The upcoming 2026–27 national budget of Bangladesh is expected to be presented in parliament on June 11 by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, marking the first budget of the BNP government. Based on published reports, the proposed budget size may reach about Tk 9.32 trillion, the largest since independence. The budget’s main goals include job creation and inflation control, with the government targeting 10 million new jobs within five years. The finance minister has emphasized reopening closed factories, ensuring power and gas supply, and supporting small and medium enterprises through loans and incentives.

The World Bank, IMF, and ADB project GDP growth below 5 percent for the current fiscal year, prompting calls for a stable business environment. Inflation reached 9.04 percent in April, straining household purchasing power. Experts suggest that monetary policy alone is insufficient to curb inflation and recommend supply-side measures. The article also highlights structural weaknesses such as a low tax-to-GDP ratio of 8–9 percent, urging progressive tax reforms, pension incentives for taxpayers, and raising the tax-free income threshold to Tk 500,000–800,000.

The budget is also expected to promote export diversification beyond the garment sector and increase allocations for education, health, and technical training to build skilled human resources and boost remittance income.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast rain and thunderstorms with gusty or squally winds at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour over four districts. The warning, issued on Sunday, May 24, 2026, advised river ports in the affected areas to hoist cautionary signal number one. The districts under alert are Dinajpur, Mymensingh, Cumilla, and Sylhet, where storms and lightning may occur by 1 p.m.

The department also reported that moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions. Meanwhile, a mild heatwave continues over Dhaka, Faridpur, Madaripur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, and Patuakhali districts, as well as across the Khulna division. Day and night temperatures across the country are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

The forecast suggests a mix of storm activity in northern and northeastern regions and persistent heat in southern and central areas, indicating contrasting weather conditions across Bangladesh.

Six police officers were attacked by Awami League activists in Alokbali Union of Narsingdi Sadar upazila on Thursday while attempting to arrest a suspect. The incident occurred in Bakhnanagar Birgaon and Satpara areas when police entered the locality by speedboat for an investigation. Following the attack, police filed a case for obstructing government work and arrested four individuals.

According to police and local sources, the officers were confronted by local Awami League members who questioned their presence. The situation escalated, and under the leadership of Alokbali Union Awami League joint general secretary Habib Rahman Habib, over a hundred people allegedly chased and assaulted the police. Later, a combined force of police, RAB, and a magistrate conducted an operation in the area, detaining two women and two men.

Five injured officers received treatment at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital. Police officials stated that operations to arrest the remaining suspects are ongoing, while the district superintendent denied reports of police being assaulted, confirming only that a case for obstruction of duty had been filed.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that new conspiracies are being plotted against his government and called on citizens to remain alert. Speaking at a public gathering in Trishal, Mymensingh, on Saturday, he accused opposition groups of secretly renewing ties with those ousted on August 5 and attempting to create unrest similar to past political turmoil. The event marked the inauguration of the re-excavation of the four-kilometer Dhara Canal, which he said would benefit over 4,300 farmers and improve the livelihoods of around 20,000 people.

Rahman emphasized that the government’s development initiatives, including canal restoration, rural education support, and technical training for youth employment, are aimed at strengthening the rural economy. He warned that attempts to spread chaos could disrupt these programs. Referring to the recent killing of a child named Ramisa, he vowed that the perpetrator would face the death penalty within a month and condemned efforts to exploit the tragedy for political unrest.

At a separate state event marking the 127th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Rahman highlighted the poet’s role in national identity and proposed evaluating Trishal’s potential designation as “Nazrul Smriti City.”

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union, the country’s largest export destination, declined sharply in early 2026. According to Eurostat data, export earnings from the EU fell by 19.26 percent in January and February compared with the same period in 2025, dropping from 3.57 billion euros to 2.88 billion euros. In February alone, exports decreased by 12.39 percent to 1.45 billion euros. The fall was driven by both lower export volumes and reduced average prices.

The EU’s overall apparel imports also declined by 11.27 percent during the same period, reflecting weaker consumer demand across Europe. Industry representatives attributed the downturn to global trade shifts, increased competition from China, India, and Vietnam, and reduced purchasing power in Europe due to high living costs and interest rates. Buyers have become more cautious and are negotiating lower prices, putting pressure on suppliers.

Experts warned that if the EU market slump continues, it could negatively affect Bangladesh’s broader economy, as nearly half of the country’s export earnings come from this region. They recommended diversifying products, improving value addition, and strengthening trade diplomacy to sustain export growth.

