The government has increased monthly allowances and expanded beneficiary coverage under several social safety net programmes for the 2026-27 fiscal year, including support for older people, widows and deserted women, and people with disabilities.

The one-time medical assistance for critically ill patients has also been doubled to Tk1 lakh.

Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain disclosed the information in response to a starred question from Netrokona-3 lawmaker Rafiqul Islam Hilaly in parliament today (8 September).

Higher allowances, more beneficiaries

The monthly allowance for older people has been increased from Tk650 to Tk700, while the number of beneficiaries has risen from 61 lakh to 62 lakh.

For widows and deserted women, the monthly allowance has also increased from Tk650 to Tk700, with beneficiary coverage expanding from 29 lakh to 30 lakh.

The allowance for people with disabilities has been raised from Tk900 to Tk1,000 a month. The number of beneficiaries has also increased from 34.5 lakh to 38 lakh.

The government has also increased both the rates and coverage of scholarships for students with disabilities.

Under the revised structure for FY2026-27, monthly scholarships will be Tk1,000 for primary-level students, Tk1,100 for secondary-level students, Tk1,200 for higher-secondary students and Tk1,400 for university-level students.

The number of scholarship recipients has been increased from 81,000 to 1 lakh.

Meanwhile, the number of beneficiaries under the financial assistance programme for critically ill patients suffering from cancer, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, stroke-induced paralysis, complex heart disease, leukaemia and thalassaemia has been raised from 60,000 to 65,000.

The one-time emergency medical assistance for such patients has been doubled from Tk50,000 to Tk1 lakh.

Govt moves to prevent misuse of safety net funds

The minister said the government has taken steps to improve the living standards of disadvantaged and low-income people while ensuring greater transparency in the distribution of social safety net funds.

He said beneficiary information must now be verified against the national identity database to ensure assistance reaches genuine recipients.

This has helped prevent ineligible people from receiving benefits through political or personal influence, he said.

Applications are now accepted online, while lists of poor and disadvantaged people are prepared and updated through open verification committees at union and ward levels.

The government-to-person (G2P) payment system has also been introduced to transfer assistance directly to beneficiaries without intermediaries.

"Under this system, assistance is deposited directly into beneficiaries' bank or preferred mobile financial service accounts, eliminating intermediaries and commission-based practices," the minister said.

He said the government would continue to use digital technology, expand social safety net programmes and strengthen monitoring of beneficiary selection to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

Malaysia’s data centres are consuming more power as temperatures rise, leaving a 9 gigawatt gas-fired capacity gap for the government to fill by 2032, officials said on Tuesday.

The share of data centres in overall power consumption surged to a record 9.3 percent in the second week of August, compared with an average of 7 percent this year, Energy Commission CEO Siti Safinah Salleh said.
“With the hotter weather, the cooling system requires a lot more energy,” she said.

Data centres could account for as much as 31 percent of peninsular Malaysia’s power demand by 2035, said Zaharin Zulkifli, deputy director for economic statistics and research at the Energy Commission.

As Malaysia, the region’s fastest-growing data centre hub, gradually phases out coal-fired power, the nation of about 35 million people will have to augment its gas-fired capacity by 9 GW by 2032, economy minister Akmal Nasir said.

The Southeast Asian country plans to retire the last of its coal-fired power plants by 2044, Akmal told reporters at an Energy Commission conference.

Malaysia is attracting billions of dollars in investments from major global tech firms including Amazon and Microsoft, leveraging its domestic gas reserves to address rising power demand this year and buck a regional decline in gas-fired generation as the Iran war chokes liquefied natural gas imports.

But with no additional gas-fired power expected to come online this year and next, Malaysia will “optimise” its current fleet to address rising demand until the end of 2027, Siti said, without providing further details.

The energy commission did not anticipate hot weather persisting longer than early September, which she said resulted in higher power use, she said.

“Because of the hot weather, our hydro dams are also at very low levels.”

Still, Malaysia does not face power shortages in the near future due to rising data centre deployments, said Gary Goh, senior manager for business development at Sprint DC Consulting.

“The demand surge is entirely within grid planning parameters and will continue to ramp predictably,” Goh said.

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) Economic Zone-2 in Mirsharai, Chattogram, has seen its first export with a $50,000 shipment of tobacco machinery to Indonesia, marking the start of commercial operations at the zone.

Lee's Tobacco Machinery Company Ltd, the zone's first exporting enterprise, shipped the machinery yesterday (8 september) after obtaining its export permission from the Bepza on 3 September.

With the export, Economic Zone-2 has entered its operational phase, bringing the number of operational Bepza industrial zones to 10 – eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and two Economic Zones.

Md Whaheduzzaman, executive director of Bepza Economic Zone-2, said the export could help Bangladesh expand trade with Indonesia and diversify its export destinations.

"Bangladesh's exports to Indonesia are comparatively low. In this context, the commencement of exports from Bepza Economic Zone-2 to Indonesia is expected to contribute positively to expanding Bangladesh's export market and diversifying its export destinations," he said.

Established with investment from the United Arab Emirates and Singapore, Lee's Tobacco Machinery is a 100% export-oriented enterprise that manufactures machinery used in tobacco product manufacturing.

Bepza approved the company on 22 January 2025. It has invested $3.72 million and currently employs 29 officers, employees and workers.

Bepza Economic Zone was established on 1,138.55 acres in Mirsharai and was later divided into Economic Zone-1 and Economic Zone-2 to facilitate more effective administrative and operational management.

Economic Zone-1 has allotted plots to 47 enterprises, of which 15 have started production.

In Economic Zone-2, 18 enterprises have been allotted plots. Lee's Tobacco Machinery has started commercial operations, while three more enterprises are expected to begin production and exports shortly. The remaining 14 enterprises are under construction.

The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) is pushing to diversify Bangladesh's capital market by introducing a commodity exchange, aiming to expand investment opportunities and bring the country's financial market closer to international standards.

Md Saifur Rahman Mazumdar, managing director of the CSE, said the initiative would also challenge the conventional perception that the capital market is limited to share trading.

He made the remarks at a workshop titled "Diversification of the Capital Market: Prospects of Commodity Exchange in Bangladesh", organised by the Chattogram Television Reporters Network at the CSE conference room today (8 September).

Saifur said incorporating a commodity market into the capital market would diversify the financial system and create new investment avenues.

Speakers said a commodity exchange could help businesses manage risks from price fluctuations while providing a more transparent mechanism for price discovery.

An organised and properly regulated market would allow buyers and sellers to determine commodity prices through formal trading rather than relying solely on fragmented physical markets, they said.

Bangladesh's capital market is currently centred largely on equities and related securities. A commodity exchange would introduce organised trading in commodities and potentially provide instruments to hedge against price risks.

The speakers, however, stressed that the market would require appropriate regulations, trading infrastructure, warehousing and quality standards, along with safeguards against manipulation.

The CSE has been working on developing a commodity exchange for several years as part of efforts to broaden the country's capital market.

For Bangladesh, where businesses are often exposed to sharp fluctuations in imported raw material and commodity prices, such a platform could provide an additional tool for managing commercial risks.

The success of the initiative will depend on establishing the regulatory, technological and physical infrastructure needed to ensure transparent and credible commodity trading.

Former CSE president Mirza Salman Ispahani attended the workshop as chief guest, while CSE Director Major Md Emdadul Islam was present as special guest.

Overall provisioning shortfall against loans in Bangladesh's banking system overran Tk 2.0-trillion mark with a 16-percent or Tk 309.16 billion rise in the first half of 2026.

Economists say such deficit in provisioning reflects the weakening lending capacity of banks and causing vulnerabilities across the economy.

The aggregate amount of provisioning shortfall crossed Tk 2.0 trillion again, indicating poor credit discipline in many of the banks due mainly to growing non-performing loan (NPL) buildup in the industry.

According to the central bank's latest statistics, the volume of provisioning shortfall in the banking sector came to Tk 2.22 trillion as on June 30 this year. It was Tk 1.91 trillion just six months ago.

The shortfall was Tk 2.05 trillion on March 31 this year.

Banks, however, usually keep the required provisions against both classified and unclassified loans from their operating profits as guardrails mitigate risks.

As per regulations, banks are required to set aside a portion of their profits as provisions to cover potential loan losses. When a bank fails to maintain the requisite level of provisions, the shortfall is recorded as a provision deficit, signalling a weakening financial health and heightened risks for depositors and the broader economy.

Under the existing BB rules, the banks have to keep 0.25-percent to 5.0- percent provision against loans under general category, 20 per cent against substandard category, 50 per cent against doubtful loans, and 100 per cent against bad or loss category of credits.

With NPLs rising rapidly and profits remaining under pressure, many scheduled banks have struggled to meet these regulatory obligations.

According to the central bank's reports, private commercial banks (PCBs) recorded a higher provisioning shortfall than state-owned commercial banks (SoCBs) during the period under review.

The total provisioning shortfall of PCBs rose to Tk 1.48 trillion as of June 30, from Tk 1.21 trillion six months earlier, while the provisioning shortfall of SoCBs increased to Tk 746.34 billion, from Tk 703.64 billion.

On the other hand, foreign commercial banks (FCBs) were able to maintain a provisioning surplus, reflecting their comparatively stronger financial condition and risk-management practices.

The total provisioning surplus of FCBs rose to Tk 5.80 billion during the period under review from Tk 3.38 billion by the end of December 2025.

Specialized banks (SBs), meanwhile, maintained a provisioning surplus of Tk 458.60 million as of June 30, compared with provisioning shortfalls of Tk 2.22 billion as of March 31, 2026, and Tk 2.01 billion at the end of December 2025.

"Higher volume of NPLs pushed up the amount of provisioning shortfall of the banks," a senior official at the Bangladesh Bank (BB) told The Financial Express (FE), while replying to a query.

During the period under review, the volume of NPLs in the banking system grew by nearly 9.0 per cent to Tk 6.06 trillion from Tk 5.57 trillion as on December 31, 2025. It was Tk 5.88 trillion as on March 31, 2026.

"NPLs will have to be reduced to improve the provisioning situation in the banking system," the central banker explains.

He also says the central bank is working to reduce the volume of classified loans through both NPL resolution and effective management.

Under NPL resolution, a formal market for buying and selling bad loans will be created if parliament enacts the Distressed Asset Management Act (DAMA) 2026, according to the central banker.

The central bank has already urged the finance minister to take necessary steps to place the proposed amendment to the Artha Rin Adalat Ain 2003 and the new DAMA 2026 before parliament during its ongoing session, out of exigency.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman has issued a Demi-Official (DO) letter to the finance minister requesting the enactment of the proposed amendments to the Money Loan Court Act as well as the proposed new DAMA during the ongoing session of parliament.

Talking to the FE, Md. Ezazul Islam, director-general of Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), said the widening provisioning deficit reflects a structural crisis rooted in corruption in the banking sector, poor credit discipline, years of inadequate supervision and regulatory relaxations.

"Unless defaulted loans are recovered and governance improves, the growing provisioning shortfall will continue to weaken banks' lending capacity and increase vulnerabilities across the economy," notes Dr Islam, also a former executive director of the central bank.

Customers of Sammilito Islamic Bank withdrew Tk670 crore from their deposits over the past two days, against withdrawal applications totalling Tk2,345 crore, according to bank sources.

The bank's branches across the country processed withdrawals yesterday and today (8 September) under normal procedures. Around 14,000 customers withdrew money during the two days, while applications for withdrawals had been submitted by about 37,600 customers, a senior Bangladesh Bank official said.

He said withdrawals increased slightly on the second day as some customers who could not visit branches yesterday came the following day. The bank paid them in full according to their requirements.

Md Abedur Rahman Sikder, managing director of Sammilito Islamic Bank, said the number of customers actually withdrawing money was much lower than the number who had applied.

"Many customers are visiting branches, reviewing the overall transaction situation and leaving without withdrawing their deposits. New customers are also opening deposit accounts at many of our branches," he said.

Sammilito Islamic Bank was formed through the merger of First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank and EXIM Bank. The five banks have a combined 761 branches.

