Farmers across Cumilla are struggling to harvest ripe Boro paddy due to an acute shortage of laborers. Despite offering double the usual wages, they are unable to find workers, leaving large areas of golden paddy unharvested and at risk of damage. The crisis has spread across Chandina, Debidwar, Muradnagar, Sadar Dakshin, Brahmanpara, Burichang, Barura, and Laksam upazilas.

Farmers report that daily wages have surged from Tk 700–800 to as high as two maunds of paddy per day, yet labor remains scarce. Many rural workers have shifted to urban jobs in brick kilns, construction, garment factories, or battery-run rickshaw driving, which offer higher income with less effort. The sudden ripening of paddy across the district has further intensified demand. Heavy rainfall last week damaged around 3,000 hectares of paddy, with 36 hectares severely affected, causing losses estimated at Tk 8–9 million.

Officials said the government is purchasing paddy at Tk 36 per kilogram, but small farmers complain of complex procedures at government warehouses, forcing them to sell at lower local market prices. Agricultural experts warn that without fair pricing and mechanization support, many farmers may abandon paddy cultivation in the future.

China has expressed interest in purchasing oil from the United States, leading to a rise of more than one percent in global oil prices. The increase followed a statement from US President Donald Trump. Market data showed that the international benchmark Brent crude rose by 1.17 dollars, or 1.11 percent, reaching 106.89 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 1.10 dollars, or 1.09 percent, to 102.27 dollars per barrel.

In addition to Trump’s statement, ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have also influenced the oil market. Although reports indicated that at least 30 ships passed through the strait last Thursday, concerns about potential detentions or attacks remain. This instability has prompted investors to anticipate further price increases.

Analysts suggest that the combination of geopolitical uncertainty and renewed trade interest between China and the United States is shaping short-term market expectations.

The United States Justice Department is preparing to withdraw all fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, according to reports citing individuals familiar with the case. The decision follows Adani’s appointment of a new legal team led by Robert J. Giuffra Jr., one of former President Donald Trump’s personal attorneys. The team presented its case at a meeting in Washington, arguing that prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence and jurisdiction to pursue the matter.

During the same meeting, Giuffra proposed that if prosecutors dropped the charges, Adani would invest 10 billion dollars in the US economy and create 15,000 jobs, though officials later clarified that this offer would not influence the criminal case. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has already settled its civil dispute with Adani, imposing an 18 million dollar fine, of which Adani will pay six million. The Treasury Department is reportedly preparing a separate 275 million dollar penalty related to sanctions violations.

If finalized, the resolution would mark a major victory for the Adani Group, which has faced business obstacles due to the case since 2024.

Bangladesh’s new government is facing major challenges in finalizing the 2026–27 national budget, expected to total Tk 9.3 trillion, about 25 percent higher than the previous year. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is scheduled to present the budget on June 11. The plan includes Tk 3 trillion for development spending, Tk 1.16 trillion for subsidies and incentives, and ambitious revenue targets of Tk 6.95 trillion despite a current shortfall exceeding Tk 1 trillion. Key allocations include large subsidies for power, LNG, fertilizer, and food, as well as funding for mega projects like the Padma Barrage and new metro rail lines.

Officials say the budget aims to balance election pledges and economic stability by expanding social safety programs such as family and farmer cards, while offering tax relief on essentials and higher taxes on luxury goods. The Annual Development Programme will rise 50 percent to Tk 3 trillion, with 39 percent in block allocations. Economists, however, warn that the revenue goals are unrealistic and that rising government spending could worsen inflation and debt pressures.

The budget’s focus on employment, investment, and welfare reflects the new administration’s attempt to revive growth amid economic stagnation and high inflation.

Prices of most essential commodities in Dhaka’s major markets have continued to rise, increasing the cost of living for ordinary citizens. Despite the overall upward trend, the price of boiled rice has fallen by 5 to 7 taka per kilogram over the past week. Traders at Karwan Bazar, Nayabazar, and Segunbagicha reported that new rice arrivals have reduced prices of Miniket and medium-quality rice, while premium polao rice remains expensive.

Other daily necessities such as flour, edible oil, sugar, pulses, and chicken have become costlier. Eggs are now selling for 135 to 145 taka per dozen in wholesale markets and up to 160 taka in neighborhood shops. Vegetable prices have slightly eased but remain high, with most items selling above 70 taka per kilogram. Cooking gas prices have also increased by more than 600 taka in two phases, adding to household expenses.

