Bangladesh Bank has introduced major reforms in the internal audit system of all scheduled banks through a new directive issued on Tuesday. The Internal Control Management System (ICMS) replaces the 2016 guidelines on internal control and compliance. Under the new rules, internal audit, compliance, and risk management functions are separated to ensure greater independence. For the first time, a whistleblower mechanism is made mandatory, allowing internal auditors to confidentially report corruption or serious irregularities by a bank’s board or managing director directly to Bangladesh Bank without prior approval from management.

The directive requires each bank to establish secure channels such as hotlines, email, or sealed written submissions for receiving complaints while ensuring whistleblower anonymity. Bangladesh Bank will take action against any bank that retaliates against whistleblowers. The new system also introduces forensic, concurrent, and virtual audits to strengthen oversight. Banks must adopt technology-based monitoring to detect trade-based money laundering, credit and market risks, cyber threats, and fraud.

All scheduled banks have been instructed to complete necessary organizational changes and implement the new directive by December 31.

The United States and Jordan have signed a new bilateral trade agreement in Washington aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. Under the deal, the United States will cap reciprocal tariffs on Jordanian imports at a maximum of 10 percent. The agreement was signed by Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The accord grants Jordanian apparel and textile industries greater preferential access to the U.S. market, while easing entry for American agricultural and automotive products into Jordan. It builds upon the 2001 U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and follows nearly a year of negotiations. Jordan will maintain duty-free access for U.S. goods under the earlier framework and expand market access by enforcing environmental laws, protecting labor rights and intellectual property, and modernizing customs procedures.

Recent commercial deals between the two nations include Royal Jordanian Airlines’ purchase of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners worth $1.4 billion, a $500 million aircraft leasing agreement, Hikma Pharmaceuticals’ $1 billion U.S. investment pledge by 2030, and annual Jordanian purchases of over $300 million in U.S. raw materials.

Bangladesh Bank has simplified foreign currency transaction procedures for freelancers and individual service exporters. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, inward remittances up to 20,000 US dollars will no longer require a formal declaration. Additionally, freelancers can now receive up to 10,000 US dollars per transaction through online payment gateway service providers, provided the earnings are repatriated within the stipulated time.

The initiative aims to support the country’s growing digital service sector. The circular allows freelancers to use platform statements, emails, invoices, or other digital communications as valid proof of income, reducing dependence on traditional export documentation. It also introduces a dual-currency “freelancer card” and expands the use of mobile financial service and payment service providers to make digital transactions more efficient.

Under the new rules, IT freelancers may retain up to 50 percent of their export earnings in foreign currency under the Exporters’ Retention Quota, while other service exporters may retain up to 30 percent. Stakeholders believe the move will encourage more freelancers to bring foreign income through formal channels, increase foreign exchange inflows, and enhance transparency in the digital trade sector.

Individual taxpayers in Bangladesh can now file their income tax returns for the 2026–27 fiscal year through the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) e-return system. Acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib formally inaugurated the program on Wednesday. The board has introduced a new incentive for early filers: those submitting returns between July and September 30 will receive a 5 percent rebate on net payable tax or up to 25,000 taka. Returns filed after the deadline will not qualify for this benefit, and submissions after December will incur penalties.

The NBR first launched the online return system in 2021 and made it mandatory last year. However, senior citizens aged 65 or above, physically challenged taxpayers, Bangladeshis residing abroad, representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh may still file paper returns. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, a record 4.7 million individuals filed returns through the e-return system.

Taxpayers can pay taxes via bank transfer, cards, or mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad. The NBR call center offers assistance during office hours on working days.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved eight development projects with a total expenditure of Tk 14,041.21 crore. Of this, Tk 10,494.21 crore will come from government funding and Tk 3,550.44 crore from project loans. The approval was given at an ECNEC meeting held on Wednesday at the Cabinet Room of the Bangladesh Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman. Among the approved projects, three are new and five are revised.

The approved projects include three under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, one under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, one under the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, two under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and one under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Additionally, the meeting was informed about 11 smaller projects costing less than Tk 50 crore that had already been approved by the Planning Minister.

These smaller projects cover areas such as regional offices for the National University, road upgrades, mobile network installation at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, and infrastructure development for power transmission and vocational training centers.

