In his budget speech, Economic Adviser Saleh Uddin Ahmed announced that the government has decided not to increase electricity prices for now, in light of ongoing high inflation. He stated that a long-term plan is underway to reduce subsidies in the power sector by lowering overall production costs. Measures include reviewing power purchase agreements and conducting energy audits. He also revealed plans to supply 648 million cubic feet of gas from domestic sources this year, with an additional 1,500 million cubic feet expected by 2028.

The Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus, has approved a budget of Tk 7,89,999 crore (7.89 trillion) for the fiscal year 2025–2026. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will record the budget speech at Bangladesh Television (BTV). The pre-recorded speech will be broadcast today at 3 PM on BTV and Bangladesh Betar.

During her visit to Dhaka, Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Armanatha Christiawan Nasir emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and institutional cooperation between the two countries. “We are here to plant the seeds of future collaboration,” she said. “Let us transform Bangladeshi and Indonesian brands into regional and innovative forces—across sectors from textiles to tech, agriculture to green energy.” She added, “Business is built on trust, networks, and human connections—not just contracts.”

Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmood, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), has expressed optimism over investment prospects as a large delegation of Chinese business leaders is currently visiting Bangladesh. This initiative coincides with the government’s ongoing work to establish a dedicated Chinese Economic Zone in the country.
The Chinese delegation, led by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, arrived in Dhaka on Saturday for a three-day visit, comprising nearly 250 investors and entrepreneurs from 143 companies. Mahmood noted that the recent Investment and Trade Conference saw robust participation from both Chinese and Bangladeshi investors.
He also confirmed that BEZA has signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding with China for cooperation in the power sector, and another MoU has been signed for an agriculture-based project in Chandpur.

At the opening session of the China-Bangladesh Investment and Trade Conference, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus invited Chinese investors to help transform Bangladesh into a manufacturing hub. Highlighting opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, agri-processing, IT, jute, and fisheries, he said the partnership could mark a transformative chapter in bilateral relations. “Chinese investment has transformed economies across Southeast Asia. We hope Bangladesh will be next,” he added, outlining ongoing reforms and investment incentives.

Recalling the golden heritage of jute, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has stressed the importance of reviving Bangladesh's jute sector to boost the national economy. Speaking at the China-Bangladesh Investment and Trade Conference, he called jute an emotional and strategic asset for the country. He emphasized that Bangladesh, rich in natural fibers, must leverage the eco-friendly properties of jute, which remains underutilized globally.

Bangladesh and China signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Saturday to strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation in commerce. The agreements were signed by Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. During the bilateral talks, Bangladesh requested assistance from China in using drone technology for agricultural development. The Chinese minister expressed willingness to support this initiative. Adviser Bashir Uddin also called for increased Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

The interim government has formed a five-member committee led by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) through incentive measures. Members include Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Finance Division Secretary Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, who will serve as the committee’s member secretary.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the existing 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum will be doubled to 50%, effective Wednesday.
Trump stated that this measure will revive the domestic steel industry, enhance national self-reliance, and reduce dependence on China.
Speaking at a rally, he said, “There will be no layoffs, no outsourcing—and every American steelworker will soon receive a $5,000 bonus.”
He further revealed a $14 billion investment in steel production in the Pittsburgh region through a joint venture between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel.

India's economic growth has declined to its lowest rate in four years, sparking concerns about further downturns due to US tariff policies. According to the BBC, the country recorded a 6.5% GDP growth in the 2024–25 fiscal year (April–March), compared to 9.2% in 2023–24.

Analysts predict the GDP growth could dip further to 6% in 2025–26. Despite plans by companies like Apple to shift production from China to India, the recent withdrawal of trade tariffs between the US and China may stall such investments.

The banking sector in Bangladesh is facing a severe crisis due to unprecedented looting under the previous Awami League government. Defaulted loans have soared to 20%, with predictions of reaching 35%. Rampant embezzlement and money laundering have led to a liquidity crisis, falling income, rising non-performing assets, and worsening capital adequacy. Eleven banks earned no returns on assets in the last quarter, while 82% of loans have become unrecoverable. Experts stress the need for urgent reforms to restore stability and confidence.

In light of a recent U.S. court decision to suspend a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi exports, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed cautious optimism in an interview with Nikkei Asia. He stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump aims to reduce trade deficits with all partners. If the U.S. proposes increased purchases of American products, Bangladesh is open to reducing imports from other countries accordingly. “We import a lot of cotton from Central Asia and India. Why not buy from the U.S. instead, to help reduce the trade imbalance?” Yunus said. He expressed hope that such measures would ultimately benefit Bangladesh.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will present the national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on June 2. A pre-recorded budget speech will be broadcast at 4 PM on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. The government has also requested all private TV channels and radio stations to air the speech simultaneously. Sources indicate the upcoming budget may include a deficit of Tk 2.26 trillion. Allocations for operating and non-development expenditures are expected to total Tk 5.45 trillion, while development spending may reach Tk 2.45 trillion. An estimated Tk 20.8 billion may be earmarked for election-related activities in the new fiscal year.

The government is working with four prominent international organizations to recover assets allegedly laundered by Sheikh Hasina and her family during the Awami League’s tenure. These agencies include the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR), and the U.S. Department of Justice. According to officials, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit is collecting data to identify and recover the funds, and investigations are underway wherever evidence surfaces.

Bangladesh Bank reported on Tuesday that the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves have increased to approximately $25.80 billion. However, according to the IMF’s BPM6 standard, usable reserves stand at $20.56 billion. Earlier, economist Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur stated that reserves were at $27 billion and projected to rise to $30 billion next month.