Ahead of Eid, allegations have surfaced of excessive fare collection on the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway, a key route for travelers from 21 southwestern districts. Passengers heading home for the holidays are facing double or even triple fares on both long-distance and local transport. Despite a posted fare list at Shibchar’s Pachchar roundabout, commuters report that controlling inflated fares remains difficult without strict administrative action.

Following the opening of the Padma Bridge, connectivity between Dhaka and the southwest improved significantly, but fare exploitation persists. Shibchar passengers have been particularly affected, with local transport fares previously set at 200 taka now reduced to 170 taka after intervention by the newly elected MP, Sayeed Uddin Ahmad Hanjala. He stated that extortion at Surjanagar and Pachchar stops had forced passengers to pay extra, and that measures were being taken to stop such practices.

Highway police officials said additional patrols will be deployed during Eid to ensure passenger safety and prevent accidents, while maintaining constant monitoring of vehicle speed and order on the expressway.

Industrial police in Chattogram have warned of potential worker unrest in nearly 50 garment factories ahead of Eid, citing concerns over timely payment of wages and bonuses. Although discussions are ongoing under the mediation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), several factories remain at high risk. Authorities have urged all factories to complete payments before the final working day on March 18.

According to officials, 66 factories were initially marked as vulnerable, including 25 BGMEA members. The government has announced a Tk 2,500 crore soft loan to help factories manage wage and bonus pressures, especially those operating under subcontracts. Industrial police report that 17 factories have already cleared payments, while others have pledged to do so soon. BGMEA leaders said 12 to 15 member factories still face difficulties, but efforts are underway to resolve them.

Law enforcement agencies are on alert to prevent any attempt by opportunistic groups to exploit potential unrest. Authorities believe that ensuring fair loan distribution and timely payments will help avert major disruptions in the export-oriented garment sector.

Global financial markets have turned volatile following the launch of joint U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. The U.S. stock market has been hit particularly hard, losing more than $2 trillion in value over the past two weeks. The benchmark S&P 500 index, which tracks the performance of major American companies, fell again, closing 0.61 percent lower at 6,632.19 points—its lowest level so far in 2026 and about 5 percent below its recent peak.

The index had closed at 6,878.88 points on February 27, the day before the attacks on Iran began, marking a 3.6 percent decline since then. Analysts estimate that the drop has wiped out roughly $2.2 trillion in market capitalization from S&P 500-listed firms. Rising oil prices and uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict have heightened investor anxiety, leading to widespread selling pressure.

Because the S&P 500 is closely tied to pension and investment funds, the ongoing market instability could also affect ordinary investors across the United States.

Iran is exporting significantly more oil than usual despite the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Associated Press journalist Inzamam Rashid. He reported that around 1,000 ships remain anchored near the strait’s entrance, including about 200 oil tankers. Rashid told Al Jazeera that the strait is one of the world’s busiest waterways, typically carrying about 20 percent of global oil supply, or roughly 20 million barrels per day. However, he noted that this normal flow has not been observed for about nine days, and most of the few tankers that managed to pass were used for Iranian oil exports.

The Joint Maritime Information Center has warned that the threat level in the waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is currently at a “critical” stage. The organization issued this alert based on its latest risk assessment. Rashid emphasized that under these conditions, Iran is exporting “much more oil” than before.

The situation underscores heightened tension in a key global energy corridor, with maritime security risks remaining severe.

Two large units of the Ashuganj Power Station Company in Brahmanbaria were shut down on Friday afternoon following a fault in the national grid line. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when a loud noise was heard, leading to the shutdown of the 400 MW North and 400 MW East units. As a result, approximately 550 megawatts of electricity supply to the national grid was reduced.

According to the plant’s technical division, Ashuganj Power Station had five active units producing about 750 megawatts before the fault. The company’s Executive Director (Technical), Engineer Md. Abdul Majid, stated that the issue originated from the Ashuganj–Vulta 400 kV grid line, which caused the two units to trip. He added that the cause of the fault was being investigated and that efforts were underway to restore the units by night.

Due to insufficient gas supply, the two 800 MW-capacity units had been generating around 550 MW before the shutdown.

The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products to mitigate the global economic impact caused by the ongoing war in Iran, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He stated that the 30-day relaxation would not provide significant financial benefits to the Russian government.

In contrast, UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks told the BBC that the United Kingdom would 'in no way' relax its restrictions on Russian oil, warning that such a move could allow Vladimir Putin to further invest in the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin, however, described the US decision as an attempt to stabilize the energy market, suggesting that the move serves the interests of both countries.

The announcement came as oil prices surged above 100 dollars per barrel on Thursday amid threats to halt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transport routes.

The Bangladesh government has resumed formal discussions with a Japanese consortium to operationalize the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the directive of Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, was attended by senior officials from both countries. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said the government is optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement with Japan to launch the terminal as soon as possible.

The meeting focused on key financial and operational issues, including embarkation fees, revenue sharing, and upfront fees for terminal management. State Minister for Civil Aviation M. Rashiduzzaman Millat described the talks as positive, noting that both sides presented their proposals and agreed to continue discussions. The Japanese delegation, led by Takahashi Naoki and Rieko Nakayama, will review Bangladesh’s proposals and submit revised ones soon.

The terminal, 99 percent complete, has faced delays due to disagreements over management and revenue-sharing terms during the interim government. Funded by JICA and involving several Japanese corporations, the project aims to handle up to 16 million passengers annually once operational.

The BNP government will begin a pilot program to provide monthly honorariums to imams, muezzins, and khadems at 4,908 mosques across Bangladesh before Eid-ul-Fitr. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the initiative on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced the program on March 12.

