A five-member delegation led by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen visited Chattogram Port on Monday, January 26, and met with the port authority’s chairman, Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman. During the courtesy meeting, the chairman briefed the delegation on the port’s major achievements under the interim government following the July 2024 mass uprising.

He highlighted reforms implemented to overcome irregularities, labor unrest, pressure group influence, fire incidents, and digitalization barriers. These efforts led to record handling performance, reduced turnaround and dwell times, expanded port limits, higher profits, and progress in major projects such as the Bay Terminal and Matarbari Port. The chairman also welcomed US interest in establishing a cold chain industry for reefer container storage and noted the positive role of labor unions in ensuring smooth operations.

Ambassador Christensen expressed satisfaction with the port’s progress and future plans, assuring full US cooperation to make it more efficient and world-class. He also emphasized enhancing port-related foreign investment, workforce training, and requested support in handling US exports through Chattogram Port.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has raised gold prices again within 24 hours, setting a new record in the country’s market. In a notice issued late Monday, January 26, 2026, BAJUS announced that the price of 22-carat gold has been increased by Tk 5,249 per bhori, bringing it to Tk 262,440. The new rate will take effect from Tuesday, January 27. The association said the adjustment was made considering the rise in the price of pure gold in the local market.

According to the revised rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 250,484 per bhori, 18-carat gold Tk 214,734, and traditional gold Tk 176,593. The previous adjustment was made on January 25, when the price of 22-carat gold was set at Tk 257,191 per bhori after a Tk 1,574 increase. Silver prices have also reached a record high, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk 7,757 per bhori after a Tk 525 rise.

BAJUS noted that international gold prices have also surged, surpassing USD 5,000 per ounce, following a more than 60 percent increase in 2025.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has given policy approval to establish the country’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Anwara upazila of Chattogram. The decision was taken at a BEZA governing board meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka’s Tejgaon. BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun said the proposed FTZ will cover about 600 to 650 acres and operate as an offshore territory exempt from customs duties, allowing storage, re-export, and production of goods.

Mahmud explained that the FTZ aims to significantly reduce the time required to supply raw materials to export-oriented industries. Materials such as cotton could be stored within the zone and used instantly by local factories or re-exported to other countries like Vietnam. He cited Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone as a global example, noting its major contribution to Dubai’s GDP. The proposal will now go to the Cabinet for final approval, and legal amendments will be required for implementation.

The BEZA board also approved plans for a Defense Industrial Park in Mirsarai and to convert the Kushtia sugar mill area into a full industrial park under BEZA’s supervision.

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has signed a lease agreement with South Korean company Park Handbag BD Limited to establish a factory for producing bags, luggage, and high-end garments in the BEPZA Economic Zone at Mirsarai, Chattogram. The agreement, signed on January 26, 2026, at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka, involves a proposed investment of 80 million US dollars. The signing was attended by BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain and senior officials from both sides.

According to the agreement, Park Handbag BD Limited will build the factory on 57,600 square meters of land, producing handbags, backpacks, luggage, and knit and woven garments such as polo shirts, T-shirts, jackets, trousers, sportswear, and undergarments. Once fully operational, the project is expected to create about 10,960 jobs for Bangladeshi workers, with products exported to the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, South America, and Asia.

BEPZA reaffirmed its commitment to providing round-the-clock services to investors and emphasized ongoing modernization, automation, and digitalization to enhance investment facilitation.

The government has approved a policy decision to provide a 20 percent rebate on electricity bills for marginal fish farms, hatcheries, and livestock and poultry farms. The initiative aims to reduce production costs in these sectors. To implement the rebate, the Finance Division has decided to allocate a subsidy of Tk 100 crore. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock announced the decision in a press release issued on Monday.

According to the release, the rebate is part of the government’s existing electricity rebate policy, which currently covers 16 sectors to promote agricultural production, export of agricultural goods, and the growth of agro-based industries. In continuation of this policy, four additional sectors have now been included under the rebate scheme: animal and poultry feed manufacturing, fish feed production, poultry industry, and dairy processing industry.

