Bangladesh Roundup: Inflation, tourism policy, rains, free trade agreement

Sustainable development fees reduced for tourists

Department of Tourism of the Royal Government of Bhutan has reduced sustainable development fees for Bangladeshi tourists from $100 to $15 per day, equivalent to the fees charged to Indian tourists. The new policy allows 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists to visit Bhutan per year with the reduced fees, starting from 2 June 2024. The decision reflects the special relationship between Bangladesh and Bhutan, The Business Standard reports.

Weather predictions

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds over various parts of the country in the next 24 hours. Mild heat wave is affecting several divisions, but may abate in some areas. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the maximum temperature on Sunday was 37.0 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature today was 23.5 degrees Celsius in Sylhet. Rainfall for the last 24 hours was 227 mm in Sylhet.

Inflation hikes

Inflation in Bangladesh increased to 9.89% in May from 9.74% in April. Food inflation rose to 10.76%, while non-food inflation decreased to 9.19%, The Business Standard reports.

Eid arrangements

Government offices will now operate from 9 am to 5 pm after Eid-ul-Adha holidays, with a break from 1 pm to 1:30 pm for prayers and lunch. This decision was made at a Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka. JagoNews24 reports that the current office hours of 9 am to 4 pm were implemented in 2022 to save electricity.

China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement

The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh has predicted that a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries will decrease inflation in Bangladesh by lowering import prices. He believes that the FTA will lead to a new era of economic cooperation and benefit both countries. Bangladesh sees signing FTAs with other countries as crucial for achieving stable economic development, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reports.