The Petrol Pump Owners Association has urged the public to remain calm amid recent fuel shortages across Bangladesh, assuring that the supply situation will return to normal from Saturday. The association issued a statement on Friday, requesting consumers not to panic and to collect fuel as usual.

According to the statement, the temporary fuel shortage occurred because the regular supply chain was disrupted during March due to an unusually high number of government holidays. This led to some petrol pumps running out of stock in several parts of the country. The association’s convener, Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, described the current rush at petrol stations as unprecedented in his 50 years of business and called for restraint from consumers.

The association reaffirmed that the supply process has already been restored and that full normalization is expected from Saturday, easing the temporary disruption experienced earlier in the week.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced that the Bangladesh government is providing a daily subsidy of Tk 16.7 billion on fuel to reduce public hardship. He made the statement on Friday at a meeting held at the Jessore Deputy Commissioner’s office during a check distribution event for distressed and underprivileged individuals organized by the Department of Social Services.

The minister said that despite global instability, the government has no plan to raise fuel prices, as such an increase would raise costs for electricity, public transport, and food, putting pressure on ordinary citizens. He added that while many countries have raised fuel prices, Bangladesh has maintained stable prices and ensured normal supply. The government has also secured sufficient fuel supply until April and initiated efforts to maintain a 90-day reserve.

Amit further mentioned that the government is implementing its election pledges, including the launch of the Family Card program and plans to introduce a Farmer Card on Pahela Baishakh. The event concluded with financial aid checks distributed to 153 distressed individuals.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan has alleged that the Awami League repeatedly destroyed democracy despite claiming to have established it. Speaking as a special guest at a discussion marking Independence and National Day at the Engineers Institute in Dhaka’s Ramna on Friday, he said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman could not implement the one-party system known as BAKSAL, but his daughter Sheikh Hasina succeeded in doing so by politicizing every institution, including the judiciary.

He stated that independence means not only territorial sovereignty but also the rights and freedom of every citizen. Referring to the 2024 mass uprising and the February 12 election, he said the people of Bangladesh had achieved change through long struggles by students, workers, and the public. According to him, the people have accepted BNP and its leader Tarique Rahman, who is now working to expand employment, education, and climate resilience through initiatives such as distributing family cards to farmers.

Nazrul emphasized that the benefits of the government’s development programs must reach every household across the country.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged to build a self-reliant Bangladesh through collective effort, emphasizing that while the nation’s aspirations are limitless, resources remain constrained. Speaking on Friday at a discussion organized by the BNP at the Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka to mark Independence and National Day, he said the government is democratic and committed to ensuring well-being for all citizens, not just a segment of society.

He urged that discussions and research on the Liberation War and independence should honor their historical significance without diminishing their value. Remembering the contributions of national leaders, including the late President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique Rahman highlighted Zia’s role in declaring independence and his writings that documented the event. He described the Liberation War as a people’s struggle and stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation’s hard-earned freedom.

The Prime Minister also mentioned government initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, and canal excavation programs aimed at improving living standards. He called on the younger generation to embrace unity and shared prosperity as the core promise of this year’s Independence Day.

Police in Ranisankail, Thakurgaon, arrested a 25-year-old Hindu man named Bidhan Roy on Friday afternoon for allegedly posting a derogatory comment about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Facebook. The arrest took place in Parkunda village under Nekmarad Union, where Roy, son of Malin Chandra Roy, resides.

According to police, the Facebook post quickly spread across various platforms, sparking tension in the area. Law enforcement officers, with assistance from local residents, detained the suspect to prevent further unrest. Officer-in-Charge Amanullah Al Bari confirmed the arrest and said the accused was sent to jail through the court.

Police are currently verifying the authenticity of the incident, and authorities reported that the situation in the area has returned to normal.

