At a press conference organized by the Energy Division on Wednesday, government officials attributed Bangladesh’s ongoing gas crisis to corruption, mismanagement, and policy failures of the former Awami League administration. They said that while a technical fault at a floating LNG terminal (FSRU) triggered the immediate disruption, long-term dependence on imported LNG had intensified the impact. The fault has temporarily halted gas supply from one terminal, reducing national grid supply by about 450 million cubic feet per day.

Officials explained that the supply shortfall has affected industries, power plants, and CNG stations across several regions, causing reduced gas pressure and temporary public inconvenience. Technical teams are prioritizing repairs to restore normal supply, while authorities are managing limited gas to maintain supply to critical sectors.

The government announced plans to reduce import reliance by expanding domestic exploration and production. A project worth 7.29 billion taka to drill three wells in Begumganj and Sunamganj has been approved, alongside ongoing efforts to attract local and foreign investment in onshore and offshore gas exploration.

In a special operation on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the fisheries department in Uzirpur upazila of Barishal seized and destroyed a large quantity of illegal fishing nets valued at approximately Tk 5 million. The operation took place at Harta Bazar, where the confiscated nets were burned in the presence of local administration officials. The drive was led by Upazila Fisheries Officer Prasen Majumdar with the support of Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ali Suza and local police.

According to the fisheries department, the raid was conducted based on secret information and resulted in the seizure of 192 banned China duari nets, 110,000 meters of current nets, and 89 boda nets. Local sources reported that illegal net trading had been ongoing in Harta Bazar and nearby areas for a long time, threatening native fish breeding and aquatic biodiversity. Following public complaints and media reports, the department intensified its enforcement actions.

Officials stated that the zero-tolerance policy against illegal nets will continue, and regular mobile court operations will be conducted to protect local fish resources and biodiversity.

Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck the country last month has risen to 5,346. In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Rodríguez said a total of 16,740 people were injured in the disasters. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit the South American nation on June 24.

According to Rodríguez, authorities have provided assistance to 128,324 affected families and established 107 temporary camps to shelter displaced residents. Currently, 17,907 people are living in these camps. He added that 856 buildings were damaged, including 190 that completely collapsed.

The updated figures highlight the extensive human and structural toll of the twin earthquakes, as emergency support and recovery operations continue across the affected regions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized that Bangladesh’s housing industry is a key driver of the national economy and essential for overall economic growth. During a meeting with representatives of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) at the Secretariat on Wednesday, July 22, he said the government is working to create a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly environment to ensure planned, sustainable, and corruption-free development in the housing sector.

The meeting discussed the current state of the housing industry, challenges of planned urbanization, practical issues arising from Detailed Area Plan (DAP) implementation, and long-term development strategies. The REHAB delegation requested a rational reduction in land, plot, and flat registration fees and stressed the need for full digitalization of government services related to housing. They also highlighted the importance of vertical urbanization to optimize limited land use in the capital.

The Prime Minister stated that reforms have already been introduced to prevent irregularities in the sector and that further effective measures are underway. He also underscored the need for balanced urban development beyond Dhaka while protecting agricultural land.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued a landslide warning for hilly areas in the Chattogram Division following forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall. The alert, announced on July 22, 2026, identifies Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban as moderately vulnerable to landslides. The forecast predicts rainfall between 150 and 300 millimeters over the next 48 hours in many districts of the Chattogram and Barishal divisions.

Light to very heavy rain is also expected across most districts in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions under the influence of the monsoon. The weather office further noted that rainfall is likely to persist across much of the country for the next five days.

The advisory comes alongside warnings of gusty winds and thunderstorms in several regions, with river ports instructed to hoist cautionary signal number one. The extended rainfall period raises concerns about potential flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Bangladesh’s largest retail chain, Shwapno, has received international recognition for promoting equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The company was named winner in the category of ‘SDG Brand Champion in Sustainable Partnerships and Institutions – Employment for Differently-Abled Individuals’ at the fourth SDG Brand Champion Awards. The announcement was made on Tuesday through a company press release highlighting Shwapno’s long-term efforts to ensure inclusive and equitable workplaces.

