United News of Bangladesh

Iran has reiterated its rejection of a temporary ceasefire, insisting on a permanent end to the conflict with guarantees to prevent future war, as tensions rise ahead of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump. Iran’s representative to the United Nations said Tehran would not accept a short-term truce and instead seeks a lasting peace with verifiable assurances. The position reflects Iran’s consistent stance amid the ongoing crisis, reports Al Jazeera. Responding to Trump’s warning that a “whole civilisation will die,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the strength of a “civilised nation” would ultimately prevail over the logic of brute force. Diplomatic sources say the gap between the two sides remains wide, making any agreement difficult and protracted. Meanwhile, the White House has denied reports that it is considering the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as Trump maintained strong rhetoric, warning Tehran to strike a deal or face a massive assault. The US president had earlier set a deadline of 8pm Eastern Time (local time 6:00 AM in Bangladesh), demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global energy supplies—or risk attacks on key infrastructure. Trump warns ‘whole civilization’ could die, says Iran still has time to act Vice President JD Vance said the US could use tools “not yet decided,” sparking speculation, though the White House dismissed claims that nuclear options were implied. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said only the president knows the final course of action. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) warned it would retaliate strongly if civilian infrastructure is targeted, raising fears of wider regional consequences. At the UN Security Council, Iran’s Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani criticised a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz as “biased and indefensible,” saying it misrepresents Iran as the aggressor while ignoring the root causes. He maintained that Iran’s actions were in self-defence. Adding to concerns, a nuclear expert warned that any strike on Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could trigger a disaster comparable to Chernobyl or Hiroshima, with long-term environmental and humanitarian consequences across the Gulf region.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that “a whole civilization” could be destroyed, while urging Iran to agree to a deal ahead of his looming deadline. The warning came about 12 hours before a deadline set by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe military strikes. In a post on his social media platform, Trump wrote, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” adding, “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” Despite the stark warning, Trump signaled there was still a chance to avoid escalation, saying that “maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.” The comments come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with fears growing over possible military action if no agreement is reached.

Bangladesh’s economy is grappling with intensifying pressure from multiple fronts  including the Middle East conflict and a volatile energy market which experts warn could destabilise macroeconomic stability. Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, chairman of think-tank Policy Exchange Bangladesh, told UNB that recent geopolitical tensions have sparked fresh concerns over energy security, threatening to disrupt power generation, industrial output, and the agricultural sector. A former World Bank economist, Dr. Reaz said the combination of internal structural weaknesses and external shocks poses a significant challenge for the government. “Middle East conflict and energy volatility, the escalating military activity involving the US, Israel, and Iran has sent ripples through the international energy market. Analysts fear that a prolonged conflict will lead to severe supply chain disruptions,” he added. Crucially, uncertainty of free vessel movement in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ and Qatar Energy has reportedly declared "Force Majeure" on several long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply contracts due to production setbacks. This development threatens gas supplies to major economies like South Korea, China, and parts of Europe, potentially driving up global oil and gas prices. For an import-dependent nation like Bangladesh, this translates into higher transport costs and immediate inflationary pressure on essential goods, said economic analysts Dr. Reaz. Domestic supply concerns amidst global volatility, domestic fuel supply has come under scrutiny. Despite reports of long queues at petrol pumps and claims of shortages from pump owners, the government maintains that stocks are sufficient, he pointed out. Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, attributed the pressure to "panic buying." He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary hoarding, assuring that supply would remain steady if demand followed normal patterns. Economists warn that fuel shortages will hit every sector of the economy. Gas-dependent sectors such as RMG, textiles, cement, and fertilizer face production cuts, which could shrink export earnings and deplete foreign exchange reserves. Scarcity of diesel and octane threatens irrigation and mechanized farming, raising fears of reduced food production. Increased production and transport costs are expected to drive the cost of living even higher. Politicians and Experts warning that the political landscape is also reacting to the crisis, which would be affected living cost of people. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that the Middle East war could have a devastating impact on the national economy, specifically citing the inevitable rise in oil and commodity prices. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), described the energy and banking sectors as the "two lungs" of the economy—both of which are currently in a weakened state. He emphasized that the government must prioritize four areas: maintaining macroeconomic stability, reforming the banking sector, ensuring energy security, and boosting private investment. CPD reports a decline in private sector credit flow due to high interest rates. The closure of several industries and the migration of some entrepreneurs have exacerbated the employment crisis. Furthermore, the banking sector remains high-risk due to a massive volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and a lack of good governance. Experts suggest that to mitigate these pressures, Bangladesh must intensify domestic gas exploration, find cost-effective LNG sources, and implement rigorous banking reforms. Whether the current administration can navigate these global and domestic hurdles remains the primary focus of the nation’s economists and business community.

