The business and trade sector now holds the highest share of defaulted loans in Bangladesh’s banking system, with 42.5 percent of loans in the sector classified as non-performing, according to the December-based “Banking Sector Update” report. The industrial sector follows with a 30.8 percent default rate, while the overall banking sector average stands at 31.2 percent. As of December, total outstanding loans amounted to Tk 18.21 trillion, of which Tk 5.57 trillion were defaults.

Sector insiders attribute the rise in defaults to economic pressures and a deteriorating business environment. Increased living costs have reduced consumer purchasing power, leading to lower demand and sales. Rising costs of raw materials, fuel, transport, and imports, along with dollar shortages and import restrictions, have further strained businesses. Higher interest rates have also increased debt burdens, particularly for small and medium enterprises with limited capital.

The report shows that large loans remain the most default-prone, though rescheduling policies have slightly reduced the rate since September. Agriculture, construction, and transport sectors also show high default ratios, while consumer loans remain relatively stable at 3 percent.

Oil exports from the Middle East have fallen by at least 60 percent due to disruptions and heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The near-closure of the Hormuz Strait has forced many exporting nations to cancel shipping plans and suspend production at several oil fields, creating one of the largest supply disruptions in history. Crude oil prices have surged to their highest level in four years.

According to data from analytics firm Kpler, as of March 15, average daily exports of crude oil, condensate, and refined products from eight Middle Eastern countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates — dropped to 9.71 million barrels, down from 25.13 million barrels in February. Kpler analyst Johannes Raubal reported that floating crude inventories in the region exceeded 50 million barrels this week, compared to about 10 million barrels before the conflict began.

Analysts warn that if the Hormuz Strait disruption persists, global energy markets could face further instability and oil-importing nations may experience additional price increases.

The Ministry of Shipping, along with the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and the Railway Ministry, inaugurated three new ships to ease Eid travel on March 16, 2026. The inauguration ceremony took place at Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal, led by Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam. The newly launched BIWTC vessels—Rupsha and Sugandha—will operate on the Dhaka-Hatia route, while Madhumati will serve the Dhaka-Betua route.

During the event, the minister also introduced free wheelchair and trolley services for passengers, warning that any financial transactions under the guise of these services would face legal action. He announced a seven-day waiver of lease charges during the Eid travel period, with the ministry covering the associated costs. Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasized that complaints of harassment over goods transport would be addressed promptly.

The minister further assured that there would be no fuel shortages in the transport sector during the Eid season, aiming to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for passengers across the waterways.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said that although oil prices have risen in 39 countries due to the war situation in the Middle East, Bangladesh has not increased its oil prices. He made the remarks on Monday, March 16, after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Katakhali canal, known locally as Zia Khal, in Islampur, Jamalpur.

Millat stated that even though Bangladesh imports oil, the government has not raised prices, considering the hardship of farmers and ordinary citizens. He added that electricity and fuel prices would also remain unchanged. The minister further mentioned that discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are ongoing to resolve issues faced by citizens stranded abroad or dealing with visa complications due to the Middle East conflict. Those unable to travel despite purchasing air tickets will not lose any money from their ticket payments.

The event was chaired by Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusup Ali and conducted by Islampur Upazila Executive Officer Nazmul Hossain, with members of parliament from the district’s other constituencies in attendance.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated across Bangladesh within the next five years. He made the statement on Monday, March 16, 2026, at a public gathering in Sahapara, Balarampur Mouza of Kaharol upazila, Dinajpur, marking the start of canal excavation work. Rahman said the initiative aims to retain excess monsoon water, reduce flood damage, and ensure water supply for agriculture during dry seasons.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of agricultural productivity and efficient water use, noting that underground water should be preserved for future generations. He said the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara canal will benefit 31,000 farmers, enable irrigation for 12,000 hectares of land, and support 350,000 people. The project also includes road construction along the canal and planting 10,000 trees. Rahman added that four crore families will receive family cards, and farmer cards will be distributed next month to small and marginal farmers.

