Bangladesh is confronting simultaneous challenges to its energy security, foreign reserves, and interest rate policy as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy flows. The ongoing war, uncertainty over Qatari LNG supplies, and drone attacks on Saudi energy facilities have placed the country’s import-dependent energy system under renewed strain. The article identifies three critical policy questions: whether to raise fuel prices, how to manage reserves, and if lowering interest rates is justified during wartime instability.

The analysis warns that direct energy price hikes could trigger a double inflation trap, urging instead a targeted pricing reform to reduce consumption and support efficient production. It highlights the need for strategic reserve management through prioritizing essential energy imports, curbing luxury imports, allowing managed currency depreciation, and securing long-term energy payment plans. The author argues that lowering interest rates during uncertainty may not boost investment but could encourage capital flight and misuse of cheap credit.

The piece concludes that Bangladesh’s stability depends on coordinated energy, monetary, and fiscal policies. It recommends forming a national crisis team of experts to guide sustainable decisions beyond political popularity.

The United States Department of State has instructed its citizens to leave almost all countries in the Middle East immediately. The directive, issued on Tuesday, cites serious security risks and urges Americans to depart using commercial flights as soon as possible. The countries listed include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The advisory marks a sweeping evacuation order covering nearly the entire region, reflecting heightened concern over safety conditions. The State Department’s message emphasizes urgency and advises travelers to act without delay. The announcement follows recent developments in regional tensions, though the source does not specify the exact nature of the threats or incidents prompting the decision.

The directive also coincides with the suspension of all US consular services in Saudi Arabia, indicating a broader precautionary stance across the Gulf and neighboring states.

Missile attacks from Iran struck several Gulf capitals and cities following a U.S.-Israeli offensive in Iran that killed top Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes caused casualties and damage across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, shaking the region’s image of stability. The United Arab Emirates withdrew its envoy from Israel, signaling frustration over the escalating conflict.

Despite the attacks, Gulf nations are voicing reluctance to join a direct war against Iran. Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani warned that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members should not be drawn into direct conflict, arguing it would harm both sides and invite external control. Gulf Times editor Faisal Al-Mudahka echoed that the war belongs to the U.S. and Israel, not the Gulf states, emphasizing their focus on prosperity and dialogue.

Analysts note that Gulf countries had pursued diplomatic efforts to prevent war, with Oman mediating between Washington and Tehran before hostilities erupted. Experts suggest that while the Gulf states seek to avoid escalation, they may still act to protect their sovereignty and citizens.

Iqbal Chowdhury, a victim of enforced disappearance, testified as the third witness in a case involving alleged abductions and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) or 'Aynaghar' during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. His testimony was recorded on Monday before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Iqbal described being abducted from his Mohammadpur home on May 7, 2018, by plainclothes men identifying themselves as law enforcement officers.

He recounted being blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to an unknown location where he was confined in a small, dimly lit room. The room had a metal-barred door, a wooden door, and a constantly running exhaust fan. Iqbal said he felt as though he had been buried alive. His statement was halted when he became emotional and unwell during the testimony.

The case names Sheikh Hasina and twelve current and former army officers, who have reportedly been sentenced to death in connection with the alleged JIC disappearances and torture incidents.

Global energy markets saw sharp price increases after Iran launched attacks on U.S. and Israeli-linked facilities across the Middle East on Monday. The strikes targeted Saudi Aramco’s oil refinery and Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, forcing both to halt production. Additional attacks on fuel tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil and gas shipments, further disrupted supply and drove prices higher.

Brent crude rose by 10% to over $82 per barrel before easing to $79, while U.S. crude climbed 7.6% to $72.20. Qatar Energy suspended LNG operations after the attack, pushing European gas prices up by about 45%. Stock markets worldwide fell amid uncertainty, with London’s FTSE 100 down nearly 1%, France’s CAC 40 down 1.6%, and Germany’s DAX down 1.7%. Airline shares also dropped as Middle Eastern airspace closures disrupted routes.

