A mobile court in Dharmapasha upazila of Sunamganj fined a trader for selling LPG gas cylinders at inflated prices. The court, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Sanjoy Ghosh, imposed a fine of 20,000 taka on trader Kabir Hossain, 42, after finding evidence of overpricing. The operation took place on Sunday afternoon in the Purbo Bazar area of the upazila.

According to the magistrate, the drive was part of ongoing efforts to keep essential commodity prices stable and protect consumer interests. The mobile court action reflects the local administration’s monitoring of market practices to prevent unfair pricing and ensure compliance with government-set rates.

Authorities indicated that similar drives would continue to maintain price discipline in local markets and safeguard consumers from exploitation.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that a nationwide canal excavation and tree plantation program will begin on March 16. The initiative includes fish farming in the excavated canals and planting forest, fruit, and medicinal trees along the canal banks. He made the announcement on Sunday during a meeting with ministry officials at the Secretariat.

The minister said the program aims to make local areas more visually appealing while helping meet nutritional and protein needs of communities. He urged ministry employees to implement the initiative with sincerity and dedication. The plan is part of the BNP government’s five-year mandate to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and conduct extensive tree planting across the country.

The meeting was also attended by Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan, who delivered remarks during the session.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has sent a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking enhanced police security at filling stations across the country. The letter, issued on Sunday by BPC Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman, cited growing public anxiety and increased fuel purchases following negative reports in media and social networks about fuel stock levels. As a result, filling station dealers have been attempting to collect larger quantities of fuel from depots than usual.

According to the letter, some consumers are reportedly buying and storing fuel beyond their needs without authorization. To address the situation, BPC has already issued a press release limiting fuel supply from filling stations to consumers. The corporation also noted that incidents between customers and station employees have been occurring during the current period of fuel supply strain.

BPC requested that police patrols be strengthened to ensure safety and order at filling stations nationwide during this period of heightened demand and tension.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced an increase in jet fuel prices for both domestic and international flights. According to a notice issued on Sunday, the price for domestic routes has been set at Tk 112.41 per liter, up from Tk 95.12 last month, marking a rise of Tk 17.29 per liter. For international flights, the price has been raised from USD 0.6257 to USD 0.7384 per liter. The new rates will take effect from Sunday midnight.

In February, BERC had made a smaller adjustment, increasing the domestic jet fuel price from Tk 94.93 to Tk 95.12 per liter, and for international airlines from USD 0.6246 to USD 0.6257 per liter. The latest revision represents a more significant hike compared to the previous month.

The notice did not specify the reasons behind the price increase or its expected impact on airlines and passengers.

Over the past one and a half years, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has imposed fines totaling around Tk 1,500 crore on various individuals and institutions for irregularities and manipulation in the capital market. However, only Tk 5 crore has been collected so far. BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud stated that despite the low recovery, the full amount will eventually be deposited into the government treasury. He made the remarks on Sunday at a seminar titled “Challenges and Future Path of the Capital Market under the New Government,” held at a hotel in Dhaka.

The event was organized by the Capital Market Journalists Forum (CMJF) and attended by Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir as chief guest, along with NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan and other market leaders. Maksud highlighted that numerous laws and regulations have been enacted in a short period, countering claims of stagnation within the commission.

He also announced that a new law is being prepared to identify Public Interest Entities based on sales, market share, assets, workforce, and debt, aiming to bring more quality companies into the stock market despite potential resistance from vested interests.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to deploy mobile courts across the country to prevent illegal hoarding and overpricing of fuel. The decision follows reports of artificial fuel shortages and public unrest, including long queues and incidents of vandalism at petrol pumps. The directive was issued by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md Enamul Haque. It has already been sent to all district commissioners.

According to the directive, some unscrupulous traders have been stockpiling fuel illegally to create an artificial crisis amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The government has already set limits on fuel sales per vehicle to manage the situation. Reports have also surfaced of fuel being sold above government-fixed prices, hoarded for extra profit, or diverted to the open market and smuggling routes.

The ministry has instructed district administrations to strengthen field-level monitoring through mobile courts to stop illegal storage, overpricing, open-market sales, and potential smuggling of fuel. Copies of the directive were also sent to the Home Ministry, the Cabinet Division, and relevant energy officials.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has expressed concern that the ongoing war in the Middle East could negatively impact Bangladesh’s remittance inflow. Speaking to journalists on Sunday after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office, he said some impact is inevitable but the government has taken several initiatives to support expatriate workers, which will soon become visible.

The minister said the government’s first priority is ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East by providing logistical and health support, and considering repatriation if the situation worsens. A joint monitoring cell comprising the foreign, civil aviation, and expatriates’ welfare ministries has been formed to track developments daily. So far, three Bangladeshi deaths have been reported, and efforts are underway to bring their bodies home.

Chowdhury added that efforts to reopen closed overseas labor markets are ongoing but have slowed due to the war and Ramadan. He also instructed local law enforcement in Sylhet to strengthen surveillance against snatching and youth gang activities ahead of Eid.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation program from Dinajpur on March 16. The minister made the statement after inspecting a canal at Balrampur Saha Para in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur. According to him, the initiative marks the beginning of a countrywide effort to excavate rivers, canals, and water bodies.

