The Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member investigation committee following a fatal bus accident at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The incident occurred on March 25 when a passenger bus fell into the Padma River while boarding a ferry. According to the ministry’s order issued on Thursday, at least 26 people have been confirmed dead, and the toll may rise further.

The committee is led by Additional Secretary Md. Mahidul Islam of the Ministry of Shipping. Other members include representatives from the Rajbari district administration, the river police, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), and the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department. The committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the accident and determining those responsible.

The ministry has instructed the committee to submit its report within three working days. It may co-opt additional members if necessary to complete the investigation.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned that the global trading system is facing its most severe disruption in 80 years. She made the remark during the opening session of the WTO ministerial conference, emphasizing the scale of the challenges confronting the global economy.

The warning comes as global energy markets experience turmoil following U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran. Tehran has nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that handles about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply. This disruption has intensified instability in global energy flows and heightened concerns about broader economic impacts.

The WTO chief’s statement underscores the growing strain on international trade and supply chains, with energy insecurity adding to existing global economic pressures.

A Rohingya youth was seriously injured when a landmine exploded inside Myanmar near the Ukhiya border in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday afternoon. The explosion occurred in the Chakmakata area along the Naf River, opposite the Palongkhali Border Outpost (BOP). The blast severed one of the victim’s legs. The injured man, identified as Mohammad Shahid, 26, from Block 5-E of Camp 16 in Ukhiya, was rescued by locals and given initial medical treatment.

According to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the explosion took place about 2.5 kilometers southeast of the BRM-19 pillar and roughly 2 kilometers northeast of the Palongkhali BOP, inside Myanmar territory. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Zahirul Islam, commanding officer of the 64 BGB Battalion, confirmed that the injured man had entered Myanmar before the explosion and later returned near the border area.

Authorities are investigating why the youth entered Myanmar. The BGB stated that necessary actions will be taken after the investigation is complete.

A construction worker named Samaul Islam, aged 55, died after being buried under a soil collapse in Chowgacha upazila of Jashore on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at Sonu Doctor Mor in Chowgacha town while piling work was underway at an under-construction building. Samaul, a resident of Godadharpur village in Swarupdaha Union, was the son of Chatur Ali.

According to eyewitnesses, the soil suddenly caved in during the piling work, leaving Samaul trapped and injured. He was rescued and taken first to Chowgacha Hospital and later transferred to Jashore General Hospital for advanced treatment. He succumbed to his injuries around 3 p.m. while undergoing treatment.

Police confirmed the incident, and the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for further procedures.

Conflicting reports have emerged over ceasefire talks and rising tensions between Iran and the United States, raising fears of a major escalation. Analysts warn that if the situation worsens, global oil prices could surge, especially if the US deploys forces to control the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a strong Iranian response. Kepler senior crude oil analyst Muyu Xu said oil prices could reach around 120 dollars per barrel, marking a critical turning point in the conflict.

The Middle East remains highly uncertain, and a near-term drop in oil prices appears unlikely. Asian nations could face growing energy shortages, leading to economic and political instability. Japan still holds significant oil reserves, but countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia have comparatively limited stocks. Rising fuel prices in these markets could lead to real shortages, with potential disruptions to fuel supply and airline operations.

If the conflict extends into mid or late April, several Asian countries could experience severe impacts, including social unrest and humanitarian crises.

Armed assailants looted electrical equipment worth about Tk 19.26 million from an under-construction power grid substation in Baraigram upazila of Natore late Wednesday night. The incident occurred at the Khazurtala area of Joari Union, where four night guards were tied up before the looters took away batteries, copper wires, and other materials. Police officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Suman Kumar and Baraigram Circle’s Additional Superintendent Shovon Chandra Hor, visited the site on Thursday morning.

According to the sub-assistant engineer of the project, the substation is being built under Power Grid Company of Bangladesh PLC, with civil and electrical works ongoing. The electrical section is being handled by China National Wire and Cable Import Export Corporation (CC Company). The company’s local representative said the looters took 368 batteries, 2,000 meters of copper wire, and other items, also removing CCTV hard drives and guards’ mobile phones.

