India may postpone its planned trade agreement with the United States for several months, according to four unnamed Indian sources cited by Reuters. The delay follows a new U.S. investigation into alleged excess industrial production capacity among trade partners, which has heightened tensions between the two countries. India had expected to sign an interim deal in March before finalizing a broader agreement, but the timeline has now been pushed back.

Officials from both sides said they remain in contact to pursue a mutually beneficial deal, though no new signing date has been set. Talks reportedly slowed after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump in late February, and Washington’s focus shifted to conflict with Iran. India has reduced but not halted imports of Russian oil, while U.S. officials have urged New Delhi to increase imports to ease global energy shortages.

Analysts said India’s cautious approach is reasonable given ongoing tariff uncertainty and the Section 301 investigation under the 1974 Trade Act. India may present its case to the U.S. Trade Representative or take the matter to the World Trade Organization if needed.

The government of Bangladesh has withdrawn the rationing system in fuel marketing and supply, effective immediately. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced the decision on Sunday at a press conference held at the Secretariat. He stated that the rationing system had been introduced earlier due to concerns over possible supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, but current fuel reserves are now stable and there is no shortage.

According to the minister, the decision aims to ensure uninterrupted travel during the upcoming Eid holidays and to maintain adequate electricity supply for irrigation season. He added that the directive will remain in effect until further notice.

The minister also clarified that the government has no intention to increase fuel prices despite global price hikes, emphasizing that the decision was made considering public interest.

Bangladesh’s Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced on Sunday that the government has ended all fuel rationing for public transport across the country. The decision, effective immediately, follows an improvement in fuel supply conditions. The minister stated that fuel distribution and sales will continue normally, as they were before the onset of the Iran war crisis. The move aims to ensure smooth travel and goods transport during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday period.

Fuel rationing had been introduced on March 6 amid public panic over a possible shortage linked to fears surrounding the Iran conflict. At that time, the government limited daily fuel allocations for different vehicle types, ranging from 2 liters for motorcycles to 220 liters for long-distance trucks. The restrictions were later eased, including an increase in the motorcycle fuel limit to 5 liters and a reduction in overall rationing from 25 percent to 15 percent.

With the Eid travel surge approaching, the government has now fully withdrawn the rationing system to stabilize transport operations and meet public demand.

A severe shortage of marine fuel and diesel has disrupted both foreign vessel bunkering and domestic lighter ship operations at Chattogram Port. Dealers authorized to supply specialized 0.5 sulfur marine fuel reported that state-owned oil companies Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna have failed to meet their demand despite formal requests. The crisis has also hit lighter vessels transporting goods from mother vessels to inland ports, with daily diesel allocations dropping to one-fifth of requirements.

Officials from the Bangladesh Water Transport Cell (BWTCC) said such a fuel crisis is unprecedented and warned that it could cause congestion at outer anchorage and instability in essential goods markets. They have already informed the government’s top level seeking adequate diesel allocation. Bunker dealers added that high domestic fuel prices compared to Singapore have limited sales, though recent global price hikes have reversed the trend, straining local reserves.

Port authorities expressed concern that continued shortages could force Chattogram to be declared a “no bunkering port,” lowering its international standing. However, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) assured that blending diesel with furnace oil can sustain marine fuel supply and prevent such a declaration.

Fuel traders in 15 districts, including Khulna, have voluntarily stopped lifting and marketing fuel from the depots of Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna since 8 a.m. on Saturday. They allege that the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has failed to supply fuel according to demand, forcing them to take this decision. The traders claim that the current supply from the Khulna depots is only 9 lakh liters daily, against a demand of 40–45 lakh liters across the 15 districts.

An emergency meeting of four fuel business organizations was held at the Khulna Tank Lorry Owners’ building, where leaders said that BPC is citing global crises to justify reduced supply. They had proposed an additional 4.5 lakh liters daily from the three depots, but the proposal was not accepted. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Murad Hossain, vice president of the Bangladesh Fuel Oil Distributors Association.

In Rajshahi, the District Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that if adequate supply is not ensured by Monday, they will also stop lifting fuel. They reported a 30–40 percent supply shortfall and raised concerns over security and administrative cooperation.

Bangladesh’s government has lifted fuel purchase limits for public transport ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, as millions prepare to leave Dhaka amid an ongoing energy crisis caused by the Iran war. Road, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that from Saturday night, buses and other public vehicles can buy fuel as needed. The government has also extended holidays and ordered 24-hour operation of fuel stations for seven days before and five days after Eid to ensure smooth travel.

Despite these measures, concerns remain about overcrowding and fuel shortages as more than 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within a few days. Passenger welfare groups have accused transport operators of charging double or triple fares, calling the minister’s terminal inspections superficial. Transport owners deny the allegations, saying fare hikes are unauthorized and will be punished if found.

To ease river travel, special launch services have been introduced from Baachila and Shimulia tourist terminals, while the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority confirmed additional vessels will operate from March 17. The inland shipping association has urged adequate diesel supply to prevent disruptions in river transport during the holiday period.

The United States has initiated investigations into whether Bangladesh and several other countries are engaging in industrial overproduction and failing to prevent the use of forced labor in manufacturing. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Wednesday that sixteen countries, including Bangladesh, are being investigated for overcapacity, followed by a Thursday announcement expanding the probe to sixty countries regarding forced labor. Countries found to be involved in unfair trade practices could face import tariffs under US trade law.

The investigations will assess national laws, policies, and enforcement related to banning imports made with forced labor, as well as whether such practices burden or restrict US trade. Each government must respond in writing by March 17, with hearings scheduled for early May. The move follows the US Supreme Court’s annulment of former President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy and the non-implementation of the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement.

Bangladesh’s commerce secretary said the government sees no immediate risk from the investigation and will respond if formally asked. Economists noted that the US may use the probe to justify new tariffs and urged Bangladesh to prepare for negotiations to safeguard its trade interests.

Bangladesh’s Road, Bridges, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that fuel stations along highways will remain open 24 hours a day for seven days before and five days after Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision, effective from Saturday night, aims to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for long-distance buses and other public transport during the holiday rush. The minister confirmed that the previous fuel purchase limits for public transport have been lifted to prevent any disruption in travel.

During a visit to Dhaka’s bus terminals, the minister said sufficient fuel supply has been arranged and strict instructions issued to prevent fare hikes or ticket cancellations under the pretext of fuel shortages. He noted that BRTC buses are operating on schedule and charging only approved fares.

Authorities have identified 207 potential traffic congestion points nationwide. Special coordination among highway police, BRTA, transport operators, local administration, and law enforcement has been arranged to manage traffic flow. Construction materials have been cleared from highways to keep at least two to three lanes operational, with all four lanes open where available.

Labour, Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that industrial workers will receive their wages and bonuses before Eid. He said several factories have already paid their workers, and the remaining payments will be completed soon. The minister expressed optimism that the government will ensure timely disbursement so that workers can celebrate Eid with joy.

Speaking after visiting the Shahi Eidgah in Sylhet on Saturday afternoon, Ariful Haque said the government is maintaining communication with factory owners to facilitate payments and will provide all necessary support. He added that the government is hopeful about a smooth process this year.

The minister also confirmed the deaths of five Bangladeshi nationals in a gas explosion in the Maldives. He said the bodies will be brought back following local legal procedures, and discussions are underway with the concerned company regarding compensation. He further noted that three ministries are closely monitoring the ongoing war situation in the Middle East to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the current BNP-led government is prioritizing the modernization, safety, and international standards of Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors. He made the remarks on Saturday at an event organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the All Community Club auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that women’s active participation is vital for the sector’s progress and praised ATJFB’s initiative to recognize women’s contributions.

This year, ten women received the ATJFB Aviatour Women’s Icon Award for their achievements in aviation and tourism. Awardees included professionals from categories such as pilot, cabin crew, sales and marketing, customer service, aviation entrepreneurship, instruction, public relations, tour guiding, culinary tourism, and hospitality entrepreneurship. The awards were presented by the state minister himself.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, airlines, tourism organizations, and industry leaders. Ethiopian Airlines served as a supporting sponsor, and an iftar gathering followed the award ceremony.

Bangladesh is set to participate for the first time in the 26th China International Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC), scheduled from March 17 to 19 in Shanghai. The event will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, with participation from 50 countries. National Agricare Export-Import Company (NAC) will represent Bangladesh, showcasing its range of agrochemical products including pesticides, growth regulators, fertilizers, and WDG formulations.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif, Bangladesh’s participation marks a new step toward diversifying export earnings beyond the ready-made garment sector. He noted that EPB will support other companies interested in joining similar international exhibitions. NAC Managing Director KSM Mostafizur Rahman stated that with policy support, the agro industry could become export-oriented within five years, reducing import dependence.

The exhibition provides a platform for entrepreneurs to explore new agricultural products, technologies, and sustainable solutions, potentially opening new export opportunities for Bangladesh’s agro sector.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has urged the government to take immediate action to stop excessive fare collection and passenger harassment in public transport during the Eid travel period. In a statement issued on Saturday, the association’s secretary general Mozammel Haque Chowdhury criticized the new road minister for conducting what he described as superficial inspections at bus terminals alongside media and transport owners.

The statement alleged that the long-standing system of fare irregularities remains unchanged and that the government has failed to introduce structural reforms or ensure accountability under existing laws. It called on the new minister to personally observe the situation by visiting major terminals such as Sayedabad, Gulistan, Gabtoli, Mohakhali, and Sadarghat in disguise to witness the real conditions faced by passengers.

The association further claimed that despite official announcements not to raise fares for Eid, transport operators are charging double or triple the regular rates on various routes, including Dhaka–Gazipur and Dhaka–Mawa. It urged the minister to take effective measures reflecting the prime minister’s intent to protect passengers from exploitation.

Iran is reportedly considering a new condition for oil tankers passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to a CNN report citing a senior Iranian official, Tehran may allow a limited number of tankers to transit the waterway only if the oil cargo or transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan. The move is part of a broader plan Iran is developing to manage tanker traffic in the strait.

The official indicated that while the global oil market remains dominated by the US dollar, Iran is signaling its intent to challenge that dominance. This approach aligns with recent trends where Russia, under Western sanctions, has increasingly sold oil in rubles or yuan. By following a similar path, Iran aims to support Beijing’s efforts to expand the international role of the Chinese currency in global energy trade.

If implemented, the policy could further shift parts of the global oil trade away from dollar dependence, reinforcing China’s influence in energy markets.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam announced that the government will reopen closed jute mills in a short time to create employment and diversify the sector. He made the statement on Saturday after inspecting the activities of the Textile Vocational Institute project in Bhandaria upazila of Pirojpur. The minister emphasized that jute is an integral part of Bangladesh’s heritage and culture, once known worldwide as the golden fiber.

He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has taken initiatives to revive the jute industry in line with electoral commitments. The minister recalled that in 2001, a move was made to ban plastic and polythene, and the government now aims to rebuild public opinion against plastic use and encourage jute-based products. Various government offices have already begun increasing the use of jute goods, and plans are underway to ensure jute and sack use in daily necessities.

He added that despite the government’s short tenure, several plans have been adopted to achieve visible progress soon, including increasing jute and seed production, reopening mills, and generating new employment opportunities.

Water Resources Minister Farhad Hossain Azad announced that Bangladesh will plant 2.5 billion trees across the country over the next five years. He made the statement on Saturday at an emergency meeting organized by the Dinajpur district BNP at the Dinajpur Shishu Academy auditorium. The meeting was held ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to Dinajpur.

The minister said that as part of the BNP’s election manifesto, the government has begun implementing welfare programs such as family cards, agricultural loan waivers, and allowances for imams and muezzins. He added that the Prime Minister will inaugurate a canal excavation program on March 16 in Sahapara, Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur, under which 20,000 kilometers of canals will be dug nationwide, followed by tree planting along both banks.

Farhad Hossain Azad urged party leaders and activists to ensure the success of the Prime Minister’s visit. The meeting was attended by local MPs and leaders from various BNP-affiliated organizations across Dinajpur district.