The upcoming 2026–27 national budget of Bangladesh is expected to be presented in parliament on June 11 by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, marking the first budget of the BNP government. Based on published reports, the proposed budget size may reach about Tk 9.32 trillion, the largest since independence. The budget’s main goals include job creation and inflation control, with the government targeting 10 million new jobs within five years. The finance minister has emphasized reopening closed factories, ensuring power and gas supply, and supporting small and medium enterprises through loans and incentives.

The World Bank, IMF, and ADB project GDP growth below 5 percent for the current fiscal year, prompting calls for a stable business environment. Inflation reached 9.04 percent in April, straining household purchasing power. Experts suggest that monetary policy alone is insufficient to curb inflation and recommend supply-side measures. The article also highlights structural weaknesses such as a low tax-to-GDP ratio of 8–9 percent, urging progressive tax reforms, pension incentives for taxpayers, and raising the tax-free income threshold to Tk 500,000–800,000.

The budget is also expected to promote export diversification beyond the garment sector and increase allocations for education, health, and technical training to build skilled human resources and boost remittance income.

The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in West Bengal has imposed a complete ban on cow slaughter and sale, joining 19 other Indian states with similar restrictions. The decision, announced just before Eid al-Adha, has sparked widespread unrest across the state. Hindu farming families have taken to the streets in protest, accusing Chief Minister Suvendu of destroying their livelihoods. Many farmers claim they can no longer sustain their families without the income from selling cattle.

According to Indian media reports and expert analyses cited in the article, the ban has triggered a severe chain reaction across India’s rural economy. Farmers, unable to sell aging cows, face mounting debts and reduced income. The dairy sector has slowed as farmers stop raising new cattle, driving milk prices beyond the reach of ordinary consumers. The meat and leather industries have also collapsed due to raw material shortages, leaving millions unemployed. Stray cattle now roam freely, damaging crops and forcing the government to spend heavily on shelters.

Experts warn that the cumulative impact of these policies has placed immense pressure on India’s national budget and worsened rural poverty, creating a broad economic downturn linked to religiously motivated governance decisions.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union, the country’s largest export destination, declined sharply in early 2026. According to Eurostat data, export earnings from the EU fell by 19.26 percent in January and February compared with the same period in 2025, dropping from 3.57 billion euros to 2.88 billion euros. In February alone, exports decreased by 12.39 percent to 1.45 billion euros. The fall was driven by both lower export volumes and reduced average prices.

The EU’s overall apparel imports also declined by 11.27 percent during the same period, reflecting weaker consumer demand across Europe. Industry representatives attributed the downturn to global trade shifts, increased competition from China, India, and Vietnam, and reduced purchasing power in Europe due to high living costs and interest rates. Buyers have become more cautious and are negotiating lower prices, putting pressure on suppliers.

Experts warned that if the EU market slump continues, it could negatively affect Bangladesh’s broader economy, as nearly half of the country’s export earnings come from this region. They recommended diversifying products, improving value addition, and strengthening trade diplomacy to sustain export growth.

An investigative report by Amar Desh claims that Bangladesh’s recent fuel crisis, triggered by Middle East tensions, was worsened by a powerful domestic syndicate allegedly tied to former Awami League leaders and officials. Despite nearly doubling fuel imports between March and May 2026, the shortage persisted until the government raised fuel prices on April 19, after which the crisis abruptly ended. Customs data show that 97 ships brought over 2.7 million tons of fuel in 70 days, yet supply disruptions continued.

The report alleges that a large portion of the fuel market operates outside the state distribution system through smuggled supplies controlled by politically connected groups. Many tankers used for illegal fuel transport are reportedly owned by former ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats linked to the Awami League. Experts cited in the report describe this parallel market as an “open secret” that undermines the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s capacity.

Analysts warn that without stricter monitoring and transparency, similar crises could recur. The BPC acknowledged the sudden resolution of the shortage after the price hike but offered no explanation.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a Tk 600 billion stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the economy by reopening closed factories, boosting agricultural production, expanding exports, and creating new jobs. Of the total, Tk 410 billion will come from commercial banks, while the central bank will refinance Tk 190 billion. Borrowers will pay a 7 percent interest rate, with the government subsidizing 6 percent. The central bank expects the initiative to generate employment for over 2.5 million people. Governor Mostakur Rahman made the announcement at a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday.