Youth Shakti leader Ayon Rahman Khan was reportedly taken away by Detective Branch (DB) police in connection with a case filed by Chhatra Dal in Jhenaidah. The case was lodged after an attack on Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), allegedly by activists of BNP, Chhatra Dal, and Jubo Dal. Ayon was named as an accused in that case. According to his sister Jerin Akhi, he was picked up around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday from beside his ailing father’s bed at Jonota Clinic in Jashore by individuals identifying themselves as DB officers.

NCP joint member secretary Tarek Reza stated that Ayon was being taken away under a false case while no arrests had been made in their own complaint. He accused the current government of behaving like the previous “fascist Awami government.”

The report did not mention any official police statement or confirmation regarding the detention.

A student of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) was allegedly attacked on Saturday night in Khulna’s Fulbarigate area over his political writings on Facebook. The victim, Zahidur Rahman, a third-year student of the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, sustained serious injuries. He claimed that after buying a bus ticket, several individuals led by former student leader Shuvo surrounded him, seized his phone, and checked his Facebook posts. Later, local youth leader Masum Khan allegedly beat him with a wooden stick, leaving him bloodied and injured.

Zahidur said about 20 people took part in the assault, angered by his social media posts. He fled to Shiromoni for safety and did not return to campus. KUET’s Director of Student Welfare, Professor Dr. Md. Hasan Ali, stated that the university learned of the incident later and is trying to contact Zahidur to provide assistance. The attack has sparked concern among students, who demanded a fair investigation and punishment for those responsible.

According to party sources, the accused are not currently holding any organizational positions, though they were previously affiliated with local political groups.

An investigative report by Amar Desh claims that Bangladesh’s recent fuel crisis, triggered by Middle East tensions, was worsened by a powerful domestic syndicate allegedly tied to former Awami League leaders and officials. Despite nearly doubling fuel imports between March and May 2026, the shortage persisted until the government raised fuel prices on April 19, after which the crisis abruptly ended. Customs data show that 97 ships brought over 2.7 million tons of fuel in 70 days, yet supply disruptions continued.

The report alleges that a large portion of the fuel market operates outside the state distribution system through smuggled supplies controlled by politically connected groups. Many tankers used for illegal fuel transport are reportedly owned by former ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats linked to the Awami League. Experts cited in the report describe this parallel market as an “open secret” that undermines the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s capacity.

Analysts warn that without stricter monitoring and transparency, similar crises could recur. The BPC acknowledged the sudden resolution of the shortage after the price hike but offered no explanation.

A report by Amar Desh on May 24, 2026, highlights growing public and political demand in Bangladesh for the disclosure of secret agreements made between former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India during her 15-and-a-half-year rule. Analysts, politicians, and citizens have urged that these deals be made public and debated, alleging that they prioritized India’s interests over Bangladesh’s. Despite the fall of the Awami League government two years ago, no initiative has been taken to release the agreements.

According to the report, at least 20 agreements and 66 memoranda of understanding were signed with India, covering areas such as transit, border fencing, power import, port use, and defense cooperation. Critics claim these deals undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty and economic interests. Political leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP have called for parliamentary review and publication of all such agreements. Government adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman acknowledged that while some agreements contain confidentiality clauses, the current administration plans to evaluate those harmful to national interests.

Experts like Dr. Mahbub Ullah emphasized that the agreements should be presented in parliament for national scrutiny, arguing that they were made to appease India rather than protect Bangladesh’s interests.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a Tk 600 billion stimulus package aimed at revitalizing the economy by reopening closed factories, boosting agricultural production, expanding exports, and creating new jobs. Of the total, Tk 410 billion will come from commercial banks, while the central bank will refinance Tk 190 billion. Borrowers will pay a 7 percent interest rate, with the government subsidizing 6 percent. The central bank expects the initiative to generate employment for over 2.5 million people. Governor Mostakur Rahman made the announcement at a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday.

The governor said economic growth had slowed over the past three years, with GDP falling from 5.8 percent to an estimated 3.7 percent. Key sectors such as garments, textiles, ceramics, IT, and manufacturing have been hit hard. The package allocates funds across multiple sectors, including Tk 200 billion for closed industries and services, Tk 100 billion for agriculture and rural activities, and Tk 30 billion for export diversification. The central bank will also support creative and green investments.