The Middle East war poses a greater risk to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and to a lesser extent Laos, due to their high dependence on imported energy and limited reserve supplies, says S&P Global Ratings, noting that these countries are particularly vulnerable to rising oil prices and potential supply disruptions. In their base case scenario, the war is unlikely to have a material impact on their sovereign ratings for these countries, but a more prolonged price and supply shock in global energy markets could cause more pronounced credit damage. Asian stocks decline, oil prices rise amid uncertainty over Iran conflict At S&P Global Ratings with analyst-driven credit ratings, research, and sustainable finance opinions provide critical insights that are essential to translating complexity into clarity so market participants can unlock opportunities and make decisions with conviction.  Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are showing signs of economic recovery. The three countries have made progress, but sustained high energy prices and potential disruptions to trade and remittances could derail their fragile economies. Laos is comparatively less exposed due to its hydropower electricity generation and balanced fiscal position. While still vulnerable to extended energy price and supply shocks, the conditions supporting the positive outlook on our long-term ratings remain intact for now. “Our ratings on Bangladesh can likely withstand the shorter-term economic disruptions associated with our base case scenario,” said the report by the American credit rating agency. However, the country faces mounting growth, inflation, and external risks if the spike in energy prices endures longer than they currently anticipate, S&P said.   The duration of the Middle East conflict and associated price shock, as well as the physical availability of fuel supplies, will be key determinants of the impact on the sovereign's creditworthiness. Higher fuel prices are likely to arrest the gradual decline in inflation over the next three to six months, and could sap underlying recovery momentum in the economy. Nearly 50% of Bangladesh's electricity generation is gas-fired, and nearly a quarter of its gas needs are met through imports. Meanwhile, the economy is almost entirely reliant on imports for crude and refined oil products. Oil supply reserves are likely to be less than one month, after which measures to curb consumption may become more pronounced if imports remain constrained. While the government and national energy companies have been able to secure some additional gas, diesel, and petrol supplies recently, the availability of these could become scarcer if the conflict endures. Officials have moved quickly to implement measures aimed at blunting the hit from higher fuel prices. These include a cap on retail fuel prices alongside a temporary rationing mechanism, cuts to operations at fertilizer plants to prioritize gas supply to power plants, and early school closures to manage energy consumption. The country is already grappling with stubbornly high inflation, which rose to 9.2% in February from 8.6% in January, and an extended moderation in growth following the collapse of the previous government in mid-2024. The Bangladesh National Party's solid margin of victory in February 2026 elections, and a relatively smooth transition from the caretaker government, mitigates risks of policy paralysis, and could help to restore policy continuity and political stability following a period of heightened uncertainty. However, policy tools available to the officials will be bound by price pressures, the taka exchange rate, foreign reserve targets, and the government's limited revenue-generation capacity. Bangladesh's revenue to GDP ratio is among the lowest of all rated sovereigns. It is estimated that it will be around 9% in the current fiscal year (ending June 2026). The war will also be an unwelcome headwind against Bangladesh's improving external position. Foreign exchange reserves rose to US$29.6 billion as of March 12, 2026, a substantial boost compared to just US$19.7 billion at the same time in 2025. The country's overall current account balance has improved, too, supported by surging remittance inflows, and despite a slowdown in the ready-made garment export sector. The accumulation of a more meaningful foreign exchange buffer, and the current account's modest surplus position so far this fiscal year, will help to alleviate the immediate stresses that could arise from a period of acutely high energy prices. However, a more drawn-out conflict would pressure Bangladesh's economy across a variety of fronts, including through the import channel, which could shift the current account back into a deficit depending on the length and scale of the price shock.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at fuel depots across the country to prevent hoarding, maintain discipline in fuel distribution. The deployment was made following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs as reports emerged of attempts to illegally stockpile fuel due to supply concerns and price hikes in the international market, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB headquarters. The deployment, supervised by the BGB headquarters, is being carried out under a coordinated and structured plan to ensure depot security, he said. BGB personnel are operating from temporary base camps set up at secure locations, especially in areas far from their unit headquarters. Govt forms vigilance teams in all districts to monitor fuel supply Since the morning of March 25, BGB members have been deployed at 19 depots in nine districts—one in Dhaka, two in Kurigram, three each in Rangpur and Rajshahi, two in Sylhet, three each in Moulvibazar and Cumilla, and one each in Brahmanbaria and Sunamganj. The deployed personne are carrying out regular monitoring and ensuring strict implementation of administrative and security measures. They are also strengthening intelligence surveillance, preventing illegal fuel hoarding and sales and taking prompt action to avert any sabotage. Besides, border patrols have been intensified to prevent fuel smuggling. Measures include increased river patrols, installation of checkpoints and regular inspections of trucks and other vehicles used in import and export activities at border points.

