Bangladesh Bank has appointed an administrator to Aviva Finance Limited to ensure uninterrupted operations of the non-bank financial institution.

According to an official order issued by the central bank yesterday, Hasan Tarek Khan, a director at the Financial Institutions and Markets Department of Bangladesh Bank, has been temporarily assigned as the administrator.

In his new role, he will exercise the powers and responsibilities of the managing director and chief executive officer of Aviva Finance Limited.

Khan will be relieved of his current duties at the end of the working day on April 27 to take up the new assignment, the order said, adding that the decision was approved by the competent authority.

Aviva Finance Limited, formerly Reliance Finance Limited, was rebranded in 2020 as a shariah-based non-bank financial institution. It offers a range of deposit and investment products, including specialised schemes such as Aviva Nafiha for women.

The central bank had earlier reconstituted the board of the institution following the political transition in August 2024, appointing an independent board to stabilise operations.

However, the company has been struggling due to the prolonged absence of a managing director and a high volume of non-performing loans, which have disrupted its normal business activities. Many customers have reportedly been unable to withdraw their funds, prompting occasional protests.

Allegations have also surfaced that a significant portion of loans was disbursed irregularly during the previous regime, including to entities linked to S Alam and PK Halder, making recovery difficult.

The company was renamed Aviva Finance after Halder’s departure, but it has yet to recover from its financial distress.

Stocks surged today (26 April), the first trading session of the week, as rising turnover and investor interest in select sector-specific shares lifted both indices and market activity.

DSEX, the broad index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange, advanced by 17.6 points to settle at 5,316 points as against 5,299 points in the previous trading session.

While DS30, the blue-chip index, surged 11 points to settle at 2,026 points and DSE's shariah index declined 1.44 points to 1,065 points, the DSE data showed.

Of the traded stocks, 157 scrips advanced, 172 or majority stocks price declined and 62 remained unchanged.

While the turnover soared by 11% to Tk982.42 crore, the data showed.

EBL Securities in its daily market commentary said the market began the week on a positive note, supported by selective accumulation in December-closing stocks on expectations of strong earnings, offsetting persistent concerns over momentum amid developments in Middle East ceasefire talks.

"Despite opening on a firm note, the market encountered sustained mid-session selling pressure; however, robust early buying support enabled indices to close in positive territory, while insurance stocks gained momentum on short-term, earnings-driven accumulation," it said.

On the sectoral front, General Insurance accounted for the highest share by 17.7% of turnover, followed by Engineering by 15.0% and Bank sector by 12.5% sectors.

Sectors mostly displayed mixed returns, out of which General Insurance, Life Insurance and Food exhibited the most positive returns.

Safko Spinning Mills topped the gainer chart as its shares price surged by 10%, the highest daily limit, to Tk19.8 each followed by Apex Tannery by 9.94% to Tk95.1 each, Purabi General Insurance by 9.84% to Tk27.9 each, Aziz Pipes by 9.82% to Tk55.9 each.

While on the losing side, International Leasing and Financial Services topped the loser list as its shares price declined by 8% to Tk2.3 each, followed by Peoples Leasing and Financial Services by 7.40% to Tk2.5 each, Regent Textile by 7.14% to Tk3.9 each, BD Finance by 6.45% to Tk11.6 each, and Rupali Bank by 6.18% to Tk18.2 each.

The port city bourse, CSE, also settled on a positive territory. The Selective Categories' Index (CSCX) and All Share Price Index (CASPI) declined by 35.4 points and 44.7 points, respectively.

The government’s development expenditure has fallen to its lowest level in at least five years in the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26).

Ministries and divisions spent only Tk 75,607 crore in the first nine months, just 36.19 percent of the total allocation under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), according to data released by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) yesterday.

While broadly similar to the same period last year, the figure is significantly below the five-year average. In FY22, nine-month implementation stood at 45 percent, the highest in recent years.

The drop, both in terms of amount and execution rate, comes amid economic uncertainty and political transition midway through the fiscal year.

The situation is particularly acute in the health sector, which implemented only 21.6 percent of the July-March target, despite growing concerns about healthcare accessibility.

With only three months remaining, analysts say Bangladesh is likely to record another year of very low development budget implementation. This will likely impact revenue collection by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which collects advance income tax and VAT from implementing authorities.

It may, however, help contain the budget deficit and limit government borrowing from the banking sector.

Development spending hit a historic low in FY25, with only 68 percent of the revised ADP implemented, the weakest performance since FY1976-77.

Execution this year may fall to around 60 percent, said Mohammad Lutfor Rahman, a professor of economics at Jahangirnagar University. Implementation rates typically rise in the fourth quarter, but the gains may not be enough to close the gap.

“The current pace of ADP implementation reflects both administrative hesitation and structural weaknesses in fiscal management,” he said.

Rahman attributed the slowdown to the country’s unusual administrative transition. Two governments were in office during the current fiscal year. Project officials under the interim government hesitated to spend allocated funds, fearing possible complications if a new government came in.

“Since it was not an elected government, there was less accountability. As a result, towards the end, the focus shifted mainly to elections, and development spending did not get due attention,” Rahman observed.

Officials at the planning ministry earlier said last year’s disruption followed the fall of the Awami League government in a mass uprising, which prompted many project directors to abandon their posts. The revised ADP for the current fiscal year totals Tk 208,935 crore.

Rahman cautioned that the shortfall would have wider economic implications.

“Most ADP projects are infrastructure-based, so delays affect people directly. Employment, especially for daily wage workers at the grassroots level, is also hit due to reduced project activity, creating a multiplier effect on the economy,” he said.

Ashikur Rahman, principal economist at the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), said overall ADP implementation is likely to remain subdued in the current fiscal year.

“Like last year, there were many disruptions in the current fiscal year, including the national election, political transition, as well as global turmoil,” he said, adding that these factors collectively slowed down development spending.

In line with Rahman, he also estimated that total implementation may ultimately stand at around 60-65 percent.

He cautioned about the broader fiscal implications of lower public expenditure. “Due to this lower government expenditure, revenue collection will also be affected.”

BRAC Bank posted a record consolidated profit of Tk2,250.94 crore in 2025 – the highest in its history – marking a staggering 57% year-on-year growth over the previous year.

With this profit, BRAC Bank became the first local private sector lender to surpass Tk2,000 crore in profit.

Riding on the profit growth, the private sector lender also increased its dividend payout, recommending a 30% dividend comprising 15% cash and 15% stock for its shareholders.

