Bangladesh has consolidated its position as the second-largest apparel supplier to the European Union, achieving a 21.57 percent market share in 2025. According to Eurostat data, the country’s exports to the EU rose from 14,295 million euros in 2021 to 19,414.55 million euros in 2025, marking a 36 percent increase. Despite global demand slowdown, Bangladesh outperformed key competitors such as China, India, and Turkey in growth rate. China retained the top position with a 29.54 percent share, while Turkey and India held 9.27 and 5.03 percent respectively.

Industry leaders attributed Bangladesh’s progress to sustained efforts, competitive pricing, and stable supply chains. They noted that European buyers’ confidence remained strong even amid global economic pressure. The Export Promotion Bureau confirmed that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination, accounting for the majority of its apparel shipments.

Analysts from the Centre for Policy Dialogue said that advances in sustainable production and eco-friendly factories have strengthened Bangladesh’s position in Europe. They emphasized the need for product diversification and a potential free trade agreement with the EU to maintain tariff-free access after the country’s graduation from LDC status.

The global economy faces renewed instability after fresh airstrikes by the United States and Israel in Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The situation has disrupted earlier optimism that followed a brief pause in regional conflict, raising fears of prolonged tensions that could affect oil and gas production. Analysts warn that the conflict may not end quickly, and any disruption in energy supply could push inflation higher and slow global growth.

Experts note that Iran remains determined to retaliate despite attacks on its territory, and potential strikes on major producers such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia could severely impact global markets. Former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff cautioned that the world is entering a highly uncertain period, drawing parallels to historical conflicts that escalated unexpectedly. About 30 percent of global oil and 17 percent of natural gas come from the Middle East, with a fifth of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy price volatility has already surfaced, with oil prices jumping over 10 percent in a single day. Economists warn that extended disruptions could raise production costs, threaten food security in vulnerable regions, and push Europe and East Asia—heavily dependent on imported energy—into deeper economic strain.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has confirmed that the country currently holds adequate fuel reserves and there is no justification for raising prices due to the ongoing war situation. At a press conference held on Tuesday at the BPC headquarters in Karwan Bazar, Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has a total of 136,000 metric tons of fuel oil in stock. He added that alternative markets are being considered in light of the global conflict, but the existing reserves are sufficient to prevent any immediate price increase.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, BPC has completed letters of credit for seven ships as of Monday. The current stock is expected to last 14 days for diesel, 28 days for octane, 15 days for petrol, 93 days for furnace oil, and 55 days for jet fuel. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held meetings with key ministers and officials to review preparedness and instructed all relevant ministries to remain active in ensuring energy security.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir both expressed confidence that the government’s coordinated efforts would maintain stability in the energy sector despite global uncertainties.

Police in Chattogram have arrested Md. Babu Sheikh, 50, identified as the main suspect in the killing of seven-year-old Jannatul Naima Ira. The second-grade student went missing on Monday after leaving home to visit her grandfather’s house in Sitakunda’s Kumira area. According to police, the suspect lured Ira with chocolate and took her to the top of Chandranath Hill, where she was brutally assaulted and her throat slit. Despite severe injuries, Ira managed to walk out of the forest before collapsing. She was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital but died early Tuesday.

Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan said the attack stemmed from a family dispute. Investigators recovered chocolate, a bloodstained shirt, and the knife used in the assault. A video showing the suspect walking with Ira led to his arrest. Doctors confirmed Ira’s condition was critical from the start, and samples were collected for further tests to confirm the nature of the assault.

The incident has left the local community in shock, with residents demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrator.

Bangladesh Bank has eased regulations for renewing ongoing loans to assist businesses facing current economic challenges. In a circular issued on Tuesday, the central bank instructed that banks must begin the renewal process at least two months before the expiry of any existing loan. If renewal cannot be completed within the stipulated time due to reasons beyond control, the loan may still be renewed until it is classified as defaulted, provided that the delay is properly documented.