Police have begun an investigation, and a case is being prepared. Officials said the theft may delay the planned June inauguration of the substation, which was expected to supply power to several upazilas in Natore district.

Global oil prices climbed on March 26, 2026, as uncertainty grew over whether the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel would ease. Brent crude rose 1.5 percent to 98.72 dollars per barrel, while US benchmark WTI increased 2 percent to 92.16 dollars. The market reaction followed Iran’s rejection of a US-proposed ceasefire plan that included 15 points, while President Donald Trump delayed his previously scheduled military action.

Asian stock markets opened lower as investors reacted to the geopolitical tension. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.8 percent, South Korea’s KOSPI dropped 3.3 percent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 1.9 percent. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict has created pressure across energy and equity markets.

Analysts noted that if the war continues, Asia could face rising energy shortages and broader economic instability, reflecting the region’s sensitivity to disruptions in global oil supply.

Several bikers in Cumilla have alleged that Master & Sons Filling Station at Alekhar Char Bishwaroad area refused to sell octane for less than Tk 200. The incident occurred around noon on March 26, 2026, during a period of fuel shortage across the country. Witnesses said only a few of the district’s 81 filling stations had octane available. According to official data, 66,000 liters of octane were supplied to Cumilla on March 24, including 9,000 liters to Master & Sons.

One biker said he wanted to buy Tk 170 worth of octane but was told the minimum sale was Tk 200. Another traveler from Chattogram to Dhaka reported being denied a Tk 150 purchase. In response, station manager Jahangir Alam stated that customers should be allowed to buy any amount and that he would look into the matter. He denied allegations of under-measurement.

Cumilla’s Additional District Magistrate and fuel monitoring committee head Zafar Sadiq Chowdhury said customers are allowed to buy any amount and that any irregularities by filling stations will be investigated.

Japan has begun releasing fuel from its national reserves to mitigate the impact of the Middle East war and stabilize supply. The release, equivalent to 30 days of fuel, started from the Kikuma National Petroleum Stockpile in the western city of Imabari. According to the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, the fuel has been transferred via pipeline to a nearby commercial refinery.

This move follows a similar release from private sector reserves, which began ten days earlier and covered the equivalent of 15 days of supply. The coordinated action reflects Japan’s effort to maintain energy stability during a period of heightened geopolitical tension affecting global oil markets.

The measure underscores Japan’s reliance on strategic reserves to cushion potential disruptions in fuel supply as the conflict in the Middle East continues to influence global energy dynamics.

In Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila, hundreds of watermelon farmers are facing significant financial losses this season despite satisfactory yields. The crisis stems from a shortage of wholesale buyers, declining market demand, and unfavorable weather conditions. Many farmers who leased land from distant areas for commercial cultivation now fear they will not recover their investments.

Local growers such as Ferdous Talukder, who cultivated 64 bighas of land at a cost of about 2.1 million taka, reported being forced to sell watermelons at nearly half the expected price due to high transport costs and weak demand. Other farmers, including Md. Riaz and Oliullah, described similar difficulties, warning that delays in sales could worsen their losses. Rain before Eid and lower-than-usual temperatures in Falgun and Chaitra months have also reduced fruit quality and demand.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, watermelons were cultivated on 4,447 hectares involving around 3,000 farmers, with a sales target of 4.04 billion taka. Officials estimate that nearly half of the growers may incur losses if market conditions do not improve soon.

Law enforcement officials from RAB-8 have arrested four suspects, including the prime accused, in connection with the killing of fruit trader Zakir Sheikh in Rajair, Madaripur. The arrests were made within 24 hours of the incident through separate operations in Gazipur and Munshiganj. According to RAB-8, the murder occurred on the morning of March 24 in Amgram Madhyapara area, reportedly over a land dispute and prior enmity.

The case was filed the following day at Rajair Police Station, naming 18 individuals and 20 to 25 unidentified suspects. The incident drew significant attention on social media and in local media outlets, prompting RAB-8 to launch a shadow investigation using information technology to locate the suspects. The arrested individuals were later handed over to local police stations in Gazipur and Munshiganj.