The lender approved the annual financial statements and dividend for shareholders at a board of directors meeting held this evening (26 April).

While on the standalone basis, net profit of BRAC Bank rose to Tk1,581 crore, marking a 30% increase from Tk1,214 crore in the previous year.

In 2024, BRAC Bank made a consolidated profit of Tk1,431.84 crore, registering 73% growth over 2023, and it had paid a 25% dividend – 12.50% cash and 12.50% stock dividend to its shareholders.

It called the board of directors meeting on 11 June through the digital platform, and to identify its shareholders, the record date has been fixed on 17 May.

The net asset value per share on the consolidated basis increased to Tk51.56 crore, up from Tk39.38 in the previous year.

Commenting on 2025 financials, Tareq Refat Ullah Khan, managing director and CEO of BRAC Bank said, "As a values-driven institution, BRAC Bank upholds strong governance and sound fundamentals regardless of market conditions. This disciplined approach has enabled consistent financial performance over the years, with profitability emerging as a natural outcome."

He said, This performance in 2025 reflects sustained customer trust, disciplined governance, and prudent portfolio management, despite a challenging operating environment. Our continued investment in digital platforms and customer-centric innovation has further strengthened revenue growth and market reach.

He also said, robust underwriting standards and vigilant risk monitoring have preserved asset quality, keeping non-performing loans among the lowest in the industry. Consistent delivery over the years has reinforced BRAC Bank's standing as a benchmark for governance, compliance, and values-driven banking in Bangladesh.

"Notably, a significant share of the Bank's profit goes to BRAC, the world's largest NGO, which channels these funds into impactful social initiatives – thereby reinforcing the bank's contribution to socio-economic development of Bangladesh," he said.

There are serious lapses in policies aimed at expanding the tax net, resulting in persistently low revenue collection and a weak tax-GDP ratio over many years. Numerous ad hoc measures have been introduced, but outcomes have fallen short of expectations. A striking example is the limited and ineffective taxation of medium and small business houses, traders and business establishments, excluding large corporates. Together, these may be termed SMEs.

Lack of transparency and accountability, weak financial reporting, inefficient tax administration and widespread corruption are the principal causes. Over the past two decades, the trade sector in metropolitan cities, district towns, upazilas and growth centres has expanded significantly. Per capita income has also risen, visible in improved living standards, especially outside major cities. Yet these trends are not reflected in tax collections.

Most SMEs do not maintain proper accounts or ensure transparent reporting. Taxes are often based on fixed sums or manipulated accounts, and the amounts paid are negligible. In many cases, liabilities are determined through informal negotiations between taxpayers and officials, sometimes facilitated by unethical consultants.

The question, then, is how to break this cycle in both the short and long term. There appears to be little research or structured policy work on this issue. Although there are four categories of return forms in the current system, there is no prescribed form tailored specifically to SMEs.

An SME tax return form should be distinct, incorporating key information such as annual turnover; purchases from recognised supply chains, producers and distributors; rental expenses; salaries and wages; electricity bills; city corporation and municipal taxes; total floor area of business premises, including warehouses; bank statements; and VAT returns where applicable. The status and lifestyle of owners and their family members are also relevant. Assets and properties declared in individual tax returns should be cross-checked against SME disclosures. A proper analysis of such data would provide a clear picture of business scale and performance.

As an initial step, where annual income exceeds a threshold, say Tk 1 crore, accounts, except for limited companies, should be prepared with the support and attestation of qualified accounting experts, not necessarily chartered accountants. In line with global practice, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) could determine eligible qualifications, including part-qualified CAs, CMAs and ACCAs. This would improve the quality of financial reporting among SMEs and strengthen revenue collection.

Based on these enhanced returns, income tax should be assessed using progressive slabs. Where reliable accounts are absent, minimum tax may be determined using objective indicators such as electricity consumption, a proportion of salaries and wages, recorded purchases and other reasonable yardsticks. Introduced initially as a pilot, this system could be refined and expanded over time. Digitalisation of accounting records is no longer costly. Many SMEs already use software to record transactions, yet such data often remain undisclosed when tax liabilities are assessed.

Some may argue that revenue from SMEs would not significantly affect overall collections compared with large corporates. However, beyond immediate revenue gains, a broader cultural shift is needed. Public apathy towards tax compliance must change.

No society or economy can develop without transparency, accountability and proper disclosure of business results, alongside meaningful participation by financially solvent citizens. Curbing corruption, if not eliminating it, must also be a priority. These reforms are essential if Bangladesh is to confront mounting economic challenges at a time when the global economy faces prolonged uncertainty.

Dominage Steel Building Systems (DSBSL) has decided to sell 30 percent of its shares to a buyer group led by Akij Resources.

DSBSL board approved the transfer of 3.07 crore shares at a negotiated price through an off-market transaction at its meeting on April 25.

A sale agreement will be executed with the buyers -- Akij Resources, Sheikh Jasim Uddin, and Faria Hossain -- pending approval from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), according to a disclosure issued on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) website yesterday.

Upon receiving BSEC clearance, a new board of directors will assume management and operations of DSBSL.

The existing board said the acquisition would help the company fully resume and optimise production, citing recent operational challenges.

It added that the synergy with Akij’s existing steel infrastructure would create long-term value for shareholders.

Akij Resources holds a significant presence in the steel and construction sectors through its subsidiaries. Officially established in April 2020, it builds on the heritage of the Akij Group, one of Bangladesh’s largest conglomerates.

DSBSL, established in 2007 as a private limited company, manufactures pre-engineered steel buildings.

The company operates two factories, at Fulbaria, Palash, Narsingdi and at Aukpara, Ashulia, Savar, with a combined monthly production capacity of 550 tonnes. It sources raw materials from manufacturers in Japan, China, and Taiwan.

As of March 31, 2026, sponsors and directors held 30.20 percent of shares, the public held 61.44 percent, and the rest were held by institutions and foreign investors.

The US central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its policy meeting next week, as energy prices stay high and supply chains snarled due to war in the Middle East.

The Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, starting Tuesday, could be chairman Jerome Powell’s last at the helm of the independent institution.

But it takes place against a tricky backdrop. Powell’s successor has faced a bumpy road to confirmation, while policymakers battle competing pressures as steeper fuel prices drive inflation and job market worries linger.

Fed officials are set to keep rates steady at a range between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent, extending their pause since the start of the year.

“We still have a very high level of uncertainty on what’s happening in the Middle East,” KPMG senior economist Kenneth Kim told AFP.

