A mobile court in Ishwardi, Pabna seized 6,000 liters of hoarded fuel and fined a trader for underweight sales. The operation took place on Saturday afternoon at the Railgate area of the municipal town, where the owner of Messrs Karim Petroleum Agency, Md. Abdul Karim, was fined 20,000 taka. The mobile court was led by Ishwardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md. Asaduzzaman Sarkar.

The raid was conducted based on information from the National Security Intelligence (NSI). According to the executive magistrate, evidence was found that the trader had stored fuel illegally and sold less than the proper amount to customers. The seized fuel was ordered to be sold immediately to the public at the government-fixed price.

Authorities stated that the action aimed to ensure fair fuel distribution and prevent manipulation in the local market.

Bangladesh’s Road, Bridges, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that fuel stations along highways will remain open 24 hours a day for seven days before and five days after Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision, effective from Saturday night, aims to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for long-distance buses and other public transport during the holiday rush. The minister confirmed that the previous fuel purchase limits for public transport have been lifted to prevent any disruption in travel.

During a visit to Dhaka’s bus terminals, the minister said sufficient fuel supply has been arranged and strict instructions issued to prevent fare hikes or ticket cancellations under the pretext of fuel shortages. He noted that BRTC buses are operating on schedule and charging only approved fares.

Authorities have identified 207 potential traffic congestion points nationwide. Special coordination among highway police, BRTA, transport operators, local administration, and law enforcement has been arranged to manage traffic flow. Construction materials have been cleared from highways to keep at least two to three lanes operational, with all four lanes open where available.

A mobile court in Bilmaria Bazar of Puthia upazila, Rajshahi, fined an oil trader for selling petrol at a higher price than allowed. The operation took place on Saturday afternoon, led by Puthia Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shibu Das. During the inspection, price lists of various oil sellers were checked, and trader Adil Hossain was fined 2,000 taka for overpricing petrol.

According to the Puthia upazila administration, such drives will continue to ensure compliance with official pricing and to prevent unjustified price hikes. The administration also stated that strict measures will be taken against those responsible for increasing prices unlawfully.

The fine reflects ongoing local enforcement efforts to stabilize fuel prices and maintain transparency in market operations, as part of broader administrative monitoring in the region.

A murder suspect was seen accompanying BNP lawmaker Shafiqul Haque Milon of Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohonpur) constituency at a public iftar event in Rajshahi. The suspect, Raisul Islam Russell, accused in the killing of Jamaat activist Md Alauddin, reportedly received the MP at Rajshahi airport last Friday and later joined his motorcade to attend an iftar gathering in Kesharhat. Russell had posted a selfie with the MP on Facebook before deleting it.

MP Milon said he was unaware of any murder case against Russell, describing him as a known local party activist without a criminal record to his knowledge. The murder case was filed on March 7 after a clash between BNP and Jamaat members in Mohonpur’s Sankoa area left Alauddin dead. Police confirmed Russell as the prime accused and said he remains at large.

Local Jamaat leaders expressed surprise that the suspect could appear publicly while police claim he is missing. Police officials said they have not received any bail documents and are continuing efforts to arrest the accused.

Labour, Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that industrial workers will receive their wages and bonuses before Eid. He said several factories have already paid their workers, and the remaining payments will be completed soon. The minister expressed optimism that the government will ensure timely disbursement so that workers can celebrate Eid with joy.

Speaking after visiting the Shahi Eidgah in Sylhet on Saturday afternoon, Ariful Haque said the government is maintaining communication with factory owners to facilitate payments and will provide all necessary support. He added that the government is hopeful about a smooth process this year.

The minister also confirmed the deaths of five Bangladeshi nationals in a gas explosion in the Maldives. He said the bodies will be brought back following local legal procedures, and discussions are underway with the concerned company regarding compensation. He further noted that three ministries are closely monitoring the ongoing war situation in the Middle East to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates.

