The ongoing conflict surrounding Iran has sparked fears of a new wave of inflation in the United Kingdom, according to a report citing Al Jazeera. The impact is already visible in European stock markets, with the UK's FTSE 100 index dropping by about 200 points, or roughly 2 percent, and Germany's DAX index falling by around 2.3 percent.

Market analysts suggest that investors are now factoring in the possibility of interest rate hikes due to inflation concerns. The Bank of England is expected to make decisions on this matter in the coming weeks or months. Higher interest rates would make borrowing more expensive for both businesses and homeowners.

Since the crisis began, yields on UK government bonds have also risen significantly, raising concerns that the government’s day-to-day financial management could become more difficult.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concern that rising energy prices caused by the ongoing war could affect Germany’s economy. Speaking at a press conference, Merz said his government is worried about the current energy price situation and acknowledged the potential economic consequences for the country.

During his visit to the White House last week, Merz had expressed support for the joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran. At the same time, he expressed hope that the conflict would end soon, noting that the war is having a negative impact on the global economy.

The statement reflects Germany’s growing anxiety over the broader economic fallout of the conflict and its potential to disrupt energy markets and economic stability.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks to ensure adequate cash availability in ATM booths across the country ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The central bank’s Payment Systems Department issued a circular on Monday instructing scheduled banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service institutions to maintain uninterrupted operations of all digital transaction systems, including point of sale (POS), e-payment gateways, and mobile financial services.

The circular emphasized that ATMs must remain operational at all times, with technical issues resolved promptly and security guards kept on alert. Banks were also instructed to ensure continuous POS services for customer convenience and to raise awareness among merchants and clients to prevent fraud. For e-payment gateways, the use of two-factor authentication in both card-based and account-based transactions was mandated.

Mobile financial service providers such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad were asked to guarantee uninterrupted transactions and to notify customers via SMS for every transaction, regardless of amount.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has requested the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to deploy the army at key fuel depots across the country, citing fears of unrest due to fuel shortages. The appeal follows disruptions in fuel imports and distribution caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East. The government has introduced rationing and reduced fuel supply from depots by 25 percent, triggering public anxiety and hoarding in some areas.

According to BPC’s letter, depots in Chattogram’s Patenga, Khulna’s Daulatpur, Sirajganj’s Baghabari, Narayanganj’s Godnail and Fatullah, Dinajpur’s Parbatipur, and Barishal are considered at risk. The corporation emphasized that these depots are key point installations requiring urgent security measures. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division has instructed district administrations to conduct mobile courts to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, while central and regional monitoring cells have been established.

Mobile courts in Dhaka have already intervened at several petrol stations found hoarding or halting sales. The government has urged citizens to conserve energy and issued five directives promoting reduced electricity use, avoidance of decorative lighting, and increased reliance on public transport.

Bangladesh Bank has simplified the process for foreign investors to repatriate funds from share transfers and sales in unlisted public and private companies. According to a circular issued on Sunday, investors can now send up to Tk 100 crore abroad without prior central bank approval, a tenfold increase from the previous Tk 10 crore limit. The decision aims to attract more foreign investment by reducing procedural delays and increasing flexibility for non-resident investors.

The new directive allows banks to approve repatriations independently if the transaction value is within Tk 100 crore and based on fair value determined by an independent valuer. Transactions exceeding this limit can also be processed by banks if they do not surpass the company’s latest audited net asset value. For small transactions up to Tk 1 crore, no independent valuation report is required. Banks must form internal committees led by senior executives to ensure transparency and compliance.

The circular aligns valuation methods with International Valuation Standards 2025 and sets strict timelines, requiring banks to complete fund transfers within five working days if no irregularities are found. All completed transactions must be reported to Bangladesh Bank within 14 days.

The Group of Seven (G7) nations are set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday following a sharp rise in global oil prices and a steep decline in stock markets. The surge came as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensified, pushing crude oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel. According to BBC reports, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and other finance ministers from leading industrialized nations will discuss the economic fallout of the ongoing conflict.

Concerns over prolonged disruptions to energy supplies through the vital Strait of Hormuz have driven oil prices close to 120 dollars per barrel. The Financial Times reported that the G7 may consider coordinated oil releases from strategic reserves under the International Energy Agency’s framework. The UK’s FTSE 100 index fell 1.7 percent at the start of trading, reflecting investor anxiety over the crisis.

Analysts warn that any major disruption to energy flows from the region could further raise costs for global consumers and businesses, deepening the economic impact of the conflict.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that global inflation could rise further if oil prices continue to increase due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The warning came from IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on March 9 during a symposium organized by Japan’s Ministry of Finance. She noted that the recent escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran has created instability in the global energy market.

Georgieva cautioned that if crude oil prices rise by 10 percent and remain elevated for most of the year, global inflation could increase by up to 40 basis points. She described the current global situation as uncertain and urged policymakers to remain vigilant and prepare for unexpected developments. The IMF chief emphasized that the Middle East conflict has once again put the resilience of the global economy to a serious test.

The remarks highlight growing concerns that prolonged geopolitical tensions could undermine economic stability and complicate inflation management worldwide.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the special 'Family Card' program for women-led households at an event in Banani’s T&T playground near Karail slum in Dhaka tomorrow. The announcement was made at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare in Dhaka on Monday. The program is being piloted in 15 wards across 13 districts, where data from 67,854 women-led families have been collected and verified through multi-level committees.

