International crude oil prices rose on August 18 as concerns mounted over energy supplies from the Middle East. By 12 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time, Brent crude had gained 27 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $91.14 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 42 cents to $85.04 a barrel.

The increase followed fading prospects for an agreement between Iran and the United States to extend a ceasefire. Tensions in the region increased after Tehran announced it would take a more aggressive stance. Washington also ruled out the possibility of extending the ceasefire, raising concerns that conflict between the two countries could intensify again.

Earlier in the day, WTI had risen by more than 1 percent to $85.37 a barrel. In the previous session, Brent reached its highest level since late July. Market participants fear that a major disruption to oil supplies from the Middle East could push international crude prices higher.

Chittagong has suffered severe waterlogging during the current monsoon, while floods and landslides have killed more than 50 people across Chittagong division, according to an article by Dr. Md. Iqbal Sarwar of the University of Chittagong. He argues that heavy rain alone should not be blamed, pointing instead to mismanagement, poorly planned development and indiscriminate hill cutting as major drivers of the disaster.

The article says 30 minutes to one hour of rain can leave about 40 to 50 percent of the metropolitan area waterlogged. In some places, flooding lasts from 30 minutes to nearly eight hours, with depths ranging from 0.50 to 1.60 metres. Research cited by the writer attributes 63 percent of the city’s waterlogging causes to human activity, including inadequate drainage, uncleared canals and drains, filled water bodies, waste obstruction, unplanned infrastructure and land-use changes.

The government has allocated about Tk13,000 crore to four projects, but the benefits of a CDA waterlogging project, 95 percent complete by May 2026, remain uncertain. The writer calls for halting unplanned urbanisation, hill cutting and destruction of rivers, canals and water bodies, while protecting forests and preventing settlements on vulnerable slopes.

The Rural Development Academy, or RDA, has claimed success in pilot electricity generation using flywheel technology in Bandi Dighi, Erulia, Bogura. In a demonstration held last Sunday, electricity produced at the experimental plant was used to run two pumps and a welding machine. Officials involved said preliminary calculations indicate the technology could produce each unit of electricity for Tk1.50.

Acting RDA Director General Dr Md Abdul Majid Pramanik said a one-megawatt round-the-clock solar power installation would cost more than Tk100 crore, while an equivalent output using the flywheel system could be possible for Tk25 crore. He said work on the technology began in 2004, with new research prospects emerging after 2010. Flywheel technology is currently used in several countries, including the United States and China, according to him.

RDA has planned a full one-megawatt power plant and submitted the project to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and the Climate Trust. Researcher Dr Monirul Islam said wider public access to the low-cost electricity would be possible if funding and supporting equipment were secured. Bogura-6 lawmaker Rezaul Karim Badsha described the initiative as promising and pledged government support.

Illegal sand and soil trading is allegedly continuing on terminal land and riverbanks at Paturia Ghat in Shibaloy, Manikganj, according to a report published on August 18. The activity is said to endanger the ferry terminal, river port and surrounding areas through erosion, with local residents fearing increased risks during the current monsoon season. The report says erosion has already begun in the area.

A field visit found at least five illegal sand depots on BIWTA foreshores near the ferry terminal. The report alleges that excavators are used overnight to remove sand and soil from riverbank areas for sale after occupying government land. Businessman Mintu Kazi said extraction from the river and adjoining areas is prohibited but continues. The Shibaloy Model Union Parishad chairman said sand-carrying vehicles damaged a union road and that repeated requests for administrative intervention had not brought relief.

Aricha and Paturia river port officer Subrata Roy said authorities are preparing a list of illegal depots and will conduct an eviction drive soon. Shibaloy Upazila Nirbahi Officer Monisha Rani Karmakar said mobile courts have been conducted against illegal soil traders and will continue. BIWTC Chairman ATM Abdul Bari Dany visited the ghat on August 15.

Farmers in Barura upazila of Cumilla are reporting a bumper sugarcane harvest this season, with higher market prices than last year boosting their expected returns. Published on August 18, 2026, the report said harvesting is under way across local fields. Farmers are showing growing interest in sugarcane cultivation because it is seen as offering comparatively higher profits at lower costs than other crops.

Sugarcane has been widely cultivated in Shilmuri North and South, Bhabanipur, Aganagar, Jhalam and Barura municipality. About 350 farmers planted the crop on roughly 147 hectares, with an output target of 15,000 to 16,000 tonnes, according to agriculture department and local farmer estimates. The main varieties are BSRI-47, BSRI-43 and BSRI-46, with BSRI-47, also known locally as CU-208, the most widely grown because of demand for its sweetness and taste.

Wholesale prices now range from Tk65 to Tk70 per cane, while retail prices reach Tk90 to Tk100 depending on size and quality. Upazila agriculture officer Zahidul Islam said farmers receive advice on proper use of organic fertilizer and pesticides, although no special benefits are provided specifically for sugarcane cultivation.