A total of 74,000 applications have been submitted by customers of the five banks, seeking Tk3,925 crore in withdrawals. Bangladesh Bank provided Tk5,000 crore to the new bank on Sunday to facilitate deposit repayments, after which funds were sent from the head office to branches.

On paper, the inflation situation in Bangladesh is improving, but the squeeze on households continues as wage growth has slowed further, lowering real incomes.

Updated figures from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) show overall inflation fell to 8.26 per cent in August, the second month of the 2026-27 fiscal year.

But wage growth dropped to 8.05 per cent, widening the gap between what people earn and what they pay for goods and services.

August's inflation figure marks the lowest the indicator has hit in 10 months.

Wage growth, meanwhile, has hit its lowest point in seven months.

Data reveals wage growth has now trailed inflation for four and a half consecutive years.

In January 2022, wage growth stood at 5.92 per cent, briefly outpacing overall inflation of 5.86 per cent.

But from the following month, February, onward, spending began outrunning earnings and never looked back.

This prolonged mismatch has steadily eroded the “real income”, or purchasing power, of the public, particularly low-income and limited-income groups.

A point-to-point inflation rate of 8.26 per cent in August implies that a basket of essential goods and services costing Tk 100 last year now costs Tk 108.26.

By contrast, the 8.05 per cent national wage growth rate means someone who earned Tk 100 last year now earns Tk 108.05 this year.

In other words, the cost of living has climbed faster than incomes have grown. That has forced people to either trim their spending or dip into savings.

Selim Raihan, executive director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) said: “We would have welcomed a scenario where wage growth kept pace with falling inflation.

“But the current data paints a worrying picture, inflation is placing extra strain on real wages. In effect, even as nominal income rises, higher market costs are eating it away."

With inflation outpacing wage growth for a prolonged stretch, he said real incomes were shrinking “alarmingly”.

"People's spending power is shrinking. Many are dipping into savings, others have none left to dip into."

Jahangir Alam Khan, director of the Dhaka School of Economics, said: "Prices across the board remain steep. On top of that, everyone is paying more for gas and electricity.

“The bigger issue is that even after the peak Boro harvest season, prices of rice, our staple food, haven't come down."

The economist recommended strengthening market monitoring rather than relying solely on tight monetary policy to keep inflation in check.

Inflation, Wages In Flux

During the July Uprising in 2024, headline inflation spiked to 11.66 per cent before fluctuating between 9 per cent and 12 per cent amid the political transition, while wage growth remained anchored around 8 per cent.

Fiscal 2025-26 opened with single-digit inflation that oscillated between 8 per cent and 9.5 per cent, before moderating to 8.32 per cent in July and 8.26 per cent in August.

Meanwhile, the BBS wage index hovered near 8 per cent throughout the year, easing from 8.22 per cent in July to 8.05 per cent in August.

The bulk of the national workforce operates within the informal sector, where wage-based employment predominates.

Informal Sector Bears The Brunt

The bulk of the country's workforce operates in the informal sector, almost entirely on a wage basis.

According to BBS's latest labour force survey, 84 per cent of the employed population works in the informal sector.

Roughly 88 per cent of rural workers and 74 per cent of urban workers fall into this category.

This vast, socially unprotected workforce bears the brunt of rising prices more than anyone else.

The BBS compiles its wage rate index monthly, gathering data across 44 occupational categories, including farm labourers, transport workers, fishermen, day labourers and construction workers.

As per August data, wage growth was lowest in the industrial sector at 7.97 per cent. The services sector saw wages grow 8.25 per cent, while agriculture recorded 8.07 per cent growth.

The wage rate index has its limitations. BBS's index does not represent the earnings of the entire labour market, salaried employees and relatively higher-income professionals fall outside its scope.

As a result, the index largely captures the pressure between income and inflation for lower-wage workers. It offers no clear picture of how much strain the middle class is under.

The World Bank today (8 September) recommended a phased approach to tariff reform in Bangladesh, with reductions in duties on intermediate inputs, lower protection for highly protected consumer goods and a pre-announced multiyear phase-out of para-tariffs to make the country's trade regime more competitive.

The recommendations were made in a new World Bank study titled "Bangladesh Trade Policy at a Crossroads: Evidence for the National Tariff Policy, LDC Graduation, and the Next Generation of Trade Agreements," presented by Dr Nora Dihel, Senior Economist for Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment at the World Bank, at a programme here today.

The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), in collaboration with the World Bank Group organized the programme at its Banani office in the city.

The study recommends that Bangladesh gradually should reduce remaining regulatory and supplementary duties, known as para-tariffs, and eventually brings its tariff structure closer to the levels of regional competitors, including India, China and Vietnam.

According to the study, Bangladesh's trade-weighted average Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff stands at 7.0 percent across 5,666 tariff lines based on FY2026 data. However, after para-tariffs are taken into account, average nominal protection rises to 15.4 percent.

The gap is particularly significant in sectors such as footwear, hides and skins, stone and glass, and transportation equipment. In the footwear sector, for instance, nominal protection reaches 70.4 percent, compared with an MFN tariff of 25 percent.

The World Bank recommended that tariff reform be accompanied by stronger domestic revenue mobilisation to manage the fiscal implications of lower import duties.

It also called for the removal of non-tariff barriers, liberalisation of services trade and adjustment support for workers and sectors affected by trade liberalisation.

Using its Tariff Reform Impact Simulation Tool (TRIST), the World Bank estimated that a 10 percent reduction in customs duties alone would reduce import tax revenue by around $189 million.

If the same reduction were combined with full removal of para-tariffs, the fiscal cost would rise to around $1.4 billion, it said.

The study estimated that complete elimination of both customs duties and para-tariffs would cost about $3.7 billion, equivalent to 40.8 percent of import tax revenue or 0.83 percentage points of GDP.

The World Bank therefore stressed the need for a carefully sequenced reform programme rather than an abrupt reduction in border protection.

The study also recommended that Bangladesh pursue deeper trade agreements to prepare for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from LDC status on 24 November, 2026, although the government has requested a deferral of at least three years.

