Amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, rising global fuel prices and shortages have prompted attempts at unauthorized fuel hoarding. To curb such activities, ensure orderly fuel distribution, and maintain uninterrupted supply, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at multiple fuel depots nationwide, according to a statement on Saturday by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The deployment follows a structured plan overseen by BGB Headquarters, with temporary base camps set up in secure locations to support operations in remote areas. Since the morning of 25 March 2026, BGB personnel have been stationed at 19 depots across 9 districts: Dhaka (1), Kurigram (2), Rangpur (3), Rajshahi (3), Sylhet (2), Moulvibazar (3), Cumilla (3), Brahmanbaria (1), and Sunamganj (1).

Deployed personnel are working under designated officers, ensuring strict supervision and enforcement of security and administrative measures. Enhanced intelligence monitoring has been implemented to prevent illegal fuel hoarding, unauthorized sales, and potential sabotage. The BGB is coordinating closely with depot authorities to ensure rapid information sharing, stabilizing fuel supply, and boosting public confidence.

To combat fuel smuggling, intensified land and river patrols are underway, with checkpoints for inspections and strengthened surveillance along borders. Monitoring at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Land Customs Ports (LCPs) has also increased, with regular inspections of trucks and other vehicles involved in import-export activities. Bangladesh’s energy shortfall caused by the West Asia conflict, India has supplied an additional 5,000 tons of diesel, a senior government official confirmed on Friday night.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from BGB.

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan are struggling with rising inflation, with many blaming Islamabad’s policies for worsening their daily hardships without providing any meaningful relief. A recent hike in fuel prices has driven up transportation costs across the region, which in turn has led to higher prices for essential goods. From food to basic household necessities, the escalating costs have put significant pressure on the finances of ordinary citizens in what locals describe as an already marginalized area.

People in the region argue that economic decisions are being implemented without considering local realities. They claim that additional taxes and rising fuel prices disproportionately affect the poor, making daily survival increasingly difficult. Local journalist Feroz Shah highlighted the mounting distress, noting that levying taxes in a disputed region is unfair and ultimately burdens the most vulnerable. He emphasized that although taxes may appear aimed at businesses, the cost is passed on to consumers, driving up prices for everyday essentials.

Residents also assert that Pakistan has failed to control inflation while continuing to extract revenue from the region, worsening the economic crisis. Prices of food and clothing have surged, leaving many unable to afford even two meals a day, and families struggle to buy basic items like clothing for their children, reflecting the depth of the financial strain.

Calls are increasing for authorities to intervene and take measures to curb inflation. Locals urge the government to crack down on black marketing and ensure relief reaches those most affected by rising prices. At the same time, residents claim that critical decisions affecting the region are made without public consultation, while dissenting voices are often silenced. Consequently, many feel left to endure the economic hardships, which they see as part of ongoing systemic neglect and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Pakistan was ranked the most polluted country in the world in 2025, with hazardous levels of fine particulate matter far exceeding global health standards, according to a report cited by Dawn. The annual assessment by Swiss air quality firm IQAir found that PM2.5 concentrations—tiny airborne particles dangerous to human health—were up to 13 times higher than the guideline set by the World Health Organisation.

The report noted that only 13 countries and territories kept average PM2.5 levels within the WHO’s recommended limit of under 5 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025, up from seven in 2024. However, most countries continued to struggle with air pollution, with 130 out of 143 monitored nations failing to meet the guideline.

Bangladesh and Tajikistan were ranked second and third, respectively, among the most polluted countries. Globally, only 14 percent of cities met WHO air quality standards in 2025, down from 17 percent the previous year. Researchers attributed some of the deterioration to massive wildfires in Canada, which raised PM2.5 levels across the United States and parts of Europe.

Countries that stayed within the WHO limit included Australia, Iceland, Estonia, and Panama. Several Southeast Asian nations recorded improvements: Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia saw notable reductions in PM2.5 levels due to wetter and windier conditions linked to La Nina. Mongolia reported a 31 percent decline in PM2.5, averaging 17.8 micrograms per cubic metre.

IQAir reported that 75 countries experienced lower PM2.5 levels in 2025 compared with 2024, while 54 countries saw increases. Pakistan was ranked first on the Global Terrorism Index for the first time, following a 6 percent rise in terrorism-related deaths during 2025. The Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, recorded 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents, highlighting worsening security conditions.

The report pointed to strained relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan, and rising violence from Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as major security risks. Terrorism-related deaths in Pakistan reached their highest level since 2013, with the TTP emerging as the deadliest group in the country and the third deadliest worldwide.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Iranian state media outlet Press TV reported on Friday that Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in US-Israeli strikes. This follows a series of targeted attacks on Iran’s top officials since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.

On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Esmaeil Khatib, Iran’s Minister of Intelligence. The IDF claimed Khatib had targeted Iranian citizens during the Mahsa Amini protests (2022–2023) and had led operations against Israelis and Americans worldwide. In a post on X, the IDF stated that Khatib “played a significant role during recent protests, including the arrest and killing of protesters, and led terrorist activities globally.”

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, were also killed in Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday. Iranian lawmaker Pezeshkian condemned the killings, calling them “cowardly assassinations” and expressed that the loss leaves the nation “heartbroken,” but vowed that their “path will continue stronger than before,” according to Al Jazeera.

Larijani, 67, a close associate of the late Khamenei and his successor Mojtaba Khamenei, was the highest-ranking Tehran official killed since the conflict began 19 days ago. Soleimani, who led internal security forces for six years, was seen as a key figure in Iran’s military response. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this week that Iran’s political structure remains strong and resilient, despite the deaths of key figures. He emphasized that the absence of any individual does not weaken the country’s political system, noting that Iran has solid political, economic, and social institutions. Araghchi also referenced the earlier death of Ayatollah Khamenei, stating that the system continued to function despite the loss.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

On “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro chats with Regina Lee, a travel and home influencer, about her journey through northern Xinjiang. From the shimmering turquoise waters of Sayram Lake to the lush rolling landscapes of Nalati Grasslands and the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, Regina recounts the region’s beauty and charm. She guides listeners through glacier valleys, picturesque villages, vibrant lakes, and lively bazaars, while also sharing practical tips on how to fully experience this remarkable frontier of China.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates have traditionally been viewed as the backbone of the region’s economy. However, a recent report by global consulting firm Bain & Company indicates that this model is facing significant challenges. Specialized competitors are encroaching on their markets, and many of these corporate giants are finding it hard to stay competitive. The question now is whether Asia’s major conglomerates need to reinvent themselves — and if they can. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss this with Amanda Chin, Partner at Bain & Company.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The Middle East conflict is intensifying rapidly, with reports of casualties and damage in at least nine countries within just 10 hours. Israeli and US aircraft have carried out new strikes across Iran, while Iranian missiles and drones target US-allied Gulf states. Nosheen Iqbal talks with Jamie Wilson, the Guardian’s head of international news – watch the discussion on YouTube.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The Middle East is at a pivotal moment after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Retaliatory attacks have followed on both sides, sparking concerns about wider regional instability. Nations across the globe are urging calm, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the latest updates with Dr. Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.