The Burimari land port in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat will remain closed for all import and export activities for eight days due to the Eid-ul-Azha holidays and weekly closures. The suspension will be in effect from May 25 to June 1, halting trade between Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan. However, immigration services for passport-holding travelers will continue as usual through the Burimari check post, according to port officials.

The Burimari C&F Agents Association issued a notice on Monday confirming the closure. Mustafa Salauddin Opel, president of the Burimari Importers and Exporters Association, stated that trade operations will resume on June 2. Saifur Rahman, the immigration police officer-in-charge, reiterated that passenger movement will not be affected. Assistant Commissioner of Customs Motlubur Rahman added that the National Board of Revenue has directed all customs houses and land customs stations to remain partially open, except on Eid day, to ensure continuity of national trade.

Limited internal administrative work will continue at the Burimari customs station during the closure period, following the NBR directive.

Stone extraction at the Madhyapara hard rock mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, has been suspended since Tuesday morning because of a shortage of explosives. The mine’s General Manager (Administration and Services), Syed Rafizul Islam, confirmed that the imported ammonium nitrate stock has run out, forcing a temporary halt in production. He said the explosives are expected to arrive within 15 days, and maintenance work will continue in the meantime.

Officials from the contracting company Germania Trust Consortium (GTC), responsible for extraction and maintenance, stated that while extraction is paused, maintenance operations remain active. The mine, operated by Madhyapara Granite Mining Company Limited (MGMCL), began commercial production in May 2007 and employs about 700 underground workers across three shifts. MGMCL renewed a six-year contract with GTC in September 2021, under which the company extracts an average of 5,500 metric tons of rock daily.

The mine has faced similar shutdowns in previous years due to explosive shortages, including in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2022, and 2025, highlighting recurring supply challenges.

Small and marginal traders across Bangladesh have erupted in anger after the government sharply increased market periphery lease fees from 260 taka to 6,000 taka, a 23-fold jump. The new rates were set under the “Hat o Bazar Sthapan o Byabosthapona Bidhimala-2025,” issued by the Ministry of Land on October 6, 2025. Traders described the move as a threat to their survival and warned of nationwide protests if the decision is not withdrawn.

According to the report, traders have submitted multiple written appeals to the land minister but claim no effective action has been taken. Many argue that the sudden and steep increase is unjustified, noting that previous adjustments between 1990 and 2023 ranged only from 5 to 20 percent. Local officials in Uzirpur said they are bound to implement the central policy and cannot alter it.

Trader associations are preparing for larger demonstrations, including rallies and human chains, demanding a revision of the new fee structure. Experts warn that such a drastic rise could severely disrupt rural markets and damage the grassroots economy.

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the government aims to transform Bangladesh’s jute sector from its current export earnings of about $1 billion into a $5–7 billion industry. He made the statement on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Jute Diversification Promotion Center’s Multifarious Jute Products Fair 2026 in Dhaka. The event was chaired by the ministry’s secretary, Abdun Naser Khan, with State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam attending as a special guest.

The minister highlighted that in 1972–73, jute and jute goods accounted for nearly 90 percent of Bangladesh’s export income, but the sector’s share has since declined. To revive its potential, the government has adopted time-bound plans focusing on quality seed production, technological advancement, and product diversification. He emphasized achieving self-sufficiency in jute seed production, reducing import dependence, and promoting high-value product design and innovation.

Muktadir added that collaboration with leading Chinese universities is planned to enhance productivity, seed development, and market-oriented design. A coordinated roadmap involving the Jute Diversification Promotion Center and private partners is being prepared, while state-owned jute mills are set to be operated under private management for modernization and profitability.

Stone imports from India through the Sonamasjid land port in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj resumed on Tuesday after a 17-day suspension. More than 150 Indian trucks carrying stones entered the port between morning and afternoon, confirmed Mainul Islam, port manager of Panama Sonamasjid Port Link Limited. The import halt had begun on May 2 and continued until May 18 due to protests over increased LC values.

