The Indian rupee fell to its lowest level in history on Friday, trading at 92.39 per US dollar, surpassing the previous record of 92.3575. The decline followed growing concerns over energy supply disruptions and surging oil prices triggered by the ongoing war centered on Iran. Analysts cautioned that if the Middle East conflict continues, inflationary pressures in India could intensify further.

According to Reuters, the rupee has lost more than one percent of its value since the start of the Iran conflict. However, the Reserve Bank of India’s market interventions have helped keep the currency relatively stable compared with other emerging economies. Official data showed India’s consumer price index inflation rose to 3.21 percent in February, up from a revised 2.74 percent in January, marking a ten‑month high.

Food inflation also increased to 3.47 percent in February from 2.13 percent the previous month. The revised CPI now uses 2024 as the base year and expands the basket of goods from 299 to 358 items.

The United States has initiated a trade investigation against several countries, including Bangladesh, India, and China, following a court decision that invalidated a key part of Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The U.S. Trade Representative announced the probe under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, aiming to examine alleged unfair trade practices and structural overcapacity in manufacturing sectors. The investigation could provide a legal basis for imposing new import tariffs, with results expected by next summer.

The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that limited Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers, requiring congressional approval for such actions. In response, Trump announced a new 10 percent global tariff, with the possibility of raising it to 15 percent. The investigation covers 14 countries and the European Union, excluding Canada.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said the inclusion of Bangladesh is uncomfortable but not alarming, citing improvements in labor rights and limited U.S. market exposure. Industry leaders urged the government to prepare strategically to avoid potential tariff hikes exceeding 19 percent.

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian crude oil and petroleum products, allowing their sale until April 11. The US Treasury Department announced that shipments already loaded on vessels by March 12 can be traded freely on global markets. The decision follows a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran, after which Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a global energy shortage.

According to the US Commerce Ministry, the move is part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to stabilize global energy markets while addressing potential threats from Iran. The ministry emphasized that the temporary measure applies only to Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded before the deadline.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, serving as a key route for exports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. The temporary easing of sanctions aims to mitigate disruptions in global energy supply caused by the regional conflict and trade restrictions.

Rising oil prices following US-Israel strikes on Iran are intensifying economic pressure on American consumers, even as President Donald Trump declared the war a swift victory. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, halting Gulf oil shipments and pushing prices above $100 per barrel, with warnings that they could reach $200. Experts say the economic impact will depend on how long the conflict lasts and how quickly shipping resumes. The International Energy Agency called the situation the largest supply disruption in global oil market history.

Analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could trigger 1970s-style stagflation or recession. Gasoline prices in the US have risen to $3.59 per gallon, up 65 cents since February, with further increases expected if the war continues. Supply chain disruptions are already causing port congestion and could soon raise prices for goods, plastics, and fertilizers. Economists note that higher oil costs could keep inflation elevated, complicating Federal Reserve policy and keeping mortgage rates high.

Experts also highlight long-term consequences, including higher debt costs, reduced job creation from military spending, and a global realignment as countries seek to reduce reliance on the US.

Fuel shortages have led to long queues and protests in multiple countries as the global energy market faces severe disruption. The shortages are linked to rising fuel prices that have intensified public frustration and logistical challenges worldwide.

According to the source, the continuing US-Israeli war on Iran has disrupted global energy supplies, contributing to the surge in fuel prices. The resulting scarcity has affected transportation and daily life in many regions, prompting widespread demonstrations and long waiting lines at fuel stations.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global energy markets to geopolitical conflicts and suggests potential for further unrest if supply disruptions persist.

The government of Bangladesh is set to resume discussions with a Japanese consortium to expedite the launch of the long-delayed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The meeting will take place tomorrow at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh are expected to attend.

According to official sources, this will be the first formal discussion on the matter since the new BNP-led government assumed office. The initiative aims to resolve long-standing contractual and operational complications that have delayed the terminal’s opening. The discussions will focus on terminal management, operational control, and revenue sharing with the Japanese consortium.

The outcome of the meeting will be presented to the Prime Minister on Saturday, after which a policy decision regarding the terminal’s launch is expected.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that protecting all types of business ventures is a responsibility of the government. He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing an iftar gathering organized by the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB).

Highlighting the difficulties faced by cable operators, the minister noted that the rise of internet-based platforms such as IPTV and online streaming services has posed significant challenges to the traditional cable television business worldwide. He emphasized that if the government can establish a proper technological framework, it would be possible to ensure protection for business operators.

Swapon urged COAB leaders to present the technical aspects of the cable TV industry through experts and affirmed his commitment to understanding and addressing the sector’s issues from multiple perspectives. He also announced plans to continue consultations with COAB to find solutions to the operators’ problems.

Maldivian Airlines, the national carrier of the Maldives, has resumed its Male-Dhaka-Male route, marking the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two South Asian nations. The relaunch flight, operated with an Airbus A320, received a water cannon salute at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning. The inaugural flight landed at 5:20 a.m. and departed for Male at 6:20 a.m., carrying a full load of passengers.

The airline will initially operate two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, with ticket prices starting at 399 U.S. dollars. Passengers will be allowed 30 kilograms of baggage and complimentary meals. Tickets are available through Maldivian’s website, mobile app, and call center. The service follows a February 23 agreement between Maldivian’s Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim Yasir and Galaxy Bangladesh Group’s President and CEO Ahmed Yusuf Walid.