On Thursday morning, the detainees were transferred to Rajair Police Station and subsequently presented before court, which ordered their placement in jail custody.

A legal notice has been sent to several government ministries demanding compensation for the families of those killed in the Rajbari Daulatdia ferry bus accident. The notice, issued on Wednesday, March 25, calls for a minimum of Tk 10 million for each deceased victim and for proper treatment and rehabilitation of the injured. It was jointly filed by Advocate Newazul Asif Sad, Barrister Rafi G. Rahman, and Advocate Zayed Bin Naser against the ministers and secretaries of the Road Transport and Bridges and Shipping ministries.

The notice emphasizes the need for an impartial investigation to determine whether negligence by authorities, ferry terminal management, or transport officials contributed to the incident. The accident occurred when a bus from the “Souhardya” Paribahan line lost control while boarding a ferry at Daulatdia Ghat’s pontoon number 3, resulting in 26 confirmed deaths.

The notice urges the government to take coordinated action within seven working days to ensure compensation, medical care, and rehabilitation, warning of legal steps if no action is taken. It also calls for a high-level inquiry committee to publish its findings within the same timeframe.

Police in Comilla have arrested two individuals in connection with the train and bus collision that killed 12 people at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing on March 21. The arrests include main suspect Helal Uddin, detained Tuesday night, and temporary gatekeeper Kawsar, detained Wednesday night in Bijoypur under Sadar Dakshin upazila. Police claim both were involved in negligence that led to the crash.

According to investigators, Helal Uddin and Mehedi Hasan, who were assigned to duty on the night of the accident, had arranged for Kawsar and Nazmul to replace them for a payment of one thousand taka. The substitute gatekeepers reportedly failed to close the gate before the Dhaka Mail train arrived around 2:45 a.m. Police are also examining possible drug-related activities at the gatehouse and whether proper signals were received from the previous station.

Authorities have suspended the two on-duty railway employees and formed three investigation committees. Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest Mehedi Hasan, who remains at large.

After the United States and Israel began military action against Iran in late February, Tehran announced the closure of the Hormuz Strait, a key route for 20 percent of the world’s crude oil shipments. The move triggered a global energy shock, with oil prices surging and Asian economies hit hardest as 90 percent of their crude and gas imports pass through the strait. Governments across Asia have imposed energy-saving measures such as work-from-home policies, shorter workweeks, and temporary closures of universities.

In India, gas shortages have crippled Gujarat’s ceramic industry and forced restaurants in Mumbai to shut down or reduce operations. The Philippines declared a national emergency as transport workers and farmers struggled with rising fuel costs. Thailand urged citizens to conserve energy, while Sri Lanka, still recovering from a financial crisis, introduced midweek holidays to curb fuel use. Myanmar enforced alternate-day driving rules to save fuel amid ongoing internal conflict.

Across the region, citizens reported long fuel queues, reduced incomes, and growing uncertainty. Analysts and local voices warned that if the conflict continues, Asia’s energy crisis and social instability could deepen further.

An imam named Nahid Hasan, aged 20, was seriously injured in an attack by drug users and their associates in Sirajnagar Nayachar village of Adiabadh Union, Raipura upazila, Narsingdi, on Thursday morning, March 26, 2026. The assault occurred after he had been protesting against drug abuse in the area. Locals rescued the injured imam and admitted him to the Raipura Upazila Health Complex. The incident has sparked anger and tension in the locality.

According to the victim’s family, several young men in the area had been consuming drugs for a long time. When Nahid Hasan protested, a group of drug addicts attacked him with sharp weapons while he was on his way to the market with his niece. Family members accused 10–12 individuals, including Sulaiman, Siam, Pranto, Sagor, Maruf, and Sohan, of involvement in the assault. They are preparing to file a written complaint with the police.

Raipura police confirmed the incident and said officers were dispatched immediately. Preliminary names of suspects have been identified, and efforts are underway to arrest them.