Industry and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir visited the Sitakunda factory of Progoti Industries Limited (PIL), a Green Factory Award-winning automobile assembler, on Monday afternoon. He was welcomed by Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) Chairman Md. Anwarul Alam, Additional Secretary Md. Firoz Uddin, and PIL’s Acting Managing Director Mohammad Abu Saim, along with officials, employees, and labor leaders.

During the visit, the BSEC Chairman briefed the minister on the factory’s main production lines and overall operations. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the plant in line with current market demands and presented plans for launching an environmentally friendly electric vehicle (EV) assembly project. The minister expressed satisfaction with the factory’s production capacity and future plans, acknowledging Progoti’s pioneering role in Bangladesh’s automobile industry.

Khandaker Abdul Muktadir assured full policy and administrative support from the government to help Progoti Industries modernize and adopt eco-friendly technologies. He later met with factory officials and workers, encouraging them to continue working with dedication for the company’s progress.

Israel’s military is preparing to release around 10,000 reserve soldiers by the end of July due to a severe budget deficit, according to reports published Sunday in local media. Currently, about 60,000 reservists are on active duty, and the number may be reduced to 50,000. The move reflects significant financial pressure on the army, though a final decision has not yet been made and is expected within days.

Reports indicate that Israel’s defense spending has risen sharply, creating a major financial strain. The decision comes amid a dispute between the defense and finance ministries over the defense budget. The army argues that multiple regional conflicts require record-level funding, while the finance ministry warns that such increases would worsen the government’s deficit.

An interim compromise has reportedly been reached, allowing the army to receive additional funds on the condition that it reduces reliance on reserve forces and cuts operational expenses.

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rate declined in June 2026, according to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Monday. The national point-to-point inflation fell to 9.16 percent, down from 9.42 percent in May, which had been the highest level in 16 months. The latest figures show a decline in both food and non-food inflation, offering some relief after months of elevated prices.

BBS reported that food inflation dropped by 0.46 percentage points to 8.60 percent in June, compared to 9.06 percent in May. Non-food inflation also eased slightly, falling by 0.10 percentage points to 9.61 percent from 9.71 percent. In rural areas, overall inflation decreased to 9.23 percent, while in urban areas it fell to 9.01 percent. Both regions experienced reductions in food and non-food inflation rates.

The data indicate a modest but broad-based easing of price pressures across Bangladesh, following a period of sustained inflationary pressure earlier in the year.

Bangladesh Bank has granted Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery Limited special permission to open import letters of credit (LC) with a 100 percent cash margin, even though the company is a corporate guarantor of a defaulted loan. The central bank issued the directive on Monday, suspending the application of Section 27Ka(3) of the Bank Company Act, 1991, for the company until June 30, 2027. The decision was made under the authority of Section 121 of the same law, with the condition that no financial loss to the government or Bangladesh Bank may result from this facility.

According to the source, Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery is the corporate guarantor of a defaulted loan of Abdul Monem Limited at state-owned Agrani Bank. As of March 2025, Abdul Monem Limited had defaulted loans totaling Tk 698 crore across 24 banks and financial institutions, including Tk 455 crore owed to Agrani Bank. The refinery sought the special LC facility on June 7, citing existing international contracts for raw sugar imports and potential daily penalties of about USD 23,000 if delayed.

The refinery is currently operated by Abul Khair Limited under a sales agreement, marketing sugar under the 'Starship Sugar' brand, though ownership transfer is still pending.

Revenue collection at Benapole Customs House, the country’s largest land port, fell sharply in the 2025–26 fiscal year. Against a government target of Tk 11,290 crore, only Tk 6,559 crore was collected, leaving a shortfall of Tk 4,731 crore. The decline coincided with a significant drop in trade volume, as both imports and exports through the port decreased notably.

Data show that total imports through Benapole fell to 1.4 million metric tons in 2025–26 from 1.6 million metric tons the previous year. Revenue also dropped by about Tk 470 crore compared to 2024–25. Traders attributed the shortfall mainly to reduced imports of high-duty goods such as industrial raw materials, electronics, machinery, and chemicals. They suggested that improved digital monitoring, scanning, and anti-corruption measures could curb irregularities.

