State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced that the government is working to reduce reliance on imported energy by achieving self-sufficiency in gas production. Speaking after inaugurating an appraisal-cum-development well at the Kamta gas field in Kaliganj, Gazipur, he said four new wells, including Kamta-2 and three in Titas, are being drilled. The government expects to supply 55 million cubic feet of gas to the national grid by June next year from these wells.

The minister said the additional gas will help restart factories that remain idle due to shortages, creating employment for thousands and easing pressure on foreign currency reserves caused by energy imports. He added that the government aims to ensure affordable and uninterrupted energy and electricity supply while gradually reducing import dependence. The administration, led by Tarique Rahman, seeks to demonstrate progress through short-, medium-, and long-term plans.

Amit also noted that infrastructure limitations restrict additional gas imports and that decisions on fuel price adjustments depend on global conditions. Industrial and power sectors remain the top priority for gas supply, followed by residential consumers.

Russia and China have reached a general agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, according to a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The project, once implemented, would enable Russia to supply up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually. Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that while some issues remain unresolved, a basic understanding has already been achieved. The information was reported by the state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

Peskov added that the agreement between China and Russia includes the pipeline’s route and construction methods. However, no further details or timeline for the project have been disclosed. The report did not mention any official signing or specific schedule for the next steps.

The development marks another step in energy cooperation between the two countries, though the absence of a detailed plan leaves the project’s immediate timeline uncertain.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has issued new guidelines for trading and Qualified Investor Offer (QIO) participation on the stock exchange’s SME platform. According to the directive signed by BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud on Tuesday, any institution or individual investor must have a minimum investment of Tk 3 million, based on either market or purchase value, to qualify for SME platform trading. Foreign investors with accounts under a registered securities custodian in Bangladesh will also be eligible to trade on the platform.

The directive further states that non-individual investors must meet the same Tk 3 million minimum investment requirement to apply for QIOs. For individual Bangladeshi investors, both resident and non-resident, the minimum investment threshold for QIO applications is set at Tk 1 million. Foreign investors can apply through accounts maintained with registered securities custodians in Bangladesh.

Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) and depository participants will provide quarterly updates on eligible investors to the stock exchanges, which will maintain separate registers for QIO subscriptions and SME trading. Investors below the Tk 3 million threshold may sell but cannot purchase new SME shares.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has emphasized the need for complete transparency and accountability in Bangladesh’s financial sector to ensure economic stability and sustainable growth. Speaking on Wednesday at the FAR Summit held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, organized by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) with ICAB and ICMAB, he said that trustworthy financial reporting is essential to regain investor confidence in the capital market.

He noted that the country’s economy had faced instability in recent years due to ineffective regulatory and supervisory bodies, which allowed weak companies to enter the stock market through false reporting. The minister called for institutional reforms and urged professional accountants to uphold integrity and adopt self-regulation. He also highlighted new global investment interest in Bangladesh, mentioning plans to launch dedicated funds in Hong Kong and London and introduce domestic bonds.

Chowdhury appealed to all stakeholders in the capital market, NBR, and financial sector reforms to work together in building a globally compliant financial ecosystem based on transparency and accountability.

Cattle markets across Bangladesh have become active ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, though buyer turnout remains low. Bargaining between buyers and sellers is ongoing as customers seek affordable sacrificial animals. In Titas upazila of Cumilla, 12,165 animals have been prepared against a demand of 11,290, leaving an estimated surplus of 875. Farmers there are focusing on local breeds while also raising Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, and Friesian cattle for higher yields.

In Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh, 23,133 animals have been readied, exceeding the local demand of 17,220 by nearly 6,000. Local markets such as Bhaulaganj and Tepreeganj have started receiving animals, with expectations of supplying to nearby districts. The upazila administration has instructed banks to install counterfeit currency detectors and strengthened market security. In Lakhai upazila of Habiganj, 5,135 animals are prepared, surpassing demand, though rising feed prices are worrying farmers. The livestock office has launched a coordinated plan to ensure safe supply and animal health.

