During the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Kuakata, known as the 'Daughter of the Sea,' has seen a massive influx of tourists. On Sunday, the second day of Eid, the 18-kilometer-long beach turned into a festive city as thousands of visitors from across Bangladesh arrived to enjoy the sea and nature. Although light rain reduced attendance earlier in the day, the beach became crowded by evening, with visitors engaging in sea bathing, horse riding, and photography at major spots including Zero Point, Lebur Bon, and Gangamati.

After a quiet Ramadan period, Kuakata’s tourism sector has revived with nearly 90 percent hotel and resort bookings. Local business owners expressed optimism that the surge in visitors would help recover previous losses. The natural beauty of the beach, enhanced by red crabs, migratory birds, and fresh vegetation, added to the attraction.

Tourist Police have implemented multi-layered security measures to ensure visitor safety, deploying officers at key points and maintaining plainclothes surveillance to allow tourists to enjoy their holidays peacefully.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned that petrol pumps across the country may shut down at any time due to fuel shortages and security concerns. The organization issued a statement on Sunday night describing the situation as dire, saying that the daily fuel supply from oil companies is insufficient to meet current consumer demand.

According to the statement, motorcycle users are waiting for hours to refuel, leading to frustration and tension at petrol stations. Pump attendants, referred to as nozzlemen, are struggling to manage the growing discontent among customers and are becoming exhausted from continuous duty without rest.

The association cautioned that if the situation continues, petrol pumps nationwide could close down because of inadequate fuel supply and safety risks, potentially disrupting transportation and daily activities across Bangladesh.

With the start of the seven-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the Sundarbans—the world’s largest mangrove forest—and various tourist spots in Mongla have seen a surge of visitors. From morning to evening, areas such as Mongla’s children’s park and marine drive are crowded with tourists. After a quiet Ramadan, most hotels and resorts in Mongla are now fully booked, and tourism officials expect the highest visitor turnout between March 22 and 24.

Local businesses and the administration have strengthened security and arranged special entertainment programs and services to welcome tourists. Visitors from different regions are enjoying the natural beauty of the forest, rivers, and wildlife. A tourist from Dhaka expressed satisfaction with the environment and travel experience.

Officials at the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center reported that thousands of tourists are visiting daily, which is revitalizing the tourism sector. Business owners who faced losses during Ramadan are now operating with renewed enthusiasm, and authorities believe the increased tourist flow will help expand the local economy and boost revenue.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh has not raised fuel prices even though many countries have done so. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram, during a post-Eid discussion with journalists. The minister noted that despite global challenges, including ongoing wars, the government has managed to maintain fuel supply and transportation stability during the Eid period.

He explained that the prolonged conflict abroad continues to exert pressure on economies worldwide, and Bangladesh is not immune to these effects. The minister described the national economy as being in a fragile condition when the new government took office. However, he emphasized that through careful management, the government has so far prevented significant burdens on citizens.

Chowdhury acknowledged that the situation remains difficult and that continued global instability, particularly in the Middle East, could increase economic pressure on Bangladesh if the conflict persists.

According to a Financial Times report, the world’s 20 largest airlines have lost about $53 billion in market value since the start of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran. The conflict has forced several airlines across the Middle East to suspend their commercial operations due to safety and logistical concerns.

As the war enters its fourth week, airline executives are expressing concern over a potential shortage of jet fuel. The report notes that roughly one-third of airlines’ total operating costs go toward jet fuel, and prices have doubled since the conflict began. This sharp rise in fuel costs is expected to put upward pressure on airfares.

The ongoing instability in the region continues to disrupt global aviation markets, with uncertainty surrounding how long the conflict and its economic effects will persist.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, Bangladesh has not experienced any impact on commodity prices. He said fuel prices and transport fares have remained stable and there has been no fuel shortage. The minister made these remarks on Sunday at a post-Eid Mezban gathering at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram, emphasizing that the country is progressing normally and will continue to do so with public cooperation.

He added that the stable democratic environment in Bangladesh is reflected in the people's expressions of freedom and joy during Eid. According to him, the elected democratic government has ensured that citizens feel a sense of ownership and participation in national progress. Chowdhury urged citizens to maintain cooperation and restraint to sustain the country's forward momentum.

The Mezban event was attended by leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organizations, creating a festive atmosphere of Eid reunion. Similar gatherings were also organized by the Chattogram City Mayor and several Members of Parliament, who said such events strengthen unity and fraternity within the party.

Fuel unloading operations at Chattogram Port are continuing at full capacity to maintain stable electricity generation and ensure national energy security. Since March 3, following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, 25 fuel-carrying vessels have been successfully unloaded. One vessel is currently discharging fuel at the jetty, another is waiting offshore, and two more are en route to Bangladesh by sea.

According to port sources, the unloaded cargoes include LNG, LPG, diesel, furnace oil, jet fuel, and octane, essential for domestic transport and industrial operations. Shipping officials said energy imports are being prioritized, keeping vessel arrivals steady and unloading processes expedited. The LPG SEVAN vessel from Oman is currently unloading LPG, while the AB OLIVIA from Thailand has brought base oil to meet lubricant demand.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation described the completion of 25 unloadings in less than a month as a major success, ensuring no artificial fuel shortage. Port authorities noted that timely unloading saves millions of taka and stabilizes the market, supporting the country’s economic momentum if the incoming vessels arrive as scheduled.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing individual taxpayers to apply for an extension if they cannot submit their income tax returns by March 31. According to NBR sources, 4.1 million taxpayers have already filed returns, while about 5 million are registered in the e-return system. Currently, there are around 12 million Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders in the country.

This year, except for a few exceptions, all taxpayers are required to submit their returns online. The new system enables taxpayers to log in to the NBR website and use the 'Time Extension' menu to apply for additional time. Applications must be submitted before March 31, and the respective tax commissioner will approve or reject them online. Approved applicants can file their returns within the extended period without any penalty or extra tax.

Taxpayers not required to file online returns may apply for an extension either online or in writing to their tax circle. Commissioners can grant up to 90 additional days for submission if the application is made before the deadline.

A severe fuel shortage has gripped Dhaka and surrounding areas as petrol pumps remain closed during the Eid holidays. Due to the lack of fuel supply from depots, almost all stations have displayed notices reading 'closed' or 'no fuel'. Only the army-owned Trust Fuel Station near Bijoy Sarani was operational, leading to long queues stretching from the Cantonment Third Gate to the Mohakhali Flyover.

Across key city areas including Tejgaon, Mohakhali, and Khilkhet, petrol pumps were closed, with only CNG refueling available at some locations. Many residents who ventured out for Eid travel or essential work returned home frustrated after failing to find fuel. Some vehicles ran out of fuel entirely, forcing passengers to push them to their destinations.

The ongoing shortage has disrupted Eid travel plans and raised concerns about post-holiday transportation. With diesel supply uncertain, authorities fear a potential halt in bus operations, leaving millions who traveled to villages for Eid unsure if they will find transport back to the city.

Global oil markets are facing heightened uncertainty as roughly 170 million barrels of Iranian crude oil stored at sea are expected to enter circulation following the recent easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Analysts cited by Reuters on Saturday said the oil is currently held on ships stretching from the Gulf region to Chinese waters. Consultancy Energy Aspects estimated the volume at 130 to 140 million barrels, equivalent to less than two weeks of Middle Eastern supply shortfall.

The Middle East supplies about 60 percent of Asia’s crude demand, but near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz this month has forced regional refineries to cut production and limit exports. Analysts warned that any instability in this key waterway directly affects global energy markets.

China has remained Iran’s main buyer since U.S. sanctions were imposed in 2018, importing about 1.38 million barrels per day last year. India, facing low reserves, is also exploring Iranian purchases but awaits clarity on payment terms and U.S. policy. Traders noted ongoing challenges over payment mechanisms and the use of older “shadow fleet” vessels for transport.

Surat, the textile heart of Gujarat, is facing a severe crisis as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortages threaten to halt production across its garment factories. The disruption stems from the closure of the Hormuz Strait and ongoing conflict in West Asia, which have cut India’s LPG supply by 30 percent. Thousands of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha are leaving the city as cooking gas becomes unavailable, forcing many small and medium textile units to shut down.

Reports indicate that some factories have already reduced operations to one or two days a week due to labor shortages. In worker colonies, LPG scarcity has driven prices up to 500 rupees per kilogram on the black market, while small cylinders now cost five times their usual price. Many workers, unable to cook or afford food, are returning to their villages despite having jobs.

Industry experts warn that if the exodus continues, India’s domestic and export textile markets could collapse ahead of the festive season. Factory owners are urging the government for fuel subsidies and faster LPG deliveries, but the situation remains uncertain until Middle East tensions ease.

The United States has decided to ease sanctions on Iran’s crude oil and petroleum products for 30 days, according to a statement from the US Treasury Department. The move comes in response to global oil price and supply instability caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel war, Al Jazeera reported. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the temporary authorization applies only to oil shipments already in transit, not to new orders.

Iran, meanwhile, stated that it has been targeting ships linked to the United States and Israel, disrupting oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has contributed to volatility in global energy prices and raised concerns about broader economic impacts. Earlier, Bessent had told Fox Business that the relaxation could allow about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently at sea to reach the market.

Following Bessent’s remarks, Iran’s Oil Ministry spokesperson Saman Goddosi said the country has no additional crude oil available for export, either at sea or in storage, suggesting the US statement was intended to encourage potential buyers.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have strengthened ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as remittance inflows increased notably over the past two weeks. According to Bangladesh Bank data, as of March 16, 2026, the country’s total reserves stood at 34.22 billion US dollars. Under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the figure amounts to 29.52 billion dollars.

Earlier, on March 3, total reserves were recorded at 35.32 billion dollars, or 30.58 billion dollars under the IMF method. The rise in reserves has been supported by a significant inflow of remittances from expatriates, who sent over 2 billion dollars during the first 14 days of March. Total remittance inflows during this period reached 2.2044 billion dollars, equivalent to about 270 billion taka at an exchange rate of 122 taka per dollar.

The report notes that the increase in remittances has provided a timely boost to the country’s foreign exchange position before the Eid festival, though future flows could be affected if global conflicts persist.

Global oil prices saw a slight decline on Friday, March 20, 2026, following weeks of volatility driven by ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the Hormuz Strait, a key route for about 20 percent of global oil supply, and attacks on energy infrastructure had earlier pushed crude prices above 119 dollars per barrel. Brent crude fell 0.6 percent to 108 dollars per barrel, while U.S. benchmark WTI dropped 1.1 percent to 94.6 dollars.

Goldman Sachs warned that disruptions in energy supply could persist until 2027, keeping Brent prices above 100 dollars for an extended period and possibly surpassing the 2008 record of 147 dollars if conditions worsen. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hub suffered a 17 percent reduction in LNG export capacity after an attack, with recovery expected to take up to five years.

U.S. President Donald Trump assured citizens that the situation would soon stabilize, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was responding to U.S. calls to limit strikes on energy sites. However, reports of drones and missiles being intercepted over the Middle East suggest the conflict remains active.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that if sanctions on Iranian oil are lifted, shipments could begin reaching Asian markets within three to four days. He made the remarks in an interview with Fox Business Network, noting that rapid supply resumption could help stabilize global oil prices.

The statement comes amid volatility in global oil markets driven by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is reportedly considering various policy options to manage the situation. Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that sanctions on Iranian oil stored in tankers at sea might soon be lifted.

Experts cited in the report believe that easing sanctions would allow Iranian oil to flow quickly into global markets, potentially increasing supply and reducing price pressure.