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.

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration is considering easing certain oil-related sanctions to counter rising energy prices. Speaking to reporters on March 10, 2026, he said that sanctions on some countries could be lifted temporarily until the situation stabilizes. Trump added that the move could potentially lead to lasting peace, though he did not specify which countries or sanctions were under review. During the same press conference, Trump mentioned having a “very good” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin but provided no further details. The report noted that the United States had already temporarily relaxed sanctions to allow India to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea. The announcement signals a possible shift in US energy and foreign policy, though the lack of specifics leaves uncertainty about which nations might benefit and how long the easing would last.

The United States Embassy in Beirut has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, citing escalating security risks. In a security alert issued on Tuesday morning, the embassy advised those who feel safe to consider departing via Middle East Airlines flights from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. For those unable to leave, the embassy recommended seeking safe shelter. The advisory follows a week of continuous Israeli bombardment across Beirut and southern Lebanon. Israel has stated that its operations target Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have also instructed residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate urgently due to ongoing airstrikes. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israel is taking strict measures against Hezbollah activities south of the Litani River. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, 486 people have been killed since the start of the Israeli offensive earlier this month, as reported by BBC Bangla.

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.

Syria’s government has accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of launching missiles from Lebanon into Syrian territory overnight. According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, citing a military official, the missiles struck near the town of Serghaya, west of Damascus. The Syrian army claimed Hezbollah targeted Syrian military positions and said it had observed Hezbollah reinforcing its presence along the Syria-Lebanon border. SANA reported that the Syrian Arab Army warned it would not tolerate any attacks directed at Syria. The incident comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified after Hezbollah attacked Israel last week in retaliation for a U.S.-Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Recent days have seen clashes in eastern Lebanon and Israeli strikes across the country, including in Beirut. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Hezbollah of leading the country toward destruction, while a parliamentary leader stated that resistance was their only option, reflecting deep divisions within Lebanon over the conflict’s direction.

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran obstructs oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East. In an online statement on March 10, 2026, Trump said that any Iranian move to halt oil flow would be met with a response twenty times harsher than any previous U.S. action. He added that the United States could strike targets that would make it nearly impossible for Iran to rebuild as a functioning state. Trump cautioned that such a scenario would bring 'death, fire and destruction,' though he expressed hope that it would not occur. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Ongoing conflict in the region has already reduced shipping activity through the strait, leading to a sharp rise in global oil prices, according to the report. The statement underscores the escalating geopolitical risks surrounding energy security and trade routes in the Middle East.

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.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been killed or seriously injured, sparking renewed tension across the Middle East. The report, published on Monday, offered no concrete evidence. Israeli authorities dismissed the claim as wartime propaganda or conspiracy theory. The Iranian report cited Netanyahu’s absence from recent video messages and heightened security around his Jerusalem residence as signs of concern. It also linked the postponement of visits by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Netanyahu’s alleged condition. The report further referenced former U.S. intelligence officer Scott Ritter, who alleged through Russian media that Iran had bombed Netanyahu’s secret location, killing his brother. Tasnim News admitted that no official confirmation or denial had been issued. Analysts described the rumor as part of psychological warfare amid ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities. Meanwhile, a statement about Netanyahu’s phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron lacked a date, adding to the uncertainty. According to the Jerusalem Post, citing close sources, Netanyahu continues his official duties, though his movements are being kept discreet for security reasons.

US President Donald Trump told CBS News that his administration is considering taking control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has become a focal point of tension following the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran ten days ago. Trump said the strait remains open for now, but the White House is thinking about securing it and could take various actions there. Since the conflict began, commercial shipping through the strait has largely come to a halt. Iran has not yet closed the passage but has warned that it would attack any US or Israeli oil tanker attempting to transit the route. The situation underscores the growing risks to global energy transport and regional stability as hostilities continue. The US consideration of direct control over the strait could further escalate tensions with Iran, though no specific timeline or operational details were disclosed.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has escalated its counterattacks, describing the latest phase as the 33rd stage of “Operation Promise IV.” The country announced plans to deploy its heaviest missiles, weighing around one ton or more, against Israel and other designated targets. According to Iran’s deputy foreign minister, China, France, and Russia have formally reached out regarding a possible ceasefire. However, he did not disclose details of any specific proposals. The deputy minister made clear that Iran will not return to the negotiation table unless it receives guarantees that current or future acts of aggression, similar to those seen in June, will not recur. The statements underscore Iran’s firm stance amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing international diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.

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.