In recent weeks, making a simple phone call has become a daily struggle for Md Mosharraf at Char Bahadurpur, a village at Phulpur upazila in Mymensingh district. For it, he blames prolonged power cuts.

“Nowadays, we get electricity for less than five hours a day. Once the electricity is gone, there is no network,” said Mosharraf. “I can’t even speak through my phone most of the time.”

Currently, this problem is no longer limited to remote villages.

Mobile operators and tower companies say network quality has deteriorated over the weeks as power cuts have become more frequent and fuel supplies have worsened following the war in the Middle East.

During power outages, operators depend on battery backups at tower sites. Most sites, however, have backup capacity for only four to six hours.

“When cuts last longer than that, there is no way to recharge the batteries,” said Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory affairs officer at Robi Axiata.

Mobile operators then turn to generators. But only about 25 percent of towers are equipped with fixed generators, forcing many to depend on portable units.

“Adding insult to injury, we are not getting fuel supply to the towers and our critical data centres,” Alam said.

There are 46,567 telecom towers across the country, operated by tower infrastructure companies and mobile operators. This provides network coverage to over 18.58 crore customers. Operators have around 27 data centres across Bangladesh.

Tower companies yesterday said that the fuel crisis could severely disrupt national connectivity.

“Bangladesh’s connectivity ecosystem is facing a real and immediate threat,” said Sunil Issac, interim president of the Bangladesh TowerCo Association and country managing director of EDOTCO Bangladesh.

He said telecom underpins all digital and economic activity and cannot be allowed to fail.

“If the telecom sector is not prioritised within national energy allocation and fuel access frameworks, we risk a cascading failure that will impact businesses, essential services, and everyday life. Ensuring uninterrupted connectivity is no longer a sectoral concern; it is a national imperative,” he said.

Data collected by tower companies through remote monitoring sensors show that electricity availability at tower sites has dropped over the past month.

In 12 districts, supply has fallen from 93 percent to 77 percent from the first week of March to the second week of April, according to tower company statistics.

A tower company official said operators run thousands of towers nationwide and track power availability continuously.

Sunil Issac said, “We have engaged with the relevant authorities to outline the risks and propose immediate, practical solutions, including priority access to fuel and enabling policy support to help the sector navigate this challenging period.”

He said that given the scale of dependency on digital networks, proactive and coordinated action is essential.

In recent weeks, mobile operators have sent at least two letters to the telecom regulator, saying an imminent nationwide disruption. The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh said the electricity and fuel crisis has “reached a point where continued telecom operations can no longer be sustained without immediate government intervention.”

The association said prolonged outages have forced operators to run key infrastructure on diesel generators.

According to the letters, base transceiver stations (BTSs) consume more than 52,000 litres of diesel and nearly 20,000 litres of octane each day across operators. Each data centre uses an estimated 500 to 600 litres of diesel per hour, or about 4,000 litres a day per facility.

Industry insiders say such reliance on backup power cannot continue for long. Unlike tower sites, data centres manage call routing and internet traffic. Any shutdown at that level could cause failures across the network.

“If fuel can’t be managed and data centres go offline, it would cause widespread call drops, internet outages, and service blackouts,” said an official at a mobile operator, preferring not to be named.

Contacted, Tanveer Mohammad, chief corporate affairs officer of Grameenphone, said operators are facing electricity and fuel shortages.

“The evolving situation calls for timely and targeted measures to sustain uninterrupted telecom services nationwide,” he added.

He said that to “proactively avoid disruptions to essential services for millions”, operators need government support to secure priority electricity for critical infrastructure, streamline fuel supply and ease fuel transport for emergency operations.

Md Emdad ul Bari, chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), said, “We have been trying to coordinate for over a month and have spoken to the telecom ministry and the energy ministry. In some places, there has been priority supply.”

He acknowledged that some tower sites are facing low fuel supplies.

“The regulator will meet the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation tomorrow and other stakeholders later this week to improve fuel availability,” he said.

About two-thirds of agent banking outlets in Bangladesh were not engaged in lending as of December 2024, highlighting a major gap in credit delivery despite the network’s rapid expansion, a recent study has found.

Titled “Agent banking in Bangladesh: Strong expansion, some inclusion”, the research was funded by the UK-based International Growth Centre (IGC) and examines whether agent banking has translated into meaningful financial inclusion.

The study used a newly constructed dataset that collected information linked to the geographical location of agent banking outlets, developed by the Policy Research Institute (PRI), covering 2022-2024. It maps the expansion, distribution, and financial activity of agent banking outlets across Bangladesh.

Since its introduction in 2013, the agent banking network has grown from 2,601 outlets in 2016 to over 21,000 by 2024. However, recent trends suggest a slowdown, meaning expansion may be approaching saturation.

Despite growth, agent banking is more effective at mobilising deposits than providing credit, according to the study.

Deposits rose from Tk 380 crore in 2016 to Tk 41,960 crore in 2024, while cumulative credit disbursement reached Tk 24,030 crore, giving a loan-to-deposit ratio of 57.3 percent.

However, this increase in the provision of financial services is uneven and concentrated in fewer active outlets, it was found.

The research also highlights a shift in banking geography. Traditional banking is heavily concentrated in Dhaka and Chattogram, which account for around 65 percent of deposits and 78 percent of total lending.

In contrast, only about 11 percent of agent banking loans originate from these cities, showing that agent banking has helped decentralise credit flows.

Rural areas have benefited, with about 15 outlets per 100,000 people, improving access compared to traditional branch banking. Rural per capita deposits are also higher, indicating strong uptake outside urban centres.

However, credit delivery remains limited. The study identifies a “zero-loan phenomenon”, where about two-thirds of outlets had no outstanding loans in 2024, suggesting those outlets function mainly as deposit and transaction points rather than credit providers.

