Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has warned that no influential person will be spared if found occupying government-owned canals. Speaking on Monday in Mirsharai, Chattogram, he said the government is ensuring transparency in project implementation and will not tolerate corruption. His remarks came after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Bamansundar canal under a nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman to restore canals, rivers, and water bodies across 54 districts.

The minister said the program aims to strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience, continuing the canal excavation initiative started by late President Ziaur Rahman. The government plans to excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals, with 1,200 kilometers targeted for completion within six months. In Mirsharai, a three-kilometer section of the Bamansundar canal is being re-excavated.

He added that the project will bring 15,000 hectares of land under cultivation, increasing annual crop output by 5,000 metric tons and reducing waterlogging. Trees will be planted along canal banks to boost the local economy and help Bangladesh benefit from global carbon credit mechanisms.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks will remain closed for seven consecutive days from Tuesday, March 17 to Monday, March 23, due to the combined government and weekly holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr. However, to facilitate salary and bonus payments for garment workers, selected bank branches in industrial areas will remain open on March 18 and 19. The directive was issued through a recent circular from the central bank.

According to the circular, branches in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a prayer break between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Transactions will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The circular also states that bank branches, sub-branches, and booths located in sea, land, and airport port areas must remain open 24 hours a day throughout the week.

To ensure limited import and export activities during the holidays, banks in port and customs areas are instructed to coordinate with local administration and relevant authorities, except on Eid day itself.

Mohammad Ayub Mia has resigned from his position as chairman of the board of directors of Sammilit Islami Bank PLC, a state-owned financial institution in Bangladesh. He submitted his resignation letter on Monday, March 16, 2026, to the secretary of the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Sammilit Islami Bank was formed through the merger of five liquidity-strapped banks: EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank. The bank has an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore and a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore, of which the government contributed Tk 20,000 crore, while the remaining Tk 15,000 crore is expected to come from depositors’ shares.

Mohammad Ayub Mia, a former government secretary, had been appointed as the first chairman of Sammilit Islami Bank on December 7 of the previous year.

Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that a fact-finding committee will be formed after Eid to examine unacceptable differences between retail and wholesale prices of essential and agricultural goods. He said the government remains alert to ensure that price variations do not reach unreasonable levels. The committee will include representatives from business, professional, and administrative sectors and will hold public hearings with consumers and traders.

The minister made the remarks on Monday morning while inaugurating the excavation of Champatali Canal in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet. He noted that Sylhet is mainly a single-crop area where irrigation shortages and waterlogging limit agricultural output. The canal re-excavation is expected to bring about 1,500 bighas of land under cultivation and help control floods.

He added that saplings of various tree species will be planted along both banks of the canal, and local residents will begin to benefit from increased crop production, flood control, and afforestation within the first year.

China has called on the United States to immediately correct what it described as 'wrong trade practices' following Washington’s launch of new trade investigations. The appeal came after bilateral discussions in Paris last week, where Beijing formally raised its concerns with U.S. representatives. The investigations, announced by Washington, target 60 economies including China, examining whether measures against forced labor restrict U.S. trade. They follow another U.S. probe focused on industrial overcapacity involving 16 trading partners.

China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement urging the U.S. to amend its approach and resolve disputes through dialogue. It described the latest investigations as 'unilateral, arbitrary, and discriminatory,' accusing Washington of attempting to create trade barriers. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized the investigations as a 'political maneuver.'

The trade inquiries are expected to take several months to complete. Meanwhile, Washington said former President Donald Trump plans to visit China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has not confirmed the dates. The visit could be delayed due to the Middle East conflict, Trump told the Financial Times.

Continuous heavy rain and hailstorm over the past three days have damaged Boro paddy fields in the haor areas of Sunamganj district. The hail has flattened and broken rice plants, while cracks have appeared in several crop protection embankments. Waterlogging has developed in many areas, raising fears of crop loss among local farmers. The affected upazilas include Sunamganj Sadar, Madhyanagar, Tahirpur, Jagannathpur, and Dharmapasha, where hailstones were seen covering roads, courtyards, and farmlands.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, about 223,511 hectares of land were cultivated with Boro rice this season, with an expected yield of 1.4 million metric tons. However, around 370 hectares of crops, including rice, maize, and vegetables, have already been damaged. Farmers expressed concern that delayed government funding slowed embankment repairs, leaving some areas without proper compaction or grass cover. Officials from the Water Development Board confirmed minor cracks in several embankments but said repair work was underway and there was no immediate threat to crops.

