Bangladesh’s Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has advised farmers and exporters to exercise caution in using pesticides to ensure safe food exports. He made the remarks on Thursday while inaugurating the mango export season at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium in Dhaka. The event marked the formal launch of mango exports for the current season under the Department of Agricultural Extension’s ‘Exportable Mango Production Project’.

The minister said mango is one of Bangladesh’s most promising exportable agricultural products, though the country has yet to reach its desired position in the global market. He noted that Bangladesh currently exports mangoes to 38 countries, including China, following a 2024 export agreement. Malaysia, Japan, and several other countries have also shown interest in importing Bangladeshi mangoes. Officials and experts at the event emphasized that improving production and processing quality would strengthen the value chain and benefit farmers financially.

Project officials reported that 41.5 metric tons of mangoes have already been exported this season to destinations including Italy, Sweden, Canada, and Gulf countries. They expressed optimism that with affordable air freight and sufficient cargo space, Bangladesh could achieve record mango exports this year.

Indian cattle are reportedly entering Bangladesh through the Padma River near the Chapainawabganj border ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Smugglers are crossing the river at night despite the risks of arrest or death, driven by the higher profitability of Indian cattle. Local farmers and business leaders have expressed anger and fear as the inflow continues, undermining domestic livestock markets. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) claims to be enforcing a zero-tolerance policy, though reports indicate that smuggling persists with limited interceptions.

Farmers say they have invested heavily, often through loans, to raise cattle for Eid sales, but rising feed costs and the influx of cheaper Indian cattle have pushed them toward losses. Some farmers report failing to recover their costs at local markets, blaming the illegal imports. The Chapainawabganj Dairy Association warns that the situation could devastate small farms and urges government intervention. A local lawmaker has also voiced concern at a recent law and order committee meeting, calling for swift action.

BGB officials maintain that only isolated incidents occur and that seized cattle are being confiscated, but farmers remain skeptical as smuggling continues unchecked.

Five cattle markets under the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) have not yet been leased ahead of Eid-ul-Azha due to land ownership disputes and a shortage of bidders. Three of the markets face unresolved ownership conflicts, while two others could not proceed with open tenders because of a lack of interested lessees. CCC officials are holding discussions with landowners to resolve the disputes and aim to open all markets before the festival.

According to CCC sources, the city will host ten cattle markets this year—three permanent and seven temporary. The permanent markets at Sagorika, Bibirhat, and Postarpar have completed tender processes and are already operating. The district administration approved seven temporary markets out of sixteen proposed. Among these, three have completed leasing, while the rest face disputes or logistical challenges. The total projected revenue from all markets stands at Tk 13.11 crore, with Tk 9.97 crore from permanent markets and Tk 3.13 crore from temporary ones.

Officials indicated that if disputes persist, CCC may finalize leases through negotiation, adding six percent to last year’s rates to complete the process before Eid.

Iran’s stock market resumed trading this week after being closed for nearly three months, with authorities implementing a controlled two-day reopening under restrictions. The Tehran Stock Exchange sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday allowed limited liquidity generation, though about 36 percent of listed companies, including major petrochemical and steel firms, remained offline to protect shareholders from the effects of the United States-Israel war. Trading hours were extended by one hour each day, and price movements were capped at three percent to prevent volatility.

Officials said the reopening aimed to stabilize investor confidence, but deep economic challenges persisted. Economist Mehdi Haghbaali noted that security concerns prevented companies from disclosing full damage assessments, while smaller brokerage firms and leveraged traders faced difficulties. Inflation exceeded 70 percent in late April, and a sharp depreciation of the rial has made export-oriented firms appear more attractive. However, trade disruptions and rising prices continue to weigh on real value creation.

Authorities face limited fiscal options amid sanctions and a naval blockade of southern ports. Haghbaali suggested that renewed import restrictions or a potential peace agreement with the United States could reshape Iran’s economic outlook.

The United States is increasing its energy exports to India as the South Asian nation seeks to diversify its energy supply sources. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said in an interview with Bloomberg News that India has shown a positive attitude toward diversification, which translates into greater purchases of American energy. He added that Washington is pleased with India’s growing interest in buying from the United States.

The ambassador’s remarks come just days before U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s scheduled visit to India. The trip is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in energy, regional security, and trade relations between the two countries.