Oil and gasoline prices remain elevated even if they have peaked, meaning “there’s certainly an energy shock that’s still impacting both consumers and businesses,” he said.

The Fed has a dual mandate of maintaining price stability and low unemployment.

It tends to keep interest rates high to curb inflation or lower them to spur growth, meaning that current conditions pull officials in different directions.

Navy Federal Credit Union Chief Economist Heather Long expects Powell to be “non-committal” on the path of rates, as the full impact from the war on Iran remains unknown.

The oil price hikes came after US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran from February 28 sparked Tehran’s retaliation in virtually closing the Strait of Hormuz -- a key waterway for energy transit.

CONTAINING INFLATION

Fed officials will likely focus more on containing inflation than the jobs market this meeting, with the war entering its ninth week.

The strait is also a key passage for fertilizers, and disruptions threaten to hit food production.

Already, US consumer inflation reached its highest level in nearly two years in March at 3.3 percent as energy costs rocketed.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller, who earlier backed lower rates to support employment, indicated this month that a prolonged conflict could make it hard for the central bank to cut rates this year.

If there were high inflation and a weak labor market, one would have to balance risks on both sides.

This “may mean maintaining the policy rate at the current target range if the risks to inflation outweigh those to the labor market,” he told an Alabama event.

KPMG’s Kim said solid hiring recently “gives the Fed some cushion” to temporarily focus more on prices.

Analysts will monitor if the Fed signals in its post-meeting statement that rate hikes are a possibility.

‘CRITICAL JUNCTURE’

The Fed is also taking its next steps under intense political scrutiny.

President Donald Trump has made no secret of his wish for lower interest rates, and regularly slammed Powell for not cutting them aggressively.

Beyond rhetoric, Trump has sought to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook over claims of mortgage fraud. The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether he can fire her.

Meanwhile, Trump’s choice of new Fed chairman -- Kevin Warsh -- has faced a bumpy road to confirmation.

Republican senator Thom Tillis on the Senate Banking Committee vowed to block Fed appointments until a Justice Department probe into the Fed and Powell is resolved, setting up a potential impasse on the panel Warsh needs to clear.

But the Department of Justice said Friday it would drop the investigation linked to renovation costs overruns, potentially paving the way for Warsh’s ascendance.

Asked by journalists Saturday about the DOJ’s move, Trump said he still wants to look into the cost of the Federal Reserve building renovations, which he has claimed is too high.

“I tell you, I want to find out. I have an obligation to find out,” he said.

Warsh has repeatedly pledged to remain independent if confirmed.

“We’re at a critical juncture for the Fed,” EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco told AFP.

“It may be that under Warsh, we’re going to see less Fed transparency, less Fed communication than we had in the past,” he said, referring to Warsh’s confirmation hearing testimony.

Powell’s chairman term expires May 15, and he originally intended to stay on the Fed’s board of governors until the probe on him is completed.

All eyes are on his future plans at his scheduled press briefing Wednesday.

A quiet but fast-moving shift is underway on Bangladesh's roads as electric bikes and e-scooters emerge as a new growth industry, drawing over Tk2,000 crore in fresh investments and rapidly rising consumer demand.

What began as a niche market just a few years ago is now drawing significant investment from some of the country's largest conglomerates, including Nasir Group, Walton, PRAN-RFL Group, Runner Automobiles and Akij Group.

Driven by high fuel prices, rising urban living costs, traffic congestion and growing demand for cleaner transport, e-bikes are increasingly becoming a practical choice for commuters and a serious business opportunity for manufacturers.

Industry insiders estimate that at least five major companies made fresh investments in the sector over the past year alone, with ongoing commitments exceeding Tk2,000 crore.

At the same time, imports have surged sharply, highlighting how rapidly consumer demand is building. Just three years ago, monthly e-bike sales in Bangladesh were negligible, hovering around 100 units. Today, monthly sales have climbed into the thousands.

National Board of Revenue data show imports of e-bikes quadrupled within three years. Imports rose from 2,446 units in FY23 to 10,053 units in FY25. However, industry players say the actual market is significantly larger.

Subail bin Alam, chief operating officer of Nasir Syntax Motors Ltd, said NBR import data do not fully capture the market because a large volume of CKD kits entered Bangladesh in 2025 and many of those shipments are not reflected in the headline numbers.

"If those are added, the actual figure would be several times higher, with hundreds of e-bikes now being sold every day," he added.

He said the market received a major boost after the government reduced taxes on imported electric two-wheelers and parts in 2024. Currently, completely built-up unit imports face 98.87% tax, while CKD imports are taxed at around 37%, making local assembly increasingly attractive. For fuel-based motorcycles, the rates are 125% and 90%, respectively.

This shift has encouraged multiple firms to enter the market or expand operations.

Subail added that while fuel-based motorcycles cost around Tk3-4 per kilometre to operate, e-bikes cost only 30-40 paisa per kilometre, making them highly cost-effective for daily users.

"A battery costing Tk30,000-35,000 can last around three years. Over the same period, maintenance costs for petrol bikes are much higher. That is why consumers are turning to e-bikes as an alternative."

Major players scale up investments

Among the newest major entrants is Nasir Group, which has already invested Tk300 crore in the sector.

The company launched five models in November 2025, two with graphene batteries and three with lithium batteries, and has already built showrooms in 40 districts as part of an aggressive expansion strategy.

Subail said Nasir Syntax Motors initially began producing around 70 bikes per day, but has built a factory with the capacity to scale several times higher depending on demand.

"Our target is to invest Tk500 crore in EVs," he said.

PRAN-RFL Group has also entered the race with its RYDO e-scooter brand. The company has invested around Tk200 crore, with production beginning in January this year at its Habiganj facility.

The plant currently produces around 500 units per month, with plans to scale up to 3,000 units monthly at full capacity.

RN Paul, managing director of RFL Group, said current duty structures remain a challenge because they raise retail prices.

He said the company is engaging with policymakers and aims to bring e-scooters to market at around Tk50,000 by 2027, subject to stronger policy support.

Walton, one of Bangladesh's largest electronics manufacturers, has already established an early lead. The company launched the country's first locally produced e-bike under the Takyon brand in 2022 and currently commands around 18% market share.

Its manufacturing ecosystem already includes assembly lines, plastic moulding, PCB SMT production for digital systems and battery management systems, as well as battery manufacturing facilities.

Touhidur Rahman Rad, chief business officer of Walton Digi-Tech Industries Ltd, said Walton plans a dedicated 1,20,000-square-foot e-bike factory with an annual production capacity of 20,000 units.

