Bangladesh Braces for Pahela Baishakh as Energy Prices Rise, ADB Projects Economic Recovery

Bangladesh is marking a busy Sunday on April 12, 2026, with the country simultaneously preparing for its most important cultural celebration, managing a deepening energy cost crisis driven by the ongoing US-Iran war, and receiving a cautiously optimistic economic forecast from a leading international development bank.

Pahela Baishakh Preparations in Full Swing

The government has chalked out an elaborate programme to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the Bangla New Year 1433, on April 14. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will give separate messages marking the occasion. Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha and Chhayanaut will organise a cultural event at Ramna Batamul in the morning of April 14. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

On the occasion, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation will organise a seven-day Baishakhi fair and discussion meetings on the premises of Bangla Academy from April 14 to April 20. All museums and archaeological sites will remain open to all visitors on the day, with children, students, disabled persons, and children with special needs allowed to enter without tickets. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

In Khulna, the district administration alongside various socio-cultural organisations is fully prepared to welcome Pahela Baishakh with colourful festivities and traditional enthusiasm, including a Boishakhi Shobhajatra procession and a range of cultural activities including Baul songs, magic shows, and traditional rides. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Fuel Prices Rise as Middle East War Hits Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission has adjusted the price of furnace oil at the consumer level, setting it at Tk 94.69 per litre. The revised rate will come into effect from midnight tonight and remain in force until further notice. The previous consumer-level price of furnace oil was Tk 70.10 per litre. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

The fragile ceasefire and ongoing talks in the US-Iran war offer some hope, but the war has already driven up fuel costs and strained supply for Bangladesh, meaning rising prices, fiscal pressure, and a deepening energy crisis for the country. The Daily Star

Bangladesh’s government has also urged Iran to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for Bangladesh-bound vessels, as disruptions to the critical shipping route continue to affect the country’s energy and trade supply chains. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

ADB Forecasts Gradual Economic Recovery

Bangladesh’s economy is expected to stage a gradual recovery over the next two fiscal years, according to the latest outlook by the Asian Development Bank. The ADB forecasts that GDP growth will rise to 4.0 per cent in fiscal year 2026 and further to 4.7 per cent in FY2027, up from 3.5 per cent recorded in FY2025. The report attributes the improved outlook to a rebound in domestic consumption and investment, supported by easing political uncertainty following the general election. The Bangladesh Today

Despite the optimistic outlook, the ADB warned of significant downside risks. Prolonged global conflicts could disrupt energy markets and supply chains, leading to higher fuel costs and inflationary pressures. Additionally, weaker economic conditions in Middle Eastern countries could affect remittance inflows and exports, further straining Bangladesh’s external balance. The Bangladesh Today

Finance Minister Speaks on Economic Inheritance

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated in parliament that Bangladesh’s economy is on the brink of collapse due to widespread corruption and unchecked plundering over the past 16 years. He made the remarks while delivering a statement on the 13th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, presenting a brief overview of the economic conditions under which the current BNP government assumed office and its future policy direction. Dhaka Tribune

Cricket: Bangladesh Name Unchanged Squad Against New Zealand

Bangladesh have retained the same squad for the opening two matches of their upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, keeping the same group that beat Pakistan 2-1 last month. New Zealand arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for a tour featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. The first two ODIs are scheduled at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and April 20, with the third ODI in Chattogram on April 23. Pakistan Today

Bangladesh-IFRC Strengthen Humanitarian Ties

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam underscored the need to further strengthen Bangladesh’s cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enhance humanitarian response and disaster resilience. She thanked the IFRC and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society for their continued support to the Rohingya humanitarian response, including healthcare services and safe drinking water supply in Cox’s Bazar. Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha