domestic and foreign investors have shown interest in building cold storage facilities. The initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The distribution began with over 20,000 farmers receiving cards as part of a pre-piloting phase, fulfilling one of the government’s key electoral pledges. The Prime Minister described the effort as part of the broader goal of national reconstruction and development through public participation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the 'Krishok Card' program in Tangail on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, coinciding with Pahela Baishakh. The launch took place at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail Sadar upazila, where the Prime Minister handed over the cards to farmers, marking the official start of the initiative. The event was attended by his adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. During the visit, the Prime Minister was also scheduled to pay respects at the mausoleum of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani.

The 'Krishok Card' is one of the major election pledges of the BNP government, following earlier implementations of the Family Card, Sports Card, and canal excavation programs. Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid stated that the pre-piloting phase will begin in 11 agricultural blocks across the country, benefiting 20,671 landless, marginal, and small farmers. Each cardholder will receive an annual cash benefit of 2,500 taka.

The initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure financial support for small-scale farmers, aligning with the government’s broader agricultural development agenda.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has indicated that global oil prices could reach their highest levels in the coming weeks due to ongoing disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the ‘Semaphore World Economy’ conference in Washington, D.C., Wright said fuel prices will remain high until meaningful maritime traffic resumes through the key waterway, adding that prices could rise even further before stabilizing.

Wright explained that oil prices may begin to decline once the United States-Iran conflict ends and energy supplies return to normal. However, he cautioned that this process will take time and may not occur until around September. His remarks highlight the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical tensions and supply chain interruptions in critical maritime routes.

The statement underscores the potential for short-term volatility in global fuel markets as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to constrain supply routes vital to international trade.

In Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat, consumers have expressed anger over pharmacies selling medicines strictly at the maximum retail price (MRP) without offering the usual 5–10 percent discount seen elsewhere in the country. A field visit on April 13 revealed that almost all essential and life-saving drugs, including insulin, were being sold at full price, putting additional financial pressure on buyers, particularly those with chronic illnesses.

Buyers alleged that while pharmacies in neighboring districts such as Rangpur and Kurigram continue to offer regular discounts, Patgram traders have stopped doing so, creating what appears to be an informal market control or syndicate. Pharmacy owners, however, claimed that rising operational costs, including rent and electricity, have made discounts unfeasible. Some businesspeople also hinted at an unofficial local decision discouraging commission or discount offers.

Consumers reported filing complaints with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection but said no effective action had been taken. Observers stressed the need for stronger oversight to ensure transparency in the life-saving medicine market and protect ordinary consumers from financial strain.

Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp decline in both domestic and foreign investment, with private sector credit growth dropping to 6.03 percent in February 2026—the lowest in two decades, according to Bangladesh Bank. The slowdown follows months of reduced investment activity and growing uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, the BNP government aims to create 10 million new jobs within 18 months through investment-driven growth.

To revive industrial activity, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed efforts to reopen sick and closed factories, while four key investment agencies—BIDA, BEZA, PPP Authority, and MIDA—have jointly prepared a 180-day action plan focusing on infrastructure, investment support, and development. However, economists and business leaders doubt the feasibility of the government’s employment target amid global economic instability and declining exports.

The World Bank warns that ongoing conflicts could push about 1.2 million Bangladeshis below the poverty line, with economic recovery forecasts for 2026 now at risk. Experts emphasize that stabilizing the economy, rather than rapid job creation, remains Bangladesh’s most urgent challenge.

A fuel shortage has triggered significant price hikes in essential commodities across Dhaka, creating instability in the city’s markets. Prices of vegetables, fish, eggs, and certain types of chicken have surged sharply, while beef and mutton prices remain stable. At Karwan Bazar, most vegetables are selling above Tk 80 per kilogram, with some items like kakrol and drumsticks reaching Tk 140. Hilsa fish prices have soared ahead of Pahela Baishakh, with large sizes selling up to Tk 3,500 per kilogram. Open soybean and palm oil prices have also risen by Tk 10 per liter, and LPG cylinder prices have increased beyond the government’s fixed rate.

