A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the northwestern region of Bangladesh, causing widespread discomfort amid rising temperatures. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded on Friday to cover districts in Khulna and Rajshahi divisions as well as Tangail, Manikganj, Faridpur, and Nilphamari. The department forecasts that the situation may persist until Sunday, with daytime and nighttime temperatures expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said that Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature on Thursday at 38.5°C, followed by Mongla at 38°C and Rajshahi at 37.5°C. The lowest temperature was 19.7°C in Tetulia. The department also noted that this year’s heatwave is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024, when heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively, as intermittent rainfall is expected this time.

The weather office further predicted that two to four mild to moderate heatwaves and one to two severe ones may occur later in April, with temperatures possibly reaching 40–42°C. Some areas in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions may experience scattered rain, gusty winds, or hailstorms during this period.

A severe shortage of petrol and octane has disrupted fuel supply across Bangladesh, with long queues forming at filling stations in Dhaka and other regions. Many pumps have limited sales, allowing only small purchases per vehicle, while some stations remain closed due to depleted stocks. Despite the crisis, Bangladesh produces a significant portion of its petrol and octane domestically from condensate extracted at gas fields, particularly in Sylhet and Habiganj.

Officials and experts attribute the shortage mainly to panic buying and hoarding triggered by fears over global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The government maintains that the country has sufficient reserves and continues to import additional fuel to stabilize supply. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said measures such as QR code systems for motorbikes, fuel cards, and alternating supply days have been introduced to curb misuse and ensure fair distribution.

Analysts warn that while domestic production can meet part of the demand, reduced condensate output and rising global prices may pose future challenges for diesel, crude oil, and LNG imports.

A vessel named MT Yuan Jing He carrying 27,300 tons of diesel arrived and anchored at Chattogram Port on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ship, which came from Singapore, was berthed at the port’s Dolphin Jetty at noon. Officials from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed the arrival and inspection of the vessel at 2 p.m. The ship is the ninth diesel carrier to reach Chattogram since the onset of the Middle East conflict.

According to BPC sources, the arrival is part of ongoing efforts to maintain stable fuel supplies in Bangladesh despite regional instability. Two additional large vessels carrying LPG and LNG were also anchored at the outer mooring of the port, expected to further ease the country’s energy supply system. BPC stated that alongside existing pipeline reserves, imports from alternative sources outside the Middle East have been strengthened to prevent shortages.

The corporation noted that fuel tankers have been arriving at Chattogram Port in succession in recent days as the government seeks to stabilize supply through diversified import channels.

The government of Pakistan has increased petrol prices by 43 percent and high-speed diesel prices by 55 percent, citing rising global oil costs caused by the ongoing war in Iran. The announcement was made on April 3, 2026. The country’s energy minister stated that government resources are limited and that the conflict shows no sign of ending soon.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The government recently reported securing safe passage for some Pakistan-flagged vessels through the strait, which Iran has effectively closed. This marks the second fuel price hike since the start of the Iran war.

Compared to pre-war levels, petrol prices in Pakistan are now 77 percent higher and diesel prices 87 percent higher. The government said certain users will continue to receive subsidies.

City Bank PLC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating climate finance in Bangladesh. The agreement, signed at City Bank’s headquarters in Dhaka by Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller, focuses on advancing the country’s emerging green and thematic bond market.

Under the partnership, UNDP will provide technical assistance to City Bank for issuing green bonds. City Bank stated that it is preparing to issue its first green bond, viewing the collaboration as a step toward expanding sustainable finance and strengthening Bangladesh’s green bond ecosystem. UNDP emphasized that unlocking new sources of climate finance is vital for the country’s sustainable development.

The partnership is expected to set standards for future thematic bond issuances and encourage greater private sector participation in sustainable finance. City Bank reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental, social, and governance practices and supporting Bangladesh’s climate priorities through a more sustainable financial ecosystem.

Extensive waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall and blocked drainage has submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields across Sunamganj, leaving farmers in distress. Field visits revealed that many haor lands are under waist-deep water, with paddy stems rotting. Farmers blame the Utharia embankment for trapping water despite the presence of sluice gates. Some demand cutting the embankment to release water, while others fear it could flood the area further. The Water Development Board acknowledged waterlogging as a recurring issue and suggested new plans including sluice gates and canal excavation.

