International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol has said that energy production across the Middle East, heavily damaged by the ongoing Iran war and subsequent attacks, could take about two years to return to normal levels. Speaking to a Swiss media outlet, Birol explained that the recovery timeline will vary by country, with some nations requiring more time than others to restore their energy infrastructure.

Birol noted that Iraq, for example, will need significantly more time than Saudi Arabia to resume pre-war production levels. He emphasized that, overall, the region’s energy output is expected to take roughly two years to reach the levels seen before the conflict began.

The IEA’s assessment highlights the scale of disruption caused by the conflict and underscores the challenges facing regional energy recovery efforts.

Bangladesh currently has the highest fuel reserves in its history, according to State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit. During a visit to the Eastern Refinery in Patenga, Chattogram on Friday, he said the existing stock of refined fuel is sufficient to meet national demand for April and May. He added that the government is actively managing supply amid global concerns over fuel availability caused by conflict in the Middle East.

The minister explained that Bangladesh is sourcing fuel from both traditional and alternative suppliers to ensure stability. The country now has capacity to meet more than six weeks of demand and is working to secure supplies for June. Refining operations at Eastern Refinery have slowed due to reduced crude reserves, prompting the government to focus on importing refined fuel. Maintenance work is underway on two refinery units, which are expected to resume full production once new crude shipments arrive.

Amit also announced that the second unit of Eastern Refinery is scheduled to begin operations in 2029, which he said will further reduce future fuel supply risks.

A severe fuel shortage has caused widespread disruption across Dhaka, with motorists waiting for hours at petrol pumps without getting fuel. Many ride-share drivers have been unable to work, while others have switched to using the metro to avoid the long queues. On Thursday, long lines of motorcycles and private cars stretched up to two kilometers at several filling stations, with many returning empty-handed as supplies ran out. Some stations have closed entirely due to lack of fuel.

Petrol pump owners reported receiving significantly less fuel than usual, forcing them to turn away customers. At some stations, tensions flared as drivers argued and fought over access to fuel, prompting police deployment at multiple locations including Motijheel and Arambagh. The congestion around operating pumps has also caused severe traffic jams in surrounding areas.

The shortage has led to a surge in metro ridership as commuters seek alternatives to private vehicles. Many residents said they preferred public transport to avoid the frustration and time loss of waiting in long lines under the hot weather.

Once a clear and vibrant natural reservoir, Foy’s Lake in Chattogram has become heavily polluted and toxic due to years of environmental mismanagement, encroachment, and industrial activity. The century-old lake, formerly home to at least 50 species of wildlife and a key water source for thousands, now shows signs of severe ecological collapse. Following a 2005 lease agreement between Bangladesh Railway and Concord Group for tourism development, unregulated construction, hill cutting, and motorized boat operations have destroyed the lake’s natural balance.

Field inspections and laboratory tests by Chattogram WASA and Railway labs found alarming levels of chemical contamination, with biological oxygen demand dropping and chemical oxygen demand rising sharply. Experts report that most aquatic plants and animals have vanished, and the lake’s water has turned green-gray with oil layers blocking oxygen flow. Despite a 2017 lease cancellation, Concord continues operations under legal protection, while illegal settlements and waste dumping persist around the lake.

Environmentalists and legal experts warn that the situation poses serious public health risks and call for immediate enforcement of environmental and lease conditions to restore the lake’s ecosystem.

Bangladesh’s domestic debt has reached Tk 10.94 trillion by the end of January 2026, according to a Bangladesh Bank report released on Thursday. The figure stood at Tk 9.42 trillion a year earlier, marking an increase of Tk 1.51 trillion within twelve months. During the first seven months of the current fiscal year, the government borrowed Tk 72,647 crore from domestic sources, up from Tk 40,144 crore in the same period of the previous year.

The report shows that Tk 64,923 crore was borrowed from the banking sector and Tk 7,723 crore from non-bank sources. Sector insiders attributed the rise to borrowing during the interim government period to cover election expenses, new bank investments, and operational costs amid lower-than-expected revenue collection. The interim government’s Tk 7.9 trillion budget projected a deficit of Tk 2.21 trillion, or 3.5 percent of GDP, with plans to borrow Tk 1.25 trillion domestically.

