Bangladesh remained the world’s top shipbreaking destination in 2024, dismantling 130 ships, despite a 23.5% decline from the previous year due to dollar shortages and weak demand. Of the 409 ships dismantled globally, 255 ended up in South Asia, with 80% scrapped in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan under substandard conditions. A 52% decline in the total weight of imported scrap vessels further impacted the industry. Bangladesh faced one of the worst accidents, where an oil tanker explosion killed six workers and critically injured six others in Chattogram. The shipbreaking sector is struggling as steel re-rolling mills, its primary buyers, suffer from reduced public construction projects. With 150 shipbreaking yards, only 30 remain active, while seven have achieved “green” status. Industry leaders predict continued challenges unless construction demand recovers, questioning the sector’s viability amid rising losses and high operational costs.

Bangladesh’s overseas migration dropped by 27.4% in 2024, with migrant numbers falling to 10,09,146 from 13,90,811 in 2023, according to Ami Probashi’s Annual Report 2024. The sharp decline, particularly between May and September, was attributed to political and economic instabilities. Despite this, female BMET registration nearly doubled, rising from 2.78% in 2023 to 4.79% in 2024. Saudi Arabia remained the top destination, accounting for 62.17% of total migration (627,000 workers), while Malaysia saw a decline to 93,000 workers due to policy changes. General Training Enrolment for overseas jobs dropped by 52.5% to 112,166. Dhaka sent the most migrants (2.64 lakh), followed by Chattogram (2.31 lakh). Experts suggested that better training, gender-inclusive policies, and improved foreign labour agreements could help revitalize the migration sector. The report also highlighted a shift in female employment trends, with more women opting for tech-related jobs over traditional domestic roles.

Bangladesh’s power demand is projected to hit 18,000MW this summer, while the highest possible generation is 17,260MW, leading to a 740MW shortfall. During Ramadan, demand is expected to reach 15,700MW, with a government target of zero load shedding. Post-Ramadan, load shedding may rise to 1,400MW. Gas supply to power plants will increase to 1,200 mmcfd, enabling up to 6,200MW generation from gas-fired plants. LNG imports will rise to four cargoes per month from 2-3 cargoes. Cooling loads, mainly air conditioners consuming 6,000MW, may be reduced by encouraging 25-26°C settings. The PDB requested $4 billion to ensure stable power supply, with priority funding from the finance division. To manage shortages, strategies include rescheduling irrigation pump use, early shopping center closures, and reducing excessive lighting. The Matarbari coal plant’s power purchase agreement will be finalized, with Tk 8.40 per unit pricing, cheaper than Payra, Rampal, and Adani plants.