Mango farmers in Kansat market of Shibganj upazila, Chapainawabganj, have voiced dissatisfaction with the current season’s mango prices. Although the market has become busy with varieties such as Khirshapat, Lakhkhanbhog, Guti, and Langra arriving from local orchards, growers say prices are lower than last year. Khirshapat mangoes are selling for Tk 1,300–2,400 per maund compared to Tk 2,500–2,800 last year. Farmers attribute the decline to increased production costs, smaller fruit size due to low rainfall, and fewer wholesale buyers from other regions.

Several farmers said they are facing losses as expenses for pesticides, labor, and orchard maintenance have risen sharply. They hope prices will improve once more traders arrive next week. Market authorities confirmed that production is good but prices remain below expectations. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported that mangoes are selling at around Tk 50 per kilogram, which may prevent major losses, and that 37,000 hectares of land in the district are under mango cultivation this season with a production target of 458,000 tons.

Traders expect demand and prices to rise slightly in the coming days as supply stabilizes across the country.

In Kaliganj of Jhenaidah, parts of the Kaliganj-Ganna road are being dug up to replace the existing paved surface with brick soling. The work, covering about 850 meters under the Roads and Highways Department, is estimated to cost 8.8 million taka. Locals have questioned why a mostly intact asphalt road is being excavated instead of repaired, saying minor patchwork could have made it usable.

Residents and road users, including businesspeople and drivers, expressed frustration that a good road is being replaced unnecessarily, calling it a waste of public funds. They noted that the route serves long-distance vehicles and students from nearby areas, who now face travel difficulties. Contractor Golam Hossain of Gama Construction said the work follows tender requirements and should be completed within the week.

An official from the Kaliganj Roads and Highways office stated that the project is part of routine maintenance, claiming parts of the road had become unusable due to monsoon damage. He declined to comment on claims that good sections were being removed, advising inquiries to higher authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a good friend but criticized India for taking advantage of U.S. trade benefits over the years. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said India had imposed high tariffs on American goods while offering little in return. He expressed optimism that Washington and New Delhi would soon reach a trade agreement, citing his positive relationship with Modi.

Trump claimed that his administration was reversing the previous imbalance, stating that the United States was now earning substantial revenue from India. His remarks came as a U.S. delegation visited India earlier in the week to discuss an interim bilateral trade deal. According to India’s Ministry of Commerce, the talks were conducted in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism.

The discussions signal ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen trade ties despite past disputes over tariffs and market access.

Iran has asserted firm control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling it will not relinquish influence over the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. Analysts told CNBC that Tehran demonstrated its ability to block the route using limited missiles and drones, and that this leverage could outlast any potential deal with Washington. The U.S. and Iran remain far from an agreement, with recent missile exchanges underscoring ongoing hostilities. Experts warn that even a future accord would not strip Iran of its newfound energy weapon.

Tehran has formalized oversight through the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which verifies ship data and collects transit fees. The U.S. has sanctioned the PGSA and warned shipping companies against paying such tolls, though some traders reportedly reached secret arrangements to maintain oil flow. Analysts from Wood Mackenzie and Rystad estimate that prolonged closure could push Brent crude toward $200 per barrel, while partial reopening under Iranian control might add $1–20 per barrel in geopolitical premiums.

Regional producers are investing in alternative export routes, but experts caution that new pipelines remain costly, vulnerable, and insufficient to offset Iran’s enduring strategic advantage.

Bangladesh’s economy is undergoing significant challenges as private investment continues to stagnate despite modest growth in public sector spending. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Statistics, private investment now stands at 22.3 percent of GDP, the lowest in a decade. The GDP for fiscal year 2024–25 was valued at 55.15 trillion taka, with total investment reaching 15.74 trillion taka, of which 12.15 trillion came from the private sector. The slowdown in investment has hindered job creation and weakened overall economic momentum.

The financial sector is under pressure, with several banks requiring government liquidity support to remain operational. Inflation has exceeded 9 percent, eroding purchasing power and disproportionately affecting low-income groups. Reduced revenue collection has limited the government’s ability to stimulate the economy, while export performance remains weak despite higher remittance inflows. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are adding further risks to trade and remittance flows.

