The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that global hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues. The agency estimates that more than 45 million additional people could face severe food insecurity, adding to the current 318 million already struggling worldwide. Rising oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel and disruptions to shipping routes have intensified the crisis.

According to the WFP, the situation mirrors the global food shock seen during the 2022 Ukraine war. Even though the conflict is not directly affecting major food-producing regions, higher fuel costs are driving up transportation, fertilizer, and agricultural expenses, pushing food prices higher. A WFP official warned that those already vulnerable will suffer the most if humanitarian aid remains insufficient.

The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and increased risks in the Red Sea have disrupted maritime trade, further raising the prices of oil, fertilizer, and food. Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia are identified as the most at risk, with food insecurity projected to rise by up to 24 percent in some regions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has instructed residents near five major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to evacuate immediately. Iranian state media broadcast the warning, urging people to move to a safe distance without delay. The directive came shortly after an Israeli airstrike targeted a petrochemical complex at Iran’s South Pars gas field early Wednesday, according to Israeli outlets and Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Qatar condemned the Israeli attack, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible act amid heightened regional military tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the strike on infrastructure linked to the South Pars field, which extends into Qatar’s North Field, poses a serious threat to global energy security, local populations, and the environment.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the fire at the site has been brought under control, with no casualties confirmed so far.

A fishing boat belonging to fisherman Bali Jolodas was stolen late Tuesday night from Bottoli Fish Wharf in Santoshpur Union of Sandwip upazila, Chattogram. The boat, worth about 360,000 taka, was his only means of livelihood. The theft has left him distraught as he struggles with loan repayments and family expenses. Local fishermen have expressed growing fear following the incident.

According to locals, Bali Jolodas had purchased the boat with his savings and borrowed funds, paying monthly installments of around 50,000 taka. He discovered the theft after returning from fishing during the night tide. Local fisherman Batul Jolodas said such thefts had never happened before, and now they must guard their boats at night. Union Parishad member Ashraf described Bali as a hardworking man who has been left destitute and said efforts are underway to assist him and recover the boat.

Sandwip Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zayed Noor stated that no written complaint had yet been received but assured that legal action and recovery efforts would begin once a complaint is filed.

ATM Azharul Islam, Member of Parliament for Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) and central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that not a single taka of government grants would go into his pocket. He made the remarks on March 18, 2026, while distributing cash assistance from the Prime Minister’s fund among poor and distressed residents at a school ground in Badarganj municipality. A total of 10 lakh taka was allocated for his constituency, distributed among 500 beneficiaries—325 in Badarganj and 175 in Taraganj—each receiving 2,000 taka.

Azharul Islam said this was the first time Members of Parliament were distributing cash and Eid gifts directly to the poor. He emphasized that all allocations and grants would be used solely for the welfare of underprivileged people. He also mentioned plans to seek additional allocations to expand aid and development in the area.

The MP added that his personal and organizational funds were also used to support poor families and that initiatives were underway to create employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth in both upazilas.

Five additional fuel-laden ships anchored at Chattogram Port between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, despite the closure of the Hormuz Strait due to conflict in the Middle East. Three of the ships began unloading oil at the Dolphin Jetty, while two remained at the outer anchorage. Since the strait’s closure on March 3, a total of 23 fuel and gas vessels have arrived in 14 days, with 18 already unloaded and departed. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed more shipments are scheduled this month.

Naval and Coast Guard forces have increased security around tankers and depots, deploying patrols in the Karnaphuli River and nearby areas. The latest arrivals include one LNG carrier from Australia and two high-sulfur fuel oil tankers from Singapore. BPC officials said the government is securing new supply sources and has signed deals with Saudi Arabia for diesel and gasoline shipments expected by March 27.

According to BPC, current supply levels remain stable, and earlier fuel rationing at pumps has ended as demand and distribution normalized.

Russia has condemned the killing of Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, according to a report citing Al Jazeera. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a briefing that Moscow strongly denounces actions aimed at harming the leadership of sovereign Iran, particularly assassinations targeting its officials.

The report states that on Tuesday, Israel killed Iran’s security chief Larijani and Basij paramilitary commander Soleimani. The following day, Israel’s defense minister claimed responsibility for the killing of Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib. The incidents mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The developments have drawn international attention as regional powers respond to the rising violence. Russia’s condemnation underscores its opposition to attacks on Iranian leadership, while tensions continue to mount across the Middle East.

Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has shared a message of interfaith harmony during the holy month of Ramadan. The former national team star joined his Muslim friends in fasting and shared a photo on social media showing him at an iftar table with Farveez Maharoof and others, waiting for the Maghrib call to prayer. The post, made on Tuesday evening, highlighted his long-standing tradition of fasting with friends since his playing days.

Jayasuriya’s gesture received widespread praise on social media, where many described it as a symbol of brotherhood, empathy, and mutual respect. The act was seen as a reflection of how the spirit of Ramadan extends beyond religious rituals to embrace shared humanity and compassion.

Currently involved in coaching, Jayasuriya is awaiting new professional opportunities after leaving his role with the Sri Lankan national team. Reports suggest he may join Bangladesh’s coaching panel, though no official confirmation has been made.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, will attend separate Eid reunion events in Sylhet city and district as the chief guest on the day after Eid-ul-Fitr. During the gatherings, he will exchange Eid greetings and pleasantries with people from all walks of life, according to a party press release issued on Wednesday.