The study found that unilateral trade reforms, particularly deeper cuts in input tariffs and removal of para-tariffs on intermediate goods, could increase real GDP by up to 0.52 percent.

A deeper multi-partner free trade agreement strategy, benchmarked against Vietnam's trade agreements, could raise real GDP by 0.73 percent, or around $3.2 billion, with about two-thirds of the gains coming from agreements with RCEP and ASEAN members.

The World Bank recommended that Bangladesh combine domestic tariff reforms with an active strategy to secure preferential market access and expand its participation in regional and global trade arrangements after LDC graduation.

The study was presented at a high-level discussion organised by PRI, bringing together policymakers, economists, researchers and business leaders to discuss Bangladesh's National Tariff Policy, LDC graduation and the next generation of trade agreements.

PRI Chairman Dr. Zaidi Sattar chaired the programme, while Md. Fazlul Hoque, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), attended as the chief guest.

The programme also brought together distinguished economists, researchers and business leaders.

PRI Distinguished Fellow Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur delivered the closing remarks.

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars in US products took effect Tuesday, as a trade war between the North American neighbors heats up.

The announced duties of 15 percent, 25 percent and 50 percent apply to $27.6 billion (US$20 billion) in imports from the United States, covering steel and aluminum products as well as dairy goods like cheese. But Canada removed some seafood products from the initial list.

Ottawa’s pushback comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed 50-percent tariffs on a similar value of Canadian products, over what Washington deemed as “discriminatory treatment” against US alcohol, automobile and dairy industries.

The US tariffs hit items like hockey sticks and cement, impacting about 5.5 percent of Canadian exports to the United States.

On Monday, Trump threatened to block sales of Canada’s Bombardier Aviation in the United States, unless the Quebec-based plane maker moves manufacturing to the US.

“No more selling Bombardier in the United States!” Trump posted in all caps on his Truth Social platform, though he did not specify how he would achieve a sales halt.Thousands of Bombardier aircraft currently operate in US airlines’ domestic fleets.In a statement Monday, the aerospace company touted its creation of “tens of thousands of jobs across the United States,” with “direct employment” in more than 20 states, including Kansas, Texas, Arizona and California.

The company also noted that it spends over $2.5 billion annually with suppliers, and said its supply chain is “made up of approximately 2,800 American companies across 47 states.”

“Bombardier values its great partnership with American companies and its US employees,” the company’s statement said.

US tariffs pose a modestly negative risk to Canada’s overall economy, but analysts note that they have a sharper impact on Central Canada’s manufacturing sector.

Negotiations between both sides broke down August 21 after days of meetings in Washington, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney saying he decided to suspend the trade talks.

At the time, Carney said the Trump administration’s terms were ultimately unacceptable, adding that US negotiators had introduced restrictions on Canadian trade deals with other countries at the eleventh hour.

US officials also made unacceptable “threats” to the French language and “Quebec culture,” he added, referencing the French-speaking province in eastern Canada.

But Trump’s top trade official Jamieson Greer later noted that the US government is aware that French language protections are sensitive and important.

“This is not something where we push hard, or condition, or red-line,” he told Canadian public broadcaster CBC last month.

Ottawa and Washington have not resumed negotiations since, and have continued trading barbs.

Asked if both sides were in a trade war, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC last week (Aug 31) that he did not think one could be in a tit-for-tat fight with a country that is 13 times larger.

“We’re not at war with Canada,” Bessent said on the sidelines of a G20 finance leaders’ meeting. “How are we going to be at war with Canada? They’re going to take their two set submarines from the Edmonton Mall and sic them on us?”

He was referring to a former attraction at a shopping center in the Alberta province.
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Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth separately appeared to mock the physical appearance of a Canadian soldier on social media.

Carney said a day later that the remarks were “beneath their office,” adding that this was “not constructive.”

He said both sides can have discussions “when the Americans stop doing memes” and start being serious.

Trump also signed an order in August to rename Lake Ontario, on the border with Canada, as “Lake America.”

This has sparked anger in Canada, amid a broader wave of patriotism triggered by Trump’s hostility.

At the start of his second presidency, Trump also ordered the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. He has made claims that Canada should become the 51st US state as well.

Although Carney is backed by Canadian public opinion, his country remains reliant on its neighbor. Nearly 60 percent of Canada’s imports come from the United States and about 70 percent of its exports go to the US market.

To help businesses and workers, Canada’s government has unveiled an aid package of $7.5 billion (US$5.4 billion).

Petrobangla has sharply eased the entry requirements for new spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) suppliers as Bangladesh seeks to widen its sourcing options amid severe gas shortages and rising global LNG prices.

The state-run corporation will now allow companies to seek enlistment with just one successfully completed LNG supply contract and $50 million in financial capacity. This is a significant relaxation of the experience, financial and operational requirements introduced in March.
The move comes at a difficult time for the country’s LNG procurement. Disruptions at its two floating LNG terminals, cargo delivery problems and a global supply squeeze pushed average gas supply to 2,235 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) in August -- the lowest August supply in a decade.

Official demand was around 3,860 mmcfd.The government had to make emergency direct purchases of LNG as industries struggled with low gas pressure and power generation was hit by fuel shortages.

Spot LNG prices have also risen sharply. Bangladesh last week approved a cargo at more than $28 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), the highest price since 2022. Before the Middle East war disrupted global supplies, the country typically paid $10 to $12 per MMBtu for spot LNG.

Against this backdrop, Petrobangla issued a fresh international invitation on August 29 to enlist more suppliers under “revised criteria”.

KEY REQUIREMENTS EASED

Under the March rules, applicants needed at least two years of LNG supply experience and deliveries of at least 0.5 million tonnes in each of two of the previous five years.

The new criteria require only one successfully completed LNG supply contract, with no minimum delivery volume.

The financial threshold has also been cut from $100 million in net worth in two of the previous three fiscal years to $50 million. Companies can meet the requirement through liquid assets, working capital, credit facilities or bank solvency.

Several other requirements have been removed.

Applicants no longer need experience supplying LNG to floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU)-based terminals or the ability to supply lean LNG containing at least 91 percent methane.

