The BNP-led government of Bangladesh is facing a dual crisis over its loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meeting the IMF’s conditions could trigger higher inflation, while failing to do so risks foreign reserve shortages, exchange rate instability, and loss of international confidence. The IMF withheld the sixth tranche of a $5.5 billion loan after Bangladesh failed to meet key reform conditions related to subsidies, banking, and revenue collection.

Economists describe the situation as difficult, noting that the economy remains fragile despite some recovery under the interim government. The IMF’s conditions include eliminating energy subsidies by 2027, reforming the banking sector, and raising the tax-to-GDP ratio. The National Board of Revenue has missed its targets, with a shortfall of about 980 billion taka in the first nine months of the fiscal year. The government recently raised fuel prices by 15–20 taka per liter, citing global oil price increases rather than IMF pressure.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said further discussions with the IMF are planned. Analysts warn that failure to meet IMF conditions could jeopardize future foreign loan access and worsen economic instability.

A recent increase in fuel prices has begun to disrupt Dhaka’s essential goods market, causing widespread price instability. Traders report that transportation costs have risen, leading to higher prices for vegetables, fish, eggs, edible oil, and other daily necessities. Consumers say prices have surged since last week’s fuel price adjustment, straining lower- and middle-income households. Business activity has slowed, with traders noting a sharp decline in daily sales.

Market visits to Karwan Bazar, Babubazar, Nayabazar, and Hatirpool revealed that most vegetables now sell above 70 taka per kilogram, except for potatoes and okra. Prices of poultry, particularly local and Sonali chickens, have increased sharply, while edible oil and packaged goods such as sugar, milk, and rice have also become costlier. Traders attribute the trend to higher transport fares and reduced product supply from companies.

Although some items like rice and meat remain stable, traders warn that the full impact of the fuel price hike may intensify in the coming days as transport and supply costs continue to rise.

State-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has reported a significant rise in profits for the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, driven by growing internet bandwidth demand and digital infrastructure expansion. According to the unaudited financial report approved at the company’s 252nd board meeting on April 23, 2026, net profit reached Tk 2.19 billion, up from Tk 1.40 billion in the same period last year, marking a 56% increase.

The company’s Deputy General Manager (Marketing and Sales), Engineer Md. Ariful Haque, said the growth reflects customer trust and the rising national demand for bandwidth. BSCCPLC earned Tk 3.77 billion in revenue from bandwidth sales and related services, compared to Tk 2.94 billion a year earlier. Earnings per share rose from Tk 7.49 to Tk 11.71, while net asset value per share increased to Tk 98.71.

BSCCPLC is investing Tk 12.86 billion in the third submarine cable project, with Tk 8.09 billion from its own funds and Tk 4.76 billion in government equity. The project aims to expand bandwidth capacity and strengthen the company’s long-term revenue base.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has published a new fare list for inter-district and long-distance bus routes, including those in Dhaka and Chattogram, following the recent increase in fuel prices. The list was released on Saturday on the BRTA website, though passengers reported that no buses had yet displayed the updated fare charts. Supervisors said they had not received the official lists and were therefore continuing to charge previous fares.

According to a government notification issued on April 23, fares for diesel-run buses were raised by 11 paisa per kilometer. In Dhaka and Chattogram, 52-seat buses will now charge Tk 2.53 per kilometer, up from Tk 2.42, while inter-district buses will charge Tk 2.23, up from Tk 2.12. Minimum fares remain unchanged at Tk 10 for buses and Tk 8 for minibuses. The new rates do not apply to gas-powered vehicles.

Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam warned that any gas-run buses charging higher fares would face action. He added that future fare adjustments will automatically align with international fuel price changes through BRTA notifications, ensuring a transparent and consistent process.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government will move away from borrowing through money printing and local bank loans, citing the economic damage caused by such practices. Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, he said this policy had raised interest rates and crowded out the private sector, undermining sustainable growth.

He emphasized a policy framework that avoids inflationary pressure from excess money supply and supports entrepreneurs. The minister said the government aims to democratize the economy to ensure inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives such as the ‘Family Card’ program to empower women financially. He also stressed strengthening primary healthcare to reduce personal medical costs and identified small and medium enterprises as the main drivers of employment and growth.