Maldivian Ambassador to Bangladesh Shiunin Rasheed said the resumed flights will strengthen bilateral relations and ease travel for expatriate Bangladeshis and Maldivian travelers during Ramadan and Eid. The airline had suspended the route on August 6, 2024, due to political unrest in Bangladesh.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that the ongoing war in the Middle East has triggered an unprecedented disruption in the global oil supply. In its latest market report released on March 12, 2026, the agency described the situation as the largest supply interruption in the history of the world oil market. According to IEA data, global crude oil production has fallen by at least 8 million barrels per day, while an additional 2 million barrels of petroleum products are no longer being supplied. The decline is mainly attributed to pressure from Iran on regional supply systems, forcing Gulf producers to cut output.

The crisis has been further aggravated by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil. Iranian attacks and growing security threats have reduced oil transport through the strait to less than 10 percent of pre-crisis levels. The IEA warned that there are no clear signs of a ceasefire or restoration of normal oil flows through the strait.

The agency’s warning underscores the scale of the disruption and the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for recovery in global oil supply.

Star Cineplex is set to launch a new multiplex cinema branch in Narayanganj during Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, according to the company. The new branch is located at Simanto Tower in Jalkuri, Narayanganj, and will officially open on Eid day. It features three halls, two with 178 seats each and one with 75 seats, all equipped with modern sound systems, giant screens, and world-class facilities.

Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Assistant General Manager of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, described the new branch as an Eid gift for Narayanganj residents, particularly for local movie lovers. He said the opening fulfills a long-standing demand from the area’s audience and reflects the company’s satisfaction in expanding as planned.

Ahmed added that Star Cineplex prioritizes high-quality viewing environments and advanced technology to meet evolving audience preferences. The company plans to open additional branches later this year, extending its presence from major cities to district and sub-district levels across Bangladesh.

The Department of Narcotics Control under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a recruitment circular for 68 vacant posts in its revenue sector. The announcement, published on March 12, 2026, includes positions across 14 categories ranging from grade 11 to grade 20. The application process began on March 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will continue until April 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years of age as of March 1, 2026, and can apply online through the official website http://dnc.teletalk.com.bd.

The circular lists positions such as medical technologist (radiology), pharmacist, physical instructor, lab assistant, dietitian, vocational instructor, ECG technician, linen keeper, ticket clerk, rent collector, assistant steward, ward master, record keeper, and lab attendant. Educational qualifications vary by post, from secondary school certificates to university degrees, with specific technical or vocational training required for some roles.

Application fees range from 56 to 168 taka depending on the post category. All recruitment and examination-related information will be available on the Department of Narcotics Control’s official website.

The Ministry of Shipping has announced the launch of a special river transport service from March 17 to ensure safe and smooth travel for people returning home ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The service will operate from two terminals in Dhaka, covering several key river routes with launch and steamer services.

According to the ministry, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is coordinating with relevant agencies to implement the initiative. Under the plan, vessels will operate from Shimulia Tourist Terminal near Kanchan Bridge on the Shimulia–Demra–Narayanganj–Chandpur–Kaliganj–Hijla–Barishal route, and from Bosila Terminal near Bosila Bridge on the Bosila–Sadarghat–Munshiganj–Chandpur–Eidgai Ferry Ghat–Shariatpur–Ilisha–Hakimuddin–Galachipa route.

Authorities have issued necessary instructions to maintain safety and order during the Eid travel period. Passengers are urged to use designated routes and contact the BIWTA hotline 16113 for assistance or emergencies.

Bangladesh Bank has declared that selling new currency notes as commercial products is entirely illegal. The bank’s Executive Director and spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, made the statement to journalists on Thursday, warning that any officials from Bangladesh Bank or commercial banks found involved in such activities will face disciplinary measures. Law enforcement agencies will also take action against individuals engaged in the illegal sale of new notes.

Khan explained that while there is always demand for new notes during festivals, people should move away from this practice as the country advances toward a cashless economy. He emphasized that new notes are not commodities to be traded and reiterated that any supply of new notes for sale from banking institutions would result in administrative action against those responsible.

The announcement underscores Bangladesh Bank’s effort to curb illegal currency trading and promote digital financial practices in line with its broader cashless Bangladesh initiative.

A total of 423 international flights have been canceled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka over the past 12 days due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh confirmed the cancellations in a statement on Thursday, March 12, 2026. On that day alone, 28 flights were canceled, including services by Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Jazeera Airways, Flydubai, and US-Bangla Airlines.

According to the authority, flight disruptions began on February 28, when 23 flights were canceled, followed by 40 on March 1, 46 on March 2, and 39 on March 3. The cancellations continued daily through March 12, affecting routes mainly to Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and other Middle Eastern destinations. Despite the disruptions, 51 flights were scheduled to operate on March 12, including nine to Muscat, 23 to Kuwait, and 19 to the UAE.

The cancellations have significantly affected international air connectivity from Dhaka, with limited operations continuing under constrained conditions.

An Iran-affiliated hacking group named Handala has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on the US medical technology company Stryker. The group announced on Wednesday that it stole 50 terabytes of data as retaliation for a military strike in Iran. According to AFP, Handala said the operation was carried out in response to an attack on Iran’s Minab School that killed at least 150 people and as a counter to ongoing cyberattacks on Tehran-backed groups.

Stryker confirmed that the incident caused a global network disruption in its Microsoft environment but reported no evidence of ransomware or malware, stating that the situation was under control. The group warned Israeli leaders and lobbyists that this marks the beginning of a new chapter in cyber warfare. Handala, named after a Palestinian symbol, has recently claimed attacks on companies in Israel and the Gulf region.

Cyber intelligence experts and reports cited in the source describe Handala as one of the most notorious Iran-linked hacking groups, known for data theft and spreading fear and uncertainty.