Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin ur Rashid said Bangladesh has no fertilizer shortage and holds stocks exceeding demand. Speaking to journalists at the Agriculture Ministry conference room in the Secretariat on Tuesday, he said fertilizer reserves are higher than last year. He described claims of an artificial fertilizer shortage and resulting public confusion as part of a planned conspiracy.

The minister called the ministry’s work and progress during the government’s first 180 days satisfactory. He said higher agricultural production, expanded storage facilities and greater technology use could gradually reduce reliance on imported farm products. A database of about 1.4 million farmers has been prepared in a pilot phase, while farmer cards are to be distributed to 350,000 to 400,000 farmers each month.

Over the past six months, more than 2.418 million saplings were planted against a target of 2.5 million, and 475.61 kilometres of canals were excavated against a 478.9-kilometre target. The minister said no onion imports have been needed so far this year, with plans for infrastructure to store 300,000 tonnes. He also cited plans for BRRI 118 rice cultivation next year and solar-powered irrigation pumps.

Bangladesh Bank has issued new guidance on opening bank accounts for foreign nationals working in Bangladesh. In a circular issued Tuesday, it instructed banks to make necessary arrangements for foreign workers holding A-3 and other employment visas, provided they have updated work permits and comply with standard customer identification and know-your-customer requirements.

The circular refers to a Home Ministry notice issued on April 29, 2026, which clarified that foreign nationals employed in Bangladesh under the A-3 visa category must receive their salaries and allowances through banks. Foreign nationals arriving under the A-3 category are required to obtain work permits from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, or BIDA, and renew them after expiry.

Bangladesh Bank said work permits carry a condition requiring salaries and allowances to be received through banking channels. It added that the need to receive pay through banks applies not only to A-3 visa holders but also to foreign nationals working in Bangladesh under other employment visa categories. Banks have therefore been directed to facilitate account opening when valid, updated permits and KYC compliance are in place.

Bangladesh received $1.887 billion in expatriate income, or remittances, during the first 17 days of August, according to Bangladesh Bank. At an exchange rate of Tk123 per dollar, the amount equals Tk232.101 billion. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the figures on August 18.

The central bank said remittances on August 17 alone totalled Tk12.054 billion. During the first 17 days of August last year, remittance inflows stood at $1.424 billion. The current year’s inflows for the comparable period were therefore 32.60 percent higher.

From July 1 to August 17 of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh received a total of $4.746 billion in remittances. In the same period of the previous fiscal year, expatriate income amounted to $3.902 billion. According to the Bangladesh Bank figures, remittance inflows in the current fiscal year have risen 21.60 percent compared with the corresponding period a year earlier.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reissued a tender to dry-lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for 72 months after its previous tender drew insufficient response. The state flag carrier published the new request for proposals on August 10, with submissions due by 10 a.m. on August 25. Delivery by January 1, 2027 is prioritized, although aircraft available by February 28, 2027 will also be considered for technical evaluation.

Under the dry-lease arrangement, the lessor will provide the aircraft while Biman will be responsible for operations, pilots and cabin crew, maintenance and insurance. Aircraft must be no more than 15 years old as of June 30, 2027. Each aircraft must have more than 300 seats in two cabin classes, fully flat business-class seats, and economy seats with at least a 31-inch pitch.

The aircraft will be based at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, while the lessor will bear the cost of applying Biman’s livery. Biman expects to operate each aircraft for about 4,000 hours annually. It currently operates 19 aircraft, including two Boeing 787-9s. Tender evaluation assigns 25 percent to technical criteria and 75 percent to financial capability.

Saudi Arabia has imposed tighter scrutiny and controls on bank transfers to the United Arab Emirates, causing delays in some transactions between the two countries and the return of others, according to businesspeople. Reuters reported on August 18, 2026 that the Saudi central bank instructed several major banks to conduct additional checks on UAE-bound payments.

The Saudi central bank said no direct sanctions had been imposed on any specific country. Several businesspeople said their transfers to the UAE had recently been held up or delayed, with some transactions that previously took days now requiring weeks. Sources said Saudi banks are asked to apply extra caution to high-risk countries or regions to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes, and claimed similar enhanced monitoring had been introduced for the UAE.

A UAE official said authorities had received no private-sector complaints about unusual delays in banking transactions and stressed the countries' longstanding trade and investment ties. Competition between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi has increased in recent years over oil production, regional influence, foreign investment and regional headquarters. Regional financial-sector sources said the scrutiny could signal rising tensions, though analysts considered a major economic split unlikely because of close commercial links.

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said discussions are needed to restore Bangladesh-India trade to its previous normal state following recent commercial restrictions. At a meeting with a Confederation of Indian Industry delegation at the Secretariat on August 18, he said he expected positive progress on the matter within the next few months. The delegation was led by CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee.

