Taskin Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, stressed that while democratic protests are valid, they must not disrupt daily life and business, especially during economic uncertainty. Golam Mawla, President of the Edible Oil Traders Association, noted that despite a change in the political landscape, the law and order situation has not improved significantly. Importers continue to face rising costs due to reliance on brokers for truck rentals at land ports. Speakers urged immediate action to resolve these challenges.

Following India’s sudden import ban on six Bangladeshi goods, local exporters have temporarily halted fish exports through Akhaura land port, citing personal reasons. Md. Faruk Mia, General Secretary of the Fish Exporters’ Association, noted that exports may resume as early as tomorrow. According to port officials, 40–50 trucks were usually involved in daily exports. Post-ban, only fish, cement, and dried fish are being exported.

Samim Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA), stated that India’s sudden trade restrictions have severely impacted the plastic sector. “The Northeastern states of India were a key market for us. Transporting goods there was relatively cost-effective,” he said. “Sending goods through alternative routes would make exports unprofitable.” He also emphasized that the industry will abide by any decision taken by the Ministry of Commerce regarding trade with India.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has warned that dishonest enterprises are manipulating the market by forming cartels and undercutting prices to drive small businesses into ruin. "These actions are destroying fair competition and must be punished," he said. He also called for strict measures against businesses that exploit consumers and evade taxes and VAT. The adviser pointed out that like many institutions, the Competition Commission was also rendered ineffective, limiting its impact on consumers. On a positive note, he mentioned that recent policy reforms have led to improvements in remittances and exports.

India has imposed restrictions on the import of several items, including processed foods and garments, from Bangladesh via land ports. Last year, Bangladeshi exports to India totaled $1.57 billion. Currently, 36 trucks carrying garments are stranded at Benapole port, awaiting clearance. Indian authorities now require these products to enter only via sea routes to Kolkata. Discussions are ongoing to allow import of items already covered under Letters of Credit (LC) or Telegraphic Transfers (TT). Bangladeshi exporters warn that if sea transport is the only option, exports to India may come to a halt.

India has imposed a restriction on importing readymade garments and other Bangladeshi products through the Akhaura land port, affecting trade with Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The ban covers fruit, fruit-flavored drinks, soft drinks, processed foods, plastic products, yarn and its by-products, and furniture. As a result, exports from Bangladesh via this route have dropped dramatically, with only three trucks carrying fish entering India on the day the restrictions took effect. The sudden halt has caused anxiety among exporters and port businesses.

India has imposed a ban on importing seven types of goods, including garments, through land ports from Bangladesh. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said the move will ultimately harm Indian businesses more than Bangladesh. While there’s no official notification yet, Bangladesh will respond appropriately once confirmed. The adviser stressed enhancing the country’s trade resilience and said the issue can likely be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

A joint meeting was held between Indian Deputy High Commissioner Chandra Shekhar and the Sylhet Coal Importers Group. Business leaders present at the meeting highlighted the ongoing import-export activities through several land ports and customs stations including Sheola, Tamabil, Zakiganj, Bholaganj, Borochhara, Charagaon, Bagli, Shela-Ichhamati, Juri, and Chatla. They urged the Deputy High Commissioner to take necessary steps to facilitate greater trade through these routes and requested easier issuance of business visas to ensure smoother movement for traders. The Deputy High Commissioner assured them that appropriate measures will be taken.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin met with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil to discuss the possibility of initiating talks on a free trade agreement. The Secretary highlighted Bangladesh's multi-dimensional economic reforms and invited Canadian investment in sectors such as ICT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and renewable energy. Both countries expressed satisfaction over bilateral trade exceeding $3 billion. Bangladesh also emphasized the need to simplify the Canadian education visa process.

U.S.-based NGSO service provider Starlink has obtained a license from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to begin operations in the country. BTRC Chairman Md. Emdadul Bari confirmed the license was issued following approval from the Chief Adviser and payment of required fees. Starlink must now submit its internet pricing plans for approval before launching services.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin emphasized that the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Forum will play a critical role in strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He stressed the need for enhanced people-to-people connections between the two nations. Despite their large populations, trade volume between Bangladesh and Pakistan remains disappointingly low. He urged businesses to proactively work toward overcoming tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, panel leader of Forum for the 2025-27 BGMEA election, pledged to turn the BGMEA into a transparent and accountable organization. Speaking at a campaign event, he emphasized that the Forum is composed of experienced and committed businesspeople. General Secretary Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hosaini added that their goal is to ensure BGMEA is protected from future corruption and inefficiency.

The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, announced that all preparations have been completed for the first cargo flight from Sylhet, making it Bangladesh’s second airport for cargo operations after Dhaka. A chartered Airbus A330-300 operated by Gallistair Aviation will depart Sunday evening for Spain, carrying 60 tons of ready-made garments. Ground handling services for the flight will be provided by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Cargo check-in, security, and all related arrangements have been finalized. Chief guest Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin will attend the inauguration ceremony of this first cargo flight.

At a press briefing on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods might be reduced. “I don’t want tariffs to be too high, because at some point, people won’t be able to buy,” he said. Trump emphasized the importance of consumer access and signaled openness to easing tariffs. While the U.S. initially imposed sweeping tariffs earlier in April, China remained an exception—with tariffs on Chinese goods eventually rising to 145%. In retaliation, China raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Trump added that Beijing had reached out multiple times regarding the issue and expressed confidence that a “very good deal” between the two countries is on the horizon.

The United States has announced new port fees targeting Chinese-built and operated vessels, aiming to boost the domestic shipbuilding industry and curb China’s maritime dominance. These fees, which will come into effect around mid-October, apply to all Chinese-linked vessels entering U.S. ports. Ships will incur additional charges per tonnage or container, with fees starting at $18 per entry or $120 per container. For a vessel carrying 15,000 containers, the cost could surge by up to $1.8 million. The fees will be reviewed five times a year. However, waivers may be granted if the vessel’s owner places an order for U.S.-built ships.