The circular further stated that any portion exceeding the approved loan limit must be adjusted before renewal. It also prohibited showing the excess portion as a new loan or transferring it to another account to avoid proper classification. The new policy will remain effective until December 31, 2027, replacing a previous circular issued in June 2025.

The directive was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, and took immediate effect, signaling regulatory flexibility aimed at maintaining financial stability and supporting business continuity.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has confirmed that the ongoing process to merge five banks will continue. He instructed officials to take all possible measures to recover defaulted loans and to reopen closed businesses within regulatory frameworks. The directives were issued during a meeting with the Bank Resolution Department at the central bank’s headquarters on Tuesday. Mostakur Rahman took office as governor last Thursday, following the removal of Ahsan H. Mansur, who had initiated several banking reforms after the fall of the Awami League government.

According to Bangladesh Bank officials, the merger of Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank into a new entity named Combined Islami Bank will proceed. Administrators appointed by the central bank are currently managing these institutions. The new bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the deposit insurance fund. The authorized capital is Tk 400 billion, and the headquarters is located at Senakalyan Bhaban in Dhaka.

The governor also directed administrators to ensure depositors can withdraw funds without harassment and to identify those involved in financial irregularities for legal action.

The government has announced a 25 percent fare discount for students, persons with disabilities, and citizens aged over 65 on all types of rail services, including the metro rail. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, March 3, by Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam during a press briefing at the Secretariat. He noted that the implementation of this benefit would take some time.

According to the minister, special options will be added to online ticketing systems to facilitate the discount. Passengers aged over 65 will need to show their national ID cards, while students and persons with disabilities must present valid identification during ticket purchase or travel. Disability cards issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare will be accepted. The minister added that the inclusion of freedom fighters under this scheme had not yet been discussed.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also discussed ongoing efforts to improve railway services, including accelerating current projects and introducing new ones to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. He said preparations were underway to manage increased passenger demand during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and authorities to take immediate action whenever there are reports of rising coarse rice prices in the domestic market. The order was issued on Tuesday, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said the Prime Minister acted after learning that the price of coarse rice, a staple for low-income people, had increased in retail markets. The directive reportedly had a prompt positive effect on the market.

In addition, the Prime Minister instructed that all congratulatory advertisements and banners featuring him on billboards across the capital be removed quickly. He also issued orders to strengthen regular patrols in coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to curb piracy, robbery, and illegal trafficking, and to protect marine resources while ensuring the safety of fishermen.

These directives reflect the government’s focus on market stability, public order, and maritime security, with an emphasis on rapid administrative response to emerging issues.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has requested various chambers and associations to submit their written budget proposals to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) by March 15. The initiative aims to assist in preparing the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Additionally, a soft copy of each proposal should be sent via email to nbrbudget2026@gmail.com. Organizations or offices that are not members of any chamber or association may also send their proposals directly through the same email address.

According to an NBR press release issued on Tuesday, the board prepares revenue policies to support the government’s revenue collection goals. To ensure a participatory, people-oriented, and equitable budget, NBR has consistently sought input from taxpayers, business associations, professional bodies, research institutions, and intellectuals. For the upcoming fiscal year, the board intends to make the revenue collection process more analytical and representative through discussions with stakeholders.

NBR expressed hope that with the cooperation of all concerned, a participatory, business-friendly, and revenue-optimizing budget for 2026–27 can be formulated.

A violent clash broke out on Monday night between supporters of Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Latif Hostel of Tejgaon Polytechnic Institute in Dhaka. The confrontation, reportedly triggered by a dispute over dominance, left at least nine students injured. The injured, aged between 20 and 23, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to hospital police sources, several of the injured arrived at the emergency department early in the morning and received primary medical care. Witnesses and related sources said the incident stemmed from longstanding tension between the two groups within the hostel. Authorities intervened to bring the situation under control.

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem reportedly visited the hospital to check on the injured students.

A Dhaka court has sentenced three people to death and eight others to life imprisonment for the murder of expatriate Shyamal Bepari in Munshiganj Sadar upazila. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday morning by Judge Shyam Sundar of Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal No. 3. Each convict was also fined 25,000 taka, with an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment in case of non-payment. Among the death row convicts are Shahadat Bepari, Ibrahim Bepari, and Jahangir Bepari, while four of the convicted individuals remain absconding.