This is more pronounced in remote and disadvantaged regions, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Outlet distribution is closely linked to existing branch density, suggesting agent banking often extends traditional banking rather than expanding independently into underserved areas.

There is also no strong evidence that poorer upazilas are prioritised, while higher literacy levels are associated with greater activity.

On gender, over 92 percent of operators are male, but women are using the system more and more. Female account growth outpaces male growth between 2022 and 2024.

“As expansion begins to slow, policy should shift from improving access to strengthening financial intermediation. This requires enabling agent-based lending through appropriate regulatory frameworks, using digital data for credit scoring, and aligning incentives so agents can serve as effective credit channels for underserved communities,” said Ashikur Rahman, principal economist at the PRI and co-author of the study.

He also called attention towards a stark gender imbalance among agents and stressed that addressing this issue must become a policy priority to ensure that financial inclusion is both deep and equitable.

The study concludes that while agent banking has significantly expanded access to financial services, its next challenge is strengthening credit intermediation, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

Speakers at a high-level workshop yesterday emphasised the critical role of robust shariah governance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust within the Islamic banking sector.

The remarks were made during the opening session of a three-day special training workshop, titled “Shariah Governance for Members of Shariah Supervisory Committees”, held at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) in the capital. The programme is being jointly organised by BIBM and the Bangladesh Bank.

Md Kabir Ahmed, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, inaugurated the workshop as the chief guest.

He stated that effective shariah governance is essential for upholding public confidence in the Islamic banking system.

He further noted that shariah-based supervision plays a pivotal role in ensuring accountability across all banking operations.

Abu Bakar Rafique, chairman of the Shariah Advisory Board of Bangladesh Bank, attended as a special guest.

He stressed the need for a strong institutional framework to guarantee transparency in Islamic financial activities.

Supporting this view, Mohammed Abdul Mannan, chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh (CSBIB), highlighted that as the country’s Islamic banking sector continues to expand rapidly, the need for effective shariah oversight has become more crucial than ever.

The inaugural session was presided over by Md Ezazul Islam, director general of BIBM. In his address, he reaffirmed BIBM’s commitment to enhancing good governance and professional expertise in the banking sector through regular training, research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

The workshop, which runs from April 21 to April 23, 2026, is being attended by members of Shariah Supervisory Committees from various Islamic banks and financial institutions across the country. The sessions will focus on shariah governance frameworks, regulatory policies, and global best practices.

Earlier, Mohammed Tazul Islam, professor and director at BIBM, also spoke in the opening event.

A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs, which the US Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump imposed without the constitutional authority to do so, launched Monday.

Importers and their brokers could begin claiming refunds through an online portal beginning at 8 am, according to US Customs and Border Protection, the agency administering the system.

It’s the first step in a complicated process that also might eventually lead to refunds for consumers who were billed for some or all of the tariffs on products shipped to them from outside the United States.

Companies must submit declarations listing the goods on which they collectively put billions of dollars toward the import taxes the court struck down on February 20. If CBP approves a claim, it will take 60-90 days for a refund to be issued, the agency said.

The government expects to process refunds in phases, however, focusing first on more recent tariff payments. Any number of technical factors and procedural issues also could delay an importer’s application, so any reimbursements businesses plan to make likely would trickle down to consumers slowly.

The co-owner of a clothing company based in Washington, D.C., said the system seemed buggy on Monday when she tried to create an account on the portal, which was required before companies could do anything else. A lawyer in Northern Virginia said his clients reported some system delays and lag time.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court found that Trump usurped Congress' tax-setting role last April when he set new import tax rates on products from almost every other country, citing the US trade deficit as a national emergency that warranted his invoking of a 1977 emergency powers law.

Although the court majority did not address refunds in its ruling, a judge at the US Court of International Trade determined last month that companies subjected to IEEPA tariffs were entitled to money back.

Not all taxed imports immediately eligible

Customs and Border Protection said in court filings that over 330,000 importers paid a total of about $166 billion on over 53 million shipments.

Not all of those orders qualify for the first phase of the refund system's rollout, which is limited to cases in which tariffs were estimated but not finalized or within 80 days of a final accounting.

To receive refunds, importers have to register for the CPB's electronic payment system. As of April 14, 56,497 importers had completed registration and were eligible for refunds totaling $127 billion, including interest, the agency said.

System requires accuracy

Meghann Supino, a partner at Ice Miller, said the law firm has advised clients to carefully list in their declarations all of the document numbers for forms that went to CBP to describe imported goods and their value.

“If there is an entry on that file that does not qualify, it may cause the entire entry to be rejected or that line item might be rejected by Customs,” she said.

Supino thinks the portal going live will require composure as well as diligence.

“Like any electronic online program that goes live with a lot of interest, I would expect that there might be some hiccups with the program on Monday,” she said.

“So, we continue to ask everyone to be patient, because we think that patience will pay off.”

Nghi Huynh, the partner-in-charge of transfer pricing at accounting and consulting firm Armanino, said most companies claiming refunds will have imported a mix of items, and not all will qualify right away.

“It’s about having a clear process in place and keeping track of what’s been submitted and what’s been paid, so nothing falls through the cracks,” she said. “Each file can include thousands of entries, but accuracy is critical, as submissions can be rejected if formatting or data is incorrect.”

Patience with the process

Small businesses have eagerly awaited the chance to apply for refunds. Rebecca Melsky, co-owner of the clothing brand and online store Princess Awesome, said she was unable to register for a portal account Monday despite trying to submit her CPB import code and company information using two different web browsers.

She said Princess Awesome would file for a refund eventually. The company imports some of its clothes from factories in Bangladesh, China, India and Peru. Melsky estimated it paid $32,000 in IEEPA tariffs.

“My expectations have been pretty low about whether we were actually going to see any money back to us,” she said.

“I’m heartened by the fact that there’s any system at all, but I’m only slightly more optimistic than I was last week, which was not very."

