Iran has assured Bangladesh that oil and LNG tankers bound for the country will not face obstruction while passing through the Hormuz Strait, despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The assurance came after Bangladesh contacted Iran over concerns about energy supply disruptions through one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. Energy ministry officials said the move has eased immediate concerns about fuel supply stability.

A tanker carrying 27,000 tons of diesel from Singapore arrived at Chattogram port on Monday, with four more vessels carrying about 120,000 tons expected this week. To meet April’s demand, the government has initiated direct purchases of around 300,000 tons of diesel from alternative sources, as long-term contracts face uncertainty due to the war. Bangladesh currently supplies about 9,000 tons of diesel daily against a normal demand of 12,000 tons.

China and India have expressed willingness to support Bangladesh in addressing potential fuel shortages. The government has strengthened market monitoring and directed local administrations to prevent hoarding and irregularities.

An elderly man named Kala Mia, aged 70, died after being beaten by his two sons over a land dispute in Teknaf’s Nayapara area of Cox’s Bazar early Monday night. According to police and medical sources, he was taken to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. The accused sons were identified as Shaker Alam and Monir Alam.

Local residents said the dispute arose when Kala Mia’s wife became involved in selling ancestral property, leading to ongoing conflicts with their sons. The sons reportedly pressured their father to transfer the land to their names, but he insisted on dividing it among all heirs before any sale. The disagreement escalated into a violent assault that caused his death.

Local union council member Abul Fayez stated that the sons had been arguing with their father for days and allegedly hid him before he was found unconscious. Police confirmed that legal proceedings are underway and the body has been sent for autopsy at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has started selling advance tickets for its Eid-ul-Fitr special bus service from Tuesday, March 10. The initiative aims to ensure safe, comfortable, and affordable travel for homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid holidays. The information was announced in a press release signed by BRTC’s Public Relations Officer, Mostakim Bhuiyan.

According to the release, passengers can purchase advance tickets for various routes from the respective BRTC depots. The special Eid bus service will officially begin on March 16. BRTC stated that the program is designed to reduce passenger suffering and provide cost-effective travel options during the busy holiday period.

The corporation has also urged the public to take advantage of the Eid special service to ensure a smoother travel experience during the festive season.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has cancelled Eid-ul-Fitr holidays for customs houses, directing that import and export activities continue on a limited scale during the holiday period. Only on the day of Eid will customs stations remain closed. The directive, signed by NBR’s Second Secretary (Customs Policy) Rezaul Karim, was issued on Monday.

According to the circular, the decision aims to ensure uninterrupted import and export trade across the country. Customs houses in Dhaka, Chattogram, Benapole, ICD Kamalapur, Mongla, and Pangaon have been instructed to maintain limited operations from March 17 to 23, excluding the Eid day. Similar instructions were also sent to excise and VAT commissionerates in Dhaka (North, West, East, and South), Chattogram, Rajshahi, Jashore, Khulna, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Cumilla.

The NBR’s move seeks to balance the need for continuous trade flow with the observance of Eid festivities, ensuring that essential import-export processes are not disrupted during the holiday period.

A Dhaka court has ordered four members of an organized human skeleton theft ring to be sent to jail after their arrest in the Tejgaon area. The order was issued on Tuesday by Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam. The accused are Kazi Zohurul Islam alias Soumik, Md. Abul Kalam, Asadul Munshi alias Jasim alias Ershad, and Faisal Ahmed. Police recovered a total of 47 human skulls and bones during multiple operations.

According to case details, Tejgaon police acted on a tip-off and first arrested Kazi Zohurul Islam near the Manipuripara cemetery early Sunday, recovering one skeleton. Based on his information, two more suspects were detained near Tejgaon College with two skeletons. Later, police raided the Sapporo Dental College Hospital hostel in Uttara, where Faisal was arrested with 44 skeletons allegedly stolen from cemeteries across the country.

Investigators said the group collected human skeletons from cemeteries in Gazipur and other areas and sold them at high prices. A case has been filed at Tejgaon Police Station over the incident.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will distribute Family Cards to 40 million households across Bangladesh within the next five years. He made the statement on Tuesday morning at the Family Card inauguration ceremony held at the T&T playground near Karail slum in Banani, Dhaka. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was present, and the event was chaired by Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain.

Rahman said the initiative has already started in 14 locations nationwide, with about 37,000 women currently participating. In the Karail, Vashantek, and Saat Tola areas, around 15,000 women have already received the benefits of the Family Card. He emphasized that empowering women-headed households is essential for national development, as half of the country’s population is female.

The Prime Minister added that the Family Card program fulfills an election promise, achieved within a month of taking office, and reflects the government’s commitment to accountability to the people.

A Dhaka court has accepted the charge sheet against 28 accused in the case over the fatal beating of Tofazzal Hossain, a mentally unstable man, at Dhaka University’s Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall. On March 10, 2026, Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued arrest warrants for 22 fugitives while taking cognizance of the charges. Among the accused, four are in jail, two are on bail, and the rest remain absconding.

The incident occurred on September 18, 2024, when Tofazzal was beaten to death by students who suspected him of theft. The following day, a case was filed at Shahbagh Police Station by a university estate office supervisor. After initial investigation and dissatisfaction from the university administration, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) was ordered to reinvestigate. PBI later submitted a new charge sheet on December 15, 2025, naming 28 individuals, including seven new suspects.

The court’s latest order advances the legal process against those accused in the killing, with further proceedings expected following the execution of the arrest warrants.

