Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh has not raised fuel prices even though many countries have done so. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram, during a post-Eid discussion with journalists. The minister noted that despite global challenges, including ongoing wars, the government has managed to maintain fuel supply and transportation stability during the Eid period.

He explained that the prolonged conflict abroad continues to exert pressure on economies worldwide, and Bangladesh is not immune to these effects. The minister described the national economy as being in a fragile condition when the new government took office. However, he emphasized that through careful management, the government has so far prevented significant burdens on citizens.

Chowdhury acknowledged that the situation remains difficult and that continued global instability, particularly in the Middle East, could increase economic pressure on Bangladesh if the conflict persists.

According to a Financial Times report, the world’s 20 largest airlines have lost about $53 billion in market value since the start of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran. The conflict has forced several airlines across the Middle East to suspend their commercial operations due to safety and logistical concerns.

As the war enters its fourth week, airline executives are expressing concern over a potential shortage of jet fuel. The report notes that roughly one-third of airlines’ total operating costs go toward jet fuel, and prices have doubled since the conflict began. This sharp rise in fuel costs is expected to put upward pressure on airfares.

The ongoing instability in the region continues to disrupt global aviation markets, with uncertainty surrounding how long the conflict and its economic effects will persist.

Gazipur Safari Park has brought in one male and two female lions from Dulahazra Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar to diversify attractions for visitors during Eid. With the arrival of these lions, the park now houses a total of five lions. The animals have been placed in designated enclosures and have been viewable to visitors since Eid day.

According to park officials, the park, which usually remains closed on Tuesdays, has been kept open this week to accommodate the Eid crowd. This decision was made because many visitors in previous years were unaware of the closure and had to return disappointed. To improve the visitor experience, the park has also renovated its transport buses, now operating seven air-conditioned minibuses for safari tours, along with upgraded food court and sanitation facilities.

Officials said the lions were brought in to replenish the park’s population and that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure visitor safety and service quality. Over 15,000 visitors attended the park on Eid day, according to the authorities.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, Bangladesh has not experienced any impact on commodity prices. He said fuel prices and transport fares have remained stable and there has been no fuel shortage. The minister made these remarks on Sunday at a post-Eid Mezban gathering at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram, emphasizing that the country is progressing normally and will continue to do so with public cooperation.

He added that the stable democratic environment in Bangladesh is reflected in the people's expressions of freedom and joy during Eid. According to him, the elected democratic government has ensured that citizens feel a sense of ownership and participation in national progress. Chowdhury urged citizens to maintain cooperation and restraint to sustain the country's forward momentum.

The Mezban event was attended by leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organizations, creating a festive atmosphere of Eid reunion. Similar gatherings were also organized by the Chattogram City Mayor and several Members of Parliament, who said such events strengthen unity and fraternity within the party.

Fuel unloading operations at Chattogram Port are continuing at full capacity to maintain stable electricity generation and ensure national energy security. Since March 3, following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, 25 fuel-carrying vessels have been successfully unloaded. One vessel is currently discharging fuel at the jetty, another is waiting offshore, and two more are en route to Bangladesh by sea.

According to port sources, the unloaded cargoes include LNG, LPG, diesel, furnace oil, jet fuel, and octane, essential for domestic transport and industrial operations. Shipping officials said energy imports are being prioritized, keeping vessel arrivals steady and unloading processes expedited. The LPG SEVAN vessel from Oman is currently unloading LPG, while the AB OLIVIA from Thailand has brought base oil to meet lubricant demand.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation described the completion of 25 unloadings in less than a month as a major success, ensuring no artificial fuel shortage. Port authorities noted that timely unloading saves millions of taka and stabilizes the market, supporting the country’s economic momentum if the incoming vessels arrive as scheduled.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing individual taxpayers to apply for an extension if they cannot submit their income tax returns by March 31. According to NBR sources, 4.1 million taxpayers have already filed returns, while about 5 million are registered in the e-return system. Currently, there are around 12 million Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders in the country.

