Bangladesh Bank’s latest statistics reveal that 4,899 large borrowers, each with loans exceeding Tk 50 crore, collectively hold Tk 5.75 trillion—over 32 percent of the country’s total bank loans. This concentration has grown from 27.6 percent in March 2024, indicating a rising dominance of large corporate clients in the banking sector. Each of these accounts now averages around Tk 117 crore in loans.

The report highlights that this growing concentration poses significant risks to the banking system, as defaults by a few large borrowers could directly affect banks’ capital, liquidity, and profitability. Despite existing exposure limits, many large industrial groups have exceeded them, and Bangladesh Bank has recently relaxed these limits further, allowing banks to lend up to 25 percent of their capital to a single client until June 2028.

Meanwhile, small borrowers remain largely excluded. Over 93 percent of loan accounts hold less than Tk 10 lakh, yet together they receive only 9.19 percent of total loans. State-owned banks face the highest risk, with nearly half their loans concentrated among about 1,000 clients.

The government of Bangladesh is moving toward implementing a new national pay scale for public servants after more than a decade, following the 2026–27 budget announcement. Although the pay scale is set to take effect on July 1, the full implementation strategy has not yet been finalized, leaving government employees both hopeful and anxious. A secretary-level committee led by the cabinet secretary has discussed recommendations from the National Pay Commission and other bodies, but no final decision has been reached. Another meeting is scheduled for June 24 to determine the next steps.

According to official sources, employees may not receive the increased salary until September or October due to administrative preparations such as regulation updates and software adjustments. Discussions are ongoing about whether to implement the pay scale in phases, with an initial 50 percent adjustment possible in the first year. Employee groups are demanding full implementation from July, citing rising living costs. The government has allocated Tk 89,836 crore for salaries and allowances in the new budget, with a significant portion reserved for pay scale implementation.

Analysts note that the main challenge for the government is balancing employee expectations with fiscal capacity amid inflationary pressures.

The United States has granted Iran permission to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in several decades, enabling Tehran to export crude to American buyers. According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision has already led to a decline in global oil prices. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iranian officials have agreed to allow nuclear inspectors to return to the country this week, a move seen as a major concession by Iran.

The report added that optimism over progress in ongoing talks to end the US-Iran conflict contributed to a 3.3 percent drop in Brent crude prices, bringing them below 78 dollars per barrel. The development marks a significant shift in the long-strained economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

If sustained, the easing of restrictions could reshape global energy markets and signal a broader thaw in US-Iran relations, though the long-term impact remains to be seen.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited has announced that gas supply pressure will remain low across its service areas for four days starting Monday night, June 22, 2026. The company stated in a notice that the reduction in regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supply has caused the temporary disruption, which will affect residential, commercial, industrial, and CNG consumers.

According to the announcement, the low-pressure situation will continue until Thursday, June 25, 2026. Titas Gas expressed regret for the inconvenience and assured that gas supply will return to normal once the situation stabilizes. The company did not specify the reason behind the RLNG supply reduction but emphasized that the issue is temporary.

The notice serves as an advisory for all categories of consumers under Titas Gas to expect reduced gas pressure during the specified period.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, announced in parliament that all quick rental power plants have been retired. He said the decision aims to reduce dependence on short-term rental power and build a sustainable, environmentally friendly energy system. The announcement came during a parliamentary question session on Monday in response to a query from the member for Chattogram-15, Shahajahan Chowdhury.

The minister explained that under the government’s renewable energy policy, the target is to meet 20 percent of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040. A goal has also been set to achieve a capacity of 10,000 megawatts of solar power generation. He added that the government has undertaken extensive programs to expand renewable energy sources to ensure long-term energy security.

The move marks a significant policy shift from temporary rental-based electricity generation toward sustainable energy development, aligning with Bangladesh’s broader goals for cleaner and more reliable power supply.

The government has decided to keep all state-owned fertilizer factories in Bangladesh operational throughout the year, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to maintain continuous production. This decision was announced during a visit by Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Moktadir to the Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited (CUFL) plant in Rangadia, Anwara, on June 22, 2026. The minister stated that the initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Tareque Rahman to identify and resolve operational issues in fertilizer factories.