Port officials said allegations of manipulation in weight scales and other irregularities are under investigation, with legal action promised against those found guilty. The customs commissioner affirmed that strict vigilance is in place to prevent revenue evasion.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that Bangladesh will be brought under complete digitalization as quickly as possible to expand banking and financial services to citizens’ doorsteps. Speaking as chief guest at the ‘Innovation Showcasing 2025–26’ program organized by the Financial Institutions Division on Monday, he said the initiative aims to simplify public services, enhance transparency, and save time and costs. The minister emphasized that inclusive development requires participation from all citizens, including workers, farmers, and small entrepreneurs.

He noted that a high-level government team is currently in Estonia to study its technological excellence and model for possible adaptation in Bangladesh’s financial sector. Chowdhury urged banks and insurance companies to assess how many of their clients are receiving digital services and to encourage customers to adopt online platforms. He added that expanding digital coverage across all financial institutions will help citizens access services easily from anywhere, boosting national productivity.

The event was chaired by Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek and attended by senior officials from the division, Bangladesh Bank, and top executives from banks, insurance, and financial organizations.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abul Muktadir stated that ship recycling in Bangladesh is now being conducted using scientific methods that comply with international and environmental standards. He made the remarks on Monday morning after visiting the PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Yard in Sitakunda, Chattogram. The minister said the government aims to bring all ship recycling yards under green certification to enhance Bangladesh’s global market acceptance.

During a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, the minister discussed industry challenges, prospects, and development plans. He noted that the sector once faced international criticism for pollution, unsafe working conditions, and poor hygiene, but significant improvements have been made through modern technology and better safety measures. Several yards have already received international recognition.

Muktadir added that Bangladesh previously dismantled about 45 percent of ships sold for recycling worldwide, but its position weakened due to global competition and policy challenges. The government is now working to restore its leading status while reviewing national policies on the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions to balance international compliance with national interests.

In Saidpur of Nilphamari, hundreds of battery-run auto-rickshaw, easy-bike, van, and mishuk drivers staged a protest and besieged the municipality office on Monday, demanding a reduction of the annual parking charge from Tk 2,000 to Tk 1,000. The demonstration was organized by the Saidpur Upazila branch of the Autobike Workers Welfare Society, which also submitted a memorandum to the municipal authorities. The workers warned of tougher programs within 72 hours if their demand is not met.

During the rally, labor leaders argued that the current charge is double that of other municipalities in Nilphamari district, where the annual fee is Tk 1,000. They said the increased rate has become a financial burden for low-income drivers and called for equal treatment across municipalities. The workers emphasized that their demand is fair and aimed at removing discrimination.

Municipal Executive Engineer Ayub Ali stated that the parking charge has not been increased recently and that the existing rate was set in 2019. He added that the submitted memorandum will be reviewed seriously and discussed in the next municipal meeting for a possible decision.

A meeting between the chairman of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Engineer Belayet Hossain, and a Chinese delegation was held on Sunday. Following the meeting, Hossain said Chinese businesses have shown interest in investing in Chattogram’s housing sector. He invited them to invest, noting that population pressure on the city’s core areas is increasing. He added that Chinese investors are experienced in developing large-scale mega residential projects and smart townships, which could support CDA’s master plan to build modern housing and satellite cities in Hathazari, Boalkhali, Anwara, and Karnaphuli.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with the chairmen of nine development authorities at his office, directing them to coordinate with service agencies to reduce public suffering and to make cities greener, sustainable, and livable. During that meeting, Hossain presented CDA’s current activities and proposed developing suburban areas to ease pressure on the main city. He also urged the Prime Minister to improve transport for Sandwip residents through a modern sea-truck and upgraded ferry terminals, to which the Prime Minister gave a positive response.

A rare black croaker fish weighing nearly eight kilograms was sold for fifty thousand taka at an auction in Alipur Fish Port, Kuakata, Patuakhali, on Sunday morning. The fish was caught by fisherman Abdur Rahim Majhi late Saturday night in the Bay of Bengal, following the end of a 58-day fishing ban. PM Musa, owner of Kuakata Fresh Fish, purchased the fish at a rate of 6,250 taka per kilogram.

Fisherman Abdur Rahim expressed joy over the high price, saying such fish are rarely caught. Buyer PM Musa explained that the fish’s swim bladder is highly valuable in international markets, and his company exports such fish to Dhaka and abroad. Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Apu Saha noted that the species, locally known as black croaker or lombu croaker, can weigh between 4 and 40 kilograms and is often called the “black gold of the sea.”

