The BNP government has announced a national budget of Tk 9.38 trillion for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with Tk 43,335 crore allocated jointly to the agriculture, food, and fisheries and livestock ministries. This represents 0.63 percent of GDP and 3.2 percent of the total budget, a modest rise from the previous year’s Tk 37,126 crore. However, the budget does not specify how much each ministry will receive separately, leaving unclear the exact allocation for agriculture. The author argues that the increase is insufficient given the sector’s challenges and its importance to national food security.

The article highlights that the government’s focus remains on food storage and procurement rather than direct support for farmers. It criticizes the continued emphasis on fertilizer and pesticide subsidies, which benefit chemical companies more than farmers. The piece also notes that recent diesel shortages and untimely rains devastated Boro rice crops, affecting about 200,000 farmers, yet the budget offers no relief measures. The author warns that neglecting agriculture and fisheries endangers food and nutrition security and undermines the livelihoods of millions dependent on these sectors.

Global gold prices have declined sharply even amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East. On January 28, gold reached 5,303 dollars per ounce but dropped to 4,235 dollars by June 12. Analysts attribute the fall to concerns that central banks will not cut interest rates due to persistent inflation, and may even raise them further to control prices.

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted oil and gas supplies, driving energy prices higher and fueling global inflation. In the United States, inflation has reached a three-year high of 4.2 percent, while a stable labor market has reduced the likelihood of near-term rate cuts. Experts note that gold, which yields no dividends, loses appeal when interest rates and the dollar strengthen.

Reports of a possible US-Iran agreement recently provided slight relief, lifting gold prices marginally. However, analysts caution that even if the war ends, multiple factors will continue to influence gold’s performance in the coming months.

Elon Musk has reportedly become the world’s first trillionaire after SpaceX’s stock market listing pushed his net worth beyond one trillion dollars. According to Fortune magazine, SpaceX’s valuation reached 1.77 trillion dollars following its initial public offering, boosting the combined value of Musk’s holdings in SpaceX and Tesla.

Despite his immense wealth, Musk continues to live a modest life. He resides in a small prefabricated house near SpaceX’s Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The house, built by housing startup Boxabl, measures only 20 feet by 20 feet and includes a living area, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Musk previously stated that he rents the home from SpaceX for about 50,000 dollars. After moving from California to Texas in 2020, he sold most of his luxury properties, though some large houses remain under company ownership in Austin’s West Lake Hills area.

Musk’s simple lifestyle has drawn mixed reactions on social media, with some praising his minimalism and others suggesting it may be a public image strategy.

Bangladesh’s proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year has been set at 9.38 trillion taka, a figure described as significant within the country’s economic context. However, a comparison with the personal wealth of Elon Musk, recently reported to have surpassed one trillion US dollars following the stock market listing of SpaceX, reveals a striking disparity.

Based on an exchange rate of 122–125 taka per dollar, Musk’s total assets are valued between 134 and 138 trillion taka. This amount equals roughly 14 times the size of Bangladesh’s entire national budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The report highlights that the sum Bangladesh allocates annually for administration, education, health, infrastructure, defense, and social safety programs is equivalent to only one fourteenth of Musk’s declared wealth.

The comparison underscores the vast global wealth gap, illustrating how the fortune of a single individual can exceed the annual financial capacity of a developing nation.

Many Grameenphone subscribers who purchased the company’s FIFA World Cup Pass were unable to watch the opening ceremony and the first two days of matches, despite paying for access. The issue affected users of the Bioscope streaming platform, where the matches were supposed to be available. The packages, launched on May 11, offered three options: a 24-hour pass for Tk 28, a 7-day pass for Tk 127, and a 45-day pass for Tk 199. Customers reported that the streams stopped shortly after starting, leaving them unable to view the games.

Grameenphone acknowledged a technical glitch behind the disruption. The company’s Head of Communications, Sharafuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, told Amar Desh that an unexpected technical error caused interruptions for some users during the live streaming. He said the technical team prioritized restoring service as quickly as possible and apologized for the temporary inconvenience, thanking customers for their patience.

The report noted that it remains unclear how many of Grameenphone’s 84.9 million subscribers purchased the package, but even a small portion could represent significant financial losses for affected users.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced that donations to BRAC and ten other welfare institutions will qualify for tax exemption starting from July 1, 2026. The decision, published on the NBR website on Saturday, designates these organizations as public welfare institutions under the authority of the Income Tax Act, 2023. The exemption will remain valid until June 30, 2030.

