Workers in Khulna blocked a major highway on Tuesday morning demanding withdrawal of conditions imposed on raw jute exports and payment of overdue wages. The protest took place at Daulatpur Railgate intersection, where demonstrators set tires on fire and erected barricades, halting traffic. Organized under the banner of the Daulatpur Jute Press and Baling Workers’ Union, the protesters marched to the Bangladesh Jute Association (BJA) building and staged a sit-in. Some participants threw bricks and vandalized property before police and union leaders restored order.

Union leaders said the export restrictions, introduced on 8 September 2025, had plunged the jute sector into crisis, leaving many workers jobless for nine months. The BJA had earlier announced the protest at a press conference, arguing that the Ministry of Commerce’s decision to list raw jute as a conditional export item effectively halted exports. According to BJA Chairman Khandaker Alamgir Kabir, the policy caused severe financial losses to exporters and unemployment for thousands of workers.

The BJA claimed that despite sufficient domestic supply, Bangladesh could export 800,000–1,000,000 bales of raw jute annually, earning up to Tk 20 billion, but exports dropped sharply under the new restrictions.

Premier Bank has failed to repay a Tk 5,000 crore special loan taken from Bangladesh Bank due to ongoing liquidity problems. The central bank had provided the loan for three months, but after the repayment deadline passed on May 2, 2026, the term was extended by another three months. The loan, issued on February 2, included Tk 1,000 crore in cash and Tk 4,000 crore in bonds. Although the bank paid Tk 142 crore in interest, it could not return the principal amount.

The loan was granted under sections 16(4)(d) and 17(1)(b) of the Bangladesh Bank Order at an interest rate of 11.5 percent for 90 days, secured by a demand promissory note. Similar assistance had previously been extended to five other banks, including Islamic banks, which also struggled to repay. Premier Bank’s liquidity crisis deepened after several large corporate clients withdrew deposits, leaving it unable to maintain required CRR and SLR reserves.

Following the fall of the Awami League government, Bangladesh Bank restructured Premier Bank’s board, citing earlier mismanagement and alleged fraud under former chairman HBM Iqbal’s tenure. Despite regulatory support and deferral facilities, the bank still reported losses and significant capital shortfalls.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to make the VAT Identification Number (BIN) mandatory for registering land and vehicles under business entities, as well as for obtaining essential services such as electricity, gas, and water. According to NBR sources, this proposal will be included in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to expand VAT coverage and increase the number of registered businesses.

An NBR official said the next budget will prioritize bringing unregistered businesses under VAT registration. The registration process will be simplified by removing certain documentation requirements, such as bank account details, and enabling online registration. Currently, businesses with annual turnover above 3 million taka must register for VAT, but many remain outside the system. The new plan aims to include them while offering special exemptions for smaller enterprises.

Officials added that small businesses may be allowed to submit VAT returns annually or semiannually instead of monthly. The NBR’s initiative follows a recent meeting with the Prime Minister, emphasizing broader participation in national development through fair tax compliance.

Farmers and households in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh have prepared 23,133 sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, exceeding the local demand of 17,220 by nearly 6,000. According to the upazila livestock department, more than 600 farmers and families have raised these animals, with cattle making up the majority. Among them are 13,126 cows, including 9,020 bulls, 1,501 oxen, and 2,605 cows, along with 9,505 goats, 420 sheep, and 82 buffaloes.

Officials noted that commercial livestock farming has grown in Debiganj in recent years, with many families also raising animals at home in preparation for the festival. Farmers said that despite higher costs for feed and care, they expect good prices during the Eid market. The livestock officer confirmed there is no shortage of animals and that regular inspections are being conducted to ensure healthy and safe livestock.

Local markets such as Bhaulaganj, Tepriganj, Laxirhat, and Kaliganj have already started receiving animals, and some will also be sold in nearby Domar upazila of Nilphamari. Authorities have taken measures to ensure market security and prevent counterfeit currency transactions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the import of jet fuel to reinforce the country’s supply system amid a global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to a Reuters report, Australia will procure a total of six million barrels, equivalent to about 100 million liters, of jet fuel across three shipments.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the government has also secured an additional 38,500 tons of urea fertilizer from Brunei. The three shipments of jet fuel are expected to begin arriving in Australia from China in early June, according to Albanese.