According to the case, on June 14, 2023, Shyamal Bepari was shot and hacked to death inside his home following a longstanding dispute. His brother filed the murder case with Munshiganj police. After investigation, police submitted a charge sheet against 11 accused in February 2024. The court framed charges in July 2025, and after hearing testimonies from 27 witnesses, the verdict was announced.

The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the ruling, as did the victim’s family members who attended the court. They urged for swift execution of the judgment.

A mobile court in Jaldhaka upazila of Nilphamari sentenced a man named Mrinal Adhikari, aged 25, to three months in jail for selling counterfeit medicines under the name of a reputed pharmaceutical company. The arrest took place on the night of March 3, 2026, when he attempted to sell fake drugs labeled as products of Square Company at Messrs Anindya Pharmacy in Jaldhaka town.

The pharmacy owner, Mahbubur Rahman Moni, informed Square Company’s medical promotional officer, Taslim Alam Khan, who examined the products and confirmed they were counterfeit. Following this confirmation, the matter was reported to higher authorities, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate, Jayid Imrul Mozakkkin, conducted a mobile court on-site and handed down the sentence.

The incident has caused a stir in the area, with local residents urging the administration to continue such drives against counterfeit medicines to protect public health and ensure accountability in the pharmaceutical market.

Five farmers in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat have alleged that toxic chemicals were sprayed on their seven-acre watermelon fields, causing an estimated loss of Tk 3 million. The affected farmers filed a written complaint at the Dahagram Police Investigation Center after discovering the damage. The incident occurred in Sardarpara area of Dahagram union, where the farmers had cultivated hybrid ‘Madhuri’ watermelons on land along the Teesta River.

According to the farmers, they had invested Tk 1.4–1.5 million in fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs over three months, expecting to earn Tk 3–3.5 million from the harvest. They suspect the act was driven by a land dispute with a neighbor, Abdul Mannan, and his son, who allegedly sprayed herbicide at night. Abdul Mannan denied the allegation. Local agricultural officials inspected the damaged fields on March 1 and confirmed extensive losses.

The upazila agriculture officer advised irrigation and fertilizer use to try to save the remaining plants and said assistance under agricultural incentive programs would be considered. Police stated that legal action would follow after investigation.

Law enforcement authorities in Rangpur have arrested two local leaders affiliated with the BNP’s associate organizations in connection with an attack and death threats against a cable business operator. The detainees are Murad Kayser Mithun, general secretary of the Rangpur district Tanti Dal, and Tamjidur Rashid Galib, assistant secretary of the district Jubo Dal. Police confirmed the arrests on Monday night, stating that Galib was detained by RAB-13 from his home in Kamal Kachna, while Mithun was arrested by the Detective Branch from Nurpur.

The arrests follow a violent incident on Sunday evening at the Cable One office near Rangpur Press Club, where a group allegedly attacked staff and issued death threats over control of a cable feed. The dispute reportedly involved attempts to transfer feed ownership from Awami League councillor Harunur Rashid to Jubo Dal leader Galib. Cable One filed two separate cases with Kotwali police, leading to the arrests. Following the incident’s viral footage, the Jubo Dal central committee expelled Monu and Galib from all party positions.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between political groups over control of local cable feed operations in Rangpur.

The cost of transporting oil from the Middle East to China has reached an all-time high, with supertanker charter rates surpassing 400,000 dollars, according to the London Stock Exchange Group. This rate is nearly double compared to last week, when the United States issued threats of an attack on Iran, BBC Bangla reported.

Iran has reportedly targeted ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the south of the country through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply is transported. The largest crude oil carriers, capable of carrying up to two million barrels, are now paying this record freight rate.

The sharp rise in transport costs underscores the growing instability in the Gulf region and its immediate impact on global energy logistics, as tensions around Iran continue to disrupt vital shipping routes.