Justin Angotti, an associate attorney in the international trade practice of global law firm Reed Smith, said his clients ultimately had their declarations accepted Monday, even if it might have taken a few attempts.

“So far, Customs has been very responsive in trying to troubleshoot the issue,” Angotti said.

Oil prices fell on Tuesday while most stocks rose on lingering hopes for a deal to end the US-Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even as Tehran said it had not decided whether to attend peace talks.

With the end of a two-week ceasefire approaching, the White House said Vice President JD Vance was ready to return to Pakistan for fresh negotiations to end a conflict that has sent crude soaring and revived inflation fears.

However, the Islamic republic's position remained uncertain as it accused Washington of violating their fragile truce through its blockade of the country's ports and seizure of a ship.

Crude plunged on Friday after Tehran said it would allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, which had been effectively closed since the war began on February 28.

But the commodity rebounded on Monday as Iran closed the waterway again, citing the blockade and seizure.

Donald Trump has similarly accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire by harassing vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the transit passage for about one-fifth of global oil.

The US president said the blockade would not be lifted until an agreement had been reached.

"THE BLOCKADE, which we will not take off until there is a 'DEAL,' is absolutely destroying Iran," Trump said on social media. "They are losing $500 Million Dollars a day, an unsustainable number, even in the short run."

He told PBS News that Iran was "supposed to be there" at the talks in Pakistan.

"We agreed to be there," he said, warning that if the ceasefire expired "then lots of bombs start going off".

He separately told Bloomberg News it was "highly unlikely" he would extend the truce.

Based on its start time, the truce theoretically expires overnight on Tuesday, Iran time, although in his comments to Bloomberg Trump said the end was Wednesday evening Washington time.

The Middle Eastern country's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said "Trump wants to turn this negotiating table into a surrender table or justify renewed hostilities, as he sees fit".

"We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the last two weeks we have been preparing to show new cards on the battlefield," he wrote on X.

Still, investors remained largely upbeat that the two sides will eventually come to a deal that will reopen the strategic strait.

US benchmark crude West Texas Intermediate rose more than one percent, while Brent was also higher.

Seoul led the equity market gains thanks to a resumption of the tech rally that had pushed the Kospi to multiple records before the war, while Tokyo and Taipei were also well up.

Hong Kong, Singapore and Manila also advanced, although Shanghai and Sydney fluctuated.

That came even after a down day on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite retreated from Friday's record closes.

Asia had opened "with a gentle lean into risk as signs Iran may join talks with the US offer a pathway, however narrow, toward easing tensions ahead of the ceasefire deadline", wrote SPI Asset Management's Stephen Innes.

"Markets are pricing the possibility of progress rather than its certainty," he said.

"Trump's remark that a ceasefire extension is 'highly unlikely' if no deal is reached has effectively put a clock on the market.

"However, traders recognize the playbook. Hard deadlines and firm rhetoric often soften as negotiations evolve, but the presence of a timeline still sharpens positioning and raises the stakes around each headline."

In company news, Japanese arms firms enjoyed healthy buying after Tokyo said on Tuesday it would ease decades-old export rules, paving the way for the sale of lethal weapons overseas.

The policy shift, which ends Tokyo's self-imposed restraint on the sale of lethal arms, comes as it seeks to enter the international arms market, hoping to bolster national defence as well as boost economic growth.

Fujitsu climbed 2.4 percent, NEC added 3.7 percent and Mitsubishi Electric was up 0.9 percent, while Mitsubishi Heavy gained 0.4 percent.

Bangladesh's total foreign exchange reserves stood at $30.46 billion as of last night (21 April).

Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson and executive director of the central bank, confirmed while addressing journalists yesterday that the reserve position was previously $30.37 billion.

Bangladesh Bank purchased over $180 million from last week to Monday this week, contributing to the rise in reserves through increased foreign currency holdings.

A senior official of the central bank said Bangladesh Bank will make a payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) next month, which prompted the purchase of US dollars from commercial banks.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) purchased an additional US$60 million from commercial banks on Monday as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The dollars were acquired through an auction at a rate of Tk 122.75 per dollar.

With this latest purchase, the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves have risen to $30.36 billion, according to the latest data from the central bank.

This move follows a similar trend from last week, where the central bank bought a total of $120 million over two days at the same exchange rate. Officials state that these consistent dollar purchases serve a dual purpose: increasing the national buffer of foreign currency and injecting money into the banking system to improve liquidity flow.

Financial analysts suggest that the central bank is strategically purchasing greenbacks from the market to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market while ensuring that commercial banks have enough local currency to meet domestic demand.

The government has simplified industrial gas distribution guidelines, a strategic move designed to cut operational costs and enhance productivity for the country’s manufacturing sector.

The Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Division issued a circular on Monday, introducing reforms that eliminate long-standing bureaucratic hurdles for industrial users.

Key changes under the new directive include: industrial units may now rearrange or replace gas equipment without prior permission from distribution companies, provided the approved hourly load remains unchanged. Installations must be performed by an enlisted contractor.

Businesses can now transfer unused gas loads between units under the same ownership within the same premises. Approval is now streamlined through the local managing director or regional head, bypassing the previous requirement for head office board approval.

Gas loads previously allocated for captive power can now be transferred to industrial categories within the same facility.

Distribution and marketing companies are mandated to complete meter installations within seven days, followed by mandatory quality verification.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has lauded the initiative, noting that the textile and apparel industries-which are among the largest gas consumers-stand to benefit significantly from these reforms.

Business leaders expressed optimism that the measures will streamline operations and improve energy management across energy-intensive sectors.

The US dollar rose ​to its highest level in a week against major currencies on Monday before paring gains as renewed US-Iran tensions and ‌fading hopes for a Middle East peace deal sent investors toward safe havens.