This year, except for a few exceptions, all taxpayers are required to submit their returns online. The new system enables taxpayers to log in to the NBR website and use the 'Time Extension' menu to apply for additional time. Applications must be submitted before March 31, and the respective tax commissioner will approve or reject them online. Approved applicants can file their returns within the extended period without any penalty or extra tax.

Taxpayers not required to file online returns may apply for an extension either online or in writing to their tax circle. Commissioners can grant up to 90 additional days for submission if the application is made before the deadline.

A scenic spot known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, located about 13 kilometers east of Kuakata Zero Point in Patuakhali, has become a growing attraction for tourists during the Eid holidays. Visitors enjoy the area’s tranquil environment, lush greenery, and the rare opportunity to witness both sunrise and sunset from the same location. Nearby, the ‘Red Crab Island’ adds to the appeal with its distinctive coastal wildlife and serene surroundings.

Local guides and tourism stakeholders explained that the site gained nationwide attention after a travel blogger named Mr. Laxchu shared videos of the area on social media, showcasing its natural beauty. The place, once known only to locals, is now recognized as a potential eco-tourism destination combining nature, peace, and adventure.

Tourism officials and local leaders believe that with proper planning and environmental management, ‘Mini Switzerland’ and its adjacent areas could become one of Bangladesh’s leading eco-tourism hubs, boosting the local economy and creating new employment opportunities.

A severe fuel shortage has gripped Dhaka and surrounding areas as petrol pumps remain closed during the Eid holidays. Due to the lack of fuel supply from depots, almost all stations have displayed notices reading 'closed' or 'no fuel'. Only the army-owned Trust Fuel Station near Bijoy Sarani was operational, leading to long queues stretching from the Cantonment Third Gate to the Mohakhali Flyover.

Across key city areas including Tejgaon, Mohakhali, and Khilkhet, petrol pumps were closed, with only CNG refueling available at some locations. Many residents who ventured out for Eid travel or essential work returned home frustrated after failing to find fuel. Some vehicles ran out of fuel entirely, forcing passengers to push them to their destinations.

The ongoing shortage has disrupted Eid travel plans and raised concerns about post-holiday transportation. With diesel supply uncertain, authorities fear a potential halt in bus operations, leaving millions who traveled to villages for Eid unsure if they will find transport back to the city.

Dhaka’s air quality remained at an unhealthy level on Sunday, March 22, 2026, despite the city being largely empty during the Eid holidays. According to data from the international air quality monitoring organization IQAir, the capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 165 at 8 a.m., placing it fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Although traffic and industrial activity have significantly decreased due to the holiday, the expected improvement in air quality has not occurred.

IQAir’s data showed that Delhi topped the list of polluted cities with a score of 193, followed by Beijing at 178 and Incheon at 174. In contrast, Denver in the United States recorded the cleanest air with a score of 39, while Chicago followed with 42. The previous day, Dhaka ranked tenth among 121 cities with an AQI of 117, while Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo led the list with 173.

The persistence of unhealthy air despite reduced human activity highlights the severity of Dhaka’s pollution problem, even during periods of minimal traffic and industrial operations.

Global oil markets are facing heightened uncertainty as roughly 170 million barrels of Iranian crude oil stored at sea are expected to enter circulation following the recent easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Analysts cited by Reuters on Saturday said the oil is currently held on ships stretching from the Gulf region to Chinese waters. Consultancy Energy Aspects estimated the volume at 130 to 140 million barrels, equivalent to less than two weeks of Middle Eastern supply shortfall.

The Middle East supplies about 60 percent of Asia’s crude demand, but near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz this month has forced regional refineries to cut production and limit exports. Analysts warned that any instability in this key waterway directly affects global energy markets.

China has remained Iran’s main buyer since U.S. sanctions were imposed in 2018, importing about 1.38 million barrels per day last year. India, facing low reserves, is also exploring Iranian purchases but awaits clarity on payment terms and U.S. policy. Traders noted ongoing challenges over payment mechanisms and the use of older “shadow fleet” vessels for transport.

Surat, the textile heart of Gujarat, is facing a severe crisis as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortages threaten to halt production across its garment factories. The disruption stems from the closure of the Hormuz Strait and ongoing conflict in West Asia, which have cut India’s LPG supply by 30 percent. Thousands of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha are leaving the city as cooking gas becomes unavailable, forcing many small and medium textile units to shut down.

Reports indicate that some factories have already reduced operations to one or two days a week due to labor shortages. In worker colonies, LPG scarcity has driven prices up to 500 rupees per kilogram on the black market, while small cylinders now cost five times their usual price. Many workers, unable to cook or afford food, are returning to their villages despite having jobs.

Industry experts warn that if the exodus continues, India’s domestic and export textile markets could collapse ahead of the festive season. Factory owners are urging the government for fuel subsidies and faster LPG deliveries, but the situation remains uncertain until Middle East tensions ease.

An unusual heatwave struck the western United States on Friday, alarming climate scientists who described it as a once-in-500-years event. According to reports from Los Angeles, temperatures broke previous records throughout the week and were expected to remain high through the weekend. The heatwave, initially centered in the western cities, was moving eastward across the country.

In desert areas near the California-Arizona border, four locations recorded 44.4 degrees Celsius on Friday, setting a new national record for March. Weather.com reported that 65 cities, from Arizona and California to Idaho, experienced new March temperature highs. Death Valley reached 40 degrees Celsius, while typically cool San Francisco hit 29 degrees. The U.S. National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for large parts of the Southwest, including Los Angeles, southern California’s coastal areas, and Las Vegas.

The World Weather Attribution group stated that such an event would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change, emphasizing its extreme rarity even in a warming climate.

India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly withheld the release of the Oscar-nominated film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” citing concerns that it could harm India-Israel relations. The Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s docudrama tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was allegedly killed by Israeli soldiers while waiting to be rescued in Gaza.

Indian distributor Manoj Nandwana said he submitted the film for approval in February, hoping for a March release, but the CBFC blocked it, reportedly warning that the film’s release might damage diplomatic ties. He noted that the decision came shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. The film had already been barred from several Indian film festivals, including those in Goa, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kerala.

Badi Ali, co-founder of production company Watermelon Pictures, criticized the move as unreasonable, while director Ben Hania questioned on social media whether the relationship between the two democracies was so fragile that a film could threaten it.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast prolonged drizzle across Dhaka and several other regions on Saturday, coinciding with the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Meteorologist A K M Nazmul Haque said a broad rain belt stretching from Barguna to Naogaon has formed, likely causing light rain from around 7:30 a.m. for four to five hours. However, Cox’s Bazar and Panchagarh districts may remain outside the rain zone.

According to the department, the rain belt’s effect may continue until Sunday, though rainfall is expected to decrease by then. Compared to Friday, a higher amount of rainfall is likely on Saturday. On Friday, Madaripur recorded the highest rainfall at 33 millimeters, while Dhaka saw 17 millimeters, with rain reported in almost all divisions.

The meteorologist added that despite the extended drizzle, there is no possibility of a nor’wester storm. Winds are expected to flow from the southwest, resulting in light rain with low wind speed for several hours.

The United States has decided to ease sanctions on Iran’s crude oil and petroleum products for 30 days, according to a statement from the US Treasury Department. The move comes in response to global oil price and supply instability caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel war, Al Jazeera reported. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the temporary authorization applies only to oil shipments already in transit, not to new orders.

Iran, meanwhile, stated that it has been targeting ships linked to the United States and Israel, disrupting oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has contributed to volatility in global energy prices and raised concerns about broader economic impacts. Earlier, Bessent had told Fox Business that the relaxation could allow about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently at sea to reach the market.

Following Bessent’s remarks, Iran’s Oil Ministry spokesperson Saman Goddosi said the country has no additional crude oil available for export, either at sea or in storage, suggesting the US statement was intended to encourage potential buyers.