The Philippines is considering suspending domestic and international air services due to a severe shortage of jet fuel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg on Monday that the ongoing Iran-United States-Israel war has disrupted global energy supplies, leaving the country struggling to secure aviation fuel. He said that suppliers who previously sold jet fuel to the Philippines have stopped doing so, forcing airlines to rely on limited domestic reserves.

Marcos warned that these reserves will not last long if the war continues and fuel supply chains remain blocked. He indicated that without a quick resolution to the conflict or restoration of normal supply from seller countries, the government may soon have to cancel both domestic and long-haul international flights. The fuel crisis has already prompted the Philippines to declare a national energy emergency.

The situation highlights the broader global impact of the conflict on energy-dependent sectors, particularly aviation, as countries face mounting pressure to manage dwindling fuel resources.

Dhaka’s Savar-based alleged serial killer, vagrant Samrat alias Sabuj Sheikh, died on Tuesday, March 24, after suddenly falling ill in Keraniganj Central Jail. Prison authorities said he complained of chest pain in the morning and was immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

According to police, Samrat had been in custody for about two months following his arrest in connection with a double murder at a community center in Savar on January 19. CCTV footage had led to his capture, and during interrogation he reportedly confessed to several other killings. He was charged in six murder cases and had remained in Keraniganj jail since his court appearance.

Inspector (Operations) Md Helal Uddin of Savar Model Police Station confirmed the death, saying initial indications suggest a heart attack, though the exact cause will be determined after the autopsy report.

Two people died and two others were injured in a violent clash on Monday night, March 23, in Doyail Union of Sarishabari upazila, Jamalpur. The incident began when Roni, from Champakona village, visited the home of his fiancée Shila Akter, 16, to resolve a dispute after she refused their arranged marriage. During the discussion, a heated argument broke out between the two families, leading to a physical confrontation.

Neighbor Sohel Rana, 35, rushed to the scene to stop the fight but was attacked and fatally injured. He was later declared dead at the local health complex. Upon hearing of Sohel’s death, his friend and neighbor Monju Mia, 40, suffered a heart attack and died shortly afterward. Two women, Hasna Begum, 20, and Sahera Begum, 25, were also injured and received treatment at the upazila health complex.

Police recovered Sohel’s body and prepared to send it for autopsy. Authorities said further legal steps would follow after receiving the postmortem report.

A severe shortage of octane has been reported at four filling stations in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura, leaving motorcyclists and other drivers struggling to refuel. On Tuesday afternoon, long queues were seen at filling stations in Santahar municipality, where octane supply had completely stopped. Although diesel and petrol supplies remained normal, the lack of octane forced many drivers to use petrol instead, raising concerns about potential engine damage.

According to filling station operators, the affected stations include Joy Filling Station in Murail, Asha Filling Station on East Dhaka Road, Anika Filling Station in the municipal area, and Hamim Filling Station at the bypass intersection. They said the demand for octane surged ahead of the upcoming Eid, quickly depleting reserves. The shortage has worsened due to insufficient supply from depots.

To manage the situation, stations have imposed limits on petrol sales, allowing a maximum of Tk 200 for motorcycles and Tk 500 for private cars. Operators warned that if octane supply is not restored soon, the situation could deteriorate further.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury in connection with a human trafficking case. The former army officer was shown arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police in a case filed at Paltan Police Station. Following his arrest, DB police sought a five-day remand, which the court approved.

According to DB officials, Masud Uddin faces more than eight cases, including some filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that are still under investigation. He was arrested late Monday night from his residence in Baridhara DOHS, Dhaka. DB’s Additional Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigations during a press briefing at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road.

Masud Uddin previously served as the General Officer Commanding of the Ninth Division during the 2007 “One-Eleven” political crisis and was coordinator of the National Coordination Committee on Serious Crimes and Corruption Suppression during the emergency period.

Former army officer and ex-MP for Feni-3 constituency Masud Uddin Chowdhury was arrested late Monday night from Baridhara, Dhaka, and presented before court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in connection with a human trafficking case filed at Paltan Police Station. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed that he was shown arrested in the case and five days’ remand was sought.

DB Chief Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam stated at a press briefing that a total of 11 cases have been identified against Chowdhury. Three cases in Feni are under trial with arrest warrants issued due to his absconding, while another three in Feni and five under DMP are under investigation. The allegations include murder, attempted murder, human trafficking, and money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are also investigating related complaints.

Police said Chowdhury had been evading arrest within the country, not abroad. Investigations will determine his involvement in each case, and authorities assured that justice will be ensured under due process.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has issued a notification increasing the price of jet fuel used in domestic and international flights by about Tk 90 per liter. The new rate will take effect from midnight, according to the circular released on Tuesday. The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) has termed the hike unjustified and urged the government to reconsider the decision.

In a press statement, AOAB said the sudden and large increase in Jet A-1 fuel prices does not reflect current market realities. The association noted that there is no fuel shortage in the country, as 25 oil tankers arrived in the past 22 days with fuel purchased at previously set prices. It also pointed out that global oil prices have recently declined, making such a sharp increase unreasonable.

AOAB warned that the new price could severely strain airlines financially, raise domestic airfares, and threaten the sustainability of the aviation sector. The group cautioned that continued pressure might even force suspension of domestic flight operations if the situation persists.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government has initiated discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure additional funds for energy imports affected by the Iran war. He made the remarks after meeting Krishna Srinivasan, IMF’s Asia and Pacific Director, at the Secretariat. Further detailed discussions are expected to take place in Washington.