The United States said on Sunday that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade, while Iran said it would retaliate, stoking fears about a resumption of hostilities.

Tehran also said it would not participate in a second ​round of negotiations that the US had hoped to kick off before its two-week ceasefire with Iran expires on Tuesday.

“The weekend escalation ​revives the geopolitical risk premium just as markets had started pricing a peace dividend,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo, adding that higher oil “is not just an energy story, it is a growth-and-rates story.”

The euro was last down ​0.05 percent at $1.1754 after hitting a one-week low of $1.1729 earlier in the session, while sterling was 0.15 percent lower at $1.3497. The risk-sensitive Australian dollar fell 0.3 percent ​to $0.7145.

The dollar index , which measures the US currency against six peers, recouped some of its recent losses to rise to its highest in a week at 98.47, before dipping to trade at 98.34.

The index is down 1.55 percent in April. It had surged 2.3 percent in March on haven demand after the war broke out.

Analysts said ​the restrained moves in the currency markets, with the dollar giving back some of its early gains, pointed to lingering optimism that despite ​the setbacks over the weekend a resolution could still be on the cards.

Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone, said while the tone is risk-off to ‌start ⁠the week, the move so far “appears orderly rather than indicative of a major volatility shock.”

“Market participants understand that the path to a formal agreement was unlikely to be linear and remains vulnerable to sudden changes, so market players won’t be wholly surprised by a sentiment shift,” Weston said.

Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today (20 April) informed parliament that Bangladesh witnessed its highest trade imbalance with India among Saarc member countries, with the gap reaching $7.86 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

"Bangladesh's trade deficit [among Saarc members] with India is the highest. The gap stood at $7.86 billion in FY2024-25," he said, while replying to a starred question from treasury bench member SM Jahangir Hossain (Dhaka-18).

The minister said Bangladesh has also trade deficits with Afghanistan, Bhutan and Pakistan, but it enjoys trade surpluses with Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, among the Saarc countries.

Presenting detailed figures, he said Bangladesh exported goods worth $11.09 million to Afghanistan and imported $21.80 million, resulting in a deficit of $10.71 million.

Exports to Bhutan stood at $14.33 million, while imports reached $44.10 million, leaving a deficit of $29.77 million.

In trade with India, Bangladesh exported goods worth $1,764.24 million against imports of $9,624.10 million, resulting in a deficit of $7,859.87 million.

With Nepal, Bangladesh exported goods worth $35.40 million and imported $5.50 million, maintaining a trade surplus.

Exports to Pakistan were $74 million, while imports stood at $755.30 million, creating a deficit of $681.30 million.

Bangladesh exported $82.85 million worth of products to Sri Lanka against imports of $76.60 million, while exports to the Maldives were $6.35 million compared to imports of $3.50 million, both reflecting trade surpluses.

Oil prices jumped more than 5% on Monday, on fears that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran could collapse after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stayed largely halted.

Brent crude futures advanced $5.08, or 5.62%, to $95.46 a barrel by 0418 GMT and US West Texas Intermediate was at $88.86 a barrel, up $5.01, or 5.97%.

Both contracts tumbled by 9% on Friday, their largest daily declines since 18 April, after Iran said passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period and US President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to never close the strait again.

"Within 24 hours of Friday's 'completely open' announcement, there were already tankers that were fired upon by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), leading to more fears from the shippers on attempting to leave," said June Goh, a senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities.

"Market fundamentals are getting worse, as 10-11 million barrels per day of crude oil remains shut in."

The United States said on Sunday that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade while Iran said it would retaliate amid growing worries of a resumption of hostilities.

Tehran also said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that the US had hoped to kick off before its two-week ceasefire with Iran expires this week.

The United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then re-imposed its own blockade of the Strait, which handled roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply before the war began almost two months ago.

"Oil markets continue to gyrate in response to oscillating social media posts by the US and Iran, rather than the realities on the ground which remain challenging for oil flows to resume in a rapid fashion," Saul Kavonic, MST Marquee's head of research, said.

"The announcement of the Strait opening proved premature," Kavonic said.

"Ship owners will be twice shy about heading towards the Strait again without receiving much more confidence that any announced passage is real."

More than 20 ships passed the strait on Saturday carrying oil, liquefied petroleum gas, metals and fertilisers, Kpler data showed, the highest number of vessels crossing the waterway since 1 March.

The recent fuel price hike is rippling through Bangladesh’s trade logistics chain, pushing up costs for importers, exporters and freight operators at the same time.

On Sunday night, owners of 21 private inland container depots (ICDs) announced an 8.5 percent increase in container handling charges with immediate effect.

The operators say the increase was obvious after a 15 percent rise in diesel prices. Exporters, however, say it will erode their competitiveness at a time when export growth has been falling for eight consecutive months.

Apparel exporters have criticised the move and called for a government review.

However, the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (Bicda) defended the move, saying operators had to adjust costs to keep services running smoothly.

“Following the diesel price hike, cost adjustments became unavoidable to maintain smooth operations,” said Md Ruhul Amin Sikder, secretary general of Bicda.

The latest adjustment comes just months after ICD charges were raised by 20 percent, while the Chittagong Port Authority increased tariffs by more than 41 percent.

Private ICDs handle 20-23 percent of import-laden containers and around 93 percent of export-bound containers moving through Chattogram port.

The revised ICD rates cover six service categories, including container transport, lift-on/lift-off charges, export stuffing, container weight charges and import delivery, according to a circular issued by Bicda.

The association said ICD operations consume more than 70,000 litres of diesel a day, making cost adjustments unavoidable.

At present, ICDs charge an average of Tk 2,046 to transport an empty container between the port and depots. Export stuffing costs about Tk 7,424 for a 20-foot container and Tk 9,900 for a 40-foot container. Rates vary across depots as they are negotiated individually with clients.