The dairy processing category includes pasteurized milk, powdered milk, ice cream, condensed milk, sweets, cheese, ghee, butter, chocolate, and yogurt. The ministry expects the rebate to significantly ease electricity expenses for farmers and entrepreneurs in these sectors.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to establish the country’s first Free Trade Zone and Defense Industrial Zone, according to Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Bin Harun. The announcement was made on Monday at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. The Free Trade Zone will be set up on 600 acres of land in Anwara, Chattogram, while the Defense Industrial Zone will occupy 850 acres in Mirsarai.

The decision was approved at the fourth meeting of the governing board of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Harun stated that the Mirsarai site was previously designated for an Indian Economic Zone under a government-to-government framework, which has now been dropped. He added that countries maintaining good relations with Bangladesh have shown interest in the new project, and details will be disclosed once agreements progress further.

The Defense Industrial Zone will be located within the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai, marking a significant policy shift in Bangladesh’s industrial development strategy.

The government has approved a policy decision to include marginal fish farms, hatcheries, livestock, and poultry farms in the list of beneficiaries eligible for a 20 percent rebate on electricity bills. The announcement was made on Monday through a press release signed by Md. Mamun Hasan, Senior Information Officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The decision aims to reduce production costs for farmers and hatchery owners across these sectors.

According to the press release, under the existing electricity rebate policy, 16 sectors currently receive a 20 percent rebate. Among them, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock oversees four sectors for which the Finance Division has approved a subsidy of Tk 100 crore. The sectors covered include animal and poultry feed manufacturing, fish feed production, poultry industry, and dairy processing industries such as pasteurized milk, powdered milk, ice cream, condensed milk, sweets, cheese, ghee, butter, chocolate, and yogurt.

The government expects that this initiative will significantly reduce production costs, attract more investment in the industrial sector, and enhance national self-sufficiency in safe and quality animal protein production.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has launched extensive reforms under the interim government to modernize revenue management, expand the tax base, and enhance transparency. According to an official statement, the government issued the Revenue Policy and Management Ordinance 2025 to separate policy formulation from implementation, marking a major milestone in NBR’s structural reform. Between July and December 2025, NBR collected Tk 1,85,223 crore in revenue, Tk 23,000 crore higher than the same period last year.

The reforms include a ten-year Medium and Long-Term Revenue Strategy to strengthen revenue-GDP ratio and a World Bank–funded digitalization project worth nearly Tk 1,000 crore. NBR has also introduced online tax filing, e-payment, and refund systems, while establishing a Security Operations Center to protect customs data. Construction of new tax and customs facilities in Chattogram and Khulna is underway, and new VAT and customs laws have been published in authentic English versions to improve investor confidence.

Additional measures include tax exemptions for Hajj travelers and metro rail services, reduced tariffs on essential goods and mobile phones, and new traveler-friendly baggage rules. These initiatives aim to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainable revenue growth.

The Singapore dollar has reached its highest level in nearly ten years against the US dollar, reflecting growing investor confidence in Asian markets. The currency strengthened by 0.3 percent to 1.2684 per US dollar, marking its strongest position since October 2014. The rise occurred amid expectations that Singapore’s central bank will maintain its current policy stance, while global pressure on the US dollar increased due to potential currency interventions by Japan and signals from the United States.

Analysts noted that the US dollar came under pressure following the New York Federal Reserve’s interest rate review on January 23, which also led to a 1.2 percent rise in the Japanese yen. Other Asian currencies benefited as well, with Malaysia’s ringgit reaching its highest level since 2018 and South Korea’s won hitting a three-week peak. Experts highlighted that Singapore’s monetary authority focuses more on exchange rate management than interest rates, supported by stable economic policies, a strong stock market, and a reliable government bond market.

