Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set an ambitious goal to raise revenue collection to 8 percent of GDP in the 2026–27 fiscal year, up from the current 6.6 percent. The plan was presented to the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The move comes despite sluggish implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), weak investment, export slowdown, and rising unemployment, compounded by new uncertainties from the Middle East conflict.

The NBR’s efforts are also linked to conditions under the International Monetary Fund’s loan program, which requires improved revenue performance. Although Bangladesh has met other IMF conditions, it has repeatedly failed to meet revenue targets. Officials say the drive to increase revenue is driven by domestic development needs, not just IMF pressure. The NBR is focusing on expanding the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing tax evasion.

Experts warn that escalating global energy prices and supply disruptions could further strain Bangladesh’s economy and hinder revenue collection. The NBR is also reviewing tax exemptions and implementing digital systems to close collection gaps and recover large outstanding dues from state entities.

Two people were killed after being hit by a truck at the Saptabarna Filling Station in Rajbari Sadar upazila on Sunday evening, March 15. The victims were Sobahan Patowary, 45, from Khan Khanapur Brakpara, and Swapan Mia, 22, from Nannar village in Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka. The accident occurred around 7 p.m. at Goaland Mor when a speeding truck struck a Mahendra vehicle, injuring both men who were standing near the fuel dispenser.

Local sources said Sobahan Patowary had stepped out of his truck to refuel, while Swapan Mia, a helper of another truck, was also waiting in line. Both sustained critical injuries and were taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared them dead upon arrival.

Inspector Harun-or-Rashid, in charge of the Khan Khanapur Police Investigation Center, confirmed that the truck involved in the accident was seized, but its driver and helper fled the scene. The bodies are being kept at Faridpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy before further legal procedures.

The BNP-led government has adopted a five-year master plan to revive dead canals and waterways across Bangladesh, aiming to complete the program by 2030. Under the plan, a total of 7,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated, re-excavated, and renovated. In the current year, 1,500 kilometers of nearly dead canals, drains, and water bodies will be restored. Excavation and re-excavation work on 18 canals in 12 districts will be inaugurated on March 16 and 17. The Water Resources Ministry will act as the lead authority, coordinating with the Agriculture, Disaster Management and Relief, and Local Government ministries.

According to ministry sources, the project will expand irrigation coverage, boost agricultural production, and increase fish supply, helping to restore traditional livelihoods. It is also expected to reduce waterlogging in urban areas, including the capital. The government plans to use a hybrid model combining modern machinery, skilled workers, and laborers under the Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP). Excavated soil will be used for local development or sold through open auctions.

Officials emphasized environmental protection and transparency, with regular monitoring by district administrations. Experts cautioned that political neutrality and transparency will be crucial for the project’s success.

Police recovered the bloodied body of Sharmin Jahan, a student of Jahangirnagar University’s Public Administration Department, from a rented apartment in Savar’s Islamnagar area on Sunday afternoon. She was found critically injured inside the residence she shared with her husband and was later declared dead at Enam Medical College Hospital. Her husband has been taken into police custody for questioning.

Investigators suspect the incident to be a homicide, as injuries were found on the victim’s head. Representatives from the university administration visited the hospital after learning of the incident. The body has been sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Ashulia Police Station’s officer-in-charge said the scene has been inspected and an investigation is underway. Dhaka District Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman stated that the cause of death is being investigated and further details will be provided later.

Police in Dhunat upazila of Bogura have arrested Imruz Raihan Tanzim, a 26-year-old leader of the Swechchhasebak League, in connection with an explosives case filed over a torch procession incident. He was sent to Bogura District Jail through the court on Sunday afternoon after being detained from his home on Saturday night.

According to the case details, on November 30, 2025, around 2 a.m., leaders and activists of the upazila Awami League organized a torch procession in the Bhubangati Uttarpara area of Chowkibari Union. It is alleged that participants detonated crude bombs, causing panic in the locality. On December 10, former president of the Gopalnagar Union Chhatra Dal, Raju Ahmed, filed a case naming 35 individuals and accusing 60 to 70 unidentified persons.