According to Shwapno, the award reflects its commitment to inclusive employment, diversity, and social responsibility. The company stated that it will continue expanding job opportunities for persons with disabilities while ensuring a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free work environment. Organizers said this year’s awards aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, receiving 472 nominations across 19 categories. A seven-member grand jury panel of 27 experts selected 34 winners and 25 honorable mentions.

Shwapno also received an honorable mention in the ‘Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Farm-to-Shelf’ category, recognizing its role in improving agricultural supply chains and innovation. The company reaffirmed its goal to contribute to social and economic development through responsible business practices and sustainable initiatives.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku announced that the government plans to hand over Bangladesh’s electricity distribution system to the private sector. Speaking at a policy conclave on energy security and transition in Dhaka, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed with the proposal and urged all stakeholders to prepare for the transition. The minister argued that private management would enhance transparency, improve service quality, and lessen the government’s operational responsibilities, while electricity generation would remain under state control.

Tuku criticized the previous Awami League government, accusing it of corruption and mismanagement that left the energy sector without proper planning or gas exploration. He cited recent disruptions in LNG supply following a fire at an FSRU facility, which caused gas shortages in several regions. The minister emphasized the need to boost domestic gas exploration and strengthen LNG infrastructure to ensure long-term energy security.

He also highlighted new renewable energy policies, including incentives for rooftop solar installations and plans to reach 10,000 megawatts of solar power with international cooperation.

Heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from India have caused the Teesta River to swell, flooding large parts of Rangpur’s Gangachara upazila. Although the river is now flowing six centimeters below the danger level, many low-lying areas remain waterlogged. Students are forced to wade through knee-deep water to reach schools, disrupting education and raising health concerns. Roads remain submerged, and farmers fear crop losses as agricultural lands stay underwater.

In Noheli Union, severe river erosion has already swallowed at least eight houses and hundreds of bighas of farmland. The erosion has also damaged about 200 meters of the embankment protecting the Gangachara-Mahipur Second Teesta Bridge, threatening road connectivity between Rangpur and Lalmonirhat. Around 50,000 residents are living in fear as the river continues to erode its banks.

Local officials said the situation is alarming. The union chairman reported the losses to authorities, while the upazila administration and Water Development Board are preparing damage lists and planning urgent measures to prevent further erosion and assist affected families.

The Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has announced three private Hajj packages for 2027, with the lowest-priced package set at Tk 513,545. The announcement was made in Dhaka by HAAB President Syed Golam Sarwar, accompanied by Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumdar. The special package (Package-1) will cost Tk 791,060, the general package (Package-2) Tk 595,580, and the affordable package (Package-3) Tk 513,545. Agencies may also offer an additional special package based on pilgrim demand. Package prices were calculated at an exchange rate of Tk 33.20 per Saudi Riyal and will be adjusted if the rate changes.

Compared to the current year, the 2027 packages show slight increases in cost. The 2026 special package cost Tk 750,000, the general package Tk 550,000, and the affordable package Tk 510,000. HAAB stated that the new packages were prepared based on estimated expenses, as final Saudi-side costs are yet to be confirmed. The packages include meals and mandatory Qurbani payments through the Nusuk platform.

A three-day Hajj and Umrah fair will be held from July 30 at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center to facilitate direct bookings. The 2027 Hajj is expected to take place on May 15, subject to moon sighting, with around 127,198 pilgrims participating.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) inaugurated a new collection booth of Dhaka Bank at its Region-2 office in Khilgaon on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The initiative aims to make revenue collection more dynamic, simplify trade license fee payments, and ensure easier access to banking services for residents. The booth was inaugurated by DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam.

In his speech, Abdus Salam said the government is committed to improving service quality through competitive systems. He criticized the previous government for limiting collection operations to a single entity and stated that the current administration believes in open competition, where efficient service providers will advance. He expressed hope that Dhaka Bank would prove its capability and deliver quality services to citizens.

Salam reaffirmed the government’s pledge to simplify civic services and enhance accountability within DSCC. He instructed officials to ensure timely service delivery and emphasized citizen awareness in maintaining drainage systems during the monsoon. He also urged residents and political activists to volunteer in community service initiatives.