They also no longer need to show that they had no failed LNG cargo deliveries in the previous five years or own or charter an LNG carrier. The revised document marks these requirements as “Not Applicable”.

The requirement to provide arbitration history has also been removed. Previously, applicants could have no more than three arbitration awards against them in the previous five years.

Joint venture requirements have also been eased. The lead partner now needs only one successfully completed LNG supply contract.

The $50 million financial requirement can also be shared, with the lead partner meeting 75 percent and the other partner or partners the remaining 25 percent.

The changes could bring LNG traders with shorter operating histories, lower financial capacity and no LNG carrier of their own or under charter into Petrobangla’s supplier pool.

However, Petrobangla has not explained why it relaxed requirements introduced only a few months ago.

Petrobangla Director (operations and mines) Md Shoyeb, the contact person for the enlistment process, told The Daily Star that the changes aim to attract more suppliers.
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“We are looking for more participants in the spot market,” he said.

A virtual pre-application meeting with prospective suppliers is scheduled for today, while applications are due by September 15.

The exercise will not replace existing suppliers, and companies already enlisted for spot LNG supply do not need to apply again.

Petrobangla currently has 30 companies on its latest spot LNG tender list. The new exercise could further expand a supplier pool that has grown significantly since the change of government in August 2024.

Before then, Petrobangla had Master Sale and Purchase Agreements with 23 suppliers, but spot LNG purchases were largely concentrated among four or five suppliers.

The interim government later brought spot LNG purchases under the public procurement framework after suspending procurement under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, 2010.

The latest enlistment is being conducted under the Public Procurement Rules 2025.

The government is losing around Tk4,000 crore in annual revenue due to illegal charging of battery-run autorickshaws, with more than 48,000 informal or illegal charging points operating in Dhaka alone, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament today (7 September).

Although an estimated 50-80 lakh battery-run autorickshaws operate nationwide, there are only around 3,300 legal charging points, he said.

The minister disclosed the figures in response to an urgent public-importance notice under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure in parliament. Reserved women's seat MP Rehana Akhter Ranu submitted the notice on the "uncontrolled operation of autorickshaws".

Salahuddin said battery-run autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and other electric three-wheelers have become an important part of urban and rural transport over the past decade. But their rapid and largely unregulated growth has increased pressure on the power system, roads and environment.

The electricity needed to charge the vehicles could account for around 5% or more of the country's total generation, he said. Large-scale simultaneous charging is also putting pressure on local distribution networks, while illegal commercial use of residential connections is overloading transformers and distribution lines.

Road safety and environmental concerns

Salahuddin said the unregulated operation of autorickshaws is also increasing traffic congestion and road accident risks.

According to data presented by him, battery-run autorickshaws accounted for 13.54% of the vehicles involved in 6,729 road accidents recorded in 2025.

Unregistered vehicles, untrained drivers, faulty designs, defective brakes and lights, speeding and the operation of slow-moving vehicles on highways are among the factors increasing accident risks, he said.

The minister also raised concerns over unsafe handling and informal recycling of lead-acid batteries, which can cause soil and water pollution. Child labourers face particular health risks, while agriculture and poultry production are also being affected, he said.

Autorickshaws to come under regulation

The government is formulating a policy to bring autorickshaws under a regulated system. Authorised vehicles will have number plates and QR codes, while drivers will be registered, trained and gradually brought under licensing.

Routes, vehicle numbers and movement will also be regulated, with a digital system planned to track vehicles and batteries.

Ranu said she did not seek a ban on autorickshaws but their regulation. She proposed moving them from major roads to secondary routes, introducing solar-powered charging, making BRTA registration mandatory and introducing zone-based operation in Dhaka.

Salahuddin said the policy would balance employment, environmental protection and traffic management.

The minister also informed the parliament that 50 AI-based traffic cameras are operating at 17 intersections in Dhaka, with another 200 being installed under the Ramna and Tejgaon traffic divisions.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has called for a share buyback provision for listed companies in the proposed draft amendment to the Companies Act, 1994.

The capital market regulator also urged modernising corporate reporting standards, mandating regulatory consent for mergers involving listed firms, and extending the validity period of financial statements used in prospectuses.

BSEC Executive Director Abul Kalam placed the proposals at a views-exchange meeting on the draft amendment to the Companies Act at the FBCCI Board Room in the capital today (7 September).

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organised it, with its Administrator Fazlul Hoque in the chair. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir attended the event as the chief guest.

Representing BSEC, Kalam stated that targeted revisions across various sections are essential to align the law with modern business practices. He noted that despite submitting specific recommendations on 18 December 2025, key proposals – such as share buybacks – were omitted from the current draft.

Highlighting Section 58 of the existing act, which restricts companies from purchasing their own shares, Kalam urged policymakers to allow listed entities to buy back shares under specific conditions to improve capital management and safeguard shareholder interests.

Addressing Section 183, he emphasised updating statutory terminology – replacing "balance sheet" with "annual financial statements" and "board report" with "annual report" – while enabling digital publication and distribution of corporate reports.

Regarding mergers, acquisitions, demergers, and restructuring under Sections 228 and 229, Kalam advocated for formal BSEC involvement whenever a listed company merges with an unlisted entity to protect general investors, citing similar regulatory frameworks in India.

Furthermore, the BSEC representative proposed extending the time limit for using financial statements in prospectuses from 180 days to 270 days. Under current rules, financial data older than 180 days cannot be included in a prospectus for IPOs, rights shares, or bonds. However, Kalam explained that since the audit process alone can take up to 120 days, the remaining 60-day window is often insufficient to complete the approval and filing processes at the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms.

The United Arab ​Emirates is building alternative routes for its energy exports and trade to ensure they are not "held ‌hostage" by the ongoing war between the US and Iran, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said on Monday (7 September).

The conflict has had a significant impact on Gulf Arab states, including the UAE, after Tehran fired missiles at the country and attacked its oil tankers in the Strait ​of Hormuz.