Local farmers reported severe waterlogging in low-lying fields and said continued bad weather could further endanger the harvest.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a nationwide canal excavation program on March 16, 2026, in Balarampur Sahapara of Kaharol, Dinajpur. The initiative began with the re-excavation of a 12-kilometer canal and will cover 54 districts across the country. The program aims to restore silted and nearly dead canals to improve irrigation systems, reduce waterlogging during monsoon seasons, and strengthen canal-based rural economies through fish farming and duck rearing.

According to the report, experts believe that restoring canals will enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate floods and waterlogging, and help maintain local environmental balance. The event was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Dinajpur District BNP, attended by local leaders, officials, and residents. Speakers at the gathering said the re-excavation would improve water drainage and irrigation, benefiting local farmers.

Residents expressed optimism that the project would reduce dependence on groundwater and electricity for irrigation, while reviving agricultural activities in the region.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing taxpayers to apply for extensions in filing their income tax returns. According to an NBR notice issued on Monday, registered users of the e-return system can log in and use the 'Time Extension' menu to submit applications before March 31. The respective tax commissioner will review and either approve or reject the request online. Approved applicants can file their returns within the extended period without penalties or additional charges.

For taxpayers not required to file returns online, written applications for extensions can be submitted to the relevant tax commissioner before March 31, who may grant up to 90 additional days. These taxpayers may also choose to apply online if they prefer. The current tax year’s filing deadline for individual taxpayers has already been extended to March 31.

NBR reported that around five million individual taxpayers are registered in the e-return system, and approximately 4.1 million have already submitted their returns for the 2025–2026 tax year.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation program covering 54 districts on Monday, March 16, 2026. The launch will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Sahapara canal under Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur district. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister will distribute goats among poor and underprivileged families and address a public gathering.

According to the plan, the first phase of the project will excavate 1,200 kilometers of canals over six months, with a long-term goal of dredging 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and wetlands within five years. The initiative aims to improve water management and rural livelihoods across the country.

As part of his schedule, the Prime Minister will travel from Saidpur Airport to Balrampur in Kaharol, visit family graves in Dinajpur in the afternoon, attend a civic meeting, and join an iftar and prayer event before returning to Dhaka in the evening.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set an ambitious goal to raise revenue collection to 8 percent of GDP in the 2026–27 fiscal year, up from the current 6.6 percent. The plan was presented to the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The move comes despite sluggish implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), weak investment, export slowdown, and rising unemployment, compounded by new uncertainties from the Middle East conflict.

The NBR’s efforts are also linked to conditions under the International Monetary Fund’s loan program, which requires improved revenue performance. Although Bangladesh has met other IMF conditions, it has repeatedly failed to meet revenue targets. Officials say the drive to increase revenue is driven by domestic development needs, not just IMF pressure. The NBR is focusing on expanding the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing tax evasion.

Experts warn that escalating global energy prices and supply disruptions could further strain Bangladesh’s economy and hinder revenue collection. The NBR is also reviewing tax exemptions and implementing digital systems to close collection gaps and recover large outstanding dues from state entities.

The BNP-led government has adopted a five-year master plan to revive dead canals and waterways across Bangladesh, aiming to complete the program by 2030. Under the plan, a total of 7,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated, re-excavated, and renovated. In the current year, 1,500 kilometers of nearly dead canals, drains, and water bodies will be restored. Excavation and re-excavation work on 18 canals in 12 districts will be inaugurated on March 16 and 17. The Water Resources Ministry will act as the lead authority, coordinating with the Agriculture, Disaster Management and Relief, and Local Government ministries.

