A severe fuel shortage has spread across Bangladesh as most petrol pumps remain closed or impose strict rationing due to global war-related supply disruptions. Reports from Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangpur, Cumilla, Barishal, Cox’s Bazar, and Mymensingh show long queues, limited distribution, and widespread public suffering. In Rajshahi, pumps have run out of fuel since Monday, while in Khulna and Cumilla, drivers wait for hours only to receive small amounts. In Rangpur, allegations surfaced that some dealers are selling fuel on the black market at inflated prices. The crisis began after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of the Hormuz Strait, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) introduced rationing by vehicle type to manage the shortage, but supply gaps forced many stations to shut down. Local pump associations have urged authorities to deploy the army to prevent chaos during fuel distribution. Officials and pump owners expect partial improvement within days, though uncertainty remains about when normal supply will resume.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to European Union countries, the sector’s largest destination, dropped sharply at the start of 2026. According to Eurostat data, exports in January 2026 fell by 25.25 percent year-on-year to 1.43 billion euros, down from 1.91 billion euros in January 2025. The decline was driven by a 17.49 percent fall in export volume and a 9.41 percent drop in average price per kilogram. Industry stakeholders expressed concern that a prolonged downturn in the EU market could negatively affect Bangladesh’s overall economy, as nearly half of its export earnings come from this region. Analysts attributed the slump to weaker consumer demand in Europe, rising living costs, higher interest rates, and slower retail sales. Increased competition from China, India, Vietnam, and other exporters has also intensified price pressure. Other major suppliers, including Turkey and China, also saw export declines. Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel noted that EU apparel imports overall fell by about 15.48 percent in January, reflecting a broader market slowdown. Industry representatives urged swift policy action, emphasizing product diversification, higher value addition, stronger trade diplomacy, and exploring new markets to sustain export growth.

Bangladesh’s 2026 Eid travel season, initially smooth, ended with severe disruptions, accidents, and widespread passenger suffering across roads, railways, and waterways. According to the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, between March 15 and 22, 201 road accidents killed 216 people and injured 421, while seven rail accidents caused 42 deaths and seven waterway incidents left 56 dead. The Road Safety Foundation reported 262 road crashes from March 17 to 24, killing 192. The association also estimated that passengers paid about Tk 148 crore in excess fares during the holiday period. Government ministers claimed the travel situation remained orderly and that complaints were being addressed, but transport watchdogs and opposition parties accused the administration of negligence and mismanagement. Passenger groups alleged that ministers’ statements favored transport owners, encouraging fare manipulation and reckless driving. Opposition leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh blamed the transport ministries for chaos and fatalities. Observers noted that poor coordination, fuel shortages, and bad weather worsened conditions compared to the previous year’s interim government period, when stricter oversight had ensured smoother Eid travel.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised the roles of Gulf countries during a wartime situation, describing the United Arab Emirates as an 'excellent' state and Qatar as a 'wonderful' one. The remarks were reported on March 25, 2026, citing BBC as the source. The report highlighted Trump's positive assessment of the Gulf nations' conduct during the ongoing conflict period. It also referenced related regional developments, including Iran’s eagerness to reach an agreement, Saudi Arabia’s claim of intercepting 11 drones, the Philippines’ declaration of a national energy emergency, and a drone attack at Kuwait International Airport. These statements and events underscore the tense geopolitical environment in the Gulf region, with multiple nations responding to security and energy challenges.

A drone attack struck a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, causing a fire but no reported casualties. The incident occurred when the drone hit the tank, leading to visible flames at the site. According to Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Abdullah Al-Razi, initial reports confirmed that no lives were lost, though the facility sustained damage. Following the strike, authorities immediately activated emergency protocols. Fire services and other relevant agencies were deployed to control and extinguish the blaze. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that emergency teams were working to ensure safety and prevent further damage. The source report did not specify who was responsible for the attack or whether airport operations were disrupted. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, according to the initial briefing shared with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

According to reports from US and Israeli media, the United States has sent a 15-point peace proposal to Iran. The New York Times, Reuters, and Israel’s Channel 12 cited unnamed sources saying the proposal was delivered through Pakistan. Earlier, Pakistan had offered to mediate peace talks between the two warring countries. Channel 12 reported that one of the key conditions in the plan is to keep the strategically important Strait of Hormuz open and declare it a “free maritime zone.” In return, Iran would reportedly see all sanctions against it lifted if it accepts the terms of the proposal. However, the BBC stated that it has not yet seen any related documents and is working to verify the authenticity of the media reports.

Hezbollah carried out attacks targeting Israeli soldiers and infrastructure in the occupied Golan Heights on Tuesday afternoon. In multiple statements, the group said it fired rockets and artillery shells at Israeli troops gathered in three different areas of Taybeh, a city in southern Lebanon. Later in the evening, Hezbollah reported launching rockets at Israeli military infrastructure in Katzrin, an Israeli settlement in the occupied Golan Heights. Lebanese officials had earlier warned that the Israeli military was planning a full-scale ground offensive south of the Litani River. According to the report, both U.S. and Israeli officials consider this area part of what they describe as 'Greater Israel.' The information was sourced from Al Jazeera. The developments highlight rising tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, with the Golan Heights remaining a focal point of regional conflict and competing territorial claims.

Lebanon has reported that 33 people were killed in the past 24 hours due to Israeli attacks. The country’s Disaster Risk Management Unit stated in its latest daily report that 90 others were injured during the same period. The figures were cited by Al Jazeera. Earlier, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said that since Israel intensified its assaults on March 2, the total death toll has risen to 1,072. The escalation marks one of the deadliest phases of the ongoing hostilities between the two sides, with civilian casualties continuing to mount according to official Lebanese sources. The latest data underscores the sustained intensity of Israeli operations in Lebanon and the growing humanitarian toll reported by Lebanese authorities.

At least 12 people were killed and 28 others injured in an attack described by Iran as a 'hostile assault' on the Varamin residential area in southern Tehran. The information was released through a statement published by the Fars News Agency on March 25, 2026. According to the same statement, since the beginning of the ongoing war between the United States and Israel against Iran, at least 1,500 people have been killed and more than 18,550 injured. The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, highlights the continuing toll of the conflict on Iranian civilians and infrastructure. The latest attack underscores the intensifying violence in and around Tehran, with Iranian authorities attributing the incident to enemy forces. No further details about the perpetrators or the nature of the attack were provided in the statement.

Senior Iranian officials have expressed concern that the United States’ call for peace talks to end the ongoing conflict may be a trap aimed at targeting Iran’s remaining top leaders. According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Iranian media, Tehran suspects that any face-to-face meeting with the US and Israel could be used as a pretext to lure key figures, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, into an ambush. Ghalibaf, a former paramilitary commander and one of the few senior leaders to survive recent airstrikes, is reportedly being sought by Washington to participate in the proposed negotiations. Iranian officials view this insistence with suspicion. They also claim that US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to temporarily suspend attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure is a tactical move to stabilize global oil prices before resuming strikes. Trump had declared a five-day halt to bombings on Iranian power and energy facilities, describing current talks as “productive.” Iran, however, has publicly denied that any such discussions are taking place.

The Pentagon is planning to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East by deploying several thousand additional troops. Two individuals familiar with the matter told Reuters that the United States will send members of the specialized 82nd Airborne Division as part of this expansion. They did not specify which country the troops would be stationed in or when the deployment would take place. When contacted, the US military referred Reuters to the White House for comment. However, the White House declined to make any immediate statement on the matter. The report was originally cited by Al Jazeera. The move signals a continued focus by the United States on maintaining a strong military posture in the Middle East, though key details about the deployment remain undisclosed.

Iran’s armed forces announced that they carried out a drone attack on the Rafael arms depot in Haifa, a northern Israeli city. According to a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, Iranian forces also launched missile and drone strikes on multiple targets, including areas near Eilat, Dimona, and Tel Aviv. The attacks reportedly extended to locations described as U.S. military bases in the region. Iran further stated that its air defense systems intercepted cruise missiles and drones over the central and southern parts of the country. Earlier, Iran claimed to have targeted a space facility near Ben Gurion Airport and aircraft stationed there for refueling. Israel has not yet issued any official comment on these claims. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide details on casualties or damage, and the situation remains unverified pending confirmation from Israeli authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s system of governance has changed following recent attacks in the country. He stated that Iran has agreed to a condition under which it will never produce nuclear weapons. Trump made these remarks while commenting on the aftermath of the attacks and their impact on Iran’s internal situation. According to Trump, Iran’s naval, air, and communication systems have been completely destroyed, leaving the country unable to maintain internal coordination. He described this breakdown in communication as Iran’s biggest problem at present. The statement was reported by the BBC and reflects Trump’s assessment of Iran’s current military and political state. Trump also said that Iran is now very eager to reach an agreement, though no details of such a deal were provided in the report.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iran’s energy and power infrastructure after Tehran ignored his 48-hour ultimatum to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that the decision was postponed for five days, claiming progress toward a comprehensive resolution between the two nations. However, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denied any talks, accusing Washington of spreading false news to manipulate oil and financial markets. Amid the standoff, Iran launched multiple missile attacks on Israel overnight, damaging Tel Aviv, Nazareth, and Haifa and injuring thousands, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel and the United States carried out extensive airstrikes on Iranian targets, including over 50 sites. The U.S. was also blamed for a deadly strike on Iraq’s Anbar province that killed at least 15 members of the Shia Popular Mobilization Forces. Oil prices fluctuated following Trump’s announcement, briefly dropping to $96 before rebounding to around $103 per barrel. The conflict has intensified across Lebanon and the wider region, with rising civilian casualties and displacement.

Israel has incurred more than $57 billion in economic losses due to its two-year-long military campaign in Gaza, according to the Bank of Israel’s 2025 annual report, as cited by Bloomberg. The report states that from 2023 to 2025, the country lost about 177 billion shekels, equivalent to roughly 8.6 percent of its gross domestic product. The majority of this loss was attributed to the Gaza conflict. The report did not include the economic effects of Israel’s ongoing war with Iran, which involves Israeli airstrikes and retaliatory attacks. Earlier in March, Israel’s wartime cabinet approved a revised 2026 budget allocating an additional $13 billion to fund the war. The Bank of Israel also noted that trade with eight European Union countries criticizing Israeli strikes on Iran fell by $1.5 billion in 2025. The report further warned that exports to countries taking a critical stance toward Israel could continue to decline, reflecting early signs of reduced trade activity.