Dhaka recorded the world’s highest air pollution level on Monday, March 23, 2026, despite the city being largely empty during the long Eid holiday. According to data from Switzerland-based air quality monitoring organization IQAir, the capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 188, categorizing the air as unhealthy for all residents. The report placed Dhaka at the top among cities in 127 countries.

IQAir’s 10:30 a.m. reading showed Beijing in second place with an AQI of 178, followed by Wuhan at 154, Kampala at 153, and Baghdad at 148. The organization regularly measures global air quality using the AQI system, which indicates pollution levels and associated health risks.

IQAir’s report identified fine particulate matter as the main source of Dhaka’s pollution. The high concentration of these particles poses serious health threats, including respiratory and heart diseases, and long-term risks such as cancer.

The United Arab Emirates’ air defense system intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Abu Dhabi, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The incident occurred in the Al Shawamekh area, where debris from the destroyed missile fell to the ground, injuring an Indian national. The confirmation was reported by Al Jazeera, citing the official media office’s post on social media platform X.

The report stated that the UAE’s defense system successfully neutralized the missile in the air before it could reach its target. However, fragments from the interception caused injuries on the ground. The injured person was identified as an Indian citizen, though no further details about his condition were provided.

Authorities have not released additional information about the source of the missile or any potential response measures following the incident.

A woman named Halima Kayser Bokul, aged 55, died after falling into an empty elevator shaft in Dhaka’s Demra area on Sunday night. The incident occurred at Konapara when she was descending from the rooftop of her building. According to her son Bappi, she accidentally fell through the open space meant for an elevator and sustained severe injuries. The family lived on the fourth floor of the building.

Halima was first taken to a nearby private hospital in critical condition. As her condition worsened, she was transferred to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. The incident has been reported to Demra Police Station, according to Inspector Md. Faruk of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police camp.

Authorities have not yet provided further details about the investigation or safety measures at the site.

A major fire broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 59 injuries. Among the injured, 25 people are reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred on Friday, according to ABC News. Video footage showed thick gray smoke rising from the factory complex as some workers jumped from a building to escape the flames.

More than 500 firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel were deployed to the site to control the blaze and rescue trapped workers. Nam Deuk-woo, head of the Daejeon Daedeok District Fire Service, stated that one factory building was completely destroyed by the fire. Rescue operations were initially delayed because of fears that the building might collapse.

Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the fire, while emergency teams remain on-site to ensure safety and prevent further casualties.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the constitution is meant for the people, not the other way around. Speaking as chief guest at an Eid reunion organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat on March 22, 2026, he said the July uprising made possible the current political structure where one party governs and another serves as the main opposition. He emphasized that fulfilling the expectations of that uprising requires implementing the July Charter.

Rahman criticized the government for alleged political favoritism in appointments, including the replacement of the Bangladesh Bank governor and university vice-chancellors. He said such actions contradict the spirit of the July uprising. He also expressed disappointment over mismanagement and excessive fares during Eid travel. Addressing the ruling party, he urged avoidance of conspiracies against reform proposals and pledged that the opposition would act responsibly while prioritizing public expectations.

He further asserted that fascist politics would no longer prevail in Bangladesh, citing the people’s verdict in a referendum for change. Rahman vowed to continue Jamaat’s political struggle toward building a humane Bangladesh.

A shortage of octane has been reported at several petrol pumps across Dhaka, causing long queues and frustration among motorists. The crisis emerged even after the lifting of fuel rationing, with drivers moving from one station to another in search of octane. Areas including Mohammadpur, Asad Gate, Bijoy Sarani, Paribagh, Motijheel, Rajarbagh, Moghbazar, New Market, Gabtoli, and Mirpur have been affected. The shortage coincides with the end of the Eid holidays, as office-goers return to the capital ahead of government offices reopening on Tuesday.

Fuel marketing companies have claimed that octane reserves and supplies remain adequate, while pump owners argue that depots are not providing enough fuel to match sales. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) stated that there is no national shortage, noting that daily sales since February 28 have been double the usual demand. A 25,000-ton octane shipment is expected to arrive on April 2, and local production continues at normal levels.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that due to supply shortages and security concerns, petrol pumps nationwide could shut down at any time.

A tannery worker named Khorshed Alam Sikder, aged 57, was killed after being beaten by a local BNP leader during an arbitration meeting in Mehendiganj, Barishal. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Charhogla area, reportedly in the presence of police officers. Four others were injured in the attack. The dispute arose over unpaid construction dues owed to BNP leader Jahangir Hossain Hawlader, who allegedly led the assault.

Following the incident, the Mehendiganj municipal BNP expelled Jahangir Hossain Hawlader from the party for violating organizational discipline. The expulsion was confirmed in a statement signed by the party’s convenor Syed Riaz Shahin Liton and member secretary Riaz Uddin Chowdhury Dinu Mia. Police Superintendent AZM Mostafizur Rahman stated that legal action would be taken against those involved.

The arbitration meeting was reportedly held to settle a 22-year-old financial dispute. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or potential arrests.

Israeli settlers carried out a series of violent attacks on Palestinian villages across the occupied West Bank following the death of 18-year-old Israeli Jew Yehuda Sherman. The violence began after Sherman died when his quad bike collided with a Palestinian vehicle. Police are investigating whether the incident was intentional or accidental. In response, settlers used WhatsApp groups to call for revenge, leading to more than 20 reported attacks overnight. Homes, vehicles, and farmland were set on fire in villages including Jalud, Qaryut, Al-Funduqimiyah, and Silat ad-Dahr.

