Consumers in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur, have alleged that they are receiving unusually high or “ghost” electricity bills despite severe load shedding. The report, published on August 12, says customers face hardship and dissatisfaction as power outages during hot weather coincide with higher bills. Residents allege that abnormal bills have been issued for the past two months even though electricity supply has remained limited.

Dulal Darji of Islamabad village said his household bill, previously below Tk2,000 a month, reached Tk5,000 in July. Nayan Das of Sujatpur said his bill rose from Tk300–350 to Tk650. Small business owner Ankan Das said his shop bill increased from Tk1,300–1,400 to Tk2,200, while electricity is unavailable for about 18 hours in a day.

Customers allege bills are prepared and distributed without meter readings, and claim nearly 80 percent of consumers are facing harassment. They also allege harassment when contacting the Matlab Uttar zonal office. Chandpur Palli Bidyut Samity (2) AGM Md Naim said load shedding results from receiving 10–12 megawatts against demand of 27 megawatts, and maintained that bills reflect customers’ actual usage.

Bangladesh’s government is preparing to introduce a cashless system for land-acquisition compensation, aiming to reduce alleged harassment, irregularities and bribery linked to compensation cheques at district commissioner offices. Land Ministry officials said the Land Acquisition and Requisition Management System, or LRMS, could be fully launched by December this year. Under the government-funded initiative, landowners would no longer need to visit district offices in person to collect cheques.

Applicants and relevant administrative officials will be able to log into the system online using designated IDs and passwords. After applications are reviewed, compensation will be transferred directly to recipients’ bank accounts through electronic fund transfer, using the government’s integrated financial management platform, iBAS. Additional Secretary Emdadul Haque Chowdhury said the cashless service is intended to stop bribery allegations surrounding cheque handovers and limit the role of intermediaries.

The LRMS project is on the priority list under the prime minister’s 180-day work plan. Its core structure and business logic are nearing completion, while coordination with the Finance Division, iBAS integration and e-challan-related technical work continue. Development Design Consultants Limited is building the software at an estimated cost of about Tk 3.44 crore. Where there are no ownership disputes or court stays, the law requires compensation within 120 days of notice issuance.

The government is advancing a process to place Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal, or NCT, under Dubai-based ports and logistics company DP World, according to Amardesh. The Public-Private Partnership Authority is working on behalf of the government. The report says NCT was built with the port authority’s own funds, with total public investment reaching about Tk2,712 crore by January this year. The PPP Authority website says DP World would invest $205 million, but does not specify investment sectors.

Former port member Jafar Alam said the modern terminal already has nearly all required equipment, leaving limited scope for major new investment beyond software, IT upgrades and skilled staffing. Former Chattogram Port chairman Mohammad Shahjahan said the arrangement was initially intended to make DP World an operator paid a service charge, but was later framed as a concession. He warned that this could shift a large share of terminal revenues to the company.

An evaluation committee estimated that if gross revenue reaches $120 per 20-foot container under the proposal, the port’s net margin could fall to $17.18, compared with $65.25 under the current model. The PPP Authority said the government’s decision remains under discussion and review, and that specific details cannot be provided before a final decision.

Global fuel oil prices rose, with Brent crude nearing $90 a barrel. Reuters data showed Brent crude gaining 72 cents, or 0.81%, to $89.63 a barrel on Wednesday morning. At the same time, US West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, crude rose 71 cents, or 0.85%, to $83.91 a barrel.

On Tuesday, benchmark contracts for both Brent and WTI ended the day more than $1 higher. Reuters said both benchmarks reached their highest levels since July 31 that day. Oil prices had already increased by nearly 5% on Monday.

The rise was linked to expectations that the prospect of a peace deal between the United States and Iran had diminished. Industry data also showed an increase in US crude oil inventories. Despite the inventory increase, uncertainty surrounding the possibility of a US-Iran peace agreement continued to support the upward trend in oil prices.

Advocate Atikur Rahman, central president of the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation, demanded cancellation of a decision to privatise six distribution regions of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). He made the call on Tuesday while speaking as chief guest at a human chain organised by the BPDB Workers-Employees Union in front of the National Press Club. Rahman said electricity is a service sector and the authorities must withdraw from the privatisation decision.

He said those who made the decision would have to answer to the public. Rahman alleged that the move was a conspiracy to award work to the S Alam Group, and questioned the power minister’s role. He urged officials to stop what he described as playing with institutions funded by public taxes. He also warned of a protest encircling the Power Bhaban with ordinary people if inflated bills were collected through “ghost bills.”

The human chain presented eight demands to the government, including modernising existing power companies, ensuring accountability, filling vacant posts quickly, employing eligible dependents of deceased workers, holding CBA elections and implementing the pay scale. Participants also sought permanent jobs for outsourced workers and construction of modern, non-discriminatory residential buildings for board offices.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a state becomes stronger when its people are economically empowered, describing the government’s goal as moving the country toward greater economic and social strength. He made the remarks on Tuesday, August 11, at Bangladesh Secretariat during a contract-signing ceremony to lease three closed state-owned jute mills to two private institutions.

Rahman said political rights must be accompanied by economic capacity for citizens. He argued that no state can become strong by leaving ordinary people in deprivation or silencing them. Pledging support for genuine domestic entrepreneurs, he said the government would provide necessary policy assistance to encourage investment and job creation.

The prime minister stressed the importance of domestic investment alongside foreign investment, saying the government wants foreign investment while also encouraging local investors and entrepreneurs. He thanked the two business groups taking responsibility for the three mills and expressed hope that the new investment would make the institutions successful, create jobs and contribute to the economy. Ministers, officials and business representatives attended the event.

Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department said rainfall is likely to increase across the country from August 13 to 19 as a new low-pressure area may form over the northwestern Bay of Bengal by Wednesday. Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque said Wednesday may be relatively dry, though rain will continue in varying amounts during the monsoon season. Heavy rain is possible in some areas.

Coastal areas are expected to receive more rainfall during the period. Haque said heavy to very heavy rain may occur, but the likelihood of prolonged very heavy rainfall similar to earlier episodes is lower. In the 24 hours ending at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dhaka recorded 35 millimetres of rain, while Gopalganj recorded the highest total, 61 millimetres.

Lower rainfall contributed to warmer, humid conditions nationwide on Tuesday. Rajarhat in Kurigram recorded the highest temperature at 36.4 degrees Celsius, while Dhaka recorded 35.5 degrees. Forecasts said several divisions could receive rain or thunderstorms with gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday, with moderate heavy rainfall possible in isolated places. The department also said rainfall tendency may rise over the following five days.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said the Teesta Master Plan is closely linked to the prosperity of Bangladesh’s northern region and could eliminate disasters such as floods and drought if implemented. He made the remarks on August 11 at a progress briefing workshop in the capital’s BIAM auditorium, saying the current patriotic democratic government is committed to implementing the plan.

Dulu said people in the six-season country have grown up alongside disasters, which strike in various forms regularly. He said the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry stands beside people who lose everything during such crises. The minister described the Teesta plan as important to the fortune and development of the northern population.

The workshop concerned a project to improve flood early-warning and communication systems at the local level, implemented by the Department of Disaster Management under the Prabhati project. It is being carried out in 19 flood-prone upazilas of Gaibandha, Kurigram and Jamalpur in the northwest. According to Dulu, the initiative helps local communities address flood risks through improved seasonal flood forecasting and the dissemination of advance warnings.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government will safeguard public interests, business opportunities and the national economy regardless of whether Chittagong Port is managed by domestic or foreign operators. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a news briefing after meeting Chittagong port and customs officials. He said the identity of the operator was less important than compliance with state interests and established policies.

The minister said the elected government has focused on stabilising a fragile economy after taking office so it can rapidly “take off.” He said the government aims to turn Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through greater industrialisation, exports and employment, alongside measures to improve the ease of doing business.

He announced a decision to form a joint port-customs committee for the first time to identify and resolve longstanding importer and exporter problems within set timelines. The minister said this should speed cargo clearance, improve supply systems and ultimately help control prices or inflation. Business representatives called for simpler customs procedures and deregulation to reduce industrial costs, and he promised implementation. He also warned against political patronage and illegal influence over customs clearance.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s traffic division filed 915 cases in July against vehicles emitting black smoke in the capital. The cases were brought during operations in different areas of Dhaka aimed at preventing environmental pollution and stopping excessive black smoke emissions from vehicles using the roads.

Among DMP’s eight traffic divisions, Motijheel recorded the highest number with 354 cases. Wari filed 172 cases, Tejgaon 131, Uttara 128 and Gulshan 56. Mirpur registered 36 cases, Ramna 34 and Lalbagh four, according to DMP traffic division sources.

The traffic division said it conducts such operations regularly as part of efforts to curb pollution caused by black smoke-emitting vehicles. It said the drives and legal action against vehicles responsible for black smoke emissions will continue.

Residents of Shibchar upazila in Madaripur are facing severe load-shedding, with some areas reportedly without electricity for 12 to 14 hours over recent days. Repeated daytime outages and prolonged nighttime disruptions have intensified hardship during hot weather, particularly for children, older people and those who are ill. Consumers have also complained of unusually high electricity bills in June and July despite what they describe as normal or lower usage.