In Bera upazila of Pabna, despite large cattle inflows, sales remain slow due to fewer buyers. Traders attribute this to the growing trend of digital cattle trading in Dhaka, reducing in-person market competition.

Meteorologists in Bangladesh have described the current summer as highly unusual, noting that despite frequent rainfall, the country is experiencing intense humidity. According to weather experts A.K.M. Nazmul Haque and Shahinul Islam, in their 14 years of service they have not seen such a combination of heavy rain and persistent muggy heat during April and May. Although temperatures have not risen sharply, the high moisture in southern winds is causing discomfort across the country.

Data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department show that the highest temperature this year was 40°C in Rajshahi on April 22, compared with 42°C and 43.7°C recorded in Chuadanga in 2023 and 2024 respectively. On Tuesday, the national maximum temperature dropped to 36.6°C from 38°C the previous day, while rainfall reached 86 millimeters in Rangamati and 16 millimeters in Dhaka. However, Rangpur and Mymensingh divisions saw no rain.

Health experts report an increase in respiratory illnesses among children and the elderly due to fluctuating weather. Forecasts suggest that humidity and irregular rainfall may persist through June and July.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DEA) has withheld import permits for coconuts ahead of Eid al-Adha, citing that it is not the appropriate import season. Despite repeated meetings with the DEA’s Director General, small traders have not received approval for their import permit applications. As a result, truckloads of coconuts remain stranded at the Indian border near the Sonamasjid land port, increasing daily costs for importers.

DEA officials explained that import permissions are typically granted around Eid-ul-Fitr, winter, Nabanna, and major festivals when demand is higher. They argued that coconut demand is lower during Eid al-Adha, and unrestricted imports could harm local growers. However, traders warned that the decision could trigger an artificial shortage and push retail prices to Tk 100–150 per coconut. They also noted that the delay risks significant business losses and government revenue shortfalls.

According to DEA data, Bangladesh produces about 478,000 tons of coconuts annually, mainly in Bhola, Bagerhat, Noakhali, Barishal, and Jashore, but still imports 600–700 tons from India each year to stabilize the market.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has begun a two-day public hearing on proposals from electricity generation and distribution companies to raise power tariffs. The hearing started on Wednesday at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Dhaka, chaired by BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed. Representatives from universities, consumer groups, business associations, and government agencies attended the session.

Consumers voiced strong opposition to the proposed price increase, demanding that the hearing be halted and the proposal withdrawn. They warned that higher electricity prices would severely burden citizens and create a dire situation in the country. Participants also called for an end to corruption and irregularities in the power sector.

According to BERC and distribution company sources, the proposals include raising wholesale prices by 17 to 21 percent and consumer-level prices by 14.21 to 17.76 percent. BERC is reviewing submissions from several major power entities, including PDB, PGCB, Palli Bidyut Board, DESCO, DPDC, WZPDCO, and NESCO.

Beijing has announced the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, confirmed by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. The announcement coincided with a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Under the agreement, the United States will ensure the supply of aircraft engines and components to China.

The ministry stated that both sides will work to extend the tariff truce agreed upon last October and explore ways to reduce tariffs on goods worth 30 billion dollars or more. Boeing described its recent visit to China as highly successful, noting that the reopening of the Chinese market for Boeing aircraft was a key achievement. The company said the 200-aircraft order represents an initial commitment, with expectations of further agreements.

Earlier, Chinese and US officials reached an understanding in Kuala Lumpur to extend the tariff truce until November of this year, including reduced US tariffs on Chinese goods and suspension of Chinese restrictions on rare earth exports.

Cattle farmers across Bangladesh are expressing concern over potential losses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, as the cost of animal feed has risen sharply while buyer turnout remains low. Farmers in districts such as Joypurhat, Pabna, and Bogura report that despite completing preparations for sacrificial animals, high feed prices and limited demand are squeezing profits. Many medium-sized cattle are in higher demand than large ones, but overall sales remain slow. Some farmers also claim that cattle are entering from India, adding pressure to local markets.

