A severe diesel shortage in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur has disrupted irrigation for Boro and Irri rice cultivation, putting around 30,000 hectares of farmland at risk. Farmers report that without diesel, they cannot operate irrigation pumps, causing fields to crack and seedlings to wither. Many accuse local fuel hoarders of creating an artificial crisis by limiting market supply, while officials have yet to take visible action to resolve the issue.

Local farmers and civic groups warn that if the shortage persists, it could lead to a major decline in seasonal rice production and threaten national food security, as Boro rice is a key contributor to the country’s grain supply. Farmers have urged authorities to restore normal diesel and petrol distribution immediately.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahfuzur Rahman cautioned that irregular irrigation at this stage could severely reduce yields. Upazila Executive Officer Amit Dutta stated that the administration has launched operations against illegal hoarding and is maintaining strict market monitoring to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for farmers.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former Air Chief Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan and his wife Tahmida Begum. The order was issued on Monday, March 30, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision.

The Anti-Corruption Commission’s assistant director Mahmudul Hasan had earlier submitted two separate petitions seeking to seize the couple’s tax documents. The petitions stated that both Hannan and Tahmida are registered taxpayers. According to the filings, the seizure of their primary and miscellaneous income tax records from the opening date up to the 2024–25 tax year was necessary for a fair investigation.

After the hearing, the court approved the petitions and issued the order. The report also notes that on May 6 of a previous year, the court had ordered the seizure of Sheikh Abdul Hannan’s assets.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recovered a significant portion of funds laundered abroad through the online Ponzi scheme MTFE. Using international cooperation and advanced technology, the agency brought back approximately 3.62 million US dollars, equivalent to over Tk 440 million. The recovery was announced at a press briefing at CID headquarters, where officials described it as a major success in combating cyber fraud.

Investigations revealed that MTFE began operating in Bangladesh in June 2022, luring investors through social media advertisements promising high returns from cryptocurrency and forex trading. The platform fabricated virtual trading profits to gain trust and later shut down abruptly in mid-2023, leaving thousands of investors defrauded. Funds were transferred abroad through various cryptocurrency wallets.

CID’s Cyber Police Centre traced part of the laundered assets using blockchain analysis tools and coordinated with international exchanges and Asset Reality Ltd in the UK to convert and repatriate the funds. The recovered money has been deposited in a government account at Sonali Bank. The investigation continues to identify victims and recover remaining assets.

In Raiganj of Sirajganj, the once-familiar sight of tall palm trees is rapidly disappearing, raising concerns about increasing lightning strikes and other natural disasters. The decline has been attributed to agricultural expansion, unplanned tree cutting, and insufficient replanting. Local residents have reported more frequent lightning-related deaths of farmers and livestock during recent monsoon seasons, heightening fear and frustration in the community.

Environmental activists from the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) in Sirajganj warn that palm trees not only enhance natural beauty but also act as protection against lightning. Their loss threatens biodiversity, particularly the habitat of the baya weaver bird, and disrupts the ecological balance. Palm trees also hold economic and cultural value, providing nutritious fruit and raw materials for rural crafts such as mats, fans, and other cottage products.

Experts caution that the disappearance of palm trees could erode both environmental stability and rural heritage, diminishing the aesthetic and ecological identity of traditional Bangladeshi villages.

A modernization project costing about Tk 21 crore at Dhaka University’s Mall Chattar has drawn criticism after the area turned hazardous for students and pedestrians. Following recent rainfall, an electric shock incident killed a dog near Surya Sen Hall around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, raising alarm among witnesses who narrowly avoided a larger accident.

Students alleged that the square’s electrical wiring and lighting were installed without proper planning, creating electrocution risks whenever rainwater accumulates. Poor drainage and inadequate maintenance have worsened the danger. Some lamp posts have reportedly been stolen, leaving exposed wires temporarily patched with tape. The project, launched for the university’s centenary celebration, included lighting, drainage, seating, and aesthetic structures but has faced criticism over design flaws and safety lapses.