The Israeli Defense Forces deployed troops and border police to several villages after reports of arson and unrest. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported injuries among both Palestinians and attackers. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, saying they caused destruction and fear during Eid al-Fitr. Israeli police arrested five people near Deir al-Hatab and vowed zero tolerance for extremist violence. Human rights group Yesh Din described the events as a “night of pogroms,” accusing authorities of failing to act despite prior warnings.

According to the UN, settler violence has surged since the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, with six Palestinians killed since March 1. Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan blamed the government for encouraging chaos amid ongoing conflict.

Global oil prices rose sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Israel announced that its ongoing military operations would continue for several weeks. These developments triggered immediate reactions in the energy markets, with crude oil prices climbing as trading opened on Sunday night.

According to AFP, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery rose about 1.8 percent, surpassing 100 dollars per barrel before easing slightly. Brent crude for May delivery also increased, reaching 113.44 dollars per barrel before stabilizing near 111 dollars. Before the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 27, WTI and Brent were priced at 67.02 and 72.48 dollars respectively.

Analysts cited ongoing Middle East tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Hormuz Strait as key factors pressuring global energy markets. They warned that further escalation could lead to significant volatility in oil prices.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that the ongoing Middle East war could unleash an energy crisis more severe than the oil shocks of the 1970s and comparable to the early effects of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Birol said the world is currently losing about 11 million barrels of oil per day, exceeding the combined losses of the two major oil crises of the 1970s.

He cautioned that no country would be spared from the energy fallout, as oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been blocked due to Iran’s obstruction. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform that the United States is considering winding down its military operations while aiming to neutralize Iran’s missile capabilities and destroy its defense industry base.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that since the first strike on Iran on February 28, Washington’s objectives remain to dismantle Iran’s missile launchers, naval forces, and defense infrastructure, and to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Cumilla Metropolitan branch has transported the bodies of victims from a train-bus collision at Padua Bazar Bishwaroad in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin upazila to their respective homes. The party also announced that it would bear the medical expenses of those injured in the accident. Senior leaders, including Central Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, visited the site soon after the incident.

During the visit, Maulana ATM Masum stated that standing beside people in distress is a true humanitarian duty and expressed hope that the initiative would ease the suffering of bereaved families. Cumilla Metropolitan Ameer Kazi Din Mohammad emphasized the need to strengthen safety measures at rail crossings to prevent such tragedies.

Party leaders coordinated with hospital administrations to ensure proper treatment for the injured. A team from the National Doctors Forum (NDF) is reportedly overseeing the medical response to ensure continuous support for victims’ recovery.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing US military campaign against Iran. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Schumer wrote that the war must stop, emphasizing that even Republican senators have admitted uncertainty about the administration’s objectives in the Middle East.

Earlier, Schumer had criticized the war’s financial burden, saying billions of dollars were being wasted and that fuel prices had risen to an average of $3.94 per gallon. The conflict, initiated under the Republican president with US and Israeli leadership, has become a major test for Congress, which remains under Republican control. While most Republicans continue to back the president, they are expected to face further critical decisions regarding the war soon.

The situation has also contributed to growing concerns about a global energy crisis, as reports indicate rising fuel prices and escalating regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

At least one person was killed in an attack on a state broadcasting center in southern Iran, according to the country’s official television channel on Monday, March 23, 2026. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) stated that the assault targeted a 100-kilowatt AM transmitter at the Persian Gulf Radio and Television Center.

Citing AFP, the IRIB described the attackers as an “American-Zionist terrorist force.” The British newspaper The Guardian reported that the strike violated international law and resulted in the death of a security guard and injuries to another staff member at the facility.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with recent reports of missile attacks and international appeals to halt hostilities involving Iran. However, no further details about the perpetrators or the broader context of the attack were provided in the official statements.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday to address potential economic risks to the United Kingdom stemming from the ongoing Iran war. According to The Guardian, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey are among the key participants. The meeting will assess the possible effects on households, businesses, energy security, and supply chains, as well as international responses.

The heightened tension follows Iran’s warning that it would target Gulf neighbors’ energy and water systems if U.S. President Donald Trump carries out threats against Iranian power plants. Reuters reported that the UK is closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over its heavy reliance on imported gas, persistent inflation, and fiscal strain, which have accelerated the fall in government bond prices.

Reeves noted that it remains difficult to predict the war’s full impact on the British economy. While rejecting broad cost-cutting measures for now, she said targeted assistance options are under consideration.

Iran has carried out extensive missile strikes across Israel, with explosions reported in Jerusalem, central, and southern regions. Authorities have issued emergency alerts and instructed civilians to move to safe shelters as Iranian missiles reportedly hit several areas. According to Al Jazeera, cluster munitions may have been used, dispersing smaller bombs that caused damage in at least eight locations. Videos of the destruction have circulated on social media.

The Qatar-based outlet reported that earlier alerts in northern Israel were later lifted, allowing residents to leave shelters. However, since Sunday, missile attacks have continued, particularly in the north, where frequent sirens have been sounding. The region has become a regular target not only of Iranian missile strikes but also of attacks from Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah.

The ongoing assaults have heightened security concerns across Israel, with authorities maintaining high alert as the situation develops.