After the extended Eid-ul-Azha holidays, regular operations have resumed across government and private offices, courts, banks, insurance companies, and stock exchanges in Bangladesh. On Monday morning, employees were seen returning to their workplaces, including the Secretariat and Motijheel’s banking district, before 9 a.m. The official holiday had lasted from May 25 to May 31, marking a seven-day break for most institutions.

During the holiday period, essential services such as electricity, gas, water, fire service, sanitation, telecommunications, postal operations, and healthcare remained active. Hospitals and emergency medical services continued uninterrupted, along with the transport of medicines and medical supplies.

From today, banking transactions are operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with office hours extending until 5 p.m. Insurance companies are following the same schedule. The Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges have also reopened, with trading hours from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and office operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The government of Bangladesh has announced another increase in fuel prices at the consumer level, marking the second adjustment in about six weeks. According to a statement from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday, the prices of petrol, octane, and kerosene have each been raised by 5 taka per liter for June. The new rates—diesel at 115 taka, octane at 145 taka, petrol at 140 taka, and kerosene at 135 taka per liter—will take effect from June 1.

The ministry explained that the revision aligns domestic prices with fluctuations in the global oil market. The previous adjustment was made on April 18, when the Energy and Mineral Resources Division raised the prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene. The latest decision continues the government’s policy of adjusting local fuel prices in response to international market trends.

The announcement signals continued monitoring of global energy prices and suggests that further adjustments may occur if international rates change significantly.

State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan said that Bangladesh’s waterways will regain their traditional vibrancy through modernization of pontoons and continuous dredging. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while visiting the Chandpur river port, emphasizing that the government is working to accommodate high-speed vessels in line with modern demands.

The minister stated that after the Eid holidays, the government is ensuring passengers’ safe return to workplaces by monitoring major terminals and addressing existing problems. He also discussed the halted construction of the Chandpur Modern River Terminal, noting that some work had been completed but stopped after August 5. A new contractor will soon be appointed to finish the remaining work quickly, which he said will help restore the port’s heritage.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), local government representatives, and political leaders were present during the visit.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin-ur-Rashid announced that modern technology will be ensured for safe food production and agricultural enrichment. He made the statement on Saturday, May 30, during a virtual address at a seminar in Muradnagar, Cumilla, focused on agricultural modernization, safe food production, and integrating farmers into technology-based systems. A total of 120 agricultural entrepreneurs participated in the event.

The minister emphasized that agriculture today is not limited to food production but is a key driver of the economy, employment, and sustainable development. He said the government is prioritizing the use of modern technology, expanding research, and providing training to farmers to make agriculture more profitable and contemporary.

He added that the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have introduced new ideas and plans for agricultural development, calling for joint efforts from both public and private sectors to implement them. He highlighted that smart farming, improved seeds, balanced fertilizer management, and eco-friendly production methods will play vital roles in boosting productivity.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Qatar rejected a proposal to impose a permanent transit fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, said such a measure would ultimately place additional economic pressure on global consumers. He emphasized that Qatar and its Gulf partners oppose any long-term toll or fee system for maritime traffic in the strait.

However, Sheikh Saud indicated that discussions could be possible regarding temporary fees under specific circumstances. He noted that limited-time charges could be considered if they were linked to activities such as mine clearance or special security operations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy and trade routes. Ongoing talks between Iran and Oman about potential control mechanisms in the area have drawn attention to Qatar’s stance, which analysts view as significant for international trade and energy markets. Any new fees or restrictions in this passage could affect global energy supply and commodity prices.

Japan’s population has fallen by 3.1 million over the past five years, reaching just above 123 million, according to preliminary results from the 2025 national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Friday. The data, reflecting figures up to October 1 of the previous year, show a 2.5 percent decline compared with the 2020 census, marking the largest population drop in the country’s history.

The census, conducted every five years since 1920, confirms that Japan’s population has now declined for the third consecutive time since the first recorded drop in 2015. Among Japan’s 47 prefectures, only Tokyo and Okinawa saw population increases—by 199,000 and 1,000 respectively—though both grew at a slower pace than before. Hokkaido experienced the steepest decline, losing 239,000 residents, followed by Shizuoka and Hyogo.