Industry stakeholders, however, have raised concerns about the wider impact on trade costs.

“With the latest ICD hike, the cost of import and export business will rise sharply,” said Khairul Alam Suzan, former vice-president of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA), pointing to earlier increases in charges and tariffs in December last year.

Shipping agents have echoed similar concerns, warning that the higher costs could weigh on external trade performance.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has criticised the decision as unilateral, calling for a government-led committee to assess the actual cost impact before any tariff adjustments are made.

SM Abu Tayyab, director of the BGMEA, said the combined pressure of higher port tariffs, ICD charges and rising freight costs would hit the already struggling readymade garment sector hard.

Bangladesh’s merchandise exports, heavily dependent on apparel, have recorded eight consecutive months of decline as of March. Exports fell by more than 18 percent year-on-year, dropping to $3.48 billion last month from $4.25 billion a year earlier.

The dual increase in logistics and handling costs is likely to squeeze profit margins further, particularly in low-margin sectors.

“With exports already on a softer trend, this will push exporters further onto the back foot,” said Riad Mahmud, managing director of industrial manufacturing company National Polymer Group.

He said truck fares rose by 6 percent to 7 percent within hours of the fuel hike announcement and are likely to settle 18 percent to 20 percent higher.

“These are cumulative pressures,” he said. “Transport costs are rising, and ICD handling charges are also going up. All of this directly increases export costs.”

He added that exporters are especially exposed because most orders are agreed in advance. “We cannot revise prices after contracts are signed. The additional costs must be absorbed by exporters.”

Salauddin Sikder, general manager (export) at RFL, said the impact is particularly severe for exporters of non-traditional goods such as plastics, doors and luggage, where shipments are smaller and fixed costs per document are higher.

He said the total cost per container has risen from around Tk 14,000 to about Tk 23,000, an increase of nearly 70 percent to 80 percent.

“Exporters are facing a double burden. Raw material prices have surged due to global geopolitical tensions, while local charges have also increased, leaving little room to absorb costs,” said Sikder.

“If our prices rise disproportionately compared with competitors like China or Vietnam, we risk losing orders,” he added.

Meanwhile, businesses are bracing for further changes as the Department of Shipping is due to meet stakeholders in Dhaka tomorrow to discuss cost adjustments for lighter vessels.

Shafiq Ahmed, convener of the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell, said a lighter vessel currently consumes around 3,500 litres of diesel on a round trip between Chattogram and Dhaka. Freight for transporting cement clinker stands at Tk 550 per tonne.

A Bangladeshi multinational company, MGH Group, is going to construct the country’s first privately built container terminal at Chattogram port on the bank of the Karnaphuli river in Patenga.

Through a competitive bidding process, Transmarine Logistics, a subsidiary of MGH Group, secured the lease of a seven-acre plot of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to build the terminal, said a press release issued by MGH.

The group’s CEO Anis Ahmed and CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman signed a 20-year land lease agreement at an annual rent of Tk 15 crore yesterday.

MGH Group is a diversified multinational headquartered in Bangladesh, with a presence in 26 countries.

“By integrating private sector agility with green technology, this terminal provides vital strategic value to the Chattogram port,” CPA Chairman Moniruzzaman said.

MGH Group CEO Anis Ahmed told The Daily Star that the group will initially invest Tk 550 crore to construct the terminal, hopefully within 18 months.

The terminal would be a green port, integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies to minimise environmental harm.

It will have a monthly handling capacity of 40,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and is expected to employ at least 180 people, Ahmed hoped.

The 250-metre jetty would accommodate one container vessel. Import containers would be immediately sent to the inland container depots (ICD) after unloading from the vessel.

Despite limited space, the terminal yard will be able to accommodate 3,500 TEUs, he said.

Among the port’s container terminals currently operational or under construction, the proposed MGH terminal will be the closest to the sea. Located just 2.60 nautical miles (4.8152 kilometres) from the Karnaphuli estuary, it will allow vessels to berth in comparatively less time.

Its proximity to the sea will enable fuel savings of between 0.6 and 1.3 tonnes per vessel call, according to MGH.

Bangladesh’s LPG market has expanded rapidly in response to real energy needs, and yet the infrastructure supporting this growth has not kept pace.

The country’s LPG import system remains dependent on small, pressurised vessels, typically carrying between 2,500 and 5,000 tonnes. This fragmented approach raises costs and exposes the market to delays and supply disruptions, affecting reliability.

A refrigerated LPG terminal at a deep-sea location such as Matarbari in the Moheshkhali area provides a clear way forward.

Matarbari offers the conditions required to accommodate Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs), which carry around 45,000 tonnes per shipment.

Such vessels require a draft of 12 to 14 metres, which existing LPG import points are not designed to handle. This makes it well-suited for large-scale, cost-efficient LPG imports.

This is a compelling bankable infrastructure opportunity for the private sector and foreign investors.

A terminal with an initial capacity of around 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) is likely to require capital investment in the range of Tk 1,800-2,300 crore, depending on configuration and marine infrastructure.

Structured under a public-private partnership (PPP) or concession model, such a project can attract long-term investment while limiting upfront public capital. Under this approach, a project developer would be responsible for the design, construction, financing and operation of the terminal over a defined concession period.

This aligns incentives around efficiency and performance, while allowing the government to retain strategic oversight.

The impact of such a terminal will depend not only on where it is built but also on how it is operated.

An open-access model, where the terminal functions as a neutral service provider rather than an LPG supplier, offers the most balanced solution.

In practice, this may take the form of a hybrid structure, where a portion of capacity is reserved for anchor users under long-term commitments to support project bankability, while the remainder is made available on an open-access basis.

Under this structure, all licensed importers can access the facility on transparent and equal terms, while continuing to source LPG independently.

An open-access terminal provides them with access to larger, more cost-efficient shipments, eliminating the need for major capital investments individually.