Consumer Association of Bangladesh Vice President S.M. Nazer expressed concern over the abnormal price hikes and criticized the lack of market monitoring, urging stronger government oversight to protect low-income consumers.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam has called for eliminating coordination gaps in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector and establishing an integrated agricultural engineering framework. Speaking as chief guest at a seminar at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) headquarters on Thursday, he emphasized the need to recruit skilled personnel in technical positions to ensure scientific, technology-driven, and efficient agricultural development.

The seminar, organized by IEB’s Agricultural Engineering Division, highlighted challenges such as lack of coordination among ministries, the need for a specialized agricultural engineering department, and the importance of mechanization and renewable energy in farming. Other speakers, including officials from the Agriculture Ministry and engineering associations, discussed modern irrigation, flood management, and digital agricultural systems as key to sustainable growth.

Participants expressed optimism that implementing the seminar’s recommendations could make Bangladesh’s agriculture sector more modern, efficient, and globally competitive.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that Bangladesh is poised to become one of the leading global investment destinations in the future. He made the remarks on Thursday at the opening ceremony of the three-day international exhibition “11th Safe HVACR and Cold Chain 2026” held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. The exhibition, organized by Saver International Limited, will remain open to visitors from May 14 to 16.

Titumir emphasized that the government will simplify tax policies and investment-related regulations to ensure a business-friendly environment. He added that eliminating irregularities and artificial barriers in the market will help guarantee equal opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors. With the right policies, transparency, and a supportive business climate, Bangladesh could emerge as a regional investment hub.

The exhibition aims to showcase technology, products, and innovations in the HVACR and cold chain industries while fostering collaboration among investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to create new business and investment opportunities.

At a pre-budget discussion organized by the Center for Advanced Studies and Thoughts at the National Press Club, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman cautioned the current government against repeating what he described as the 'development fallacy' of the previous Sheikh Hasina administration. He criticized past mega projects such as the Padma Bridge railway line and the Karnaphuli Tunnel as wasteful and urged the government to evaluate the rate of return before any investment.

Rahman emphasized that the government should prioritize quality over the size of the budget, reduce leakages in the Annual Development Programme, and focus on inflation control, employment generation, and agricultural reform. He highlighted that inflation had exceeded nine percent and called for policies ensuring fair prices for farmers and balanced wealth distribution. Other speakers, including economist Abu Ahmed, warned that the economy faced severe challenges, citing rising debt, falling exports, and growing unemployment.

Participants stressed the need for industrialization, diversification of exports beyond garments, and reforms in education to build skilled manpower. They urged the government to ensure equitable resource distribution to improve the livelihoods of low-income groups.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that more than ten million animals have been prepared across Bangladesh for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He stated that the country faces no shortage of sacrificial animals and that the festival will be fulfilled entirely with locally raised livestock. The minister made these remarks on Thursday during a meeting with officials at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute auditorium in Savar.

He added that new prices for animal hides have been set following discussions with traders, and the decision was reached through mutual agreement. The minister emphasized that the current government is farmer-friendly and that all necessary livestock, including cows, goats, and sheep, are available in sufficient numbers. He also said that there is no need to import animals from abroad.

To prevent illegal cattle smuggling from India, the government has held several meetings with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and issued strict instructions to law enforcement agencies. Border residents have also been alerted to help stop any unauthorized animal entry.

Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the government has taken comprehensive preparations to ensure smooth collection, preservation, purchase, sale, and transportation of raw hides from sacrificial animals during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking at a directive meeting with divisional commissioners, city corporation administrators, and deputy commissioners at the Secretariat on Thursday, he emphasized that not a single hide should be wasted, as directed by the Prime Minister.

The minister described sacrificial hides as a valuable national resource that can strengthen the leather industry, export earnings, and the financial capacity of orphanages, madrasas, and Lillah boarding houses if properly preserved. To prevent annual wastage, the government has allocated over Tk 17 crore for free salt distribution and Tk 2.63 crore for training programs. Awareness campaigns will include posters, leaflets, and media broadcasts.

He instructed divisional commissioners to form monitoring teams and ensure active field supervision after training. City corporation administrators were also asked to coordinate waste management with hide preservation efforts to maximize efficiency.