The statement added that on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Dr. Rahman will also attend another reunion event in Bhatera Union of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district as the chief guest. There, he will meet and greet local residents from various professions and social backgrounds.

The events are expected to be attended by political figures from different parties, journalists, intellectuals, doctors, engineers, social workers, and administrative officials from the area, reflecting a broad community participation.

Qatar has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible act amid ongoing military tensions. The strike occurred on the 19th day of joint Israeli and U.S. operations in Iran, while Tehran continues retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Gulf countries. Iran has repeatedly accused its adversaries of targeting civilian infrastructure since the conflict began.

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the assault on energy infrastructure poses a threat to global energy security and endangers regional populations and the environment. He noted that the South Pars field is connected to Qatar’s North Field expansion project.

Al-Ansari urged all parties to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and work to de-escalate tensions to preserve regional security and stability.

A global energy crisis has erupted as the war in the Middle East disrupts oil supplies, prompting Asian nations to rush for Russian crude. On March 13, the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products for 30 days, allowing trade of previously stranded shipments. This move has triggered intense competition among countries such as India and China to secure Russian oil reserves.

India has doubled its Russian oil imports to 1.8 million barrels per day to safeguard energy security, though experts warn it cannot fully replace the 2.6 million barrels previously sourced from the Middle East. China’s state-owned firms, including Sinopec and PetroChina, have resumed talks with suppliers to restart purchases halted since November. Southeast Asian nations like the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia are also showing new interest in Russian oil despite earlier caution over U.S. sanctions.

Analysts caution that the U.S. waiver is temporary, leaving uncertainty about long-term supply stability. Experts note that while Russian oil may ease short-term shortages, it cannot fully offset the Middle Eastern deficit, suggesting continued competition in Asia’s energy markets.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced that 111 individuals allegedly connected to the country’s former monarchy were arrested during a nationwide security operation. The ministry said the raids, conducted across 26 provinces, led to the seizure of a significant cache of weapons. The arrests were reported by state news agency Tasnim and cited by Al Jazeera.

According to the ministry, several cells belonging to an opposition monarchist group were dismantled during the operation. In addition, four alleged spies linked to the United States were detained in Hamadan and West Azerbaijan provinces. Authorities accused them of providing information about security headquarters, equipment, and troop deployments to hostile entities.

The report did not specify when the operation began or provide details about the detainees’ identities or legal proceedings, leaving aspects of the case unclear.

Iran launched 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones toward the United Arab Emirates, according to the UAE Ministry of Defense. The attack occurred on Wednesday, marking the 19th day since joint Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran began. The ministry reported that since the start of hostilities, the UAE has faced a total of 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,699 drone attacks.

The strikes are part of Iran’s continued retaliation against U.S. military bases in Gulf countries following the earlier attacks on its territory. The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights the growing intensity of the conflict in the Gulf region as Iran expands its counterstrikes beyond its borders.

The situation underscores rising instability in the Gulf, with regional energy and security infrastructures increasingly at risk as hostilities persist.

An Israeli airstrike targeted gas installations in Iran’s Bushehr province, according to reports from Al Jazeera citing Iranian state media. The attack struck offshore facilities linked to the South Pars gas field, one of Iran’s most vital energy assets that supplies a major share of the country’s gas production. The incident occurred amid heightened regional conflict, with Iranian energy infrastructure increasingly coming under attack.

Israeli media, quoting local officials, also confirmed that Israeli fighter jets carried out the strike on Iran’s gas infrastructure in Bushehr. However, no immediate details were available regarding the extent of damage or possible casualties resulting from the attack.

The South Pars field holds strategic importance for Iran’s energy sector, and repeated strikes on such facilities could further strain the country’s gas output and regional energy stability.

The Bangladesh Passengers Welfare Association has alleged that fare irregularities during this year’s Eid travel season are set to break a 20-year record. In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday, the association’s secretary general Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said that around 87 percent of buses and minibuses are charging extra fares, ignoring government directives. The report noted that fares on routes from Dhaka to various districts have risen sharply, with some routes charging more than double the usual rate.

The association’s survey estimated that long-distance travelers could be overcharged by about Tk 121.8 crore in total, while city bus passengers may pay an additional Tk 26.1 crore, bringing the total excess collection to nearly Tk 148 crore. It attributed the fare hikes to extortion, rising operational costs, Eid bonuses, and owners’ profit motives. The group also criticized the lack of passenger representation in monitoring teams.

To curb the situation, the association recommended introducing digital transactions in public transport, reducing cash payments, expanding CCTV surveillance, and enforcing transport laws more strictly.

Iran held a state funeral in Tehran on Wednesday for senior security officials and naval officers killed in recent US-Israeli attacks. The ceremony included the burial of Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force. State media reported that government officials and large crowds attended to pay their final respects.

According to Tasnim News, Larijani and his son were killed in an Israeli airstrike on March 17 in Tehran, while Soleimani died in a similar attack. The funeral also included sailors from the Iranian destroyer Dena, which was damaged by a US Navy torpedo strike off Sri Lanka on March 4. The attacks followed the February 28 killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior figures, after which the United States and Israel reportedly launched a broad military campaign against Iran.

Iranian forces have since carried out missile and drone strikes targeting US and Israeli positions in retaliation, according to state reports.