The announcement underscores Australia’s efforts to ensure energy and agricultural supply stability as international conflicts continue to disrupt global markets.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced new banknotes of 10, 500, and 1000 taka under the theme 'Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh'. The central bank began issuing the notes from its Motijheel office on Monday, May 18, 2026, and will gradually distribute them through other offices across the country. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by Bangladesh Bank on the same day.

According to the release, the new notes bear the signature of the current governor, Md. Mostakur Rahman. The bank also stated that notes of 20, 50, and 100 taka from the same series will later be issued with the governor’s signature. The color, size, design, and security features of the new notes remain unchanged from the previous versions.

Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing paper notes and metal coins will continue to be legal tender and remain in circulation alongside the newly issued notes.

The World Bank has approved a $350 million loan to Bangladesh under the Energy Sector Security Enhancement Project. The announcement was made in a press release on Monday, stating that the financing aims to support the country’s energy security and ensure stable power generation.

According to the release, disruptions in global LNG supply and rising prices caused by conflicts in the Middle East have put pressure on Bangladesh’s economy and foreign exchange reserves, as the country relies heavily on imported LNG. The World Bank said the funding will enable Petrobangla to import LNG at affordable prices through long-term contracts, reducing exposure to volatile spot markets.

The project is expected to help maintain steady electricity production, which in turn will support industrialization and job creation by ensuring a reliable energy supply.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described Bangladesh as a highly promising and fertile ground for investment. He highlighted vast opportunities for foreign investors in infrastructure, public-private partnerships, transport, and technology sectors. The minister made these remarks on Monday during a courtesy meeting with Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of expanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Singapore. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in investment, healthcare, technology exchange, waste management, and rural development. The minister invited Singapore to invest in Bangladesh’s potential sectors, noting that Singapore’s experience and technological capacity could further accelerate Bangladesh’s development initiatives.

Senior officials from the ministry, including the Secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division and the Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing, were present at the meeting.

Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju announced plans to create a separate business area for women entrepreneurs in Khulna. He said that suitable land is being sought to establish this dedicated market, aiming to help women overcome existing challenges in product marketing and fair participation. The initiative was revealed on Monday during a cheque distribution event at the Shaheed Altaf Milonayatan of the city corporation building.

The event was organized under the Loss and Damage Special Initiative Project of the development organization Jagorot Jubo Songho (JJS). During the program, 25 young women who had received training to become self-reliant after being displaced from coastal areas due to climate impacts were each given a cheque of 27,000 taka. JJS Executive Director A.T.M. Zakir Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Senior Director M.M. Chishty conducted the session.

Architect Rezbina Khanam from KCC and Suraiya Siddika, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs, attended as special guests. Trainers and trainees also spoke at the event, sharing their experiences and perspectives on the empowerment initiative.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced another increase in furnace oil prices. According to a press release issued on Monday, May 18, the price per liter has been raised by Tk 18.85—from Tk 94.69 to Tk 113.54. The new rate will take effect from midnight. The adjustment was approved in a special commission meeting held on May 18, based on the Free on Board (FOB) price of imported refined furnace oil between April 13 and May 12, and changes in the US dollar exchange rate.

Earlier, on April 12, the price had been raised from Tk 70.10 to Tk 94.69 per liter. A committee formed on March 15 had recommended the adjustment after reviewing international Platts rates and exchange rate fluctuations. The commission reviewed these recommendations in special meetings on April 5 and 12 before approving the new rate.

A large portion of imported furnace oil is used in power generation, and stakeholders believe the price hike will increase production costs at oil-based power plants, potentially affecting electricity prices.

Qatar has expressed interest in recruiting skilled workers from Bangladesh in four technical sectors: electrician, welding, air conditioning technician, and plumbing. The development was discussed during a meeting in Dhaka between Qatar’s visiting Labour Minister Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri and Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. Following the meeting, Chowdhury said Qatar is now prioritizing skilled manpower over unskilled labor, and Bangladesh is preparing to send trained workers accordingly.

