A severe diesel shortage in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur has disrupted irrigation for Boro and Irri rice cultivation, putting around 30,000 hectares of farmland at risk. Farmers report that without diesel, they cannot operate irrigation pumps, causing fields to crack and seedlings to wither. Many accuse local fuel hoarders of creating an artificial crisis by limiting market supply, while officials have yet to take visible action to resolve the issue.

Local farmers and civic groups warn that if the shortage persists, it could lead to a major decline in seasonal rice production and threaten national food security, as Boro rice is a key contributor to the country’s grain supply. Farmers have urged authorities to restore normal diesel and petrol distribution immediately.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahfuzur Rahman cautioned that irregular irrigation at this stage could severely reduce yields. Upazila Executive Officer Amit Dutta stated that the administration has launched operations against illegal hoarding and is maintaining strict market monitoring to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for farmers.

Global oil prices climbed sharply on Monday, surpassing $116 per barrel as renewed conflict in the Middle East intensified concerns over energy supply. The benchmark Brent crude rose more than 3 percent in early trading, crossing the $116 mark amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Before February 28, oil traded at about $72 per barrel. On March 19, it reached a peak of $118 before easing slightly to just under $112 by Friday afternoon. The current surge marks a significant increase compared to pre-war levels, reflecting market anxiety over potential disruptions in the region.

The price spike coincided with Iran’s announcement that it is prepared for a possible U.S. ground attack. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that any American troops entering the country would face severe retaliation, and regional allies would also be punished, according to the report.

Bangladesh is continuing diesel imports from India through a cross-border pipeline to strengthen its energy security. On Saturday evening, diesel pumping began from Numaligarh Refinery in Assam, India, marking the third consignment of 7,000 metric tons. After about 60 hours of pumping, the shipment is expected to reach the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline terminal in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, by Tuesday morning.

Earlier, two consignments of 5,000 metric tons each arrived in March, bringing the total diesel imports through the pipeline this month to 17,000 metric tons once the latest batch is received. The Parbatipur depot of Padma Oil PLC has remained operational even during holidays to maintain uninterrupted fuel supply. According to the depot’s deputy manager (operations), regular pumping from India’s Numaligarh Refinery is ongoing.

The continued pipeline-based imports are part of the government’s effort to ensure stable fuel availability across the country and reduce logistical challenges in energy transportation.

Nepal has expressed interest in upgrading Saidpur Airport in northern Bangladesh to international standards. The interest was conveyed by Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, during a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam Rita, and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized strengthening existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal. The Nepalese side sought cooperation in developing Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors. Ambassador Bhandari noted that upgrading Saidpur Airport would enhance regional connectivity and create new opportunities for tourism and trade between the two countries.

Discussions also covered maintaining reasonable airfares on the Dhaka–Kathmandu route and working jointly to promote tourism. The Bangladeshi ministers assured continued cooperation with Nepal in aviation and tourism development.

The global economy is under mounting strain following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that have triggered sharp increases in commodity prices and stock market declines. Over the past month, retaliatory strikes across Persian Gulf refineries, pipelines, and gas terminals have disrupted energy flows, forcing developing nations to ration fuel and expand subsidies for the poor. The International Energy Agency described the resulting 20 million-barrel-per-day shortfall as the largest oil supply crisis in history.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil passes, has crippled exports from Kuwait and Iraq. A separate Iranian strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal destroyed 17 percent of its export capacity. Brent crude prices have surged to over $105 per barrel, while fertilizer and helium supplies have also been disrupted. Economists from MIT, Harvard, and the IMF warned that the conflict could trigger stagflation and reduce global growth by up to 0.4 percent.

Experts caution that recovery will be slow, with Gulf energy infrastructure heavily damaged and food prices rising due to fertilizer shortages. The crisis threatens to deepen inequality, hitting poorer nations hardest.

A World Bank delegation led by Jean Pesme, Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, met with Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid on Sunday at the ministry’s conference room. The meeting began with an exchange of greetings, where the minister welcomed the delegation and received congratulations on assuming office.

During the discussion, the minister announced the introduction of a 'Krishak Card' initiative aimed at protecting farmers’ interests, boosting production, and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. The program will begin on a pilot basis in 11 blocks across several districts this year before expanding nationwide. The World Bank delegation expressed interest in increasing investment in the agricultural sector, particularly in input supply, product processing, and market development. The minister welcomed this proposal.

Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening mutual cooperation to enhance sustainability in agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Senior officials from the agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and food ministries, along with World Bank’s South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development, Dina Umali-Deininger, attended the meeting.

Global gold prices have fallen sharply from a record high of 5,500 dollars per ounce to 4,493.79 dollars, driven by a stronger US dollar and rising oil prices. The decline has brought relief to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gold market, where prices have dropped by more than 100 dirhams per gram over the past month.

As a result, jewelry stores across Dubai and other emirates are witnessing a surge in demand for both 24-carat investment gold and 22-carat ornaments. Local traders said that when gold reached record levels, it became unaffordable for ordinary buyers, but the recent drop has brought both investors and general consumers back to the market.

On March 29, 24-carat gold sold for 541.25 dirhams per gram in the UAE, while 22-carat gold was priced at 501.25 dirhams. Chirag Vora, managing director of Bafle Jewellers, noted that demand for gold bars and coins has risen sharply, with new and younger buyers joining experienced investors in taking advantage of the lower prices.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued new directives to ensure responsible electricity and energy use among government employees. The circular, released on Sunday, requires officials to remain in their offices from 9:00 to 9:40 a.m. each working day and to adopt energy-saving practices. Offices must maximize natural light, limit use of lights, fans, and air conditioners, and maintain air conditioner temperatures at or above 25 degrees Celsius. All electrical equipment must be turned off after office hours, and vigilance teams are to be formed in every department to monitor compliance.

