The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued strict travel directives ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe and smooth journeys for millions leaving and entering the capital. In a public notice signed by Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar on March 12, DMP announced that from March 17 to 23, 2026, all general trucks, covered vans, and lorries will be barred from highway movement. Vehicles carrying essentials, perishables, medicines, garments, fuel, and fertilizers are exempt from this restriction. The DMP also urged citizens to avoid several major routes, including the Dhaka–Mymensingh, Dhaka–Chattogram, Gabtoli-bound, and Dhaka–Mawa highways, unless necessary. Transport operators were instructed not to pick up or drop passengers outside terminals, overcharge fares, or sell the same seat to multiple passengers. Drivers must not drive more than five consecutive hours or eight hours daily and must avoid reckless driving, substance use, or mobile phone use while driving. Passengers were advised to stay alert, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers, and use footbridges or zebra crossings when crossing roads. The DMP requested public cooperation and provided emergency contact through terminal police control rooms or the national hotline 999.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that the ongoing war in the Middle East has triggered an unprecedented disruption in the global oil supply. In its latest market report released on March 12, 2026, the agency described the situation as the largest supply interruption in the history of the world oil market. According to IEA data, global crude oil production has fallen by at least 8 million barrels per day, while an additional 2 million barrels of petroleum products are no longer being supplied. The decline is mainly attributed to pressure from Iran on regional supply systems, forcing Gulf producers to cut output. The crisis has been further aggravated by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil. Iranian attacks and growing security threats have reduced oil transport through the strait to less than 10 percent of pre-crisis levels. The IEA warned that there are no clear signs of a ceasefire or restoration of normal oil flows through the strait. The agency’s warning underscores the scale of the disruption and the uncertainty surrounding the timeline for recovery in global oil supply.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate (FSCD) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance aviation safety and emergency response coordination. The signing took place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at CAAB’s headquarters in Kurmitola, Dhaka. The event was attended by CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq as chief guest and FSCD Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal as special guest. The MoU was signed by CAAB Director (ATM) Md Shamsul Haque and FSCD Deputy Director (Operation and Maintenance) Md Mamunur Rashid on behalf of their respective organizations. According to the MoU, both institutions will cooperate in search and rescue operations, firefighting, joint training, information sharing, and technical assistance to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to emergencies at airports and surrounding areas. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s aviation safety framework and improve the capacity to manage accidents, fires, and other critical incidents effectively. Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and both agencies were present at the signing ceremony.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has submitted a charge sheet to the court against 24 individuals, including former chairman Nazrul Islam and former chief executive officer Md. Hemayet Ullah, in a case over embezzlement at Far East Islami Life Insurance Company Limited. The charge sheet was filed by investigating officer Shah Minhaj Uddin, following a case lodged on September 13, 2022, by the company’s legal officer Md. Jasim Uddin at Shahbagh Police Station. According to the police report, the accused conspired to misappropriate company funds by preparing fake documents, vouchers, and extracts outside official board decisions. They allegedly diverted Tk 644.28 crore from the company’s MTDR investments to various affiliated individuals and entities, causing severe financial losses. Additional allegations include embezzlement of Tk 45 crore and Tk 115 crore through property purchases and Tk 92.55 crore through falsified real estate development expenses. The investigation found that the company is now in deep financial crisis, unable to pay dues to millions of policyholders and employees. Two accused were cleared of charges, and one died in custody. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also filed seven more cases against the same group.

Russia has called on the United States and Israel to stop their attacks on Iran and return to negotiations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow supports steps aimed at reducing tensions and bringing the conflict back to a diplomatic path. She warned that the humanitarian situation across the region has become extremely difficult and that the ongoing escalation is a matter of deep concern. The appeal from Moscow comes amid reports of Israeli claims of strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and multiple attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has heightened regional instability, with recent Iranian attacks on Israel reportedly injuring 179 people within the past 24 hours. Russia’s statement also comes as it remains engaged in its own prolonged conflict with Ukraine, now entering its fifth year, underscoring the broader geopolitical complexities surrounding its call for de-escalation.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The meeting focused on enhancing the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Turkey and explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Discussions covered a wide range of areas including trade and investment, defense collaboration, education and cultural exchange, as well as technology and infrastructure development. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, particularly challenges facing the Muslim world, humanitarian cooperation, and strengthening mutual support in international forums. The two parties expressed optimism about further consolidating the historic friendship between Bangladesh and Turkey. Ambassador Ramis Sen reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Acting Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md. Sarwar announced that additional police forces will be deployed to ensure a smooth and safe Eid travel experience. Speaking on March 12, 2026, at the DMP headquarters during the monthly crime review meeting for February, he emphasized the importance of vigilance to prevent crimes such as mugging and fraud during the holiday period when most residents leave Dhaka. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam highlighted the need for special monitoring at major transport hubs including Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, Kamalapur, and Sadarghat. He instructed increased patrol duties across city beats and regular checks of CCTV systems in markets and shopping malls to ensure functionality. The DMP leadership reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward any deterioration in law and order. During the meeting, officers of various ranks were recognized for their performance in maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety in February 2026.