The governor said economic growth had slowed over the past three years, with GDP falling from 5.8 percent to an estimated 3.7 percent. Key sectors such as garments, textiles, ceramics, IT, and manufacturing have been hit hard. The package allocates funds across multiple sectors, including Tk 200 billion for closed industries and services, Tk 100 billion for agriculture and rural activities, and Tk 30 billion for export diversification. The central bank will also support creative and green investments.

Rahman emphasized that strict measures have been introduced to prevent misuse of funds, excluding willful defaulters. He added that the scheme will not inject new money into the market, as it will operate through existing bank liquidity.

Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, has been honored with the “Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026” for his outstanding contribution to Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector. The award was presented at the 2nd TOAB International Tourism Award 2026, organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), where State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat handed over the recognition.

Hossain was specially praised for introducing the concept of “cricket tourism” in Bangladesh, which opened new opportunities for the country’s tourism industry. He also played a key role in initiating the first agreement between the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The event celebrated excellence across 13 categories in tourism, hospitality, and aviation, attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, industry leaders, and professionals from around 10 countries.

Under Hossain’s leadership, Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, which operates The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA – A Premium Residence, continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s premium hospitality sector through service quality, destination branding, and sustainable practices.

Authorities have opened the Bogura–Rangpur-bound flyover lane of the Hatikumrul Interchange on the Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway in Sirajganj ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The move aims to make travel smoother for people heading to northern Bangladesh. Officials expect the new lane to significantly reduce long-standing traffic congestion and travel delays. The lane was opened on May 21 for trial use, bringing relief to drivers and passengers using the busy route.

The Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway is a key route connecting at least 22 districts across northern and southern Bangladesh. During Eid, daily traffic on this 22-kilometer stretch between the Jamuna Bridge roundabout and Hatikumrul roundabout can rise to 45,000–50,000 vehicles. The new lane is part of the ongoing SASEC-2 project, costing about Tk 738 crore, and is expected to be completed by December. Around 60 percent of northbound vehicles are projected to use the new lane.

Sirajganj police have also strengthened security and traffic management, deploying over 600 personnel to ensure safe and uninterrupted Eid travel for passengers and traders.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced a reduction in jet fuel prices by Tk 39.57 per liter, effective from Saturday midnight. Under the new rate, domestic flight operators will pay Tk 165.88 per liter, down from Tk 205.45. The commission disclosed the decision in a notice issued on Saturday.

Earlier, on May 7, the price of jet fuel was reduced by Tk 22.35 per liter, following a Tk 25 increase on April 7 and a Tk 90 hike on March 24. The latest adjustment also affects international flights, with the price per liter lowered from USD 1.33 to USD 1.08.

BERC officials stated that the new rates were determined after a hearing that considered the average international market price between May 5 and May 21, the exchange rate of the US dollar for Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s LC settlements, and the prevailing diesel price.

Workers and employees of the Barapukuria coal mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, observed a two-hour work stoppage on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., demanding payment of their pending coal face bonus. The protest took place in the corridor of the mine’s administrative building. Union leaders including Farizar Rahman Topu, Raihanul Islam, and Ashraful Islam addressed the gathering, stating that although they have received face bonuses regularly since 2015, the bonus for the recently completed 1406 coal face has not been paid.

The protesters said that while Petrobangla’s board meeting on May 20 approved bonuses for company officials, the workers’ bonuses were not approved. They warned that if the bonus was not paid by Sunday, they would hold Eid prayers and continue their protest at the mine gate. Later, union representatives met twice with the mine’s Managing Director, Engineer Md. Shah Alam, who expressed support for their demand and assured that efforts were underway to release the payment.

According to mine officials, the delay occurred due to procedural complexities requiring ministerial approval. The mine currently employs 1,058 workers and employees under contractor XMC-CMC, and about one crore taka is needed to pay each worker a bonus of 7,000–8,000 taka.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has released a draft regulation governing mergers, divisions, amalgamations, and acquisitions of listed companies. The draft, published on the BSEC website on Saturday, invites stakeholder feedback within two weeks. The regulator stated that the new framework aims to prevent past abuses in corporate restructuring that often benefited directors at the expense of general shareholders.

The draft rules prohibit backdoor listings or reverse takeovers and require at least 75 percent approval from general shareholders for any restructuring scheme. Independent valuers from BSEC’s approved panel must assess such schemes using at least two absolute and two relative valuation methods. The rules also set limits on growth projections and discount rates, require submission of audit reports, tax returns, and financial justification reports, and mandate disclosure of employee benefits and tax liabilities.

After BSEC and stock exchange review, shareholder consent and court approval will be required before final implementation. The regulation seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of investor interests in corporate restructuring.