Rahman emphasized that strict measures have been introduced to prevent misuse of funds, excluding willful defaulters. He added that the scheme will not inject new money into the market, as it will operate through existing bank liquidity.

A businessman named Rafiqul Islam Munshi, aged 45, was hacked to death inside his own shop in Narsingdi’s Raipura upazila on Saturday night. The incident occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. at Bhai Bhai Store near Hatubhanga Station in Mirjanagar Union. Rafiqul, son of Saharaj Khalifa, had long been involved in the tiles and construction materials trade. His wife discovered his body after he failed to return home by 10:00 p.m.

Police and local sources said the shop’s shutter was down but not locked when his wife arrived. Upon entering, she found her husband’s bloodied body and called for help. Locals gathered, and police recovered the body and began an investigation at the scene. The crime team from Raipura Police Station cordoned off the area for evidence collection.

According to Officer-in-Charge Mujibur Rahman, multiple sharp weapon injuries were found on the victim’s body. The motive and those responsible remain unknown. The killing has caused shock in the area, and the victim’s family has demanded swift arrests and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

A tourist went missing after being swept away by a strong sea current at Guliakhali Beach in Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. According to local sources, five friends from Cumilla had gone to the beach for recreation and entered the water near the estuary area. Within moments, large waves and a deep channel caused them to be separated by the current. Locals quickly launched a rescue operation, saving four of them alive, while one remains missing.

One of the rescued tourists, Mohin Hasan, is receiving treatment at Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex. He said none of them were good swimmers and that the strong current made it impossible to control themselves. Sitakunda police confirmed that four were rescued and one is still missing. Fire Service officials said the rescue operation was temporarily suspended in the evening due to high tide and strong currents, and a diving team from Chattogram will resume the search the next day.

Local residents and observers noted that the estuary area is highly risky and lacks warning signs, lifeguards, and safety measures, urging authorities to strengthen safety management for tourists.

Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, has been honored with the “Tourism Leadership Excellence Award 2026” for his outstanding contribution to Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector. The award was presented at the 2nd TOAB International Tourism Award 2026, organized by the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), where State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat handed over the recognition.

Hossain was specially praised for introducing the concept of “cricket tourism” in Bangladesh, which opened new opportunities for the country’s tourism industry. He also played a key role in initiating the first agreement between the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Bangladesh Cricket Board. The event celebrated excellence across 13 categories in tourism, hospitality, and aviation, attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, industry leaders, and professionals from around 10 countries.

Under Hossain’s leadership, Unique Hotel and Resorts PLC, which operates The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka, and HANSA – A Premium Residence, continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s premium hospitality sector through service quality, destination branding, and sustainable practices.

An elderly man named Rubel Hossain, aged 60, was arrested in Dhaka’s Kalabagan area on Friday for allegedly attempting to rape an eight-year-old girl by luring her with chocolate. The incident occurred at a house on North Circular Road, and the accused was sent to court on Saturday following his arrest.

According to Kalabagan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Fazle Ashik, the victim’s family filed a case on the day of the incident. Rubel, who lives with his brother’s family and has no wife or children, allegedly called the child into his home when it was empty. Local residents noticed the situation, detained him, and informed the police. Both the victim and the accused were taken into police custody.

Sub-Inspector Dulal Haque, the investigating officer, stated that Rubel admitted to the allegations. The court has ordered him to be sent to jail as legal proceedings continue.

Authorities have opened the Bogura–Rangpur-bound flyover lane of the Hatikumrul Interchange on the Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway in Sirajganj ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The move aims to make travel smoother for people heading to northern Bangladesh. Officials expect the new lane to significantly reduce long-standing traffic congestion and travel delays. The lane was opened on May 21 for trial use, bringing relief to drivers and passengers using the busy route.

The Jamuna Bridge West Link Highway is a key route connecting at least 22 districts across northern and southern Bangladesh. During Eid, daily traffic on this 22-kilometer stretch between the Jamuna Bridge roundabout and Hatikumrul roundabout can rise to 45,000–50,000 vehicles. The new lane is part of the ongoing SASEC-2 project, costing about Tk 738 crore, and is expected to be completed by December. Around 60 percent of northbound vehicles are projected to use the new lane.

Sirajganj police have also strengthened security and traffic management, deploying over 600 personnel to ensure safe and uninterrupted Eid travel for passengers and traders.