Experts emphasize that Bangladesh must attract new investment to boost employment, productivity, and infrastructure while addressing inflation, energy shortages, and weaknesses in the banking system to restore investor confidence.

Bangladesh has seen consecutive increases in fuel and electricity prices, with fuel costs rising by up to 25 taka per liter and electricity tariffs raised by 15–20 percent. The government’s decision has triggered widespread concern as transport fares, LPG cylinder prices, and essential goods costs have surged, severely affecting low- and middle-income households. Economists warn that inflation, already at 9.04 percent in April, could rise further, undermining the government’s target of reducing it to 7.5 percent.

Experts and consumer advocates attribute the crisis to corruption and inefficiency in the power sector, alleging massive financial mismanagement and misuse of capacity charges. They argue that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) favored vested interests instead of protecting consumers. Business leaders from the garment, steel, and CNG sectors warn that higher energy costs will raise production expenses, reduce competitiveness, and threaten employment.

With the upcoming national budget approaching, economists caution that controlling inflation, managing debt, and restoring economic momentum will be major challenges. The combined impact of energy price hikes and global market instability is expected to intensify pressure on ordinary citizens and industries alike.

The Cabinet has approved a policy framework for a direct foreign investment (FDI) incentive scheme aimed at encouraging all Bangladeshi citizens, including expatriates, to contribute to attracting FDI. The approval was given during the Cabinet’s ninth meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Cabinet Division confirmed the decision in an official press release.

According to the release, the government formulated the FDI incentive scheme to promote participation of Bangladeshis in bringing foreign investment into the country. In the same meeting, the Cabinet also granted policy approval to the draft of the Bangladesh Medical University (Amendment) Act, 2026, initiated by the Ministry of Health Education and Family Welfare. The amendment aims to expand the scope of medical services, education, and research under the university.

The proposed amendment would allow the university to form profit-based or non-profit companies or organizations and acquire shares to enhance its operational and research capacity, requiring changes to the existing Bangladesh Medical University Act of 1998.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a Tk 20,000 crore pre-financing scheme aimed at reopening closed industrial and service establishments. The central bank issued a circular on Thursday outlining that defaulters, money launderers, and entities involved in fraud or misuse of previous loans will not be eligible for this facility. The scheme, valid for three years, will be operated using surplus liquidity from scheduled banks, which must sign separate agreements with Bangladesh Bank to participate.

According to the circular, the initiative seeks to boost industrial production, employment, exports, and overall economic activity. Priority will be given to export-oriented and high-potential enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs reopening closed factories through acquisition or lease. Each borrower may receive up to Tk 200 crore for a maximum term of one year, with interest rates capped at 7 percent. The funds must be used for operational expenses such as wages, utilities, and raw materials, not for repaying existing loans.

Banks will bear all credit risks and must ensure proper loan utilization through regular reporting and inspections. Misuse of funds will trigger penalties, including recovery from the bank’s account and possible legal action against involved parties.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that the recent increase in electricity prices will directly raise production costs, affecting sectors from agriculture to industry. He made the remarks on Thursday at a seminar organized by Jatiya Juboshokti at the organization’s central office in Banglamotor.

Asif Mahmud noted that ordinary citizens in Bangladesh are already burdened with various taxes, including those on personal vehicles and motorcycles, yet improvements in public services remain limited. He criticized the lack of effective planning to address road infrastructure and traffic congestion, despite tax revenues being collected for such development.

Discussing the electricity price adjustment, he pointed out that while the government promotes a reduction in monthly charges for prepaid meters, it has simultaneously raised electricity tariffs. He warned that this move could increase commodity prices and urged the government to take necessary measures to minimize the negative impact on the general population.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has decided to extend the operating hours of the metro rail by 20 minutes at night starting Sunday. Under the new schedule, one additional trip will be added to the service. The last train from Uttara North to Motijheel will now depart at 9:50 p.m., while the final train from Motijheel to Uttara North will leave at 10:30 p.m. Currently, the last trains depart at 9:30 p.m. and 10:10 p.m. respectively.