The institutions eligible for this benefit include BRAC, Bangladesh Cancer Aid Trust, ASHIC Foundation for Children Cancer, Al-Markazul Islami, Disabled Child Foundation, Sherpur Diabetic Association, Maona Diabetic Association, Bangladesh Thalassemia Association, Autism Welfare Foundation, Ramakrishna Math and Mission Dhaka, and Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital. A similar tax exemption was granted last year to nine other organizations, also valid until June 30, 2030.

According to the NBR, taxpayers must collect official receipts from the recipient institutions and submit them with their annual tax returns to claim the deduction. The exemption applies by reducing the taxable income by the donated amount rather than deducting it directly from the payable tax.

India has introduced strict restrictions on the use of all types of fuel, including diesel and petrol, as the country faces a severe economic crisis triggered by soaring global oil prices and rising import costs. According to a Bloomberg report, the government’s move aims to stabilize the situation as both trade and budget deficits have reached record levels.

Bloomberg noted that India, the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, relies on foreign sources for about 85 percent of its oil needs. Recent geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global energy supply have sharply increased India’s import expenses, prompting the government to impose new domestic fuel usage controls. Economists have warned that these restrictions could negatively affect transportation, industrial production, and agriculture, potentially slowing overall economic growth.

The report added that India’s growing import burden has significantly expanded its current account and fiscal deficits, putting pressure on the rupee. Policymakers are now urgently reassessing fiscal and monetary strategies to contain inflation and revive economic stability.

Turkey and Saudi Arabia are advancing a land trade corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe through Syria and Jordan, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The report states that Israel is concerned about this project because it would bypass Israeli territory and compete with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The proposed route would allow goods to move between Asia and Europe via Syria and Jordan before reaching Turkey, reducing reliance on Israeli infrastructure such as the port of Haifa. Israeli officials reportedly view this initiative as a potential challenge to IMEC, which is supported by Israel and its international partners to link Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The development highlights growing regional competition over trade connectivity projects that aim to reshape transport and economic routes between Asia and Europe.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has described the proposed national budget of Tk 9.38 trillion for fiscal year 2026–27 as large but achievable. In its immediate post-budget reaction on Saturday, the apex business body emphasized the need for foresight, efficiency, and transparency to ensure effective implementation. It said such a budget is necessary to move Bangladesh toward a one-trillion-dollar economy amid current global geopolitical realities.

FBCCI noted that the revenue target of Tk 6.95 trillion poses a major challenge and called for transparency and reforms in the National Board of Revenue. It warned that excessive domestic borrowing to cover the deficit could restrict private sector financing and slow investment and job creation, urging the government to seek low-interest foreign funding instead. The organization welcomed the Tk 600 billion “Stimulus Package 2026,” tax cuts on essential imports, and incentives for startups and women-led businesses.

FBCCI also praised tax exemptions for ICT equipment and renewable energy but expressed concern over higher VAT on construction materials. It recommended raising the tax-free income limit and lowering the top personal tax rate to ease inflationary pressure on citizens.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam announced that 300 megawatts of electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be connected to Bangladesh’s national grid by the end of August 2026. He also said the government expects to complete nuclear fuel loading for the plant’s second unit by April 2027. The minister made the remarks on Friday at a high-level roundtable and seminar titled “Nuclear Power Strategy, Reality and Bangladesh’s Future Roadmap,” held at Swapnodwip Resort in Ishwardi, Pabna.

Anam emphasized that Bangladesh’s investment in nuclear technology aims to advance national development, innovation, and public welfare, while also requiring strong responsibility. He noted that a successful nuclear program demands not only modern technology and infrastructure but also skilled human resources, robust institutions, effective regulation, transparency, accountability, and a culture of safety. The minister highlighted that Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone on April 28 with the start of nuclear fuel loading at Rooppur.

He added that once fully operational, the plant will contribute about 2,400 megawatts to the national grid, strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth. The event was attended by government officials, lawmakers, industry leaders, and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

A major tender scandal has surfaced inside Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), where senior officials are accused of manipulating the international bidding process to award the Narsingdi Madhabpur–Monohardi substation project to a blacklisted company. Despite a board decision in 2025 banning Energypac Engineering Limited from all PGCB tenders until 2028 for severe negligence and financial irregularities, insiders allegedly helped the firm re-enter under a joint venture with a little-known local company, Rivary Power and Automation Engineering.