He said that the program fulfills a key election pledge by Prime Minister Rahman, who had promised to excavate 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and water bodies within five years of forming the government. The Dinajpur site was chosen as the first location for the inauguration. The Water Resources Ministry has planned a 12.20-kilometer canal excavation at Balrampur Saha Para, which will be launched simultaneously across the country.

The minister also stated that after the nationwide canal excavation, 250 million trees will be planted. Several local officials, including the Member of Parliament for Dinajpur-1 and senior police and administrative officers, were present during the inspection.

Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has expressed concern that the ongoing war in the Middle East could impact Bangladesh’s remittance inflow. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, March 8, after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office, he said the government has taken several initiatives to support remittance earners, which will soon become visible.

The minister emphasized that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the conflict zone is the government’s top priority. A joint monitoring cell comprising the foreign, civil aviation, and expatriates’ welfare ministries has been formed to observe the situation daily. He confirmed that three Bangladeshi nationals have died in the conflict, and efforts are underway to repatriate their bodies while maintaining contact with their families.

Chowdhury added that efforts to reopen closed overseas labor markets are ongoing, though the Middle East situation has slowed progress. The government is now focusing on East Asian markets, expecting improvement after Ramadan and as the war situation stabilizes.

Bangladesh Bank has paid $1.37 billion to settle the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) bill for the January–February period, according to Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The payment was made on Sunday, and as a result, the country’s foreign exchange reserves are expected to drop below $35 billion.

As of March 5, Bangladesh’s gross reserves stood at $35.49 billion, while the BPM6-based reserve was $30.76 billion. The central bank typically settles ACU obligations from its reserves, leading to a temporary decline after each payment. In previous cycles, Bangladesh paid $1.53 billion for November–December, $1.61 billion for September–October, and $1.50 billion for the preceding two months.

The Asian Clearing Union is a regional payment arrangement among nine central banks in Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, and the Maldives. It facilitates settlement of import and export transactions among member countries every two months.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power and Energy, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, announced that electricity prices will not rise for now, despite public fears fueled by opposition claims linking potential hikes to the ongoing war. Speaking at an event organized by the Northern Region Student Forum at the National Press Club on Sunday, he said the country’s fuel reserves are increasing as two oil tankers have anchored to deliver supplies.

The minister explained that one tanker has already anchored and another was expected later in the day, which will further boost reserves. However, he emphasized that rationing will continue until the war ends to ensure sustainable consumption. He urged citizens and party members to remain vigilant against fuel smuggling and black-market activities.

Tuku reiterated that although reserves are improving, prudent management is essential to maintain stability until supply chains normalize. The government aims to balance fuel availability with responsible usage during the uncertain duration of the conflict.

A massive fire continued to burn for nearly ten hours at Tehran’s fuel storage tanks following an Israeli strike, according to BBC Persian. The blaze, which began overnight, has filled the skies over large parts of the Iranian capital with thick black smoke. Despite ongoing efforts, authorities have not yet brought the fire under control.

Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid open spaces due to severe air pollution. The Iranian Red Crescent issued a warning about possible acid rain, explaining that explosions at the oil depot released large quantities of toxic hydrocarbons, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. The agency cautioned that any resulting rainfall could be highly dangerous and acidic.

The Red Crescent advised citizens to avoid rubbing skin exposed to such rain, to rinse affected areas with cold water, and to change any wet clothing immediately, sealing it in a closed bag to prevent further exposure.

The government will ensure that workers receive their wages and bonuses before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on Sunday. He made the statement after a meeting on law and order held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, which also discussed preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day.

The minister said the discussions focused on maintaining law and order during the Eid period, particularly in the garment sector and road transport, to ensure a smooth and comfortable holiday journey. Two separate meetings were held to address these issues. To coordinate efforts, the additional inspector general of industrial police has been designated as the focal point to work with BGMEA, labor representatives, and transport authorities.

The government’s coordinated approach aims to prevent disruptions and ensure public comfort during the festive season, according to the minister’s briefing.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said that irregularities and corruption in the environmental sector will no longer be tolerated. He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking to journalists at the Feni Circuit House. The minister warned that anyone involved in such misconduct will be held accountable. He also announced that the traditional method of brick production using burnt clay will be phased out, with a gradual shift toward environmentally friendly block bricks.

Mintoo emphasized the government’s firm stance on protecting the environment and improving public living standards. He said a 180-day special action plan has been adopted to combat climate change impacts, including a nationwide tree-planting campaign from May to August. Expressing concern over Dhaka’s severe air pollution, he noted that it ranks among the worst globally and harms both public health and the economy.

The minister stressed that reducing pollution is a collective national responsibility, not just a government task. He urged transparency and accountability in all development activities to ensure genuine progress across the country.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new guideline to implement the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) model in the country's banking sector, aligning loan risk management and financial reporting with international standards. The central bank announced that the new system, based on the International Financial Reporting Standard IFRS-9, will take effect in 2028. Under this framework, banks must set aside provisions for potential loan losses before loans actually turn bad, replacing the current practice of provisioning after losses occur.

According to the guideline, loans will be classified into three stages depending on risk level, with provisions calculated for 12-month or lifetime expected losses. The new approach will also adjust interest income recognition based on loan risk, providing a more accurate reflection of banks’ income and exposure. Bangladesh Bank has allowed an additional five years for capital adjustment to ease the transition.

The guideline marks the first comprehensive step by Bangladesh Bank to implement IFRS-9, following a 2020 directive from the Financial Reporting Council. Several South Asian countries have already adopted similar standards.