Traders attribute the price surge to reduced supply and higher transportation costs caused by the ongoing fuel crisis. Sellers report that local and Sonali chicken prices have increased by up to Tk 100 per kilogram compared to pre-Eid levels, while egg prices have risen by Tk 10 per dozen within a week. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has blamed weak government monitoring and opportunistic traders for worsening the situation.

Market participants warn that if the fuel shortage continues, prices of daily essentials could rise further in the coming days.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has announced plans to develop northern Bangladesh as the country’s main agro-processing hub. On Monday, April 13, he held three rounds of meetings with 16 leading business figures to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector. Entrepreneurs from fruit, dairy, food and beverage, and poultry industries attended the discussions, focusing on investment needs and government support for establishing industries in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was attended by his economic adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and top executives from major companies including Pran-RFL, Transcom, Nabil Group, Square, Akij, Kazi Farms, BRAC Enterprises, and Paragon. Business leaders highlighted issues such as gas supply shortages, limited radiation testing for agricultural exports, and the need for cold storage facilities. The Prime Minister reportedly instructed immediate action on some matters and assured tax holidays and infrastructure support for investments in the region.

A follow-up meeting is planned within six months to review progress. Stakeholders expect the initiative to boost employment and attract significant investment in northern Bangladesh’s agro-processing sector.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the government’s inclusion of a provision in the Bank Resolution Act 2026 that allows former shareholders of weak banks to regain ownership without accountability. In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, TIB described the move as a ‘suicidal’ initiative that effectively rehabilitates identified looters and risks turning the banking sector back into a haven for corruption and plunder.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the new law replaces earlier accountability measures from the 2025 ordinance with immunity for those responsible for bank failures. He argued that the decision rewards wrongdoers instead of ensuring justice and reflects a continuation of authoritarian practices in the financial sector. The statement also questioned the feasibility of repayment terms offered to former owners and the Bangladesh Bank’s ability to enforce them.

TIB warned that restoring ownership without proper legal accountability will prevent any qualitative reform in the sector and contradicts the ruling party’s electoral commitments. The organization urged the government to reconsider what it termed a self-destructive and interest-driven decision.

Bangladesh’s Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged Japan to take initiatives for automobile manufacturing in Bangladesh. The call was made on Monday, April 13, during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi at the minister’s office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The minister highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and Japan’s significant role in Bangladesh’s industrial and socioeconomic development.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized cooperation based on mutual interests and referred to existing memorandums of understanding between Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation and Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Toyota. He invited Japan to move forward with automobile production projects under these agreements. In response, the ambassador said work on the matter is underway and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic progress.

The Japanese ambassador also welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to establish a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for ship recycling in Sitakunda, Chattogram, and said feasibility studies would begin soon. Senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and the Japanese Embassy attended the meeting.

The Bangladesh government has issued a circular reducing operational expenditures across nine sectors to address the energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The Cabinet Division released the directive following decisions made at the fourth cabinet meeting on April 2, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

According to the circular, fuel allocations for government vehicles will be reduced by 30 percent, and interest-free loans for vehicle purchases and all foreign training funded by the government will be suspended. Domestic training expenses, meeting and seminar costs, and travel expenditures will also face significant cuts. Additionally, the purchase of vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and computers in the public sector will be halted entirely, while energy use in government offices will be reduced by 30 percent. Expenditures on building decoration and land acquisition will also be curtailed.

The measures are intended to manage the fiscal impact of the energy shortage and ensure efficient use of public resources until further notice.

The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) has called for prioritizing renewable energy to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The appeal was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, where BSREA leaders highlighted that heavy reliance on imported fuels, rising global energy prices, and pressure on foreign reserves have created severe challenges. They noted that the government currently spends over Tk 200 crore daily in subsidies due to high LNG, coal, and oil prices.