The project is expected to generate more than 1,500 jobs with an investment running into several hundred crore taka.

He said e-bikes can reduce household transport fuel costs by as much as 80%, allowing families to recover the cost of ownership within a relatively short period.

Runner, Akij intensify competition

Runner Automobiles, a long-established player in Bangladesh's motorcycle market, has also accelerated its EV strategy.

After entering motorcycle manufacturing in 2012 with over Tk500 crore in phased investment, Runner began assembling e-scooters in 2025 in partnership with China's Yadea.

It had already launched e-bikes under the eWave brand several years earlier.

Priced between Tk70,000 and Tk100,000, Runner's e-bikes have gained a strong foothold.

Runner Automobiles Chairman Hafizur Rahman said the company plans to move from assembly to full manufacturing at its Bhaluka factory in Mymensingh.

Meanwhile, Akij Motors entered the e-bike segment between 2020 and 2022 and now assembles seven models at its Gazipur facility.

The company is focusing on the premium segment, with most models priced above Tk1,00,000.

An Akij official said customer preferences are shifting towards better performance, durability and higher-quality vehicles.

Why consumers are switching

A petrol-powered motorcycle typically costs Tk2-3 per kilometre in fuel. An e-bike costs only Tk0.30-0.40 per kilometre.

There is no engine oil, lower servicing costs, and monthly charging expenses can be as low as Tk300-500.

Nawshad Alam, an HR official at BRAC Bank, recently bought a Jiho A8 SE electric scooter for Tk2,20,000.

The lithium-powered scooter can travel 105–110 kilometres on a full charge.

"I bought an e-bike to avoid the hassle of fuel," he said.

"I no longer need to stand in petrol pump queues. I charge it at home. There is almost no fuel or servicing cost, and the company gave a three-year warranty."

He added that premium models are expensive, but entry-level bikes begin at around Tk50,000.

Md Mahmudur Rahman, general manager of RFL E-bike, said young professionals, especially women, are increasingly adopting e-bikes.

Their controlled speed makes them appear safer to many families, helping transform them from transport tools into lifestyle products.

He said countries such as India, China and Vietnam demonstrate the long-term potential of electric mobility.

Even families that already own cars or motorcycles are buying e-scooters for short urban trips because of their affordability and convenience, he added.

Md Matiur Rahman of Transsion Holdings said rising fuel prices and worsening congestion are steadily pushing consumers away from conventional motorcycles.

Import dependency

Despite growing local assembly, Bangladesh remains heavily reliant on imports.

Most units arrive fully built from China, while another 20-30% come in as SKD or CKD kits for local assembly. Foreign brands still dominate parts of the market.

Revoo, imported by Transsion Holdings since 2022, controls around 20% market share, offering high-performance models with ranges of up to 80 kilometres, swappable lithium batteries and NFC smart unlocking.

Chinese brands such as TailG, Salida, AIMA and Exploit also maintain strong positions.

Charging, registration still major barriers

Industry leaders say the sector's biggest growth constraints are inadequate charging infrastructure and cumbersome registration processes.

Bangladesh currently has only 112 public charging stations, concentrated in Dhaka and Chattogram, creating severe range anxiety outside major cities.

Subail of Nasir Syntax Motors said a rider who leaves home with a partial charge has few options if the battery runs out mid-journey.

"Fuel stations exist everywhere, but charging stations do not. The government still has no clear policy framework. This is a major barrier for EV adoption," he said.

Walton's Touhidur Rahman said demand is currently stronger in Khulna and Chattogram than in Dhaka in some cases, partly due to road-use patterns and infrastructure realities.

He said rapid expansion of fast-charging and battery-swapping stations would dramatically accelerate growth.

Md Moshiuzzan, director of corporate affairs at Nasir Syntax Motors, said e-bike registration costs range from Tk8,000 to Tk12,000.

He added that no dedicated BRTA desk exists for e-bike registration, forcing many buyers into lengthy procedures and leaving many vehicles unregistered.

Bangladesh's motorcycle market is now worth an estimated Tk7,000-8,000 crore, expanding at 16-17% annually.

Nearly 99% of motorcycles sold locally are now manufactured or assembled in Bangladesh, a transformation driven by supportive industrial policies.

If registration systems are simplified, charging infrastructure expanded and tax policies remain supportive, Bangladesh's e-bike market may soon become the next major success story in domestic manufacturing and urban mobility, stakeholders say.

Bangladesh's economy last week revolved around energy-related costs straining public finances, a halt in fertiliser production due to gas shortages, and fresh burdens on trade from rising container depot charges.

The week was also marked by a revenue collection shortfall heading into the fiscal year-end, and pushback from the garment industry against US allegations of forced labour and overcapacity.

The following is a recap of those major stories as covered by Star Business.

$2 billion out of pocket as energy costs surge, says finance minister (April 19)

Bangladesh has incurred nearly $2 billion in additional energy costs owing to global supply chain disruptions, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said while addressing an event in Washington. He called for urgent budget support to ease fiscal pressure and shore up weakened banks.

Gas shortage brings DAP fertiliser production to a halt (April 20)

Production at the state-owned DAP Fertilizer Company Limited in Chattogram ground to a halt after an acute ammonia shortage, itself a consequence of the prolonged closure of five urea factories, including CUFL and Kafco, disrupted by gas supply problems tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

ICDs raise charges, a day after fuel price hike (April 21)

Private inland container depots hiked handling charges by 8.5 percent, just one day after diesel prices climbed 15 percent. Exporters immediately protested the move, warning it would raise trade costs and further weaken Bangladesh's competitiveness in global markets.

Missed targets: NBR needs Tk 2.6 lakh crore by June to avoid shortfall (April 22)

The National Board of Revenue faces a Tk 2.6 lakh crore collection target in the final quarter of FY26 after falling nearly Tk 1 lakh crore short of its nine-month goal. Analysts pointed to slowing GDP and elevated energy costs as the chief obstacles to closing the gap.

No overcapacity, forced labour in apparel sector (April 23)

The BGMEA firmly rejected US allegations of forced labour and overcapacity in Bangladesh's garment sector. In a formal position paper, the association said that its exports support rather than undercut the US economy, and that the industry operates in full compliance with internationally recognised labour standards.

Oil climbed on Monday (27 April) as stalled US-Iran peace talks prolonged the disruption of Middle East energy exports, while renewed excitement about artificial intelligence spending drove up chip stocks ‌at the beginning of a week where war, central banks and tech earnings are in focus.

