Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, where he humorously gifted her a packet of 'Melody' chocolate-caramel toffees made by Parle Products. Following Meloni’s sharing of the gift video on social media, the clip quickly went viral, sparking a wave of online memes combining their names as 'Melody'.

Within minutes of the video’s circulation, investors on Dalal Street began searching for 'Parle' on the Bombay Stock Exchange and rushed to buy its shares. However, they mistakenly purchased shares of Parle Industries, a company unrelated to Parle Products, which actually manufactures Melody toffees but is not publicly listed. Parle Industries operates in infrastructure, housing, paper, and recycling sectors.

Despite a broader market downturn due to global concerns over the Iran war, Parle Industries’ share price rose by 5 percent within an hour of the video’s release, climbing from 4.95 to 5.25 rupees. The company’s stock, which had fallen 68 percent over the past year, briefly rebounded thanks to the viral diplomatic moment.

An opinion piece published on May 21, 2026, in Bangladesh’s newspaper Amar Desh warns that the country’s sacrificial animal leather sector has long been dominated by a manipulative syndicate. The article states that this group artificially lowers prices, controls the market, and deprives grassroots collectors, pushing the industry toward severe crisis. Once sold for several thousand taka, hides are now often sold for only a few hundred, with many left unsold or discarded, causing major economic and social losses.

The report highlights that Qawmi madrasas and orphanages, which rely heavily on proceeds from collected hides, are among the worst affected. Many institutions have reduced or stopped collection due to persistent losses. The author argues that government-fixed prices have historically favored syndicates, leaving collectors unable to recover even preservation costs. As a result, intermediaries profit while religious and charitable organizations suffer.

The article urges the government to set realistic prices, dismantle syndicates, and provide direct support for madrasas and orphanages to sell hides fairly, calling for urgent and visible action to protect this vital national resource.

Bangladesh’s key Boro rice crop has suffered major losses due to sudden flash floods in the haor regions, submerging thousands of acres of farmland. Farmers report yields less than half of last year’s levels, with poor grain quality adding to their distress. The disaster has sparked concerns over food security and potential pressure on the rice market, as Boro typically supplies more than half of the nation’s rice demand.

Agriculture officials have disputed the scale of the damage, estimating losses at 10–12 percent of total demand, while field data suggest up to 30 percent losses in some areas. The government has set a procurement target of 1.9 million tons of food grains, including 500,000 tons of paddy directly from farmers, but collection remains behind schedule. Economists warn that the shortfall could force rice imports if domestic stocks fall short.

Experts note that climate change is increasing flood risks in haor areas, urging investment in flood-tolerant rice varieties, crop insurance, and faster harvesting systems to prevent recurring crises.

Bangladesh’s private sector investment and credit growth have sharply declined, leading to the slowest GDP expansion in five years. According to Bangladesh Bank data, private sector credit growth fell to 4.72 percent in March 2026, the lowest in the country’s history. Private investment dropped to 22.03 percent of GDP in the 2024–25 fiscal year, the weakest ratio in a decade. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reported GDP growth at 3.49 percent, down from 4.22 percent the previous year.

The slowdown follows prolonged political unrest, factory shutdowns, and persistent energy shortages. A contractionary monetary policy has kept interest rates high, further discouraging borrowing. Despite a change in government after the 2024 uprising, economic conditions have not improved significantly. Bangladesh Bank officials described the credit contraction as disappointing but noted government efforts to reopen closed factories.

Economists warned that without a supportive investment environment, job creation and GDP growth will remain constrained. They identified high lending rates, energy crises, and global instability as key obstacles to recovery.

After two consecutive days of decline, international oil prices rose again as concerns over supply disruptions intensified due to uncertainty surrounding the conflict situation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The increase took effect from midnight Wednesday, with Brent crude climbing by 81 cents, or 0.77 percent, to reach 105.83 dollars per barrel. At the same time, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 97 cents, or 0.99 percent, to trade at 99.23 dollars per barrel.

The renewed upward movement in oil prices was driven by fears of reduced global reserves, as U.S. crude inventories declined and doubts persisted over a possible ceasefire involving Iran. These factors have placed supply concerns at the center of global energy market discussions.

Analysts cited in the report noted that the combination of geopolitical tension and falling stockpiles has reinforced volatility in the oil market, suggesting continued uncertainty in near-term pricing trends.

UAE-based company Dnata has expressed interest in managing ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. The matter was raised by UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamoudi during a courtesy meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The meeting emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates, with detailed discussions on aviation and tourism sector development and mutual cooperation. Ambassador Al Hamoudi reiterated Dnata’s interest in the third terminal’s ground handling, while State Minister Millat stated that preparations for the terminal’s launch are ongoing and that the government will make necessary decisions once ORAT activities are fully underway.

Minister Afroza Khanom affirmed the government’s readiness to take all necessary steps to improve passenger services and upgrade airports to international standards. The UAE ambassador also expressed his country’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh’s current government and expand cooperation in aviation and tourism.

The Indian rupee has depreciated by about 10 percent against the Bangladeshi taka over the past year, according to data cited on May 21, 2026. The currency also fell 11.86 percent against the Pakistani rupee during the same period, while its exchange rate against the US dollar dropped to 96.96. Analysts attribute the rupee’s broad decline to global economic uncertainty, high crude oil prices, and reduced foreign investment inflows.

Experts note that India’s heavy reliance on imported energy has made its currency vulnerable to rising oil prices, which increase import costs. The situation has been compounded by stalled US-Iran peace talks and higher international bond yields, prompting investors to withdraw funds from emerging markets like India. This has further tightened foreign exchange liquidity and pressured the rupee.

Economists warn that the rupee’s depreciation could raise living costs by making overseas education, travel, and imported goods more expensive. If import expenses continue to outpace export earnings and capital inflows, India’s current account deficit may deepen. Analysts expect short-term volatility to persist if oil prices remain high and global investors continue seeking safer assets.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam MP, held a meeting with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance cooperation in infrastructure development and modernization of the communication system. The meeting took place on Thursday at the minister’s office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, with State Minister Habibur Rashid MP and JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Takahashi Junko in attendance.

Discussions focused on ongoing development activities in Bangladesh’s road, bridge, railway, and water transport sectors, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure construction, use of modern technology, and future collaboration. Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam highlighted the government’s commitment to making the transport sector more modern, safe, and internationally competitive, acknowledging JICA’s long-standing support in achieving these goals.

The JICA delegation expressed interest in continuing its partnership in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and assured stronger cooperation in future development projects.

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.