The initiative also includes 990 Hindu temples, 144 Buddhist monasteries, and 396 Christian churches. Under the pilot phase, each mosque will receive Tk 10,000 per month, distributed as Tk 5,000 for the imam, Tk 3,000 for the muezzin, and Tk 2,000 for the khadem. Temples, monasteries, and churches will each receive Tk 8,000, divided among their respective religious leaders and assistants. Annual festival bonuses are also planned, with Tk 1,000 twice yearly for mosque staff and Tk 2,000 for other major religious festivals.

The government plans to implement the program in four phases, requiring Tk 1,100 crore in 2026–27 and rising to Tk 4,400 crore by 2029–30 for full implementation.

Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that from March 15, adequate fuel supply will be ensured for public transport across Bangladesh. He confirmed that fuel prices will not increase, eliminating the risk of fare hikes or transport disruptions due to fuel shortages. The assurance came from the energy minister, according to Sheikh Robiul Alam, who made the remarks on March 13 while inspecting Dhaka’s main railway station on the first day of Eid train operations.

The minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed authorities to modernize and make rail communication more people-friendly, enabling faster and more comfortable long-distance travel. He noted that around 12.5 to 15 million people leave Dhaka within two to three days during Eid, posing a major logistical challenge that the government is working to manage efficiently.

To strengthen the transport system, new coaches, buses, and vessels will be added, and discipline in bus operations will be improved. The minister also mentioned enhanced security measures involving multiple law enforcement agencies and volunteers to ensure smooth Eid travel.

The Indian rupee fell to its lowest level in history on Friday, trading at 92.39 per US dollar, surpassing the previous record of 92.3575. The decline followed growing concerns over energy supply disruptions and surging oil prices triggered by the ongoing war centered on Iran. Analysts cautioned that if the Middle East conflict continues, inflationary pressures in India could intensify further.

According to Reuters, the rupee has lost more than one percent of its value since the start of the Iran conflict. However, the Reserve Bank of India’s market interventions have helped keep the currency relatively stable compared with other emerging economies. Official data showed India’s consumer price index inflation rose to 3.21 percent in February, up from a revised 2.74 percent in January, marking a ten‑month high.

Food inflation also increased to 3.47 percent in February from 2.13 percent the previous month. The revised CPI now uses 2024 as the base year and expands the basket of goods from 299 to 358 items.

The United States has initiated a trade investigation against several countries, including Bangladesh, India, and China, following a court decision that invalidated a key part of Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The U.S. Trade Representative announced the probe under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, aiming to examine alleged unfair trade practices and structural overcapacity in manufacturing sectors. The investigation could provide a legal basis for imposing new import tariffs, with results expected by next summer.

The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that limited Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers, requiring congressional approval for such actions. In response, Trump announced a new 10 percent global tariff, with the possibility of raising it to 15 percent. The investigation covers 14 countries and the European Union, excluding Canada.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said the inclusion of Bangladesh is uncomfortable but not alarming, citing improvements in labor rights and limited U.S. market exposure. Industry leaders urged the government to prepare strategically to avoid potential tariff hikes exceeding 19 percent.

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian crude oil and petroleum products, allowing their sale until April 11. The US Treasury Department announced that shipments already loaded on vessels by March 12 can be traded freely on global markets. The decision follows a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran, after which Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a global energy shortage.

According to the US Commerce Ministry, the move is part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to stabilize global energy markets while addressing potential threats from Iran. The ministry emphasized that the temporary measure applies only to Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded before the deadline.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, serving as a key route for exports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. The temporary easing of sanctions aims to mitigate disruptions in global energy supply caused by the regional conflict and trade restrictions.

Rising oil prices following US-Israel strikes on Iran are intensifying economic pressure on American consumers, even as President Donald Trump declared the war a swift victory. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, halting Gulf oil shipments and pushing prices above $100 per barrel, with warnings that they could reach $200. Experts say the economic impact will depend on how long the conflict lasts and how quickly shipping resumes. The International Energy Agency called the situation the largest supply disruption in global oil market history.

Analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could trigger 1970s-style stagflation or recession. Gasoline prices in the US have risen to $3.59 per gallon, up 65 cents since February, with further increases expected if the war continues. Supply chain disruptions are already causing port congestion and could soon raise prices for goods, plastics, and fertilizers. Economists note that higher oil costs could keep inflation elevated, complicating Federal Reserve policy and keeping mortgage rates high.

Experts also highlight long-term consequences, including higher debt costs, reduced job creation from military spending, and a global realignment as countries seek to reduce reliance on the US.

Fuel shortages have led to long queues and protests in multiple countries as the global energy market faces severe disruption. The shortages are linked to rising fuel prices that have intensified public frustration and logistical challenges worldwide.

According to the source, the continuing US-Israeli war on Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, contributing to the surge in fuel prices. The resulting scarcity has affected transportation and daily life in many regions, prompting widespread demonstrations and long waiting lines at fuel stations.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global energy markets to geopolitical conflicts and suggests potential for further unrest if supply disruptions persist.

The government of Bangladesh is set to resume discussions with a Japanese consortium to expedite the launch of the long-delayed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The meeting will take place tomorrow at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh are expected to attend.

According to official sources, this will be the first formal discussion on the matter since the new BNP-led government assumed office. The initiative aims to resolve long-standing contractual and operational complications that have delayed the terminal’s opening. The discussions will focus on terminal management, operational control, and revenue sharing with the Japanese consortium.

The outcome of the meeting will be presented to the Prime Minister on Saturday, after which a policy decision regarding the terminal’s launch is expected.