The Bangladesh Passengers Welfare Association has alleged that fare irregularities during this year’s Eid travel season are set to break a 20-year record. In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, the association’s secretary general Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said that around 87 percent of buses and minibuses are charging extra fares, ignoring government directives. The report noted that fares on routes from Dhaka to various districts have risen sharply, with some routes charging more than double the usual rate.

The association’s survey estimated that long-distance travelers could be overcharged by about Tk 121.8 crore in total, while city bus passengers may pay an additional Tk 26.1 crore, bringing the total excess collection to nearly Tk 148 crore. It attributed the fare hikes to extortion, rising operational costs, Eid bonuses, and owners’ profit motives. The group also criticized the lack of passenger representation in monitoring teams.

To curb the situation, the association recommended introducing digital transactions in public transport, reducing cash payments, expanding CCTV surveillance, and enforcing transport laws more strictly.

Import and export operations at the Sonamasjid land port in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj will remain suspended for ten consecutive days during the Eid holidays. The suspension will be in effect from March 18 to March 27, 2026, as confirmed by Arif Uddin Iti, general secretary of the Sonamasjid Importers and Exporters Group. Normal operations are scheduled to resume on March 28.

According to Kamal Khan, operations manager of Panama Sonamasjid Port Link Limited, limited activities such as loading, unloading, and transportation of goods already present at the port will continue during the closure. Meanwhile, Jamirul Islam, in charge of the Sonamasjid Immigration Checkpost, stated that cross-border travel for passport holders between Bangladesh and India will proceed as usual throughout the holiday period.

The temporary suspension aims to accommodate the Eid holidays while maintaining essential port and immigration functions in a limited capacity.

Bangladesh Bank has cautioned that the country’s remittance inflows may decline if the ongoing US–Iran conflict in the Middle East becomes prolonged or expands geographically. Nearly half of Bangladesh’s total remittances currently come from Middle Eastern countries, and the central bank’s latest report notes that while the flow remains strong, its future stability depends on how long the regional tensions persist. A short-term conflict may have limited impact, but a sustained crisis could significantly reduce remittance earnings.

The report highlights that remittance inflows reached USD 8.67 billion in the October–December quarter, up 14.38 percent from the previous quarter and nearly 20 percent higher year-on-year. Saudi Arabia contributed the highest amount, followed by the UAE, the UK, Malaysia, and the US. During the same period, 293,474 workers went abroad, most of them to Saudi Arabia. From July to mid-March, total remittances stood at USD 24.65 billion, a 22.6 percent increase from the previous year.

Bangladesh Bank stated that if the current trend continues, the country’s foreign exchange reserves could strengthen further, though geopolitical uncertainty remains a key risk factor.

The article highlights the growing importance of the blue economy in the 21st century as a foundation for sustainable economic growth, employment generation, and improved livelihoods through the responsible use of ocean resources. It notes that Bangladesh gained 118,813 square kilometers of maritime area following international court rulings in 2012 and 2014, marking a major step toward developing its sea-based economy centered on the Bay of Bengal.

The Bay of Bengal hosts rich biodiversity, including hundreds of species of fish, shrimp, and marine plants, supporting the livelihoods of about 30 million people and contributing roughly three percent to Bangladesh’s GDP. The article emphasizes the need for training, technology, and modern fishing tools to increase marine harvests sustainably. It also warns that overfishing, unregulated mineral extraction, and marine pollution threaten ecological balance.

The report concludes that proper management of Bangladesh’s blue economy could significantly boost national development, with opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, and marine industries, while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Bangladesh’s export trade has been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict centered on Iran involving the United States and Israel. The closure of airspace, instability in the Strait of Hormuz, and rising international shipping charges have hindered cargo transport. Exporters of agricultural goods, ready-made garments, and frozen foods are facing losses, with officials warning that prolonged conflict could exert major pressure on foreign trade.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported about 80 million dollars’ worth of goods to Middle Eastern countries in fiscal year 2024–25, including vegetables, garments, and processed foods. Exports to Iran totaled roughly 539,000 dollars, limited by sanctions and banking restrictions. The war has halted air shipments, leaving 80 tons of vegetables grounded in a single day. The Middle East accounts for about 60 percent of Bangladesh’s vegetable exports, and the suspension of flights has nearly frozen this trade.