By March 30, 2026, total bank borrowing had already exceeded the annual target, reaching Tk 6.56 trillion. The government’s foreign debt stood at Tk 9.49 trillion as of June 2025.

Four large diesel-laden ships are arriving at Chattogram Port between Friday, April 17, and the following Sunday, carrying around 141,000 tons of diesel. The consignment aims to stabilize Bangladesh’s fuel supply amid recent disruptions. Officials expect that once distribution begins, uncertainty in the transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors will ease significantly. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) estimates the new supply will meet national demand for about 12 days.

According to the Chattogram Port Authority, three ships—MT Oaktree, MT Cape Bonny, and MT Lian Song Hu—are scheduled to anchor on Friday, while the fourth, MT Golden Horizon, will arrive on Sunday. Pride Shipping Lines’ managing director confirmed that the vessels are arriving on schedule and that quick unloading will accelerate fuel distribution.

BPC officials reported that the country’s diesel stock has risen from 155,000 tons to about 296,000 tons, extending reserve capacity from 13 to 25 days. Diesel accounts for roughly 63 percent of Bangladesh’s total fuel demand, projected at 4.35 million tons for fiscal year 2024–25.

Turkiye’s leading missile manufacturer Roketsan is aiming to become one of the world’s top 10 defence exporters amid rising global demand for air defence and missile systems. The company, which currently exports to around 50 countries and ranks 71st among global defence firms, plans to expand mass production following the inauguration of new facilities by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Roketsan’s General Manager Murat Ikinci said the firm’s growth strategy is driven by lessons from recent conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and between Israel and Iran, which have underscored the importance of drone and hypersonic technologies.

Turkiye’s defence industry expansion accelerated after Western sanctions and embargoes restricted access to foreign systems, prompting the country to develop a domestic ecosystem of nearly 4,000 local suppliers. With a local production rate exceeding 90 percent, the sector reported $10 billion in exports in 2025. Roketsan employs 3,200 engineers and is the third-largest R&D institution in Turkiye, focusing on systems such as the ALKA and BURC air defences and the Tayfun hypersonic missile.

As global stockpiles of advanced weapon systems decline, Roketsan is positioning itself to fill supply gaps, offering joint production partnerships to allies in the Middle East, Far East, and Europe.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, announced that the country currently has full fuel reserves for April and May. He made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists after inspecting Eastern Refinery Limited in Chattogram. The minister added that efforts are underway to secure adequate reserves for June to maintain uninterrupted energy supply.

He claimed that Bangladesh now holds the highest fuel reserves in its history. The government is working to import both refined and crude fuel from alternative sources to strengthen supply security. According to the minister, refined fuel supply is being expanded, and initiatives have been taken to import crude oil for Eastern Refinery from countries including Malaysia.

The announcement reflects the government’s ongoing strategy to ensure energy stability and diversify import sources amid rising demand across the country.

A new survey titled “Measurement of ICT Access and Use” released on Thursday at the BBS office in Agargaon, Dhaka, shows that while over half of Bangladesh’s population now uses the internet, significant disparities and skill limitations persist. The survey found that 53.4 percent of people use the internet, but most users’ digital abilities are limited to basic tasks such as copy-paste. A sharp divide remains between urban and rural areas, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages, a gap of 32.1 percentage points.

The survey also revealed that Dhaka Division has the highest internet access, while Panchagarh lags behind. Only 11.3 percent of people use computers, though 88.4 percent use mobile phones and 64.4 percent own one. In the past three months, 64.4 percent of users searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and only 11.6 percent shopped online. While 78.5 percent said they could respond to cyberattacks, half identified viruses and malware as major threats.

High internet costs remain a key barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as the main reason for not using the internet.

Saudi Arabia has announced an $8 billion financial support package for Pakistan, including an additional $3 billion deposit and an extension of an existing $5 billion deposit. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the initiative aims to reinforce Pakistan’s economic stability and enhance its resilience amid global economic changes. The State Bank of Pakistan confirmed via social media that it has already received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance, effective until April 15, 2026, to bolster the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The announcement followed a meeting in Jeddah between Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pakistan is currently preparing to repay $3.5 billion in loans to the United Arab Emirates by the end of this month and expects an additional $5 billion in support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan repaid $1.4 billion in foreign debt last week.

