Bangladesh Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid met Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh H. E. Mohammad Shuhada Osman at the Secretariat on Tuesday. They discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in fisheries, livestock and agriculture, including trade, investment, technology transfer and joint initiatives.

The talks emphasized halal meat export prospects, ensuring international standards for animal products, technology and knowledge exchange, research cooperation, skills development and increased investment. Export potential for Bangladesh’s Black Bengal goats to Malaysia received particular attention, alongside possible exports of fish, meat, milk and other animal products.

The two sides exchanged views on animal health certificates, halal certification, quarantine arrangements, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and stronger cooperation between relevant agencies to expand markets. The minister sought Malaysian experience and technical assistance to improve Bangladesh’s capacity in the international halal meat market. The high commissioner praised Bangladesh’s progress in agriculture and livestock and expressed Malaysia’s interest in expanding trade in promising agricultural and animal products.

The Burichong উপজেলা administration has formed a nine-member conservation committee to protect a migratory bird habitat in Kishore Nagar village, Cumilla. The initiative was announced after উপজেলা নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা Md Tanvir Hossain visited the site on Monday afternoon and met local residents, landowners, representatives and community figures. The administration said it aims to ensure safe movement for the birds and protect the natural environment.

The habitat spans about three acres of bamboo groves, ponds and trees of various species owned by four families. It hosts five to six species of migratory birds each year, with the birds staying for around three to four months from Jyaishtha to Shraban. The meeting noted that hunting is not common locally, though some people occasionally try to catch birds.

Engineer Tofazzal was named convener and the উপজেলা forest officer member secretary of the committee. Plans include installing warning signs, using fencing or barbed wire in vulnerable areas where necessary, and planting more trees. The administration also plans awareness activities involving local people. Residents welcomed the effort, while Hossain said the administration would take necessary measures with public cooperation.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam called on residents to act responsibly in building a clean, environmentally friendly and livable Dhaka. He spoke on August 3 at a RAJUK-organized consultation at Gulshan Society Park in the capital, involving society members from Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Niketan on sewage management.

Shah Alam said activities were under way to improve greening, cleanliness and modern urban management in Dhaka under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said active public participation was vital alongside government agencies for those initiatives to succeed. The minister said the government would seriously consider problems and suggestions raised by society representatives and take steps toward practical and sustainable solutions, while seeking patience and cooperation.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher assured participants that sewerage networks in the four areas would be connected in phases by pipeline to the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant. Representatives raised issues concerning sewage management, environmental protection and other civic services during an open discussion. Five private companies also gave brief presentations on sewage treatment plant technology and modern sewage management.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said coordinated action by ministries, agencies and local government institutions is needed for sustainable pollution control, effective waste management and environmental protection. He made the remarks while chairing a ministerial discussion on waste management, water pollution and other pollution controls at the Local Government Division’s meeting room in the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu and State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam attended the meeting. Alamgir described environmental pollution as one of the country’s major challenges, citing urbanisation, unplanned waste management, dumping waste into rivers and water bodies, and the use of single-use plastics and polythene as growing pressures on the environment. He said the problems require planned, integrated measures rather than isolated initiatives.

The minister said government action alone would not be sufficient, stressing public awareness and environmentally friendly behaviour. He called for measures to reduce harmful polythene bags and expand use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Participants discussed water pollution, solid-waste management, pollution control, river conservation and polythene regulation, while speakers emphasised stronger inter-ministerial coordination.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a consultation with experts to address existing water-management challenges and secure sustainable solutions for the country. The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office under the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat, according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

Environmental, water and engineering specialists, along with representatives of several related institutions, attended under the leadership of social development organisation Footsteps Bangladesh. Participants shared experience and recommendations on water-management problems, current limitations and possible solutions. They urged long- and medium-term planning, use of modern technology, stronger coordination among relevant agencies and effective action that considers the impacts of climate change.

Discussions covered canal restoration, the stability of rivers and embankments, improvements to urban drainage, wastewater treatment and rainwater management. Participants also stressed the need for integrated and effective urban planning amid rapid urbanisation. The prime minister listened to the experts and assured them of cooperation to support sustainable development, environmental protection and safe, effective water management for citizens.

Bangladesh signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, with South Korea at the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday. Under the agreement, 97 percent of Bangladeshi products will receive preferential tariff treatment in the South Korean market, while 87 percent of South Korean products exported to Bangladesh will receive the same benefit. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced the details at a news briefing after the CEPA Negotiation Conclusion Ceremony.

