The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported on Wednesday that the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector is losing at least $600 million per day due to the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The council attributed the losses to disrupted air travel, declining tourist confidence, and broken regional connectivity, which have sharply reduced demand across the region.

According to the WTTC statement, the Middle East accounts for 5 percent of global tourism and 14 percent of international transit traffic. Major airports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain typically handle around 526,000 passengers daily, but have faced nearly two weeks of paralysis and disorder. This disruption has also affected global air travel, driving up ticket prices on many routes.

The council noted that the region had projected $207 billion in revenue from international tourists in 2026. It warned that any interruption in travel flows can quickly and severely impact the tourism ecosystem.

International crude oil prices have risen again, with Brent crude climbing 9.3 percent to reach $100.50 per barrel on Thursday. The increase occurred despite announcements from the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries to release record amounts of emergency reserves. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also rose 8.8 percent to $94.92 per barrel.

The surge in prices has been linked to renewed Iranian attacks on energy supply systems and infrastructure in the Middle East. The instability has disrupted market confidence and contributed to sharp fluctuations in oil prices. Earlier in the week, oil briefly exceeded $110 per barrel before experiencing significant volatility.

The situation underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where multiple ships have reportedly been attacked, further heightening concerns about global energy security.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across eight divisions, including Dhaka, over the coming days. The forecast, issued on March 11, 2026, also warned that Rajshahi, Jessore, and Sylhet regions may experience temporary gusty or squally winds along with rain. River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one.

According to the department, a trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, scattered rain or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely to occur in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions.

The forecast also indicated that daytime temperatures across the country may drop by one to two degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

A global oil shortage triggered by aggression in Iran by Israel and the United States has disrupted fuel supply in Bangladesh, raising concerns over launch operations at Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal. Launch owners reported receiving only 50,000 to 60,000 liters of fuel daily against a demand of 250,000 to 300,000 liters, forcing a reduction in long-distance services. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Owners Association said it has sought government intervention to maintain normal operations.

Fuel suppliers under the Bangladesh River Fuel Trade Association said Meghna Petroleum and Jamuna Petroleum depots in Fatullah were providing 60–70 percent less fuel than required. The shortage has already reduced launch trips to southern regions. Meghna Petroleum officials confirmed limited supply due to government restrictions on agent-based distribution.

The Ministry of Shipping acknowledged the crisis and said high-level discussions are underway to restore supply. Ahead of Eid, authorities plan to strengthen Sadarghat’s security with 60 CCTV cameras and introduce new launch routes from Bosila and Kanchan-Shimuliaghat to ease passenger pressure.

A severe mosquito infestation has spread across Dhaka, with residents reporting unbearable bites in homes, streets, and open spaces. The surge has raised fears of dengue, chikungunya, and other mosquito-borne diseases. Citizens allege that despite the worsening situation, Dhaka’s two city corporations have failed to take visible and effective action. They argue that regular fogging and sanitation could have prevented the crisis, while city officials claim that multiple control measures are already underway.

According to the report, three mosquito species—Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles—are prevalent in the capital. The dry season’s rising temperatures have accelerated Culex breeding, while stagnant and polluted water in drains and ponds has worsened the problem. Areas such as Badda, Rampura, Malibagh, Shahbagh, and Uttara are among the hardest hit. Residents describe using coils, aerosols, and nets without relief, blaming poor drainage and waste management for the infestation.

Dhaka South City Corporation has launched a month-long cleanliness and “crash program” to control mosquitoes, while Dhaka North officials emphasize public awareness and continuous monitoring as essential for sustainable control.

Riya Akter, 25, who was undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, died on Wednesday afternoon following severe injuries from a gas cylinder explosion in Turag’s Kamarpara Bamnartek area. Her death raised the death toll from the March 6 fire incident to three. Hospital sources confirmed that Riya suffered burns on about 32 percent of her body and severe respiratory injuries, which ultimately proved fatal despite intensive care.