Analysts warned that prolonged conflict could further raise oil prices beyond $100 per barrel, potentially affecting inflation and interest rates. Gold prices rose 2.3% as investors sought safe assets.

The United States has confirmed that six of its soldiers were killed as part of ongoing military operations against Iran. According to a statement from the U.S. military, the deaths occurred after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on Saturday. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the bodies of two missing soldiers were recovered from a facility that had been struck during Iran’s initial attacks.

CENTCOM added that large-scale combat operations are continuing and that the identities of the deceased will remain confidential for 24 hours until their families are notified. The announcement comes amid heightened military activity between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with the situation described as part of a broader regional conflict.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, did not provide further details on the location of the operations or the broader strategic objectives of the campaign.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor is arriving in Dhaka today, Tuesday, for a three-day visit aimed at discussing the future of Dhaka-Washington relations. His trip comes two weeks after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government assumed office. According to the draft schedule, Kapoor will arrive from New Delhi tonight and begin meetings on Wednesday with US Embassy officials, followed by discussions with several Bangladeshi ministers, including those of foreign, home, energy, and commerce. He will also meet business representatives and political leaders before attending an iftar hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign ministry officials said the visit will cover bilateral and geopolitical issues, including implementation of a recently signed trade agreement and the proposed security pact between the two countries. Economic cooperation will be a key focus, with senior economic adviser Laura Anderson accompanying Kapoor. Defense cooperation is also expected to feature prominently, as the US seeks to finalize two defense agreements, GSOMIA and ACSA. The visit may also address the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States.

The discussions are expected to shape the next phase of Bangladesh-US relations, particularly in trade, defense, and migration cooperation.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition whip, warned that rejecting the referendum verdict through court intervention would lead to dire consequences. He made the remarks on Monday evening at an iftar gathering organized by the NCP in Chattogram. Nahid said the issue of reform had already been settled through the referendum, but attempts were being made to overturn the people’s verdict in court.

He questioned whether the interim government’s security adviser was rewarded with a ministerial post by the BNP for election engineering and alleged that both domestic and foreign forces had been conspiring since August 5 to weaken the student movement. Nahid also stated that NCP activists would resist any attempt by the Awami League to resume political activities, asserting that the two parties could not coexist.

Other NCP leaders accused the BNP of rejecting the referendum results, conspiring with the “July Charter,” and fostering lawlessness. They warned that the party would face public resistance if it continued such actions.

Complaints have emerged in Rajshahi city over irregularities in the distribution of low-cost products by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) during the holy month of Ramadan. Hundreds of buyers have been forced to stand in long queues under the sun, with many returning empty-handed while some individuals reportedly received products multiple times. TCB trucks, scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m., often reached between 11:30 a.m. and noon, worsening the situation.

Field visits to several city points revealed that demand far exceeded supply, with both lower- and middle-income families seeking affordable essentials. Each TCB truck sells a package of five items for Tk 590, including edible oil, lentils, sugar, chickpeas, and dates, for 400 customers per truck—double last year’s allocation. However, allegations persist that certain groups collect products repeatedly to resell at higher prices, and that dealers favor acquaintances.

TCB’s regional deputy director Atiqur Rahman acknowledged attempts by some groups to exploit the system and create disorder. He said letters have been sent to law enforcement and city authorities seeking assistance to restore order and ensure genuine consumers receive the benefits.

The Teknaf land port, a key import-export hub in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, has remained inactive for ten months due to internal unrest in neighboring Myanmar. Cross-border trade through the Naf River has been suspended, leaving local traders and importers in severe financial distress. Thousands of port workers have lost their jobs and are struggling to survive without income. Stakeholders are waiting for effective government action to restore operations at the port.