The structure reinforces the project’s investment appeal: revenues based on clearly defined terminal fees rather than commodity trading provide the predictability that investors and lenders require.

However, shared infrastructure raises concerns around utilisation and coordination among multiple users.

A well-defined Terminal Access Code can be a solution, ensuring transparent allocation of capacity, prioritising committed users and preventing hoarding. Operational arrangements such as coordinated cargo scheduling and inventory-sharing mechanisms can help optimise utilisation.

For established operators, the terminal frees up capital for downstream expansion. For the National Board of Revenue, increased and more efficient import volumes can translate into more predictable and higher fiscal revenues.

For Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, it provides a reliable supply backbone that strengthens national energy security while enabling more efficient bulk procurement when needed.

For the private sector, it reduces costs, improves logistics and enables growth without duplicating infrastructure.

For investors, it offers a scalable opportunity in a high-growth market through a concession-based framework.

Over time, the terminal could support transshipment and regional trade, enhancing commercial viability and positioning Bangladesh as an efficient energy logistics hub.

With a development timeline of around three years, a terminal commissioned near 2030 would enter a market approaching 3 million tonnes per year and projected to grow to 4 to 5 million tonnes by 2036.

Turning this opportunity into a bankable project will require a clear and disciplined approach. A competitive selection process and a bankable concession structure will be essential alongside clear access rules.

Phased development will allow capacity to scale in line with demand, balancing efficiency with utilisation.

A Phase 1 capacity of 1-1.5 MTPA provides a practical starting point -- large enough to capture economies of scale, yet aligned with realistic utilisation -- while allowing for expansion as demand grows.

Any forward-looking government should seriously consider this idea, which provides an opportunity to align infrastructure, market development and long-term investment in a way that strengthens both energy security and economic resilience.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Sabekunnahar Mitu, a young woman from Faridpur, had vague notions, but no concrete plans of becoming an entrepreneur. An unlikely event made her curious about eco-friendly handicrafts, and she now not only makes a good profit from her venture but also employs around 400 people in her locality.

Mitu completed her Secondary School Certificate in 2015 and got married while preparing for her Higher Secondary School Certificate. She later enrolled in the Management Department at Government Rajendra College in Faridpur.

“I kept thinking about becoming an entrepreneur while studying at the college,” she said

One day, while visiting the Kolarhat area of Rajbari in late 2019, Mitu got caught in a sudden rainstorm and took shelter in a roadside shed, where handicraft workers were busy making different products.

“I became curious and started asking questions. That is where the dream began.”

After that visit, Mitu researched online and contacted BD Creation, a large handicraft exporter in Dashuria, Pabna. She visited the factory with her husband next year.

“At first, they did not let me enter, but later they allowed me to look around, although photography was restricted,” she said. The experience bloomed the idea of starting a business.

Encouraged by the experience, she sold her gold jewellery for Tk 2 lakh and received another Tk 1 lakh from her husband, Rezaul Karim, who works as a sub-assistant engineer at the Department of Public Health Engineering in Baliakandi, Rajbari.

With this money, she bought 12 used sewing machines from a business in Pabna that was about to close. She started her factory in a small, rented room near Basdi Bazar.

From the same business that sold her the sewing machines, she hired two operators from Pabna to train 10 local women.

Mitu’s business took off in 2020 and gradually expanded. Seven years later, the step into eco-friendly entrepreneurship has made her a strong example of women’s economic empowerment in the community.

GROWTH OF LAM CREATION

Mitu now runs two production units and has invested Tk 50 lakh in total so far.

A recent visit to the factory showed workers producing eco-friendly goods using jute, hogla leaves, water hyacinth and thatch.

The factory produces more than 50 items, including bags, mats, pet houses, file boxes, baskets, plant pots, bowls, laundry boxes, lunch boxes and tissue boxes. Prices range from Tk 50 to Tk 1,500 depending on design and quality.

“We produce goods worth Tk 30-35 lakh every month. After expenses, I earn around Tk 2-3 lakh,” Mitu said.

Production work is divided among teams responsible for stitching, finishing, quality checks and export preparation. Around 100 men and women work in the two units, while about 300 women from villages in Faridpur and Rajbari work from home as contractual artisans.

The initiative has significantly changed lives in the area.

“My father works as a day labourer. I couldn’t continue education beyond 10th grade,” said Safia Sultana, 21. She now earns Tk 6,500 to Tk 7,000 a month.

Mosammat Aklima Khatun, 24, a homemaker, said, “After household chores, I come here and earn. It’s a blessing for us.”

Rojina Begum from Rajbari earns Tk 3,500 to Tk 4,000 a month by working from home.

Factory manager Humayun Karim, 26, said he now earns Tk 12,000 a month after failing to find a job despite trying in many places.

The permanent workers employed at the two units are paid based on their work volume. Completing more work means more payment.

They also have the option to receive the payment on a weekly basis or a monthly basis.

Mitu’s husband, Rezaul Karim, recalled a tragic memory while talking about the business.

“We lost a newborn in 2021, which left her devastated. Working helped her return to normal life. We now have a six-year-old son. She manages everything herself, and I am very proud of her,” he said.

Lam Creation’s products are currently exported through larger companies like BD Creation.

“My biggest dream is to establish a direct export line and expand the business so that women here no longer have to depend on others,” she said.

BD Creation is one of the companies involved. Mahbub Alam, deputy general manager of BD Creation, said Lam Creation supplies products to them and maintains good quality standards. Golden Jute, a company based in Rajbari, also buys products wholesale from Mitu’s venture and exports them.

Md Mainul Hasan, promotion officer at Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Faridpur, said, “This initiative has created income opportunities for 400 people, making a significant contribution to the local economy. We are ready to support them with training if needed.”

Gold prices fell on Monday as the dollar firmed, while ‌news that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again pushed oil prices higher, reviving inflation fears.

