Bangladesh has sought assistance from the United States to address its ongoing energy crisis, according to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon after a meeting at the Secretariat in Dhaka with Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, who is currently visiting Bangladesh.

The minister said that Paul Kapur would discuss the matter with senior US officials before conveying Washington’s decision to Bangladesh. He added that the government plans to manage the situation using existing fuel reserves until normal supply resumes. Emphasizing conservation, he urged citizens to use available resources efficiently and noted that the ministry would soon issue a detailed directive to guide the public during the crisis.

The meeting reflects Bangladesh’s efforts to secure international cooperation amid supply constraints, with the government focusing on prudent resource management until external support or supply stabilization occurs.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, has called on citizens to use electricity and fuel sparingly. Speaking at a press conference at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the current energy supply is expected to last through March. Although some shortages may occur, he assured that the situation will not become unbearable and that the government is taking multiple measures to manage it.

The minister explained that the government aims to conserve energy through rationing and has increased border surveillance to prevent fuel smuggling, particularly diesel. He emphasized that there will be no load-shedding for iftar and sehri times during Ramadan. Mahmud also mentioned that global crises could affect Bangladesh but maintained that the current situation remains under control.

He urged citizens to cooperate by avoiding unnecessary lighting, especially in shopping malls, and noted that directives may soon be issued to restrict decorative lighting during the ongoing energy strain.

Bangladesh has consolidated its position as the second-largest apparel supplier to the European Union, achieving a 21.57 percent market share in 2025. According to Eurostat data, the country’s exports to the EU rose from 14,295 million euros in 2021 to 19,414.55 million euros in 2025, marking a 36 percent increase. Despite global demand slowdown, Bangladesh outperformed key competitors such as China, India, and Turkey in growth rate. China retained the top position with a 29.54 percent share, while Turkey and India held 9.27 and 5.03 percent respectively.

Industry leaders attributed Bangladesh’s progress to sustained efforts, competitive pricing, and stable supply chains. They noted that European buyers’ confidence remained strong even amid global economic pressure. The Export Promotion Bureau confirmed that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination, accounting for the majority of its apparel shipments.

Analysts from the Centre for Policy Dialogue said that advances in sustainable production and eco-friendly factories have strengthened Bangladesh’s position in Europe. They emphasized the need for product diversification and a potential free trade agreement with the EU to maintain tariff-free access after the country’s graduation from LDC status.

The global economy faces renewed instability after fresh airstrikes by the United States and Israel in Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The situation has disrupted earlier optimism that followed a brief pause in regional conflict, raising fears of prolonged tensions that could affect oil and gas production. Analysts warn that the conflict may not end quickly, and any disruption in energy supply could push inflation higher and slow global growth.

Experts note that Iran remains determined to retaliate despite attacks on its territory, and potential strikes on major producers such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia could severely impact global markets. Former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff cautioned that the world is entering a highly uncertain period, drawing parallels to historical conflicts that escalated unexpectedly. About 30 percent of global oil and 17 percent of natural gas come from the Middle East, with a fifth of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy price volatility has already surfaced, with oil prices jumping over 10 percent in a single day. Economists warn that extended disruptions could raise production costs, threaten food security in vulnerable regions, and push Europe and East Asia—heavily dependent on imported energy—into deeper economic strain.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has confirmed that the country currently holds adequate fuel reserves and there is no justification for raising prices due to the ongoing war situation. At a press conference held on Tuesday at the BPC headquarters in Karwan Bazar, Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has a total of 136,000 metric tons of fuel oil in stock. He added that alternative markets are being considered in light of the global conflict, but the existing reserves are sufficient to prevent any immediate price increase.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, BPC has completed letters of credit for seven ships as of Monday. The current stock is expected to last 14 days for diesel, 28 days for octane, 15 days for petrol, 93 days for furnace oil, and 55 days for jet fuel. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held meetings with key ministers and officials to review preparedness and instructed all relevant ministries to remain active in ensuring energy security.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir both expressed confidence that the government’s coordinated efforts would maintain stability in the energy sector despite global uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bank has eased regulations for renewing ongoing loans to assist businesses facing current economic challenges. In a circular issued on Tuesday, the central bank instructed that banks must begin the renewal process at least two months before the expiry of any existing loan. If renewal cannot be completed within the stipulated time due to reasons beyond control, the loan may still be renewed until it is classified as defaulted, provided that the delay is properly documented.

