Two farmers were killed and four others injured when lightning struck an onion field in Kharibaria village under Umedpur Union of Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah on Saturday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Apu Biswas, 20, son of Prokash Biswas of Kharibaria village, and Samir Biswas, 40, son of Sushil Biswas of Laxmipur village. The injured included Ranjit Biswas and Prokash Biswas among others.

According to Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla, the farmers were working in the field when the lightning struck, killing two on the spot and injuring four others. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, where two received primary treatment and were later released.

Duty doctor Ehtesham Shahid at the health complex said the victims suffered severe burns from the lightning strike.

A photo card circulating on social media recently claimed that former Narayanganj lawmaker Shamim Osman had passed away, using a design resembling that of Jamuna TV. The image, which included Osman’s photo and the caption suggesting his death, was widely shared online.

According to a fact-check by the Rumor Scanner team, Jamuna TV did not publish any such photo card. The investigation found that the image was digitally fabricated using Jamuna TV’s design style. Review of Jamuna TV’s official Facebook page, website, and YouTube channel revealed no related content supporting the claim. Additionally, the font and design used in the viral image differed from Jamuna TV’s authentic materials.

No credible media outlet or verified source reported any news confirming Shamim Osman’s death. The fact-check concluded that the claim and the photo card circulating under Jamuna TV’s name were entirely false.

A viral social media post recently claimed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced a Tk 2,500 'Boishakhi bonus' for citizens, obtainable within two minutes through an online registration link. However, a Rumor Scanner investigation found the link and the payment claim to be entirely false, identifying the website as part of a fraudulent scheme designed to deceive users.

The investigation revealed that the site, titled 'Boishakhi Gift and Allowance 2026', asked users to submit personal details, including mobile numbers, and promised payment within 24 hours. In reality, the link redirected users to a betting site called 'luckydraw', which used fake offers to collect personal or financial data. The domain, incomebd.online, was registered only three days earlier and did not match any official government web structure.

No official government sources, including mainstream media or verified pages, confirmed any such financial assistance. Authorities warned that similar scams have previously led to identity theft and blackmail, urging the public to avoid such fraudulent links.

Global energy markets saw a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude futures climbing by 5.7 percent to reach 114.2 dollars per barrel on Friday, March 27, according to Anadolu Agency. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also rose by 6.18 percent, surpassing 100 dollars per barrel. Since late February, Brent prices have increased by about 45 percent, while WTI prices have grown by roughly 40 percent.

The report added that amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Russia has decided to halt petrol exports starting April 1. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the energy ministry to prepare a draft decision, with the restriction expected to remain in effect until July 31. Novak stated that the Middle East crisis has caused significant volatility in global energy markets, leading to fluctuating oil prices.

He further noted that while international demand for Russian energy remains high, maintaining domestic supply is now the government’s main priority.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Home Minister to take strict measures against fuel hoarding and smuggling despite adequate national reserves. The order aims to prevent an artificial fuel crisis and ensure market stability. The government is currently providing a monthly subsidy of 200 crore taka to keep fuel prices steady, and Members of Parliament have been instructed to remain vigilant in their constituencies. Chief Whip Nurul Islam shared these details with reporters after a ruling party parliamentary committee meeting held on Saturday, March 28, at the National Parliament Building.

According to the Chief Whip, although global oil prices have risen due to the war situation in the Middle East, the government is making every effort to maintain domestic price stability. Reports of attempts by dishonest groups to create artificial shortages and smuggle fuel across borders have prompted the Prime Minister’s directive for a comprehensive crackdown. The meeting also discussed parliamentary committee formation, women’s reserved seats, and recent transport accidents, with ministers briefing the committee on preventive measures.

Further decisions on parliamentary committee formation are expected in the next meeting, while reports on pending bills are targeted for submission by March 30.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office has issued a warning that strong storms with wind speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour may sweep across 19 districts. The advisory, valid until 1 a.m. on Saturday night, also forecasts rain or thundershowers in the affected areas. The districts include Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Dhaka, Faridpur, Mymensingh, Jashore, Kushtia, Madaripur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Sylhet. River ports in these regions have been instructed to hoist warning signal number one.

A separate weather bulletin noted that an extension of a low-pressure area lies over West Bengal and nearby regions of India, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under these conditions, temporary gusty winds accompanied by lightning and rain or thundershowers are likely across all divisions of the country over the next few days.

The forecast indicates unstable weather patterns, suggesting possible disruptions to river transport and outdoor activities in the affected districts.

Authorities in Rangamati have deployed army personnel to petrol pumps to restore order following an artificial fuel shortage in the district. The deployment began on Saturday morning after large crowds gathered at the Mohsin Petrol Pump upon hearing that fuel was being distributed. The situation became difficult to control due to the heavy rush of buyers.

Under the direction of Assistant Magistrate Abu Huraira Ador and with support from the police, the army successfully brought the situation under control. Long queues of motorcyclists and people carrying bottles were seen waiting for hours to collect fuel. The district administration stated that the army would remain stationed at all petrol pumps across Rangamati to ensure discipline in fuel distribution.

According to the administration, the deployment aims to prevent hoarding and black-market sales of fuel. Officials emphasized that strict monitoring will continue to maintain order and ensure fair access to fuel supplies.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has directed all fuel pumps across the country to display fuel supply information around the clock. The directive, announced on March 28, 2026, comes as part of efforts by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to maintain uninterrupted fuel distribution nationwide amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to a BPC press release, fuel supply operations through marketing companies are continuing smoothly. To ensure transparency and proper distribution, filling stations, packed point dealers, and petrol pumps must collect fuel from BPC depots between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day and display supply data on whiteboards in front of their premises. The displayed information must include the current month’s average fuel receipts, comparative data from the same month last year, and details of the fuel types received.

