Bangladesh Bank has announced the monetary policy for the first half of the next fiscal year (July–December 2026), keeping the policy interest rates unchanged due to inflation not yet reaching the desired level. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the central bank’s headquarters by Deputy Governor Habibur Rahman, in the presence of Governor Mostakur Rahman, Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, and other senior officials.

According to the new policy, the central bank has maintained the repo rate at 10 percent, which is the rate at which banks borrow short-term funds from the central bank against government securities. The Standing Lending Facility (SLF) rate remains at 11.50 percent, while the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate stays at 7.50 percent, applicable when banks deposit funds with the central bank.

The monetary policy statement projects that inflation will decline to 7.5 percent in the upcoming fiscal year, reflecting the central bank’s expectation of gradual price stabilization.

In Madaripur’s Kalkini upazila, large-scale illegal sand extraction from farmland is being used to fill a government canal, according to local reports on June 30, 2026. The activity is taking place in Uttar Shikarmangal village under Shikarmangal Union, allegedly led by local influential figures Jalil Sardar, Alamgir Khan, and Jahangir Khan, with dredging operations managed by a known sand trader named Biman Munshi. Sand is being pumped directly into the canal without any administrative approval, and a major section has already been filled, putting nearby agricultural land at risk of collapse.

Local farmers claim their protests have been ignored and that they are facing threats from those involved. Residents allege that the filled canal area is being prepared for housing construction, undermining the government’s canal excavation program and raising fears of long-term waterlogging during the monsoon. They have urged immediate administrative and legal action to stop the illegal activity and protect public property.

Kalkini Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saif Ul Arefin stated that legal measures will be taken against anyone found filling government canals with sand.

More than 58,000 buildings in Venezuela were damaged or destroyed after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, according to preliminary satellite data released by NASA. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, killed about 1,700 people and left thousands missing. The events mark the strongest earthquakes to hit the South American nation in over a century.

Researchers Cory Sherr and Jamon van den Hecke from Oregon State University analyzed radar data collected on June 25 from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite. Their assessment estimated around 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or collapsed. They emphasized that the findings are an early, rapid assessment reflecting surface changes consistent with destruction and have not yet been verified on the ground.

NASA stated that its satellites are providing critical imagery and data to assist field teams in assessing damage and coordinating rescue operations.

Bogura City, recently upgraded to a city corporation, is facing severe waterlogging due to its outdated and poorly maintained drainage system. On Monday morning, continuous rain from 9:30 a.m. to noon submerged major roads, including Satmatha, Sherpur Road, and Station Road, causing traffic disruptions and widespread public suffering.

Residents allege that no significant development plan has been implemented in the area for 19 years, leaving narrow and clogged drains unable to handle rainwater. The city corporation acknowledged partial drain repairs and promised swift action in problem areas. However, locals argue that temporary cleaning is insufficient without a comprehensive drainage plan.

According to city sources, Bogura has 991 kilometers of roads but only 900 kilometers of drains, 400 of which are unpaved. The administrator, M.R. Islam Swadhin, said drainage improvement work is ongoing and expected to be completed by next year, though rain is currently hindering progress.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf announced that Tehran has begun to see results from its recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United States. He stated that in less than two weeks since the lifting of sanctions, Iran exported 40 million barrels of oil. Ghalibaf shared this information in an interview with state media, describing the development as a sign of the agreement’s effectiveness.

According to Ghalibaf, under the memorandum’s fourth clause, the United States was required to begin lifting sanctions immediately after signing and complete the process within 30 days. However, the sanctions were removed well before the deadline, which he described as a diplomatic success for Iran. He characterized the outcome as proof of both Iran’s military and diplomatic strength.

Ghalibaf also emphasized that Iran considers the Strait of Hormuz a key strategic asset and will not retreat from its sovereign rights over the waterway. He clarified that the memorandum only temporarily exempts the United States from paying maritime service fees in the strait, without altering Iran’s sovereignty stance.

All scheduled banks across Bangladesh will suspend customer-level transactions on Wednesday, July 1, in observance of the annual bank holiday. The suspension also extends to trading activities at the country’s stock exchanges. However, the head offices of Bangladesh Bank and other scheduled banks, along with a few key branches, will remain open on a limited scale to handle administrative and accounting tasks only.