Garment industry leaders report rising production costs due to fuel shortages and shipping delays. The Export Promotion Bureau notes exports have fallen 3.15 percent in the first eight months of 2025–26. Stakeholders warn that unless transport routes normalize soon, Bangladesh’s export sector faces escalating risks.

Islamic banks in Bangladesh experienced a decline in key financial indicators in January 2026, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank report. Deposits in the sector fell by about Tk 2,569 crore, while investments dropped by Tk 176 crore. At the end of January, total deposits stood at Tk 4,73,657 crore, down 0.57 percent from December. Despite the monthly fall, deposits were 9.34 percent higher than a year earlier.

The report showed that ten full-fledged Islamic banks held Tk 4,04,023 crore in deposits, while Islamic branches of conventional banks had Tk 42,623 crore, and Islamic windows held Tk 26,010 crore. The sector’s investment position stood at Tk 5,84,574 crore, slightly lower than December’s Tk 5,84,750 crore, though up by over 11 percent year-on-year. Remittance inflows through Islamic banks fell by about seven percent, and export earnings dropped four percent, while imports rose by more than 16 percent.

Industry sources attributed the deposit decline partly to customer withdrawals following the merger of several Islamic banks, which have begun refunding Tk 2 lakh per depositor.

World Bank South Asia Vice President Johannes Zutt concluded a three-day visit to Bangladesh on Tuesday, during which he met with senior government officials including the finance and planning ministers, the commerce minister, the prime minister’s economic adviser, and the Bangladesh Bank governor. Discussions focused on the government’s development priorities and areas where the World Bank Group could provide support.

Zutt stated that the government is prioritizing large-scale job creation alongside skills development and investment, with the World Bank committed to assisting in these goals. He noted that 14 million young people entered Bangladesh’s labor market in the past decade, but only 8.7 million jobs were created, leaving nearly half of the youth unemployed, particularly women facing greater challenges. He emphasized the need for long-pending macroeconomic and financial sector reforms to sustain growth and employment amid global uncertainty.

The World Bank Group continues to support Bangladesh through investments in physical and human infrastructure, promotion of a business-friendly environment, and mobilization of private capital, having provided over $46 billion in grants and concessional loans since independence.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks, mobile financial service (MFS) providers, payment service providers (PSP), and payment system operators (PSO) to establish a dedicated 'Cashless Bangladesh Unit' at their head offices by March 31. The directive, issued by the central bank’s Payment Systems Department, aims to strengthen the country’s transition toward a cashless and digital payment infrastructure.

According to the circular, the initiative is part of a broader government and central bank effort to expand digital transactions nationwide. The use of Bangla QR, internet banking, and point-of-sale (POS) machines has been increasing significantly. To ensure better coordination, each institution must have a designated unit. Under the Cashless Bangladesh initiative, inclusion of Bangla QR transactions has been made mandatory for licensing and renewal of retail merchants.

The circular further specifies that a deputy managing director or equivalent officer will oversee the unit in banks, while a senior officer one rank below the managing director will lead it in MFS, PSP, and PSO organizations. Institutions must submit unit details to Bangladesh Bank by March 31 and provide annual reports on cashless activities by the end of each March.

The Sri Lankan government has announced a four-day workweek to save fuel, designating every Wednesday as a public holiday. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country must be prepared for difficult times while maintaining hope. Under the new directive, schools and universities will operate four days a week, while essential services such as hospitals, police, and immigration will continue as usual. Wednesday was chosen to avoid a continuous three-day office closure.

The government has also made a national fuel pass mandatory for drivers, setting allocations of 15 liters for private cars and 5 liters for motorcycles. Many citizens have criticized these limits as insufficient. A similar measure was implemented during the 2022 economic crisis. Other Asian countries have also taken steps to address fuel shortages, including Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The global energy crisis has intensified after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran pushed oil prices to nearly 100 dollars per barrel, further straining regional economies.

The government of Bangladesh has declared March 18 as a public holiday by executive order ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with the regular Eid holidays beginning on March 19. Despite the general closure of banks during this period, the central bank has issued special instructions to keep certain branches open to facilitate salary, bonus, and allowance payments for garment workers and officials, as well as export bill settlements.