Muktadir said this was Bangladesh’s first CEPA agreement within five months of the current government taking office. He said the deal would create new opportunities for duty-free access and other benefits for Bangladeshi exports including ready-made garments, leather and leather goods, jute and jute products. Bangladesh would also benefit when importing agricultural products, plastics and spare parts from South Korea, he said.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade currently totals about $1.39 billion, with Bangladesh running a deficit of about $411 million. South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo cited the need for more diversified trade and said the countries could work together in technology and supply-chain management. He expressed hope that the agreement would encourage Korean companies to invest in Bangladesh in a more accessible and favorable environment.

A coordinated overnight operation has freed the container vessel MV CNC Uranus after it became stranded in the Karnaphuli River navigation channel at Chattogram Port. On Monday, seven tugboats moved the vessel safely to the port’s outer B Anchorage. Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed the successful recovery on Tuesday afternoon, saying port operations and vessel movements were normal after the ship was anchored safely.

Port sources said the 170-metre, Malta-flagged vessel, built in 2017, became stranded at about 2pm Monday while entering the Karnaphuli channel because of a mechanical fault. Its steering failed, causing it to strike red buoy number 2 and crash into a retaining wall near the river mouth. The vessel had arrived from China’s Shikou port and had a draft of 9.50 metres.

The ship carried 1,282 TEUs of containers and 24 sailors, including its master. APL (Bangladesh) was its local agent. The recovery began immediately under the port authority’s leadership with support from the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard. Four port tugboats, one Navy tugboat, one Coast Guard tugboat and one tunnel tugboat took part.

Jamuna Fertilizer Company Limited in Jamalpur has remained without urea production for about two and a half years, with operations halted since early 2024 because of a gas supply shortage. The plant, once a key producer and supplier for farmers in 19 districts, is now storing and distributing imported urea and fertilizer produced at other domestic factories. The report was published on August 4, 2026.

General Manager for Operations Fazlul Haque said production has been stopped because of the gas crisis and he could not confirm when the factory would receive a gas connection again. Commercial General Manager Abdul Hamim said fertilizer imports are necessary because production is suspended. He said BCIC supplies fertilizer to buffer warehouses and consignments arriving at the Jamuna plant identify it as a buffer warehouse.

Registered dealer Chan Mia Chanu called for gas supplies to be restored quickly so the plant can resume production. Local businesspeople and concerned residents warned that a prolonged shutdown could affect equipment effectiveness, skilled personnel and technical capacity. Attempts to reach Managing Director Afaz Uddin by phone for comment were unsuccessful.

The 24-Hour CNG Gas Supply Implementation Unity Council has issued five demands, including keeping all CNG filling stations open around the clock and ensuring uninterrupted gas supply. The demands were announced at a Tuesday press conference at the National Press Club, where the group also called for an end to illegal gas supply to covered vans and trucks carrying cascade cylinders.

Member secretary Md Golam Faruk said official Energy and Mineral Resources Division data show daily gas demand of 3,800 million cubic feet against supply of 2,700 to 2,800 million cubic feet. He said damage to the Maheshkhali LNG terminal has worsened the shortage, affecting CNG-powered transport. He also said the sector faces about Tk125 crore in daily economic losses and nearly 90 million wasted work hours.

The council sought dedicated gas lines for filling stations, supply of vehicle-allocated gas only to legal CNG vehicles, and regular monitoring and mobile courts to prevent irregularities. It plans a roundtable at Dhaka Reporters Unity on August 16, followed by a gathering outside the National Press Club and submission of a memorandum to the ministry on August 24.

Corporate clients of Islami Bank Bangladesh have alleged that major business decisions are slowing because the bank lacks a full board, chairman and regular managing director. After its board was dissolved, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Mohammad Zahir Hossain was assigned responsibility for the bank’s board. The August 4 report said delays have affected import letters of credit, loan renewals and working-capital approvals for businesses.

The bank still handles salary payments for workers at several hundred garment factories and other industrial companies. One industrial entrepreneur said four of his garment factories, employing more than 4,000 workers, use Islami Bank for salary payments and letters of credit but have recently not received needed support. Corporate clients said approvals for large loans, letters of credit and important financial decisions have become more complicated without full leadership.

Hossain rejected the complaints, saying necessary and important decisions are being taken and reasonable applications are approved. Bank officials said routine banking operations continue under the one-member board, although central-bank liquidity support cannot be used for new investment or working capital. Bangladesh Bank said work to form a new board is at a final stage, pending screening and selection of qualified, acceptable individuals.