According to port business associations, millions of taka remain stuck with Myanmar traders, and large quantities of goods stored in warehouses are rotting. The general secretary of the Teknaf C&F Agents Association said the prolonged closure has caused extreme financial strain, making it difficult to pay bank installments, office rent, and staff salaries. Workers dependent on port activities have fallen into debt and are unable to support their families.

The government is also losing significant revenue, as imports of timber, dried fish, ginger, and onions have stopped. The disruption began after Myanmar’s Rakhine State came under control of the Arakan Army, halting vessel movement on the Naf River. No timeline has been announced for resuming trade, though business groups believe diplomatic efforts could help reopen the port.

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has alleged that the United States launched a military attack on Iran under pressure from Israel and Saudi Arabia. In a Facebook post published yesterday, Sanders claimed that both countries influenced Washington’s decision to carry out the strike against Iran.

In his post, Sanders accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of killing 72,000 people in Gaza, most of whom he said were women and children. He also described Saudi Arabia as a brutal dictatorship where dissent is not tolerated. Sanders questioned the logic of seeking to bring “freedom” to Iran through the influence of such leaders, suggesting that few would believe such a justification.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and follow recent U.S. actions affecting consular services in Saudi Arabia, according to the same source.

New explosions were heard in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on the night of March 2, 2026. The blasts are believed to have resulted from Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Earlier that day, Iranian drones reportedly struck several energy installations in Qatar’s industrial city of Ras Laffan, though no casualties were reported.

According to reports, Qatar’s air force claimed to have shot down two Iranian jets approaching its territory and intercepted several ballistic missiles and drones. The incidents mark a continuation of escalating tensions in the Gulf region, with Qatar appearing to be the latest target of Iranian aerial activity.

The situation remains tense as authorities assess the extent of the damage and monitor for further threats, while no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities have emerged.

A bumper harvest of sweet potatoes has been reported in Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur this season. Favorable weather, low production costs, and strong market prices have led to increased farmer profits and enthusiasm. Compared to paddy, sweet potatoes have yielded three times more profit, prompting many farmers to shift to this crop.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, sweet potatoes were cultivated on 365 hectares of land this season, nearly double last year’s 190 hectares. The main varieties grown include BARI Sweet Potato-8, BARI Sweet Potato-4, and improved local types. Twelve farmers received demonstration plots of the BARI-8 variety to encourage wider adoption. Farmers across several unions are now busy harvesting their crops.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Habibur Rahman said favorable weather and regular technical support contributed to the strong yields. With an estimated 9,200 tons produced this season, sweet potatoes have become a promising cash crop in the region due to their nutritional value and growing market demand.

Iran’s top leadership has maintained a defiant stance as US and Israeli airstrikes entered their third day across Tehran and other regions following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes, which targeted Iranian military bases, came after Khamenei and several senior commanders were killed at the start of the conflict. Iranian authorities have suspended all dialogue with the United States, while internet access across the country remains cut off for a second day.

Under Iran’s post-1979 constitutional framework, the Assembly of Experts is tasked with selecting a new Supreme Leader. President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that the council has begun this process, with an interim three-member leadership—comprising Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Guardian Council member Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi—managing state affairs. Pezeshkian urged pro-establishment supporters to gather in public despite ongoing conflict.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed severe retaliation, claiming to have launched major attacks on US and Israeli bases. Senior officials, including military chief Amir Hatami and security head Ali Larijani, pledged to defend the nation and uphold constitutional procedures for leadership succession.

Kuwait has confirmed the death of one of its naval officers during a military operation, according to a statement from the country’s armed forces. The announcement was made public on March 3, 2026, but no additional information was provided about the nature of the operation or the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, noted that the Kuwaiti military did not specify where or when the incident took place, nor did it disclose any operational details. The lack of clarity leaves open questions about the context of the mission and the conditions under which the officer was killed.

Further information from Kuwaiti authorities or regional media may clarify the circumstances of the operation and the broader implications for Kuwait’s military activities in the region.