Bangladesh Bank has eased the single borrower loan limit, allowing banks to lend up to 25 percent of their capital as funded loans to a single client, up from the previous 15 percent. However, the combined funded and non-funded exposure cannot exceed 25 percent. The new directive, issued on Thursday, will remain effective until June 30, 2028. The central bank stated that the decision aims to accelerate business activities and facilitate international trade financing.

Under the revised rules, non-funded loans converted into funded loans will now be calculated at 25 percent instead of 50 percent, effective until June 30, 2027. This rate will gradually increase to 30 percent by December 2027, 40 percent by December 2028, and return to 50 percent from January 2030. The circular also revises large loan exposure limits based on non-performing loan ratios, allowing higher lending flexibility for banks with elevated default rates.

Officials explained that the adjustment was necessary as the sector’s non-performing loan ratio has risen to 30 percent, compared to 9 percent when the earlier circular was issued, restricting new lending under the old limits.

Cuba is facing a severe fuel crisis as its reserves near depletion under ongoing U.S. sanctions. Energy Minister Vicente de la O stated that the country has virtually no fuel or diesel left, describing the national grid as being in a critical condition. The announcement underscores the worsening energy situation across the island.

Despite the blockade, Cuba continues negotiations to import fuel. However, the minister noted that the global rise in oil and transport costs, driven by the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, has made these efforts increasingly difficult. He emphasized that Cuba is ready to purchase fuel from any country willing to sell.

According to official data, Cuba produces about 40,000 barrels of oil per day but consumes between 90,000 and 110,000 barrels, leaving it structurally dependent on imports. The shortage threatens to deepen the country’s economic challenges if new supply deals are not secured soon.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC has successfully regained customer confidence and operational stability despite a recent financial sector crisis in Bangladesh. The bank avoided liquidity support from Bangladesh Bank, maintained uninterrupted customer services, and saw no cheque dishonor incidents. Deposits rose to Tk 54,593 crore by December 2025, up from Tk 51,609 crore a year earlier, while the number of deposit accounts increased by more than 229,000. In the first four months of 2026, the bank earned Tk 85 crore in operating profit and added 180,000 new accounts.

Following Bangladesh Bank’s governance reforms in 2025, which included replacing the board and disciplining over 600 staff for irregularities, Al-Arafah Islami Bank underwent major restructuring. System upgrades enhanced digital and core banking operations, while agent banking and rural development programs expanded financial inclusion. The bank now operates 226 branches, 89 sub-branches, and 738 agent outlets across 306 upazilas.

The bank’s management credits transparency, accountability, and technology-driven modernization for restoring trust. Its progress in digital and rural banking is viewed as a model for sustainable recovery in Bangladesh’s financial sector.

Bangladesh Bank’s board has decided to liquidate or close five non-bank financial institutions—FAS Finance, International Leasing, Peoples Leasing, Fareast Finance, and Aviva Finance—starting from July 2026. Each will have a central bank-appointed administrator. The decision, made last Tuesday, has not been formally communicated to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) or the stock exchanges, even though four of the firms are publicly listed.

BSEC spokesperson Md. Abul Kalam confirmed that the regulator had received no official or informal notice from the central bank. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) also stated it had not been informed and that trading in the four listed firms continued on Wednesday. DSE officials said they would decide on trading suspension after receiving formal instructions. Analysts criticized the lack of coordination, noting that investor protection should have been prioritized.

According to Bangladesh Bank sources, the institutions’ default loan ratios range from 93% to nearly 100%, leaving them unable to repay depositors. The government has pledged about Tk 5,000 crore in the upcoming budget to refund individual depositors, enabling the liquidation process to proceed under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2026.

The Government of India has imposed a ban on sugar exports effective until September 30, 2026. The decision, announced by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, applies to all categories of sugar including raw, white, and refined. The export policy has been changed from 'restricted' to 'prohibited', marking a significant policy shift. Authorities indicated that the ban could be extended if necessary.

According to the government, the measure aims to ensure adequate domestic supply of sugar. The decision follows earlier policies that allowed limited exports in anticipation of surplus production. Experts cited in the report suggest that the move is intended to control inflation risks arising from uncertainty linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The export restriction represents a major adjustment in India’s trade policy for sugar and may influence both domestic pricing and international sugar markets if extended beyond the current deadline.