Imruz Raihan Tanzim was arrested as one of the unidentified accused in that case. Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Police in Narayanganj have arrested two individuals following an attack on a police officer and his informant. The incident occurred on Sunday around 5:30 p.m. near the Thanakapra Market area between Golachipa and Alamkhan Lane, adjacent to the railway line. The arrested men were identified as Anik, 28, son of Delwar Hossain, and Mr., 26, son of Harun Sheikh, both from the Golachipa area.

According to police, Sub-Inspector Mizanur and Ariful Salam detained several people after witnessing drug use and sales in the area. A group of seven to eight suspects fled but later returned with others and attacked the officers. The police members retreated to safety, and a subsequent operation led to the arrest of two suspects.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations and Crime) Tarek Al Mehdi stated that they were aware of the assault on SI Mizan and had dispatched officers to investigate. He confirmed that two individuals were detained and that the true cause of the incident would be determined after investigation.

A shooting incident occurred at the Central Shaheed Minar area in Dhaka on Sunday night, leaving one person injured. According to the report, a young man suddenly fired four rounds around 9:30 p.m. The injured individual was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Local residents managed to detain one person in connection with the incident.

The report did not provide further details about the identity of the shooter or the motive behind the attack. The Central Shaheed Minar, a symbolic site in Dhaka, was the location of the unexpected gunfire that caused panic in the area. Authorities have not yet released any official statement regarding the incident or the condition of the injured person.

Further investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of those involved.

A case has been filed in Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar upazila accusing BNP leader Monirul Haque Monir and 29 others of vandalizing and demolishing a farmer’s home. The complaint was lodged by Shahida Akter, wife of the affected farmer, who alleged that the accused destroyed their tin house and leveled the land. The case, naming five individuals and 25 unidentified persons, was accepted by the Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court, which directed the district detective police to investigate.

According to the case details, the disputed land belongs to Shahida Akter’s husband, Rezaul Haque, through inheritance and purchase. The family had been living there for three years. The plaintiff alleged that Monirul Haque Monir had been trying to seize the land and, following local mediation attempts, led an armed attack on March 11, demolishing the house and threatening the family. The victims claimed losses of about 1.2 million taka.

Monirul Haque Monir denied the allegations, asserting that the land belongs to his family and accusing the plaintiffs of filing a false case. The local BNP president said he was unaware of the incident but would look into it.

A legal notice has been issued to lifestyle brand Aarong, urging it to stop charging customers extra for shopping bags after purchases. The notice was sent on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Saddam Hossain Abhi through registered mail to the Commerce Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and Aarong’s Managing Director. It warns that if no action is taken within 15 days, a public interest writ petition will be filed in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.

According to the notice, Aarong has been collecting additional money for shopping bags since September 1, 2025, which the lawyer claims violates Bangladeshi law. The notice states that no other business in the country engages in such a practice, and many customers have expressed frustration on social media after being forced to pay extra or carry clothes by hand.

The lawyer argues that Aarong’s actions financially and mentally harm consumers and breach business ethics. The notice calls for an immediate halt to the practice and urges the consumer rights authority to investigate and ensure all customers receive free shopping bags in the future.

A high-level World Bank delegation paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman on Sunday at the central bank’s headquarters in Dhaka. The delegation included South Asia Regional Vice President John Jut, Bangladesh and Bhutan Division Director Jean Pesme, IFC Director Imad Najib Ahed Fakhoury, Operations Manager Dr. Gail H. Martin, IFC Manager Wilfred Tamegnon, and Senior External Affairs Officer Meherin A. Mahbub. From Bangladesh Bank, Deputy Governors Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman and Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on the progress of ongoing development projects between Bangladesh and the World Bank and explored prospects for future collaboration. Governor Rahman assured the delegation of continued support from Bangladesh Bank in implementing current projects and expressed interest in expanding cooperation to strengthen the financial sector and accelerate economic growth. The World Bank representatives conveyed a positive outlook on maintaining close cooperation with Bangladesh.

The meeting also reviewed the country’s recent economic situation and development potential. It concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with the governor thanking the delegation for their visit.

