A taskforce report has revealed that six major business groups in Bangladesh allegedly embezzled and laundered large sums of money abroad during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government, causing severe financial losses to at least 28 banks. The affected banks have signed non-disclosure agreements with several multinational firms to trace and recover the siphoned funds. The groups named in the report include S Alam Group, Aramit, Sikder Group, Beximco, Orion Group, and Nasa Group.

According to the report, these groups collectively hold the majority of the defaulted loans in the banking sector, with S Alam Group alone linked to loans worth over Tk 225,000 crore. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit confirmed evidence of large-scale fund transfers abroad. Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, the interim administration restructured an inter-agency taskforce led by the Bangladesh Bank governor to recover laundered assets.

The Anti-Corruption Commission, National Board of Revenue, and police agencies are jointly investigating the financial irregularities. Civil proceedings have begun against the six groups, which account for 77 percent of total defaulted loans among 11 industrial conglomerates under scrutiny.

In Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka, around 25 acres of Boro rice fields have been destroyed by toxic smoke and heat from nearby brick kilns. The incident affected more than a hundred marginal farmers across five villages in the Amtala Union, many of whom had cultivated rice on borrowed land or with loans. The farmers, who relied on this harvest for their annual food supply, now face severe uncertainty after the sudden loss.

Local sources identified three brick kilns—Alif Bricks, Tiger Bricks, and Al Madina Bricks—situated beside the three-crop lands in Nandeswari area. Farmers claim that such damage occurs regularly due to the kilns’ heat and smoke, and they have demanded a fair investigation and compensation. Dhamrai Upazila Agriculture Officer Arifur Rahman confirmed that preliminary findings indicate the brick kilns caused the damage and said the matter has been reported to the administration. Upazila Executive Officer Al Mamun stated that discussions will be held with kiln owners and farmers to ensure proper compensation.

Residents noted that similar incidents occur every year in Dhamrai, urging stronger preventive measures and timely compensation for affected farmers.

Researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have reported promising results from cultivating short-duration Boro rice varieties in the haor wetlands of northeastern Bangladesh. The findings were presented at a press conference held at the university’s Department of Crop Botany, led by Professor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman Pramanik. The research, ongoing since 2020, aims to help farmers harvest rice 15 to 20 days earlier than traditional varieties, reducing losses from sudden pre-monsoon floods.

According to the researchers, about 60 percent of Bangladesh’s total rice production comes from the Boro season, with 18 percent produced in haor areas. However, early floods often destroy 10 to 100 percent of crops each year. The study tested several short-duration varieties such as BRRI dhan-88, BRRI dhan-101, BRRI dhan-113, BRRI dhan-105, and BRRI dhan-25, which mature in about 145 days—two weeks earlier than the widely grown BRRI dhan-92.

The researchers noted challenges including slightly lower yields, temperature sensitivity, and the need for timely planting and harvesting. They emphasized that agricultural mechanization, including rice transplanters and harvesters, is essential to ensure timely harvesting before floods.

Eight rivers in Bangladesh’s northeastern region are flowing above the danger level following moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Water Development Board. The forecast, issued on Monday, reported significant rainfall in Netrokona, Habiganj, and Chandpur, with water levels rising at eight points across seven rivers in three districts.

The forecast noted that rivers such as the Surma-Kushiyara, Dhalai, Dhanu-Baulai, and Kalni have seen water levels increase, while the Bhugai-Kangsha and Someshwari rivers have shown slight decreases. The Meghalayan and Assamese regions of India also experienced moderate rainfall, contributing to the rising water levels. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicted continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the next few days, with potential thunderstorms in several divisions.

The Water Development Board warned that water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara basin could continue to rise for three days, possibly causing flooding in low-lying haor areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj. Flood conditions in parts of Habiganj, Netrokona, and Kishoreganj may persist as river levels remain high.

Widespread crop destruction has been reported across Bangladesh following continuous heavy rainfall, storms, and flash floods from India. Fields of ripe boro rice, soybeans, onions, garlic, and seasonal vegetables have been submerged under waist-deep water in many areas, including Sunamganj, Srimangal, Jhalokathi, Lakshmipur, and Netrokona. Thousands of farming families in the haor regions are facing severe hardship as their annual harvests are lost. Power outages and infrastructure damage have also been reported due to fallen trees and broken electric poles.