The minister stated that the Iran war has negatively impacted Bangladesh’s economy, prompting the government to adopt cost-cutting and reform measures. He clarified that the IMF’s sixth and seventh tranches, totaling 1.86 billion dollars, will not be released before the next budget, with a review scheduled for July. The government aims to implement the BNP’s election manifesto to overcome economic challenges and is taking steps to simplify business processes and reduce expenses.

Chowdhury added that timely measures have prevented fuel shortages from affecting Eid transport and commodity prices. He urged citizens to remain prudent and compassionate during the ongoing crisis.

A 1.5-kilometer canal has been excavated through voluntary labor in Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj. The initiative was implemented on Monday in the Khama area of Egarosindur Union, where local residents worked throughout the day to connect the Khama Beel and Golduba Beel. More than a hundred volunteers participated in the digging and cleaning activities that began at 8 a.m. and continued until evening.

Organizers stated that the re-excavation of the canal will help reduce waterlogging in the area and enhance irrigation facilities for agriculture. The initiative was led by Khandaker Al Ashraf Mamun, former employment affairs secretary of the Jubo Dal central committee, who said the project was undertaken in response to public calls for community involvement. He expressed hope that local farmers would directly benefit from the canal and that agricultural productivity in the region would increase as a result.

The effort reflects a community-driven approach to addressing local water management and agricultural challenges in rural Kishoreganj.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, stated on Tuesday that the country has sufficient fuel reserves and there is no shortage. However, he noted that an unusual surge in fuel purchases has created temporary pressure at filling stations, leading to an artificial sense of scarcity. The minister made these remarks during a briefing at the Secretariat, where State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit was also present.

He explained that people are buying more fuel than they need, causing pumps to run out of stock earlier than expected. This behavior, he said, is generating unnecessary public anxiety. The minister urged citizens to use fuel and electricity more efficiently and to avoid excessive purchases, assuring that supply will remain normal if consumption stays within reasonable limits.

He further emphasized that the government has not raised fuel prices and that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission determines pricing. Despite global market influences, he reiterated that there is no real shortage and that recent disruptions are driven by consumer behavior rather than supply issues.

Police in Patgram, Lalmonirhat, arrested Sohel Rana, the municipal leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, around 2:40 p.m. He was detained in front of the BRAC office in Patgram. According to police sources, the arrest was made because of three outstanding warrants related to murder cases filed during the Awami League government. After his arrest, Sohel Rana was sent from Patgram Police Station to the Lalmonirhat district jail.

Police officials stated that further legal action will follow in accordance with the ongoing judicial process. The arrest of the municipal Jamaat leader has sparked widespread discussion in the local area, drawing attention to the pending murder cases and the political context surrounding them.

Authorities confirmed that the warrants were issued by the court, and the arrest was carried out as part of routine legal enforcement procedures.

Large numbers of visitors are continuing to crowd various tourist spots in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram even after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays ended on March 23. Families and travelers from across the country are visiting the area’s hills, waterfalls, lakes, and coastal sites to enjoy its natural beauty. Popular destinations such as Mahamaya Ecopark, Khaiyachhara Waterfall, Napittachhara Trail, Sonapahar Project, Arshi Nagar Future Park, Muhuri Irrigation Project, and Domkhali Beach are witnessing heavy daily attendance.

Local authorities and site managers have strengthened safety, cleanliness, and visitor management measures. Operators of major attractions reported that visitor numbers remain high, with guides and precautionary systems in place at key sites like Khaiyachhara. The upazila administration is maintaining regular monitoring to prevent disorder or accidents.

According to local business owners, the sustained tourist presence has boosted hotel, restaurant, and transport activity. Officials believe that with proper planning and management, Mirsarai could further establish itself as one of Bangladesh’s leading tourism destinations.

Ariful Islam Munna, aged 51, died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura. He had been seriously injured the previous day, Monday, March 23, when unidentified assailants stabbed him in front of Khandakar Para High School in Fapore Union under Bogura Sadar upazila.

Munna was a resident of Fapore Khandakar Para and the son of the late Dr. Yasin Ali. Locals rescued him after the attack and took him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The report did not mention any motive behind the attack or whether any suspects had been identified or detained by authorities.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced on Tuesday that jet fuel prices for both domestic and international routes have been increased by nearly 90 taka per liter. According to the official notification, the new rates will take effect from midnight. The domestic jet fuel price has been raised from 112.41 taka to 202.29 taka per liter, marking an increase of 89.88 taka or about 80 percent. For international flights, the price has been adjusted from 0.7384 to 1.3216 US dollars per liter, a rise of approximately 79 percent.

BERC officials stated that the adjustment was made to align with current market conditions, import costs, and international fuel prices. The new rates will remain in effect until further notice.

The decision reflects the regulator’s response to global energy market fluctuations and rising import expenses, which have influenced domestic fuel pricing structures.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that agriculture will be the main driving force of Bangladesh’s economy. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Agriculture Ministry’s conference room during a post-Eid greeting event with officials and employees of the Agriculture and Food Ministries. The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul E. Mohamed, and Food Secretary Md. Firoz Sarkar.

The minister said Bangladesh’s geography and environment are highly suitable for agriculture and that scientific farming methods could produce more food than the country’s demand. He emphasized that most people depend on agriculture and that the rural economy is rooted in it. The government has launched programs such as distributing farmer cards and canal excavation to strengthen the sector and is implementing a coordinated plan to make agriculture the core of the economy.

He added that food security will be a major challenge in the future and urged officials to work sincerely to meet nutritional needs and ensure a better country for future generations. Nazrul Islam Khan called for honesty and dedication in advancing agriculture and announced a nationwide tree-planting initiative to combat climate impacts.