Spot gold was down 0.7 percent at $4,792.89 per ounce, as of 0730 GMT, after hitting its lowest since April 13 earlier in ​the session.

US gold futures for June delivery fell 1.4 percent to $4,812.20.

“Gold prices are lower ​today after the US-Iran war ceasefire that markets celebrated last week appeared to be breaking down,” said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at Tastylive.

That has revived ​the now-familiar ‘war trade’ dynamics we’ve seen since the beginning of the conflict. Crude oil prices ​gained, which echoed into inflation expectation and drove up both yields and the US dollar.”

The dollar index strengthened, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for other currency holders. Benchmark 10-year US Treasury yields gained 0.6 percent.

Oil prices ​jumped and stock markets wobbled as rising tension in the Middle East kept shipping in ​and out of the Gulf to a bare minimum.

The US has seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried ‌to run its blockade and Iran said it would retaliate, raising the possibility that the ceasefire between the two countries might not last for even the two days it is set to remain in force.

Tehran said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that ​the US had hoped ​to kick off before the ceasefire expires on Tuesday.

Gold prices have fallen about 8 since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, ​on concerns that higher energy prices could stoke inflation and keep ​global interest rates higher for longer.

While gold is considered an inflation hedge, higher interest rates crimp demand for the non-yielding asset.

Meanwhile, gold demand during one of India’s key buying festivals stayed muted on Sunday as record ​prices curbed jewellery purchases, offsetting a modest uptick in ​investment demand.

The capital market extended its losing streak for a second consecutive session today (20 April) as investor confidence remained under significant pressure.

A combination of domestic macroeconomic shifts and geopolitical uncertainty continues to weigh on the bourse, with the benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) plunging by 15 points to settle at 5,232.

The blue-chip DS30 index followed a similar trajectory, dropping 10 points to close at 1,980, reflecting a cautious risk-off sentiment among both retail and institutional participants.

Market analysts at EBL Securities said in their daily review that the recent adjustment in domestic fuel prices has rekindled concerns over rising production costs and broader inflationary pressures in the economy. This domestic factor, coupled with persistent uncertainty surrounding ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East conflict, has significantly dampened the risk appetite of investors.

The broad-based selling pressure resulted in a substantial erosion of the market's total valuation, with the market capitalisation of the premier bourse dropping by approximately Tk3,000 crore in a single day.

The trading session was characterised by persistent volatility from the opening bell. While buyers made sporadic attempts to reverse the downward trend during the mid-session, the recovery efforts were ultimately overwhelmed by an intensifying wave of selling, according to the EBL Securities.

By the end of the day, the market breadth remained heavily skewed toward the bears, as 207 issues declined compared to 120 advancing, while 62 securities remained unchanged. Despite the fall in prices, market activity saw a slight uptick, with total turnover on the DSE inching up to Tk824 crore.

On the sectoral front, the engineering sector continued to lead the turnover chart, accounting for 17.5% of the day's total trading volume. This was followed by the textile sector at 14.8% and the pharmaceutical sector at 11.8%.

Performance across most sectors remained weak, led by a 1.2% drop in travel and leisure, while jute and cement each declined by 1.0%. In contrast, services and real estate stood out with a 1.5% gain, and tannery and textile posted modest gains.

Several high-cap and influential stocks exerted significant downward pressure on the index during the session, with Islami Bank, Square Pharmaceuticals, City Bank, IDLC Finance, and Uttara Bank emerging as the key contributors to the DSEX's decline.

In terms of liquidity and trading volume, Summit Alliance Port emerged as the most traded stock, followed by City Bank, Dominage Steel, Acme Pesticides, and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag.

Among individual performers, Nahee Aluminum topped the gainers' list by hitting the 10% upper circuit limit, followed by Evince Textiles and Coppertech Industries. On the losing end, IDLC Finance was the top loser with a 7.75% decline, followed by Hamid Fabrics and several non-bank financial institutions including Fareast Finance, International Leasing, and Premier Leasing.

The bearish sentiment was mirrored at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where both key indices ended in the red.

The CSCX declined by 11 points to reach 9,023, while the CASPI shed 27 points to close the day at 14,724. Turnover at the port city bourse also saw a decline, settling at Tk34 crore.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a proposal by state-owned Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited to issue irredeemable, non-cumulative preference shares worth approximately Tk282.75 crore.

According to a disclosure on the Dhaka Stock Exchange today (20 April), Titas Gas will issue 282,747,469 preference shares at a face value and issue price of Tk10 each, amounting to Tk2,827,474,690. The shares will be issued in favour of the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance.

Today, the company's share price closed at Tk17 on the DSE.

Titas Gas said the proposal was unanimously approved by shareholders at its 5th Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 24 December 2025. It was later submitted to the regulator, which granted approval on 15 April 2026.

The move aims to align the company's capital structure with equity support provided by the government. According to Titas, the government had injected a total of Tk282.75 crore into the company as equity up to 30 June 2023, which will now be formally converted into share capital through the issuance.

A committee comprising officials from the finance ministry, Titas Gas, and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) had earlier, at a meeting on 16 April 2023, decided to issue irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares in favour of the government.

The structure is intended to offer flexibility to the financially strained company.

Under the proposed terms, the government will receive dividends on the preference shares when the company records profits, but no dividends will be paid in years when it incurs losses.

The irredeemable preference shares will remain on the company's books permanently without increasing its paid-up or common share capital, while their non-cumulative nature means Titas will not be required to pay any unpaid dividends from previous years to the government.

Unlike ordinary shares, preference shares do not confer ownership. Instead, they give holders priority over common shareholders in receiving dividends and claims in the event of liquidation. The committee has also set guidelines governing the issuance of such shares and dividend payments.

Financial performance

Titas Gas reported a narrowing of losses in the July-December period, supported by higher operational income and a lower tax deduction rate, which reduced its overall tax burden.