In Joypurhat, once home to over 65,000 dairy farms, many have closed due to rising feed and labor costs. Local officials confirm that about 326,000 animals are ready for sacrifice, exceeding local demand by over 120,000. In Pabna’s Bera upazila, supply has doubled compared to demand, with more than 92,000 animals prepared. Farmers there fear that oversupply and high costs will reduce profits. Authorities report that border surveillance has been tightened to prevent illegal cattle entry and that local administrations are ensuring animal health and market security.

Officials note that national cattle production has increased significantly, reducing dependence on imports, though farmers warn that without government support, the dairy and livestock sector could face long-term risks.

More than 400 farming families affected in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh have received food assistance. The distribution took place on Tuesday at the premises of the Longair Union Parishad, where Member of Parliament Akhtaruzzaman Bachchu handed over the aid packages to the farmers.

The event was chaired by Gafargaon Upazila Nirbahi Officer N M Abdullah-Al-Mamun. Among those present were Upazila Project Implementation Officer Jahangir Alam, BNP leader Sheikh Md Ishaq, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, and Longair Union Parishad administrator Fazlul Haque, along with people from various professions.

The initiative aimed to support local farmers who had suffered losses, though the source did not specify the cause or extent of the damage.

Bangladesh has initiated the process of increasing electricity prices at both wholesale and retail levels. Power generation and distribution companies have submitted proposals to the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), which began a two-day public hearing in Dhaka on Wednesday. The proposals suggest raising wholesale rates by 17 to 21 percent and retail rates by 14.21 to 17.76 percent. Distribution companies aim to implement the new rates from early June, pending final approval.

According to the Power Division, the government currently incurs a loss of about five taka per unit of electricity, with production costs exceeding 12 taka per unit while the average selling price remains just over seven taka. Despite a subsidy of 38,637 crore taka in fiscal year 2024–25, the sector still recorded a loss of 17,021 crore taka. The government seeks to reduce subsidies by 10,000 to 16,000 crore taka through the proposed price adjustments. Experts have criticized the move, linking it to long-standing mismanagement and corruption in the sector.

The Power Development Board has also proposed revising the consumer slab structure to reduce subsidies for wealthier users while protecting low-income households.

The Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh has announced that starting July 1, all government revenues and receipts must be deposited into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) through the e-challan system. A circular issued by the Finance Division on Tuesday also instructed that all funds currently held in government accounts at commercial banks be transferred to the Bangladesh Bank’s TSA by June 30.

According to the circular, any alternative payment methods maintained by government offices must be discontinued immediately. The decision aims to strengthen government cash management and ensure real-time deposits of public funds. The ministry noted that manual deposits through commercial banks had made it difficult to determine the government’s actual cash position.

The circular further explained that funds held in government accounts at commercial banks could not be used promptly when needed, prompting the move to centralize all deposits under the Treasury Single Account system.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the suspension of a planned military strike on Iran amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He stated that the decision was made to allow room for diplomatic discussions to resolve the crisis. Following the announcement, international crude oil prices dropped by more than one percent.

According to market analysts, the price of Brent crude fell to around 110 dollars per barrel, while U.S. WTI crude declined to about 103 dollars per barrel. Investors and energy traders are now closely monitoring diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, as concerns persist over the long-term stability of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime routes, previously handling about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any instability in this region could have a significant impact on global energy markets.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has warned that no one will be allowed to manipulate the dollar exchange rate. He stated that punitive measures will be taken against anyone buying or selling dollars above the official rate. The directive was issued during a meeting with treasury officials from all commercial banks held on Tuesday morning at the central bank’s Jahangir Alam Conference Room in Dhaka.

The meeting, organized by the Foreign Exchange Policy Department, discussed the current and future state of the foreign currency market. According to participants, the governor emphasized that all dollar transactions must remain transparent and within regulatory limits. He also ordered banks to stop selling dollars in the forward market and cautioned against any actions that could destabilize the market.

Treasury officials later suggested that a clear list defining what constitutes manipulation would help ensure compliance. The meeting ended without a final decision. Bangladesh Bank had introduced a market-based exchange rate in May of the previous year as part of an IMF loan condition, with the interbank rate now at 122.75 taka per US dollar.