Based on a software-driven proxy means test, 37,567 families have been finalized as eligible beneficiaries. Each selected household will receive a contactless Family Card equipped with QR code and NFC technology. The beneficiaries will get a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 through direct digital transfer to their mobile wallet or bank account. Families with government jobs, pensions, large businesses, or luxury assets are excluded from eligibility.

For the pilot phase, Tk 38.07 crore has been allocated, with Tk 25.15 crore for direct cash support and Tk 12.92 crore for data collection, system setup, and card preparation. The Family Card Implementation Guideline 2026 has been published on the ministry’s website.

Bangladesh Bank has appointed observers to four private sector banks—National Bank, Premier Bank, IFIC Bank, and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The central bank issued letters to the appointed observers on Monday, March 9, 2026, through its relevant department.

According to the information provided, Munir Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of Bank Supervision Department-12, has been appointed to National Bank; Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Director of Islamic Banking Regulations and Policy Department, to Al-Arafah Islami Bank; A N M Moinul Kabir, Director of Payment Systems Department, to Premier Bank; and A K M Kamruzzaman, Director of Forex Reserve and Treasury Management Department-1, to IFIC Bank. These officials will attend meetings of the banks’ boards of directors, executive committees, and risk management committees.

The appointments indicate Bangladesh Bank’s continued monitoring of private banks’ governance and risk management practices through direct participation in key decision-making forums.

The Cabinet Division has issued a directive instructing all district administrations to conduct mobile court operations to prevent illegal hoarding of fuel oil and ensure uninterrupted supply across the country. The order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Nahida Akter Tania, was released on Monday, March 9, 2026.

According to the circular, the move aims to maintain discipline in the fuel market and prevent artificial shortages. District commissioners have been asked to take action against illegal storage, sales above fixed prices, open-market trading, and smuggling of fuel oil. The directive emphasizes the need for strict monitoring to keep the fuel supply stable and accessible to consumers.

The instruction comes amid concerns about potential disruptions in fuel distribution, prompting authorities to strengthen enforcement measures at the local level.

Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker has warned that a prolonged conflict between Iran and Israel could negatively affect Bangladesh’s remittance inflows. He made the remark on Monday after a meeting between the BAB and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, which was attended by other BAB members.

According to Sarker, the meeting was primarily introductory and focused on banking sector development, policy coordination, and future cooperation. Both sides emphasized the need for stronger communication between private banks and the central bank for the country’s benefit. Discussions also covered revitalizing weak banks and strengthening the overall banking system. Sarker noted that the governor’s attitude toward private banks was positive and supportive of sectoral growth.

He added that the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on remittances would depend on how long the situation lasts, as disruptions in the Middle East could affect Bangladeshi workers’ employment conditions. The meeting also highlighted the banking sector’s role in supporting the government’s goal of creating ten million jobs within 18 months through financing sustainable projects.

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday, March 8, 2026, at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat. The meeting took place amid a significant political and economic context for Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the BEPZA chairman briefed the Prime Minister on the overall operations of the country’s eight export processing zones, ongoing development projects, and strategies to attract new investments. The discussion was described as important for advancing the government’s economic vision and promoting industrial growth.

The meeting underscored BEPZA’s role in supporting the government’s broader economic goals, particularly in enhancing industrialization and foreign investment opportunities across Bangladesh.

Global oil prices have risen sharply as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies. Brent crude reached $108.77 per barrel on March 9, 2026, marking the highest single-day increase since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The price had already climbed 28 percent the previous week.

The surge follows continued warfare between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has severely disrupted shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz. This chokepoint is crucial for the global flow of oil and natural gas. According to JP Morgan’s chief economist Bruce Kasman, the world economy remains heavily dependent on energy supplies passing through this region.

Kasman also indicated that oil prices could soon approach $120 per barrel if the current disruptions persist, underscoring the vulnerability of global markets to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The final day of advance train ticket sales for Eid-ul-Fitr travelers begins today, Monday, March 9, according to Bangladesh Railway. Tickets for March 19 train journeys are being sold, with sales for western intercity trains starting at 8 a.m. and for eastern intercity trains at 2 p.m. The schedule was set during a preparatory meeting at the Railway Bhaban ahead of the Eid travel rush.

The advance ticket sales process, which began on March 3, concludes today after tickets for March 13–18 were sold in phases. Railway authorities stated that decisions regarding ticket sales for March 20, 21, and 22 will be made later, depending on the moon sighting. Each passenger can purchase tickets only once and for up to four seats, with no refund option available.

To accommodate passenger demand, the railway has allowed the collection of 25 percent standing tickets for non-AC coaches from the originating station before departure.

Bangladesh’s stock market has continued to decline sharply even after the formation of a new government, with the Dhaka Stock Exchange’s main index DSEX dropping 223 points, or 4.42 percent, on Sunday to fall back to 5,000 points. The market had initially surged following a peaceful national election, but optimism quickly faded as sustained sell-offs and liquidity shortages returned.

Market participants attribute the downturn to investor panic triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict and a long-standing crisis of confidence. Former BSEC chairman Faruq Ahmad Siddiqi said panic selling has intensified due to war fears, though he noted that the scale of the decline in Bangladesh is abnormal compared to other countries. He also pointed to structural weaknesses, including a shortage of strong companies and low financial literacy among traders.

Investor groups expressed frustration over the lack of change in the securities regulator after the new BNP-led government took office. Current BSEC chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud defended the commission’s record, citing reforms and efforts to attract quality listings. However, with few new companies entering the market and many existing ones in poor standing, analysts warn recovery will be difficult without fresh investment.