Total revenue rose to Tk19,072 crore during the period, up from Tk17,473 crore a year earlier. Despite the increase, the company posted a loss of Tk390.32 crore, significantly lower than the Tk711.44 crore loss recorded in the corresponding period.

Meanwhile, net operating cash flow per share (NOCFPS) stood at Tk6.07 at the end of December 2025, mainly due to higher payments for gas purchases compared with collections from gas sales.

The government currently holds 75% of Titas Gas's ordinary shares. Institutional investors own 14.95%, while foreign investors hold 0.03% and general investors 10.02%.

On 2 March 2020, the Financial Reporting Council directed that any capital received as share money deposit – included under equity but not refundable – must be converted into share capital within six months of receipt. Such amounts are also to be considered in the calculation of earnings per share.

Growing political instability and military tensions in the Middle East have started negatively impacting Bangladesh's export trade, and a prolonged crisis could also put significant pressure on vital remittance inflows.Politics

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir sounds alarm in parliament in a reckoning of how the Mideast mayhem is affecting the country's external trade, remittance and fuel supply.

His statement came during a question-and-answer session in parliament on Monday, with Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal in the chair.

Responding to a query from ruling-party MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, the minister warns that ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States could cast far-reaching implications on the global economy and trade, with Bangladesh unlikely to remain insulated. "The Middle East is an extremely important market for Bangladesh," he says, noting that countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman are key destinations for Bangladeshi exports, including ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and leather goods.

Instability has already driven up fuel prices, leading to higher import costs as well as increased shipping and insurance expenses.

"This is creating challenges such as reduced exports to Middle Eastern markets and rising commodity prices," the trade minister tells the lawmakers. To mitigate the impact, the government is working to reduce logistics costs and expand exports to countries less affected by the conflict.Bangladesh market report

In response to a separate question from SM Jahangir Hossain, another BNP member, the minister highlights Bangladesh's trade imbalance within the South Asian region. He states that Bangladesh runs trade deficits with all SAARC countries save Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The largest deficit is with India, amounting to $7.86 billion. Other deficits include $681 million with Pakistan, $10.71 million with Afghanistan, and $29.77 million with Bhutan.

In contrast, Bangladesh maintains trade surpluses with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Answering another question from Abul Kalam, the minister presents export- performance data, noting that export earnings reached US$55.19 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Meanwhile, in response to a question from independent MP Rumin Farhana, he says the government has taken steps to control inflation by eliminating duties on 110 products and reducing tariffs on 65 others.

Apple shares declined less than 1% in late trading on Monday after the communications hardware firm said its chief executive, Tim Cook, would step down after nearly 15 years at the helm of the world's second most-valuable company. The decision by Cook, 65 years old, to step aside in favour of longtime Apple hardware chief John Ternus took Wall Street by surprise and will raise questions about whether the new chief can maintain the brisk pace set by his predecessor.

Cook will become executive chairman on 1 September as the iPhone maker gears up for industry change spurred by artificial intelligence. He succeeded Apple founder Steve Jobs when he took over and turned the firm into a global brand that churns out hundreds of millions of units annually. He will give way to a company insider known for his focus on design and product.

Apple said of Cook:

"Under Cook's leadership Apple has grown from a market capitalisation of approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion, representing a more than 1,000% increase, and yearly revenue has nearly quadrupled, from $108 billion in fiscal year 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal year 2025. ... Apple operates over 500 retail stores and has more than doubled the number of countries in which its customers can visit an Apple Store. During his tenure, Apple has grown by more than 100,000 team members and increased its active installed base to more than 2.5 billion devices."

The decision will guarantee Apple's next quarterly report, due a week from Thursday on 30 April, will be even more closely watched than usual.

Comments:

RICK MECKLER, PARTNER, CHERRY LANE INVESTMENTS, NEW VERNON, NEW JERSEY:

"Tim Cook did an amazing job. And I'm not surprised that the initial reaction is for the stock to be a little bit lower. But he will be executive chairman. I imagine he'll still be part of the larger strategy of the company.

"He has been an incredibly successful CEO coming into a situation that you thought would be hard to replace the person before. I hate to see him leave the CEO spot, as an investor."

ART HOGAN, CHIEF MARKET STRATEGIST, B. RILEY WEALTH MANAGEMENT, BOSTON:

"He would never leave if the numbers were going to be bad, so I think that that's the important thing. They're about to report numbers, and you know they're going to be good. You know the guidance is going to be positive. And you know we're going to start hearing more about how they are going to use artificial intelligence to improve their products."

"He's been a transformational Apple CEO that's always had a steady hand at the wheel. I think that will be his legacy. He had massive shoes to step into, and he was the right person for the job. That's the way he'll be remembered."

TIM GHRISKEY, SENIOR PORTFOLIO STRATEGIST, INGALLS & SNYDER, NEW YORK:

"The company has done very well. And you know, its stock price, the value of the company, have increased dramatically. A lot of that is being in the right place at the right time, but I think they've made the right moves, and I think they've grown their user base.

"Earnings are upcoming, so he probably wanted to get it out there, so it didn't become an issue in the earnings."

JACOB BOURNE, ANALYST AT EMARKETER, NEW YORK:

"This transition shouldn't come as a shock, as Cook is at retirement age and Ternus has long been rumoured as the successor. Cook staying on as CEO through September before continuing as executive chairman should provide some degree of reassurance to investors even as markets react negatively to the near-term uncertainty.

"Cook successfully steered Apple through multiple periods of turbulence, and handing the reins over during another turbulent moment, which includes supply chain disruptions, tariffs and the AI race, is notable timing, though a fresh CEO also brings the opportunity for fresh solutions. Ternus' hardware engineering background signals that Apple's commitment to consumer hardware isn't going anywhere, even as the company works to close the gap on AI."