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.

Turkey has moved from heavy dependence on foreign weapons and military equipment to producing its own fighter jets, drones, warships, missiles, tanks and advanced defense technologies, according to a report published on August 18, 2026. Ankara is also strengthening its position among major global arms exporters. The number of defense companies has risen from 56 in 2002 to more than 4,500, while defense projects increased from 62 to nearly 1,400.

The total value of those projects has grown from $5.5 billion to more than $100 billion. Defense and aerospace exports rose from $248 million in 2002 to $10.05 billion in 2025. During the first seven months of this year, Turkey exported $5.79 billion in military and aerospace goods, with an annualized figure of about $11.2 billion through July. The report says Turkey is now the world’s 11th-largest defense exporter.

Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2, Akinci and Kizilelma drones feature prominently in the country’s defense development. Turkish Aerospace’s KAAN fighter first flew in February 2024, and Indonesia has agreed to buy 48 aircraft, the report said. Domestic technology use has exceeded 85 percent, while Turkish defense products are exported to about 185 countries.

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.

A series of strong earthquakes in Indonesia, Colombia and Mexico over the past month has raised questions about whether the world is experiencing more earthquakes than before. Three earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher struck those countries, while Venezuela had two major earthquakes within seconds of each other in June. However, data available through mid-August 2026 indicate that recent activity remains within normal fluctuations rather than showing an unusual long-term increase.

From 2016 to 2025, the world recorded an average of 133 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher each year. There were 99 such earthquakes in 2024, compared with a high of 157 in 2021. By mid-August this year, 91 magnitude-6-or-higher earthquakes had been recorded worldwide, including 11 of magnitude 7 or above. Scientists say the pace is slightly higher than the recent decade but not abnormal, and no magnitude 8 or 9 mega-earthquake has occurred this year.

USGS data show that about 20,000 earthquakes are recorded globally each year, or roughly 55 a day, though most are too weak to be felt. Damage also depends on depth, proximity to populated areas, building quality and soil conditions. Scientists cannot precisely predict timing, but risk assessment, stronger construction and early-warning systems can help save lives.

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.

Disney has released the first footage from “Frozen 3,” the third installment of the popular animated franchise, with a theatrical release planned for November 24, 2027. The preview was shown recently at Disney’s D23 fan event, attended by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, the voices of Anna and Elsa. Bell said the two sisters will embark on the biggest adventure of their lives in the new film.

A central attraction of the story will be the long-awaited royal wedding of Anna and Kristoff, bringing a festive atmosphere to Arendelle. The footage also hints at the possibility of romance in Olaf’s life. But the celebration is disrupted when a mysterious new character appears on the way to the wedding in a snow-covered, rugged mountain area.

The character tells the sisters, “The two sisters of Arendelle, at last we meet,” signaling a new conflict. Menzel, Bell, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff return as Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. The film was initially planned for release in 2026 but was delayed by a year. Gad said the filmmakers do not want to rush and aim to preserve the story and emotion of the first two films.

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.

The theatre group Swapnadal has organized the three-day “Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Birth Festival 2026” to mark the 77th birth anniversary of playwright Selim Al Deen. The festival is scheduled for August 18 and August 20-21 at Jahangirnagar University and the Studio Theatre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Its stated slogan highlights the Bengali theatre tradition and the paths of Rabindranath Tagore and Selim Al Deen.

On August 18, a remembrance procession will leave the old arts building at Jahangirnagar University at 10 a.m., followed by floral tributes at the dramatist’s grave. On August 20, the Studio Theatre will host the 124th and 125th performances of Tagore’s verse drama “Chitrangada.” The closing day, August 21, will feature the 52nd and 53rd performances of Selim Al Deen’s “Hargaj.”

Both productions were directed by Zahid Ripon and created through a laboratory method in a traditional Bengali theatrical style. “Chitrangada” explores tensions in male-female psychological and physical relations and crises of self-identity. “Hargaj” draws on the devastating 1989 Manikganj tornado. Selim Al Deen was born on August 18, 1949, and died on January 14, 2008. The event is Swapnadal’s 34th festival.

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.

Artist Concetta Antico says she sees subtle red, blue and green hues within ordinary shadows that her students did not perceive. Genetic testing later indicated that she may have tetrachromacy, a visual trait linked to the possible presence of a fourth type of cone cell in addition to the three cone types found in most people. In theory, the additional cell could send a wider range of signals to the brain and support finer color discrimination.

Research cited from Newcastle University’s tetrachromacy project suggests that about 12 percent of women may carry genetic traits associated with producing four cone types, although rates can differ among populations. Having the gene or an extra cone cell does not by itself establish that someone sees more colors. Dr Kimberly A. Jameson of UC Irvine says functional tetrachromacy refers to demonstrably enhanced color discrimination, but proving it is difficult.

Scientists disagree on whether tetrachromats perceive entirely new colors or simply distinguish more subtle differences within familiar colors. Online tests cannot reliably diagnose the condition because most screens use only red, green and blue channels. Experts say genetic testing and laboratory-based assessments are comparatively more reliable, while the process through which retinal tetrachromacy becomes functional tetrachromacy remains incompletely understood.

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.