Bangladesh’s apparel exports to European Union countries, the sector’s largest destination, dropped sharply at the start of 2026. According to Eurostat data, exports in January 2026 fell by 25.25 percent year-on-year to 1.43 billion euros, down from 1.91 billion euros in January 2025. The decline was driven by a 17.49 percent fall in export volume and a 9.41 percent drop in average price per kilogram. Industry stakeholders expressed concern that a prolonged downturn in the EU market could negatively affect Bangladesh’s overall economy, as nearly half of its export earnings come from this region.

Analysts attributed the slump to weaker consumer demand in Europe, rising living costs, higher interest rates, and slower retail sales. Increased competition from China, India, Vietnam, and other exporters has also intensified price pressure. Other major suppliers, including Turkey and China, also saw export declines. Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel noted that EU apparel imports overall fell by about 15.48 percent in January, reflecting a broader market slowdown.

Industry representatives urged swift policy action, emphasizing product diversification, higher value addition, stronger trade diplomacy, and exploring new markets to sustain export growth.

Israel has incurred more than $57 billion in economic losses due to its two-year-long military campaign in Gaza, according to the Bank of Israel’s 2025 annual report, as cited by Bloomberg. The report states that from 2023 to 2025, the country lost about 177 billion shekels, equivalent to roughly 8.6 percent of its gross domestic product. The majority of this loss was attributed to the Gaza conflict.

The report did not include the economic effects of Israel’s ongoing war with Iran, which involves Israeli airstrikes and retaliatory attacks. Earlier in March, Israel’s wartime cabinet approved a revised 2026 budget allocating an additional $13 billion to fund the war. The Bank of Israel also noted that trade with eight European Union countries criticizing Israeli strikes on Iran fell by $1.5 billion in 2025.

The report further warned that exports to countries taking a critical stance toward Israel could continue to decline, reflecting early signs of reduced trade activity.

The Bangladesh government has initiated the process of purchasing 1.8 million tons of diesel from the international spot market to address the ongoing fuel crisis. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has already begun discussions with several international suppliers, including two American companies and one based in Hong Kong. The procurement will follow current global market prices, which have surged sharply in recent weeks. BPC’s board has approved proposals to buy diesel from four companies, including Maxwell International SPC, AP Energy Investments Ltd, Superstar International Group Ltd, and DBS Trading House FZE.

Global diesel prices have fluctuated dramatically, rising from around 85 dollars per barrel in late February to over 213 dollars by late March. Officials said the government is cautious about fixed-price contracts due to potential price drops if U.S.-Iran talks progress. Despite high import costs, the government has no immediate plan to raise domestic fuel prices, raising concerns about subsidy burdens. BPC’s reserves have dropped to cover only six to seven days of demand, leading to pump closures and long queues nationwide.

Authorities expect new shipments to arrive soon and are optimistic that the crisis will ease once additional consignments reach the country.

QatarEnergy has declared a force majeure on its liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies as the ongoing war in the Middle East severely disrupts energy production and delivery systems. According to Al Jazeera, the company announced the legal measure on Tuesday, applying it to several long-term supply contracts with major customers including Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China.

The force majeure clause allows a party to suspend contractual obligations due to unforeseen events such as war or natural disasters. Similar declarations have recently been made by petroleum companies in Kuwait and Bahrain. The decision follows escalating instability in the region after U.S. and Israeli attacks in Iran on February 28, which have pushed the global energy market into deep uncertainty.

The closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and repeated Iranian missile and drone strikes on oil and gas infrastructure across the Persian Gulf have further intensified supply risks, heightening global concerns over energy security.

The government of Bangladesh is preparing an incentive framework to encourage investment, according to Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. He made the statement on Monday night after a discussion meeting on industrialization prospects in Panchagarh district, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

Dr. Titumir said that previous administrations had not taken initiatives to generate employment through investment in the northern region, despite its potential. The current government, committed to achieving regional balance, is therefore designing various incentive structures to promote investment. He emphasized that the government is committed to providing necessary tax benefits and financial support to investors.

He added that the government aims to reopen closed factories, including sugar mills and jute mills, and called on entrepreneurs to invest in agricultural and agro-processing industries in Panchagarh to foster significant growth in the sector.

Global gold prices declined further on Tuesday morning, dropping more than 2 percent in international trading. Spot gold fell 0.2 percent to 4,396.74 US dollars per ounce, marking its lowest level since November 24, when it had reached 4,097.99 dollars per ounce. US gold futures for April delivery also decreased by 1.5 percent to 4,340.90 dollars per ounce.

According to OANDA senior market analyst Kelvin Wong, the current volatility in the market is closely tied to developments in the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Mixed signals from the countries involved have made investors cautious, leading to instability across commodity markets. Since the onset of the conflict, gold prices have dropped by about 18 percent.

Other precious metals also saw declines. Spot silver fell 3.4 percent to 66.80 dollars per ounce, platinum dropped 2.1 percent to 1,841.68 dollars, and palladium decreased 2.7 percent to 1,395.25 dollars per ounce.

China has introduced temporary controls on fuel prices to limit the domestic impact of rapidly rising global oil prices. According to the state news agency Xinhua, this marks the first such intervention since the country’s fuel pricing mechanism was introduced over a decade ago. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) raised the maximum retail prices of petrol and diesel from midnight but capped the increase through a temporary regulatory measure.

Under the new decision, petrol prices rose by 1,160 yuan per metric ton and diesel by 1,115 yuan, compared with potential increases of 2,205 yuan and 2,120 yuan respectively without intervention. The NDRC said the move aims to cushion the economy from abnormal international price shocks, reduce pressure on consumers and industries, and maintain economic stability.

An NDRC official stated that if global oil prices continue to rise, the government may provide tax and subsidy support to stabilize supply. The report also noted China’s ongoing investments in strategic oil reserves and renewable energy sectors to strengthen energy security.

The Philippines is considering suspending domestic and international air services due to a severe shortage of jet fuel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg on Monday that the ongoing Iran-United States-Israel war has disrupted global energy supplies, leaving the country struggling to secure aviation fuel. He said that suppliers who previously sold jet fuel to the Philippines have stopped doing so, forcing airlines to rely on limited domestic reserves.

Marcos warned that these reserves will not last long if the war continues and fuel supply chains remain blocked. He indicated that without a quick resolution to the conflict or restoration of normal supply from seller countries, the government may soon have to cancel both domestic and long-haul international flights. The fuel crisis has already prompted the Philippines to declare a national energy emergency.

The situation highlights the broader global impact of the conflict on energy-dependent sectors, particularly aviation, as countries face mounting pressure to manage dwindling fuel resources.

A severe shortage of octane has been reported at four filling stations in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura, leaving motorcyclists and other drivers struggling to refuel. On Tuesday afternoon, long queues were seen at filling stations in Santahar municipality, where octane supply had completely stopped. Although diesel and petrol supplies remained normal, the lack of octane forced many drivers to use petrol instead, raising concerns about potential engine damage.

According to filling station operators, the affected stations include Joy Filling Station in Murail, Asha Filling Station on East Dhaka Road, Anika Filling Station in the municipal area, and Hamim Filling Station at the bypass intersection. They said the demand for octane surged ahead of the upcoming Eid, quickly depleting reserves. The shortage has worsened due to insufficient supply from depots.

To manage the situation, stations have imposed limits on petrol sales, allowing a maximum of Tk 200 for motorcycles and Tk 500 for private cars. Operators warned that if octane supply is not restored soon, the situation could deteriorate further.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has issued a notification increasing the price of jet fuel used in domestic and international flights by about Tk 90 per liter. The new rate will take effect from midnight, according to the circular released on Tuesday. The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) has termed the hike unjustified and urged the government to reconsider the decision.

In a press statement, AOAB said the sudden and large increase in Jet A-1 fuel prices does not reflect current market realities. The association noted that there is no fuel shortage in the country, as 25 oil tankers arrived in the past 22 days with fuel purchased at previously set prices. It also pointed out that global oil prices have recently declined, making such a sharp increase unreasonable.

AOAB warned that the new price could severely strain airlines financially, raise domestic airfares, and threaten the sustainability of the aviation sector. The group cautioned that continued pressure might even force suspension of domestic flight operations if the situation persists.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government has initiated discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure additional funds for energy imports affected by the Iran war. He made the remarks after meeting Krishna Srinivasan, IMF’s Asia and Pacific Director, at the Secretariat. Further detailed discussions are expected to take place in Washington.

The minister stated that the Iran war has negatively impacted Bangladesh’s economy, prompting the government to adopt cost-cutting and reform measures. He clarified that the IMF’s sixth and seventh tranches, totaling 1.86 billion dollars, will not be released before the next budget, with a review scheduled for July. The government aims to implement the BNP’s election manifesto to overcome economic challenges and is taking steps to simplify business processes and reduce expenses.

Chowdhury added that timely measures have prevented fuel shortages from affecting Eid transport and commodity prices. He urged citizens to remain prudent and compassionate during the ongoing crisis.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, stated on Tuesday that the country has sufficient fuel reserves and there is no shortage. However, he noted that an unusual surge in fuel purchases has created temporary pressure at filling stations, leading to an artificial sense of scarcity. The minister made these remarks during a briefing at the Secretariat, where State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit was also present.

He explained that people are buying more fuel than they need, causing pumps to run out of stock earlier than expected. This behavior, he said, is generating unnecessary public anxiety. The minister urged citizens to use fuel and electricity more efficiently and to avoid excessive purchases, assuring that supply will remain normal if consumption stays within reasonable limits.

He further emphasized that the government has not raised fuel prices and that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission determines pricing. Despite global market influences, he reiterated that there is no real shortage and that recent disruptions are driven by consumer behavior rather than supply issues.

Large numbers of visitors are continuing to crowd various tourist spots in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram even after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays ended on March 23. Families and travelers from across the country are visiting the area’s hills, waterfalls, lakes, and coastal sites to enjoy its natural beauty. Popular destinations such as Mahamaya Ecopark, Khaiyachhara Waterfall, Napittachhara Trail, Sonapahar Project, Arshi Nagar Future Park, Muhuri Irrigation Project, and Domkhali Beach are witnessing heavy daily attendance.

Local authorities and site managers have strengthened safety, cleanliness, and visitor management measures. Operators of major attractions reported that visitor numbers remain high, with guides and precautionary systems in place at key sites like Khaiyachhara. The upazila administration is maintaining regular monitoring to prevent disorder or accidents.

According to local business owners, the sustained tourist presence has boosted hotel, restaurant, and transport activity. Officials believe that with proper planning and management, Mirsarai could further establish itself as one of Bangladesh’s leading tourism destinations.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced on Tuesday that jet fuel prices for both domestic and international routes have been increased by nearly 90 taka per liter. According to the official notification, the new rates will take effect from midnight. The domestic jet fuel price has been raised from 112.41 taka to 202.29 taka per liter, marking an increase of 89.88 taka or about 80 percent. For international flights, the price has been adjusted from 0.7384 to 1.3216 US dollars per liter, a rise of approximately 79 percent.

BERC officials stated that the adjustment was made to align with current market conditions, import costs, and international fuel prices. The new rates will remain in effect until further notice.

The decision reflects the regulator’s response to global energy market fluctuations and rising import expenses, which have influenced domestic fuel pricing structures.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that agriculture will be the main driving force of Bangladesh’s economy. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Agriculture Ministry’s conference room during a post-Eid greeting event with officials and employees of the Agriculture and Food Ministries. The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul E. Mohamed, and Food Secretary Md. Firoz Sarkar.

The minister said Bangladesh’s geography and environment are highly suitable for agriculture and that scientific farming methods could produce more food than the country’s demand. He emphasized that most people depend on agriculture and that the rural economy is rooted in it. The government has launched programs such as distributing farmer cards and canal excavation to strengthen the sector and is implementing a coordinated plan to make agriculture the core of the economy.

He added that food security will be a major challenge in the future and urged officials to work sincerely to meet nutritional needs and ensure a better country for future generations. Nazrul Islam Khan called for honesty and dedication in advancing agriculture and announced a nationwide tree-planting initiative to combat climate impacts.