According to Bangladesh Bank’s directive issued on March 10 by its Department of Off-site Supervision, branches of scheduled banks located in garment industry areas will remain open on March 18 and 19 in a limited capacity. These include branches in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram. Transactions will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with offices operating until 2 p.m., including a short break for prayers.

Banks have also been instructed to provide allowances to employees working during the holidays in accordance with regulations, while ensuring adequate security at all open branches.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, that 98 percent of operational garment factories in Dhaka and Chattogram have paid Eid bonuses to their workers. According to the BGMEA statement, out of 2,127 active factories, 2,080 have completed bonus payments, including 1,753 in Dhaka and 327 in Chattogram.

The association also reported that 2,104 factories, representing 98.92 percent, have paid February salaries, while 870 factories, or 40.90 percent, plan to pay advance wages for March. Among these, 840 are located in Dhaka and 30 in Chattogram. The data reflects the overall wage and bonus payment status across the country’s two main industrial hubs.

The BGMEA’s update provides a snapshot of the sector’s compliance with wage and bonus obligations ahead of Eid, indicating strong adherence among most factories in the ready-made garment industry.

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Johannes Zutt concluded a three-day visit to Bangladesh on Tuesday, during which he met with the ministers of finance, planning, and commerce, as well as the prime minister’s economic adviser and the Bangladesh Bank governor. Discussions focused on the government’s development priorities and areas where the World Bank Group could extend support.

Zutt emphasized that the government is prioritizing large-scale job creation alongside skills development and investment, and that the World Bank Group is committed to helping achieve these goals. He noted that 14 million young people entered Bangladesh’s labor market over the past decade, but only 8.7 million jobs were created, leaving nearly half of the youth unemployed, particularly women. He stressed the need for long-pending macroeconomic and financial sector reforms to sustain growth and employment amid global uncertainty.

The World Bank Group supports countries in transforming growth into local employment by investing in physical and human infrastructure, promoting business-friendly environments, and mobilizing private capital. Since Bangladesh’s independence, the World Bank has provided over $46 billion in grants and concessional financing through the International Development Association.

All import and export activities through the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh will remain suspended for 11 days from Tuesday, March 17, in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr. The announcement was confirmed by Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Banglabandha Land Port Limited. The decision was communicated through a letter signed by Sadequl Islam, general secretary of the Banglabandha C&F Agents Association, following a meeting held on March 10.

According to the association’s letter, the suspension will last from March 17 to March 27, with regular operations scheduled to resume on Saturday, March 28, after the Eid holidays. The closure affects all import and export activities handled by C&F agents at the port’s customs station.

Despite the suspension of trade operations, passenger movement through the port’s immigration facilities will continue as usual during the holiday period, the port manager confirmed.

Roads and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the government has decided to ensure adequate fuel supply for public transport to facilitate smooth Eid travel. He said the administration is actively working to maintain fuel distribution in phases amid national and international supply challenges. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday morning at Lebukhali in Galachipa, Patuakhali, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Rabnabad Bridge on the Lebukhali-Bauphal-Galachipa-Amragachia road.

Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that the current 25-day-old government is functioning with collective effort, prioritizing public expectations and aspirations. He emphasized that the construction of the Rabnabad Bridge will ease public suffering, boost the local economy, and improve transport of goods for working people. The bridge is expected to establish uninterrupted connectivity between upazilas, the district, and the capital, marking a significant step in regional development.

The minister reiterated that the government remains committed to overcoming the ongoing fuel crisis with utmost importance to ensure public convenience during the Eid season.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced that metro rail services will remain closed only on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was made public through a notice issued on Monday, ahead of the seven-day government holiday that began on Tuesday. According to the notice, metro operations will resume as per the regular schedule from the day after Eid, allowing passengers to plan their travel in advance.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims in Bangladesh, is expected to be celebrated on March 21, depending on the sighting of the moon. Including the holiday for Shab-e-Qadr on March 17, government employees are enjoying a continuous seven-day break this year. The Ministry of Public Administration has clarified that essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, postal services, and healthcare will remain operational during the holiday period.

Hospitals, emergency medical services, and those involved in the transport of medicines and medical supplies will continue their duties to ensure uninterrupted public service.