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.

A teenage gang leader and alleged drug dealer named Md. Nirab, aged 26, was killed in a clash between two rival groups in Noakhali’s Sadar upazila on Sunday afternoon. The confrontation occurred at Bangla Bazar in Purba Maizchara village under Andarchar Union, leaving four others injured. Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the incident. Nirab, son of Abdul Gani from ward 4 of Andarchar Union, was reportedly involved in multiple criminal activities including theft, robbery, and drug dealing.

According to police and local sources, the conflict began after a dispute between Nirab and Rubel Majhi’s nephew over drug dealings. On Sunday morning, Nirab and his associates attacked Rubel, injuring several of his followers. Later, Rubel’s group retaliated, capturing and assaulting Nirab near Rubel’s house. Police rescued Nirab in critical condition and took him to Noakhali Sadar Hospital, where he died around 6 p.m. while undergoing treatment.

Police confirmed that two suspects have been detained and said further legal action will follow based on a written complaint.

Police in Chatmohar, Pabna, seized 2,500 liters of fuel and detained two individuals on Sunday evening following a tip-off. The operation took place at Ramchandrapur intersection in Gunaigacha Union, where officers recovered 12 barrels of fuel from a Nasimon and a Karimon vehicle. The detainees were identified as pesticide and fuel trader Mukul and Nasimon driver Shamsul.

According to Chatmohar Police Officer-in-Charge Md. Golam Sarwar Hossain, the drivers revealed that the fuel belonged to Liton of Zardis Mor and Mukul Hossain of Chinabhatkur area. They claimed to have purchased the fuel from Baghabari but failed to produce any legal documents. Upon being informed, Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Musa Naser Chowdhury arrived at the scene, confirmed the seizure, and ordered the fuel to be sold openly in the local market.

The UNO stated that legal action would be taken against those detained in connection with the incident.

A man named Gahan Kumar Tripura Pongche, aged 54, was killed by a lightning strike in Sainguli Para of Guimara upazila in Khagrachhari district on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. while he was inside the kitchen of his home. Local police confirmed the death following the strike.

According to the report, the victim’s family has been left in a state of distress after the sudden tragedy. The officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, Sohrawardy, verified the incident to the media.

No further details about the circumstances or weather conditions were provided in the report.

Bangladesh is continuing diesel imports from India through a cross-border pipeline to strengthen its energy security. On Saturday evening, diesel pumping began from Numaligarh Refinery in Assam, India, marking the third consignment of 7,000 metric tons. After about 60 hours of pumping, the shipment is expected to reach the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline terminal in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, by Tuesday morning.

Earlier, two consignments of 5,000 metric tons each arrived in March, bringing the total diesel imports through the pipeline this month to 17,000 metric tons once the latest batch is received. The Parbatipur depot of Padma Oil PLC has remained operational even during holidays to maintain uninterrupted fuel supply. According to the depot’s deputy manager (operations), regular pumping from India’s Numaligarh Refinery is ongoing.

The continued pipeline-based imports are part of the government’s effort to ensure stable fuel availability across the country and reduce logistical challenges in energy transportation.

Nepal has expressed interest in upgrading Saidpur Airport in northern Bangladesh to international standards. The interest was conveyed by Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, during a courtesy meeting with Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam Rita, and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat in Dhaka on Sunday morning.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized strengthening existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal. The Nepalese side sought cooperation in developing Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors. Ambassador Bhandari noted that upgrading Saidpur Airport would enhance regional connectivity and create new opportunities for tourism and trade between the two countries.

Discussions also covered maintaining reasonable airfares on the Dhaka–Kathmandu route and working jointly to promote tourism. The Bangladeshi ministers assured continued cooperation with Nepal in aviation and tourism development.

The global economy is under mounting strain following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that have triggered sharp increases in commodity prices and stock market declines. Over the past month, retaliatory strikes across Persian Gulf refineries, pipelines, and gas terminals have disrupted energy flows, forcing developing nations to ration fuel and expand subsidies for the poor. The International Energy Agency described the resulting 20 million-barrel-per-day shortfall as the largest oil supply crisis in history.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil passes, has crippled exports from Kuwait and Iraq. A separate Iranian strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal destroyed 17 percent of its export capacity. Brent crude prices have surged to over $105 per barrel, while fertilizer and helium supplies have also been disrupted. Economists from MIT, Harvard, and the IMF warned that the conflict could trigger stagflation and reduce global growth by up to 0.4 percent.

Experts caution that recovery will be slow, with Gulf energy infrastructure heavily damaged and food prices rising due to fertilizer shortages. The crisis threatens to deepen inequality, hitting poorer nations hardest.

A World Bank delegation led by Jean Pesme, Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, met with Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid on Sunday at the ministry’s conference room. The meeting began with an exchange of greetings, where the minister welcomed the delegation and received congratulations on assuming office.

During the discussion, the minister announced the introduction of a 'Krishak Card' initiative aimed at protecting farmers’ interests, boosting production, and ensuring sustainable agricultural development. The program will begin on a pilot basis in 11 blocks across several districts this year before expanding nationwide. The World Bank delegation expressed interest in increasing investment in the agricultural sector, particularly in input supply, product processing, and market development. The minister welcomed this proposal.

Both sides expressed optimism about strengthening mutual cooperation to enhance sustainability in agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Senior officials from the agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and food ministries, along with World Bank’s South Asia Regional Director for Sustainable Development, Dina Umali-Deininger, attended the meeting.

Global gold prices have fallen sharply from a record high of 5,500 dollars per ounce to 4,493.79 dollars, driven by a stronger US dollar and rising oil prices. The decline has brought relief to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gold market, where prices have dropped by more than 100 dirhams per gram over the past month.

As a result, jewelry stores across Dubai and other emirates are witnessing a surge in demand for both 24-carat investment gold and 22-carat ornaments. Local traders said that when gold reached record levels, it became unaffordable for ordinary buyers, but the recent drop has brought both investors and general consumers back to the market.

On March 29, 24-carat gold sold for 541.25 dirhams per gram in the UAE, while 22-carat gold was priced at 501.25 dirhams. Chirag Vora, managing director of Bafle Jewellers, noted that demand for gold bars and coins has risen sharply, with new and younger buyers joining experienced investors in taking advantage of the lower prices.

Dhaka’s Hatirjheel Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Golam Mortuza submitted a written explanation to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman’s court regarding the closure of Nabeen Fashion at Moghbazar’s Vishal Center. He stated that the situation arose on March 20, 2026, when a large crowd and heavy motorcycle traffic gathered due to an attractive promotional offer. Mortuza said the store’s management could not handle the rush and decided to shut down operations, which led to further disorder. He expressed unconditional apology if any police error occurred and pledged to act more cautiously in the future.

According to the OC, Nabeen Fashion had been operating for about three years, offering low-cost clothing and frequent promotions. On the day of the incident, the store’s “buy two, get four free” offer and free engine oil for bikers drew hundreds of visitors, causing congestion and confusion. Police on duty managed to control the crowd without violence or damage. The court had earlier summoned the OC to explain why police appeared inactive during the closure and ordered the store reopened within 24 hours.

Following the court’s directive, the store was reopened under police supervision on March 26, 2026, ensuring safe continuation of business.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has initiated surveillance at fuel stations and depots in Rajshahi to prevent illegal hoarding and smuggling of fuel amid the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Starting Sunday, the Rajshahi-1 Battalion increased monitoring at 12 petrol pumps located in border areas. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Colonel Riaz Shahriar, commanding officer of the battalion, during a press briefing in front of the Jamuna Oil Depot at Shiroil Colony in Rajshahi city.

According to the BGB official, Rajshahi has three oil depots operated by Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna, along with 12 filling stations. Checkposts have been set up and search operations launched at these sites, including enhanced surveillance in the Padma River’s border areas to stop smuggling into India. Three platoons of BGB have been deployed to secure the depots and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.

BGB stated that due to higher fuel prices in India, some groups have been attempting to hoard and smuggle fuel for profit. The force is also cooperating with local administration and other law enforcement agencies to maintain security during the crisis.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued new directives to ensure responsible electricity and energy use among government employees. The circular, released on Sunday, requires officials to remain in their offices from 9:00 to 9:40 a.m. each working day and to adopt energy-saving practices. Offices must maximize natural light, limit use of lights, fans, and air conditioners, and maintain air conditioner temperatures at or above 25 degrees Celsius. All electrical equipment must be turned off after office hours, and vigilance teams are to be formed in every department to monitor compliance.

In a separate circular, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources defined the duties of tag officers assigned to fuel stations nationwide. These officers are responsible for supervising fuel receipt, storage, and sales, verifying quantities, and ensuring accurate recordkeeping. They must inspect dispensing machines, confirm stock updates three times daily, and report any irregularities with geo-tagged evidence. The officers also have authority to enforce compliance, including issuing warnings or temporary suspensions for violations.

The directives aim to promote energy efficiency in public offices and strengthen oversight of the country’s fuel distribution system.

A joint operation by the Coast Guard, Navy, and Police seized 12,613 liters of illegally stored diesel in Mongla, Bagerhat. The operation took place early Saturday at the Jamuna Petroleum Limited facility in the Mongla Oil Installation area, based on a tip-off. The information was confirmed in a statement by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon on Sunday afternoon.

According to officials involved, the joint team included members from the Coast Guard, Navy, Police, National Security Intelligence, and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat. During the raid, three oil tanks were found to contain excess fuel stored without authorization.

The Bagerhat District Commissioner stated that legal action would be taken against those responsible for the illegal storage. Authorities emphasized that such operations would continue to help stabilize the domestic fuel market.