Acting Chief Engineer Kazi Md. Akram Hossain said some lights had been disconnected after thefts, and the sudden rain caused the incident. Newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam called the situation alarming and instructed the engineering department to take immediate safety measures.

Police in Palashbari, Gaibandha have arrested Harun, the husband of slain housewife Kabita Begum, in connection with her murder. Kabita’s mother, Hasna Begum, filed a case naming her son-in-law and three others as accused after Kabita’s throat-slit body was recovered from a rented house in Betkapa Union’s Paramlagaachi village on the night of March 28. Harun was detained from Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment.

According to police and local sources, the body was found in a house rented from retired army member Mostafizar Rahman. Harun, a resident of Chakbhagbanpur village in Eidilpur Union of Sadullapur upazila, was identified as the prime suspect. Police stated that a severed male organ recovered at the scene belonged to Harun.

Officer-in-Charge Sarwar Alam Khan said the investigation has been intensified to uncover the full circumstances of the killing, and efforts are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects.

A young man was killed and another critically injured in a planned attack in Meghna upazila of Cumilla following a dispute at a religious event. According to police and the case statement, the incident occurred on the evening of March 27 when assailants stopped a CNG autorickshaw near Lakkhankhola Bazar and attacked passengers Jihad, 22, and Shahjalal alias Sabbir, 20, with sharp weapons, iron rods, and sticks. Sabbir later died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while Jihad remains on life support in the ICU. Police have arrested one suspect named Babul Mia.

The case was filed by Rafiqul, 44, a resident of Mugarchar village, naming several accused including Naeem, Babul Mia, Zahidul, Kamal Mia, Sajib, Lilu Mia, and Firoz Mia, along with several unidentified others. The attack reportedly stemmed from a confrontation the previous day at the Ali Shah Bhandari Urs, where the accused allegedly harassed a woman and were confronted by locals.

Local residents have demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of all involved. Police said operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects, and the victim’s body has been sent for autopsy.

An official investigation has identified six key causes behind the March 21 train-bus collision at Padua Bazar level crossing in Comilla, which killed 12 passengers and injured at least 20 others. The district administration’s inquiry, led by Additional District Magistrate Mohammad Zafar Sadiq Chowdhury, found negligence by six gatemen, the Lalmai station master, two locomotive drivers, the Roads and Highways Department, and the bus driver. The committee submitted its report with eight recommendations to the district commissioner.

The report revealed that several gatemen were absent or failed to communicate train movements, while the station master did not issue required warnings. The locomotive drivers did not slow down despite missing signals, and roadside structures obstructed the bus driver’s view. The committee also noted that the bus driver ignored safety protocols and route restrictions. Three gatemen have been arrested following a passenger’s case.

To prevent future accidents, the committee recommended regular monitoring of level crossings, mandatory drug testing for gatemen, restoring electrical connections for signal systems, improving coordination between road and rail authorities, and ensuring buses operate only on authorized routes.

RAB-15 conducted a pre-dawn raid on March 29, 2026, at Rohingya Camp-08 East in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, recovering a pistol, ammunition, and other materials. Acting on secret information, a team from RAB-15’s CPC-1 unit searched a shelter in Block B/66, reportedly linked to Mohammad Zubair, identified as a member of the ‘ARA’ group. The operation took place around 3 a.m. and resulted in the seizure of weapons and group-related items.

According to RAB sources, the recovered items included one pistol, two rounds of pistol ammunition, one pipe gun with two rounds, several pairs of ARA group uniforms, helmets, and hand gloves. No arrests were made during the operation. RAB stated that legal proceedings regarding the seized materials are underway.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Law and Media) A.M. Faruk confirmed that the operation was based on intelligence and that efforts to apprehend those involved are continuing.

Global oil prices climbed sharply on Monday, surpassing $116 per barrel as renewed conflict in the Middle East intensified concerns over energy supply. The benchmark Brent crude rose more than 3 percent in early trading, crossing the $116 mark amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Before February 28, oil traded at about $72 per barrel. On March 19, it reached a peak of $118 before easing slightly to just under $112 by Friday afternoon. The current surge marks a significant increase compared to pre-war levels, reflecting market anxiety over potential disruptions in the region.