The scheme reportedly sidelined several leading Chinese state-owned firms that had submitted bids, prompting concerns of diplomatic strain between Bangladesh and China. A Chinese company, CMC, has formally written to the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, alleging bias and demanding suspension of the tender and an independent investigation. A top security agency has also begun probing the alleged masterminds and hidden financial transactions.

Officials fear the controversy could damage Bangladesh’s credibility with international partners such as the Asian Development Bank and World Bank, both financiers of the project, and jeopardize future foreign investment in the power sector.

Transport owners and workers have announced a strike in five districts under Khulna and Barishal divisions, starting Sunday, June 14. The decision was confirmed by Fakir Shahidul Islam, general secretary of the Bagerhat Inter-District Bus, Minibus, Coach and Microbus Owners’ Association. The strike will cover Bagerhat, Khulna, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi and Barishal districts, halting all types of vehicle movement. The groups said their three-point demand, including a ban on illegal three-wheelers on highways, remains unmet despite several meetings with local authorities.

The demands include stopping unauthorized BRTC and leased vehicles, removing illegal counters, ending local passenger pickups by long-distance buses, and banning unlicensed three-wheelers on regional highways. According to the association, repeated assurances from the administration have not led to any resolution, prompting the joint decision by owners and unions.

Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten stated that the administration is aware of the three-point demand and discussions are ongoing to prevent an indefinite strike on highways.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam announced that 300 megawatts of electricity from the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be connected to Bangladesh’s national grid by the end of August 2026. He also stated that the government expects to complete nuclear fuel loading for the plant’s second unit by April 2027. The minister made these remarks on June 12 at a high-level roundtable and seminar in Ishwardi, Pabna, focused on nuclear energy strategy and Bangladesh’s future direction.

Anam emphasized that Bangladesh’s investment in nuclear technology is aimed at national development, innovation, and public welfare, while also requiring strong institutional capacity, skilled human resources, and a robust safety culture. He noted that the country achieved a historic milestone on April 28 with the first nuclear fuel loading at Rooppur, marking Bangladesh’s entry into the group of technologically advanced nations using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

According to the minister, the Rooppur project will eventually supply about 2,400 megawatts to the national grid, strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth. The event was attended by lawmakers, officials, and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved the Bashkhali-Anwara-Chakaria regional highway widening and modernization project in Chattogram at an estimated cost of Tk 1,188.48 crore. The 58.20-kilometer road will be expanded to 70 feet in width. Officials believe the project will significantly improve connectivity across South Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, making travel faster and safer through the Karnaphuli Tunnel.

Bashkhali’s Jamaat-e-Islami Member of Parliament, Maulana Zahirul Islam, expressed gratitude to all involved, stating that the project would open a new chapter in regional communication and contribute to national economic progress. Local lawyer and road movement activist Advocate Dilip Das also welcomed the approval, calling it a long-awaited demand of the people of South Chattogram and urging speedy implementation.

According to project details, land acquisition will cover 35 feet on each side of the main road, upgrading the route from Anwara through Bashkhali to Chakaria (Eidmoni) to modern standards. Stakeholders expect the project to boost economic, commercial, and tourism opportunities in the region.

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has welcomed the inclusion of tax reforms and expanded solar power import facilities in the proposed 2026–27 national budget. In a statement issued on Friday, the association thanked the finance minister and the National Board of Revenue for increasing tax benefits in the solar energy sector and moving toward a medium-term policy framework.

BKMEA noted that the long-standing demand for an effective system to adjust or refund advance income tax (AIT) at source remains crucial, as delays in refunds restrict working capital and create liquidity challenges. The group also viewed the expansion of tax benefits for solar systems and related equipment as a positive step to address the energy crisis. It supported duty-free raw material imports for non-bonded export-oriented firms but urged reconsideration of the proposed 5% tax on polyester staple fiber imports, citing limited domestic production.

The association emphasized that gas and electricity shortages and high interest rates continue to challenge the industry. While it assessed the proposed budget positively, BKMEA said its success will depend on effective implementation by relevant institutions.