Police have arrested Jamaat-e-Islami leader Engineer Mizanur Rahman Mizan, aged 35, in connection with a case filed over the assault and altercation involving police officers at Palashbari Police Station in Gaibandha. The arrest was confirmed on Friday afternoon by Officer-in-Charge Sarwar Alam Khan. Mizan was detained early Friday morning from his home in Gridharipur village during a joint operation by Palashbari police and the Detective Branch.

According to the report, Mizanur Rahman Mizan serves as the current secretary of the professional wing of Palashbari Upazila Jamaat and is the son of Golam Mostafa. He previously held positions as the municipal Jamaat amir and president of the upazila unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir. The case stems from a March 25 incident when several Jamaat youth leaders visited the police station to submit a complaint, leading to a confrontation and attack that injured eight police officers, including the OC.

Following the incident, a case was filed naming nine individuals and several unidentified others. The Palashbari Upazila Jamaat branch has formed an internal investigation committee to review the matter.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman stated that discussions and research on Bangladesh’s independence and Liberation War should continue across generations, but must not devalue the nation’s history. He made these remarks on Friday at a discussion organized by the BNP at the Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka, marking Independence and National Day.

Rahman paid tribute to all national leaders and martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, including Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, highlighting Zia’s role as the proclaimer of independence and his writings as valuable historical documents. He emphasized that independence was a people’s war, not owned by any single party, and called for unity to build a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh despite limited resources.

He also mentioned that the current democratic government has launched initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, and canal excavation projects to improve citizens’ living standards. Rahman urged the younger generation to commit to collective well-being as part of this year’s Independence Day pledge.

A young man named Russel Biswas, aged 25, was critically injured after being attacked with sharp weapons inside the Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex in Gopalganj on Friday morning. The assault occurred around 8:30 a.m. when several men allegedly entered the hospital and attacked him. Russel, son of Jamal Biswas from Barshapara village, was later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment due to his critical condition.

According to local sources, a long-standing land dispute between Jamal Biswas and his brother Panna Biswas had led to a violent clash the previous evening. Family members said Russel could not be admitted to the hospital that night out of fear of further attacks. The next morning, he was taken to the hospital under local supervision, where the assailants allegedly struck again, injuring him severely before fleeing.

Police said no formal complaint had been filed yet, but legal action would follow upon receiving one. The accused individuals, including Panna Biswas and his associates, were reported to be on the run.

Former DGFI Director General Lieutenant General (retd) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, a key figure during the controversial 1/11 government, was arrested late Wednesday night from his residence in Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka. He was produced before a Dhaka court on Thursday, which granted a five-day remand in connection with the July murder case. The court’s decision followed a request from the investigating officer, who alleged that Mamun Khaled had directed armed groups to open fire on protesters, resulting in the death of Delwar Hossain.

According to the report, Mamun Khaled faces multiple allegations, including misuse of DGFI for political repression, corruption in the Jalshiri housing project, and involvement in the eviction of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from her cantonment residence. He is also accused of establishing the secret detention center “Aynaghar” and torturing journalists and dissident officers. A Facebook post by journalist Syed Abdal Ahmad described his alleged torture under Khaled’s command during the 1/11 period.

In court, Mamun Khaled denied the allegations, claiming he was not present at the crime scene and had no political involvement after retirement. The prosecution argued that his arrest could reveal significant information about past abductions, killings, and corruption.

Police in Chattogram recovered 6,000 liters of diesel from an open market in the Madrasah Gate area under Patenga Police Station on Friday afternoon. One trader was arrested during the operation. Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Ahmed confirmed that the raid was conducted based on a tip-off, leading to the discovery of 30 large drums, each containing about 200 liters of diesel. The fuel was being stored without valid documentation.

According to police, the detained trader claimed to be a wholesale fuel dealer but failed to show any authorization. The seized diesel has been taken to the police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the purpose of the stockpile. Local traders said drums had been arriving at a temporary shop for several days, but they were unaware of the large quantity being stored.

Police estimate the market value of the recovered fuel to be several crore taka. Preparations are being made to file a case under the Fuel Storage and Sale Control Act and related regulations, and the arrested trader will be sent to court.