According to Bangladesh Bank regulations, July 1 and December 31 are designated as bank holidays each year. On these days, banks halt customer transactions to complete internal accounting, financial reporting, and administrative work. The observance ensures that institutions can finalize their mid-year and year-end financial statements without disruption from regular operations.

The temporary closure is a routine measure and part of the banking sector’s annual schedule, aimed at maintaining financial transparency and operational efficiency across the system.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast temporary gusty or squally winds at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour over 15 districts by Wednesday noon. The warning, issued for inland river ports until 1 p.m., also includes the likelihood of rain or thunderstorms in the affected areas.

According to the forecast, the regions likely to experience these conditions include Rajshahi, Pabna, Jashore, Kushtia, Khulna, Faridpur, Madaripur, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Tangail, Mymensingh, and Sylhet. The department has instructed river ports in these areas to hoist cautionary signal number 1 from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. and advised vessels operating on inland waterways to take necessary precautions.

The advisory follows a broader weather pattern of intermittent rain and thunderstorms across the country, with the department noting that humid and uncomfortable conditions may persist due to ongoing climatic influences.

Bangladesh Bank has maintained its contractionary monetary stance for the first half of fiscal year 2026–27, keeping the policy rate unchanged at 10 percent due to inflation remaining above target. The central bank reduced the private sector credit growth target to 6.8 percent and announced a 600 billion taka stimulus package to revive economic activity. The new policy was unveiled by Governor Mostakur Rahman at the bank’s headquarters, with senior officials in attendance.

The statement noted that inflationary pressure rose again in the second half of 2025–26 due to fuel price adjustments, flood-related agricultural losses, and higher global commodity prices linked to the Iran conflict. Bangladesh Bank forecasted 6.1 percent GDP growth for the coming fiscal year, while the government set a 6.5 percent target. Real GDP growth in 2025–26 was 4.14 percent, showing modest recovery but still weak momentum.

The bank also introduced an 18‑month plan to reduce non‑performing loans, proposed new financial laws for faster case resolution, and capped the interest rate spread at four percent to improve banking discipline and competitiveness.

The Bangladesh Parliament on Tuesday passed the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, amounting to Tk 9.38 trillion. The passage was completed through approval of the Appropriation Bill 2026, presented by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The budget takes effect from July 1, following presidential consent and gazette publication. The session, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, approved the budget by voice vote after ministers defended expenditure proposals for 59 ministries.

The new budget, titled “Journey Toward a Democratic, Humane, and Inclusive Economy,” is the country’s 55th and the finance minister’s first. It is 18.73% larger than the previous year’s budget and targets 7.5% inflation and 6.5% GDP growth. The budget sets a deficit of Tk 2.43 trillion, to be financed through domestic and foreign borrowing. Revenue collection is targeted at Tk 6.95 trillion, with an Annual Development Programme of Tk 3 trillion.

Opposition lawmakers raised 1,343 cut motions and called for greater transparency and accountability in project implementation. They also demanded efficient use of funds and reduction of waste, while the government incorporated 64 amendments, including higher tax-free income limits and revised VAT measures.

The Bangladesh National Parliament has passed a budget of Tk 9.38 trillion for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. The new budget is Tk 1.48 trillion larger than the current fiscal year’s Tk 7.90 trillion budget. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the proposal during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, which was approved by voice vote under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom.

Before the budget’s passage, 59 expenditure demands from various ministries and divisions were presented, and 1,344 cut motions were submitted by members of parliament. These motions were discussed and resolved through voice votes. The Finance Bill, which includes raising the tax-free income limit to Tk 400,000, was also passed.

The budget, originally proposed on June 11, 2026, follows extensive discussions among ruling, opposition, and independent lawmakers. It will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to keep the prices of diesel, kerosene, octane, and petrol unchanged for July 2026. However, the price of furnace oil used in power plants has been reduced by 4.44 taka per liter, from 113.54 to 109.10 taka. The Energy Division and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced the new rates in separate notices, effective from July 1 to July 31.