Despite the shrinking population, the number of households rose to a record 57.12 million, up by about 1.29 million from the previous census. The average household size fell from 2.26 to 2.15, which the ministry attributed to the growing trend of elderly people living alone. Final and detailed census results are expected in September.

The Babuganj upazila administration in Barishal has launched a special initiative to collect and preserve sacrificial animal hides left abandoned along the Barishal-Dhaka highway. The action followed reports that local madrasa and orphanage authorities, unable to sell the hides at fair prices, had discarded them after Eid-ul-Azha. Officials quickly dispatched teams to recover the hides and took steps to prevent spoilage.

According to local sources, the institutions had hoped to fund educational and humanitarian activities through the sale of the hides. However, a reported syndicate among tannery traders and unusually low market prices left them disappointed. Babuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Ul Husna stated that teachers could have sought help from the administration, which had arranged salt for preservation. She emphasized that proper storage could help institutions benefit financially in the future.

Local residents expressed concern over persistent instability in the leather market and the influence of middlemen, urging the government to ensure fair pricing for sacrificial hides.

Workers have started returning to Dhaka after the Eid holidays, with passenger movement visible at major terminals since Saturday morning. The seven-day holiday will end on Monday when offices and courts reopen, though some private offices will resume on Sunday. Crowds were seen at the city’s entry points and at Gabtoli, Sayedabad, and Mohakhali bus terminals.

Buses arriving from nearby districts such as Mymensingh, Sherpur, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, and Gazipur reported normal passenger loads. Train services to Dhaka were also operating smoothly. There were no reports of long waits or excessive fares, and transport operators said passengers were returning gradually due to the extended holiday period.

Travelers described their return to Dhaka as more comfortable this year because of relatively empty roads. However, passenger numbers are expected to rise significantly by Sunday afternoon as more people head back to the capital.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has directed the expansion of alternative trade corridors through the country’s northern ports and neighboring nations to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and medicines. The order, issued during a meeting on Friday, aims to bypass U.S. sanctions affecting maritime routes and to accelerate the import and distribution of critical items.

The meeting, attended by Iran’s finance minister, central bank governor, and other officials, reviewed the latest situation regarding the supply and import of essential goods following restrictions on some southern entry points after the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Participants emphasized strengthening logistics, trade, and economic diplomacy to maintain market stability and supply chains.

Pezeshkian urged the use of capacities in Pakistan, Russia, and Azerbaijan for trade and called for faster implementation of related agreements. He also instructed the foreign ministry to enhance economic diplomacy to facilitate the purchase, transport, and clearance of vital goods and medicines, pledging to personally engage with neighboring and regional partners to remove obstacles.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced during his visit to India that New Delhi has pledged to purchase $500 billion worth of American goods over the next five years. The statement has sparked widespread discussion among global media, trade experts, and economic analysts, who are questioning what India has agreed to and whether it will benefit sufficiently from the deal. The commitment follows an interim trade agreement announced in February, when U.S. President Donald Trump reduced tariffs on Indian goods from 50 to 18 percent, and India expressed interest in increasing imports of U.S. energy, coal, and technology equipment.

Analysts have raised concerns about the timing of such a large import plan, given recent changes in global trade conditions. After the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated some of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, Washington imposed a uniform 10 percent tariff on trade partners. Experts question why India is proceeding with such a massive purchase without securing further concessions and why it is limiting supplier options in sectors like aviation. The deal is viewed as politically sensitive and economically risky for India amid currency depreciation, high oil prices, and uncertain global trade.

Additionally, concerns persist in India about U.S. tariff and immigration policies, as well as Washington’s warming ties with China and Pakistan, which analysts say could complicate India’s strategic and economic positioning.

Leaders of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization met to discuss the economic and energy impacts of the ongoing war in Iran and the wider Middle East. Following the meeting, the institutions issued a joint statement warning that if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz does not return to normal, global oil reserves could be depleted before the northern hemisphere’s summer demand peaks. They cautioned that this would heighten risks to energy security, market stability, and the broader global economy.

