At least 23 people were killed and 108 others injured in a series of suspected suicide bombings in Maiduguri, a city in northeastern Nigeria. The explosions occurred on Monday evening, and police confirmed the details on Tuesday. Police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso said preliminary investigations indicated that the incidents were carried out by suspected suicide attackers.

Authorities reported that the blasts followed an earlier assault on a military checkpoint between Sunday night and early Monday morning. Officials have blamed suspected jihadist groups for both the checkpoint attack and the subsequent explosions in Maiduguri. The police statement described the loss of life as tragic and confirmed that investigations were ongoing.

The incidents highlight continuing security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast, where authorities are struggling to contain militant violence. Further details about the attackers or the specific groups involved were not disclosed in the initial reports.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has introduced a three-tier security arrangement to ensure the safety of homebound travelers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The force announced the plan during a press briefing at Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Tuesday afternoon. As part of the measures, 32 RAB teams have been deployed across key terminals and surrounding areas in Dhaka, supported by continuous patrols, surveillance, and checkpoints.

RAB-10 Commander and Additional DIG Mohammad Kamruzzaman stated that special security operations are being carried out in major points including Sadarghat, Sayedabad, Shyampur, Sutrapur, and Kamrangirchar. Six civil teams are also gathering intelligence and monitoring activities. The security operations will continue through Eid day and the following period.

To assist passengers, RAB has set up two control rooms at Sadarghat Launch Terminal and Sayedabad Bus Terminal, staffed around the clock. Travelers facing harassment or overcharging for tickets can report complaints directly or by phone, and RAB has pledged immediate action upon receiving such reports.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has strengthened security measures across the capital ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Acting DMP Commissioner Md. Sarwar urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of unfamiliar individuals, repeated motorcycle patrols, or unusual gatherings in their neighborhoods. He made the remarks to the media on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Sarwar stated that despite limited manpower, the police and related forces are working in coordination to maintain law and order. He emphasized that public awareness and community involvement are crucial to ensuring safety and preventing crime. The commissioner highlighted that the number of police officers is relatively small compared to the city’s population, yet efforts continue to safeguard citizens and uphold peace.

Residents have been advised to verify the identity and purpose of unknown individuals if suspicious behavior is observed and to immediately contact the nearest police station or call the national emergency number 999 to inform law enforcement authorities.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced that metro rail services will remain closed only on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was made public through a notice issued on Monday, ahead of the seven-day government holiday that began on Tuesday. According to the notice, metro operations will resume as per the regular schedule from the day after Eid, allowing passengers to plan their travel in advance.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims in Bangladesh, is expected to be celebrated on March 21, depending on the sighting of the moon. Including the holiday for Shab-e-Qadr on March 17, government employees are enjoying a continuous seven-day break this year. The Ministry of Public Administration has clarified that essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, postal services, and healthcare will remain operational during the holiday period.

Hospitals, emergency medical services, and those involved in the transport of medicines and medical supplies will continue their duties to ensure uninterrupted public service.

Aliyabad Canal in Nabinagar municipality of Brahmanbaria has nearly disappeared due to years of unregulated waste dumping and unplanned road construction. Once a flowing waterway connecting the Burir and Bhata rivers, the canal has become clogged with household garbage, blocking water flow and causing severe environmental degradation. The stagnant, blackened water now emits foul odors and poses serious health risks, including waterborne diseases. Agricultural lands nearby are being damaged by polluted water, and the area suffers from mosquito infestations and seasonal flooding.

Local residents recall that until 2005, the canal supported boat traffic and provided water for irrigation and household use. They blame the closure of the canal’s mouth under a municipal road for halting water movement. Residents and community leaders have demanded immediate cleaning and restoration to reconnect the canal with the main river system. Nabinagar’s administrative head, Mahmudul Hasan, stated that dredging work is planned and expected to begin after Eid-ul-Fitr.

If completed, the restoration could revive water flow and transform the canal into a scenic feature of the municipality.

RAB-5 recovered a large cache of crude bombs and local weapons during a late-night operation in Rajshahi’s Chandrima police station area. Acting on a tip-off, the RAB-5 team from the Rajshahi Sadar Company conducted the raid around 12:20 a.m. on March 16 at a lemon orchard near the northern side of the Railway Field. Two abandoned plastic sacks were found at the site.

The RAB bomb disposal unit was called in after suspicions that the sacks contained explosives. The team discovered 21 crude bomb-like objects and several local weapons, including a sickle, large and small knives, and a dagger. The bomb disposal unit confirmed the items as crude bombs. Local residents could not provide any information about ownership of the explosives or weapons.

RAB suspects the materials were stockpiled by miscreants possibly intending sabotage ahead of the upcoming Eid. The recovered items have been handed over to Chandrima Police Station, and legal proceedings are underway.

A devastating fire broke out at Patul Bazaar in Naldanga upazila of Natore on Tuesday night, destroying at least six shops. The blaze started around 8:30 p.m. at a clothing store owned by Mohammad Fuad and quickly spread to nearby grocery, library, and cosmetics shops. Local traders tried to save their goods as panic spread through the market.

Firefighters from the Naldanga Fire Service arrived promptly and, with help from locals, brought the fire under control. However, six shops were completely burned down before the flames were extinguished. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Imran Khan visited the site, spoke with affected traders, and reviewed the situation.

Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit in the clothing store. The affected traders estimated losses of around 1.5 million taka. Local authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Tahera Begum Akhi, a 32-year-old TikTok user and the prime accused in the murder of her husband Belal Uddin Jihad, from Kotbazar in Ukhia upazila near Cox’s Bazar. The arrest took place on Monday, March 16, following a special operation based on secret intelligence. RAB-15 Assistant Director (Law and Media) and Assistant Superintendent of Police A. M. Faruk confirmed the arrest.

According to RAB, Belal Uddin Jihad, a 22-year-old tomtom driver from Ramu upazila, was found dead with his throat slit in a rented house in Fatekharkul union on March 4. Following the discovery, his wife Akhi went into hiding, and his family filed a murder case with Ramu Police Station. RAB-15 launched a shadow investigation and increased surveillance to locate the suspect.

During initial questioning, Akhi reportedly admitted that the killing stemmed from a family dispute. She has been handed over to Ramu Police Station for further legal proceedings. RAB stated that similar operations will continue to ensure public safety.

The business and trade sector now holds the highest share of defaulted loans in Bangladesh’s banking system, with 42.5 percent of loans in the sector classified as non-performing, according to the December-based “Banking Sector Update” report. The industrial sector follows with a 30.8 percent default rate, while the overall banking sector average stands at 31.2 percent. As of December, total outstanding loans amounted to Tk 18.21 trillion, of which Tk 5.57 trillion were defaults.

Sector insiders attribute the rise in defaults to economic pressures and a deteriorating business environment. Increased living costs have reduced consumer purchasing power, leading to lower demand and sales. Rising costs of raw materials, fuel, transport, and imports, along with dollar shortages and import restrictions, have further strained businesses. Higher interest rates have also increased debt burdens, particularly for small and medium enterprises with limited capital.

The report shows that large loans remain the most default-prone, though rescheduling policies have slightly reduced the rate since September. Agriculture, construction, and transport sectors also show high default ratios, while consumer loans remain relatively stable at 3 percent.

Oil exports from the Middle East have fallen by at least 60 percent due to disruptions and heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The near-closure of the Hormuz Strait has forced many exporting nations to cancel shipping plans and suspend production at several oil fields, creating one of the largest supply disruptions in history. Crude oil prices have surged to their highest level in four years.

According to data from analytics firm Kpler, as of March 15, average daily exports of crude oil, condensate, and refined products from eight Middle Eastern countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates — dropped to 9.71 million barrels, down from 25.13 million barrels in February. Kpler analyst Johannes Raubal reported that floating crude inventories in the region exceeded 50 million barrels this week, compared to about 10 million barrels before the conflict began.