In Sunamganj’s Jagannathpur, nearly half of 20,423 hectares of rice fields were still unharvested when six days of rain submerged large areas. In Srimangal, 215 hectares of ripe and semi-ripe rice were flooded due to poor drainage. Farmers in Netrokona are struggling to dry harvested rice, while in Lakshmipur’s Raipur, about 60 percent of soybean crops have been damaged. Jhalokathi and Nalchity also reported major losses of rabi crops and rice fields.

Local agricultural offices are assessing damage and advising farmers to harvest mature crops quickly. Authorities have pledged to report losses and seek assistance for affected farmers.

Energy experts and civil society representatives have welcomed Bangladesh’s government plan to generate 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030, calling it a timely and strategic move amid global energy market volatility. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, they emphasized the need for an enabling investment climate, low-interest financing, and tax exemptions to achieve the target sustainably.

Presentations by analysts from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis and Change Initiative highlighted Bangladesh’s heavy import dependence in the power sector and the growing strain from fuel subsidies. They proposed redirecting fossil fuel subsidies toward renewables, introducing carbon pricing, and launching a $4.5 billion expatriate bond to attract investment. Policy suggestions included full tariff waivers on solar equipment and a revolving fund of Tk 5,000 crore.

However, experts expressed doubts about implementation capacity, citing past shortfalls in renewable targets and high import duties on solar materials. They urged institutional strengthening of SREDA, simplification of PPP models, and faster policy reforms to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy transition.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam announced that Bangladesh aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the national GDP from the current 3 percent to between 6 and 7 percent. She made the announcement on Monday at the District Commissioners’ Conference 2026 held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, where she and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat attended as special guests.

Afroza Khanam stated that there are 1,742 tourist spots across the country, indicating that every district has tourism potential. She said a master plan is being prepared to develop the tourism sector and called for the active involvement of district administrators. The minister also urged the culture minister to focus on developing the Baliati and Teota Zamindar Houses in Manikganj to attract more visitors.

State Minister Millat emphasized that local administrators can be catalysts for change by promoting clean, safe, and creative tourism initiatives that strengthen district economies and enhance Bangladesh’s global tourism image.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to simplify the project approval process to attract both domestic and foreign investors. He also assured necessary support for those willing to invest in long-closed state-owned mills and factories. The directive came during a meeting held on Monday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, focusing on the current status and future plans for closed textile and jute mills under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

During the meeting, an official noted that lengthy approval times and complex inter-departmental permissions discourage investors. In response, the Prime Minister instructed that unnecessary ministerial or departmental approvals be removed from the process. He emphasized that the government is committed to creating an investment-friendly environment and that reducing bureaucratic hurdles is essential to achieving this goal.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to make loan access easier for private investors interested in reviving closed state-owned factories and directed relevant ministers to take prompt and effective measures in this regard.

The government will provide financial assistance to farmers affected by recent heavy rainfall in the haor regions. Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that each affected farmer will receive at least Tk 7,500. He made the statement on Monday after the third session of the second day of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Earlier, sessions were held with the ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food.

The minister said field-level agricultural officers are preparing lists of affected farmers, categorizing them for assistance that will continue from May to July. He added that the amount could increase depending on the extent of damage. The Agriculture and Disaster Management ministries are jointly compiling the lists, and funds will come from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Disaster Management Ministry. Rashid noted that while full compensation may not be possible, the aid aims to ease the farmers’ distress.

He also mentioned that there is no shortage of sacrificial animals in the country, border markets have been closed, and imports of cattle have been restricted. Additionally, the issue of low potato prices was discussed, with plans to expand export-oriented potato cultivation for products like French fries and chips.

Widespread load-shedding in Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola has caused severe disruption to students, businesses, and residents. The outages have affected ongoing SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examinations, with power cuts even during exam hours. Evening blackouts have made it difficult for students to study, and candles are reportedly unavailable in local markets.

