Across South Asia, record gold prices are reshaping wedding traditions as many brides and families turn to imitation and one-gram gold jewellery. In Indian-administered Kashmir, 29-year-old accountant Uzma Bashir said she cannot afford even a single gold ring on her modest salary, while others in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are also abandoning pure gold due to its soaring cost. Gold prices reached $5,595 per ounce in January and remain near record highs, driving a 24 percent drop in jewellery demand in India in 2025.

In New Delhi, Fatima Begum said she replaced real gold with one-gram jewellery for her daughters’ weddings, while jewellers in Mumbai and Dhaka report a surge in demand for artificial ornaments. In Bangladesh, 22-carat gold hit $2,200 per bhori, prompting shoppers to choose imitation pieces for both affordability and safety. Pakistani families face similar pressures, with gold prices reaching 540,000 rupees per tola.

Jewellers across the region say the shift marks a cultural adjustment, as gold becomes an investment rather than a wearable symbol. Many brides now rely on gold-plated substitutes to preserve tradition without financial strain.

Bangladesh’s Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Haque announced a government plan to utilize unused land in every district for solar power generation. Speaking on April 26, 2026, at a development dialogue titled “What Kind of Southwest Region Do We Want” at Islamic University, he said the initiative aims to make the country self-sufficient in solar energy and trigger an agricultural revolution in the Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, and Jhenaidah regions. The minister explained that one acre of land could generate one megawatt of electricity, and using 20 acres in a district could produce 20 megawatts, reducing diesel use for irrigation and cutting electricity subsidies.

He added that the project is expected to become visible within six months, according to the government’s technical team. The minister also discussed broader national initiatives, including the second Padma Bridge, agricultural development, education, and employment. He emphasized moving beyond blame-based politics and noted the formation of a ten-member parliamentary committee, with equal representation from the ruling and opposition parties, to address the power and Middle East crises.

He further mentioned that work on the Jhenaidah–Islamic University–Kushtia railway line and repairs to the Khulna–Kushtia highway would begin soon.

The 125-megawatt Unit 1 of the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, resumed electricity generation on Friday night after a two-day suspension caused by a mechanical fault. According to plant officials, the unit began supplying power to the national grid at around 10 p.m., following boiler firing activities that started at 4 p.m. earlier that day. The unit had been offline since Wednesday night due to a burst boiler tube.

The Barapukuria plant has three units, with Units 1 and 2 each capable of generating 125 megawatts and Unit 3 producing 275 megawatts. However, Unit 2 has remained non-operational since November 2020 due to mechanical issues. Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique stated that the shutdown occurred because stones had mixed with the coal supply.

With Unit 1 back in operation, electricity supply in Parbatipur and eight northern districts is expected to improve, easing load-shedding conditions in the region.

The ongoing war between Iran and the Israel-United States alliance has severely disrupted the global energy market. Within just 50 days of conflict, the world has lost oil production worth about 50 billion dollars. Analysts estimate that the financial loss equals the entire economy of countries like Estonia or Latvia.

Following the outbreak of the crisis, fuel prices in the United States have risen above four dollars per gallon, while Europe faces energy rationing in its industries. Emerging economies are also suffering from acute supply shortages. According to energy analysts and Reuters data, since the war began at the end of February, around 500 million barrels of crude oil and condensate have been removed from the market, marking one of the largest supply shocks in modern history.

Energy expert Johannes Robl noted that with oil prices hovering near 100 dollars per barrel, the conflict has triggered massive revenue losses and intensified global inflation and transport costs. Experts warn that even if the war ends soon, the energy market may take months or even years to recover.

A new UN-backed Global Report on Food Crises has identified Bangladesh among the ten countries where two-thirds of the world’s food-insecure population are concentrated. The report, released on Friday, shows that in 2025, the majority of people suffering from acute food insecurity lived in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Together, Sudan, Nigeria, and Congo accounted for one-third of the total affected population.

According to the report, around 266 million people worldwide experienced severe food insecurity in 2025, nearly double the number recorded in 2016. Experts cited conflict and extreme climate conditions as the main drivers of the crisis. The report warned that little improvement is expected in 2026, with ongoing wars and instability continuing to disrupt food production and supply chains.