Analysts warn that if the Hormuz Strait disruption persists, global energy markets could face further instability and oil-importing nations may experience additional price increases.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain emphasized that canal excavation is essential for increasing agricultural production. Speaking on Monday in Gauripur, Mymensingh, he inaugurated the re-excavation of the 'Bolar Beel' canal and said that dredging rivers, canals, and wetlands would help remove waterlogging, improve irrigation facilities, and protect the environment and biodiversity.

He noted that re-excavating the approximately five-kilometer-long Bolar Beel canal would enhance water drainage during the monsoon season and have a positive impact on farming activities. The event was attended by Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner Md Saifur Rahman, Gauripur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Papia Amin Pappa, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sunanda Sarkar Proma, Additional Superintendent of Police (Gauripur Circle) Deba Shish Karmakar, and several local political leaders.

The initiative highlights the government’s focus on improving agricultural infrastructure and addressing water management challenges in rural areas through canal re-excavation projects.

The Ministry of Shipping, along with the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and the Railway Ministry, inaugurated three new ships to ease Eid travel on March 16, 2026. The inauguration ceremony took place at Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal, led by Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam. The newly launched BIWTC vessels—Rupsha and Sugandha—will operate on the Dhaka-Hatia route, while Madhumati will serve the Dhaka-Betua route.

During the event, the minister also introduced free wheelchair and trolley services for passengers, warning that any financial transactions under the guise of these services would face legal action. He announced a seven-day waiver of lease charges during the Eid travel period, with the ministry covering the associated costs. Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasized that complaints of harassment over goods transport would be addressed promptly.

The minister further assured that there would be no fuel shortages in the transport sector during the Eid season, aiming to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for passengers across the waterways.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said that although oil prices have risen in 39 countries due to the war situation in the Middle East, Bangladesh has not increased its oil prices. He made the remarks on Monday, March 16, after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Katakhali canal, known locally as Zia Khal, in Islampur, Jamalpur.

Millat stated that even though Bangladesh imports oil, the government has not raised prices, considering the hardship of farmers and ordinary citizens. He added that electricity and fuel prices would also remain unchanged. The minister further mentioned that discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are ongoing to resolve issues faced by citizens stranded abroad or dealing with visa complications due to the Middle East conflict. Those unable to travel despite purchasing air tickets will not lose any money from their ticket payments.

The event was chaired by Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusup Ali and conducted by Islampur Upazila Executive Officer Nazmul Hossain, with members of parliament from the district’s other constituencies in attendance.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam announced that the Matuail landfill in the capital will be transformed into a scenic eco park and playground. He made the announcement during a visit to the landfill on Monday, where he also inaugurated a new compost plant. The initiative aims to eliminate the area’s long-standing odor and pollution through modern waste management and turn it into a public recreation center.

According to the administrator, DSCC has signed an agreement with a Korean private company to convert 3,200–3,500 tons of daily waste into valuable resources. Work on the project will begin after Eid-ul-Azha, producing gas, electricity, and fertilizer instead of dumping waste. The newly inaugurated compost plant targets producing 20 tons of organic fertilizer daily from 100 tons of household waste, which could reduce greenhouse gases and increase city revenue.

To prevent frequent fires, DSCC is installing 40 water hydrants and permanent reservoirs across 181 acres and has purchased six portable pumps. Salam added that 40 percent of soil covering work is complete, helping control odor and fire risks, aligning with the Prime Minister’s directive to make Dhaka a “Clean and Green City.”

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated across Bangladesh within the next five years. He made the statement on Monday, March 16, 2026, at a public gathering in Sahapara, Balarampur Mouza of Kaharol upazila, Dinajpur, marking the start of canal excavation work. Rahman said the initiative aims to retain excess monsoon water, reduce flood damage, and ensure water supply for agriculture during dry seasons.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of agricultural productivity and efficient water use, noting that underground water should be preserved for future generations. He said the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara canal will benefit 31,000 farmers, enable irrigation for 12,000 hectares of land, and support 350,000 people. The project also includes road construction along the canal and planting 10,000 trees. Rahman added that four crore families will receive family cards, and farmer cards will be distributed next month to small and marginal farmers.

He further stated that the northern region will see the development of agro-based industries to create employment for farmers’ children, reaffirming that public cooperation is essential for implementing national plans.