"Our energy exports will not be held hostage, nor will our trade and economic activity," Gargash ​told the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE has been expanding port capacity along its eastern ⁠coast, as well as developing pipelines, railways and trade routes for alternative corridors, he said.

While acknowledging that relations with Iran ​could eventually recover, Gargash warned that rebuilding trust after the attacks could take decades.

He also criticised Gulf Arab states ​for failing to mount a coordinated response to Iran, saying they had been unable to translate shared concerns into a unified strategy.

US alliance not enough

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson echoed similar concerns at the policymakers' forum, saying Gulf Arab countries should not rely solely on ​their strategic partnership with the US for security.

"We need to realise in the Gulf that having international forces ​in the region, having a strategic alliance with the US is very important but is not enough," Majed al-Ansari said.

"Self-sufficiency when it ‌comes ⁠to security is the only way forward."

Gargash argued that while the partnership with the US is essential, the six-month conflict has exposed the importance of national capabilities.

"Our security is our first priority. When we depend entirely on others, we cannot always assume it will be their priority," he said.

Hormuz remains a sticking point

Iran followed through on its ​threat to close the Strait ​of Hormuz, once a ⁠conduit for a fifth of global energy supplies. The disruption sent energy prices soaring and sparked a global economic crisis.

The waterway's status remains a central obstacle in negotiations between ​Washington and Tehran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, with Iran claiming the strait ​belongs to Iran ⁠and Oman — a position Gulf states broadly reject.

"Freedom of navigation is not a concession to be granted, nor a principle to be renegotiated under pressure," Gargash said, adding that any long-term resolution must include credible guarantees against further Iranian attacks ⁠on Gulf ​Arab states.

The conflict, sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran ​on February 28, remains deadlocked. A preliminary ceasefire reached in June has unravelled, and little progress has been made in efforts to revive the ​peace process.

The Bangladesh Bank has enlisted 131 valuation firms and companies to assess collateral or mortgaged assets against loans taken or to be taken from scheduled banks.

The central bank issued a circular today (7 September), informing the managing directors and chief executives of all scheduled banks about the enlistment.

According to the circular, the firms were enlisted as eligible under the Enlistment Policy for Collateral Valuation Firms or Companies, issued by Bangladesh Bank on 28 November 2023.

Of the 131 enlisted firms, 98 have been classified under Group A, while 33 have been placed in Group B.

Scheduled banks have been advised to use the enlisted firms to assess collateral provided by their customers against existing or prospective loans.

Banks have also been instructed to follow valuation-related guidelines issued by Bangladesh Bank from time to time.

The enlistment will remain valid for three years. The enlisted firms have been advised to apply for renewal at least six months before the expiry of their enlistment.

However, Bangladesh Bank may cancel the enlistment of any firm before the three-year period if it fails to comply with the conditions of the policy.

The firms have also been instructed to submit their annual reports to Bangladesh Bank by 15 January every year.

China’s seaborne imports of crude oil ticked up in August from July but remained nearly 40 percent below levels before the start of the Iran conflict. China, the world’s biggest oil importer, saw seaborne arrivals of 7.14 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, from July’s 6.93 million bpd, according to data compiled by commodity analysts Kpler.August’s imports were 4.27 million bpd below the average of 11.41 million bpd in the three months leading up to the US and Israeli attack on Iran on February 28.
The dramatic reduction in China’s seaborne crude oil imports since the start of the conflict means it is shouldering the bulk of the adjustment of lower volumes from the Middle East, with exports dropping amid constrained flows through the Strait of Hormuz.The narrow waterway remains contested between Iran and the United States, and while there is dispute over exactly how much crude oil and refined products are getting through, it is certain that it remains well below the near 20 million bpd before the conflict began.Asia’s seaborne crude oil imports were 22.64 million bpd in August, down slightly from 23.40 million bpd in July, but 4.29 million bpd, or 16 percent, below the average of 26.93 million bpd in the three months to the end of February.

The drop in Asia’s seaborne oil imports in August is only 20,000 bpd more than the decline in China’s arrivals.

While most crude oil market participants expected Beijing to cut its imports in response to the higher prices caused by the Iran conflict, the extent of the drop is surprising.

China has a history of cutting imports when prices surge, but boosting them to increase stockpiling when prices slip. Benchmark Brent crude futures jumped 75 percent from the start of the conflict to a four-year high of $126.41 a barrel on April 30.

They moderated to $96.28 a barrel on September 4, but this remains a price level above what many Chinese refiners would be comfortable paying.

The question for the crude oil market is whether China will continue to curb its imports amid ongoing high prices, or whether its refiners will seek to secure cargoes so that they do not have to tap inventories.

There are several dynamics at work in the answer to that question. Firstly, China’s smaller independent refiners are losing access to Iranian crude as the US naval blockade ensures that no new Iranian crude leaves the Gulf and the oil in tankers gets delivered and depleted. This means these refiners either have to pay more for cargoes from other suppliers, or cut processing rates.

China is buying more from Russia, another exporter under Western sanctions, but that puts it in competition with India as refiners in the South Asian nation have largely replaced constrained Middle East supplies with crude from Russia.

China’s seaborne imports from Russia reached 1.68 million bpd in August, up from 1.40 million bpd in July and the most since March, according to Kpler data.

China also buys about 1 million bpd via pipelines from Russia. Another factor to consider is whether China’s refiners try to export more refined fuels, given the extremely high profit margins currently on offer in Asia for products such as diesel and gasoline.

Exports of light and middle distillates were 963,000 bpd in August, up from 774,000 bpd in July and above the 713,000 bpd average for the three months prior to the start of the Iran war.

The increase in August’s shipments of light and middle distillates almost exactly matches the increase in crude imports. While this may just be a coincidence, it does illustrate the wider point that if China does lift product exports, it will probably have to increase crude imports as well.

Since the start of the Iran war, China’s decision to slash crude imports has been a major factor in keeping oil prices from surging. But its lack of product exports in the April to June period is also a factor in keeping fuel prices elevated in Asia. Given the risk of shortages of refined fuels in Asia, perhaps it would be better for the market if China bought more crude but also exported more fuel.