An online meeting between importers and exporters from both countries was held on Tuesday morning, where both sides agreed to set the customs valuation of stone at 14 dollars per ton. Previously, stones were imported at a maximum LC value of 13 dollars per ton, but Indian authorities had raised it to 15 dollars, prompting traders to stop imports in protest.

With the resumption of stone imports, port workers have expressed relief as trade activities return to normal levels at the Sonamasjid land port.

Workers in Khulna blocked a major highway on Tuesday morning demanding withdrawal of conditions imposed on raw jute exports and payment of overdue wages. The protest took place at Daulatpur Railgate intersection, where demonstrators set tires on fire and erected barricades, halting traffic. Organized under the banner of the Daulatpur Jute Press and Baling Workers’ Union, the protesters marched to the Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) building and staged a sit-in. Some participants threw bricks and vandalized property before police and union leaders restored order.

Union leaders said the export restrictions, introduced on 8 September 2025, had plunged the jute sector into crisis, leaving many workers jobless for nine months. The BJA had earlier announced the protest at a press conference, arguing that the Ministry of Commerce’s decision to list raw jute as a conditional export item effectively halted exports. According to BJA Chairman Khandaker Alamgir Kabir, the policy caused severe financial losses to exporters and unemployment for thousands of workers.

The BJA claimed that despite sufficient domestic supply, Bangladesh could export 800,000–1,000,000 bales of raw jute annually, earning up to Tk 20 billion, but exports dropped sharply under the new restrictions.

Premier Bank has failed to repay a Tk 5,000 crore special loan taken from Bangladesh Bank due to ongoing liquidity problems. The central bank had provided the loan for three months, but after the repayment deadline passed on May 2, 2026, the term was extended by another three months. The loan, issued on February 2, included Tk 1,000 crore in cash and Tk 4,000 crore in bonds. Although the bank paid Tk 142 crore in interest, it could not return the principal amount.

The loan was granted under sections 16(4)(d) and 17(1)(b) of the Bangladesh Bank Order at an interest rate of 11.5 percent for 90 days, secured by a demand promissory note. Similar assistance had previously been extended to five other banks, including Islamic banks, which also struggled to repay. Premier Bank’s liquidity crisis deepened after several large corporate clients withdrew deposits, leaving it unable to maintain required CRR and SLR reserves.

Following the fall of the Awami League government, Bangladesh Bank restructured Premier Bank’s board, citing earlier mismanagement and alleged fraud under former chairman HBM Iqbal’s tenure. Despite regulatory support and deferral facilities, the bank still reported losses and significant capital shortfalls.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to make the VAT Identification Number (BIN) mandatory for registering land and vehicles under business entities, as well as for obtaining essential services such as electricity, gas, and water. According to NBR sources, this proposal will be included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to expand VAT coverage and increase the number of registered businesses.

An NBR official said the next budget will prioritize bringing unregistered businesses under VAT registration. The registration process will be simplified by removing certain documentation requirements, such as bank account details, and enabling online registration. Currently, businesses with annual turnover above 3 million taka must register for VAT, but many remain outside the system. The new plan aims to include them while offering special exemptions for smaller enterprises.

Officials added that small businesses may be allowed to submit VAT returns annually or semiannually instead of monthly. The NBR’s initiative follows a recent meeting with the Prime Minister, emphasizing broader participation in national development through fair tax compliance.

Farmers and households in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh have prepared 23,133 sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, exceeding the local demand of 17,220 by nearly 6,000. According to the upazila livestock department, more than 600 farmers and families have raised these animals, with cattle making up the majority. Among them are 13,126 cows, including 9,020 bulls, 1,501 oxen, and 2,605 cows, along with 9,505 goats, 420 sheep, and 82 buffaloes.

Officials noted that commercial livestock farming has grown in Debiganj in recent years, with many families also raising animals at home in preparation for the festival. Farmers said that despite higher costs for feed and care, they expect good prices during the Eid market. The livestock officer confirmed there is no shortage of animals and that regular inspections are being conducted to ensure healthy and safe livestock.