The timing of the statement suggests that energy collaboration will be a key agenda item during Rubio’s visit, potentially deepening bilateral economic and strategic ties.

A meeting chaired by the governor of Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday revealed differing opinions among senior officials regarding whether to lower interest rates in the upcoming monetary policy. The discussion took place as business groups continued to urge the central bank to reduce lending rates, which have remained high due to previous policy rate hikes.

Some officials argued that reducing interest rates could boost investment and employment, warning that Bangladesh risks losing competitiveness compared to neighboring countries with lower borrowing costs. Others disagreed, citing the 2021–2024 period when low rates failed to attract expected investment. Deputy Governor Zakir Hossain Chowdhury noted that inflation and investment in Bangladesh are not strongly tied to interest rate changes, while Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmad urged caution in decision-making.

The meeting also discussed the widening interest rate spread as stronger banks attract deposits from weaker ones. No final decision was made. The next monetary policy, expected by June, will set targets for inflation, GDP growth, and private sector credit expansion.

Global crude oil prices fell by more than 5 percent after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated progress in diplomatic discussions concerning the Middle East. The decline came amid easing investor concerns over potential conflict involving Iran. On Wednesday, Brent crude dropped to 105.70 dollars per barrel, marking a significant downturn in the international energy market.

Analysts attributed the fall to reduced fears of escalation in the region following Trump’s remarks that negotiations with Iran were in their final stage. However, he also warned that further attacks could occur if Tehran refused to agree to a peace deal. This mixed message created both optimism for a possible settlement and lingering uncertainty about future tensions.

Experts noted that while the market experienced temporary relief, the overall uncertainty in the global energy sector remains unresolved, leaving investors cautious about the next developments in U.S.-Iran relations.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that the country's total foreign currency reserves have increased to 34,376.53 million, or 34.37 billion US dollars, as of May 20, 2026. The information was confirmed by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of the central bank. According to the latest data, the gross reserve stood at 34,376.53 million dollars, while under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the reserve amounted to 29,719.44 million dollars.

The previous day, on May 19, the gross reserve was recorded at 34,324.12 million dollars, and the BPM6-based reserve was 29,665.46 million dollars. The central bank clarified that the net reserve is calculated following the IMF’s BPM6 standard, which deducts short-term liabilities from the total reserve to determine the actual amount.

The increase in reserves reflects a modest day-to-day improvement in Bangladesh’s foreign currency position, as reported by the central bank’s official data.

The 275-megawatt Unit 3 of the Barapukuria coal-fired thermal power plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, resumed electricity production on Wednesday at 5:46 p.m. after remaining closed for nearly seven months. The unit, which had been shut down since October 2025 for general overhauling, began supplying power to the national grid. Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique confirmed that the unit is currently generating 20 megawatts, with plans to gradually increase output.

The Barapukuria power plant has three units with a total capacity of 525 megawatts. Units 1 and 2 each have a capacity of 125 megawatts, while Unit 3 produces 275 megawatts. At present, Units 1 and 3 are operational, generating a combined 70 megawatts. The chief engineer expressed hope that total production could reach around 300 megawatts by tomorrow.

Unit 2 has remained nonfunctional since November 2020 due to mechanical failure. Officials have cited a lack of effective action by the plant authority, the Power Development Board, and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources as reasons for the prolonged shutdown.

A delegation from the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) met with the finance minister to discuss the upcoming national budget and the stability of the country’s banking sector. The meeting focused on fiscal, regulatory, and structural reforms needed to strengthen the sector. BAB leaders highlighted key challenges including rising non-performing loans, capital adequacy pressures, weak private sector credit growth, governance failures, and declining public confidence due to economic uncertainty.

BAB reported that the overall capital adequacy ratio of the banking industry has dropped to around 3 percent, limiting banks’ ability to support growth, SME financing, job creation, and investment. The delegation called for strong recovery mechanisms, swift legal processes, and confiscation of illegally acquired assets to protect depositors’ interests. It also expressed concern over provisions in the proposed banking resolution framework that could allow former sponsors or major defaulters to re-enter the system.