The ministers also discussed expanding Qatar’s visa processing facilities in Bangladesh, as the country currently has only one visa center. Dhaka requested additional centers to reduce public inconvenience, and Qatar assured that the issue would be considered seriously. The matter is expected to be finalized in the upcoming joint working group meeting between the two nations.

State Minister Md. Nurul Haque noted that Qatar also showed interest in hiring Bangladeshi workers for religious professions such as imams and muezzins, alongside the four technical sectors. Both sides described the talks as positive and aimed at strengthening bilateral labor cooperation.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks will remain closed from May 25 to May 31 for the Eid-ul-Azha holidays. However, to facilitate salary payments for garment sector workers, the central bank has instructed that some branches in industrial areas remain open on May 25 and 26. A circular issued on Sunday was sent to the chief executives of all scheduled banks outlining these directives.

According to the circular, all bank branches and sub-branches will operate normally on May 23 and 24 as per the Ministry of Public Administration’s notification. To ensure smooth payment of wages, bonuses, and allowances for garment workers and to maintain import-export operations, limited banking services will be available in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram. These branches will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with transactions allowed until 1 p.m.

Additionally, bank branches located in sea, land, and airport areas will remain partially open from May 25 to May 31 to support import and export activities. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that employees working during the holidays will receive allowances as per regulations.

Finance ministers from the G7 industrialized nations are meeting in Paris on Monday for a two-day session aimed at forming a unified stance amid global economic uncertainty and the ongoing war in the Middle East. France, currently holding the G7 presidency, faces the challenge of maintaining open dialogue as trade tensions rise following U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures. Reducing dependence on China’s rare mineral supplies, crucial to the fast-growing artificial intelligence sector, is among the meeting’s top priorities.

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said last week that the global economic trajectory of the past decade is unsustainable, citing the U.S. budget deficit, Europe’s innovation gap, and China’s weak consumer demand and industrial overcapacity. He emphasized that while multilateral cooperation remains possible, discussions are difficult, especially with the United States. Trump’s trade-focused diplomacy has raised concerns among G7 leaders as the Middle East conflict heightens risks of stagnation and inflation.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the G7 as an appropriate platform to discuss ending the Iran war, stressing the need to stabilize the region and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A final press conference is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

Salt farmers in Banshkhali, Chattogram, have alleged that middlemen and syndicates are preventing them from receiving fair prices for their produce. Despite a bumper harvest this year, many farmers who took high-interest loans are facing heavy losses. They report selling salt at Tk 240–250 per maund while production costs reach about Tk 350, resulting in losses of around Tk 170 per maund. Farmers claim cargo boat owners and intermediaries have formed a syndicate that controls prices and transport routes, leaving them with no alternative sales channels.

At a recent meeting held at the Khatkhali estuary in Gondamara Union, participants demanded fair pricing, interest-free loans, and government measures to curb syndicate control. Speakers said production costs have doubled or tripled due to rising land rent, labor wages, and input prices such as polythene, fuel, and irrigation pumps. While packaged salt sells for Tk 40–45 per kilogram in retail markets, farmers are paid only Tk 5–6 per kilogram, causing severe financial distress.

The meeting called for long-term policies to protect coastal salt and fisheries industries and ensure sustainable livelihoods for producers.

In Tarash upazila of Sirajganj, the canals of Chalan Beel are filling with new water from rainfall and upstream flow, submerging low-lying areas. During this season, many local residents who lack regular work turn to fishing for their livelihood, using traditional bamboo traps known as chhai or kholsuni. Thousands of people in the region are now busy crafting these traps from bamboo and palm fibers, which are sold in various local markets.

The traps are sold wholesale and retail in markets such as Naoga Hat, Gulta Hat, Chachkoir Hat, Nimgachhi Hat, Salonga Hat, Chatmohar, Chhaikola Hat, and Mirzapur Hat. In Chachkoir village of Gurudaspur upazila, around 250 families are engaged in making kholsuni, with prices ranging from 400 to 600 taka per pair depending on size. Each pair takes two to three days to make, with material costs of 150 to 200 taka.

The craft has been passed down through generations, and participation continues to grow as new people join the trade. Family members, including women and students, contribute to the production process.