The explosion occurred early on March 6 when a gas leak is believed to have caused a buildup inside a house, igniting as someone lit a stove. The fire spread rapidly, injuring ten people, including women and children. Two victims had already died earlier, and seven others remain hospitalized, several in critical condition. Doctors said the injured are under close observation due to extensive burns and airway damage.

Fire Service and local police are conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though initial reports suggest a gas leak from a cooking cylinder.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) officials said there is little chance of a major diesel shortage in Bangladesh despite global concerns over fuel supply disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East. The country regularly imports diesel from multiple sources, including India, which recently began pumping a 5,000-ton shipment under an existing agreement. The small consignment drew disproportionate attention in Bangladeshi and Indian media, though India’s share of Bangladesh’s total diesel imports remains below 14 percent.

According to BPC data, Bangladesh’s annual diesel demand is around 4.4 million tons, with daily consumption averaging 12,000 tons. About 63 percent of the country’s total fuel use is diesel, mainly for agriculture, transport, and inland shipping. To maintain supply stability, Bangladesh imports through international tenders from Singapore, Malaysia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, among others. The Maitree pipeline from India’s Numaligarh refinery to Parbatipur was completed in 2022 to facilitate cross-border supply.

BPC officials said new tenders have been invited to diversify import sources further, including from Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and possibly the United States, ensuring continued supply security despite regional tensions.

Indian airlines are facing a new operational crisis as several Middle Eastern countries have partially or fully closed their airspace due to ongoing regional conflict. The closures have disrupted international routes, particularly flights to Europe and North America, which were already rerouted after Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian carriers last year.

According to aviation data, Air India and IndiGo, India’s largest international carriers, were unable to operate about 64 percent of their scheduled flights to the Middle East, Europe, and North America over the past ten days. HSBC reported that the geopolitical tension in the Middle East is expected to raise operating costs and reduce profitability for Indian airlines, estimating that a seven-day suspension in affected regions could cut annual profits by around 1.2 percent.

IndiGo continues to face difficulties despite resuming some routes, as it relies on six Boeing aircraft leased from North Atlantic Airways, registered in Norway and subject to EU safety directives. European authorities have advised avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, further complicating IndiGo’s operations.

Police in Sitakunda, Chattogram recovered the bloodied body of 25-year-old Youth Dal activist Sajib Chowdhury Akash from a tomato field in Guptakhali village under Muradpur Union on Wednesday morning. Locals discovered the body around 10:30 a.m. and informed police, who sent it to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Sajib, originally from Mirsarai’s Abutorab area, had been living with his maternal family in Sitakunda and worked at a CNG auto-rickshaw garage owned by local Youth Dal leader Md. Shahabuddin.

According to reports, a clash occurred Tuesday night between groups led by BNP leader Abdul Alim and Youth Dal’s Shahabuddin in the same area, leaving at least five people injured. Sajib went missing after the incident, and his family filed a general diary with Sitakunda Model Police Station that night. Locals believe the violence stemmed from a long-standing rivalry between the two groups over upcoming union council elections.

Police have arrested Rakib, 25, son of Md. Shahid of Guptakhali village, on suspicion of involvement. Investigators said the exact motive will be known after further inquiry, while officials noted the killing may be linked to local power struggles.

Residents of Dhalchar Union in Charfassion upazila of Bhola formed a human chain on March 11 demanding withdrawal of an extortion case filed against them. The case followed a clash between two groups over ownership of a foreign ship that had drifted to Char Nizam in 2022. The ship, named Alkubtan, reportedly arrived from Singapore and has since been claimed by multiple parties. Locals allege that after years of protecting the vessel, they were falsely accused of extortion and assault.

According to the report, Kazi Emdadul Haque from Dhaka claimed to have obtained the ship through a court auction and attempted to refloat it, leading to a confrontation with another group. He later filed a case accusing locals of demanding Tk 5 million in extortion and assaulting his team. Locals say they are being harassed and displaced from their homes. Police confirmed the conflict but said the situation is under control and that they are acting under court orders.