According to Ahsan Ullah Sharifi, Deputy Project Director (Public Relations) of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-6), the decision was made considering passenger demand. The new schedule will take effect on June 7.

The extension aims to accommodate increasing ridership during late hours and improve commuter convenience across the metro network.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep disappointment and anger over media reports that the government is considering allowing the legalization of undisclosed or black money in the upcoming 2026–2027 fiscal year budget through a declaration of unconditional amnesty, without allowing any authority to question the source of such funds. The organization said the move, justified by the government as a way to boost investment and economic growth, would instead institutionalize corruption and irregularities under state patronage.

In a statement, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that successive governments since independence have continued this unconstitutional practice under Article 20(2) of the Constitution, often under the pretext of short-term financial benefits. He noted that such policies have encouraged tax evasion and discouraged honest taxpayers. He also criticized the current government’s attempt to reintroduce the provision, arguing it undermines previous efforts to abolish it.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman added that while the government may aim to repatriate laundered money through general amnesty, those involved in illegal earnings or ongoing legal cases must not be exempted from accountability.

Education Minister Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the upcoming 2026–27 fiscal year budget will allocate two percent of Bangladesh’s GDP to the education sector, amounting to 1.23 trillion taka. He made the statement on Thursday after a meeting with Prime Minister Tareque Rahman at the Secretariat. The minister noted that this is the first time the country’s education sector will receive a full two percent of GDP, covering primary, secondary, madrasa, and higher education.

In the previous budget, education received 1.69 percent of GDP, which included allocations for projects such as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and ICT. The minister said the Prime Minister has pledged to gradually raise education spending to five percent of GDP. The government will prioritize teacher training, quality improvement, and technical education to develop skilled human resources. The Prime Minister also instructed that funds be arranged soon for teachers’ welfare and retirement benefits.

A detailed press conference on the allocation and related projects will be held within a few days, according to the minister.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has withdrawn the increased electricity tariff for residential consumers using up to 75 units, known as lifeline customers. The decision was announced on Thursday afternoon through an official notice, following concerns about the impact of higher rates on marginal consumers.

Earlier, the Power Division had requested BERC to reconsider the revised electricity tariff. The commission had held public hearings on May 20 and 21 after receiving proposals from distribution companies to adjust retail rates. Using its authority under the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, 2003, BERC had redefined wholesale, transmission, and retail tariffs. However, the approved rates did not reflect the Power Development Board’s proposal for lifeline consumers, prompting the Power Division’s intervention.

Citing the government’s commitment to improving living standards for low- and lower-middle-income families, the Power Division argued that the revised tariff conflicted with national policy. In response, BERC decided to restore the previous rate for lifeline consumers based on the Power Development Board’s earlier proposal from May 3, 2026.

Cuba’s central bank announced that starting June 6, Visa and Mastercard transactions will no longer be processed in the country. The move follows new US trade sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, which have intensified economic pressure on Cuba’s already struggling economy. According to Reuters, several foreign companies have begun limiting or ending business ties with Cuba after a US executive order issued on May 1.

The central bank stated that due to these restrictions, payments for goods and services through international cards can no longer be received. Analysts described the development as a major blow to Cuba’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, which was already in distress. The sanctions also target GAESA, a military-controlled business group accused of secretly managing revenues from tourism, financial transactions, and remittances.

Cuba’s government has denied the allegations, asserting that GAESA contributes to the country’s economic and social development. In recent weeks, several foreign hotels, airlines, and shipping companies have reportedly begun withdrawing from Cuba amid the tightening sanctions.

The U.S. Department of Defense is facing growing financial pressure as fuel prices surge due to the ongoing Iran war. According to Pentagon data, the average refined fuel price for the military rose from 154.14 dollars per barrel in October to 195.72 dollars in April. The increase could lead to more than one billion dollars in unexpected additional costs this year, as the department consumes about 80 million barrels of fuel annually.

Military leaders are also struggling with rising civilian fuel and commercial flight costs. Since troops often rely on commercial flights, rental cars, and private vehicles for training and other activities, the higher fuel prices are placing extra strain on the defense budget.

As a result, travel expenses have come under strict review. Reports indicate that since at least April, some units have significantly reduced or canceled travel for training and other events to control spending.