Bangladesh currently has about a month’s supply of fuel, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani said on Wednesday, noting that the country normally maintains a 15-day reserve. Ghani made the remarks during a briefing at the Press Information Department following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. He said the government is taking steps to further increase fuel reserves to ensure stability amid the ongoing international energy crisis. Asked about the Prime Minister’s response to the ongoing international energy crisis, the Cabinet Secretary said, “The Prime Minister reviewed all available government resources, assessed progress, and examined the steps taken by the ministries. I can briefly say that the reserves are sufficient.” Commenting on panic buying, Ghani said, “Excess fuel purchased unnecessarily could go to waste. The situation should normalize in a few days once public confidence returns. Under the government’s plan, the reserves are being increased further.” PM calls for unity, tolerance to accelerate Bangladesh’s  development Regarding the rise in jet fuel prices, Ghani explained, “The international price of jet fuel has increased. Airlines operating here also follow the international rate, so the price movement is aligned with global trends.” He confirmed that the one-month reserve includes all types of fuel and added that the Cabinet Committee on Purchase has approved the acquisition of two cargoes of LNG. Ghani also said that fuel not immediately available under contracts is purchased from the spot market, and decisions have to be made quickly, often within 10 hours of the cargo’s arrival. Responding to rumors about a fuel price hike, he said, “I am not aware of any such plan, and there are no signs of it at this stage.” The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that fuel is being procured from multiple sources to maintain and expand the country’s reserves.

Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said Wednesday, according to the German press agency dpa. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran had been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, with all group-stage matches set to take place in the United States. Iran was also absent from last week’s planning summit for World Cup participants held in Atlanta. Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that U.S. President Donald Trump had assured Iran that its national team would be welcome to compete in the tournament.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday failed to adopt a draft resolution calling for an immediate halt to military activities and urging all parties to avoid further escalation in the Middle East. The resolution, proposed by Russia, also sought to condemn attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. However, it did not pass after receiving four votes in favour, two against and nine abstentions. Russia, China, Pakistan and Somalia supported the proposal, while the United States and Latvia voted against it. Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed disappointment over the outcome, saying some council members failed to gather the “strength and wisdom” needed to support the resolution. Earlier the same day, the Security Council adopted another resolution related to the Middle East crisis, which followed the joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began on Feb 28 and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks across the region. The resolution, introduced by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), was approved with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions. It condemns Iran’s attacks on GCC countries and Jordan, calls on Tehran to immediately stop such actions and declares them a breach of international law and a threat to international security. Reacting to the decision, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the resolution was “a manifest injustice” against Iran, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law.

Lebanon experienced a tense night as reports emerged just before midnight of Israeli helicopters flying along the Lebanese-Syrian border, apparently attempting to land infantry forces. Hezbollah said it engaged the helicopters and ground troops using what it called “appropriate weapons.” The incident follows a similar Israeli helicopter operation two days ago near Nabi Chit in the Bekaa Valley, about 70 km from the Israeli border. Unlike routine incursions into southern Lebanon, this was a deep air operation. The Israeli military said the mission aimed to recover the remains of an airman missing in the area for more than 40 years. When troops landed, they came under fire from Hezbollah, prompting the Israeli air force to carry out dozens of strikes within minutes, killing 41 people and wounding more than 40 others. Iran war expands into civilian infrastructure with Bahrain water plant strike The purpose of Monday night’s attempted infiltration remains unclear. Meanwhile, military operations across Lebanon continue, with southern regions enduring multiple air strikes over the past 24 hours. Among them, a strike on a residential building caused multiple casualties, adding to the rising toll from the ongoing conflict.

Iranian state television early Monday announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the country’s late supreme leader, has been appointed as his successor. Mojtaba had long been viewed as a potential candidate for the position, even before his father was killed in an Israeli strike at the outset of the ongoing war. Despite his influence, he has never held an elected office or been formally appointed to a government post. As supreme leader, he will oversee key national decisions, including military strategy, with Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard directly answering to him. Trump threatens ‘very hard’ strikes; Iran rejects surrender demand Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told ABC News on Sunday that he wants a role in determining who ultimately leads Iran after the war, warning that any new leader “is not going to last long” without his approval. Separately, the U.S. military said a seventh American service member has died from injuries sustained during an Iranian attack while stationed in Saudi Arabia. The previous six casualties were Army reservists killed in a March 1 strike on a port in Kuwait. U.S. intelligence officials also believe Russia has shared information with Iran to help target American troops and assets in the Middle East. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview on Sunday that military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow “is not something new.” At the same time, growing evidence indicates that a deadly explosion at an Iranian elementary school on February 28 was likely caused by a U.S. airstrike. The incident resulted in the highest reported civilian death toll since the war began, drawing strong criticism from the United Nations and human rights organisations. The United States has not accepted responsibility but said it is looking into the allegations. The conflict has continued to take a heavy toll, with at least 1,230 people reported killed in Iran, more than 300 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries.