Global oil prices increased following the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. According to a Reuters report, Brent crude reached 81.66 dollars per barrel at 10:06 p.m. GMT on Sunday, up by 1.09 dollars or 1.35 percent. Earlier in the day, prices had climbed as high as 82.30 dollars per barrel.

The report noted that crude prices had fallen slightly the previous week after several oil tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns about supply disruptions. However, renewed geopolitical uncertainty has again pushed prices upward.

Meanwhile, high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran began in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. The mediators described the discussions as taking place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, suggesting cautious optimism for further progress.

The market for polao rice in Bangladesh has become highly unstable, with prices rising sharply over the past month. Despite adequate supply, the price of various types of polao rice has increased by up to Tk 30 per kilogram and Tk 900 to Tk 2,000 per sack. Retailers and consumers have expressed frustration, blaming corporate groups and mill owners for creating an artificial crisis to raise prices. Traders reported that transportation and utility cost hikes have also contributed to the surge.

Corporate company owners have denied the allegations, attributing the price increase to reduced production caused by crop disease and higher fuel and electricity costs. Nabil Group’s managing director said some traders are exporting polao rice, suggesting that exports should be halted to stabilize the domestic market. Market visits in Dhaka revealed that both wholesale and retail prices have risen significantly, with branded rice reaching up to Tk 190 per kilogram.

Consumer rights advocates described the price hike as abnormal and criticized weak market monitoring. They noted that despite government tax reductions on essentials, consumers have not benefited, leaving middle- and lower-income groups under severe pressure.

Thousands of Afghan women are turning to entrepreneurship as one of the few remaining paths to independence under Taliban rule. Despite restrictions on education, employment, and public participation, the government has allowed women to run businesses under specific conditions to mitigate economic collapse and international isolation. According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 10,000 women now hold business licenses, a tenfold increase in five years, while another 120,000 operate small ventures without licenses.

Many women who once aspired to be lawyers, engineers, or teachers have shifted to carpet weaving, cosmetics production, or vocational training. UNDP data show that only 7 percent of Afghan women were employed as of 2024. Entrepreneurs like Nasira Azizi in Mazar-i-Sharif, Rokiya Rezayi in Herat, and beekeeper Ghoncha Karimi have built small enterprises despite social and administrative barriers.

Officials claim to support women’s vocational training, but critics argue that government initiatives remain limited. For many Afghan women, business ownership has become a last refuge for dignity, income, and survival amid ongoing restrictions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) reported collecting over Tk 3.6 trillion in revenue during the first eleven months of the current fiscal year, from July 2025 to May 2026. Despite achieving a record collection, the NBR fell short of its revised target by Tk 810 billion, according to an official statement released on Sunday night. In the first 20 days of June, an additional Tk 293.11 billion was collected, bringing the total to Tk 3.899 trillion, surpassing last year’s total revenue of Tk 3.708 trillion.

The NBR expects that with another Tk 250 billion collected in the final ten days of June, total revenue for the fiscal year could reach Tk 4.15 trillion, the highest in the country’s history. This would still be Tk 880 billion below the revised target but Tk 431.57 billion higher than the previous fiscal year. The NBR reported over 10 percent growth in revenue collection, with customs up 7.08 percent, VAT up 10.05 percent, and income tax up 12.54 percent.

To accelerate revenue collection, the NBR has formed three task forces for income tax, VAT, and customs divisions to expedite legal processes, recover evaded taxes, and strengthen audit and monitoring activities.

Swiss banks have long been regarded as reliable institutions for safeguarding wealth, attracting wealthy individuals, business leaders, and influential figures worldwide. Their reputation stems from strict confidentiality rules established under the 1934 Swiss Banking Law, which restricts disclosure of client information. Switzerland’s political neutrality, economic stability, and advanced financial infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a secure destination for asset management.

Former head of the Association of Swiss Private Bankers, Michel de Robert, compared bankers’ duty of confidentiality to that of doctors or lawyers, emphasizing that unauthorized disclosure of client data constitutes a legal violation. Although Swiss banks were once believed to allow anonymous accounts, current regulations require full identity verification and adherence to strict Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. The Swiss Bankers Association confirms that even numbered accounts are traceable to verified clients.

In recent decades, international pressure over tax evasion and money laundering allegations has led Switzerland to share financial data with global authorities in specific cases. These reforms have increased transparency while maintaining the country’s status as a leading global banking hub.

Bangladesh has formally begun work on its first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), marking a major step in long-term aviation sector planning. The initiative was launched on Sunday at a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview” held at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. Organized by the ICAO Gold-certified Civil Aviation Academy under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and with technical support from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita).

According to the workshop, the proposed master plan will outline development goals, priorities, and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years or more. It will cover airport infrastructure upgrades, modernization of air navigation services, airline expansion, human resource development, safety improvements, and environmental sustainability. Minister Afroza Khanam said the government aims to make Bangladesh a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034 under its “Bangladesh First” election manifesto.

Officials stated that the plan is expected to be finalized within the next one to one and a half years, with the workshop’s guidance contributing to sustainable aviation growth, trade, tourism, and economic progress.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government is enhancing an online one-stop service system to streamline licensing and approval processes for investors. Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) in Dhaka, he said the initiative aims to eliminate the need for investors to visit multiple offices. The minister noted that while physical inspections for industrial or factory establishments cannot always be completed within 15 days due to safety and environmental checks, provisional licenses will be introduced to prevent delays in investment activities.

He explained that sector-specific licensing procedures are being developed, as requirements differ across industries such as power generation and textiles. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) will coordinate inspection schedules among relevant agencies to ensure a single, integrated inspection process. Muktadir also highlighted the government’s interest in promoting electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce fuel dependency and enhance transport sustainability.

JBCCI representatives emphasized the importance of simplifying licensing, expanding trade, and adopting sustainable technologies. The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to creating a transparent and efficient business environment for Japanese investors.

The Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has warned that the government’s plan to relocate Dhaka’s four inter-district bus terminals—Sayedabad, Mohakhali, Gabtoli, and Fulbaria—to the city’s outskirts could increase public suffering and safety risks. The government intends to move the terminals to Kanchpur, Hemayetpur, Tongi, and Keraniganj to ease traffic congestion in the capital.

According to IPD, shifting the terminals without ensuring adequate public transport connections and effective planning will not solve Dhaka’s traffic problems. Instead, it could raise travel costs, extend commuting times, and heighten security concerns, especially for women, children, and the elderly. The organization noted that the proposed sites are 15–20 kilometers from central Dhaka and lack reliable, affordable transport links.

IPD urged the government to cancel the relocation plan, improve management around existing terminals, and develop new depots in extended urban areas. It also recommended introducing quality feeder services, implementing the bus route rationalization project, and ensuring passenger safety through integrated terminal management.

Iran has resumed loading crude oil from its main export hub, Kharg Island, after a pause of about six weeks. The activity restarted following the withdrawal of a US naval blockade. According to available information, three large oil tankers, each capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are currently anchored at the Sea Island terminal. Satellite images show two of the ships docked while the third is approaching.

European Union satellite data indicated that until Friday, the jetties at the terminal had remained empty, with few large vessels seen since May. Analysts suggest that after a temporary understanding with the United States reduced tensions, Iran quickly reactivated its oil export operations and supply network. Additional reports note that some tankers near Chabahar port have transported around 20 million barrels of oil.

Despite ongoing security uncertainties that have led many international ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is gradually reintroducing vessels into the Persian Gulf. Analysts believe that with at least 20 more ships waiting east of the Gulf, Iran’s oil exports may increase further in the coming days.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh will need two years to recover from its fragile economic situation. He stated that the government aims to reduce reliance on borrowing and is exploring alternative financial strategies. The minister made these remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking to journalists.

He explained that the government is reviewing various aspects to make the national budget more accurate and emphasized the importance of bringing more citizens under the tax net, even with small contributions. Chowdhury noted that the current administration inherited a heavy debt burden from the previous government, which he described as fascist, and that the 2026–27 fiscal budget is not yet perfect. However, he assured that efforts are ongoing to stabilize the economy within two years.

The minister also mentioned that many of the 1,300 projects initiated by the previous government were canceled due to inefficiency or lack of utility. He added that borrowing from local banks at 11–13 percent interest is unsustainable for the private sector and burdensome for the government, which plans to move away from such borrowing.