The statement also noted that the organizations are exploring ways to strengthen collective support through multilateral and bilateral measures to mitigate the crisis and its economic consequences. In April, the IMF, World Bank, and IEA had announced the formation of a joint team to assist vulnerable economies in managing the crisis.

The institutions’ coordinated approach signals growing concern over the potential escalation of the energy crisis and its ripple effects on global markets and economic stability.

In Lakshmipur’s Chandraganj upazila, the authorities of Ramnagar Madinatul Ulum Dakhil Madrasa buried around 150 sacrificial animal hides after failing to sell them. The incident occurred following Eid-ul-Azha when the madrasa collected hides from local households but could not find wholesale buyers or fair prices. Due to the lack of preservation facilities and concerns over odor and decay, the madrasa decided to bury the hides to prevent environmental pollution.

Local residents expressed mixed reactions, noting that poor preservation systems and ineffective market management have caused recurring crises in the leather trade. The madrasa’s management committee said they had spent significant funds on labor and transport to collect the hides, but the absence of buyers led to major financial losses.

According to the madrasa’s general secretary, despite waiting two days for buyers, none appeared, forcing them to dispose of the hides for environmental reasons. The institution now faces substantial financial damage as a result of the unsold collection.

Japan has reintroduced a ban on mango imports from India after nearly two decades, following the discovery of flaws in pest control and sterilization procedures by Japanese quarantine officials. The decision, announced by the Yokohama Plant Protection Association, means that shipments with inspection certificates issued after March 25, 2026, will no longer be accepted. The move affects premium Indian mango varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, and Banganapalli, dealing a major blow to exporters this season.

Japan maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against harmful agricultural pests, particularly fruit flies, which it considers a serious threat to domestic crops. The country had previously banned Indian mangoes for similar reasons but lifted the restriction in 2006 after India implemented stricter quality control measures. During a March inspection at a vapor heat treatment center in Rehmanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Japanese officials found technical issues in the heat treatment and sterilization process, though neither side disclosed details.

Exporters fear the renewed ban could undermine international confidence in India’s agricultural quality standards and prompt concern among other importing nations, adding financial strain to farmers already hit by poor yields due to extreme weather and El Niño effects.

A large quantity of sacrificial animal hides has spoiled in Chattogram due to alleged manipulation by market syndicates. Seasonal traders, unable to sell their collected hides at fair prices, abandoned thousands of pieces on the streets late into the night. On Friday morning, Chattogram City Corporation sanitation workers began dumping the rotting hides from areas including Aturar Depot, Bahaddarhat, and Chawkbazar.

Seasonal traders said that despite government assurances of market monitoring, no effective steps were taken to prevent syndicate control. Many traders chose to discard their hides in protest rather than sell at extremely low prices. The Raw Hide Traders Association claimed they met their target of collecting 400,000 hides and said only those who held out for higher prices suffered losses. Truck drivers from Fatikchhari and Sitakunda reported being stranded overnight with unsold hides that eventually decayed.

City officials confirmed that large volumes of spoiled hides were dumped but did not provide exact figures. Traders alleged that middlemen’s manipulation caused the crisis, with some hides going unsold even at Tk 50 per piece.

In Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira, large quantities of sacrificial animal hides were discarded along the banks of the Kholpetua River after failing to attract buyers. The incident occurred following Eid when local traders, madrasa authorities, and orphanages struggled to sell raw hides due to a market collapse and lack of buyers. Piles of hides were seen near the Neeldumur ferry ghat area, causing foul odors and raising environmental concerns.

Local sources said that despite collecting hides from various areas since Eid morning, most sellers found no buyers throughout the day. Many were forced to bury or dump the hides to prevent stench. Traders reported that compared to previous years, the market situation was worse, with low purchase offers and high transport and salt costs discouraging collection. Madrasa and orphanage officials said they rely on hide sales to fund student welfare and education, but this year’s losses have severely affected them.

Authorities acknowledged the issue, noting that institutions had been advised to preserve hides before sale. The upazila administration stated that the matter is being addressed seriously.