Ramganj Municipality in Lakshmipur has announced a budget of Tk 55 crore 58 lakh 22 thousand 941 for the 2026–2027 fiscal year without imposing any new taxes. The total projected income stands at Tk 55 crore 58 lakh 80 thousand 941, while the total expenditure is estimated at Tk 44 crore 64 lakh 80 thousand 994, leaving a surplus of Tk 10 crore 93 lakh 41 thousand 947. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning at the municipal conference room by municipal administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kazi Atikur Rahman.

The budget session was conducted by municipal administrative officer Zakir Hossain Helal and attended by local political leaders, municipal officials, and representatives from various professional and civic groups. Among those present were Ramganj Upazila BNP leaders, municipal officials, and members of the local press club.

The presentation highlighted the municipality’s financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing balanced expenditure and revenue management without additional tax burdens on residents.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced major reforms in the internal audit system of all scheduled banks through a new directive issued on Tuesday. The Internal Control Management System (ICMS) replaces the 2016 guidelines on internal control and compliance. Under the new rules, internal audit, compliance, and risk management functions are separated to ensure greater independence. For the first time, a whistleblower mechanism is made mandatory, allowing internal auditors to confidentially report corruption or serious irregularities by a bank’s board or managing director directly to Bangladesh Bank without prior approval from management.

The directive requires each bank to establish secure channels such as hotlines, email, or sealed written submissions for receiving complaints while ensuring whistleblower anonymity. Bangladesh Bank will take action against any bank that retaliates against whistleblowers. The new system also introduces forensic, concurrent, and virtual audits to strengthen oversight. Banks must adopt technology-based monitoring to detect trade-based money laundering, credit and market risks, cyber threats, and fraud.

All scheduled banks have been instructed to complete necessary organizational changes and implement the new directive by December 31.

The United States and Jordan have signed a new bilateral trade agreement in Washington aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. Under the deal, the United States will cap reciprocal tariffs on Jordanian imports at a maximum of 10 percent. The agreement was signed by Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The accord grants Jordanian apparel and textile industries greater preferential access to the U.S. market, while easing entry for American agricultural and automotive products into Jordan. It builds upon the 2001 U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and follows nearly a year of negotiations. Jordan will maintain duty-free access for U.S. goods under the earlier framework and expand market access by enforcing environmental laws, protecting labor rights and intellectual property, and modernizing customs procedures.

Recent commercial deals between the two nations include Royal Jordanian Airlines’ purchase of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners worth $1.4 billion, a $500 million aircraft leasing agreement, Hikma Pharmaceuticals’ $1 billion U.S. investment pledge by 2030, and annual Jordanian purchases of over $300 million in U.S. raw materials.

Six people have died in wildfires sweeping across several provinces of Algeria amid an ongoing heatwave, according to the country's Interior Ministry. The ministry confirmed that fires are still burning in some areas, and emergency teams have been deployed with necessary personnel and equipment to bring the situation under control.

In a statement cited by AFP from Algiers, the ministry said that a comprehensive operation has been launched across all provinces to survey and list damages, ensuring proper compensation for affected residents. The fires have spread widely in northern Algeria, where extreme heat has triggered hundreds of blazes in recent days.

The Interior Ministry’s announcement reflects growing concern over recurring wildfires in the region, which have caused multiple deaths in recent years. Authorities are focusing on damage assessment and relief coordination as firefighting efforts continue.

Bangladesh Bank has simplified foreign currency transaction procedures for freelancers and individual service exporters. According to a circular issued on Wednesday, inward remittances up to 20,000 US dollars will no longer require a formal declaration. Additionally, freelancers can now receive up to 10,000 US dollars per transaction through online payment gateway service providers, provided the earnings are repatriated within the stipulated time.

The initiative aims to support the country’s growing digital service sector. The circular allows freelancers to use platform statements, emails, invoices, or other digital communications as valid proof of income, reducing dependence on traditional export documentation. It also introduces a dual-currency “freelancer card” and expands the use of mobile financial service and payment service providers to make digital transactions more efficient.

Under the new rules, IT freelancers may retain up to 50 percent of their export earnings in foreign currency under the Exporters’ Retention Quota, while other service exporters may retain up to 30 percent. Stakeholders believe the move will encourage more freelancers to bring foreign income through formal channels, increase foreign exchange inflows, and enhance transparency in the digital trade sector.