The price spike coincided with Iran’s announcement that it is prepared for a possible U.S. ground attack. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that any American troops entering the country would face severe retaliation, and regional allies would also be punished, according to the report.

Dismissed Bangladesh Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Md. Afzal Naser, aged 61, was arrested by the Detective Branch police early Sunday night in the Mirpur DOHS area of Dhaka. According to law enforcement sources, the arrest took place around 3 a.m. following a raid based on secret information. Authorities have not yet released official details about the specific reason for his detention or the case under which he was arrested.

Afzal Naser was dismissed from the army on November 5, 2009. He had joined the military on July 4, 1984, and served in several key positions during his career. Notably, he worked in the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) from March 2006 to March 2008, a period associated with the 1/11 caretaker government. He hails from Mujir Khil village in Senbag upazila of Noakhali.

Sources indicated that more information regarding the arrest may be released soon.

The upazila administration has officially ended the rescue operation following the bus sinking in the Padma River at Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari. The announcement was made on Sunday night by Goaland Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sathi Das, who confirmed that no one remains missing. The incident occurred on March 25 when a bus from Kushtia to Dhaka lost control while boarding a ferry and plunged into the river, resulting in 26 deaths.

Among the deceased, 18 were residents of Rajbari district. Each of their families has received a one-time government assistance of 25,000 taka under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Injured passengers are being provided 15,000 taka for medical treatment. All 26 bodies were handed over to their families without autopsy.

Officials stated that the rescue operation could resume if new information emerges, but for now, the search has been concluded as no further missing persons have been reported.

Motorcyclists blocked a major highway near Dhaka’s airport on Sunday night after failing to get octane fuel from a nearby filling station. The protest began around 10:30 p.m. in front of the Masud Hasan Filling Station, opposite the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh. The blockade caused severe traffic congestion before law enforcement officials persuaded the bikers to clear the road about half an hour later.

According to the protesters, they had been waiting in line for fuel since evening, but the station stopped service around 7:30 p.m. and closed. One biker said they were forced to take to the streets because they had no other way to continue their journeys without fuel. The station operator, Mizanur Rahman, stated that the fuel had run out earlier in the evening and staff left to avoid potential trouble.

Police confirmed that the bikers blocked the highway due to the fuel shortage and were later removed peacefully with assistance from traffic and intelligence personnel.

A devastating fire broke out at Hawkers Market in the Traffic Point area of Sunamganj Sadar upazila late Sunday night, causing an estimated loss of 50 to 70 million taka, according to local traders. The blaze started around 11:30 p.m. and is believed to have originated from a short circuit in a shoe store. Because the shop contained large quantities of shoes, the flames spread rapidly, burning all stored goods and extending to about eight to ten nearby shops.

Fire Service, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units worked together for two hours to bring the fire under control. Sunamganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ratan Sheikh said the fire likely began from an electrical short circuit, though the Fire Service would confirm the exact cause. Station Officer Jalal Ahmed of Sunamganj Fire Service confirmed that the fire was now under control.

Authorities have not yet provided an official estimate of total damages, and investigations into the cause are ongoing.

Six women, including two children, were reportedly raped in Jamalpur district within a single day. All victims have been admitted to Jamalpur General Hospital for treatment. The incidents occurred between Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. One case involves a thalassemia-affected child in Madarganj upazila, where a local Awami League member, Masudur Rahman, has been accused and remains absconding. Police have sent the child for medical examination and are continuing efforts to arrest the suspect.

According to local sources, five other victims include a four-year-old child from Islampur upazila, a 29-year-old woman from Islampur municipality, a 17-year-old girl from Melandah upazila, a 21-year-old woman from Jamalpur municipality, and a 40-year-old woman from Sadar upazila. The series of assaults has sparked anger and concern among residents, who are demanding swift arrests and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

Jamalpur General Hospital’s resident medical officer stated that all victims are receiving necessary medical care and evidence collection is underway for legal procedures.