The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has warned that Bangladesh could lose significant import duty revenue in the current fiscal year due to its new trade agreement with the United States. The concern was raised at a roundtable in Dhaka on March 10, where CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun presented findings showing a potential revenue loss of about Tk 1,327 crore. The deal, titled the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, allows duty-free import of around 4,500 US products and requires tariff reductions on another 2,210 items over the next five to ten years.

CPD noted that the arrangement may create a one-sided market advantage for the US and could conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) principles, potentially complicating Bangladesh’s trade policy. The organization also cautioned that mandatory purchases of certain US goods could raise government expenditure, urging a review of the deal through dialogue with Washington.

The discussion further highlighted Bangladesh’s revenue shortfall, growing reliance on bank borrowing, and slow development spending, with CPD recommending realistic budget targets and long-term fiscal reforms to stabilize the economy.

The government of Bangladesh has declared March 18, 2026, a public holiday by executive order, extending the Eid-ul-Fitr vacation period. Following this announcement, Bangladesh Bank confirmed that scheduled banks will remain closed for seven consecutive days. However, to facilitate salary and bonus payments for garment workers, certain bank branches in industrial areas will remain open on March 18 and 19.

According to a circular issued by the central bank, branches located in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram garment zones must 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 until 1 p.m. The circular also instructed that bank branches and booths in port and customs areas remain operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support import and export activities.

Between March 17 and 23, except on Eid day, limited banking operations will continue in coordination with local administration and port authorities to ensure smooth trade-related transactions.

Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury has been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director (Finance and Accounts) at Grameen Bank. The decision was made at the bank’s 173rd board meeting, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the institution. Prior to this promotion, he served as the General Manager of the Finance and Accounts Division.

Chowdhury was born in West Dhemsha village of Satkania upazila in Chattogram district. He completed his postgraduate degree in Management from the University of Chittagong and joined Grameen Bank in 1995 as a probationary officer. Over his career, he has held various key positions including Branch Manager, Program Officer, Area Manager, Zonal Audit Officer, Zonal Manager, and Department Head.

He expressed optimism about contributing further to the bank’s progress, particularly in expanding loan programs and deposit growth, drawing on his long professional experience.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has set a new limit allowing motorcycle ride-share drivers in metropolitan areas to purchase a maximum of five liters of octane or petrol per day. The directive, issued on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, through a notice signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana, replaces the previous two-liter daily limit. The rule applies only within city areas.

According to the notice, fuel stations must issue receipts specifying the fuel type, quantity, and price for each purchase. Drivers must submit the original copy of the previous receipt when refueling again. Fuel will be supplied only after verifying the motorcycle’s registration number and driver information with the ride-sharing app. BPC emphasized that selling fuel above the government-fixed price is illegal and that fuel prices are reviewed monthly by the government.

BPC stated that fuel imports and distribution across the country are continuing as scheduled, with regular deliveries by rail wagons and tankers to maintain stable supply. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability amid the current situation.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced that 5,000 tons of diesel are being imported from India’s Numaligarh Refinery in Assam. The fuel is expected to reach Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. BPC’s General Manager for Commerce and Operations, Muhammad Morshed Hossain Azad, confirmed the development, adding that pumping operations have already begun in India.

According to BPC sources, the government initiated this emergency import to maintain stable fuel reserves and ensure uninterrupted nationwide supply. Officials believe the pipeline transport will reduce both time and transportation costs. Bangladesh has also formally proposed importing an additional 50,000 tons of diesel through the same pipeline over the next four months.

A separate agreement remains in place to import 180,000 tons of diesel from the Numaligarh Refinery by December 2026, though implementation had been delayed due to strained Dhaka–Delhi relations. The total cost of that deal is estimated at about Tk 1,462 crore, financed partly by BPC and partly through bank loans.

Global oil prices dropped sharply after US President Donald Trump suggested that the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could soon end. The decline followed a period of intense volatility in the energy market, which had seen prices reach their highest level in four years on March 9, 2026.

Just a day earlier, Brent crude oil prices had surpassed 100 dollars per barrel for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The surge triggered heavy sell-offs in major stock markets across Asia and Europe, while New York’s Wall Street also faced early trading pressure. Trump’s remarks, made in an interview with CBS News, appeared to calm markets, leading to a rapid price correction.

By the end of the day, Brent crude, which had briefly touched 119.50 dollars per barrel, fell to 98.96 dollars. The developments highlighted the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical signals and presidential statements.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced strict energy-saving measures on Monday amid fears of a fuel shortage caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a televised address, he said all primary schools across the country would remain closed for two weeks, while higher education institutions would shift to online classes. Half of all government and private employees have been instructed to work from home, and offices will now have an additional weekly holiday to reduce energy consumption.

The announcement came as crude oil prices surpassed 100 dollars per barrel for the first time in four years. Sharif noted that Pakistan’s economy, agriculture, and transport sectors are heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil and energy supplies. He also ordered a reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles, banned new purchases of furniture, air conditioners, and other office items, and suspended all foreign trips by government officials, including himself.

These measures are intended to conserve energy and stabilize national fuel reserves during the regional crisis.

A shortage of bottled soybean oil has been reported in several markets across Dhaka, with consumers struggling to find one- and two-liter bottles despite stable retail prices. Dealers have reportedly raised wholesale prices, reducing retailers’ profit margins. Open soybean and palm oil prices have also increased. Some shopkeepers said companies are supplying less oil, while panic buying linked to conflict in the Middle East has worsened the situation.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, after meeting with importers and traders, denied any shortage, stating that there is sufficient stock and no reason for price hikes. He attributed the temporary supply pressure to consumers purchasing more than usual out of fear. The minister warned that panic buying could allow unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation and assured that monitoring would be intensified.

Oil companies and importers also rejected claims of reduced production or supply, asserting that distribution remains normal. The ministry confirmed that consumer protection authorities and local administrations will continue market inspections to prevent manipulation.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA) have warned that private sector furnace oil-based power plants can continue production for only about one month with their current fuel reserves. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday, BIPPA President David Hasnat and former president Imran Karim urged the government to ensure timely fuel supply and payment of outstanding dues to prevent a severe electricity crisis as irrigation demand and summer heat intensify.

Imran Karim stated that as of early March, private plants held around 130,000 tons of fuel oil, sufficient to operate until April 7–10. He noted that private producers generate roughly half of Bangladesh’s total electricity, but delayed government payments—often six to nine months late—have created financial strain, with dues reaching about Tk 14,000 crore. Karim also argued that furnace oil remains comparatively stable in price, unlike LNG, which has seen sharp increases.

BIPPA Vice President Faisal Ahmed Chowdhury emphasized the sector’s growing local expertise, while Hasnat cautioned that the country could face a 3,000-megawatt power shortfall during peak heat if short- and long-term plans are not implemented.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a new policy to enhance transparency and accountability in distributing stipends to primary school students. Announced on March 9, 2026, by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the 'Primary Education Stipend Program Implementation Guidelines 2026' mandates that stipend funds be sent directly to the mother’s registered mobile banking account. In the absence of the mother, the father or a legal guardian will receive the payment through the same digital process.

According to the new guidelines, all students of government primary schools, PTI-affiliated experimental schools, and those run by the Child Welfare Trust will be eligible, with a maximum of two children per family allowed to receive stipends. Monthly payments will vary by grade, ranging from 75 taka for pre-primary students to 200 taka for grades six to eight. Students must maintain at least 80% attendance and achieve minimum academic performance to continue receiving benefits.

The Directorate of Primary Education will oversee the fully digital distribution system, coordinated with the Finance Division, Bangladesh Bank, and mobile financial service providers. Any irregularities in fund distribution will be subject to legal action.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that there is sufficient stock of edible oil in the market and no possibility of a price increase. He made the remarks on Monday after a meeting with edible oil traders at the Ministry of Commerce to review the overall supply situation following reports of minor shortages and slightly higher prices in some areas.

The minister explained that recent supply pressure in certain markets resulted from panic buying by consumers, not from any actual shortage. He emphasized that importers and refinery owners confirmed adequate reserves of edible oil. Muktadir urged consumers not to purchase excessively, warning that unnecessary competition could allow unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation.

He further said that monitoring activities would be strengthened to ensure market stability and prevent misinformation. The National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate and district administrations will continue regular inspections, and the government will take action if irregularities are found.

The ongoing conflict surrounding Iran has sparked fears of a new wave of inflation in the United Kingdom, according to a report citing Al Jazeera. The impact is already visible in European stock markets, with the UK's FTSE 100 index dropping by about 200 points, or roughly 2 percent, and Germany's DAX index falling by around 2.3 percent.

Market analysts suggest that investors are now factoring in the possibility of interest rate hikes due to inflation concerns. The Bank of England is expected to make decisions on this matter in the coming weeks or months. Higher interest rates would make borrowing more expensive for both businesses and homeowners.

Since the crisis began, yields on UK government bonds have also risen significantly, raising concerns that the government’s day-to-day financial management could become more difficult.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concern that rising energy prices caused by the ongoing war could affect Germany’s economy. Speaking at a press conference, Merz said his government is worried about the current energy price situation and acknowledged the potential economic consequences for the country.

During his visit to the White House last week, Merz had expressed support for the joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran. At the same time, he expressed hope that the conflict would end soon, noting that the war is having a negative impact on the global economy.

The statement reflects Germany’s growing anxiety over the broader economic fallout of the conflict and its potential to disrupt energy markets and economic stability.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks to ensure adequate cash availability in ATM booths across the country ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The central bank’s Payment Systems Department issued a circular on Monday instructing scheduled banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service institutions to maintain uninterrupted operations of all digital transaction systems, including point of sale (POS), e-payment gateways, and mobile financial services.

The circular emphasized that ATMs must remain operational at all times, with technical issues resolved promptly and security guards kept on alert. Banks were also instructed to ensure continuous POS services for customer convenience and to raise awareness among merchants and clients to prevent fraud. For e-payment gateways, the use of two-factor authentication in both card-based and account-based transactions was mandated.

Mobile financial service providers such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad were asked to guarantee uninterrupted transactions and to notify customers via SMS for every transaction, regardless of amount.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has requested the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to deploy the army at key fuel depots across the country, citing fears of unrest due to fuel shortages. The appeal follows disruptions in fuel imports and distribution caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East. The government has introduced rationing and reduced fuel supply from depots by 25 percent, triggering public anxiety and hoarding in some areas.

According to BPC’s letter, depots in Chattogram’s Patenga, Khulna’s Daulatpur, Sirajganj’s Baghabari, Narayanganj’s Godnail and Fatullah, Dinajpur’s Parbatipur, and Barishal are considered at risk. The corporation emphasized that these depots are key point installations requiring urgent security measures. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division has instructed district administrations to conduct mobile courts to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, while central and regional monitoring cells have been established.

Mobile courts in Dhaka have already intervened at several petrol stations found hoarding or halting sales. The government has urged citizens to conserve energy and issued five directives promoting reduced electricity use, avoidance of decorative lighting, and increased reliance on public transport.