Chowdhury pointed to challenges in the banking sector, currency depreciation, and high inflation, while reaffirming efforts to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio. He also underscored investment in education, skills, and renewable energy to harness demographic advantages and ensure energy security.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a discussion with business sector leaders on Saturday, April 25, in Dhaka, focusing on the theme “Delay is costly: Why immediate economic reform is essential.” The event took place at a city hotel and was organized by the NCP’s Industry and Commerce Cell. Member of Parliament and NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain attended as chief guest, alongside key party officials including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Joint Member Secretary Advocate Abdullah Al Amin.

During the session, representatives from FBCCI, BGMEA, and entrepreneurs from the housing and renewable energy sectors shared their views. Speakers emphasized the need for immediate reform to revive the economy, criticizing the current state of the banking sector and revenue management. Nasiruddin Patwari accused the BNP government of derailing reform processes and urged business leaders to protest against it.

Business leaders called for institutional reforms and urged the government to focus on job creation in light of recent public unrest. The event concluded with active participation from all attendees.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s traditional products such as Jamdani and Hilsa in the global market. In a message to the media on the eve of World Intellectual Property Day, he said that steps have been taken to ensure online registration, faster services, legal protection, and prevention of counterfeit goods.

World Intellectual Property Day is observed globally on April 26 each year to raise awareness about the role of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs in promoting innovation and creativity. This year’s theme is “Intellectual Property and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” The Prime Minister emphasized that intellectual property protection encourages innovation and creativity, contributing to sports technology, athlete training, branding, broadcasting, and entrepreneurship.

He added that the government is working to build an efficient service system to ensure proper recognition of innovators and creative individuals. The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives to support athletes through allowances and sports cards, talent scouting, and modern training facilities, which he believes will boost sports-based industries, investment, and employment opportunities.

Fuel supply and sales have been suspended for two weeks in Roumari and Rajibpur upazilas of Kurigram due to delays in issuing fuel cards. The only filling station serving both areas, Brahmaputra Filling Station in Roumari, last sold fuel on April 10, leaving residents facing severe hardship. With no fuel available, transportation has nearly stopped, and people are struggling to travel for work, education, and daily needs.

The shortage has sharply reduced the number of petrol and octane-powered vehicles, especially motorcycles, on local roads. Frequent power outages have also prevented electric rickshaws from charging, forcing residents to walk long distances. SSC examinees are among the worst affected, relying on pedal rickshaws and vans to reach exam centers. Farmers are unable to irrigate their boro paddy fields, raising fears of lower yields.

Local officials and the filling station management have given conflicting statements about the reason for the delay. The station manager cited pending fuel card issuance, while the Roumari Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the card process should not prevent fuel sales.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the government is working to attract foreign investment to develop international-standard tourism infrastructure in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday at the 'Beautiful Bangladesh Run 2026 (Season-2)' event held at Hatirjheel in Dhaka, where over a thousand participants joined the race to promote the country’s tourism sector domestically and internationally.

The minister stated that discussions are underway with the globally renowned company Emaar Properties, known for constructing the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates. Plans are being considered to involve the company under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to enhance tourism facilities in Bangladesh. He added that the tourism sector currently contributes about 2 to 3 percent to the GDP, with a target to raise it to 6 to 7 percent in the future.

The event, organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB), also featured prize distribution among marathon winners and remarks from representatives of the event’s sponsor, Rhythm Group, and ATJFB officials.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the current government inherited a fragile economy and heavy debt burden due to the mismanagement of the previous administration. Speaking on Saturday at the National Press Club during a seminar titled “Ten Lakh Skilled Workforce in the European Labor Market: Masterplan (2026–2031) and Ensuring Migrants’ State Rights,” he emphasized that expanding remittance inflow is essential to keep the economy active.

The minister stated that the current BNP government is working cautiously to increase foreign currency earnings by sending skilled manpower abroad. To achieve this, the government has adopted several plans to develop skilled human resources. He added that remittances from expatriates are one of the main driving forces of the economy, and coordinated efforts among the government and stakeholders are needed to expand this flow and create new labor markets overseas.

Highlighting tourism as an alternative source of foreign currency, Swapan said that if international-standard infrastructure and environment are ensured in Kuakata or Cox’s Bazar, foreign tourists will visit, making tourism a strong alternative sector for foreign exchange earnings.