The association proposed several measures including reducing corporate tax to 30 percent, full tax deductibility for loan loss provisions for five years, withdrawal of extra tax on stock dividends, faster approval of rights issues, and formation of a central asset management company. BAB reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the government to restore confidence and ensure long-term stability in the banking sector.

Bangladesh Bank and Prime Bank PLC have signed an agreement to participate in two key refinancing schemes aimed at ensuring easier and more affordable financing for cottage, micro, small, and medium enterprises (CMSMEs) across the country. The signing ceremony was held recently at Bangladesh Bank. Under the agreement, financing will be provided through the 'Cluster Financing Scheme' and the 'FSFDM-SME' scheme to strengthen the CMSME sector, enhance entrepreneurial capacity, create employment, and accelerate sustainable industrialization.

The FSFDM-SME scheme, operated under a revolving fund of Tk 1,500 crore from Bangladesh Bank’s own resources, will offer low-interest loans to support business expansion and modernization. Meanwhile, the Tk 3,000 crore Cluster Financing Scheme will assist geographically concentrated business groups by promoting shared resources, production efficiency, and market expansion. Senior officials from both institutions attended the signing event.

Both Bangladesh Bank and Prime Bank reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the schemes effectively in compliance with policy guidelines to generate a positive impact on the CMSME sector.

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the country aims to start exporting meat within the next three years. He said the meat will be produced from livestock fed with naturally grown, nutrient-rich grass without any genetic modification. The minister made the statement while addressing the “Australia-Bangladesh Research Showcase” seminar held in Dhaka, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and Australia’s Charles Sturt University, with support from the Australian government.

The minister highlighted that safe and nutritional food has become a global priority and that genetically modified food has not yielded the desired benefits. He noted that researchers have developed a Napier grass variety containing 18 percent protein, which is drought-tolerant and cost-effective. This innovation is expected to reduce meat production costs and make meat more affordable for consumers.

Speakers at the seminar emphasized the importance of research, innovation, and international collaboration to build a sustainable and climate-resilient livestock sector. They also discussed strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly livestock management.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced that the government is working to reduce reliance on imported energy by achieving self-sufficiency in gas production. Speaking after inaugurating an appraisal-cum-development well at the Kamta gas field in Kaliganj, Gazipur, he said four new wells, including Kamta-2 and three in Titas, are being drilled. The government expects to supply 55 million cubic feet of gas to the national grid by June next year from these wells.

The minister said the additional gas will help restart factories that remain idle due to shortages, creating employment for thousands and easing pressure on foreign currency reserves caused by energy imports. He added that the government aims to ensure affordable and uninterrupted energy and electricity supply while gradually reducing import dependence. The administration, led by Tarique Rahman, seeks to demonstrate progress through short-, medium-, and long-term plans.

Amit also noted that infrastructure limitations restrict additional gas imports and that decisions on fuel price adjustments depend on global conditions. Industrial and power sectors remain the top priority for gas supply, followed by residential consumers.

Russia and China have reached a general agreement on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project, according to a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The project, once implemented, would enable Russia to supply up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually. Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that while some issues remain unresolved, a basic understanding has already been achieved. The information was reported by the state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

Peskov added that the agreement between China and Russia includes the pipeline’s route and construction methods. However, no further details or timeline for the project have been disclosed. The report did not mention any official signing or specific schedule for the next steps.

The development marks another step in energy cooperation between the two countries, though the absence of a detailed plan leaves the project’s immediate timeline uncertain.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has issued new guidelines for trading and Qualified Investor Offer (QIO) participation on the stock exchange’s SME platform. According to the directive signed by BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud on Tuesday, any institution or individual investor must have a minimum investment of Tk 3 million, based on either market or purchase value, to qualify for SME platform trading. Foreign investors with accounts under a registered securities custodian in Bangladesh will also be eligible to trade on the platform.

The directive further states that non-individual investors must meet the same Tk 3 million minimum investment requirement to apply for QIOs. For individual Bangladeshi investors, both resident and non-resident, the minimum investment threshold for QIO applications is set at Tk 1 million. Foreign investors can apply through accounts maintained with registered securities custodians in Bangladesh.

Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL) and depository participants will provide quarterly updates on eligible investors to the stock exchanges, which will maintain separate registers for QIO subscriptions and SME trading. Investors below the Tk 3 million threshold may sell but cannot purchase new SME shares.