He further stated that the northern region will see the development of agro-based industries to create employment for farmers’ children, reaffirming that public cooperation is essential for implementing national plans.

Akij Bicycle, a subsidiary of Akij Venture Group, has launched its first export consignment to the Netherlands on March 12, 2026. The company described the shipment as a historic step for Bangladesh’s growing bicycle industry, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years. The export marks the brand’s entry into the global market while maintaining international production standards.

According to the company, this export initiative will help earn foreign currency for Bangladesh and create 1,000 new jobs. Akij Bicycle stated that sending locally manufactured, high-quality bicycles abroad will strengthen the country’s industrial base and enhance its global reputation. The company began operations in May 2023 and has quickly established itself as a trusted brand in the domestic market.

Akij Bicycle also plans to expand its exports to other developed countries, including markets across Europe, as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks will remain closed for seven consecutive days from Tuesday, March 17 to Monday, March 23, due to the combined government and weekly holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr. However, to facilitate salary and bonus payments for garment workers, selected bank branches in industrial areas will remain open on March 18 and 19. The directive was issued through a recent circular from the central bank.

According to the circular, branches in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a prayer break between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Transactions will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The circular also states that bank branches, sub-branches, and booths located in sea, land, and airport port areas must remain open 24 hours a day throughout the week.

To ensure limited import and export activities during the holidays, banks in port and customs areas are instructed to coordinate with local administration and relevant authorities, except on Eid day itself.

Mohammad Ayub Mia has resigned from his position as chairman of the board of directors of Sammilit Islami Bank PLC, a state-owned financial institution in Bangladesh. He submitted his resignation letter on Monday, March 16, 2026, to the secretary of the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Sammilit Islami Bank was formed through the merger of five liquidity-strapped banks: EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank. The bank has an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore and a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore, of which the government contributed Tk 20,000 crore, while the remaining Tk 15,000 crore is expected to come from depositors’ shares.

Mohammad Ayub Mia, a former government secretary, had been appointed as the first chairman of Sammilit Islami Bank on December 7 of the previous year.

Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that a fact-finding committee will be formed after Eid to examine unacceptable differences between retail and wholesale prices of essential and agricultural goods. He said the government remains alert to ensure that price variations do not reach unreasonable levels. The committee will include representatives from business, professional, and administrative sectors and will hold public hearings with consumers and traders.

The minister made the remarks on Monday morning while inaugurating the excavation of Champatali Canal in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet. He noted that Sylhet is mainly a single-crop area where irrigation shortages and waterlogging limit agricultural output. The canal re-excavation is expected to bring about 1,500 bighas of land under cultivation and help control floods.

He added that saplings of various tree species will be planted along both banks of the canal, and local residents will begin to benefit from increased crop production, flood control, and afforestation within the first year.

China has called on the United States to immediately correct what it described as 'wrong trade practices' following Washington’s launch of new trade investigations. The appeal came after bilateral discussions in Paris last week, where Beijing formally raised its concerns with U.S. representatives. The investigations, announced by Washington, target 60 economies including China, examining whether measures against forced labor restrict U.S. trade. They follow another U.S. probe focused on industrial overcapacity involving 16 trading partners.

China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement urging the U.S. to amend its approach and resolve disputes through dialogue. It described the latest investigations as 'unilateral, arbitrary, and discriminatory,' accusing Washington of attempting to create trade barriers. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized the investigations as a 'political maneuver.'

The trade inquiries are expected to take several months to complete. Meanwhile, Washington said former President Donald Trump plans to visit China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has not confirmed the dates. The visit could be delayed due to the Middle East conflict, Trump told the Financial Times.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing taxpayers to apply for extensions in filing their income tax returns. According to an NBR notice issued on Monday, registered users of the e-return system can log in and use the 'Time Extension' menu to submit applications before March 31. The respective tax commissioner will review and either approve or reject the request online. Approved applicants can file their returns within the extended period without penalties or additional charges.