Residents of Fulbaria in Mymensingh are facing increased hardship as a gas shortage has pushed up CNG auto-rickshaw fares and household cooking-gas costs. In a report published on August 17, passengers said commuting to workplaces and other destinations has become more expensive, while complaints of extra charges have emerged on several local routes. Drivers say fuel scarcity and higher operating costs have forced them to raise fares.

Fares from Fulbaria Old Bus Stand to the Mymensingh-Dhaka bypass and from Fulbaria to the old bus stand rose from Tk50 to Tk60. The fare from Fulbaria to Achim Bazar increased from Tk40 to Tk50. Drivers said they need Tk300 to Tk400 worth of gas daily, but one driver reported receiving only Tk120 worth after waiting from morning until afternoon at a Mymensingh gas station.

Passengers said the higher fares are straining household budgets, while drivers said they must sometimes buy more expensive LPG. CNG station master Insan Ali said fares would return to previous levels if gas supplies normalize. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahidul Islam Sohag said action would be taken if excessive fares or inflated cylinder prices are proven.

The government has moved to buy five cargoes of liquefied natural gas through international tenders to meet domestic energy demand, at an estimated cost of about Tk1,100 crore. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division’s proposal was placed before the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase for approval. The LNG is planned for delivery in August and September 2026 through an international quotation collection process.

The proposed delivery windows are August 23-24, August 26-27, August 29-30, September 1-2 and September 4-5, with one cargo scheduled for each period. The proposal names UK-based Blackcube International Limited and Oman-based Maxwell International SPC as the lowest bidders. Prices were determined using Platts’ published Japan Korea Marker, or JKM, energy price index.

For deliveries on August 23-24 and September 4-5, prices were set at $21.88 and $21.78 per MMBtu respectively, with the two cargoes valued at about Tk540 crore. Separate proposals also considered three additional LNG cargoes for August. Officials said a $15.50-per-MMBtu rate for deliveries on August 17-18 and August 22-23 reflected market conditions, high spot-market prices, supply risks and negotiations. Imports will begin quickly if approved.

Bangladesh’s cabinet approved a proposal to waive import duties and taxes on green chilies and tomatoes at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday. A cabinet press release, reported on August 17, 2026, said the measure aims to reduce prices of the two essential agricultural products and ensure uninterrupted market supply.

Under the proposal, the total tax burden will be reduced from 61 percent to 20.5 percent during the first month after issuance of the notification, and to 31 percent in the following month. The release cited seasonal production patterns, natural disasters, adverse weather, supply disruptions and production shortfalls as factors that can cause unusually high market prices and add financial pressure on consumers.

The cabinet also approved a draft law to abolish the existing Rapid Action Battalion law and establish a Special Response Battalion, or SRB, under the police force. It further decided to treat fiscal year 2027-28 as a nine-month transitional fiscal year, from July to March, before shifting government operations to an April-March fiscal year from 2028-29.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, known as DUCSU, created more than 430 job opportunities for Dhaka University students at 31 Chinese companies. The openings were offered during the Sino-Bangla Day 2026 job fair at the university’s Teacher-Student Centre grounds on August 17. Thousands of job seekers attended the daylong event and submitted CVs at company booths.

The fair was jointly initiated by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh and Dhaka University, and organized by DUCSU and the Confucius Institute. Running from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., it included 31 Chinese companies from technology and other sectors. The participating companies initially collected CVs from more than 400 candidates.

DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem said the union undertook the initiative amid institutional failures to create employment opportunities for young people. Organizers said qualified candidates would be selected in stages after initial screening, interviews and other recruitment procedures. The event also featured cultural performances, including lion dance, tai chi, and songs from China and Bangladesh. DUCSU International Secretary Khan Jasim said organizers would seek to arrange similar events in the future.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry urged direct business contact and joint investment between Bangladeshi and Chinese entrepreneurs to reduce Bangladesh’s trade deficit with China. FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque made the call at a meeting with a business delegation from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade at the federation’s Motijheel office on Monday afternoon, August 17, 2026.

Hoque said Bangladesh imports a large volume of goods from China. Bilateral trade between the two countries is close to $20 billion, but Bangladesh faces a substantial trade deficit, while its annual exports to China are valued at less than $1 billion. He called for identifying promising sectors for joint trade and said the Chinese delegation’s visit could expand bilateral trade, raise Bangladeshi export prospects in China, and support increased investment.

Bangladeshi business representatives invited joint investment in food processing, medical devices and accessories, pharmaceuticals and APIs, renewable energy, jute, and jute products. He Tao, director of the Bureau of Commerce of China’s Honghe region, expressed interest in increasing bilateral trade and investment, citing easier import-export procedures and new business opportunities as key goals.