The dispute remains unresolved as both sides maintain their claims of legal ownership and wrongdoing.

Police in Chakaria, Cox’s Bazar, rescued a 17-year-old named Mohammad Parvez within 16 hours of his abduction, following instructions from Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. The rescue took place around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Parvez, son of Manjur Alam from Harbang Union, was abducted while traveling home from his workplace in Amirabad, Lohagara. The incident occurred in the Ajinagar area of Chakaria.

According to family sources, the kidnappers called Parvez’s father from a specific mobile number and demanded ransom, prompting the family to alert law enforcement. Police launched an immediate operation under the minister’s directive. Chakaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monir Hossain confirmed that the abductors, part of an organized gang, took Parvez to a remote hilly area in Dulhazara. When police intensified their search, the kidnappers abandoned the boy and fled.

Parvez was safely returned to his family, and police operations to identify and arrest the abductors are ongoing, according to the Chakaria police official.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo in Dhaka, where both sides discussed strengthening cooperation on environmental protection, forest management, and climate change mitigation. The meeting, held at the Forest Department in Agargaon, emphasized green development, technology exchange, pollution control, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Minister Mintoo outlined Bangladesh’s initiatives to combat air, water, and noise pollution and sought continued Chinese support for climate-resilient development. He also highlighted government programs such as family and farmer cards, interest-free loans, tree plantation, canal excavation, and women’s empowerment. The minister announced a target to plant 250 million trees over five years, starting nationwide in May following a detailed plan to be finalized in April.

Ambassador Yao reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s environmental and sustainable development goals and expressed interest in joint projects, including tackling air pollution in Dhaka. Officials also discussed waste-to-energy initiatives under the Aminbazar Landfill modernization project, with both sides seeing potential for deeper technological cooperation.

A mobile court in Matlab North upazila of Chandpur district detained 14 fishermen during an operation on the Meghna River on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The raid was part of the government’s 2026 jatka protection and sanctuary enforcement campaign. Authorities seized a large quantity of illegal fishing nets, including a behundi net, a pressure net, and about 20,000 meters of current net, which were later burned. Four fishing boats and four anchors were also confiscated and placed under police custody.

Each of the detained fishermen received a seven-day jail sentence from Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Rahmat Ullah. The convicts are residents of Matlab North, Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar, and Chandpur Sadar areas. The operation was conducted in the presence of district and upazila fisheries officials and the Mohanpur River Police.

Officials stated that regular river patrols and awareness programs are ongoing to enforce the jatka conservation program. They emphasized that fishing during the government-declared ban period is strictly prohibited and that similar drives will continue to protect future hilsa production.

Police have arrested Dr. A.K.M. Jamal Uddin, a sociology teacher at Dhaka University, from a rally in the Gulistan area of the capital. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026, during a procession linked to the Awami League that had been declared prohibited. Law enforcement officials stated that Jamal Uddin was detained and later formally arrested under an existing case filed against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrest, saying it was made in connection with the ongoing investigation of the case. Police sources said security forces were on alert around the rally site and detained him based on the situation at the scene.

Earlier, on February 15, Jamal Uddin had faced public assault near Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhanmondi while attempting to join another announced program. Police rescued him at that time. Authorities have stated that further legal steps will follow depending on the progress of the investigation.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has approved the release of 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to address supply shortages caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol announced that all 32 member countries unanimously voted to release what he described as the largest amount of emergency oil ever authorized by the agency.

Birol stated that the oil market is facing unprecedented challenges, and he welcomed the collective emergency action taken by member nations. According to the IEA, each member country will release its share of reserves within an appropriate timeframe based on national circumstances.

The agency noted that this marks the sixth coordinated release in its history, following similar actions in 1991, 2005, 2011, and twice in 2022. IEA members currently hold over 1.02 billion barrels of emergency reserves, with an additional 600 million barrels held by industry under government obligations.