Israel’s Ministry of Finance reported that the country could face economic losses of about $3 billion per week due to the ongoing war with Iran. The ministry stated on Wednesday that restrictions under the Home Front Command’s ‘red’ alert have limited workplace attendance, closed schools, and mobilized reserve forces, leading to an estimated weekly loss of 9.4 billion shekels starting next week.

The conflict intensified after a joint U.S.-Israel strike in Iran last Saturday killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. In response, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. bases and Israeli facilities across the Middle East, according to Reuters.

The ministry’s projection highlights the severe economic strain Israel faces as military operations and emergency restrictions disrupt normal economic activity.

QatarEnergy, the world’s largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has declared force majeure for its affected buyers after halting LNG and related product output. The company announced on Monday that production at its facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City was suspended due to military attacks on those sites.

According to QatarEnergy, the force majeure declaration releases it from liability for failing to meet supply obligations caused by events beyond its control. The announcement immediately triggered a sharp reaction in global energy markets, with benchmark Dutch and British wholesale gas prices rising by about 50 percent, and benchmark Asian LNG prices increasing by roughly 39 percent.

Given Qatar’s central role in global LNG supply, the production shutdown has had a significant impact on international energy markets, intensifying concerns over supply stability and price volatility.

City Bank PLC, one of Bangladesh’s leading sustainable banks, has signed the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), becoming a member of the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). The announcement was made on March 4, 2026. Through this move, City Bank aims to align its operations with global standards for sustainable finance and responsible banking practices.

The PRB, developed by UNEP FI in collaboration with banks worldwide, provides a global framework for aligning banking strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Established in 1992, UNEP FI connects financial institutions with the United Nations to advance sustainable finance, currently working with over 550 banks and insurers globally.

As a PRB signatory, City Bank will integrate responsible banking principles into its business strategy, risk management, and decision-making processes. The bank will assess and disclose its environmental and social impacts, set measurable targets in key areas, and enhance transparency and accountability in line with international practices.

More than 4 million taxpayers have submitted online income tax returns for the 2025–26 fiscal year in Bangladesh, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR). Of them, 2.2 million, or about 55 percent, filed zero returns, declaring income below the taxable threshold. Among these, 1.44 million are male and 765,197 are female taxpayers. The NBR noted that while income up to 350,000 taka is tax-free for general taxpayers, the limit is higher for women, senior citizens, third gender individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Despite being below the taxable limit, many taxpayers are required to file returns to access 24 types of services. The NBR warned that some individuals intentionally underreport income to file zero returns and may face legal action. Historically, up to 70 percent of returns were zero, indicating a decline this year. The NBR also provided detailed breakdowns of income ranges and surcharge payments.

Online e-filing has been made mandatory this fiscal year, except for elderly, disabled, expatriate, and certain other taxpayers. The filing deadline, extended for the fourth time, is now set for March 31, 2026.

Bangladesh Bank has postponed a scheduled meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) that was set for Wednesday at noon to discuss a possible reduction in the policy interest rate. The meeting was called by the new governor, Mostakur Rahman, who recently took office and had planned to lower the policy rate by 50 basis points in the first phase. The proposed cut was expected to bring down lending rates across the banking sector.

The seven-member MPC is chaired by Governor Rahman and includes Deputy Governor Md. Habibur Rahman, Chief Economist Md. Akhtar Hossain, BIDS Director General A.K. Enamul Haque, Dhaka University Economics Department Chair Ferdousi Nahar, and Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Mahmud Salahuddin Naser. The only board-nominated member, Sadiq Ahmed, has reportedly resigned from the committee.

The previous governor, Ahsan H. Mansur, announced the last monetary policy last month, keeping the policy rate unchanged at 10 percent, a level maintained since October 2024. Inflation, which peaked at 11.38 percent in November, eased to 8.58 percent by January.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has formed a 10-member taskforce to strengthen VAT collection and prevent tax evasion during the final four months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, from March to June. The taskforce will prepare and implement a time-bound short-term action plan aimed at achieving revenue targets. The order to form the taskforce was issued by NBR’s VAT Implementation and IT Wing on Wednesday.

According to the directive, the taskforce will focus on enhancing revenue mobilization through comprehensive monitoring, preparing specific and time-bound plans for the next 180 days, and aligning its actions with the government’s sustainable development goals. It will also work on expanding the tax net, converting loss-making sectors into profitable ones, ensuring recovery of outstanding dues, and expediting the resolution of pending cases and audits. The taskforce is led by Md. Shamsul Islam, Commissioner of Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (North), with Ruhul Amin as member secretary.

NBR is also forming separate taskforces for income tax and customs divisions to improve overall revenue performance. The move follows a shortfall of 600 billion taka in revenue collection during the first seven months of the fiscal year.

Bangladesh has sought assistance from the United States to address its ongoing energy crisis, according to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon after a meeting at the Secretariat in Dhaka with Paul Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, who is currently visiting Bangladesh.

The minister said that Paul Kapur would discuss the matter with senior US officials before conveying Washington’s decision to Bangladesh. He added that the government plans to manage the situation using existing fuel reserves until normal supply resumes. Emphasizing conservation, he urged citizens to use available resources efficiently and noted that the ministry would soon issue a detailed directive to guide the public during the crisis.

The meeting reflects Bangladesh’s efforts to secure international cooperation amid supply constraints, with the government focusing on prudent resource management until external support or supply stabilization occurs.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, has called on citizens to use electricity and fuel sparingly. Speaking at a press conference at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the current energy supply is expected to last through March. Although some shortages may occur, he assured that the situation will not become unbearable and that the government is taking multiple measures to manage it.

The minister explained that the government aims to conserve energy through rationing and has increased border surveillance to prevent fuel smuggling, particularly diesel. He emphasized that there will be no load-shedding for iftar and sehri times during Ramadan. Mahmud also mentioned that global crises could affect Bangladesh but maintained that the current situation remains under control.

He urged citizens to cooperate by avoiding unnecessary lighting, especially in shopping malls, and noted that directives may soon be issued to restrict decorative lighting during the ongoing energy strain.

Bangladesh has consolidated its position as the second-largest apparel supplier to the European Union, achieving a 21.57 percent market share in 2025. According to Eurostat data, the country’s exports to the EU rose from 14,295 million euros in 2021 to 19,414.55 million euros in 2025, marking a 36 percent increase. Despite global demand slowdown, Bangladesh outperformed key competitors such as China, India, and Turkey in growth rate. China retained the top position with a 29.54 percent share, while Turkey and India held 9.27 and 5.03 percent respectively.

Industry leaders attributed Bangladesh’s progress to sustained efforts, competitive pricing, and stable supply chains. They noted that European buyers’ confidence remained strong even amid global economic pressure. The Export Promotion Bureau confirmed that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination, accounting for the majority of its apparel shipments.

Analysts from the Centre for Policy Dialogue said that advances in sustainable production and eco-friendly factories have strengthened Bangladesh’s position in Europe. They emphasized the need for product diversification and a potential free trade agreement with the EU to maintain tariff-free access after the country’s graduation from LDC status.

The global economy faces renewed instability after fresh airstrikes by the United States and Israel in Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The situation has disrupted earlier optimism that followed a brief pause in regional conflict, raising fears of prolonged tensions that could affect oil and gas production. Analysts warn that the conflict may not end quickly, and any disruption in energy supply could push inflation higher and slow global growth.

Experts note that Iran remains determined to retaliate despite attacks on its territory, and potential strikes on major producers such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia could severely impact global markets. Former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff cautioned that the world is entering a highly uncertain period, drawing parallels to historical conflicts that escalated unexpectedly. About 30 percent of global oil and 17 percent of natural gas come from the Middle East, with a fifth of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy price volatility has already surfaced, with oil prices jumping over 10 percent in a single day. Economists warn that extended disruptions could raise production costs, threaten food security in vulnerable regions, and push Europe and East Asia—heavily dependent on imported energy—into deeper economic strain.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has confirmed that the country currently holds adequate fuel reserves and there is no justification for raising prices due to the ongoing war situation. At a press conference held on Tuesday at the BPC headquarters in Karwan Bazar, Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has a total of 136,000 metric tons of fuel oil in stock. He added that alternative markets are being considered in light of the global conflict, but the existing reserves are sufficient to prevent any immediate price increase.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, BPC has completed letters of credit for seven ships as of Monday. The current stock is expected to last 14 days for diesel, 28 days for octane, 15 days for petrol, 93 days for furnace oil, and 55 days for jet fuel. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held meetings with key ministers and officials to review preparedness and instructed all relevant ministries to remain active in ensuring energy security.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir both expressed confidence that the government’s coordinated efforts would maintain stability in the energy sector despite global uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bank has eased regulations for renewing ongoing loans to assist businesses facing current economic challenges. In a circular issued on Tuesday, the central bank instructed that banks must begin the renewal process at least two months before the expiry of any existing loan. If renewal cannot be completed within the stipulated time due to reasons beyond control, the loan may still be renewed until it is classified as defaulted, provided that the delay is properly documented.

The circular further stated that any portion exceeding the approved loan limit must be adjusted before renewal. It also prohibited showing the excess portion as a new loan or transferring it to another account to avoid proper classification. The new policy will remain effective until December 31, 2027, replacing a previous circular issued in June 2025.

The directive was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, and took immediate effect, signaling regulatory flexibility aimed at maintaining financial stability and supporting business continuity.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has confirmed that the ongoing process to merge five banks will continue. He instructed officials to take all possible measures to recover defaulted loans and to reopen closed businesses within regulatory frameworks. The directives were issued during a meeting with the Bank Resolution Department at the central bank’s headquarters on Tuesday. Mostakur Rahman took office as governor last Thursday, following the removal of Ahsan H. Mansur, who had initiated several banking reforms after the fall of the Awami League government.

According to Bangladesh Bank officials, the merger of Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank into a new entity named Combined Islami Bank will proceed. Administrators appointed by the central bank are currently managing these institutions. The new bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the deposit insurance fund. The authorized capital is Tk 400 billion, and the headquarters is located at Senakalyan Bhaban in Dhaka.

The governor also directed administrators to ensure depositors can withdraw funds without harassment and to identify those involved in financial irregularities for legal action.

The government has announced a 25 percent fare discount for students, persons with disabilities, and citizens aged over 65 on all types of rail services, including the metro rail. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, March 3, by Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam during a press briefing at the Secretariat. He noted that the implementation of this benefit would take some time.

According to the minister, special options will be added to online ticketing systems to facilitate the discount. Passengers aged over 65 will need to show their national ID cards, while students and persons with disabilities must present valid identification during ticket purchase or travel. Disability cards issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare will be accepted. The minister added that the inclusion of freedom fighters under this scheme had not yet been discussed.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also discussed ongoing efforts to improve railway services, including accelerating current projects and introducing new ones to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. He said preparations were underway to manage increased passenger demand during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and authorities to take immediate action whenever there are reports of rising coarse rice prices in the domestic market. The order was issued on Tuesday, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said the Prime Minister acted after learning that the price of coarse rice, a staple for low-income people, had increased in retail markets. The directive reportedly had a prompt positive effect on the market.

In addition, the Prime Minister instructed that all congratulatory advertisements and banners featuring him on billboards across the capital be removed quickly. He also issued orders to strengthen regular patrols in coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to curb piracy, robbery, and illegal trafficking, and to protect marine resources while ensuring the safety of fishermen.

These directives reflect the government’s focus on market stability, public order, and maritime security, with an emphasis on rapid administrative response to emerging issues.