Farmers from multiple upazilas, including Tahirpur, Dirai, Jamalganj, and Madhyanagar, reported crop damage and sleepless nights fearing more rain. Many said hybrid paddy varieties are more vulnerable to submersion compared to traditional tall varieties. The Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that 1,189 hectares of land are already submerged and advised farmers to drain water quickly. The district administration held meetings with farmers and representatives to discuss long-term solutions and informed the government of the need for new water management plans.

This season, Boro cultivation covered about 223,000 hectares in Sunamganj, targeting 1.4 million metric tons of production, now at risk due to persistent waterlogging.

The White House has announced a 100% tariff on imported patented foreign medicines, marking a major shift in U.S. trade and health policy. Exporting companies can avoid the high tariff by signing agreements with the U.S. government. The move, formally declared on Thursday, fulfills President Donald Trump’s long-standing warning to impose tariffs on imported drugs. Officials said the policy aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce national security risks.

Analysts noted that the immediate impact may be limited since the measure excludes generic drugs, which dominate U.S. consumption. Several major pharmaceutical firms have already signed agreements exempting them from the tariff, and more are expected to follow. Companies pledging to begin U.S. production by January 2029 will face a reduced 20% tariff, while those agreeing to government pricing terms could see tariffs fully lifted.

The White House stated that the policy has already prompted about $400 billion in pledged investments. However, experts warned that smaller firms may face higher costs, and the long-term effects remain uncertain after Trump’s term ends in January 2029.

Supreme Court senior lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir has written an open letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging him to take effective measures to resolve waterlogging caused by rain in the Haor regions, including Sunamganj. The letter, posted on Facebook on Friday morning, appeals to the prime minister to visit the affected areas by helicopter and take immediate action to protect farmers whose single annual crop is being destroyed by stagnant water.

In his message, Monir emphasized that residents of Haor areas depend on one crop for their livelihood, which is now at risk due to persistent waterlogging. He requested the prime minister to consider deploying army personnel if necessary and to strengthen administrative efforts for drainage improvement across Sunamganj, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona. He also highlighted the need for increased canal excavation in Dirai-Shalla and warned that unplanned embankments are causing significant damage.

Monir concluded by expressing hope that the government’s ongoing canal excavation program would bring lasting relief to the region’s farmers.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that as global power competition intensifies, water will become the most strategic and valuable resource of the future, overtaking oil and carbon-based fuels. He made the remarks on Thursday during a public event, emphasizing that climate change, drought, population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are putting increasing pressure on global water resources.

Erdogan highlighted that 2.2 billion people currently lack access to safe drinking water, and according to the World Water Development Report, nearly 6 billion people may face shortages of clean water by 2050. He noted that only 2.5 percent of the world’s total water supply is fresh water, while the global population has risen from 3 billion in 1960 to over 8 billion today, with rainfall levels remaining unchanged.

He warned that as demand for clean water rises, rapid consumption and pollution are accelerating the depletion of water resources, making water a visible factor in regional armed conflicts.

Bangladesh is witnessing sharply contrasting weather conditions, with a heatwave intensifying across five divisions including Dhaka, while the northern district of Panchagarh remains shrouded in dense fog and cold air. On April 2 and 3, residents in Panchagarh experienced misty mornings, dew-covered fields, and a noticeable chill, unusual for the late spring season. The Bangladesh Weather Observation Team (BWOT) reported that temperatures in parts of Dhaka, Barishal, Rangpur, Khulna, and Rajshahi divisions could rise to between 36 and 39 degrees Celsius.

Local residents in Panchagarh expressed surprise at the return of cold weather, while doctors reported a rise in cold-related illnesses among children and the elderly. According to the Tetulia weather office, increased humidity and lower temperatures have caused steam fog formation, driven by active monsoon winds and sudden rainfall.

BWOT forecasts that the current heatwave may persist until April 6, with scattered thunderstorms offering brief relief. The national weather office also warned that a cyclone could form in the Bay of Bengal later in April, alongside severe nor’westers and hailstorms that may push temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius.