In a separate circular, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources defined the duties of tag officers assigned to fuel stations nationwide. These officers are responsible for supervising fuel receipt, storage, and sales, verifying quantities, and ensuring accurate recordkeeping. They must inspect dispensing machines, confirm stock updates three times daily, and report any irregularities with geo-tagged evidence. The officers also have authority to enforce compliance, including issuing warnings or temporary suspensions for violations.

The directives aim to promote energy efficiency in public offices and strengthen oversight of the country’s fuel distribution system.

Two LPG tankers carrying about 94,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas have successfully crossed the Hormuz Strait and are now heading toward India, according to the country's petroleum ministry as reported by Al Jazeera. The vessels, flying the Indian flag, are expected to arrive at Mumbai port later this week, marking them among the latest ships to navigate the narrow maritime passage.

Ship tracking data from LSEG indicated that as of Friday, a total of four LPG tankers had already passed through the strait, while three more were positioned in its western section. Official figures also show that 18 Indian-flagged vessels and 485 Indian sailors remain stranded in the western Gulf region.

India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, consumed 33.15 million tons of LPG last year. Around 60 percent of its total demand is met through imports, with nearly 90 percent of that supply originating from the Middle East.

Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said the government’s goal is to free the country from concerns about excessive domestic or foreign borrowing. He emphasized that the administration is prioritizing revenue collection more than ever before, with a National Board of Revenue (NBR) task force already working toward this objective. He made the remarks at a press briefing following a meeting with NBR officials at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, where NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan was also present.

Titumir noted that Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below 7 percent, which he described as insufficient for sustainable economic growth. The government aims to raise this ratio to 10 percent within five years and eventually to 15 percent if it continues in office. He stated that the current administration is using the iBAS+++ system to ensure accurate revenue accounting and will focus on performance-based tax benefits while curbing tax evasion and fraud.

The adviser also criticized the previous Awami League government for mismanaging the economy and providing misleading revenue figures, which the current government seeks to correct through transparency and reform.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam (Rita), met with Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, in Dhaka on Sunday morning. According to a ministry statement, the meeting took place at the minister’s office and was also attended by State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and enhancing cooperation in aviation and tourism.

During the meeting, the Nepalese ambassador emphasized the importance of upgrading Saidpur Airport to international standards. Both sides also discussed setting reasonable ticket prices for flights on the Dhaka–Kathmandu route. The participants expressed optimism about working jointly to promote tourism development between the two countries.

Minister Afroza Khanam and the state minister assured continued cooperation with Nepal to advance mutual interests in aviation and tourism sectors.

World Bank’s Regional Director for Bangladesh, Jean Pesme, has assured cooperation in implementing the Family Card program. The assurance came during a courtesy meeting on Sunday with Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain and State Minister Farzana Sharmin. The discussion also covered joint efforts with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to promote social security and good governance.

During the meeting, Minister Zahid Hossain presented details of the Family Card initiative, one of the government’s key election pledges. He stated that 37,567 families, each led by a woman, have already received Family Cards, entitling them to monthly financial support of 2,500 taka. The minister added that within four years, a universal Family Card will be issued in the name of each family’s female head as a mark of civic recognition.

Jean Pesme described the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening social protection. Both sides agreed to work jointly for the sustainable implementation of the Family Card program.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at three oil depots in Srimangal, Moulvibazar, to prevent illegal fuel hoarding, maintain discipline in distribution, and ensure uninterrupted supply. Since March 25, two BGB platoons have been stationed at the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna depots. On March 29, the depots were inspected by Lieutenant Colonel Sarkar Asif Mahmud, Commanding Officer of Srimangal 46 Battalion BGB.

According to officials, the deployment aims to counter attempts by certain groups to stockpile fuel amid global market instability. BGB members are conducting strict checks at entry points, verifying vehicle documents, and monitoring tanker loading operations. Depot authorities reported minor supply delays but said security has improved significantly since the deployment.

The Srimangal Upazila administration has also held a coordination meeting with depot owners, pump owners, BGB, and law enforcement agencies to maintain smooth fuel distribution across the region.

The Bangladesh Government Officers and Employees Welfare Association has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss the publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette. The organization submitted a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office on March 29, 2026, outlining ten specific demands related to pay scale implementation and employee welfare.

According to the letter, government officers and employees play a vital role in state administration and public service but have long been deprived of fair benefits. Rising commodity prices, increased living costs, promotion delays, and unresolved block post issues have caused frustration and uncertainty among employees. The association noted that despite expectations of two pay scales over the past eleven years, none have been implemented, leaving lower-paid workers struggling.

The association believes that ensuring fair rights and welfare for government employees would enhance administrative efficiency and morale. It has proposed a 13-member delegation to meet the Prime Minister and present their demands directly.

The government has decided to appoint 'tag officers' at petrol pumps across the country to ensure the normal supply of fuel and prevent illegal hoarding or artificial shortages. These officers will perform 13 specific duties, including recording daily stock levels, verifying fuel quantities received from depots, monitoring sales registers, and checking the accuracy of dispensing machines. They will also inspect storage capacities, detect unauthorized tanks or installations, and ensure transparency in the supply chain from depots to consumers.

According to the directive, tag officers must oversee daily operations such as measuring fuel deliveries, reconciling depot receipts, and confirming that retail sales begin within one hour of receiving fuel. They are also required to report on compliance issues, including whether pumps are open, registers are accurate, and cash memos are issued. Each pump must update its stock at least three times a day, and violations may lead to warnings, mobile court actions, or temporary suspensions.

The initiative aims to strengthen monitoring of fuel distribution and maintain stability in the energy supply chain nationwide.