At least seven people were injured in a violent attack and looting allegedly led by a local Youth League leader in Chauddagram upazila of Comilla on Friday night. The incident took place in Singraish Masterbari area of Munshirhat Union, where seven houses, including that of a police officer, were vandalized and looted. Several crude bombs exploded during the attack, spreading panic in the area. Police confirmed the incident on Saturday afternoon.

According to local sources, the violence stemmed from a longstanding dispute between Md. Sabuj, son of Abdus Sattar, and Rezaul Karim, nephew of Amir Islam. The conflict escalated after Rezaul was allegedly assaulted by Youth League leader Bacchu Mia on Thursday night. When both sides attempted to settle the matter the following evening, Bacchu Mia and his associates reportedly launched repeated attacks. Locals claimed Bacchu Mia had previously dominated the area through intimidation and later shifted allegiance to Jamaat after the 2024 uprising.

Police said they received a written complaint and have launched an operation to arrest the accused. Bacchu Mia denied involvement and claimed he was not affiliated with the Youth League.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the current BNP-led government is prioritizing the modernization, safety, and international standards of Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors. He made the remarks on Saturday at an event organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the All Community Club auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that women’s active participation is vital for the sector’s progress and praised ATJFB’s initiative to recognize women’s contributions.

This year, ten women received the ATJFB Aviatour Women’s Icon Award for their achievements in aviation and tourism. Awardees included professionals from categories such as pilot, cabin crew, sales and marketing, customer service, aviation entrepreneurship, instruction, public relations, tour guiding, culinary tourism, and hospitality entrepreneurship. The awards were presented by the state minister himself.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, airlines, tourism organizations, and industry leaders. Ethiopian Airlines served as a supporting sponsor, and an iftar gathering followed the award ceremony.

Bangladesh is set to participate for the first time in the 26th China International Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC), scheduled from March 17 to 19 in Shanghai. The event will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, with participation from 50 countries. National Agricare Export-Import Company (NAC) will represent Bangladesh, showcasing its range of agrochemical products including pesticides, growth regulators, fertilizers, and WDG formulations.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif, Bangladesh’s participation marks a new step toward diversifying export earnings beyond the ready-made garment sector. He noted that EPB will support other companies interested in joining similar international exhibitions. NAC Managing Director KSM Mostafizur Rahman stated that with policy support, the agro industry could become export-oriented within five years, reducing import dependence.

The exhibition provides a platform for entrepreneurs to explore new agricultural products, technologies, and sustainable solutions, potentially opening new export opportunities for Bangladesh’s agro sector.

The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police arrested Philip Sangma on Saturday morning from the Shantipur Bypass area in Nadia district, India. He is accused of helping the suspects in the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, to flee. According to Indian media reports, the arrest followed information obtained from two previously detained suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, who were captured on March 7 near the Bongaon border.

During initial questioning, Philip reportedly admitted that he had long been involved in cross-border smuggling for money. After Hadi’s killing, he crossed into India to avoid pressure from Bangladeshi police and later planned to return to Bangladesh with Faisal and Alamgir’s help. However, their arrests led to increased scrutiny, resulting in his capture.

Hadi was shot by assailants on a motorcycle in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 and later died in Singapore on December 18 after receiving treatment in Dhaka and Singapore hospitals.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has urged the government to take immediate action to stop excessive fare collection and passenger harassment in public transport during the Eid travel period. In a statement issued on Saturday, the association’s secretary general Mozammel Haque Chowdhury criticized the new road minister for conducting what he described as superficial inspections at bus terminals alongside media and transport owners.

The statement alleged that the long-standing system of fare irregularities remains unchanged and that the government has failed to introduce structural reforms or ensure accountability under existing laws. It called on the new minister to personally observe the situation by visiting major terminals such as Sayedabad, Gulistan, Gabtoli, Mohakhali, and Sadarghat in disguise to witness the real conditions faced by passengers.

The association further claimed that despite official announcements not to raise fares for Eid, transport operators are charging double or triple the regular rates on various routes, including Dhaka–Gazipur and Dhaka–Mawa. It urged the minister to take effective measures reflecting the prime minister’s intent to protect passengers from exploitation.

