The US government has identified a lack of transparency in Bangladesh as a major obstacle to investment and raised concerns about labour rights.

Chattogram’s premier trade body, the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), is once again facing uncertainty as its long-awaited election has been suspended following a directive from the High Court.

The banking sector has shown notable improvement in foreign exchange management and market liquidity, with both net open position (NOP) and net foreign exchange holding posting positive trends despite recent import-related pressure, according to the Bangladesh bank (BB).

Bangladesh has moved to buy three additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from the spot market for May delivery in its rush to secure supply amid fears of supply cuts from the Gulf region, especially Qatar, one of the world’s largest exporters of gas.

Bangladesh’s merchandise export earnings fell for the eighth consecutive month in March, dropping 18 percent year-on-year (YoY) to $3.48 billion, largely owing to long Eid holidays and a turbulent global economy that continued to weigh on trade performance.

When the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, the first signs of trouble in Bangladesh were felt at airports. Flights to several Middle Eastern destinations were suspended, leaving migrant workers stranded and creating chaos at Dhaka airport.

Bangla QR is Bangladesh’s interoperable national quick response (QR) payment standard introduced by Bangladesh Bank.

Merchandise shipment decreased 18% year-on-year to $3.48 billion in March

The company transacted Tk 111,355 crore in 2026’s first three months, posting a 21% year-on-year growth

The court directed resolving the dispute by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Tribunal of FBCCI by April 26

With the initiative, the government has floated tenders to buy 12 LNG cargoes from the spot market since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28

Decision taken to help government conserve energy

Non-compliant institutions may face fines of up to Tk 30 lakh, imprisonment for up to three years, or both

Oil tumbled more than 3 percent on Wednesday, reversing earlier gains as persistent Middle East volatility ‌unnerved markets even amid reports the US-Israeli war with Iran could be winding down.

SBAC Bank PLC Chairman Md Moklesur Rahman yesterday said depositors remain safe with the bank and that both the board and management are taking necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted customer service.

A month of war in the Middle East could wipe out all the economic growth that Arab countries achieved last year, and will likely spark a “sharp economic contraction” in Iran, the United Nations said Tuesday.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have discussed expanding manpower export and recognising Bangladeshi skills to strengthen bilateral labour cooperation during a meeting held in Geneva.

In recent weeks, energy has dominated headlines, seminars and market discussions, not only in Bangladesh but across the world. Securing reliable energy resources is critical, as it will determine how economies prosper in the years ahead.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz trade route in the Middle East war is driving up the costs of shipping fuel and goods around the world, industry data shows.

Storms and heavy rain last month damaged a range of crops, including maize. For maize farmers, it was a cruel blow, as many had turned to the cereal after repeated losses from low potato prices.