Benchmark Brent crude futures rose around 2% to touch a three-week high of $107.97 a barrel in Asia trade, a level that has stoked inflation worries and prompted traders to all but price out rate cuts in developed markets this year.

S&P 500 futures wobbled in the Asia session but tacked on small gains of around 0.2% after markets in Taiwan, Tokyo and Seoul followed Wall Street to notch record highs on a new wave of AI optimism.

Currency trading was broadly steady, with the euro at $1.1724 and the yen at 159.32 per dollar.

Bond ⁠markets were calm ahead of central bank meetings in Japan, the US, Britain, Europe, Canada and a smattering of emerging markets.

While a ceasefire has frozen most fighting in the war, starting with US-Israeli strikes on Iran two months ago, markets are focused on the shuttered Strait of Hormuz, where barely any ships carrying oil and gas have transited.

The average LNG price for June delivery into northeast Asia was $16.70 per million British thermal units last week, nearly 61% above pre-war levels.

Goldman Sachs analysts lifted year-end oil price forecasts sharply from $80 to $90 a barrel for Brent, and even that rests on normalisation of Gulf exports by the end of June.

"Non-linear price increases are likely if inventories drop to critically low levels, which we have not seen in the last few decades," they warned in a note.

US President Donald Trump cancelled a trip to Islamabad by US envoys for talks on the weekend, but investors were buoyed slightly by an Axios report saying Iran wants to make a deal ‌on opening ⁠the strait first and postpone nuclear talks until later.

Rates and hyperscalers earnings

Beyond oil derivatives and the even more stretched physical market where jet fuel fetches $185 a barrel in Singapore, equity investors have hoped for a breakthrough and tried to look past the oil shock to an AI trend that is seen as unstoppable.

"AI is something that people are very optimistic about and very much considered a winner," said Mike Seidenberg, senior portfolio manager for Allianz Technology Trust.

"It's the top of the portfolio."

Intel's forecast for second-quarter revenue above Wall Street ⁠expectations last week set off the latest round of buying that has pushed the total value of the chip-maker-heavy stock markets in Taiwan and South Korea above Germany's.

US tech earnings headline the week ahead, with 44% of the S&P 500 by market cap due to report and the focus on capex at Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta Platforms, which report ⁠on Wednesday. Apple reports on Thursday.

Major central banks are expected to stay on hold this week, though aggressive bets on future rate hikes in Britain and Europe could be tested if policymakers strike a cautious tone.

The Bank of Japan is the first off the rank and is expected to keep its short-term policy rate steady at ⁠0.75% on Tuesday.

The Federal Reserve is also expected to leave rates where they are at what is likely to be Jerome Powell's final meeting in the chair.

The European Central Bank and Bank of England are likewise expected to hold, but their tone and outlook could challenge market pricing for both banks to make two 25-basis-point hikes later in the year.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are likely to remain strained through the end of 2027 due to disruptions and infrastructure damage from the US-Iran war, the International Energy Agency said Friday.

Energy prices have soared since Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf tanker traffic and began striking oil and gas targets in neighbouring countries in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks.

“The combined effect of short-term supply losses and slower capacity growth could result in a cumulative loss of around 120 billion cubic metres of LNG supply between 2026 and 2030,” the Paris-based agency said in a new report.

It said nearly 20 percent of LNG supply has been lost due to the conflict, and warned that new investments to increase production are likely to be delayed.

“While new liquefaction projects in other regions are expected to offset these losses over time, the impact will prolong tight markets through 2026 and 2027,” it said.

Soaring prices could also depress demand for gas, with many countries already announcing energy-saving measures that could drive demand for renewable energy sources.

“The demand side is set to play a key role in balancing the market -- particularly in Asia, where fuel switching is already picking up alongside energy-saving measures,” the IEA said.

Economists warn that persistently high prices could spark widespread inflation that could derail growth worldwide if consumers curtail spending in response.

More than a decade after Bangladesh and China announced a Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara upazila of Chattogram, the project remains largely on paper with no visible construction.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza), which is overseeing the project, says the zone could attract $1.5 billion in investment and create more than 200,000 jobs. However, there are still no firm commitments, signed land-lease agreements, or confirmed factory setups.

Of the nearly 784 acres allocated in Anwara, only about 60 acres have been prepared, and not a single factory has been established.

Basic infrastructure on the ground is still incomplete, with utility services only partly in place. The Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has installed a limited water supply pipeline, while the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company has set up a nearby gas station.

Beza has also built an administrative building and two access roads.

This reflects a broader pattern in Bangladesh’s investment landscape, where large pledges do not always translate into actual inflows. Chinese foreign direct investment also remains modest, with only a small share of announced amounts materialising.

HOW THE PROJECT BEGAN

The project dates back to June 2014, when, during a visit to China, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina proposed an exclusive economic zone for Chinese investors. Beza pursued the plan and signed an agreement with China’s commerce ministry during the visit.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council approved the project in September 2015 and allocated Tk 420.37 crore for the first phase, with China expected to provide a loan to fund it.

Beza later acquired land in Anwara, about 270 kilometres south of Dhaka, for the zone.

In October 2016, Beza signed a contract with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, but the development and land-lease agreements could not be finalised, and the deal collapsed in April 2022.

Later, on July 16, 2022, China nominated the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) as the new developer. Beza signed cooperation and investment terms with CRBC later that year and finalised the shareholder agreement in October 2023.

Progress remained slow under the Awami League government. After the political change in August 2024, the interim government renewed efforts to move the project forward, but there has still been no progress on the ground.

This is happening despite stronger Dhaka-Beijing ties and rising US tariffs that are encouraging Chinese manufacturers to consider relocating factories.

Beza sources said some Chinese manufacturers visited the site last year, and around 200 investors are expected to participate in the zone, suggesting the project still has strong potential if long-standing delays are resolved.

BEZA EXPLAINS DELAYS IN NEGOTIATIONS

“Progress on the proposed Chinese economic zone has been slow due to unresolved contractual and commercial issues,” said Mohammad Zakaria Mithu, director (MIS and research) at Beza.

He said that although land acquisition is complete, no formal agreement has been signed with the Chinese side, and negotiations on the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract are still ongoing.

“The development agreement, which is needed to start physical work, depends on finalising the EPC contract,” he added.

Mithu also said disagreements over cost valuation under the Chinese loan framework remain a key obstacle, with both sides yet to align their expectations.