During the inspection, the minister noted that CUFL’s machinery is outdated, leading to lower-than-expected production compared to gas consumption. He brought technical experts to assess the situation and planned discussions with CUFL and Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) officials to improve production efficiency and continuity. CUFL Managing Director Mizanur Rahman highlighted the poor condition of the ammonia plant’s boilers, originally imported from Japan, which are now barely functional.

After visiting CUFL, the minister also inspected the country’s only Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer factory. Senior officials from the ministry, BCIC, and local administration accompanied him during the visits.

State-run broadcaster Bangladesh Television (BTV) has reported expenses 32 times higher than its income, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. Responding to a parliamentary question from MP Fazle Huda, the minister said BTV earned Tk 8.05 crore including taxes in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, while spending Tk 254.18 crore. The statement was presented during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister also detailed BTV’s income and expenditure from fiscal years 2020–21 to 2024–25, showing consistent deficits each year. He further informed parliament about ongoing initiatives to counter misinformation through the ‘BanglaFact’ program, which has identified over 300 Facebook accounts and 199 X accounts spreading false or misleading content. Additionally, the ministry is working to amend the Press Council Act 1974 to set educational qualifications and registration requirements for journalists.

Swapan added that Bangladesh currently has 55 private television channels, of which 39 are broadcasting, and 1,436 daily newspapers nationwide. There are also 474 registered online news portals across various categories.

Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC organized a half-day financial literacy workshop titled “Let Financial Literacy Begin Safe Cashless Transactions” at its Uttara branch on Saturday. The event was jointly arranged by the bank’s Risk Management Division and Uttara branch. Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest, while customers and representatives from six branches participated. The program was conducted by Mohammad Abu Chayem, head of the Risk Management Division and Financial Inclusion Unit.

During the workshop, Khandaker Bedoura Mahbub, Head of IT and CTO, and Md. Riad Hossain, Head of Card Division, discussed the use and benefits of cashless transactions. Uttara branch manager Abu Hanif and several other branch managers were also present. The speakers presented detailed visuals explaining how cashless transactions can enhance convenience and reduce risks for customers.

The workshop emphasized that adopting cashless methods can save time and make financial transactions safer, reflecting the bank’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and digital banking practices.

Italian company The Edge Company has expressed interest in installing Bird Control Management Systems (BCMS) at airports across Bangladesh. During a meeting on Monday between Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, the proposal was discussed along with plans by another Italian firm, Flyon Aero, to establish a training academy to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi technicians.

According to a press release from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Italy. The ambassador expressed gratitude for the contribution of around 250,000 Bangladeshi workers to the Italian economy. The minister also conveyed Bangladesh’s willingness to work jointly with Italy to develop the aviation sector and discussed potential foreign investment in airport expansion under a public-private partnership model.

The meeting also addressed the need to increase flight frequency on the Dhaka–Rome route to facilitate travel for expatriate Bangladeshis. The ambassador assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address this issue.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government aims to enhance hilsa export capacity through long-term, science-based planning. Speaking at the closing workshop of the project titled “Hilsa Resource Development and Management (2nd Revised)” held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium, he emphasized the need to preserve hilsa resources, increase production, and expand international markets.

The minister stressed ensuring natural river flow and water quality for safe breeding and movement of hilsa, alongside coordinated efforts among ministries to stop industrial waste discharge. He said the government remains strict against illegal fishing practices such as jatka catching, mother hilsa harvesting, and the use of current nets. He also highlighted initiatives to support fishermen through alternative employment, training, and financial empowerment. A special advisory team of researchers and experts is under consideration to guide future policy.

State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku noted that Bangladesh produces 70–80 percent of the world’s hilsa and called for sustainable management to protect this national resource. He added that about 2.4 billion taka in assistance was provided to fishermen in FY 2025–26, with plans to expand support further.