Major airlines including Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand have announced fare increases following a sharp rise in jet fuel prices triggered by U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran. The conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices up and destabilizing global air travel. Air New Zealand said jet fuel prices jumped from 85–90 to 150–200 dollars per barrel, prompting it to suspend its 2026 financial forecast.

SAS stated that it raised ticket prices to offset costs and maintain operations, while Qantas is considering rerouting aircraft to Europe to avoid Middle East airspace. Finnair, which had hedged over 80 percent of its first-quarter fuel needs, warned that prolonged conflict could threaten fuel availability. Hong Kong Airlines announced a fuel surcharge increase of up to 35.2 percent, particularly affecting flights to South Asia. Some European carriers, such as British Airways’ parent IAG, said they have sufficient fuel hedging and no immediate plans to raise fares.

Oil prices briefly peaked at 119 dollars per barrel before easing, and airline stocks fluctuated sharply. Analysts warned that sustained high fuel costs and restricted airspace could further strain the global travel industry.

A Dhaka court has ordered the arrest of Nasa Group chairman Nazrul Islam Majumdar in connection with an attempted murder case filed at Vatara Police Station. The order was issued on Sunday by Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam following a police petition. Defense lawyer Saidur Islam confirmed the development, noting that Majumdar currently faces more than 20 cases. The investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Hafizur Rahman, had submitted the arrest petition on March 11, and the court set the hearing date in the accused’s presence.

According to the case statement, the incident stems from political unrest following remarks by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on July 16, 2024, which led to student protests in Dhaka. On July 18, 2024, during a demonstration supporting the “July Movement,” the complainant Rohan and others were allegedly shot at by the accused and unidentified individuals, resulting in injuries. Majumdar was previously detained by the Detective Branch on October 1, 2024, in Gulshan and has remained in custody since then.

The court’s latest order formalizes his arrest status in this specific case while he continues to face multiple other legal proceedings.

The State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, has issued nine directives to all district commissioners to strengthen oversight of fuel supply and distribution across Bangladesh. The instructions were given on Sunday during an online meeting on discipline in fuel supply and marketing management, attended by the Cabinet Secretary, the Public Administration Secretary, and all district commissioners. The ministry confirmed the details in an official press release.

The directives include daily verification of depot stock, ensuring supply from depots to petrol pumps, monitoring all categories of fuel customers, investigating pump closures, preventing illegal hoarding and smuggling, maintaining depot security, and ensuring that no fuel is sold at inflated prices. The minister emphasized that offenders must face exemplary punishment and called for increased surveillance at the district level.

He also urged local administrations to promote electricity conservation by limiting decorative lighting, maintaining air conditioner temperatures at or above 25 degrees Celsius, and turning off signboard lights after business hours. The minister sought cooperation from district administrations to address the ongoing global energy challenges.

A man named Md. Rakib, aged 27, was shot dead near the Central Shaheed Minar area in Dhaka on Sunday night. Following the incident, rumors spread on social media claiming that the victim was Rakib Hasan, an actor and director associated with Family Entertainment BD. However, the family of Rakib Hasan clarified that the deceased was not him.

Rakib Hasan’s brother, Khairul Islam, stated that misleading information was being circulated and confirmed that Rakib Hasan was alive and well. Later, Rakib Hasan himself appeared live online to confirm that reports of his death were false. The family urged the public and media to verify information before sharing or publishing it.

The spread of unverified news on social media reportedly caused confusion among many users. The family emphasized the importance of accurate reporting to prevent misinformation in such sensitive cases.

A 27-year-old content creator named Md Rakib was killed on Sunday night near the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka after being shot and attacked with a sharp weapon. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on March 15, 2026. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police have detained one suspect in connection with the attack.

According to eyewitnesses and police sources, a young man suddenly opened fire in the area, injuring Rakib, and then attacked him with a sharp weapon. Bystanders caught one person at the scene and handed him over to the Dhaka University proctorial team, which later turned him over to Shahbagh police. Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that neither the shooter nor the victim was a university student. The detained suspect was identified as Sihab Hossain from Khulna.

Police recovered two bullet casings from the scene and are investigating the case. Rakib was a video content creator and a second-year degree student at Sheikh Borhanuddin College, residing in the Shibbari residential area of Dhaka University.