Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said closer partnerships with US businesses and investors could significantly support Bangladesh’s economic growth, job creation, and exchanges of technology and knowledge. He made the remarks during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office on August 12, 2026, with a high-level US business delegation.

The delegation, led by US-Bangladesh Business Council President Atul Keshap, held a courtesy meeting with the adviser and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. Kabir said Bangladesh is passing through an important phase of economic transformation and that new opportunities are emerging. He cited the countries’ longstanding multidimensional relationship and said expanded economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, would strengthen the partnership.

The sides discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, increasing economic cooperation, and using Bangladesh’s investment potential. They also exchanged views on US investment and cooperation opportunities in industry and infrastructure, energy, technology, the digital economy, healthcare, and other promising sectors. Keshap expressed interest in Bangladesh’s economic potential and investment opportunities, emphasizing wider cooperation between the two countries’ private sectors.

Bangladesh’s Dhaka Stock Exchange saw a strong early rise on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, before broad selling in the final hour pushed most share and unit prices lower. All DSE indices ended down, while trading turnover also declined compared with the previous trading day.

Nearly all issues opened higher, lifting the DSE’s main index by as much as 40 points at one stage. The market began to reverse around 12:30pm as issues moved from the gainers’ list to the losers’ list. By the close, 119 issues gained, 231 declined and 35 remained unchanged.

The DSEX fell 6 points to 5,897, while the DSE-30 dropped 4 points to 2,200 and the DSE Shariah index slipped 1 point to 1,180. DSE turnover totaled Tk1,073.73 crore, down Tk41.69 crore from the previous session. At the Chittagong Stock Exchange, the CASPI rose 37 points; 92 issues gained, 114 fell and 31 were unchanged, with turnover of Tk17.99 crore.

Salman Shah’s mother, Neela Chowdhury, has said there was no romantic relationship between the late Bangladeshi actor and his frequent co-star Shabnur. In remarks reported on August 12, 2026, she said Salman, who had no sister of his own, treated Shabnur like a younger sister and affectionately called her “Pichchi.”

Chowdhury said Shabnur relied on Salman for various needs and that he looked after her like an elder brother. She argued that people and media outlets at the time misinterpreted their close relationship and spread romance rumours. Shabnur had previously denied the claims several times, describing Salman as a respected senior co-star and elder brother, and saying the false rumours caused her mental distress during her career.

Salman acted in 27 films during his short career, with Shabnur starring opposite him in 14 of them. Their pairing began with “Tumi Amar” and later featured commercially successful films including “Sujon Sokhi” and “Anondo Oshru.” The old controversy resurfaced recently following the arrest of villain actor Don, nearly three decades after Salman’s mysterious death on September 6, 1996.

National Krishak Shakti has called for farmer interests, transparency and accountability in implementing the revised Integrated Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution Policy-2025. In a joint statement published on August 12, convenor Saeed Ujjwal and member secretary agriculturist Golam Mortuza Selis presented eight proposals to address fertilizer shortages. They called for an accessible farmer complaint system, strict penalties for overpricing, hoarding and harassment, and immediate cancellation of dealership licences when irregularities are proven.

The group said DAP fertilizer, officially priced at Tk1,050, has reportedly been sold for Tk1,700 to Tk2,200 in several areas. It demanded an investigation and action against those responsible. It also warned that dealership redistribution could create disorder in the fertilizer market and an artificial shortage during the Aman season. The organization welcomed ending multiple dealerships within one family and reorganizing dealer units in unions and municipalities, but rejected the decision to abolish sub-dealer and retail systems.

National Krishak Shakti proposed priority for interested farmers in sub-dealer appointments, incentives for organic fertilizer use and retention of all agriculture-related subsidies. It urged full digitalization of fertilizer supply, stock and sales using smart agriculture card data. The group also called for eligible existing retailers to receive priority as authorized sales representatives, while others should receive low-interest loans, training and rehabilitation support.

Japan has suspended imports of Indian mangoes after quarantine inspectors found flaws in disinfection, pesticide control and certification procedures at a vapour heat treatment centre in Rehmanpur village, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Yokohama’s plant protection authority said it would not accept Indian mango consignments carrying inspection certificates issued on or after March 25 until it is assured that procedures have improved. The report was published on August 12, 2026.

The suspension affects six mango varieties: Alphonso, Kesar, Langra, Banganapalli, Chausa and Mallika, during the key April-to-June export season. Japan imported about $1.54 million in fresh and processed mangoes from India in fiscal 2025-26. Exporter Vikram Shah and Ratnagiri farmer Rajesh Patil said access to Japan’s strict market had required years of investment, while mango prices there were roughly double local-market prices.

China cancelled import licences for three Indian rice exporters on April 17, citing the presence of genetically modified organisms in rice consignments. Hong Kong has banned some Indian spices over pesticide residues, while the European Union has increased monitoring of Indian cumin. Experts cited fragmented supply chains, weak traceability and testing shortcomings. A trade department official said steps are being taken to upgrade laboratories and strengthen oversight.

Bangladesh Bank has cancelled the remaining term of Chief Economist Dr Mohammad Akhtar Hossain’s contractual appointment, according to a notification issued Wednesday by the central bank’s Human Resources Department-1. The notification said the cancellation of his remaining contract term will take effect from September 10, 2026.

Dr Akhtar Hossain was appointed chief economist of Bangladesh Bank on a two-year contract on July 1 last year. About 10 months remained before the scheduled end of that appointment, but the central bank moved to end the contractual engagement before its completion.

As chief economist, Dr Akhtar Hossain advised the Bangladesh Bank governor and board of directors on the country’s macroeconomy, monetary policy and stability of the banking sector. The report describes the position as highly important for economic policymaking. The notification did not state a reason for cancelling the contract’s remaining term.

Eighty rural electricity cooperatives in Bangladesh have sought police protection for their offices and grid substations amid fears of attacks linked to worsening load shedding. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Association sent a letter to the inspector general of police on Wednesday, citing rising public anger over supply disruptions caused by an energy shortage and severe heat.

The association said electricity generation has been disrupted relative to demand, reducing supply nationwide, especially in rural areas served by the cooperatives. It said some substation offices had already faced attacks. Rural electricity cooperatives serve about 40 million of the country’s 52 million customers, or 80 percent, and distribute about 60 percent of generated electricity. The group stressed that the cooperatives do not generate power; they supply electricity based on allocations.

Over recent days, average demand from the cooperatives was about 8,000 to 9,000 megawatts, while average allocations were only 5,000 to 6,000 megawatts, the association said. It reported daily outages of eight, 10 or 12 hours in some places. The letter requested instructions to local law-enforcement agencies to strengthen security at every cooperative’s grid substations and offices.

The government has set new operating hours for shopping malls, markets and shops across Bangladesh to conserve electricity and promote restrained fuel use. A directive was issued on Wednesday night by the Coordination-2 branch of the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Under the decision, the establishments may remain open from 11am until 8pm.

The previous government decision had allowed shopping malls, markets and shops to stay open until 9pm. The new directive also requires illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7pm and orders all decorative lighting to be turned off. Relevant parties were instructed to take effective measures against unnecessary lighting and wastage of electricity.

The decision applies as well to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural events in different parts of the country. Organizers have been directed to make arrangements to end such events by 8pm. Restaurants, hospitals and pharmacies are exempted from the time restriction in consideration of the public’s emergency needs and may continue their operations as required.

A severe storm on Monday night flattened most of a 30-decimal sugarcane field owned by farmer Md Jahangir Alam in Balikhara village of Burichang upazila, Cumilla. Alam said the damage has shattered his hopes of a good harvest after a year of work and borrowed investment. He fears losses exceeding Tk 100,000 after finding much of his crop lying on the ground the following morning.

Alam said he had taken loans of more than Tk 100,000 to cultivate the sugarcane, expecting crop sales to repay the debt and cover family expenses. On Tuesday afternoon, he was trying to raise the fallen stalks in his field. Local farmers Solaiman and Sohel Rana said he would face substantial losses because the crop had been planted with borrowed money, and called for government support.

Burichang Upazila Agriculture Officer Afrina Akter said officials would inspect the damaged field and assess the losses. She said the relevant authorities would be informed about providing agricultural advice and bringing the affected farmer under government assistance, depending on the situation. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir Hossain also said the administration would seek information about the farmer and try to provide necessary assistance.

The government of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a pilot project to collect cow urine from farmers in 15 villages in Buland city. Published on August 12, 2026, the report said roughly 500 litres are currently being collected each day. The villages have also received tanks with a capacity of 200 litres.

The government plans to collect cow urine at 20 rupees per litre in the future. The project is intended to provide farmers with additional income, create employment for rural women and help support the upkeep of non-milking cattle. About 300 women have joined the initiative and have been made shareholders of an FPO.

Women assisting with collection receive a commission of two rupees per litre. The collected material is planned for use as an agricultural raw material to develop alternatives to chemical fertilisers and farm inputs. If the pilot succeeds, a separate policy will be formulated for statewide implementation. The Samajwadi Party called the initiative a scam and alleged it was aimed at raising election funds, while the BJP rejected the charge.

Local firefighters and residents have accused the Israeli military of deliberately causing wildfires in southern Lebanon through attacks and shelling. The Guardian reported on August 12, 2026, that fires have spread through forests, olive groves and farmland despite a ceasefire, allegedly due to drones, incendiary shells and flares.

Hussein Fakih, head of Civil Defense in the Nabatieh area, said most recent operations had become limited to firefighting. He said about 30 to 40 percent of land in border areas had been damaged by fire. Environmentalists described the fires as part of a long-running pattern of environmental destruction in southern Lebanon.

They said damage to forests, ancient olive trees and wildlife habitats threatens biodiversity and local livelihoods. Hafez Ghasham of Yaroun alleged that after Israeli forces destroyed most homes in his village, they also set fire to remaining olive trees and fruit orchards. Local residents say the actions seek to make the area uninhabitable and erase signs of their history, culture and livelihoods. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment on the recent fire allegations.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir has called on Bangladesh to reduce reliance on conventional export products and pursue the halal economy as a major new opportunity. Speaking as chief guest at a Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies seminar titled “Halal Ecosystem in ASEAN Region: Prospects for Bangladesh,” he urged the country to use ASEAN experience to build a strong, internationally compliant halal ecosystem.

The minister said the halal economy now extends beyond food and beverages to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, technology, finance and international certification. He stressed that higher exports require greater domestic production capacity, domestic and foreign investment, and a safe, attractive environment for investors. He also said Bangladesh is pursuing FTA, PTA and EPA initiatives to retain export benefits after LDC graduation.

Speakers highlighted the need for an internationally accepted national halal assurance framework, specialized halal industrial clusters with modern laboratories and logistics, and upgrades to existing production sectors. Malaysia’s integrated approach to production, research, certification, marketing and exports was cited as a relevant example for Bangladesh.

Wildfires across Indonesia have burned more than 107,000 hectares and sent smoke into neighboring Malaysia, where air pollution has reached unhealthy levels in parts of Sarawak. In the small Sarawak town of Serian, the air pollution index measured 195 on Wednesday morning, according to the report published on August 12. At least nine areas of Sarawak recorded unhealthy air quality as haze from the Indonesian fires spread across the border.

Indonesian authorities are using aircraft for cloud seeding to create artificial rainfall as they struggle to contain the fires. Response efforts are being prioritized in six provinces: Jambi, South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan and Riau. These regions contain extensive peatlands that can burn easily during dry seasons. Schools in several fire-hit provinces have been closed for three days.

In Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, resident Darwin Romi said fires had persisted for more than a month, with dense smoke causing eye irritation and a strong odor. A water shortage has also hampered firefighting. About 550 hectares burned in East Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park before the fire was controlled on Monday, while the area has remained closed to tourists since August 8 amid renewed fire concerns.

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has instructed four seaports to display local warning signal No. 3 after a low-pressure area formed over the northern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining West Bengal-Bangladesh coast. The information was issued in a notice signed by meteorologist Dr Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik at about 10:15am on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The notice said the low-pressure system may intensify. Gusty winds could sweep across the northern Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh’s coastal areas as a result. The warning was issued because of the risk of such winds affecting maritime and coastal conditions.

The directive applies to the seaports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal have also been asked to remain close to the coast and move carefully until further instructions are issued. The notice reiterated the possibility that the low-pressure area could become more concentrated and bring gusty winds over coastal areas.

Business leaders and entrepreneurs in Chattogram have welcomed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s plans for industrialisation, investment and employment during his visit to the city. Speaking on Sunday at a rehabilitation programme for flood-affected people in Banshkhali, he said the government planned to establish industries from Mirsarai to Matarbari and attract Chinese investment to develop Chattogram as an economic hub. They said implementation could benefit both Chattogram and the national economy.

Chattogram Chamber President Amirul Haque described the plan around maritime resources as a potential source of new investment and expanded trade. Entrepreneurs, however, stressed the need for uninterrupted gas and electricity supplies, citing low gas pressure, fluctuating power and fuel shortages that disrupt production. On July 8, the Chattogram Chamber sent separate letters to two ministers seeking special concessions for industrial owners over gas and electricity issues.

Business representatives also called for local entrepreneurs to participate alongside foreign investors. They raised concerns about delayed customs assessments, demurrage charges, cargo clearance costs and time, port capacity, and road and rail links. They emphasised policy continuity, faster approvals, land and utility facilities, and law-and-order assurances to strengthen investor confidence.