Crude Oil Reserves Under Pressure as New Shipment Delayed
The impact of the ongoing war situation in the Middle East and the tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has begun to affect the reserves of the country’s only state-owned oil refinery, Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL). Currently, about 100,000 tons of crude oil are stored at the refinery in Chattogram, which officials say will allow production to continue for a maximum of another 20 to 22 days. If no new shipment arrives within that time, pressure may build on the refinery’s production system.
Fuel Crisis Raises Concerns of Eid Travel Disruptions
Nilachal Paribahan operates 350 buses. Of these, 95 run on long-distance routes from Dhaka to destinations such as Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur. Last Thursday, 30 buses were out of service due to the fuel crisis. On the company’s Gabtoli-Narsingdi route, 16 out of 40 buses remained idle because they could not obtain fuel due to long queues of vehicles at filling stations.
International Coalition Appeals for Immediate Bail of Ailing Writer Shahriar Kabir
An international coalition of human rights organisations and genocide scholars has formally appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to grant immediate bail to 75-year-old writer and filmmaker Shahriar Kabir on humanitarian grounds.
MV Banglar Joyjatra Turns Back While Heading Toward Strait of Hormuz
The state-owned company Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC)’s vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has left the port of Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates but has now become stranded with 31 sailors near the port of Sharjah. The vessel’s next destination was the port of Mumbai in India. To reach there, it would have to cross the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, due to the ongoing war situation, ship movement through this crucial waterway has effectively been suspended. Although the vessel had set sail to proceed, members of the UAE Coast Guard advised it not to travel through the route at this moment.
Around 3,100 Incidents of Violence Against Minorities Reported in Bangladesh Since August 2024
About 3,100 incidents of violence targeting Hindus and other minority communities have been reported across Bangladesh between August 2024 and February 2026, according to data cited by human rights organisations, the Indian government has informed Parliament.
Citizens Protest Parliamentary Condolence Motion for 1971 War Crime Accused Razakars
Forty-one prominent citizens have issued a statement protesting the raising of a condolence motion in the 13th National Parliament for Razakars accused of being collaborators and perpetrators of crimes against humanity during the Liberation War of 1971. Poet and activist Mir Bobi confirmed the matter on Friday (March 13).
BNN Asia Report Says Bangladesh Media Faced Risky Conditions in Jan–Feb
BNN Asia, an independent watchdog that advocates for press freedom and the safety of journalists across Asia, has reported that the environment for newspapers and journalists in Bangladesh remained tense and risky during January and February 2026.
Many People Suffering in Prisons Due to Political Identity, Says Prof. Rehman Sobhan
Economist Professor Rehman Sobhan has said that a large number of people in the country are currently languishing in prisons due to their political identities. He described this as a violation of human rights, a failure of the country’s justice system, and one of the failures of the interim government, which should have been more committed to upholding the rule of law.
Pump Owners Issue Shutdown Warning Over Lack of Security
Unrest is increasing at petrol pumps across the country after the introduction of a rationing system for fuel supply. In this situation, pump owners have demanded that the government quickly ensure security and increase the supply of fuel. At the same time, they have warned that if effective measures are not taken to control the situation, they may take strict decisions such as shutting down pump operations.
Bangladesh Garment Exporters in Trouble Over Shipments to Europe
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused major disruptions to important international maritime and air routes used for global trade. With key routes in the Gulf region, including the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, becoming effectively inoperative, Bangladeshi garment exporters are facing serious difficulties in sending goods to Europe. Other major South Asian manufacturing countries such as India and Pakistan are also encountering similar problems.