While Bangladesh and Syria showed slight improvements, conditions worsened in Afghanistan, Congo, and Myanmar. The report also expressed concern over declining international aid and noted that rising fuel and fertilizer prices could further strain food production, urging investment in local fertilizer production and climate-resilient crops.

Commerce, Industry, Jute and Textile Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that power generation in Bangladesh has been disrupted and load-shedding has increased due to the inability to import sufficient gas to meet national demand. He made the remarks on Friday while visiting the Bashia River in Masukganj area of Sylhet Sadar upazila.

The minister explained that the country’s electricity production remains largely dependent on gas. Technical complications have limited gas imports, creating a shortfall in power generation. He added that the government is actively working to address the crisis. Regarding fuel prices, he said the recent 15 percent increase in diesel prices is not expected to significantly affect overall inflation, as the adjustment was made after careful calculation. He estimated that transporting goods 200 kilometers by truck could raise costs by about 30 paisa per kilogram.

Muktadir also announced plans to expand LNG import capacity by establishing a new terminal, with tenders to be invited soon. He noted that the Bashia River dredging project will benefit around 90,000 farmers and enable additional crop production on 20,000 hectares of land.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has announced recruitment for 75 positions across grades 13 to 20, including posts under the Toshakhana Unit and Toshakhana Museum. The online application process will begin on April 29, 2026, at 10 a.m., and no offline applications will be accepted. The deadline for submission is May 28, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The available positions include stenographer-cum-computer operator, computer operator, cataloger, cashier, office assistant-cum-computer typist, data entry/control operator, office assistant, modeler, storekeeper, gallery attendant, electrician, receptionist, publication assistant, security guard, and cleaner. Salaries range from BDT 8,250 to BDT 26,590 depending on grade. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years old as of April 1, 2026, with an age relaxation up to 40 years for departmental candidates applying for specific posts.

Application fees are set at BDT 112 for grades 13–16 and BDT 56 for grades 20 positions, inclusive of Teletalk service charges. All applications must be submitted online within the specified timeframe.

Japan has decided to release part of its national oil reserves starting May 1 to address supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis that has affected crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced the decision on Friday, stating that efforts are underway to secure oil through alternative routes.

According to the ministry, the release will amount to roughly 5.8 million kiloliters of oil, equivalent to about 20 days of national demand, valued at approximately 540 billion yen (around 3.38 billion US dollars). Japan expects to source more than half of its crude oil from alternative suppliers by May compared to last year, which would help maintain stable supply through the end of the year while limiting the need for further reserve releases.

The ministry said the move is being carried out under Article 31 of the Petroleum Stockpiling Act to ensure stable energy supply. As one of the world’s largest oil importers, Japan remains vulnerable to instability in the Hormuz Strait region, which poses a significant risk to its energy security.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that no one will be spared if they attempt to disrupt national stability. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing the inauguration ceremony of Saraswati Gyan Mandir at the University of Chittagong. The minister emphasized that his government was elected to build a sensitive, tolerant, and stable nation, and that progress is impossible without maintaining stability.

Discussing the banking sector, the minister said that under BNP governments, financial discipline had always been maintained, including in the stock market and macroeconomy. He assured that similar discipline would return but asked for some time. On load-shedding, he acknowledged the existence of an energy crisis and explained that fuel prices in Bangladesh were raised by only 10–15 percent, compared to a doubling of prices in Washington, due to the government’s limited capacity.

He added that austerity measures were necessary to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, continued industrial operations, and minimal disruption to people’s livelihoods.

Analysts believe Iran’s economy will not collapse immediately despite the ongoing US naval blockade on its ports, imposed after Tehran closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid the Middle East conflict. The blockade, in effect since April 12, aims to pressure Iran into peace negotiations. Former US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is financially breaking down, but Iranian economist Saeed Laylaz told AFP that only a blockade lasting two to three months could cause serious harm, while Gulf states might suffer even more.

Energy experts warned that Iran’s main oil export terminal at Kharg Island could soon reach full storage capacity. Data from Kpler indicated that Iran’s crude oil production has already dropped by about 200,000 barrels per day and could fall by another 420,000 barrels in April. However, Jamie Ingram of the Middle East Economic Survey noted that Iran has previously endured long-term sanctions without major concessions.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group added that while ordinary Iranians face growing pressure, the country’s leadership has shown resilience under severe economic strain, using control over the Strait of Hormuz as leverage.