BPC’s public relations officer stated that the directive took effect on March 28, and officials are working nationwide to ensure continuous fuel supply.

The first trailer of the new series 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' has set a record by surpassing 277 million views within 48 hours of release. According to the report, this makes it the most-watched trailer in the history of HBO and HBO Max. The total view count includes views from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and HBO Max, with YouTube contributing the largest share.

Based on J.K. Rowling’s seven-part novel series, the show aims to reintroduce the Harry Potter universe. Dominic MacLaughlin plays Harry, with John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner, and several episodes are directed by Mark Mylod.

The series is set to premiere on HBO and stream on HBO Max during Christmas 2026. Fans have expressed excitement about seeing the magical world return to the screen, and the record-breaking trailer views reflect the enduring global popularity of the Harry Potter story.

A mobile court in Jamalpur fined M/S Jui Enterprise Tk 50,000 for hoarding 2,500 liters of petrol despite having sufficient stock and not selling to customers. The operation was conducted on Saturday afternoon by Executive Magistrate BMSR Alif following complaints that the station was refusing to sell fuel. The raid took place in the PTI area of Jamalpur town.

According to the mobile court and local sources, motorcyclists had gathered in front of the shop since Thursday morning seeking petrol. Despite having fuel in stock, the station did not sell, causing frustration among customers. Acting on the information, Executive Magistrate BMSR Alif and Additional Superintendent of Police Sohel Mahmud led the raid, discovering 12 drums containing 2,500 liters of petrol.

Following the discovery, law enforcement officials assisted in distributing the seized petrol among waiting customers to ease the situation.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced a new schedule for fuel distribution from government depots. According to a press release signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana on Saturday, the new timing will take effect to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Under the revised schedule, fuel distribution from main depots will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., replacing the previous 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. window.

The change follows directives from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to maintain stable fuel supply amid disruptions caused by the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The adjustment aims to improve coordination among marketing companies and ensure timely delivery to filling stations, packed point dealers, and fuel pumps nationwide.

The new schedule is intended to strengthen supply chain efficiency and prevent shortages during the current global energy uncertainty.

A mobile court in Roumari upazila of Kurigram recovered drums filled with petrol from the cowshed of a BNP leader’s house on Friday afternoon. Acting on a tip-off, the operation took place in Dantbhanga village under Dantbhanga Union. The court, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rafiur Rahman, confirmed the recovery and imposed a fine on the family involved.

According to the report, Abu Jahan, president of ward no. 6 BNP in Dantbhanga Union, had allegedly stored petrol illegally in his cowshed. His son, Ershadul Haque, a local Jubo League publicity secretary, was accused of collecting petrol from a nearby pump and selling it at higher prices. The court seized the petrol drums and related equipment, fining the family Tk 10,000 under the Petroleum Act, 2016.

Ershadul Haque’s family denied the allegations, claiming the petrol was stored only for their motorcycles and that a neighbor had falsely reported them. The assistant commissioner said the family was warned to avoid such activities in the future.

A farmer was killed and two others were seriously injured when lightning struck a wheat field in the Shihara Union border area of Patnitala upazila in Naogaon on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026. The deceased was identified as Ashraf Hossain, 38, son of Ainal Haque of Shitalmat village. The injured, Tarek Hossain, 35, and Sharif Hossain, 36, were taken to Sapahar Upazila Health Complex in critical condition.

Local residents said the three farmers were harvesting wheat when the lightning struck suddenly. The incident caused panic in the area as all three victims were from the same village. Shihara Union Parishad Chairman Tofazzal Hossain confirmed that one person died on the spot due to the natural disaster, while the other two were hospitalized.

Patnitala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman Asad also confirmed the death and injuries resulting from the lightning strike.

Thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted by Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army from the Naf River near Shahparir Island in Teknaf on Saturday morning, March 27, 2026. The fishermen, all residents of Shahparir Island’s Majher Para and Dangorpara areas, were taken along with three fishing boats while catching fish near the Naikhyangdia area of the river.

Local union council member Abdul Mannan confirmed that the Arakan Army frequently detains fishermen, making fishing in the Naf River and nearby sea areas nearly impossible. Abdul Gafur, president of the Shahparir Island Fishermen’s Association, said the incident occurred around 7 a.m. after several engine boats had gone out to fish earlier that morning. The matter has been reported to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local authorities, and fear now grips the fishing community.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Inamul Hafiz Nadim stated that although no written complaint has yet been received, steps will be taken in coordination with the BGB and Coast Guard to bring the fishermen back. According to BGB and local sources, over the past 18 months, more than 400 fishermen have been detained by the Arakan Army, with about 250 later released.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division of Bangladesh announced on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that there is no possibility of a fuel supply shortage in the country. In an official statement, the division said that fuel reserves and distribution remain normal and urged citizens not to panic or buy fuel excessively. It also warned that petrol, octane, and diesel are highly flammable and that illegal storage poses serious safety risks.

The division stated that legal action is being taken against unauthorized fuel hoarding, with mobile courts operating under executive magistrates in every district. The government has not raised fuel prices and continues to import necessary quantities from the international market to ensure uninterrupted supply. To strengthen monitoring, tag officers will be appointed at all petrol pumps, with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation overseeing those in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Additionally, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at fuel depots nationwide to prevent illegal storage and maintain orderly distribution. The deployment follows instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs in response to global fuel market instability caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.