For taxpayers not required to file returns online, written applications for extensions can be submitted to the relevant tax commissioner before March 31, who may grant up to 90 additional days. These taxpayers may also choose to apply online if they prefer. The current tax year’s filing deadline for individual taxpayers has already been extended to March 31.

NBR reported that around five million individual taxpayers are registered in the e-return system, and approximately 4.1 million have already submitted their returns for the 2025–2026 tax year.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set an ambitious goal to raise revenue collection to 8 percent of GDP in the 2026–27 fiscal year, up from the current 6.6 percent. The plan was presented to the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The move comes despite sluggish implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), weak investment, export slowdown, and rising unemployment, compounded by new uncertainties from the Middle East conflict.

The NBR’s efforts are also linked to conditions under the International Monetary Fund’s loan program, which requires improved revenue performance. Although Bangladesh has met other IMF conditions, it has repeatedly failed to meet revenue targets. Officials say the drive to increase revenue is driven by domestic development needs, not just IMF pressure. The NBR is focusing on expanding the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing tax evasion.

Experts warn that escalating global energy prices and supply disruptions could further strain Bangladesh’s economy and hinder revenue collection. The NBR is also reviewing tax exemptions and implementing digital systems to close collection gaps and recover large outstanding dues from state entities.

A legal notice has been issued to lifestyle brand Aarong, urging it to stop charging customers extra for shopping bags after purchases. The notice was sent on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Saddam Hossain Abhi through registered mail to the Commerce Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and Aarong’s Managing Director. It warns that if no action is taken within 15 days, a public interest writ petition will be filed in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.

According to the notice, Aarong has been collecting additional money for shopping bags since September 1, 2025, which the lawyer claims violates Bangladeshi law. The notice states that no other business in the country engages in such a practice, and many customers have expressed frustration on social media after being forced to pay extra or carry clothes by hand.

The lawyer argues that Aarong’s actions financially and mentally harm consumers and breach business ethics. The notice calls for an immediate halt to the practice and urges the consumer rights authority to investigate and ensure all customers receive free shopping bags in the future.

A high-level World Bank delegation paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman on Sunday at the central bank’s headquarters in Dhaka. The delegation included South Asia Regional Vice President John Jut, Bangladesh and Bhutan Division Director Jean Pesme, IFC Director Imad Najib Ahed Fakhoury, Operations Manager Dr. Gail H. Martin, IFC Manager Wilfred Tamegnon, and Senior External Affairs Officer Meherin A. Mahbub. From Bangladesh Bank, Deputy Governors Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman and Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on the progress of ongoing development projects between Bangladesh and the World Bank and explored prospects for future collaboration. Governor Rahman assured the delegation of continued support from Bangladesh Bank in implementing current projects and expressed interest in expanding cooperation to strengthen the financial sector and accelerate economic growth. The World Bank representatives conveyed a positive outlook on maintaining close cooperation with Bangladesh.

The meeting also reviewed the country’s recent economic situation and development potential. It concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with the governor thanking the delegation for their visit.

Major airlines including Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand have announced fare increases following a sharp rise in jet fuel prices triggered by U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran. The conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices up and destabilizing global air travel. Air New Zealand said jet fuel prices jumped from 85–90 to 150–200 dollars per barrel, prompting it to suspend its 2026 financial forecast.

SAS stated that it raised ticket prices to offset costs and maintain operations, while Qantas is considering rerouting aircraft to Europe to avoid Middle East airspace. Finnair, which had hedged over 80 percent of its first-quarter fuel needs, warned that prolonged conflict could threaten fuel availability. Hong Kong Airlines announced a fuel surcharge increase of up to 35.2 percent, particularly affecting flights to South Asia. Some European carriers, such as British Airways’ parent IAG, said they have sufficient fuel hedging and no immediate plans to raise fares.

Oil prices briefly peaked at 119 dollars per barrel before easing, and airline stocks fluctuated sharply. Analysts warned that sustained high fuel costs and restricted airspace could further strain the global travel industry.