The Islami Bank Conscious Customers Forum has demanded that a full board of directors be formed for Islami Bank within the next 24 hours, comprising honest, skilled, and professional individuals. The demand was made on Monday during a sit-in in front of Bangladesh Bank’s headquarters in Motijheel, Dhaka. Hundreds of customers gathered earlier in front of Islami Bank Tower and later marched to the central bank gate, where law enforcement maintained a strict stance.

Forum president Nur-un-Nabi Manik stated that restoring customer confidence in Islami Bank requires a competent and credible board. He emphasized that the new board should include individuals with integrity, professional expertise, and sound knowledge of Islamic finance. Speakers at the rally also insisted that those previously involved in irregularities, corruption, or unlawful appointments must not be reinstated, urging Bangladesh Bank to take firm measures to protect depositors’ interests.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said a strong board comprising experienced and professional members will soon be formed to ensure good governance and stability at Islami Bank.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government is working to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and simplify licensing procedures to create a more business-friendly environment. Speaking at a debriefing session in Dhaka’s InterContinental Hotel, he said the goal is to shorten the business startup process from nearly one year to just 14 days, allowing companies to open letters of credit for machinery imports by the 15th day. The session was jointly organized by the International Labour Organization and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.

Muktadir emphasized that the United Nations’ recommendation on Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country category should be treated as an opportunity for planned institutional and economic strengthening. He said the government’s recent budget reflects priorities such as simplifying business processes, reducing licensing complexities, and diversifying markets. The Commerce Ministry has also established a Responsible Business Conduct Cell to coordinate among government bodies, regulators, business groups, and development partners.

He added that a committee has already identified areas to reduce time and procedural overlaps, and a zone announcement on implementation is expected in July.

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday that it has imposed export controls on ten United States companies involved in the defense industry and rare mineral extraction. Among the affected firms is Oshkosh Defense, a manufacturer of military vehicles for the US armed forces, according to a report by AFP.

In its statement, the Chinese ministry said that the listed companies are now prohibited from receiving dual-use goods from China. It also specified that no individual or organization from any country or region may transfer or supply Chinese-made dual-use products to these companies.

The move is viewed as a significant development within the ongoing trade and technological competition between China and the United States.

The market for polao rice in Bangladesh has become highly unstable, with prices rising by up to Tk 30 per kilogram and Tk 900 to Tk 2,000 per sack over the past month. Despite adequate supply, consumers have expressed frustration at the sudden spike in prices ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Traders and wholesalers claim that mill owners and corporate groups have artificially created a supply crisis to increase profits, while rising fuel, gas, and electricity costs have also contributed to higher transport and ancillary expenses.

Retailers allege that large corporate groups are syndicating to control supply and exploit seasonal demand during Eid and wedding events. However, corporate representatives deny these accusations, attributing the price hike to reduced production caused by crop disease and increased export activity. Nabil Group’s managing director stated that export restrictions may be necessary to stabilize the domestic market.

Consumer rights advocates, including the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, have described the price surge as abnormal and criticized weak market monitoring, arguing that government tax reductions have not benefited ordinary consumers.

Bangladesh’s industrial sector has plunged into a deep crisis due to acute energy shortages, soaring bank interest rates, and a sluggish domestic market. Production costs have surged while technological stagnation has eroded global competitiveness. Many factories are operating below half capacity, and new investments have stalled. Experts warn that shrinking employment and industrial stagnation could push the overall economy toward a prolonged downturn.

Sectoral data show steep declines in textile, jute, cement, and food processing output, while high borrowing costs have discouraged new investment despite rising bank liquidity. The steel and cement industries are struggling with higher electricity prices and reduced demand, while the ready-made garment sector—responsible for over 80% of export earnings—has seen production drop by up to 30% due to power and gas shortages. Leather exports remain weak amid environmental compliance failures and financing constraints.

Export earnings fell 7.07% year-on-year in May 2026, with major markets shifting orders to competitors such as Vietnam and India. Industry leaders urge urgent policy action to stabilize energy supply, reduce interest rates, and restore investor confidence to avert long-term economic damage.