The minister stressed using geographic proximity to expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation. He said a normal trade environment, removal of commercial barriers, easier visas and private-sector participation were needed for a long-term economic partnership. The meeting also addressed visa complications for businesspeople and professionals, with the minister calling for cooperation on longer-term visas for regular travelers.

CII proposed two joint task forces: one for private infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships, and another for cooperation in semiconductors, green hydrogen, battery storage and data centers. It also expressed interest in FMCG investment, including an integrated factory near Dhaka, and raised local production, energy-efficient technology tariffs, internships for Bangladeshi youth and visa support for Bangladeshi engineers working in third countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government will create a supportive environment for honest and skilled officials in the revenue sector. He made the remarks on Tuesday morning, August 18, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital while addressing the Revenue Conference 2026 as chief guest. He said the government’s objective is to move forward by taking everyone along.

The conference was jointly organised by the Internal Resources Division of the Finance Ministry and the National Board of Revenue. Senior officials of the National Board of Revenue and other relevant officials attended the event. The prime minister’s remarks highlighted the government’s stated commitment to supporting integrity and competence among revenue-sector officials.

The report did not specify any new programme, implementation process or timetable for creating the proposed supportive environment. It also did not provide further details of measures to be taken in the revenue sector. The event brought together senior NBR officials and related personnel under the joint initiative of the Internal Resources Division and the NBR.

Bangladesh’s long-awaited ninth national pay scale for government employees has reached its final stage, with reports submitted by a secretary-level committee and a committee preparing recommendations for the Bangladesh Judicial Service Pay Commission. The new structure will be implemented after cabinet approval. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government aims to put the pay scale into effect within the current year, while noting that further review and discussion are needed before final approval.

The planned rollout will take place in two stages. Basic salaries would be implemented first, followed by possible adjustments to house rent, medical, festival and other allowances. The secretary-level committee recommended increases of up to 100 percent in basic pay, reducing the Pay Commission’s earlier recommendation of increases between 100 and 140 percent. It also proposed comparatively larger pay increases for employees in lower grades.

The proposal would raise the minimum basic salary from Tk 8,250 to about Tk 17,000-20,000 and the top salary from Tk 78,000 to about Tk 160,000, although the figures could change during cabinet approval. The 2026-27 budget allocates Tk 89,836 crore for salaries and allowances and Tk 141,434 crore including pensions and gratuities. Judicial Service pay arrangements will also be coordinated in the decision.

Safety concerns have intensified across Chattogram Port’s main navigation channel and outer anchorage after vessel collisions, robberies aboard foreign ships and illegal fishing nets disrupted waterways. The report, published on August 18, said four mother vessels were involved in collisions at Alpha Anchorage within 36 hours. The incidents have affected the roughly 62-nautical-mile navigation route from Patenga to Kutubdia.

On Saturday night, MV Anassa struck the already anchored MV Jahan while anchoring, damaging Anassa’s exterior. On Friday, the diesel tanker MT Sea Spike, carrying about 33,000 metric tons of diesel, lost control in strong currents and collided with bulk carrier MV Sun Shine, causing an engine-room crack, water ingress and a temporary power disruption. On August 3, container ship MV CNC Uranus hit the No. 2 red buoy and became stuck on a retaining wall; its operator cited mechanical failure.

Three foreign-flagged commercial ships were reportedly robbed at the outer anchorage in the past month. The Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union demanded removal of illegal nets and warned it could halt vessel movement. Port secretary Kefaet Hamim said strong currents appeared to be the initial cause of recent accidents and separate inquiry committees had been formed.

Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam said Bangladesh will bring battery-powered e-rickshaws under registration through city corporations and municipalities, requiring them to charge only with solar power. The August 18 report said operators who use other power sources would face fines and could be denied registration or renewal. The plan is intended for 13 city corporations, 330 municipalities and all upazilas nationwide.

A CPD study cited in the report estimated that about 6 million battery-powered autorickshaws operate in the country and consume 800-850 megawatts from the national grid daily for charging. The report put annual electricity costs above Tk20,000 crore and alleged at least Tk5,000 crore in lost government revenue from illegal charging. Dhaka Metropolitan Police data listed 48,136 illegal charging points and 992 garages in the capital.

The minister also outlined plans to divide Dhaka e-rickshaws into eight zones, assign different colours, use QR codes and introduce geofencing. Representatives of BUET, traffic police and the two city corporations attended an initial meeting on the regulations. Labour and passenger welfare representatives called for a policy and registration, while a labour party leader objected to blaming rickshaw workers for the power crisis.