The circular further stated that any portion exceeding the approved loan limit must be adjusted before renewal. It also prohibited showing the excess portion as a new loan or transferring it to another account to avoid proper classification. The new policy will remain effective until December 31, 2027, replacing a previous circular issued in June 2025.

The directive was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, and took immediate effect, signaling regulatory flexibility aimed at maintaining financial stability and supporting business continuity.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has confirmed that the ongoing process to merge five banks will continue. He instructed officials to take all possible measures to recover defaulted loans and to reopen closed businesses within regulatory frameworks. The directives were issued during a meeting with the Bank Resolution Department at the central bank’s headquarters on Tuesday. Mostakur Rahman took office as governor last Thursday, following the removal of Ahsan H. Mansur, who had initiated several banking reforms after the fall of the Awami League government.

According to Bangladesh Bank officials, the merger of Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank into a new entity named Combined Islami Bank will proceed. Administrators appointed by the central bank are currently managing these institutions. The new bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the deposit insurance fund. The authorized capital is Tk 400 billion, and the headquarters is located at Senakalyan Bhaban in Dhaka.

The governor also directed administrators to ensure depositors can withdraw funds without harassment and to identify those involved in financial irregularities for legal action.

The government has announced a 25 percent fare discount for students, persons with disabilities, and citizens aged over 65 on all types of rail services, including the metro rail. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, March 3, by Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam during a press briefing at the Secretariat. He noted that the implementation of this benefit would take some time.

According to the minister, special options will be added to online ticketing systems to facilitate the discount. Passengers aged over 65 will need to show their national ID cards, while students and persons with disabilities must present valid identification during ticket purchase or travel. Disability cards issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare will be accepted. The minister added that the inclusion of freedom fighters under this scheme had not yet been discussed.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also discussed ongoing efforts to improve railway services, including accelerating current projects and introducing new ones to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. He said preparations were underway to manage increased passenger demand during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and authorities to take immediate action whenever there are reports of rising coarse rice prices in the domestic market. The order was issued on Tuesday, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said the Prime Minister acted after learning that the price of coarse rice, a staple for low-income people, had increased in retail markets. The directive reportedly had a prompt positive effect on the market.

In addition, the Prime Minister instructed that all congratulatory advertisements and banners featuring him on billboards across the capital be removed quickly. He also issued orders to strengthen regular patrols in coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to curb piracy, robbery, and illegal trafficking, and to protect marine resources while ensuring the safety of fishermen.

These directives reflect the government’s focus on market stability, public order, and maritime security, with an emphasis on rapid administrative response to emerging issues.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has requested various chambers and associations to submit their written budget proposals to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) by March 15. The initiative aims to assist in preparing the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Additionally, a soft copy of each proposal should be sent via email to nbrbudget2026@gmail.com. Organizations or offices that are not members of any chamber or association may also send their proposals directly through the same email address.

According to an NBR press release issued on Tuesday, the board prepares revenue policies to support the government’s revenue collection goals. To ensure a participatory, people-oriented, and equitable budget, NBR has consistently sought input from taxpayers, business associations, professional bodies, research institutions, and intellectuals. For the upcoming fiscal year, the board intends to make the revenue collection process more analytical and representative through discussions with stakeholders.

NBR expressed hope that with the cooperation of all concerned, a participatory, business-friendly, and revenue-optimizing budget for 2026–27 can be formulated.