A severe diesel shortage in Jamalpur has rendered 28,000 irrigation pumps inoperative, putting around 50,000 hectares of Boro rice and other crops at serious risk. Farmers have been queuing for hours at petrol pumps and dealer points with jars and drums, but many are unable to obtain the fuel they need. Most fuel stations display 'no oil' signs, and limited supplies are far below demand, leading to growing frustration among farmers.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Jamalpur targeted Boro cultivation on about 200,000 hectares this season, with 53,368 irrigation pumps across seven upazilas, including 28,103 diesel-powered units. These pumps irrigate roughly 50,406 hectares of farmland, now threatened by the fuel crisis. Farmers report that irrigation intervals have lengthened drastically, causing soil cracks and drying rice plants.

District agricultural officials warn that prolonged shortages could affect production, while the Additional District Magistrate and head of the local fuel monitoring committee insists that diesel supply remains normal and that farmers are being prioritized.

Black cumin cultivation is rapidly gaining popularity among farmers in Sadar upazila of Faridpur due to its low production cost and high profitability. Known scientifically as Nigella sativa, the spice crop also has significant medicinal value, driving demand both domestically and internationally. Farmers typically sow the crop in November after harvesting transplanted Aman rice and harvest it by late March.

Local farmers report that the region’s soil is well-suited for black cumin, yielding about 4 to 5 maunds per bigha, with current market prices ranging from Tk 12,000 to Tk 13,000 per maund. However, some farmers allege that syndicates of traders often deprive them of fair prices. Others note that favorable weather and loamy soil ensure better yields, while adverse conditions such as rain or fog during fruiting can reduce output.

According to the upazila agriculture officer, 495 hectares of land are under black cumin cultivation this year, up by 5 hectares from last year. The agriculture department continues to provide guidance and support, while stakeholders call for stronger government measures to stabilize markets and mitigate weather-related risks.

The Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Exhibition (BTKG Expo 2026) will begin on April 29 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka and continue until May 2. The four-day event is jointly organized by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Inforchain Digital Technology Company Limited. Over 1,000 exhibitors from around 30 countries are expected to participate, showcasing textile machinery, dyes, chemicals, knitting and weaving technologies, embroidery, cutting and sewing equipment, and washing and dry-cleaning innovations.

At a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem highlighted the garment sector’s importance to Bangladesh’s economy, noting its contribution of over 80 percent of export earnings and 12–13 percent of GDP, employing more than four million people. He emphasized the need for greater technological advancement and sustainable production to remain competitive globally.

The exhibition will feature seminars organized by BKMEA, BUTEX, and Textile Today, focusing on industry trends, technological progress, and future strategies. The event will be open to the public daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that the recent increase in fuel prices does not justify any dramatic rise in bus fares or daily commodity prices. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 25, 2026, while speaking to journalists after visiting the knit industrial zone established on the site of the former Chittaranjan Cotton Mill in Godnail, Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. The minister also suggested that future investors should focus on developing less fuel-intensive factories instead of fuel-heavy ones.

During the visit, Muktadir explained that electricity produced in the country is distributed to private industrial factories after generation, so production and export have not been disrupted by fuel price changes. He attributed any decline in exports to a mild global slowdown rather than domestic energy issues. Responding to another question, he said two industrial plots under BTMC have already been developed, two more are being taken by the same company, and remaining plots face local occupation problems that will be resolved soon to facilitate investment.

State Minister Md. Shariful Alam, BTMC Chairman Brigadier General S.M. Zahid Hasan, and local officials accompanied him during the visit.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has emphasized the crucial role of the livestock sector in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking World Veterinary Day 2026 at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium on Saturday, he said the government is giving top priority to developing this sector to achieve food self-sufficiency and expand exports.

The minister highlighted that ensuring food security is one of the world’s most important challenges and that veterinary professionals play a vital role in providing safe food for people. He noted that public awareness about food safety has increased over time, and interest in veterinary education and careers has grown significantly across the country.

The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Mahbub Alam, president of the Veterinary Association of Bangladesh, and attended by senior officials from the ministry and the Department of Livestock Services. A keynote paper presented by Professor Dr. M. Ariful Islam of Bangladesh Agricultural University discussed the challenges, opportunities, and public health importance of the veterinary profession.