Pakistan’s foreign reserves stand at about $21.89 billion, with $16.4 billion held by the central bank and $5.49 billion by commercial banks, reflecting ongoing pressure from high import costs and external debt obligations.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s Special Assistant for Investment and Capital Market Affairs, Tanvir Gani, held a meeting with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting took place at the BSEC headquarters in Agargaon and was attended by BSEC Chairman Khandaker Rashed Maksud, Commissioners M. Mohsin Chowdhury, Md. Ali Akbar, Farzana Lalarukh, and Md. Saifuddin, among others.

During the session, BSEC presented an overview of its role, institutional structure, regulatory framework, and the broader capital market ecosystem. The presentation also covered the commission’s key initiatives, achievements, and future plans related to implementing the government’s election manifesto. Tanvir Gani was briefed on recent BSEC measures aimed at reforming and ensuring sustainable development of the capital market.

The special assistant inquired about various aspects of the market, signaling continued coordination between the Prime Minister’s Office and the regulatory body on capital market development.

The government of Bangladesh has set a target to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power by 2030. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani announced the plan during a briefing at the Secretariat following a cabinet meeting on Thursday night. The estimated production cost is expected to range between four and eight taka per unit. The initiative also includes discussions on biogas and wind energy as part of the broader renewable energy expansion.

According to the cabinet secretary, the government will use state-owned land to implement large-scale renewable energy projects, allowing participation from private investors. A committee has been formed to begin work shortly after final approval, with possible policy revisions and new legislation to expedite implementation. The government aims to simplify existing policies to create a more investment-friendly environment.

Dr. Gani added that both small and large-scale projects are being considered on government land near educational institutions and hospitals. The government also plans to increase private sector involvement in major power projects while ensuring easier investment procedures with state support.

International oil prices declined after Asian markets opened, driven by optimism that the ongoing Middle East conflict could end soon following the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. As of 00:21 GMT on Friday, Brent crude futures dropped by more than one percent to 98.05 dollars per barrel, while U.S. crude prices fell below 94 dollars.

Earlier in March, oil prices had surged nearly 50 percent to record highs amid tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Recently, prices have fallen below 100 dollars, though they have remained around the 90-dollar range throughout the week. The easing of geopolitical risks has contributed to the latest downward trend.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American officials may meet Iranian representatives in Pakistan this week, a potential diplomatic initiative that has drawn investor attention and added a positive tone to market sentiment.

A new survey released on Thursday at the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics office in Agargaon revealed that internet usage in Bangladesh has grown significantly, with 53.4 percent of the population now online. However, the study found major disparities in both access and digital skills. While most users can perform basic tasks like copy-paste, advanced digital literacy remains limited. The gap between urban and rural internet use stands at 32.1 percent, with 75.7 percent of city residents online compared to only 43.6 percent in villages.

Regionally, Dhaka Division recorded the highest internet penetration, while Panchagarh ranked lowest. In terms of computer use, Dhaka households lead, whereas Thakurgaon lags behind. The survey also found that 88.4 percent of people use mobile phones, but only 11.3 percent use computers. Among internet users, 64.4 percent searched for government job information, 49.8 percent for sports, and 11.6 percent shopped online.

High internet costs remain a major barrier to digital inclusion, with 43.6 percent of respondents citing price as a reason for not using the internet.

A workshop titled “Use of Innovative Automated Technology for Rapid Breeding and Year-Round Sustainable Crop Production through Controlled Environment Agricultural Research” was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) on Thursday morning. The event marked the formal launch of an initiative aimed at integrating advanced automation technologies with controlled-environment agriculture to accelerate crop breeding cycles and ensure sustainable production throughout the year. The workshop was organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project and took place at the university’s old auditorium.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman attended as chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad as special guests. Representatives from major agricultural research institutions and seed companies, along with university faculty, researchers, and students, participated. The keynote presentation by Dr. Mohammad Sharif Raihan outlined the project’s objectives, activities, and future plans.

An open discussion session followed, focusing on the project’s potential, challenges, and ways to enhance GAKRUBI’s research impact nationally and internationally. The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to collaboration and innovation in agricultural research.