Officials described the catch as a positive sign for fishermen resuming work after the seasonal fishing ban.

Bangladesh Bank has made the use of 'Bangla QR' mandatory at all commercial outlets and merchant points from July 1, replacing older QR codes. The move aims to promote digital payments and advance the country toward a cashless economy. Customers can now make payments by scanning a single QR code through any bank or mobile banking app, eliminating the need for multiple QR stands or expensive POS machines.

However, questions have emerged among consumers and small businesses about transaction fees and potential cost increases. The central bank clarified that the merchant discount rate (MDR) is a matter between banks and merchants, not to be charged to customers. Yet, experts fear that merchants may offset these costs by raising product prices. The new directive sets a minimum MDR of 1 percent, replacing earlier lower caps.

Experts believe the system will ultimately benefit small businesses by reducing cash handling risks and helping them build digital financial identities. Bangladesh Bank expects 75 percent of all transactions to become cashless by 2027, though challenges remain regarding internet access, cybersecurity, and merchant confidence.

OPEC Plus, the coalition led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has decided to increase its crude oil production target starting in August. The move comes as global oil prices continue to decline and exports through the Strait of Hormuz return to normal levels. The group said the decision reflects its shared commitment to maintaining stability in the global energy market.

According to an OPEC statement, seven participating countries agreed to implement an additional daily production increase of 188,000 barrels, building on the voluntary adjustments announced in April 2023. Analysts noted that the resumption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has already boosted supply, contributing to downward pressure on prices.

The new production increase is expected to play a significant role in addressing supply shortages in the global energy market, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

The Bangladesh government has decided to continue providing cash incentives for 43 export products in the 2026–27 fiscal year, maintaining the same rates as before. A circular issued by Bangladesh Bank on Sunday confirmed that no new sectors were added to the list. The incentives, ranging from 0.30 percent to 10 percent depending on the product, will apply to goods shipped between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, subject to compliance with foreign exchange regulations and documentation requirements.

According to the circular, export-oriented domestic textile industries will receive a 1.50 percent cash incentive as an alternative to duty drawback and bond facilities, while exporters to the Eurozone will get an additional 0.50 percent. Other eligible sectors include handmade products from natural fibers, frozen fish, agricultural goods, halal meat, leather goods, furniture, plastic, paper, pharmaceuticals, software, and IT products, each with specific incentive rates.

The continuation of the same incentive structure as the previous fiscal year indicates the government’s intent to sustain export competitiveness and support diverse manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

After nearly five months of suspension, maritime cargo transport between Iran’s Dayyer port and Qatar’s Al-Ruwais port has resumed. The route had been temporarily halted due to wartime conditions that disrupted regional trade. According to Iran’s commercial attaché in Doha, Abbas Abdolkhani, the resumption followed coordinated efforts between the Iranian embassy in Doha and relevant Qatari authorities.

Both Dayyer and Al-Ruwais ports are key hubs for regional commerce. During the conflict, Dayyer port suffered multiple attacks, severely affecting cargo movement along the route. Al-Ruwais serves as one of the main entry points for Iranian exports to Qatar, making the reopening of this sea route significant for bilateral trade.

The renewed operation is expected to reduce transportation costs and improve the speed and efficiency of goods delivery between the two countries. The report also noted that Qatar continues to play a mediating role between Iran and the United States in efforts to ease recent tensions.

Bangladesh’s key export sector, ready-made garments, has seen a significant slowdown in its two largest markets—the European Union and the United States—during early 2026. According to Eurostat, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell by 19.33 percent between January and April 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, dropping to 6.09 billion euros. The decline was sharper than that of other major suppliers such as China, Turkey, India, and Vietnam. In the US market, data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel showed a 17.21 percent year-on-year fall in April 2026, attributed by exporters to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Analysts noted that Bangladesh’s export earnings from the US totaled 2.98 billion dollars in the first four months of 2026, down 11.24 percent from a year earlier, with both unit prices and shipment volumes decreasing. The overall export income for fiscal year 2025–26 fell by 0.58 percent to 48 billion dollars, missing the government’s 55 billion target. Economists warned that reduced demand in key markets could pressure industrial output, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

While global apparel imports have weakened, competitors like Vietnam and Cambodia recorded export growth to the US, intensifying Bangladesh’s challenge to maintain market share.