According to ministry sources, the project will expand irrigation coverage, boost agricultural production, and increase fish supply, helping to restore traditional livelihoods. It is also expected to reduce waterlogging in urban areas, including the capital. The government plans to use a hybrid model combining modern machinery, skilled workers, and laborers under the Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP). Excavated soil will be used for local development or sold through open auctions.

Officials emphasized environmental protection and transparency, with regular monitoring by district administrations. Experts cautioned that political neutrality and transparency will be crucial for the project’s success.

A legal notice has been issued to lifestyle brand Aarong, urging it to stop charging customers extra for shopping bags after purchases. The notice was sent on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Saddam Hossain Abhi through registered mail to the Commerce Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and Aarong’s Managing Director. It warns that if no action is taken within 15 days, a public interest writ petition will be filed in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.

According to the notice, Aarong has been collecting additional money for shopping bags since September 1, 2025, which the lawyer claims violates Bangladeshi law. The notice states that no other business in the country engages in such a practice, and many customers have expressed frustration on social media after being forced to pay extra or carry clothes by hand.

The lawyer argues that Aarong’s actions financially and mentally harm consumers and breach business ethics. The notice calls for an immediate halt to the practice and urges the consumer rights authority to investigate and ensure all customers receive free shopping bags in the future.

A high-level World Bank delegation paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman on Sunday at the central bank’s headquarters in Dhaka. The delegation included South Asia Regional Vice President John Jut, Bangladesh and Bhutan Division Director Jean Pesme, IFC Director Imad Najib Ahed Fakhoury, Operations Manager Dr. Gail H. Martin, IFC Manager Wilfred Tamegnon, and Senior External Affairs Officer Meherin A. Mahbub. From Bangladesh Bank, Deputy Governors Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman and Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on the progress of ongoing development projects between Bangladesh and the World Bank and explored prospects for future collaboration. Governor Rahman assured the delegation of continued support from Bangladesh Bank in implementing current projects and expressed interest in expanding cooperation to strengthen the financial sector and accelerate economic growth. The World Bank representatives conveyed a positive outlook on maintaining close cooperation with Bangladesh.

The meeting also reviewed the country’s recent economic situation and development potential. It concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with the governor thanking the delegation for their visit.

Major airlines including Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand have announced fare increases following a sharp rise in jet fuel prices triggered by U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran. The conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices up and destabilizing global air travel. Air New Zealand said jet fuel prices jumped from 85–90 to 150–200 dollars per barrel, prompting it to suspend its 2026 financial forecast.

SAS stated that it raised ticket prices to offset costs and maintain operations, while Qantas is considering rerouting aircraft to Europe to avoid Middle East airspace. Finnair, which had hedged over 80 percent of its first-quarter fuel needs, warned that prolonged conflict could threaten fuel availability. Hong Kong Airlines announced a fuel surcharge increase of up to 35.2 percent, particularly affecting flights to South Asia. Some European carriers, such as British Airways’ parent IAG, said they have sufficient fuel hedging and no immediate plans to raise fares.

Oil prices briefly peaked at 119 dollars per barrel before easing, and airline stocks fluctuated sharply. Analysts warned that sustained high fuel costs and restricted airspace could further strain the global travel industry.

The State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, has issued nine directives to all district commissioners to strengthen oversight of fuel supply and distribution across Bangladesh. The instructions were given on Sunday during an online meeting on discipline in fuel supply and marketing management, attended by the Cabinet Secretary, the Public Administration Secretary, and all district commissioners. The ministry confirmed the details in an official press release.

The directives include daily verification of depot stock, ensuring supply from depots to petrol pumps, monitoring all categories of fuel customers, investigating pump closures, preventing illegal hoarding and smuggling, maintaining depot security, and ensuring that no fuel is sold at inflated prices. The minister emphasized that offenders must face exemplary punishment and called for increased surveillance at the district level.

He also urged local administrations to promote electricity conservation by limiting decorative lighting, maintaining air conditioner temperatures at or above 25 degrees Celsius, and turning off signboard lights after business hours. The minister sought cooperation from district administrations to address the ongoing global energy challenges.