He attributed the delays mainly to prolonged negotiations and pending approvals, while a multi-ministry committee is working to resolve the issues.

Mithu added that once the EPC contract is finalised, further steps such as the development agreement, company registration and formal approval can proceed, enabling implementation.

He also said Chinese investment is expected in sectors including textile manufacturing, electronics assembly, renewable energy (solar), light engineering and agribusiness.

Meanwhile, Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of Beza, has outlined a 180-day roadmap to complete negotiations for the long-stalled project.

He said that although part of the land is ready, progress has been delayed due to unresolved commercial issues between the government and Chinese private partners.

“These disputes have delayed the signing of key land-lease and development agreements,” he added.

Chowdhury said the immediate focus is to resolve technical cost issues and complete administrative procedures so that groundwork can begin within six months.

He added that the goal is to shift the project from prolonged negotiations to actual industrial development.

India has ramped up purchases of Russian oil and revived alternate supplies from Africa, Iran and Venezuela to blunt a sharp crude shortfall from the crisis-ridden Middle East, analysts say.

India, the world’s third-largest oil buyer, normally sources about half of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that has seen only a trickle of traffic since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.

India’s heavy import dependence, combined with modest oil reserves compared with major consumers like China, has prompted analysts to warn that India could be among the most vulnerable to a sudden oil price hike.

But while India is grappling with disruptions to cooking gas supplies, it has so far avoided the petrol shortages that have hit some neighbouring nations.

Ship‑tracking and import data show that India has partially plugged the gap by turning to old allies, expanding promising ties and reviving suppliers it had not tapped in years.

The biggest backstop has been Russian crude -- a fuel source New Delhi spent much of the past year trying to pivot away from under stiff US tariffs.

Indian refiners imported an average of nearly 1.98 million barrels per day (bpd) from Russia in March, according to trade intelligence firm Kpler -- a sharp jump from the previous two months.

Analysts say the surge was likely aided by a temporary US waiver granted in March covering Russian oil already at sea.

“Imports rose from approximately one million bpd in January and February,” said Nikhil Dubey, an analyst at Kpler.

“This near‑doubling suggests that this additional volume was likely contracted following the sanction waiver,” he told AFP.

USEFUL PURCHASE

India likely purchased an additional 60 million barrels of Russian oil that will be delivered through April, two trade analysts said.

Washington’s exemptions have drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who says they complicate efforts to choke off Russia’s revenues more than four years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

But Kyiv gained little leverage after US President Donald Trump last week extended the waiver on Russian seaborne oil by another month.

“The extension gives Indian refiners the runway they urgently needed,” said Rahul Choudhary, vice‑president at Rystad Energy.

“Indian refiners will likely move quickly to lock in the additional barrels the extension unlocks before the May 16 deadline.”

Other markets have also aided India.

Imports from Angola averaged 327,000 bpd in March, data from Kpler shows, nearly three times what India received in February.

Industry watchers say African crude purchases were made before the United States struck Iran and have proven to be useful.

“A lot of the uptick you’re seeing from Angola in March or Nigeria in April comes because we were (already) looking at sources other than Russia,” an official at a state‑run refiner told AFP, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak with journalists.

“It’s now come in handy because shipments from Iraq and most of the Middle East have fallen heavily.”

According to Kpler, crude from both Iran and Venezuela began arriving this month.

Imports from Iran averaged 276,000 bpd as of mid‑April, while shipments from Venezuela stood at around 137,000 bpd, preliminary data from Kpler shows.

The purchases have proven to be a fortuitous windfall for refiners who largely steered clear of both suppliers previously to avoid US ire.

HIGHER PRICES

Despite the diversification, the road ahead looks difficult.

India’s overall crude imports fell in March, sliding to 4.5 million bpd from 5.2 million in February, according to Kpler.

Analysts also cautioned that oil from the African nations has limits as a substitute.

“In a prolonged Iran conflict scenario, African crudes can partially backfill supply. However, they are unlikely to fully replace Middle Eastern barrels on a structural basis due to crude slate mismatches,” said Dubey, explaining Indian refineries were configured for different grades than what comes from the African countries.

Higher prices are also a problem.

“The era of cheap oil is over for now, but access has been preserved. Either way, India doesn’t have the luxury of walking away,” said Choudhary, noting that April barrels were secured at between $5 and $15 above the Brent global oil benchmark.

State‑run retailers have yet to raise pump prices, with the government instead cutting excise duties on fuel.

Some analysts warn prices could rise by as much as 28 rupees (30 cents) per litre once voting in key state elections ends later this month.

The oil ministry acknowledged Thursday that government‑owned fuel companies were incurring losses but denied that a price hike was imminent.

“India is the only country where petrol and diesel prices haven’t increased in the last four years,” it said.

The government and state oil firms “have taken relentless steps in order to insulate Indian citizens from steep increases in international prices”.

Bangladesh can increase its tax revenue from the current level of less than 7 per cent of GDP to around 15 per cent without raising tax rates by ensuring transparency, accountability and greater efficiency in tax administration, experts and economists said.

They stressed the need for urgent reforms, including separating tax policy formulation from tax collection authorities, along with institutional and procedural improvements to enhance enforcement capacity and reduce tax evasion.

The observations came on Sunday at a policy dialogue titled “Rationalising Supplementary Duty and VAT in Bangladesh: Evidence, Challenges, and Reform Pathways,” organised by the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh with support from The M Group, Inc.

Zakir Ahmed Khan, chairman of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, attended as the chief guest. The event was chaired by Zaidi Sattar.

Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor of The Financial Express, and Zakir Hossain, associate editor of Daily Samakal, shared their insights on the keynote presented by Bazlul Haque Khondker, research director of PRI, and Hafiz Choudhury, principal of The M Group.Financial news subscription

Zakir Ahmed Khan said Bangladesh’s tax potential could be significantly higher if enforcement is strengthened and systemic leakages are reduced. Proper enforcement of existing laws alone could raise revenue by 30–40 per cent, he added.

He argued that instead of comparing with other countries, Bangladesh should assess its own tax potential based on its economic structure, rates and base. With improved compliance and enforcement, the country could reach a tax-to-GDP ratio of around 15 per cent without increasing tax rates.

However, he cautioned that enforcement should not turn into “tax terrorism” but should promote voluntary compliance and trust in the system.

Khan also emphasised the need to separate tax policy formulation from tax administration under the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to improve efficiency, accountability and research capacity. He said stronger reforms, better analysis and continuous policy review are essential to unlock Bangladesh’s revenue potential and address fiscal challenges.

