Two farmers were killed and four others injured when lightning struck an onion field in Kharibaria village under Umedpur Union of Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah on Saturday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Apu Biswas, 20, son of Prokash Biswas of Kharibaria village, and Samir Biswas, 40, son of Sushil Biswas of Laxmipur village. The injured included Ranjit Biswas and Prokash Biswas among others.

According to Shailkupa Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir Molla, the farmers were working in the field when the lightning struck, killing two on the spot and injuring four others. Locals rescued the injured and took them to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, where two received primary treatment and were later released.

Duty doctor Ehtesham Shahid at the health complex said the victims suffered severe burns from the lightning strike.

Global energy markets saw a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude futures climbing by 5.7 percent to reach 114.2 dollars per barrel on Friday, March 27, according to Anadolu Agency. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also rose by 6.18 percent, surpassing 100 dollars per barrel. Since late February, Brent prices have increased by about 45 percent, while WTI prices have grown by roughly 40 percent.

The report added that amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Russia has decided to halt petrol exports starting April 1. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the energy ministry to prepare a draft decision, with the restriction expected to remain in effect until July 31. Novak stated that the Middle East crisis has caused significant volatility in global energy markets, leading to fluctuating oil prices.

He further noted that while international demand for Russian energy remains high, maintaining domestic supply is now the government’s main priority.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Home Minister to take strict measures against fuel hoarding and smuggling despite adequate national reserves. The order aims to prevent an artificial fuel crisis and ensure market stability. The government is currently providing a monthly subsidy of 200 crore taka to keep fuel prices steady, and Members of Parliament have been instructed to remain vigilant in their constituencies. Chief Whip Nurul Islam shared these details with reporters after a ruling party parliamentary committee meeting held on Saturday, March 28, at the National Parliament Building.

According to the Chief Whip, although global oil prices have risen due to the war situation in the Middle East, the government is making every effort to maintain domestic price stability. Reports of attempts by dishonest groups to create artificial shortages and smuggle fuel across borders have prompted the Prime Minister’s directive for a comprehensive crackdown. The meeting also discussed parliamentary committee formation, women’s reserved seats, and recent transport accidents, with ministers briefing the committee on preventive measures.

Further decisions on parliamentary committee formation are expected in the next meeting, while reports on pending bills are targeted for submission by March 30.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office has issued a warning that strong storms with wind speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour may sweep across 19 districts. The advisory, valid until 1 a.m. on Saturday night, also forecasts rain or thundershowers in the affected areas. The districts include Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Dhaka, Faridpur, Mymensingh, Jashore, Kushtia, Madaripur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Sylhet. River ports in these regions have been instructed to hoist warning signal number one.

A separate weather bulletin noted that an extension of a low-pressure area lies over West Bengal and nearby regions of India, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under these conditions, temporary gusty winds accompanied by lightning and rain or thundershowers are likely across all divisions of the country over the next few days.

The forecast indicates unstable weather patterns, suggesting possible disruptions to river transport and outdoor activities in the affected districts.

Authorities in Rangamati have deployed army personnel to petrol pumps to restore order following an artificial fuel shortage in the district. The deployment began on Saturday morning after large crowds gathered at the Mohsin Petrol Pump upon hearing that fuel was being distributed. The situation became difficult to control due to the heavy rush of buyers.

Under the direction of Assistant Magistrate Abu Huraira Ador and with support from the police, the army successfully brought the situation under control. Long queues of motorcyclists and people carrying bottles were seen waiting for hours to collect fuel. The district administration stated that the army would remain stationed at all petrol pumps across Rangamati to ensure discipline in fuel distribution.

According to the administration, the deployment aims to prevent hoarding and black-market sales of fuel. Officials emphasized that strict monitoring will continue to maintain order and ensure fair access to fuel supplies.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has directed all fuel pumps across the country to display fuel supply information around the clock. The directive, announced on March 28, 2026, comes as part of efforts by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to maintain uninterrupted fuel distribution nationwide amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to a BPC press release, fuel supply operations through marketing companies are continuing smoothly. To ensure transparency and proper distribution, filling stations, packed point dealers, and petrol pumps must collect fuel from BPC depots between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day and display supply data on whiteboards in front of their premises. The displayed information must include the current month’s average fuel receipts, comparative data from the same month last year, and details of the fuel types received.

BPC’s public relations officer stated that the directive took effect on March 28, and officials are working nationwide to ensure continuous fuel supply.

The first trailer of the new series 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' has set a record by surpassing 277 million views within 48 hours of release. According to the report, this makes it the most-watched trailer in the history of HBO and HBO Max. The total view count includes views from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and HBO Max, with YouTube contributing the largest share.

Based on J.K. Rowling’s seven-part novel series, the show aims to reintroduce the Harry Potter universe. Dominic MacLaughlin plays Harry, with John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner, and several episodes are directed by Mark Mylod.

The series is set to premiere on HBO and stream on HBO Max during Christmas 2026. Fans have expressed excitement about seeing the magical world return to the screen, and the record-breaking trailer views reflect the enduring global popularity of the Harry Potter story.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced a new schedule for fuel distribution from government depots. According to a press release signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana on Saturday, the new timing will take effect to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Under the revised schedule, fuel distribution from main depots will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., replacing the previous 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. window.

The change follows directives from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to maintain stable fuel supply amid disruptions caused by the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The adjustment aims to improve coordination among marketing companies and ensure timely delivery to filling stations, packed point dealers, and fuel pumps nationwide.

The new schedule is intended to strengthen supply chain efficiency and prevent shortages during the current global energy uncertainty.

A farmer was killed and two others were seriously injured when lightning struck a wheat field in the Shihara Union border area of Patnitala upazila in Naogaon on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026. The deceased was identified as Ashraf Hossain, 38, son of Ainal Haque of Shitalmat village. The injured, Tarek Hossain, 35, and Sharif Hossain, 36, were taken to Sapahar Upazila Health Complex in critical condition.

Local residents said the three farmers were harvesting wheat when the lightning struck suddenly. The incident caused panic in the area as all three victims were from the same village. Shihara Union Parishad Chairman Tofazzal Hossain confirmed that one person died on the spot due to the natural disaster, while the other two were hospitalized.

Patnitala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman Asad also confirmed the death and injuries resulting from the lightning strike.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division of Bangladesh announced on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that there is no possibility of a fuel supply shortage in the country. In an official statement, the division said that fuel reserves and distribution remain normal and urged citizens not to panic or buy fuel excessively. It also warned that petrol, octane, and diesel are highly flammable and that illegal storage poses serious safety risks.

The division stated that legal action is being taken against unauthorized fuel hoarding, with mobile courts operating under executive magistrates in every district. The government has not raised fuel prices and continues to import necessary quantities from the international market to ensure uninterrupted supply. To strengthen monitoring, tag officers will be appointed at all petrol pumps, with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation overseeing those in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Additionally, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at fuel depots nationwide to prevent illegal storage and maintain orderly distribution. The deployment follows instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs in response to global fuel market instability caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The price of Kuwaiti crude oil has risen sharply, exceeding $118 per barrel, according to Kuwait’s state news agency KUNA. The report said the price increased by $8.10 to reach $118.93 per barrel. The surge is linked to the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has disrupted global energy markets.

Tensions in the region have severely affected oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks or threats have nearly halted tanker movements. This strait handles about one-fifth of global energy exports, making its disruption a critical factor in the recent price spike.

The conflict has destabilized supply chains and heightened fears of a global energy crisis as the Strait of Hormuz becomes increasingly insecure, raising concerns about further economic strain worldwide.

Iranian hackers have breached the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, according to a statement confirmed by FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson. The hackers reportedly accessed and released photos and information dating from 2011 to 2022, including personal, business, and travel-related materials. Williamson stated that the FBI has taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks and confirmed that no government information was compromised.

The cyberattack has been attributed to a group known as the Handala Hack Team, which claimed responsibility for the breach. The group said Patel would now find his own name among the list of hacking victims. Earlier this month, the same group allegedly carried out a cyberattack that disrupted operations at a major U.S. medical equipment manufacturer.

The incident underscores ongoing cybersecurity threats targeting high-profile U.S. officials and institutions, though the FBI emphasized that the breach involved only personal data and posed no direct threat to government systems.

Seven people were killed and five others injured in a series of avalanches that struck the Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The incidents occurred between Zero Point and Minimarg, where several vehicles were buried under snow and debris. The casualties were reported as rescue efforts continued in the affected area.

India’s federal minister and Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader Jitendra Singh confirmed the deaths and injuries in a post on social media platform X. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The avalanches disrupted traffic and caused significant damage along the highway, a key route connecting Srinagar with Leh.

Authorities are monitoring the situation as weather conditions remain unstable in the region, raising concerns about further avalanches and travel disruptions.

The government has decided to appoint one tag officer at every petrol pump across the country to enhance supervision and coordination of fuel management activities amid the current global context. The decision was made during an online meeting chaired by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, on Friday.

According to the meeting resolution, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will appoint tag officers for petrol pumps in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas. Outside these cities, district commissioners and upazila executive officers will assign government officials as tag officers for each petrol pump within their jurisdictions. These officers will operate under procedures set by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC, submitting daily reports.

All relevant offices and agencies have been requested to appoint the designated officers and send the information to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division as per the directive.

A stretch of the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway passing through Gazipur’s Bhawal forest has become a visual attraction due to colorful flowers planted along its central divider. The four-lane road, one of the busiest in Bangladesh, now features white, pink, and red blossoms that delight travelers and pedestrians. Many visitors stop to take photos or videos, sharing them on social media, turning the highway into an emerging destination for nature lovers.

The beautification effort, led by the Gazipur Roads and Highways Department, includes thousands of saplings of various species such as krishnachura, radhachura, jarul, and raktokorobi. Officials say the project aims to make the highway both scenic and environmentally friendly. Environmentalists note that the greenery helps reduce air pollution, noise, and glare from vehicle headlights.

However, authorities and locals warn that uncontrolled crowds and risky behavior—such as standing on the divider for photos—pose safety hazards and threaten the plants. They urge stronger traffic enforcement and public awareness to preserve the beauty and safety of the area.