Shibchar Palli Bidyut office said daytime demand is about 28 megawatts while supply is 12 megawatts. At night, demand rises to about 35 megawatts but supply reaches 17 megawatts, requiring rotational outages. Electricity-dependent businesses, including clinics, diagnostic centres, computer and photocopy services, mobile servicing and refrigeration-based operations, have reported disruptions and added generator fuel costs.

Battery-powered van and easy-bike drivers say inadequate overnight charging has reduced their earnings. Residents also report problems charging phones, operating water pumps and preserving food. Junior Engineer Jahirul Haque said supply is less than half of demand and said complaints about higher bills would be investigated, while conditions would improve if power supply increases.

About 650,000 native tree seedlings have been planted on government forest land and other sites in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, under a mega plan to plant 2.5 billion trees. The initiative aims to maintain environmental balance, restore forest areas, conserve biodiversity and address the effects of climate change. Planting took place on forest department land across Rajapalong, Palongkhali, Jaliapalong, Ratnapalong and Haldia Palong unions.

The programme includes nearly 30 species, including garjan, neem, champa, chalta, bahera, arjun, jarul, kadam, shimul, sonalu, palash, teak, mahogany, banyan and sissoo. On Sunday, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam inspected a 150-hectare fast-growing plantation of mixed native species created in the 2025-26 fiscal year under the HELP project at the Thaingkhali Beat of Ukhiya Range.

The state minister expressed satisfaction with seedling growth and maintenance work and planted one neem and one chapalish seedling. Forest officials said regular weeding, maintenance, monitoring and guarding are underway. They expect that if the programme is implemented successfully and seedlings survive, green cover in Ukhiya’s hilly areas will increase over the coming years, while helping curb soil erosion and create habitat for birds and other wildlife.

International oil prices rose on Tuesday after talks between Iran and the United States over reopening the Strait of Hormuz reached an impasse. Efforts to restore traffic through the important waterway were further complicated by a hard-line position from US President Donald Trump, according to the report published on August 11, 2026.

Iran presented its conditions for reopening the strait, while Trump responded by demanding that Iran provide compensation for casualties from past wars, attacks and protests. The opposing demands increased tensions between the two countries and made the prospect of quickly reopening one of the world’s key energy transport routes uncertain.

Brent crude rose to about $88 a barrel on Tuesday, while US West Texas Intermediate crude reached $82.45 a barrel. Both benchmarks were at their highest levels since July 31, following an increase of nearly 5 percent on Monday. The report said a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could place further pressure on global oil supplies and prices because substantial volumes of energy are transported through the route.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) failed to meet its revenue collection target for the 14th consecutive fiscal year, according to a report published on August 11, 2026. In the latest fiscal year, it collected Tk 415,473 crore against a revised target of Tk 503,000 crore, leaving a shortfall of about Tk 85,000 crore. The target had initially been set at Tk 499,000 crore, raised to Tk 554,000 crore midyear, and later reduced after collections lagged.

NBR annual report data show that the agency met its original target only five times over the past two and a half decades. It has met a revised target only seven times, and has not achieved either an original or revised target since fiscal year 2015-16. Revenue collection nevertheless grew by more than 12 percent in the latest fiscal year. The exception was fiscal year 2019-20, when collections declined 1.96 percent amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Policy Exchange of Bangladesh chairman Masrur Reaz cited flawed target setting, structural economic constraints, weak tax compliance culture and limited institutional capacity at NBR. He said 65 percent of institutions remain outside VAT registration. NBR officials said targets are set without its role or adequate analysis, while its capacity is not expanded. The BNP government formed separate task forces for customs, VAT and income tax, but the target was still missed.

The death toll from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to 132, with more than 480 people injured, according to the report published on August 11, 2026. The quake struck Chocó province at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, at a depth of about 107 kilometres near San José del Palmar. Authorities fear more people may remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings, raising the prospect of further casualties.

Tremors were felt across Colombia and in neighbouring Venezuela and Ecuador, though no tsunami warning was issued. Risaralda province, known for coffee production, was among the worst-hit areas. In Pereira and nearby districts, at least 40 people died and 65 buildings collapsed. People were feared trapped in the rubble of 15 of those structures, while a curfew was imposed in parts of Pereira until 5 a.m. Tuesday.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster situation, enabling special government powers and possible budget reallocations. More than 1,500 homes were damaged nationwide, he said. Several regional airports were affected, while Bogotá reported cracks in some buildings but no major infrastructure damage.