Zaidi Sattar said Bangladesh’s ongoing tax liberalisation reflects a structural tax deficit and weak revenue capacity, as indicated by low tax buoyancy.

He observed that heavy reliance on import tariffs, regulatory duties and supplementary duties has raised domestic prices, particularly for consumer goods, making them higher than international levels and even compared to India.Economic analysis reports

He added that although purchasing power parity suggests higher real income, high domestic prices reduce affordability and competitiveness.

Shamsul Huq Zahid said the NBR tends to rely on supplementary and regulatory duties to offset weak direct tax collection, often using high duties to protect inefficient domestic industries.

He noted that Bangladesh, once a pioneer in introducing VAT in the region, is now lagging behind countries like India and Nepal in modern tax systems such as GST, largely due to inefficiencies in tax administration.

“The NBR’s inability to generate sufficient direct tax revenue has led to growing dependence on indirect taxation, which distorts the tax structure and reduces efficiency,” he said.

The European Union and United States signed an agreement Friday to coordinate on the supply of critical minerals needed for key industries including defense, as China's dominance becomes a growing concern.

The pact marks a rare embrace by President Donald Trump's administration of the role of the EU, which it often berates as it instead champions right-wing populists within Europe.

Flexing its muscle at times of tension, Beijing has restricted exports of critical minerals needed for products including semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries and weapons systems.

"The overconcentration of these resources, the fact that they're dominated by one or two places, is an unacceptable risk," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said as he signed a memorandum of understanding with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic.

Sefcovic told a separate press briefing that the agreement "formalizes our partnership across the entire value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing, refining, recycling and recovery."

On concerns that China could retaliate against a potential critical minerals deal involving multiple parties, Sefcovic said: "For us, it's really a matter of economic security. It's a matter of overcoming dependencies."

From recent experience, "we know how dependencies could be expensive, and we have a huge price tag for being dependent on the sources of our fossil fuels," he added.

"We simply want to learn from that experience and have a much more diversified portfolio of suppliers," Sefcovic said.

Rubio noted that the United States and the EU combined are "the largest customers and users" of critical minerals.

"We have to make sure that these supplies and these minerals are available for our futures and in ways that are not monopolized in one place or concentrated heavily in one place," Rubio added.

An action plan said that the EU and United States would explore setting minimum prices on critical minerals -- effectively preventing China or other outside powers from flooding the market with inexpensive exports.

They will also look at coordinating any subsidies and stockpiles of critical minerals, and could coordinate joint standards to ease trade across the Western world, and together invest in research.

The US Trade Representative's office said this plan will be the main mechanism to "coordinate trade policies and measures on critical minerals supply chains with a view to concluding a binding plurilateral agreement on trade."

The Trump administration has previously called for a preferential trade zone among allies on critical minerals.

Washington has also unveiled critical minerals action plans with Mexico and Japan, alongside a supply framework with Australia and others.

A surfeit of 'high-powered' money in the economy stokes concern about inflation upturn as reserve money more than doubled in terms of year-on-year growth as of February.Economic analysis reports

The central bank of Bangladesh has injected Tk 200 billion in printed money into

economy recently to feed government expenditure needs, economists say.

Bangladesh Bank officials, however, play down such concern as they claim the regulator has got a stronger rise in its net foreign assets (NFA), including foreign- exchange reserves, during the current fiscal year.

The increase in reserve, dubbed 'high-power money', signifies a sharp expansion of liquidity on the money market. Data released from the central bank show reserve money grew 13.35 per cent in February 2026, up from 6.16 per cent in the same month a year earlier.

The BB attributes the increase largely to a stronger rise in its net foreign assets, including foreign-exchange reserves, during the fiscal year 2025-26, compared with only a marginal increase in the previous year.

Reserve money is also referred to as the monetary base that comprises currency in circulation and commercial banks' reserves held with the central bank.

It forms the foundation of the broader money supply and can have significant implications for inflation and credit conditions, economists explain.Bangladesh economic statistics

People familiar with the developments told The Financial Express that the recent surge in the net foreign asset reflects sizeable dollar purchases by the Bangladesh Bank.

The central bank bought more than $5.50 billion from the market during the fiscal year, boosting its foreign-asset holdings and in turn expanding reserve money.

They also say inflows of foreign grants and assistance from some international lenders, for example, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, also contributed to the rise in net foreign assets in the state treasury.

Some economists strike a note of caution that the increase in high-powered money could add fuel to inflationary pressures if not managed carefully.

"We believe the situation remains under control," says Dr Md Ezazul Islam, director- general of Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management.

He says a potential increase in private-sector imports in the coming months could help moderate reserve-money growth.

Others appear more concerned about the inflationary impact.

"This helps explain why inflation is not easing," says Dr M Masrur Reaz, chairman and chief executive officer of Policy Exchange Bangladesh.Financial news subscription

He adds that the central bank has recently injected around Tk 200 billion in the economy, amplifying liquidity through multiplier effects and contributing to persistent price pressures.

Raising tax rates on high-income earners without expanding the tax net could backfire, potentially encouraging money laundering and capital flight, the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) said today.

“Raising tax rates on high-income taxpayers may discourage compliant taxpayers and increase the risks of tax evasion or capital flight,” said MCCI President Kamran T Rahman while presenting budget proposals for FY2026-27 at a pre-budget discussion with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in Dhaka.

“In the context of regional competition, it is essential to keep tax rates reasonable. Expanding the tax base, rather than increasing tax rates, could be a more effective and sustainable solution for boosting revenue,” he added.

The chamber said that maintaining a rational and predictable tax regime is essential to retain investment and ensure compliance in a region marked by growing tax competition.

Instead of raising rates, the trade body recommended broadening the tax base to bring more individuals and businesses, particularly from the informal sector, under the tax net.

Currently, despite having more than one crore registered taxpayers with electronic tax identification numbers (e-TINs), fewer than half regularly file returns, pointing to a structural weakness in the system.

The MCCI proposed introducing a symbolic minimum tax, ranging from Tk 100 to Tk 1,000 annually, along with a simplified one-page digital return-filing system via mobile applications.

"This would encourage first-time taxpayers to enter the formal system and gradually build a culture of compliance," Rahman said.

The chamber also flagged concerns over the effective tax rate faced by businesses, noting that multiple layers of advance income tax (AIT), tax deducted at source (TDS), and various conditionalities often push the actual burden to as high as 40–50 percent, far exceeding statutory rates.

Such distortions reduce the benefits of nominal tax cuts and create disincentives for formal business operations, it said.

MCCI urged policymakers to move towards a simplified, income-based taxation system, reduce conditionalities tied to corporate tax rates, and accelerate digital integration across income tax, VAT, and customs platforms.

It also called for easing compliance requirements, such as the Proof of Submission of Return (PSR), rationalising VAT rates, and ensuring faster, automated input tax credit mechanisms.

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of employment and industrial growth, the chamber recommended targeted tax relief, lower turnover taxes, and reduced duties on raw materials to enhance competitiveness.

The MCCI said that revenue policy should balance mobilisation and facilitation, warning that overly aggressive taxation could prove counterproductive in an already fragile economic environment.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a US$250 million loan to support Bangladesh in operationalising and institutionalising critical reforms to improve the efficiency, coverage, and effectiveness of the country’s social protection system.

The Subprogram 2 of the Second Strengthening Social Resilience Program aims to strengthen protective and preventive social protection measures to reduce vulnerability, exclusion, and poverty risks, said an ADB press release.

The program focuses on improving social protection system management, expanding its coverage and scope, and enhancing protection for vulnerable populations.

ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hoe Yun Jeong said this program represents an important milestone in Bangladesh’s transition toward a more modern, inclusive, and resilient social protection system.

By expanding coverage for vulnerable groups -- particularly women -- and introducing contributory protection mechanisms, the reforms, introduced by this program, will help reduce poverty risks while supporting long-term economic stability, said ADB country director

“ADB is proud to partner with Bangladesh in building a system that is more efficient, adaptive, and better equipped to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity” Jeong added.

Reforms under the program include the development of contributory social protection schemes, which are expected to help ease longer-term fiscal pressure.

The widow allowance program will also extend support to at least 250,000 additional vulnerable women, while adaptive social protection will be strengthened through initiative climate adaptive measures under a core workfare program. In addition, access to financial services for women entrepreneurs will increase by at least 15% through the Bangladesh Bank’s targeted refinancing scheme.

The initiatives under the program are expected to generate significant micro-level outcomes, including enhanced productivity and efficiency, increased female labour force participation, and greater poverty reduction -- leading to positive macroeconomic effects and contributing to inclusive economic growth, added the release.

Oil prices extended their gains on Thursday, rising more than $1 ‌in the wake of stalled peace talks between Iran and the United States and as both nations maintained restrictions on the flow of trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures rose $1.26, or 1.2 percent, to $103.17 a barrel at 0630 GMT, after settling above $100 for the first time in ​more than two weeks on Wednesday. West Texas Intermediate futures were also up $1.20, or 1.3 percent, at $94.16.

Both benchmarks closed ​more than $3 higher on Wednesday after larger-than-expected gasoline and distillate stock draws in the US, and over the lack of progress on Iran peace talks.

“The oil market is repricing expectations with little sign of progress in ​finding a resolution in the Persian Gulf,” said ING analysts in a note, adding that hopes for a resolution are ​fading as peace talks stall.

“In addition, Iran’s seizure of two vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz suggests disruptions to shipments are set to continue.”

While US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire between the countries following a request by Pakistani mediators, Iran and the US are still restricting ​the transit of ships through the strait, which carried about 20 percent of daily global oil supplies until the war began on ​February 28.

Iran seized two ships in the waterway on Wednesday, tightening its grip on the strategic chokepoint.

Trump has also maintained a US Navy ‌blockade ⁠of Iran’s trade by sea, and Iranian parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a full ceasefire only made sense if the blockade was lifted.

The US military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday.

With his extension of the ​ceasefire on Tuesday, Trump again ​pulled back at the ⁠last moment from warnings to bomb Iran’s power plants and bridges. Trump has not set an end date for the extended ceasefire, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

US EXPORTS ​SET A RECORD HIGH

On energy trade, total exports of crude oil and petroleum products from the ​United States climbed ⁠by 137,000 barrels per day to a record 12.88 million bpd as Asian and European countries bought up supplies after disruptions tied to the Iran war.

US crude stocks rose while gasoline and distillate inventories fell, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

Crude inventories ⁠rose by ​1.9 million barrels, compared with expectations in a Reuters poll for a ​1.2 million-barrel draw.

US gasoline stocks fell by 4.6 million barrels, while analysts had expected a 1.5 million-barrel draw. Distillate stockpiles dropped by 3.4 million barrels versus ​expectations for a 2.5 million-barrel drop.

Three years after launch and with 99 percent of its budget unspent, a nearly Tk 1,700 crore customs modernisation project is set to be presented to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) today with a proposal to extend its deadline and raise costs by nearly 40 percent.

The Customs Modernisation and Infrastructure Development project was launched in April 2023 with World Bank (WB) financing to modernise key customs offices, including Chattogram, Benapole and Dhaka.

It was scheduled for completion by March 2026. As of June 2025, only Tk 5.14 crore had been spent of the original Tk 1,686 crore budget, of which Tk 1,475 crore was a WB loan.

Although Tk 113 crore has been allocated in the current fiscal year, the government is now seeking to extend the project’s duration and increase its cost.

A senior planning ministry official said a revised proposal has been listed for presentation at today’s scheduled Ecnec meeting.

The proposal, seen by The Daily Star, recommends increasing the project cost by 39 percent to Tk 2,344 crore, with the WB loan increasing by 34 percent, or Tk 507 crore. It also proposes extending the deadline to June 30, 2028.

The proposal attributes the cost increase to revisions made at the detailed design stage, after the initial estimate was based on conceptual design.

The earlier exchange rate assumption of Tk 102 per US dollar has been revised to Tk 122. Rising construction rates and higher VAT and tax rates have also contributed to the escalation.

At present, Dhaka Customs handles large volumes of air freight and courier consignments, Chattogram Customs manages 90 percent of the country’s import-export activity, and Benapole Customs oversees the bulk of land trade.

The project will introduce modern infrastructure and technology at these offices to speed up import-export operations, reduce tax evasion, and strengthen the detection of money laundering.

Planned works include construction of office buildings, laboratories, warehouses and residential facilities at Chattogram Customs House, as well as a new building for the Customs, Excise and VAT Training Academy. Baseline, midline and endline time-release studies will be conducted at major customs stations.

A tariff policy implementation plan will also be prepared, the existing tariff structure reviewed, and the feasibility of tariff reforms assessed using ASYCUDA World, National Single Window and Automated Risk Management System software.