In Kaptai upazila of Rangamati district, residents are facing 12 to 14 hours of daily load shedding, severely affecting daily life and ongoing SSC examinations. Students reported that frequent power outages during study hours, both day and night, make it difficult to concentrate due to extreme heat. Parents expressed deep concern, urging authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply until the exams end. The outages have also disrupted operations in educational institutions, factories, banks, insurance offices, businesses, and hospitals, with some factory owners reporting order cancellations due to missed delivery deadlines.

The Kaptai Karnafuli Hydroelectric Power Station, which normally produces 230 megawatts for the national grid, is currently generating only 30 to 40 megawatts because of low water levels. As a result, even the area producing electricity is suffering long power cuts. Acting residential engineer Ashraful Islam acknowledged the load shedding, explaining that one of two supply lines is alternately shut down. He assured that the problem would not persist long and that examinees would not face major disruptions.

The situation highlights the irony of power shortages in a region that contributes electricity to the national grid.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its April 2026 World Economic Outlook, showing that India has dropped from the top five to sixth place among the world’s largest economies. The United States remains the largest economy with over 32.4 trillion dollars in GDP, followed by China at 20.8 trillion, Germany at 5.4 trillion, Japan at 4.4 trillion, and the United Kingdom at 4.3 trillion. India’s nominal GDP is estimated at 4.15 trillion dollars, slightly below the UK and Japan.

According to the IMF, India’s shift in ranking is mainly due to changes in currency exchange rates and the adoption of a new GDP base year. The Indian government updated its methodology using 2022–23 as the new base year, revising earlier figures downward by about 3–4 percent. The rupee’s depreciation of roughly 10 percent against the US dollar over the past year also contributed to the decline.

The IMF projects that India will regain its position by 2027, overtaking the UK and Japan, and could surpass Germany by 2031 to become the world’s third-largest economy.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has issued new directives for meat sellers in the capital, making it mandatory to pay fixed slaughtering fees. The announcement, made through a public notice on April 24, 2026, states that failure to comply with the new rules will result in legal action under existing laws.

According to the notice, the fees have been set under the Animal Slaughter and Meat Quality Control Act, 2011, and the related regulations of 2021. Meat shops under DSCC’s jurisdiction must now pay Tk 10 for each goat or sheep, Tk 50 for each cow, and Tk 75 for each buffalo slaughtered. The corporation has urged all meat traders to strictly follow the new directive.

The DSCC also warned that any violation of these instructions will lead to legal measures as per the applicable laws, emphasizing the importance of proper implementation across all meat businesses in Dhaka South.

A bumper peanut harvest has been reported this season on the sandbars of the Jamuna River in Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur. Farmers are pleased with both the high yield and favorable market prices, which have brought economic relief to many poor families in the riverine areas. The Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that peanuts were cultivated on 30 hectares of land this season, exceeding the initial target of 10 hectares.

In addition to peanuts, farmers have grown onions, maize, black cumin, and chili across hundreds of hectares, along with other crops such as wheat, peas, sweet gourd, sweet potato, and sunflower. The low production cost and good yields have encouraged more farmers to take up cultivation. Agricultural officers are providing technical support and incentives to expand farming in the char areas.

According to the upazila agriculture officer, favorable weather conditions have contributed to the strong harvest, with an estimated 80 to 90 metric tons of peanuts expected to be produced this season.

International oil prices rose sharply as shipping disruptions in the Hormuz Strait intensified. The benchmark Brent crude price exceeded $106 per barrel early Friday, reaching $106.80 by 1 a.m. GMT, about 5 percent higher than Wednesday’s closing price. The closure of the strait and vessel seizures by the United States and Iran have complicated the situation.

On Wednesday, oil prices had crossed the $100 mark for the first time in two weeks. The Hormuz Strait, a key global energy route, typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments. The current halt in maritime traffic has raised concerns about supply stability and market volatility.

Meanwhile, U.S. stock markets declined overnight, with the S&P 500 index down 0.41 percent and the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite falling 0.89 percent, reflecting broader investor unease linked to the energy market turmoil.