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has initiated a mega project aimed at reducing dependence on foreign vessels by adding 25 new ships to its fleet. The state-owned maritime company currently operates seven ships on international routes and reported record business of Tk 800 crore in the current fiscal year, with a net profit of Tk 306 crore. BSC officials confirmed that the expansion will strengthen Bangladesh’s presence in global maritime trade.

According to BSC sources, the corporation has begun purchasing five new ships, including two 63,500 DWT bulk carriers financed internally and three more under government loans. Future plans include acquiring four large vessels through government-to-government arrangements, six modern container ships, six LNG carriers, and several chemical and product oil tankers. The organization is also investing in infrastructure projects in Khulna and Chattogram and launching a maritime training center to develop skilled manpower.

Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek stated that BSC is experiencing its best period, with record profits boosting confidence. He said the corporation aims to deliver world-class maritime services and enhance its contribution to the national economy.

Bangladesh’s electronics and technology manufacturing sector, once advancing toward self-sufficiency through local investment and innovation, is now facing severe challenges due to recent tariff policies and regulatory inconsistencies. Industry stakeholders report that while import duties on certain finished components have been lifted, raw materials for local production are subject to high tariffs, making imports more profitable than domestic manufacturing. This shift threatens both local and foreign investment and risks undermining national export targets.

According to data, the domestic electronics and ICT market reached USD 9.44 billion in 2026, growing at an average of 15 percent annually, with local brands dominating major product segments. However, the National Board of Revenue’s revised SRO No. 274 has removed supplementary duties on imported parts already produced locally, while raw material imports face tariffs of 15–45 percent. Experts warn that this imbalance could close backward linkage industries and endanger millions of jobs tied to the sector.

Industry leaders and analysts urge the government to restore protective tariffs on locally produced parts, reduce raw material duties, and ensure fair treatment of local brands in public procurement to safeguard the sector’s sustainability.

Bangladesh Bank has intensified efforts to recover funds laundered abroad under the guise of loans from five merged banks. Governor Mostakur Rahman instructed administrators of these banks to finalize non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with foreign legal support firms within April. The directive was issued during a meeting at the governor’s office on Thursday. The banks include Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and Exim Bank.

According to the report, the first four banks were under the control of S Alam Group, which allegedly withdrew Tk 225,000 crore in loans. Exim Bank was operated under NASA Group, which has loans totaling Tk 9,214 crore. Ten banks have already signed 36 NDAs to recover funds laundered by six major industrial groups, including S Alam, Aramit, Sikder, Beximco, Orion, and NASA groups. Among them, S Alam Group alone is linked to ten NDAs, three of which have been completed.

The governor emphasized expediting legal processes to recover the laundered assets and restore the financial health of the affected banks.

The government of Bangladesh has announced new working hours for all public and private offices to tackle the ongoing energy crisis. Starting Sunday, April 5, offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., reducing the daily schedule by one hour to a total of seven working hours. The decision was disclosed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani following a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, April 2.

In addition to the revised office schedule, separate timings have been set for banks and financial institutions, which will now remain open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The government has also introduced further measures to conserve energy, including mandatory closure of shopping malls and shops after 6 p.m. and restrictions on decorative lighting at wedding events.

These steps are part of a broader effort to manage the country’s energy consumption amid supply challenges, with the new schedules expected to remain in effect until further notice.

Bangladesh is importing 100,000 metric tons of crude oil from Saudi Arabia through an alternative route to avoid complications in the Strait of Hormuz. The oil will be shipped from Yanbu Commercial Port, located near the Red Sea, directly to the state-owned Eastern Refinery in Chattogram. The tanker is scheduled to load the oil on April 20. Meanwhile, another vessel, MT Nordic Pollux, carrying 100,000 tons of crude oil, remains stranded at Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia due to the absence of special clearance from Iran.

According to the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), both shipments—one from Yanbu and the other from Ras Tanura—are expected to reach Chattogram by the first week of May, totaling 200,000 tons of crude oil. Once refined, the oil will yield diesel, petrol, octane, furnace oil, and kerosene, helping ease the ongoing fuel supply strain. BSC officials said diplomatic efforts are underway to obtain Iranian clearance for the stranded vessel.

The new route through the Red Sea is considered safer as it lies outside the Hormuz Strait, reducing potential military or political disruptions to oil transport.