A 22-kilogram Katla fish was caught in the Padma River at Goaland, Rajbari, and sold for Tk 50,600 through a video call. The fish was caught early Wednesday by fisherman Jahurul Haldar of Pangsha upazila at the confluence of the Padma and Jamuna rivers. It was brought to the Daulatdia Ghat market, where it weighed 22 kilograms on a digital scale. In an open auction, fish trader Md. Samrat Shahjahan Sheikh bought it for Tk 46,200 and later sold it to a Rajshahi businessman for Tk 50,600 using online communication.

The trader said large Katla fish from the Padma River are always in high demand, and online platforms now make it easier to find good buyers quickly. Goaland Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Anwarul Islam Pilot noted that a seasonal ban on Hilsa fishing has increased the catch of other species like Katla, Rui, and Boal. He added that establishing permanent sanctuaries in the river could help sustain larger fish populations.

Local residents gathered to see the rare large fish, as such big Katla catches are uncommon in the area.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Wednesday to discuss the current state, export potential, and challenges of the country’s textile industry. During the meeting, he directed the formation of a high-level committee to review and resolve the existing problems in the sector. The meeting was confirmed by the Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Hasan Shiplu.

BTMA leaders highlighted the textile industry’s significant contribution to the national economy and sought government support for its sustainable development. They also urged policy assistance to enhance competitiveness in international markets. Prime Minister Rahman praised the industry’s role in industrialization, job creation, and export earnings, assuring government cooperation for its advancement.

The newly formed committee is expected to assess ongoing issues and propose timely solutions to strengthen the textile sector’s performance and global competitiveness.

Global oil prices continued their upward trend as Brent crude futures rose by one dollar, or 1.1 percent, reaching 92.01 dollars per barrel. The price of US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 82 cents, or 1 percent, to 85.16 dollars per barrel. According to Reuters, the rise followed recent military actions involving the United States and Iran in the Middle East.

The report stated that US forces carried out attacks in southern and western Iran, while Iran targeted US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. These developments pushed oil prices to their highest level in five weeks by Tuesday, when Brent futures settled at 91.01 dollars per barrel and WTI at 84.91 dollars.

The continued escalation of regional tensions has reinforced market concerns about potential disruptions to oil supply, sustaining the upward momentum in global crude prices.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to withdraw administrators from five merged Islamic banks by mid-August 2026. The decision was made during a meeting between Governor Mostakur Rahman and the boards of the five banks at the central bank’s headquarters. The process will be implemented gradually, starting with EXIM Bank next week. Some central bank officials, however, believe administrators should remain longer due to incomplete implementation of the core banking system.

The five banks—EXIM, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami—were merged last year into the ‘Combined Islami Bank’ after severe financial irregularities under previous private control. The government injected Tk 20,000 crore into the new entity, while depositors were promised shares worth Tk 15,000 crore. Additionally, Tk 12,000 crore from the deposit insurance fund is being used to repay small depositors.

As of now, 822,000 depositors have received Tk 3,887 crore in repayments. Despite these efforts, the merged banks still face high non-performing loans, totaling Tk 170,500 crore, or 87.43 percent of total loans, raising concerns about their financial stability.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) began on Wednesday morning under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. The session started at 10 a.m. in the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

The meeting is set to review nine development projects with a combined estimated cost of Tk 14,800 crore. Among these, four are new projects and five are revised ones. Of the total expenditure, Tk 11,180.17 crore will come from government funds, while Tk 3,550.44 crore will be financed through project loans.

The projects include initiatives such as a Tk 685 crore plan for protecting Bhola and the Dhaka-Ashulia Expressway project, which has overcome earlier uncertainties. The meeting also comes as the National Board of Revenue deploys a special team to monitor tax deduction at source.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is set to review nine development projects worth about Tk 14,800 crore at its meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday. The session, chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman, will consider four new projects and five revised ones. Of the total cost, Tk 11,180 crore will come from government funds and Tk 3,550 crore from project loans.

According to the Planning Ministry, the projects span multiple sectors including agriculture, water resources, rural institutions, physical infrastructure, and energy. Key proposals include riverbank protection in Bhola, integrated development in greater Dinajpur, rural road maintenance, and expansion of kidney dialysis centers in medical college and district hospitals. Other projects involve the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, disaster shelter construction, and energy exploration wells in Begumganj and Sunetra.