On June 15, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarek Rahman directed that four major bus terminals in Dhaka—Fulbaria-Gulistan, Gabtoli, Mohakhali, and Sayedabad-Jatrabari—be relocated outside the capital to ease chronic traffic congestion. The government says the move aims to bring all terminals and counters under a unified structure. Urban planners and transport experts have welcomed the decision but identified seven key challenges that could hinder its success.

The challenges include coordination among implementing agencies, infrastructural readiness, passenger connectivity from new terminals to the city, potential traffic shifts to city outskirts, slow progress in bus route rationalization, resistance from transport unions, and ensuring passenger safety. Experts warn that without proper feasibility studies, land acquisition, and modern facilities, the relocation could remain a political promise rather than a practical solution. They also caution that moving terminals without improving route management and intercity transport systems may simply transfer congestion elsewhere.

Specialists emphasize that transparent project execution, stakeholder cooperation, and passenger-oriented planning are essential for the initiative to reduce Dhaka’s severe traffic problems effectively.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam announced that the direct flight between Dhaka and New York will not begin before 2028. She explained that it will take at least five years for new Boeing aircraft to join the Biman Bangladesh Airlines fleet. In the meantime, the government plans to lease aircraft from Airbus to maintain operations. She made these remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating a workshop on the National Civil Aviation Master Plan at a hotel in Dhaka on Sunday.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat added that Prime Minister Tareq Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on December 16. He expressed hope that the Japanese contractor will complete the construction before the inauguration date.

The workshop was organized to formulate the country’s first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan, with participation from senior officials of the Civil Aviation Ministry, CAAB, the armed forces, and other relevant agencies.

Bangladesh Bank’s Financial Stability Report 2025 reveals that due to High Court stay orders, banks cannot classify Tk 182,419 crore in loans as defaults. These stays stem from 845 writ petitions filed by 1,379 borrowers, allowing them to appear as regular clients and access new loans and rescheduling facilities. The report shows that the volume of loans under court protection rose by nearly 80 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The central bank notes that this legal tactic hides the true scale of non-performing loans and strains liquidity across the banking sector. Some borrowers have used these stays to qualify for national elections despite outstanding debts. Former Bangladesh Bank governor Ahsan H. Mansur criticized the widespread issuance of such stays, calling them harmful to financial stability. The central bank has directed banks to strengthen their legal teams to expedite loan recovery cases.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, total non-performing loans, including those under litigation, now amount to Tk 771,123 crore, with the sector posting a combined net loss of Tk 136,666 crore last year.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals, the only Bangladeshi company listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) since 2005, is facing a major risk of delisting. The company failed to publish its audited financial statements for the 2024–25 fiscal year within the required six months, leading to suspension of its Global Depository Receipt (GDR) trading since January 2, 2026. Under AIM rules, if GDR trading remains suspended for six months, the company may be delisted by early July.

Six institutional investors in London have written to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) seeking a resolution to avoid delisting. BSEC confirmed it is treating the matter seriously to protect investor interests and Bangladesh’s image. The company’s shares continue normal trading on the Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges, but only GDRs are traded in London.

The delay stems from a legal dispute over BSEC’s appointment of independent directors to Beximco Group companies, which halted board meetings needed to approve the financial report. BSEC officials said trading can resume only after court resolution and board approval of the pending audit.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured full cooperation to investors interested in reviving closed and loss-making state-owned factories. Speaking at a roadshow for domestic and foreign investors at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, he urged business leaders to move forward with confidence, promising all possible assistance from the government. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industries, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Rahman emphasized that the government’s main responsibility is to remove obstacles and create pathways to overcome challenges, but acknowledged that this cannot be achieved by the government alone. He called for collective effort, noting that gradual and planned action can solve existing problems. During the three-hour discussion, detailed information on 44 factories was presented, including their locations, infrastructure, investment incentives, and expansion potential.

Business representatives participated in an open discussion, raising around 50 questions that were addressed by relevant authorities. Senior ministers, advisers, and top officials attended the event, along with representatives from major Bangladeshi industrial groups and several Japanese corporations and organizations.