According to the Energy Division, the unchanged retail prices are 115 taka per liter for diesel, 145 taka for octane, 140 taka for petrol, and 135 taka for kerosene. The adjustment follows a decline in global oil prices after an Iran–United States memorandum of understanding to end the war, which had earlier driven prices up by over 40 dollars per barrel. Officials explained that domestic pricing is based on a three-month average of international rates, and the benefits of the recent global decline may take a few months to reach consumers.

BERC stated that the furnace oil price revision considered changes in crude oil costs and exchange rates for May and June, with the new rate effective from midnight on June 30.

Bangladesh Bank has maintained a policy interest rate of 10 percent for over a year and a half, yet inflation has not fallen to its 7 percent target. The central bank’s 2025–26 monetary policy review states that despite various government and central bank measures, inflation remained high through June 2026. Weak market structures, supply chain disruptions, and global energy and commodity price pressures were cited as key reasons. Inflation fell from 10.89 percent in December 2025 to 8.49 percent but rose again to 9.42 percent in May 2026.

The review notes that inflation has persisted for more than three years, driven by global supply disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war, and energy price shocks. Food, transport, and housing-energy sectors contributed most to rising prices, with transport inflation climbing to 9.86 percent and housing-energy inflation to 9.26 percent. Reduced fuel subsidies and higher gas and oil prices further increased production and transport costs.

Bangladesh Bank expects inflation to ease gradually in fiscal year 2026–27 if monetary tightening continues, supply conditions improve, and global price pressures subside. The new monetary policy, to be announced today, is expected to retain a cautious, contractionary stance with the policy rate unchanged at 10 percent.

A major portion of the approach road to the second Teesta Bridge in Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila has suffered severe collapse following several days of continuous rainfall. Weak drainage and lack of maintenance have caused large potholes and cracks in at least 15 spots near the bridge’s northern end in Mahipur area under Lakshmitari Union. The damaged road now poses serious risks for passengers, pedestrians, and vehicle drivers, especially at night when the holes are hard to see.

Local residents said the road, which connects Rangpur’s second Teesta Bridge to Kakina and extends to Burimari land port, is vital for trade, healthcare, and education in northern Bangladesh. They blamed heavy vehicle pressure, poor drainage, and prolonged neglect for the deterioration. Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi warned that without immediate repair, the region could face communication breakdowns.

Upazila engineer Shah Md. Obaidur Rahman confirmed that the damaged sections have been identified and repair preparations are underway. Locals, however, demanded sustainable reconstruction to prevent recurring damage during future monsoon seasons.

Fortune Group has officially closed its Anan Shoes factory in Gazipur’s Sripur area, citing continuous financial losses and production disruptions. The company announced the shutdown after facing severe economic challenges linked to import-export complications. Over 300 employees were affected, with some reassigned to other Fortune Group units in Barishal and Dhaka. The company began operations in 2012 with 472 workers and expanded into a group of multiple shoe factories across Bangladesh.

Unnamed sources alleged that despite earning large profits, many employees had not received salaries for months, and the company’s chairman, Mizanur Rahman, allegedly laundered significant sums abroad while residing in Canada. However, a company official denied the money laundering claim, attributing the crisis to liquidity problems at Islami Bank that disrupted trade operations. Mizanur Rahman, who also holds political positions, declined to comment when contacted.

The closure has left many employees struggling financially, with several months of unpaid wages. The company has expressed hope that the situation will improve once financial constraints ease.

DC Comics’ new superhero film ‘Supergirl’, released worldwide on June 26, 2026, has failed to meet expectations at the box office. Despite pre-release anticipation, the film received largely negative reviews from critics, who praised lead actress Milly Alcock but criticized the screenplay and direction. Outlets including Variety identified these as the film’s weakest aspects.

The criticism has affected its commercial performance. In its first three days, ‘Supergirl’ earned 66 million US dollars globally, including 38 million from North America. With a production cost of about 170 million dollars, producers and distributors are reportedly concerned about recovering expenses. The film’s performance contrasts sharply with last year’s DC release ‘Superman’, which grossed 618 million dollars worldwide.

Meanwhile, Disney and Pixar’s animated film ‘Toy Story 5’ has maintained strong momentum at the international box office. In its second weekend, it earned 89.1 million dollars, bringing its 12-day global total to 585 million. Analysts suggest it may soon surpass ‘Toy Story 4’s 1.07 billion-dollar record to become the franchise’s highest-grossing film.