A 40-foot container carrying fabrics worth around Tk3 crore has allegedly remained untraced inside Chattogram Port for more than a week, putting an export-oriented garment manufacturer at risk of missing shipment deadlines.

The container, numbered MRSU-8692827, was carrying 668 bales of fabrics imported for Gold Star Garments Ltd, a garment manufacturer based in Kaliakoir, Savar.

The container arrived aboard the MV MCC Danang and was discharged at Chattogram Port's NCT-2 berth on 15 August, according to documents seen by The Business Standard and sources familiar with the shipment.

After completing customs clearance and paying all applicable port charges, the clearing and forwarding (C&F) agent went to the Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) yard on 30 August to take delivery.

But port officials could not locate the container.

The C&F firm, SRS Syndicate, was later asked to search for it. The firm said it searched for several days and repeatedly contacted the terminal manager, assistant terminal officer and transport officer, but failed to locate it.

It then submitted a written complaint to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) chairman on 2 September, seeking urgent action to locate and deliver the container.

According to the complaint, the shipment consisted of one 40-foot full-container load containing 668 bales of fabrics imported for a 100% export-oriented garment manufacturer.

Customs records show that SRS Syndicate filed the bill of entry through the ASYCUDA World system on 22 August. The bill of entry number is C-1209166, while the bill of lading number is 802015128A.

The complaint states that all customs and port charges had been paid before the agent went to collect the container on 30 August. However, the CPA could not hand it over, although it was supposed to be in the CCT yard.

SRS Syndicate proprietor Md Hafizur Rahman told The Business Standard that the fabrics were urgently required by Gold Star Garments to meet export deadlines.

"We cleared all customs and port fees to collect the container, but it was nowhere to be found. More than a week has passed," he said.

He added that the missing 100% export-oriented fabric, valued at around Tk3 crore, puts Gold Star Garments in a critical position. Without the material, the exporter risks missing its scheduled delivery deadline to the buyer.

CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed that the port authority had received the complaint.

"The CPA formed a committee four days ago to look into the matter," he told TBS, adding that there was no further update yet.

Not an isolated incident

The latest case comes amid growing concerns over the traceability and security of containers inside Chattogram Port.

In August 2025, The Business Standard reported that two fabric-laden containers worth around Tk1.5 crore had disappeared from the port within six months.

In one case, a customs-auction buyer paid Tk85 lakh for 27 tonnes of fabric and another Tk22 lakh in duties, VAT and port charges, only to find that the container was missing when he went to collect it. The CPA later acknowledged that the container could not be traced.

Another buyer had also paid Tk42 lakh for auctioned fabrics but could not take delivery because the container was missing, according to the report.

Meanwhile, in April this year, the CPA filed two separate criminal cases over the disappearance of two other loaded containers.

Port Police recovered an empty container from Halishahar after investigators alleged that it had been removed from the port using forged seals, fabricated signatures and fraudulent gate-clearance documents. However, the imported fabric, valued at about Tk2 crore, was missing.

Police have arrested four people, including two port employees, while another suspect remains absconding.

Another container carrying imported fabric worth about Tk2.5 crore also disappeared earlier this year and remains untraced.

The incidents raised concerns among traders and port experts over possible collusion involving insiders, as containers normally pass through multiple documentation and gate-clearance procedures before leaving the port – worries that have since deepened across the industry.

In July this year, customs officials told TBS that they could not physically locate 250 high-risk import containers at Chattogram Port that had been flagged for suspected smuggling, misdeclaration or revenue evasion.

Customs had repeatedly asked the CPA to identify their locations so the consignments could be inspected, but had not received the required information.

Investigations into some of the earlier cases also found discrepancies between physical container locations and digital cargo records.

In one case, the CPA's Oracle-based cargo management system continued to show a missing container as being stored at the CCT yard even though investigators could not find it physically.

The latest case raises fresh questions about the effectiveness of container tracking and yard management at the country's principal seaport.

For Gold Star Garments, however, the immediate concern is recovering the fabrics. Any prolonged delay could disrupt its production schedule and affect its ability to meet export commitments.

US companies are very interested in building more floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) in Bangladesh, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen told Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.

The ambassador made the remarks during a meeting with the commerce minister at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry office in Dhaka today (7 September), as the government moves to give a contract to a Chinese company to build the third FSRU.

FSRU is a specialised vessel or offshore facility that stores liquefied natural gas and converts it back into a usable gaseous state.

The Economic Affairs Committee of the Cabinet has given in-principle approval to China National Energy Engineering and Construction Ltd to establish the terminal under a government-to-government arrangement.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen meets Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry office in Dhaka on 7 September 2026. Photo: PID
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen meets Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry office in Dhaka on 7 September 2026. Photo: PID

Christensen said a transparent and competitive environment for major infrastructure projects, including FSRU, would boost foreign investors' confidence.

He also welcomed Bangladesh's long-term LNG import agreement with US-based Gunvor Group, calling it a positive development.

In response, Muktadir welcomed US investors and said American companies would receive the highest consideration if they could demonstrate their ability to supply an FSRU within the shortest possible timeframe.

The US ambassador and the commerce minister also discussed Bangladesh's import policy.

Christensen said the new policy included several positive changes, although some provisions could be made more business-friendly.

Muktadir said the import policy was a continuing process and necessary reforms were being reviewed regularly in line with market conditions and economic realities.

The minister also highlighted the removal of the previous requirement for foreign companies to appoint local agents when supplying strategic equipment.

He said allowing government agencies to deal directly with manufacturers had increased transparency in procurement and reduced the influence of intermediaries.

According to the Commerce Ministry, the meeting also discussed increasing US investment, ensuring transparency in major infrastructure projects, improving the business environment, expanding bilateral trade and strengthening energy-sector cooperation.

Both sides expressed optimism that regular discussions would further strengthen commercial relations between Bangladesh and the United States.

Bangladesh currently has two floating LNG terminals. One is owned and operated by US-based Excelerate Energy, while the other is owned or operated by local conglomerate Summit Group.

The government has initiated efforts to establish a third terminal, with several domestic and foreign companies showing interest. The Chinese engineering firm has proposed constructing an offshore LNG terminal at Kutubjom in Moheshkhali under a build-own-operate model.