Bangladesh is facing a severe gas shortfall that is disrupting industrial production and cutting output from gas-fired power plants to less than half of capacity, according to a report published on August 4, 2026. Petrobangla sources said daily demand exceeds 3.8 billion cubic feet, while combined domestic production and imports can supply no more than 2.65 billion cubic feet, leaving a daily deficit of 1.15 billion cubic feet.

Titas officials said technical faults at the Maheshkhali LNG terminal have reduced gas delivery to the national grid by about 450 million cubic feet a day. Supply from two floating LNG terminals has fallen by around half since a mechanical problem emerged on July 21. BGMEA leaders said garment factories' production capacity has declined by an average of 25 to 30 percent, while factory owners reported shutdowns for more than half the day and pressure to lay off workers.

The government is discussing LNG imports from Malaysia and pipeline gas imports from Myanmar as alternatives. State Minister Anindya Islam Amit said efforts to raise domestic gas production may take another three to four years to yield results. The Power Development Board said gas-based plants capable of producing 8,000 to 10,000 megawatts generated 3,500 megawatts the previous day.

Bangladesh has retained its position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter for a fifth consecutive year, according to the WTO’s World Trade Statistical Review 2025. The report, published on August 4, 2026, said China remained the leading exporter despite a slight decline in global apparel exports. Vietnam ranked third, followed by India in fourth and Turkey in fifth place.

Bangladesh exported $38.82 billion in ready-made garments last year, about $2 billion more than nearest competitor Vietnam. Vietnam had overtaken Bangladesh for second place during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but Bangladesh regained the position in 2021. Vietnam remained third in apparel exports in 2024 and held the same ranking in 2025.

Bangladesh’s share of the global apparel export market fell to 6.76 percent in 2025 from 7 percent a year earlier, marking a second consecutive annual decline. Its share was 6.68 percent in 2023 and reached a high of 7.91 percent in 2022. Vietnam’s share rose to 6.53 percent in 2025, from 6.17 percent in 2024 and 5.81 percent in 2023.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman urged citizens to submit detailed written complaints to relevant authorities rather than make broad allegations over excessive electricity and fuel bills. He made the appeal at a weekly briefing held Tuesday afternoon at the Department of Information conference room in the Secretariat. He said people with concerns about overbilling should first notify the nearest relevant authority in writing.

Rahman said complainants should also report specifically if an authority refuses to accept their submission or if they do not receive redress. He said similar complaints had been received previously, verified, and followed by necessary action. He stressed that citizens should clearly identify where a problem occurred and what type of problem they experienced.

The adviser said he had discussed the issue with the energy minister and that the Energy Ministry was interested in examining overbilling complaints seriously. He added that people may inform the authorities if they fail to lodge a complaint or if the relevant office declines to receive it. Rahman expressed hope that specific complaints would be verified and addressed through necessary measures.

Chattogram Development Authority is preparing a new 25-year masterplan after about 80 percent of the city’s two previous plans remained unimplemented, according to the report published on August 4, 2026. CDA said 87 percent of work on the project had been completed. The proposal would combine the city’s 41 wards with five municipalities, two upazilas and parts of six other upazilas.

The 1961 and 1995 plans called for protecting hills, farmland, water bodies and green areas, while building roads, bus terminals and railway overbridges. Research and environmental groups cited in the report say about 120 hills have disappeared over three decades and 23,000 ponds have been lost in the past two decades. At least 500 buildings have been constructed over canals, the report said.

The plan is budgeted at Tk35.88 crore and proposes 276 projects across 19 sectors. It includes conservation of hills, water bodies and the Karnaphuli River, alongside a “One City Two Town” concept to reduce pressure on the city. Urban experts called for legal reforms, increased CDA staffing and coordination among agencies. CDA Chairman Belayet Hossain said all would be required to follow building laws and agencies would work in coordination.

Saudi Arabia’s state oil company Saudi Aramco reported a 44% rise in profit in the second quarter of the year despite instability in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. In the three months from April to June, Aramco recorded net profit of $32.69 billion, according to information published on August 4. Higher prices for crude oil, refined fuels and chemical products played a major role in the profit increase.

Saudi Arabia’s oil-sector activity, however, declined during the same period. Official statistics showed the country’s oil-sector activity fell 24.7% in the second quarter compared with the same period a year earlier. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s real gross domestic product declined 4.8% in the second quarter.

The profit disclosure came as oil production and transport were being disrupted after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and energy infrastructure in the Gulf region was attacked. Yemen’s Houthi group also declared a blockade against Saudi Arabia in Bab al-Mandab, creating limits on use of the Saudi east-west pipeline extending to the Red Sea. Instability along both waterways has added pressure to global energy supplies.