Additionally, 11 other projects from various ministries will be presented for information only, covering education, textiles, telecommunications, road transport, power, industry, and fisheries. The meeting marks a significant round of development planning under the government’s ongoing infrastructure and social service initiatives.

A severe gas crisis has gripped Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, disrupting industrial production and household cooking. Long queues of vehicles were seen at CNG filling stations, where drivers waited for hours to get limited gas due to low pressure. Authorities said the shortage worsened after a technical fault at the Maheshkhali floating LNG terminal reduced national grid supply by about 450 million cubic feet per day. The daily demand now exceeds 3.8 billion cubic feet, while supply stands at only 2.7 billion, leaving a shortfall of over 1.1 billion cubic feet.

Titas Gas officials confirmed that the technical issue has halved LNG supply, affecting all categories of consumers. The company apologized and said repair work is underway. Experts and policymakers blamed years of inadequate gas exploration and overreliance on costly imported LNG for the crisis. They warned that reserves are depleting fast, with most gas fields nearing exhaustion. Critics accused the previous government of neglecting domestic exploration in favor of imports.

Energy specialists urged the government to reduce import dependence, accelerate onshore and offshore gas exploration, and improve efficiency to ensure long-term energy security.

In Sitakunda, Chattogram, discarded lifeboats from shipbreaking yards have become the foundation of a thriving multimillion-taka trade. Once considered waste, these sea-rescue vessels are now collected, repaired, and modernized for reuse across Bangladesh. The refurbished boats are being deployed in coastal, riverine, and tourism areas for fishing, passenger transport, and disaster rescue operations.

A bustling market for these boats has emerged in areas such as Bhatiari, Madam Bibirhat, Modonhat, Kadamrasul, Shitalpur, and Sonaichhari. Business owners acquire lifeboats through tenders from shipyards stretching from Faujdarhat to Chhoto Kumira, then refurbish them with fiber work, paint, and new engines. Prices range from Tk 50,000 for basic fiber boats to Tk 550,000 for high-speed rescue models. Traders report growing demand due to durability, low maintenance, and safety advantages over wooden boats.

Local entrepreneurs say the reuse of shipbreaking materials has created a new economic identity for Sitakunda, boosting opportunities in the marine, fisheries, and tourism sectors. With technical support and financing, the region could become a major national hub for recycled watercraft.

The government has issued a gazette maintaining the registration renewal fee for insurance companies in 2026 at one taka per thousand taka of gross premium. The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance published the notification on July 19, confirming that the previous rate would remain in effect for the upcoming renewal period.

Earlier, on February 4, the division had raised the renewal fee to two taka fifty paisa per thousand taka of gross premium, which drew strong opposition from private life and general insurance companies. The Bangladesh Insurance Association (BIA) described the increase as an unreasonable financial burden on the industry and demanded its withdrawal. Despite the objections, the higher rate was initially enforced through a June 23 directive.

Following continued appeals from insurance companies, the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) recommended retaining the earlier rate. Acting on this recommendation, the government decided to keep the 2026 renewal fee unchanged, easing financial pressure on the sector.

A total of Tk 2,800 crore in microloans will be provided during the 2026–27 fiscal year under the Credit Enhancement Scheme (CES) implemented by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). The loans will be extended by 11 banks and one financial institution to PKSF’s partner organizations. The agreement was signed on Tuesday at PKSF Bhaban-1 in Agargaon, Dhaka, with PKSF Deputy Managing Director Muhammad Hasan Khaled and representatives of the participating banks signing on behalf of their institutions.

The participating institutions include Brac Bank, City Bank, Prime Bank, NCC Bank, Trust Bank, Southeast Bank, Mercantile Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Dhaka Bank, Madhumati Bank, Shimanto Bank, and the UAE-Bangladesh Investment Company Limited (UBICO). PKSF Managing Director Md. Fazlul Kader stated that the scheme aims to formally engage commercial banks in transforming low-income individuals into entrepreneurs. Under the scheme, PKSF’s partner organizations will distribute the loans to small entrepreneurs, with PKSF providing loan guarantees and ensuring proper utilization through close monitoring.

The CES began operations on July 1, 2025. In its first year, 10 banks and one financial company signed agreements with PKSF, disbursing Tk 1,082 crore to 26 partner organizations for small enterprise financing.