Local markets such as Bhaulaganj, Tepriganj, Laxirhat, and Kaliganj have already started receiving animals, and some will also be sold in nearby Domar upazila of Nilphamari. Authorities have taken measures to ensure market security and prevent counterfeit currency transactions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the import of jet fuel to reinforce the country’s supply system amid a global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to a Reuters report, Australia will procure a total of six million barrels, equivalent to about 100 million liters, of jet fuel across three shipments.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the government has also secured an additional 38,500 tons of urea fertilizer from Brunei. The three shipments of jet fuel are expected to begin arriving in Australia from China in early June, according to Albanese.

The announcement underscores Australia’s efforts to ensure energy and agricultural supply stability as international conflicts continue to disrupt global markets.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced new banknotes of 10, 500, and 1000 taka under the theme 'Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh'. The central bank began issuing the notes from its Motijheel office on Monday, May 18, 2026, and will gradually distribute them through other offices across the country. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by Bangladesh Bank on the same day.

According to the release, the new notes bear the signature of the current governor, Md. Mostakur Rahman. The bank also stated that notes of 20, 50, and 100 taka from the same series will later be issued with the governor’s signature. The color, size, design, and security features of the new notes remain unchanged from the previous versions.

Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing paper notes and metal coins will continue to be legal tender and remain in circulation alongside the newly issued notes.

The World Bank has approved a $350 million loan to Bangladesh under the Energy Sector Security Enhancement Project. The announcement was made in a press release on Monday, stating that the financing aims to support the country’s energy security and ensure stable power generation.

According to the release, disruptions in global LNG supply and rising prices caused by conflicts in the Middle East have put pressure on Bangladesh’s economy and foreign exchange reserves, as the country relies heavily on imported LNG. The World Bank said the funding will enable Petrobangla to import LNG at affordable prices through long-term contracts, reducing exposure to volatile spot markets.

The project is expected to help maintain steady electricity production, which in turn will support industrialization and job creation by ensuring a reliable energy supply.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described Bangladesh as a highly promising and fertile ground for investment. He highlighted vast opportunities for foreign investors in infrastructure, public-private partnerships, transport, and technology sectors. The minister made these remarks on Monday during a courtesy meeting with Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of expanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in investment, healthcare, technology exchange, waste management, and rural development. The minister invited Singapore to invest in Bangladesh’s potential sectors, noting that Singapore’s experience and technological capacity could further accelerate Bangladesh’s development initiatives.

Senior officials from the ministry, including the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division and the Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing, were present at the meeting.

Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju announced plans to create a separate business area for women entrepreneurs in Khulna. He said that suitable land is being sought to establish this dedicated market, aiming to help women overcome existing challenges in product marketing and fair participation. The initiative was revealed on Monday during a cheque distribution event at the Shaheed Altaf Milonayatan of the city corporation building.

The event was organized under the Loss and Damage Special Initiative Project of the development organization Jagorot Jubo Songho (JJS). During the program, 25 young women who had received training to become self-reliant after being displaced from coastal areas due to climate impacts were each given a cheque of 27,000 taka. JJS Executive Director A.T.M. Zakir Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Senior Director M.M. Chishty conducted the session.

Architect Rezbina Khanam from KCC and Suraiya Siddika, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs, attended as special guests. Trainers and trainees also spoke at the event, sharing their experiences and perspectives on the empowerment initiative.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced another increase in furnace oil prices. According to a press release issued on Monday, May 18, the price per liter has been raised by Tk 18.85—from Tk 94.69 to Tk 113.54. The new rate will take effect from midnight. The adjustment was approved in a special commission meeting held on May 18, based on the Free on Board (FOB) price of imported refined furnace oil between April 13 and May 12, and changes in the US dollar exchange rate.

Earlier, on April 12, the price had been raised from Tk 70.10 to Tk 94.69 per liter. A committee formed on March 15 had recommended the adjustment after reviewing international Platts rates and exchange rate fluctuations. The commission reviewed these recommendations in special meetings on April 5 and 12 before approving the new rate.

A large portion of imported furnace oil is used in power generation, and stakeholders believe the price hike will increase production costs at oil-based power plants, potentially affecting electricity prices.