Residents complain that electricity often disappears even before clouds appear in the sky. On Saturday, power was out for 17 consecutive hours, and on Sunday for seven hours. The outages have halted operations in offices, banks, and businesses, while household appliances such as refrigerators and computers are being damaged. Business owners report that their work has nearly stopped, yet they still struggle to pay electricity bills on time.

The general manager of Bhola Palli Bidyut Samiti (Banglabazar) attributed the disruptions to storms and issues in the national grid line. The situation has also affected internet and mobile networks, leaving the area in near paralysis.

The construction of the 20-kilometer regional highway between Nabinagar and Ashuganj in Brahmanbaria remains unfinished after eight years. Approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2017, the project began on July 1, 2018, but only partial work has been completed. Heavy rainfall has worsened the condition of the unfinished road, creating large potholes and causing severe public suffering. The project’s term, set to expire in June this year, has been proposed for a two-year extension.

According to the Brahmanbaria Roads Department, land acquisition has become the main obstacle. Construction has stalled in several areas, including Krishnanagar, Birgaon, and Lalpur, where houses still occupy the road alignment. Landowners have refused to vacate their properties due to unpaid compensation. The acquisition process, covering 53 acres and 17.45 decimals of land with an estimated cost of Tk 296.62 crore, began in the 2022–23 fiscal year but remains entangled in legal disputes.

Local MP Advocate Abdul Mannan stated that efforts are underway to resolve the land acquisition complexities to expedite completion of the highway.

Australia and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy and critical minerals sectors as global trade faces disruptions from ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The agreement was signed in Canberra following a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Albanese said the initiative aims to protect both economies from future shocks and uncertainties.

Prime Minister Takaichi told reporters that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely affected the Indo-Pacific region, and both nations will maintain close communication to address the situation. Australia is Japan’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), while Japan provides about 7 percent of Australia’s diesel imports. Takaichi added that both countries will work to enhance self-reliance and capacity to ensure stable energy supplies.

According to the International Energy Agency, about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with roughly 80 percent destined for Asian countries. Recent restrictions by Iran following U.S. and Israeli attacks have disrupted global oil supply routes.

The article discusses the rapid expansion of e-commerce in Bangladesh and globally, highlighting how technology has transformed daily life and business practices. Online shopping has become a key part of modern living, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services easily from home through websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms. This shift has saved time and effort while enabling businesses to reach customers beyond local boundaries.

Despite its benefits, e-commerce faces several challenges. Consumers often cannot verify product quality before purchase, leading to trust issues and occasional fraud. Delayed or incorrect deliveries and technical disruptions also affect reliability. The article notes that in Bangladesh, young entrepreneurs are driving growth through social media-based ventures, supported by mobile banking systems that simplify online payments.

To ensure sustainable growth, the piece emphasizes the need for strong data protection, secure transactions, and ethical business practices. Government policy and public awareness are seen as essential for building a safe and trustworthy e-commerce environment that can further strengthen the national economy.

A rare comet will be visible in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere for the next two weeks before disappearing from view for approximately 170,000 years. According to astronomer Josh Aoraki of Auckland’s Te Whatu Stardome in New Zealand, the comet had been traveling through the Northern Hemisphere but is now visible in the south after orbiting the Sun.

Aoraki explained that the comet is bright but not visible to the naked eye, requiring binoculars, a telescope, or a camera to observe. He added that while it is not bright enough for unaided viewing, it is relatively easy to photograph. The comet’s brightness is expected to gradually fade over the coming two weeks.

Residents of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Pacific region are advised to look toward the western horizon shortly after sunset, ensuring an unobstructed view. The best viewing time will be within the first hour after the Sun sets.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast storms with wind speeds up to 60 kilometers per hour in seven districts by Monday evening. The warning, issued in a special advisory for inland river ports from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., covers Dhaka, Tangail, Mymensingh, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram, and Sylhet. These areas may experience temporary gusty or squally winds from the west or northwest, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms.

Due to the risk of rough weather, river ports in the affected regions have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one. The weather office has also urged vessels operating in these areas to navigate carefully to avoid accidents.

The advisory highlights the likelihood of heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the mentioned districts, prompting authorities and residents to remain alert throughout the day.