Global crude oil prices rose above $110 per barrel on March 27, 2026, as fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East intensified. Brent crude futures reached $110.12 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate stood at $94.85. The market is assessing the risk of prolonged supply interruptions, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and LNG shipments.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created severe instability in energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and LNG flows, is now under heavy strain, with traffic reportedly near a standstill. Investors are focusing more on the potential for a long-term conflict than on daily diplomatic developments.

According to the International Energy Agency, the current supply shock is more severe than the combined impact of the 1970s oil crisis and the Russia-Ukraine gas disruptions. Reuters reported that global oil supply has fallen by about 11 million barrels per day.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict around Iran to stop the fighting and pursue a peaceful solution. He made the appeal on Friday through a verified Facebook post, expressing concern over the recent attacks and counterattacks that have caused widespread casualties and destruction. He warned that the escalating situation has created global fear and placed the world economy and energy supply at serious risk, affecting Bangladesh as well.

Dr. Rahman noted that the energy crisis has already disrupted daily life in Bangladesh, with people waiting in long lines to obtain fuel. He cautioned that the problem could worsen after the Eid holidays when offices, factories, and other institutions resume operations on March 29. He further stated that the crisis could impact transportation, electricity supply, agriculture, and production, even threatening internet connectivity if power disruptions occur.

He urged all parties to end the war immediately, reminding them that the conflict’s devastation is causing immense suffering to billions worldwide.

A mobile court operation near Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport on Friday, March 27, 2026, led to the seizure of approximately six tons of illegally stored diesel. The raid, conducted between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., uncovered around 30 drums of diesel along with three pumps used for loading and unloading fuel. The operation was based on intelligence from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the National Security Intelligence (NSI).

Officials estimated the market value of the seized diesel at around 1.8 million taka. Authorities are working to identify those involved in the illegal storage and have begun preparations to file a case. Mobile court officials warned that illegal fuel hoarding and supply could destabilize the national energy sector and pledged to continue similar enforcement actions.

Local residents said that secret fuel storage had been ongoing in the airport area for a long time, but they expect the recent strict administrative measures to bring the situation under control. Intelligence agencies reportedly plan to continue operations against illegal fuel stockpiles across the country.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that power stations are sometimes closed due to demand fluctuations rather than fuel shortages. He made the remarks on Friday, March 27, 2026, after inspecting a 68-megawatt solar power plant in Sirajganj. The minister explained that power generation is being maintained according to current demand, and no disruptions occurred during Ramadan. He added that temporary outages caused by storms should not be considered load-shedding.

Tuku also addressed the recent surge in fuel demand, noting that petrol pumps are running out of fuel quickly because people are stockpiling due to the ongoing war. He assured that fuel supply remains stable and said he has spoken with district administrators and police officials who are monitoring the situation. The minister acknowledged that corruption and black marketing are contributing to the sudden increase in demand, and reported that two individuals have already been detained in Sirajganj, with arrests occurring elsewhere in the country.

Officials from the Sirajganj 68-megawatt solar power plant and the district commissioner were present during the minister’s visit.

Two lawyers were detained by the Detective Branch (DB) police in Sunamganj after they paid tribute at a memorial with the slogan 'Joy Bangla'. The arrests took place on Thursday night at their respective homes. The detainees were identified as Monish Kanti Dey Mintu, former vice president of Sunamganj Government College and member of Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers Council, and Advocate Shamim Ahmed, also a member of the same council. A case under the Anti-Terrorism Act was filed the same night, naming 27 lawyers as accused.

The case was filed by Sub-Inspector Anwarul Haque of the Sunamganj Court. According to the case statement, all 27 accused are lawyers. Sunamganj Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ratan Sheikh confirmed the case, stating that the Awami League was a banned organization and that its leaders had chanted slogans at the memorial. The incident occurred on Independence Day when members of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers Council paid tribute at the court premises memorial.

Photos and videos of the event later circulated on Facebook, showing around 23 to 30 lawyers participating, including some district Awami League leaders.