Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced that motorcycle ride-share drivers in metropolitan areas will be allowed to purchase up to five liters of octane or petrol per day. The decision was detailed in a press release signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana on March 10, 2026.

According to the announcement, the fuel distribution will follow three specific conditions. Drivers must receive a purchase receipt specifying the fuel type, quantity, and price each time they buy fuel. They must also submit the original copy of the previous purchase receipt when refueling again. Additionally, the motorcycle’s registration number and driver information must be verified with the ride-sharing app before fuel is supplied.

BPC stated that only those who comply with these conditions will be eligible to collect up to five liters of fuel daily from filling stations within metropolitan areas.

A massive traffic jam stretching about 30 to 35 kilometers has paralyzed the Comilla section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway since Tuesday morning. The congestion, mainly on the Chattogram-bound lane from Daudkandi to Comilla Cantonment, caused severe suffering for thousands of passengers. Highway police officials said the jam resulted from slow road repair work and a blockade by garment workers demanding unpaid wages.

Workers from Chandina Denim Garments blocked the highway near Harikhola Mazar area after not receiving three months of salaries and bonuses. The protest quickly expanded, halting traffic across Daudkandi, Gauripur, Chandina, Nimsar, and Cantonment areas. Passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, were seen walking to their destinations under intense heat during Ramadan.

Police later intervened to clear the blockade and restore movement. The factory’s CEO, Jahangir Alam, said workers would receive January salaries by Thursday and February wages with Eid bonuses by March 16, blaming an unnamed group for inciting the protest.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Textiles, Jute, Industry and Commerce, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, stated that there is currently no concern about rising commodity prices, even though the Iran-Israel war may affect trade. He noted that if sea routes remain closed for a long time, transportation costs could increase. The minister made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon after distributing family cards at a program held at M A Rup Junior School field in Kulanj Union of Dirai upazila, Sunamganj.

He explained that the family card distribution fulfills a promise made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a poverty-free Bangladesh, launched just a month after the election. The initiative was designed to avoid any political bias. Muktadir added that the government is working to create an investment-friendly environment to boost employment and purchasing power, addressing past stagnation in investment.

At the event, 697 women from three villages in Kulanj Union received family cards. Several members of parliament and local officials attended the program, and beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the prime minister.

Bangladesh’s stock market continued its strong recovery for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, signaling easing investor fears linked to the Middle East conflict. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) benchmark index DSEX rose by more than 148 points, following a 132-point gain the previous day, totaling a two-day increase of 280 points. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a sharp rise, with its CSCX index climbing 2.33 percent to surpass 9,000 points.

According to Ifthekhar Alam, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association and CEO of LankaBangla Investments, natural buyers have returned to the market after a major correction, restoring positive momentum. He noted that the government’s decision not to raise fuel prices, alternative supply arrangements, and the arrival of two oil tankers at Chattogram port have eased concerns over fuel shortages, positively influencing the market.

Trading activity also increased, with DSE transactions reaching about Tk 594 crore compared to Tk 416 crore the previous day, reflecting renewed investor participation and confidence.

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.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on retired Lieutenant Colonel Asadul Islam and his wife Nasreen Shams amid corruption allegations. The order was given on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), represented by Assistant Director Abdul Malek, had petitioned for the restriction.

According to the ACC’s application, Asadul Islam is accused of acquiring wealth beyond known income sources and conducting suspicious transactions through his bank accounts. The commission is currently investigating these allegations. Reliable sources reportedly informed investigators that Asadul Islam and his wife were attempting to leave the country.

The court imposed the travel ban to ensure an unhindered investigation into the corruption allegations. The order prevents both individuals from traveling abroad until further notice.

UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Liller met with Dipen Dewan MP, Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, at the ministry office in Dhaka’s Bailey Road on Tuesday. The meeting focused on ongoing development initiatives in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and future plans to improve living standards in the region. Minister Dewan praised UNDP’s long-term cooperation and project contributions, expressing optimism that the partnership between the Bangladesh government and UNDP will become even stronger.

At the beginning of the meeting, Stephen Liller congratulated Minister Dewan on his election victory and assumption of ministerial duties. Both sides emphasized the importance of working together to achieve sustainable development goals and to build a more constructive and mutually beneficial relationship in the future.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Peace and Development Adviser Anne Hagood, Assistant Resident Representative Sardar Md Asaduzzaman, and International Technical Adviser Yugesh Pradhanang also attended the meeting, along with the minister’s private secretary Rabindra Chakma.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir held a bilateral meeting in London with UK Minister for Trade Chris Bryant on Tuesday. The discussions focused on strengthening existing trade and business relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Key topics included investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s blue economy, expansion of the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand, investor protection, enhanced cooperation in education, and broader multilateral engagement.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication ahead of the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference scheduled later this month in Cameroon. Separately, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rosie Winterton met the Bangladeshi delegation at the High Commission in London to discuss potential collaboration in the aviation sector and initiatives to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub. The teams also held additional meetings to advance the country’s aviation development.

In another meeting, UK’s candidate for the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term, Professor Dapo Akande, presented his candidacy to Rahman and Kabir. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in international law and diplomacy.

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.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government will implement priority programs to modernize and make the education system more work-oriented and time-appropriate, in line with the BNP’s 2026 election manifesto. Speaking at a meeting at the Ministry of Education on Monday, he said that a 180-day action plan will introduce transformative steps in education and human resource development.

The meeting highlighted that education and skill development will be prioritized to utilize the country’s demographic and longevity dividends. Plans include expanding quality education, skill-based training, and employment opportunities for youth, while ensuring health, social security, and participation for the elderly. The BNP’s education policy aims to create a life-oriented, work-oriented, and production-oriented system, with a gradual increase of education spending to 5% of GDP. Initiatives include teacher training, technology-based learning, multimedia classrooms, and a “One Teacher, One Tab” program.

Additional measures discussed include introducing a third language at the secondary level, making technical education mandatory, promoting sports, culture, and ethics, ensuring healthy school environments, mid-day meals, free Wi-Fi, and inclusive education for special-needs students.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Family Card program on Tuesday morning at the T&T playground in Banani, adjacent to the Karail slum in Dhaka. During the ceremony, he distributed cards to 15 women, marking the official start of the initiative. The event was attended by cabinet members, diplomats, representatives from national and international development partners, and prominent citizens.

According to the announcement, the program will initially be implemented in 15 wards across 13 districts. Committees have been formed at ward, union, upazila, and district levels to collect and verify household data. Using automated software, families were categorized by poverty index into five economic classes. After verification, 37,567 women-headed households were finalized for allowance distribution, excluding those with government jobs, pensions, or duplicate benefits.

Field committees collected detailed socio-economic data from 67,854 women-headed families nationwide during the pilot phase. The initiative was a key component of the BNP’s election manifesto and aims to ensure targeted support for disadvantaged families.

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.

Jamaat-e-Islami has appointed Dr. Ifftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a former adviser to the caretaker government, as its consultant. The appointment became public after he attended a meeting in Dhaka with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, where he was present as part of the Jamaat delegation. The meeting and subsequent media coverage sparked widespread discussion on social media regarding his role and affiliation with the party.

According to Jamaat sources, Chowdhury was appointed due to his interest and diplomatic experience. Party assistant secretaries general Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair confirmed that he is serving as Jamaat’s foreign affairs consultant. Chowdhury previously served as Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the United Nations and later as foreign affairs adviser in the Fakhruddin Ahmed-led caretaker government.

The appointment has drawn renewed attention to Chowdhury’s controversial past and his politically diverse family background, prompting debate within Bangladesh’s political and diplomatic circles.