Iran’s annual inflation rate has reached 66 percent, intensifying living-cost pressures amid international sanctions, regional conflict expenses and currency depreciation, according to a report published on August 18, 2026. The rising costs have further weakened household purchasing power, with lower- and middle-income families facing the greatest strain.

Citing data from Iran’s Statistical Center, the Iranian Labour News Agency said year-on-year inflation in July stood at 87.9 percent. Food and beverage prices rose 128.1 percent over one year, while prices of at least eight essential goods more than doubled during the previous 12 months. Monthly inflation in July was 3.1 percent.

The Iranian rial has fallen to a record low against the US dollar on the unofficial market, adding to the pressure on consumers. The report put a working family’s minimum monthly living costs at about 90 million tomans, compared with a minimum worker wage of about 25 million tomans. Labour rights activist Faramarz Towfiqi said many workers’ monthly income can now cover only eight days of expenses.

International crude oil prices rose on August 18 as concerns mounted over energy supplies from the Middle East. By 12 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time, Brent crude had gained 27 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $91.14 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 42 cents to $85.04 a barrel.

The increase followed fading prospects for an agreement between Iran and the United States to extend a ceasefire. Tensions in the region increased after Tehran announced it would take a more aggressive stance. Washington also ruled out the possibility of extending the ceasefire, raising concerns that conflict between the two countries could intensify again.

Earlier in the day, WTI had risen by more than 1 percent to $85.37 a barrel. In the previous session, Brent reached its highest level since late July. Market participants fear that a major disruption to oil supplies from the Middle East could push international crude prices higher.

Farmers in Barura upazila of Cumilla are reporting a bumper sugarcane harvest this season, with higher market prices than last year boosting their expected returns. Published on August 18, 2026, the report said harvesting is under way across local fields. Farmers are showing growing interest in sugarcane cultivation because it is seen as offering comparatively higher profits at lower costs than other crops.

Sugarcane has been widely cultivated in Shilmuri North and South, Bhabanipur, Aganagar, Jhalam and Barura municipality. About 350 farmers planted the crop on roughly 147 hectares, with an output target of 15,000 to 16,000 tonnes, according to agriculture department and local farmer estimates. The main varieties are BSRI-47, BSRI-43 and BSRI-46, with BSRI-47, also known locally as CU-208, the most widely grown because of demand for its sweetness and taste.

Wholesale prices now range from Tk65 to Tk70 per cane, while retail prices reach Tk90 to Tk100 depending on size and quality. Upazila agriculture officer Zahidul Islam said farmers receive advice on proper use of organic fertilizer and pesticides, although no special benefits are provided specifically for sugarcane cultivation.

Residents of Fulbaria in Mymensingh are facing increased hardship as a gas shortage has pushed up CNG auto-rickshaw fares and household cooking-gas costs. In a report published on August 17, passengers said commuting to workplaces and other destinations has become more expensive, while complaints of extra charges have emerged on several local routes. Drivers say fuel scarcity and higher operating costs have forced them to raise fares.

Fares from Fulbaria Old Bus Stand to the Mymensingh-Dhaka bypass and from Fulbaria to the old bus stand rose from Tk50 to Tk60. The fare from Fulbaria to Achim Bazar increased from Tk40 to Tk50. Drivers said they need Tk300 to Tk400 worth of gas daily, but one driver reported receiving only Tk120 worth after waiting from morning until afternoon at a Mymensingh gas station.

Passengers said the higher fares are straining household budgets, while drivers said they must sometimes buy more expensive LPG. CNG station master Insan Ali said fares would return to previous levels if gas supplies normalize. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahidul Islam Sohag said action would be taken if excessive fares or inflated cylinder prices are proven.

The government has moved to buy five cargoes of liquefied natural gas through international tenders to meet domestic energy demand, at an estimated cost of about Tk1,100 crore. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division’s proposal was placed before the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase for approval. The LNG is planned for delivery in August and September 2026 through an international quotation collection process.

The proposed delivery windows are August 23-24, August 26-27, August 29-30, September 1-2 and September 4-5, with one cargo scheduled for each period. The proposal names UK-based Blackcube International Limited and Oman-based Maxwell International SPC as the lowest bidders. Prices were determined using Platts’ published Japan Korea Marker, or JKM, energy price index.

For deliveries on August 23-24 and September 4-5, prices were set at $21.88 and $21.78 per MMBtu respectively, with the two cargoes valued at about Tk540 crore. Separate proposals also considered three additional LNG cargoes for August. Officials said a $15.50-per-MMBtu rate for deliveries on August 17-18 and August 22-23 reflected market conditions, high spot-market prices, supply risks and negotiations. Imports will begin quickly if approved.