India is planning to increase its oil imports from the United States in response to the ongoing disruptions in the strategic Hormuz Strait. Sumit Ritolia, chief energy analyst at business analytics platform Kpler, told Al Jazeera that India is seeking alternative energy sources as the situation in the strait remains uncertain. Discussions are reportedly underway between India and the United States to expand oil and gas imports.

Ritolia cautioned that while the United States has the capacity to export oil and gas, it cannot fully replace the large volumes India currently imports from the Middle East. He also noted that India’s oil imports from Russia have risen, with the country continuing to buy discounted Russian crude despite Western sanctions following the Ukraine war, which has helped strengthen its energy security.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India, where discussions are taking place on various agreements related to energy and defense cooperation, according to reports.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a Tk 60,000 crore refinancing and support fund to reopen closed factories and generate new employment opportunities. The central bank expects the initiative to create jobs for more than 2.5 million people. The announcement was made by Governor Mostakur Rahman at a press conference held at the bank’s headquarters on Saturday. He said the country’s economic growth had declined over the past three years, with GDP growth falling from 5.8 percent to 4.2 percent and possibly reaching 3.7 percent this year. Key sectors such as garments, textiles, steel, ceramics, information technology, and manufacturing have been severely affected.

According to the central bank, Tk 41,000 crore will be distributed under a refinancing scheme, while Tk 19,000 crore will come from various support programs. The refinancing portion includes allocations for closed industries, CMSME, agriculture, export diversification, and developing northern Bangladesh as an agricultural hub. The support fund covers pre-shipment credit, small entrepreneurs, leather, youth employment, rural activities, frozen fish exports, green investment, overseas employment, startups, and the creative economy.

Bangladesh Bank expects the fund to boost industrial revival, rural economic activities, and export growth, with specific allocations aimed at job creation both domestically and abroad.

In Shalla upazila of Sunamganj, at least Tk 150 crore worth of Boro rice has been submerged under water this year, along with cattle fodder valued at about Tk 200 crore. The flooding occurred due to inadequate drainage in the haor areas, leaving farmers with extensive crop damage. According to the local agriculture office, 21,700 hectares were cultivated with a production target of 143,368 tons of rice worth Tk 516 crore. Official estimates record losses of Tk 66 crore, but local farmers and social organizations claim the real damage is much higher.

Farmers report that many harvested crops rotted due to lack of sunlight and were later discarded, losses not reflected in official records. The total damage is estimated at 41,666 tons of rice, valued at Tk 150 crore. The government announced three months of continuous assistance for affected farmers, but the support has yet to reach them. Allegations of irregularities and corruption have also surfaced regarding the list of 20,250 affected farmers.

Local leaders urged the government to address both crop and fodder losses, as the haor’s farmers have lost their main source of livelihood and animal feed.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the textile sector must become competitive and modern to achieve sustainability. He made the remarks on Saturday at a seminar titled “Sustainable Transition in Employment: Preparation and Journey of Textile Students,” held at the Jute Diversification Promotion Center in Dhaka.

The minister stated that the government has no plans to establish or operate new state-owned mills, emphasizing that business operations will remain in the private sector. He said the government will focus on policy support and creating an enabling environment. Muktadir highlighted the need to update curricula at textile institutes and engineering colleges to align with technological changes. He also announced plans to involve BTMA and capable private mills with educational institutions to improve teaching quality and provide practical industrial experience.

He identified energy supply uncertainty, production costs, cost of funds, and technological limitations as major challenges for the textile industry. The government is working to address these issues while promoting man-made fibers, new product development, and value chain upgrades to enhance competitiveness.

A government ban on cattle sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha has triggered a severe downturn in livestock markets across West Bengal. The enforcement of the 1950 West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act has left thousands of cattle traders, farmers, transport workers, and market laborers struggling. Hindu cattle traders, who traditionally rely on Muslim buyers during the Eid season, have expressed the most frustration, saying the restrictions have halted sales and caused major financial losses.

Videos circulating on social media show Hindu traders voicing anger and despair over the administration’s decision, claiming Muslim buyers now fear visiting markets. Some traders said they took large loans expecting Eid sales, while others described being unable to sell animals due to police surveillance. Religious leaders have urged restraint and suggested alternatives like goat or sheep sacrifice to prevent unrest.

Human rights activists and analysts noted that the long-standing economic ties between Hindu sellers and Muslim buyers in rural Bengal are under strain. Despite official claims that the move targets no community, the timing and strict enforcement have created uncertainty and hardship for low-income groups dependent on the Eid livestock trade.