Israel has claimed responsibility for striking a “nuclear weapons development compound” in Tehran, saying the attack took place over the past few days. The Israeli military stated that it has launched a “large-scale assault” across Iran, targeting what it described as the ruling regime’s infrastructure. The announcement was made through a post on the Telegram social network. According to BBC Arabic, Israeli media earlier reported that Israeli and U.S. officials had discussed the possibility of attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. Kan News added that the discussions included whether enriched uranium stored under the ruins of the Fordow site could be destroyed by airstrikes. An Israeli official was quoted as saying that “plans are ready, only a decision remains.” The report also mentioned that Russia has called for an end to the attacks on Iran, while tensions in the Persian Gulf and Hormuz Strait have escalated following multiple ship attacks and recent Iranian strikes on Israel that injured 179 people.

An oil-laden truck that plunged into the Padma River near the Paturia ferry terminal in Manikganj’s Shibaloy upazila was recovered 17 hours after the accident. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, when the truck lost control and fell into the river. The recovery operation, led by BIWTA, TC, and Fire Service teams with the salvage vessel Hamza, successfully retrieved the submerged vehicle at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. The truck was carrying 24,000 liters of soybean oil. According to BIWTA’s Aricha office executive engineer Rabiul Alam, the truck, registered as Jhenaidah-Dha 41-0042, was traveling from Jashore to Narayanganj. It fell into the river after its brakes failed while disembarking from a ferry at Paturia’s No. 5 pontoon area. Both the driver, Sharif, and his assistant were rescued alive and taken to the upazila health complex for treatment. Officials confirmed that the oil cargo remained intact and that the recovery teams worked continuously until the vehicle was brought ashore.

Fourteen people were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and a microbus on the Khulna–Mongla highway at Belai Bridge area of Rampal upazila on Thursday afternoon. The victims included a newlywed couple returning from a wedding ceremony. The accident occurred when the microbus, carrying family members of Mongla municipality’s Ward 8 BNP president Abdur Razzak, collided with the bus. Among the dead were seven members of Razzak’s family, five from the bride’s family, the driver, and one other passenger. Local administration and police quickly arrived at the scene and conducted rescue operations. The district commissioner and police officials confirmed the incident. State Minister Lions Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Police stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Advocate Tazul Islam, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has announced the death of his father, Mohammad Fazlul Haque Khan. The news was confirmed through a verified Facebook post by Tazul Islam on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in which he shared that his father had passed away and requested prayers for his departed soul. Tazul Islam previously served as Chief Prosecutor of the reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal for one and a half years. Under his leadership, the prosecution submitted 24 formal charges related to crimes against humanity committed in July–August before the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Trials of these cases are ongoing in Tribunal-1 and Tribunal-2, with verdicts already delivered in three cases. The announcement marks a personal loss for the former prosecutor, who remains known for his role in advancing war crimes prosecutions in Bangladesh.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the country will take revenge for the blood of its citizens. According to Iranian state television, cited by the BBC, Khamenei made the statement in his first message after being chosen as the nation’s top religious leader. He referred specifically to the attack on a girls’ school in Minab, which Iran attributes to Israel, saying 168 people were killed, including about 110 children. Khamenei also declared that Iran would continue targeting the Hormuz Strait and advised neighboring countries to close U.S. military bases on their soil, warning that such bases could be attacked. Despite emphasizing a policy of friendship with neighboring states, his remarks underscored a hardline stance toward foreign military presence in the region. Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by Iran’s 88-member Assembly of Experts as the third Supreme Leader following the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28 after leading Iran for 37 years.

US President Donald Trump stated that American and foreign vessels wishing to transit the Hormuz Strait would receive support if necessary. However, the US Navy has taken a different stance, confirming that it has declined requests to provide military escorts for commercial ships at this time. The Navy noted that no decision has been made to resume such assistance, which the United States has provided in the past. Experts have raised concerns about whether commercial vessels will continue using the risky route, warning that potential attacks or conflicts could make it difficult for companies to obtain adequate liability insurance. The uncertainty has already affected energy markets, with crude oil prices in the United States trading near $100 per barrel and gasoline prices beginning to rise, heightening consumer anxiety. Trump’s political advisers believe that if the ongoing conflict ends soon, easing inflation and cost-of-living pressures could benefit Republicans in the election year.

International media reported that six additional ships were attacked in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran war. The attacks targeted vessels linked to the United States and Europe, bringing the total number of ships hit in the region to at least sixteen since the conflict began. Maritime traffic through the narrow strait has nearly come to a halt since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. According to reports, an explosive-laden Iranian boat attacked oil tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member and destroying two ships. The incidents followed projectile strikes on four other vessels in the Gulf. Iraqi port officials identified the destroyed ships as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safe Sea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zephyros, both carrying fuel products from Iraq. Iraq’s state oil marketing company SOMO said Safe Sea Vishnu had been chartered by an Iraqi firm under contract with them, while Zephyros was transporting fuel for the Basra Gas Company. The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments, and the attacks have raised concerns about further disruption to energy transport in the region.

Star Cineplex is set to launch a new multiplex cinema branch in Narayanganj during Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, according to the company. The new branch is located at Simanto Tower in Jalkuri, Narayanganj, and will officially open on Eid day. It features three halls, two with 178 seats each and one with 75 seats, all equipped with modern sound systems, giant screens, and world-class facilities. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Assistant General Manager of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, described the new branch as an Eid gift for Narayanganj residents, particularly for local movie lovers. He said the opening fulfills a long-standing demand from the area’s audience and reflects the company’s satisfaction in expanding as planned. Ahmed added that Star Cineplex prioritizes high-quality viewing environments and advanced technology to meet evolving audience preferences. The company plans to open additional branches later this year, extending its presence from major cities to district and sub-district levels across Bangladesh.