Iran is reportedly considering a new condition for oil tankers passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to a CNN report citing a senior Iranian official, Tehran may allow a limited number of tankers to transit the waterway only if the oil cargo or transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan. The move is part of a broader plan Iran is developing to manage tanker traffic in the strait.

The official indicated that while the global oil market remains dominated by the US dollar, Iran is signaling its intent to challenge that dominance. This approach aligns with recent trends where Russia, under Western sanctions, has increasingly sold oil in rubles or yuan. By following a similar path, Iran aims to support Beijing’s efforts to expand the international role of the Chinese currency in global energy trade.

If implemented, the policy could further shift parts of the global oil trade away from dollar dependence, reinforcing China’s influence in energy markets.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam announced that the government will reopen closed jute mills in a short time to create employment and diversify the sector. He made the statement on Saturday after inspecting the activities of the Textile Vocational Institute project in Bhandaria upazila of Pirojpur. The minister emphasized that jute is an integral part of Bangladesh’s heritage and culture, once known worldwide as the golden fiber.

He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has taken initiatives to revive the jute industry in line with electoral commitments. The minister recalled that in 2001, a move was made to ban plastic and polythene, and the government now aims to rebuild public opinion against plastic use and encourage jute-based products. Various government offices have already begun increasing the use of jute goods, and plans are underway to ensure jute and sack use in daily necessities.

He added that despite the government’s short tenure, several plans have been adopted to achieve visible progress soon, including increasing jute and seed production, reopening mills, and generating new employment opportunities.

Water Resources Minister Farhad Hossain Azad announced that Bangladesh will plant 2.5 billion trees across the country over the next five years. He made the statement on Saturday at an emergency meeting organized by the Dinajpur district BNP at the Dinajpur Shishu Academy auditorium. The meeting was held ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Dinajpur.

The minister said that as part of the BNP’s election manifesto, the government has begun implementing welfare programs such as family cards, agricultural loan waivers, and allowances for imams and muezzins. He added that the Prime Minister will inaugurate a canal excavation program on March 16 in Sahapara, Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur, under which 20,000 kilometers of canals will be dug nationwide, followed by tree planting along both banks.

Farhad Hossain Azad urged party leaders and activists to ensure the success of the Prime Minister’s visit. The meeting was attended by local MPs and leaders from various BNP-affiliated organizations across Dinajpur district.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the fuel rationing system for public transport in Bangladesh will be lifted starting Saturday night, March 14, 2026. The decision means buses and other public transport vehicles will have access to sufficient fuel supplies. The announcement was made in Gulistan, Dhaka, as part of the government’s effort to ease transportation disruptions caused by recent fuel shortages.

The rationing policy had been introduced on March 6 by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to conserve fuel amid supply complications linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States in the Middle East. Under that system, motorcycles were allowed two liters of petrol per day, private cars ten liters, SUVs and microbuses up to twenty-five liters, and long-distance buses and trucks up to 220 liters daily. While the restriction has now been lifted for public transport, no new directive has been issued for private vehicles.

The government also indicated that monitoring will continue to prevent overcharging and ticket black marketing during the transition period.

Dhaka Electric Supply PLC (DESCO) has launched a special drive from March 9, 2026, to reduce excessive lighting and promote electricity conservation across shopping malls, markets, and residential and commercial areas under its jurisdiction. The initiative follows a directive issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on March 8. On March 12, DESCO teams conducted operations in several Uttara West locations, including Jamjam Tower, Rajlakkhi, and Garib-e-Nawaz Avenue, identifying and shutting down unnecessary lighting.

The drive was led by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Hadiuzzaman, who warned that further violations would result in strict penalties and fines. Market and shop owners were urged to avoid unnecessary electricity use and maintain air conditioner temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. Awareness leaflets were distributed among shoppers, pedestrians, and shop staff to promote the government’s energy-saving directives.

Similar operations were carried out on March 11 in Gulshan-1, Gulshan-2, and surrounding commercial areas. DESCO authorities have decided to continue the campaign across all areas under its coverage.