The cost of transporting oil from the Middle East to China has reached an all-time high, with supertanker charter rates surpassing 400,000 dollars, according to the London Stock Exchange Group. This rate is nearly double compared to last week, when the United States issued threats of an attack on Iran, BBC Bangla reported.

Iran has reportedly targeted ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the south of the country through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply is transported. The largest crude oil carriers, capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are now paying this record freight rate.

The sharp rise in transport costs underscores the growing instability in the Gulf region and its immediate impact on global energy logistics, as tensions around Iran continue to disrupt vital shipping routes.

Bangladesh Railway has started selling advance train tickets ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. The sale began on Tuesday at 8 a.m. with tickets for March 13 for westbound trains, marking the start of the nationwide ticketing process. According to the railway schedule, tickets for March 14 to 19 will be sold sequentially from March 4 to March 9.

All tickets for Eid travel are being sold exclusively online this year. To make ticket purchases more convenient for passengers, Bangladesh Railway has decided that tickets for intercity trains operating in the western region will be available from 8 a.m., while those for the eastern region will go on sale from 2 p.m.

The initiative aims to streamline the ticketing process and manage the high passenger demand during the Eid travel period, ensuring smoother operations across both regions.

Two senior officials heading key financial and insurance regulatory bodies in Bangladesh resigned on the same day. Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, chairman of state-owned Sonali Bank, and Dr. M Aslam Alam, chairman of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), submitted their resignations to Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek. Additionally, Mohammad Zainul Bari, chairman of the General Insurance Corporation, also stepped down. Officials confirmed that the resignations were submitted separately and cited personal reasons.

Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury had previously served as Comptroller and Auditor General and as finance secretary before joining Sonali Bank, where he resigned only a few months into his tenure. Mohammad Zainul Bari, a former secretary, had been appointed chairman of the General Insurance Corporation in September 2024 for a three-year term by the interim government, after earlier serving as IDRA chairman. Dr. M Aslam Alam, a former senior secretary, was appointed IDRA chairman in September 2024 following the July uprising.

The simultaneous resignations leave key financial and insurance regulatory positions vacant, raising questions about upcoming leadership appointments.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest report shows that default loans in the banking sector dropped sharply in the last quarter of 2025, mainly due to large-scale loan rescheduling and policy support ahead of the national election. Between October and December, default loans fell by Tk 87,298 crore to Tk 557,217 crore, representing 30.60 percent of total loans. Three months earlier, the figure stood at Tk 644,515 crore or 35.73 percent.

Officials said banks typically intensify recovery efforts at the end of the year to improve financial statements, while the central bank’s policy allowed extensive rescheduling. Under this support, Tk 26,114 crore in default loans were regularized. The interim government’s disclosure of the true loan situation after the previous Awami League administration revealed a higher default rate, prompting new measures to reduce it.

Sector-wise, state-owned banks held Tk 146,108 crore in defaults, private banks Tk 389,579 crore, foreign banks Tk 2,984 crore, and specialized banks Tk 18,546 crore. Provision shortfall also declined to Tk 191,441 crore from Tk 344,231 crore over the same period, indicating improved balance sheet conditions.

Bangladesh Railways has decided to continue selling 25 percent standing (non-seat) tickets in addition to regular seat tickets for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr travel period. The decision was made to accommodate increased passenger demand during the holiday season. Authorities have instructed that standing ticket holders will not be allowed to travel in air-conditioned or first-class compartments.

The decision came from a preparatory meeting held on Monday at the Rail Bhaban on Abdul Gani Road in Dhaka. The meeting addressed issues such as maintaining law and order, preventing sabotage, and curbing ticket black marketing during Eid travel. It was also announced that mobile courts will be deployed to detect ticketless passengers, stop black market activities, and prevent rooftop travel.

Additional instructions were issued to ensure that ticketless passengers cannot enter major stations like Kamalapur and Dhaka Airport. If any train is delayed, the number of designated seats on platforms will be increased to allow waiting passengers to sit safely.