The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) has requested the formation of a Tk 3,000 crore special fund to protect the country’s housing sector from the impact of ongoing global conflicts. REHAB leaders formally presented the proposal during a meeting with the new Bangladesh Bank Governor, Md. Mostakur Rahman, at the central bank’s headquarters on Tuesday. The delegation included REHAB President Md. Wahiduzzaman, Senior Vice President Liaquat Ali Bhuiyan, Vice President-1 Lion M.A. Awal, and directors Md. Kamrul Islam and Miraj Muktadir.

During the meeting, REHAB representatives described the current challenges facing the housing industry, citing rising construction material costs, financing difficulties, and market uncertainty caused by global instability. They emphasized that the housing sector is vital to the national economy, linking more than 250 related industries. REHAB also urged the introduction of low-interest, long-term housing loans for middle- and lower-middle-income groups and the simplification of bank loan approval processes.

Governor Rahman listened to the proposal and assured that the central bank would consider appropriate measures. REHAB leaders expressed optimism that the proposed fund would boost investment and make home ownership more accessible.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced that motorcycle ride-share drivers in metropolitan areas will be allowed to purchase up to five liters of octane or petrol per day. The decision was detailed in a press release signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana on March 10, 2026.

According to the announcement, the fuel distribution will follow three specific conditions. Drivers must receive a purchase receipt specifying the fuel type, quantity, and price each time they buy fuel. They must also submit the original copy of the previous purchase receipt when refueling again. Additionally, the motorcycle’s registration number and driver information must be verified with the ride-sharing app before fuel is supplied.

BPC stated that only those who comply with these conditions will be eligible to collect up to five liters of fuel daily from filling stations within metropolitan areas.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Textiles, Jute, Industry and Commerce, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, stated that there is currently no concern about rising commodity prices, even though the Iran-Israel war may affect trade. He noted that if sea routes remain closed for a long time, transportation costs could increase. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon after distributing family cards at a program held at M A Rup Junior School field in Kulanj Union of Dirai upazila, Sunamganj.

He explained that the family card distribution fulfills a promise made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a poverty-free Bangladesh, launched just a month after the election. The initiative was designed to avoid any political bias. Muktadir added that the government is working to create an investment-friendly environment to boost employment and purchasing power, addressing past stagnation in investment.

At the event, 697 women from three villages in Kulanj Union received family cards. Several members of parliament and local officials attended the program, and beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the prime minister.

Bangladesh’s stock market continued its strong recovery for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, signaling easing investor fears linked to the Middle East conflict. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) benchmark index DSEX rose by more than 148 points, following a 132-point gain the previous day, totaling a two-day increase of 280 points. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a sharp rise, with its CSCX index climbing 2.33 percent to surpass 9,000 points.

According to Ifthekhar Alam, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association and CEO of LankaBangla Investments, natural buyers have returned to the market after a major correction, restoring positive momentum. He noted that the government’s decision not to raise fuel prices, alternative supply arrangements, and the arrival of two oil tankers at Chattogram port have eased concerns over fuel shortages, positively influencing the market.

Trading activity also increased, with DSE transactions reaching about Tk 594 crore compared to Tk 416 crore the previous day, reflecting renewed investor participation and confidence.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has warned that Bangladesh could lose significant import duty revenue in the current fiscal year due to its new trade agreement with the United States. The concern was raised at a roundtable in Dhaka on March 10, where CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun presented findings showing a potential revenue loss of about Tk 1,327 crore. The deal, titled the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, allows duty-free import of around 4,500 US products and requires tariff reductions on another 2,210 items over the next five to ten years.

CPD noted that the arrangement may create a one-sided market advantage for the US and could conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles, potentially complicating Bangladesh’s trade policy. The organization also cautioned that mandatory purchases of certain US goods could raise government expenditure, urging a review of the deal through dialogue with Washington.

The discussion further highlighted Bangladesh’s revenue shortfall, growing reliance on bank borrowing, and slow development spending, with CPD recommending realistic budget targets and long-term fiscal reforms to stabilize the economy.

The government of Bangladesh has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday by executive order, extending the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation period. Following this announcement, Bangladesh Bank confirmed that scheduled banks will remain closed for seven consecutive days. However, to facilitate salary and bonus payments for garment workers, certain bank branches in industrial areas will remain open on March 18 and 19.

According to a circular issued by the central bank, branches located in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram garment zones must operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a prayer break between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Transactions will be conducted until 1 p.m. The circular also instructed that bank branches and booths in port and customs areas remain operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support import and export activities.

Between March 17 and 23, except on Eid day, limited banking operations will continue in coordination with local administration and port authorities to ensure smooth trade-related transactions.

Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury has been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director (Finance and Accounts) at Grameen Bank. The decision was made at the bank’s 173rd board meeting, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the institution. Prior to this promotion, he served as the General Manager of the Finance and Accounts Division.

Chowdhury was born in West Dhemsha village of Satkania upazila in Chattogram district. He completed his postgraduate degree in Management from the University of Chittagong and joined Grameen Bank in 1995 as a probationary officer. Over his career, he has held various key positions including Branch Manager, Program Officer, Area Manager, Zonal Audit Officer, Zonal Manager, and Department Head.

He expressed optimism about contributing further to the bank’s progress, particularly in expanding loan programs and deposit growth, drawing on his long professional experience.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on retired Lieutenant Colonel Asadul Islam and his wife Nasreen Shams amid corruption allegations. The order was given on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), represented by Assistant Director Abdul Malek, had petitioned for the restriction.

According to the ACC’s application, Asadul Islam is accused of acquiring wealth beyond known income sources and conducting suspicious transactions through his bank accounts. The commission is currently investigating these allegations. Reliable sources reportedly informed investigators that Asadul Islam and his wife were attempting to leave the country.

The court imposed the travel ban to ensure an unhindered investigation into the corruption allegations. The order prevents both individuals from traveling abroad until further notice.