A severe gas shortage across Bangladesh has nearly halted production at textile mills, dyeing and finishing plants and other industries, according to a report published on August 17. Gas pressure began improving in some areas from Sunday afternoon, but supplies had not returned to normal in places including Bhaluka in Mymensingh and Sreepur in Gazipur. Industry owners described the roughly 20-day disruption as unprecedented, citing factory closures, reduced output and delayed deliveries.

Bangladesh currently needs 3,800 million cubic feet of gas daily but has supply capacity of 2,700 to 2,800 million cubic feet. A fire shut one LNG terminal on July 21, worsening the shortage, although both LNG terminals were operating on Sunday. Experts said the deeper problem is declining production from older domestic fields without sufficient output from new fields or wells.

Industry associations said factories are operating below capacity, while air shipments and overtime are increasing costs. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said resolving the energy crisis could take at least two years. Experts urged higher domestic gas production, bringing Bhola gas into the national grid and improving energy efficiency.

Stakeholders called for a modern organisational structure, skilled workforce and stronger research infrastructure for the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission at a discussion meeting held on August 16. The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientists Association organised the event at the Dr Anwar Hossain Auditorium of the commission’s headquarters, focusing on the institution’s current status, challenges and required actions.

In his keynote paper, Dr A. S. M. Saifullah said nuclear science and technology are strategically important for Bangladesh’s science, technology and innovation-driven development, with applications in agriculture, medicine, food and energy security, industry and the environment. He said the commission’s organisational structure, dating from 1985, does not match its expanded activities and workforce. He also cited shortcomings in scientific career tracks, promotion and professional recognition.

Speakers stressed stronger independent technical assessment and oversight capacity as the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant moves toward commercial operation. They also highlighted developing the commission into a national technical support organisation for future plants, small modular reactors, the fuel cycle and radioactive waste management. Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and adviser Rehan Asif Asad pledged government support for the commission’s capacity and research activities.

A daylong Sino-Bangla Day 2026 job fair was held Monday at the Teacher-Student Centre premises of Dhaka University, offering about 430 job opportunities for students. The event was a joint initiative of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh and Dhaka University, organized by DUCSU and the Confucius Institute. It ran from 10:30am to 5pm.

DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayeem said the government and universities had failed to address unemployment among young people in the country. He said DUCSU organized the fair out of a sense of responsibility to support youth employment. Referring to a recent visit to China by DUCSU leaders, he said they worked on improving people-to-people connections between Bangladesh and Chinese universities, student unions, and public and private institutions.

The report said 30 to 40 leading Chinese companies participated, while Kayeem said 31 major Chinese technology and other companies joined the fair. Thousands of students attended voluntarily, and more than 400 candidates' CVs were initially collected. Organizers and participating companies assured that qualified candidates would be recruited by companies in stages.

Bangladesh’s proposed ninth pay scale recommends raising the basic salaries of government employees by up to 100 percent across all grades from one to 20. The plan, reported on August 17, 2026, envisages implementation in two phases: basic pay in the first year and house rent and other allowances in the second year.

All members of the secretaries’ committee have signed the final report on the ninth pay scale, advancing the implementation process. Details were included in an e-book published by the Prime Minister’s Office marking 180 days of the government. The 2026-27 fiscal year allocation for salaries and allowances is Tk89,836 crore, rising to Tk141,434 crore when pensions and gratuities are included.

The Zakir Ahmed Khan Commission had proposed retaining the existing 20 grades while increasing salaries and allowances by 100 to 140 percent. It recommended lifting the minimum basic salary from Tk8,250 to Tk20,000 and the maximum from Tk78,000 to Tk160,000. The final increase rate, implementation schedule and allowance structure remain subject to the government’s next decision.

Bangladesh Bank has revised allocation rates for Shariah-based sukuk bonds across investor categories, according to a circular issued on Monday and reported on August 17, 2026. The maximum allocation for Shariah-based banks, financial institutions and insurance companies has been set at 50 percent, down from 80 percent previously. The change redistributes portions of the sukuk offering among a wider range of eligible investors.

The allocation for Islamic banking branches and windows operated by conventional banks has increased to 30 percent from 5 percent. The circular said this will allow such branches and windows to invest in a significant share of sukuk. Conventional banks, financial and insurance companies, provident funds, deposit insurance institutions, investment companies, corporate entities, charity funds and other institutional investors will receive a combined 10 percent allocation.

Individual depositors will also have 10 percent of sukuk reserved for them. Under the instructions, allocations must follow investors' liabilities or participation ratios based on total bids. If bids in a category are below its prescribed proportion, sukuk may be allocated according to submitted bid amounts. Any unused sukuk may then be distributed among other eligible investors.