Earlier, Summit signed the agreement with the government in March 2024 during the previous Awami League regime. The interim government later cancelled it.

Meanwhile, Summit has urged Petrobangla to reconsider the cancellation of its agreement to build another FSRU.

Summit has claimed that reinstating its project could save Bangladesh $1.10 billion compared with the FSRU proposed by the Chinese firm. Summit sent a letter to Petrobangla on 6 September seeking reconsideration of the cancellation.

Business leaders and professionals have called for changes to the proposed amendments to the Companies Act, 1994, seeking to ease business operations and strengthen corporate governance.

Their recommendations included deregistering dormant companies, clarifying the definition of a "company group", shortening the notice period for annual general meetings (AGMs), and retaining safeguards around auditor changes.

The proposals were raised at a consultation on the draft third amendment (2026) to the Companies Act at the FBCCI office in Motijheel, Dhaka, yesterday (7 September).

FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Haque chaired the meeting, attended by representatives of business associations, regulators, stock exchanges and audit firms.

Md Yasin Miah, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Bangladesh (ICAB), highlighted the large gap between registered and active companies. Although around 3,00,000 companies are registered, only 57,000-58,000 have been audited since the Digital Business Identification system was launched in 2020, the meeting was told.

He called for a simplified process to identify and deregister inactive companies.

Yasin also opposed a provision easing auditor changes, warning it could allow intermediaries to influence companies to switch auditors and potentially undermine audit quality.

On behalf of FBCCI, Barrister Nihad Kabir proposed requiring companies to give shareholders at least 21 days' notice before an AGM. However, a businessman suggested reducing the period to 14 days, a proposal backed by Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

Nihad also proposed making company secretaries mandatory for firms with annual revenue above Tk500 crore and allowing greater flexibility in appointing independent directors at unlisted public limited companies.

Business representatives also called for a unified definition of "group" under the Companies Act and banking regulations, citing recurring disputes with Bangladesh Bank over the issue.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Executive Director Abul Kalam said several proposals submitted by the commission in December 2025 were absent from the draft, including allowing listed companies to buy back their own shares under specific conditions.

He said Section 58 of the existing law restricts companies from purchasing their own shares.

BSEC also proposed modernising annual reports and allowing digital publication, as well as replacing "balance sheet" with "annual financial statement" and "board report" with "annual report".

Commerce Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir said the law would be updated based on feedback from businesses and industrialists.

"This law will primarily be used by businesses themselves, so it must be modernised based on their needs, practical experience and future demands," he said.

FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Haque urged business associations to submit written recommendations within seven days, saying a revised draft would be published within a month after considering their feedback.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has held an awareness and consultative session with market stakeholders on introducing financial derivatives on its exchange-traded platform to deepen the market and diversify investment products.

Top executives from brokerage firms, merchant banks, asset management companies, and market institutions attended the session, where DSE outlined its roadmap—approved by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC)—to launch derivative products by January 2028.

BSEC Commissioner Nafeez Al Tarik said the regulator supports the introduction of derivatives but stressed that robust infrastructure, strong risk-management systems and an operational central counterparty (CCP) through Central Counterparty Bangladesh Limited (CCBL) are essential prerequisites.

"Derivatives offer crucial hedging and risk management tools against liquidity and volatility risks. However, without proper readiness, they can introduce systemic exposure," Tarik said, stressing timely regulatory amendments and capacity building for brokers.

BSEC Executive Director Abul Kalam said index derivatives are relatively easier to introduce via cash settlement, provided real-time margining, mark-to-market mechanisms, and updated Exchange Derivatives Rules are established.

DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar acknowledged BSEC's guidance and reiterated plans for phased stakeholder workshops.

Saied Mahmud Zubayer, GM of DSE's Market Development Division, presented the product roadmap: launching stock index futures in the first phase, followed by single stock deliverable futures, and eventually an options market in the long term.

Sammilito Islami Bank began returning principal amounts to customers who applied to withdraw on 1 September. Around 6,000 customers collected Tk250 crore nationwide on the first day, against Tk1,329 crore sought by 18,000 applicants scheduled for repayment that day.

While 18,000 customers had applied to withdraw their deposits, only around 6,000 turned up to collect their money yesterday (7 September). The repayment process began after Bangladesh Bank provided the bank with Tk5,000 crore on 6 September to meet depositors' withdrawal demands. Eligible customers received their money, with bank officials welcoming them with flowers and sweets.

Visits to several branches in the capital yesterday morning found that funds had been arranged according to customer demand, while some customers were being allowed early withdrawals in cases of urgent need.

Rahim Khan, manager of the Kakrail branch, formerly First Security Islami Bank, said 11 customers who applied on 1 September were scheduled to withdraw money yesterday. One had already collected the money, while the remaining 10 had been called to collect their deposits.

At the Paltan branch, formerly EXIM Bank, second officer Joynul Abedin said 17 customers had applied, but only two came to collect their deposits. "The two customers who came were given their full amounts," he said.

At the Naya Paltan branch, formerly Global Islami Bank, Sharmin Jahan received Tk20,000 after applying on 3 September, ahead of schedule because her child fell ill. Another customer, Didar, who also applied on 3 September, was told to wait two more days.

Default loan verification via app

A bank official said customers' loan status is being checked through a dedicated app using their NID numbers before withdrawals are approved.

If defaulted loans are found, the matter will be referred to the relevant authority for a decision. Customers without defaults will receive funds under the rules, with Bangladesh Bank supervising the process.

The official urged depositors not to panic, saying the government had taken responsibility for the bank and their funds were safe.

Emergency withdrawals allowed

Saifuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, manager of the Naya Paltan branch, said sufficient funds had been arranged and Bangladesh Bank was monitoring the process round the clock.

Customers applying on 2 or 3 September will wait one or two additional days, but urgent cases involving illness or other emergencies are being considered.

Chowdhury SM Atikur Rahman Haider, manager of the Bijoynagar branch, formerly of Union Bank, said large depositors can keep, withdraw or transfer funds through Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), subject to loan-status checks.