BSREA President Mostafa Al Mahmud said renewable energy, especially solar power, is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly long-term solution but lacks adequate policy support. The association pointed out that import duties of 50–60% on renewable equipment and high tariffs on lithium-ion batteries hinder investment, while conventional energy sectors continue to receive subsidies. Citing examples from countries like India and Vietnam, BSREA argued that policy incentives can rapidly enhance energy security.

The organization recommended reducing taxes on renewable imports, introducing zero duty on lithium-ion batteries, ensuring low-interest financing, and expediting stalled solar projects to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy resilience.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a strict directive to all scheduled banks to accept torn, damaged, and dirty banknotes and provide new or reissuable notes in exchange. The circular, released recently, aims to ensure smooth and fair cash transactions for the public. It requires every branch of all banks to regularly offer exchange services for such notes in accordance with existing regulations.

The central bank noted that despite earlier instructions issued on December 15, 2025, damaged and dirty notes remain widespread in circulation, causing inconvenience in daily transactions. To implement its 'Clean Note Policy,' the bank instructed that all denominations, particularly smaller ones such as 5, 10, 20, and 50 taka notes, must be accepted at designated counters and exchanged immediately.

The circular also warned that any bank branch refusing to provide this service would face necessary action. Bangladesh Bank emphasized the importance of this directive and urged all banks to ensure full compliance.

Merchant banks and brokerage houses in Bangladesh are under pressure to adjust margin loans by April 30, 2026, as required by the new Margin Rules 2025. The adjustment deadline comes amid a prolonged downturn in the stock market, worsened by global instability following Iran’s attacks on the United States and Israel. Analysts warn that enforcing the adjustment now could trigger heavy selling pressure and deepen the market crisis.

In response, the DSE Brokers Association (DBA) has requested the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) to extend the adjustment deadline by three months, until July 31, 2026. The DBA’s letter to BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud, signed by President Saiful Islam, argues that forced adjustments during the current slump could negatively affect trading and investor confidence.

The Margin Rules 2025, effective since November 1, 2025, introduced stricter conditions on margin financing, including limits based on investment size, company category, and capital adequacy requirements. Market participants fear that forced compliance could intensify the ongoing market weakness.

Residents of the isolated river islands in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur district are enduring a relentless struggle for survival amid river erosion, poverty, and recurring natural disasters. The communities in newly emerged chars such as Charjanajat, Kathalbari, and Madbarer Char face severe shortages of roads, electricity, and safe drinking water. Many families have lost their homes and farmland to the Padma River’s erosion and wait years for new land to emerge where they can rebuild their lives.

Agriculture and fishing remain the main sources of livelihood, but income is uncertain due to floods, droughts, and sudden erosion. Transportation depends entirely on boats, which become scarce or dangerous during the monsoon, disrupting access to healthcare, education, and daily necessities. Local residents described the absence of schools, health centers, and reliable communication as major barriers to improving their lives.

Local representatives and residents emphasized the urgent need for sustainable embankments, improved transport links, electricity, clean water, and long-term development plans to ensure better living conditions for the Padma’s char communities.

Unplanned stone extraction is rapidly destroying farmland in Panchagarh, particularly in Tetulia upazila, as demand for construction materials rises. Farmers and contractors are digging 30–40 feet deep pits in cultivable land to extract stones, often without permission or regulation. The practice has already reduced agricultural land and production, prompting warnings from environmentalists that Tetulia’s farmland could be halved if immediate action is not taken.

According to local data, Tetulia upazila covers 18,912 hectares, of which 14,839 hectares are arable. However, much of this land is being converted for tea cultivation or left fallow after stone extraction. The Bangladesh Tea Board reports that 4,700 acres in Panchagarh are now under tea cultivation, mostly in Tetulia. Industrial land purchases and unutilized plots along highways have further reduced cultivable areas.

Environmental experts and local educators have urged stronger public awareness and enforcement of land-use rules. The district administration stated that it is maintaining strict monitoring to prevent farmland from becoming barren due to unregulated extraction.