Over the past year, the Singapore dollar has gained about 6 percent against the US dollar. Analysts believe that Singapore’s consistent and stable policies could help sustain the currency’s strength despite global uncertainties.

The Bangladesh government has given policy approval to offer cash incentives to non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) who help attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country. The decision was made at a meeting of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) governing board held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. According to BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, NRBs who facilitate equity investment in Bangladesh will receive a 1.25 percent cash incentive on the investment amount.

He explained that the initiative aims to use the global networks of expatriate Bangladeshis to promote the country as an investment destination. The proposal will be sent to the Ministry of Finance for final approval before implementation. BIDA also announced plans to open overseas offices, starting in China, followed by South Korea and a European Union country, to attract more investment.

Additionally, the government approved a roadmap to merge six investment-related agencies under a single structure called the “Single Umbrella” framework to improve coordination and decision-making. Legal and structural implementation will proceed under the next government.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed all commercial bank branches across the country to conduct awareness campaigns for the upcoming referendum on constitutional reform proposals recorded in the July National Charter 2025. The directive was issued through a circular released by the central bank on Monday, advising each branch and sub-branch to display two special vertical banners to promote public awareness about the referendum.

Earlier, on January 5, the Chief Adviser’s Office had sent a letter to Bangladesh Bank requesting campaign support in favor of the referendum. Following that, the central bank governor held meetings with banks and gave verbal instructions to promote a ‘yes’ vote, also directing them to use funds from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets for the campaign. State-owned banks began implementing the campaign, but many private banks refrained, citing the absence of an official circular as the reason.

With the new circular now in place, all commercial banks are expected to participate in the awareness campaign as instructed by the central bank.

The Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) has announced a five-year strategic roadmap to develop Maheshkhali as a key center for Bangladesh’s energy and logistics sectors. The decision was finalized on Monday at MIDA’s first governing board meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Following the meeting, MIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun said the board approved a short-term land allocation plan covering 2025 to 2030.

According to Mahmud, the roadmap sets three main goals for the next five years, focusing primarily on addressing the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Key priorities include operationalizing Maheshkhali’s deep-sea port and establishing LNG and LPG terminals to strengthen energy infrastructure. The master plan also emphasizes utilizing the island’s natural resources and diversifying local economic activities through a specialized fish processing hub.

MIDA, which began operations last August, is now consolidating its organizational structure. The governing board has approved a 137-person staffing plan to oversee the development of these major projects.

A delegation from the Islamic Banks Consultative Forum (IBCF), led by its chairman Khaja Shahriar, met with the chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Monday, January 26, at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon. The meeting focused on the calculation of excise duty on trade facility loans and investment services, highlighting differences between conventional and Islamic banking practices.

NBR officials, including Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, listened attentively to the delegation’s concerns and assured that necessary steps would be taken within the existing legal framework to resolve the issue. Senior NBR members such as AKM Badiul Alam, Ahsan Habib, and Md. Mashiur Rahman were present at the meeting.

The IBCF delegation included senior representatives from several Islamic and commercial banks, including Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, Shahjalal Islami Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Standard Bank, and Prime Bank. The discussion aimed to ensure fair excise duty treatment for Islamic banking operations under current regulations.

Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Majumdar announced that the government is considering lifting the existing limit on the purchase of savings certificates. He made the statement on Monday in Dhaka during a seminar titled 'Bond Market Development in Bangladesh: Challenges and Recommendations'. Majumdar said the government may take new decisions regarding the buying and selling of savings certificates, including the possible removal of the purchase ceiling.

At the same event, Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur emphasized the need for major reforms to develop the bond market. He stated that simplifying bond transactions could expand the domestic bond market by six trillion and reduce large commercial institutions’ dependence on banks. Mansur added that attracting foreign investment or integrating into the bond market would be necessary to meet financial needs, urging both the private sector and the government to take proactive roles.

He further noted that the future of the bond market depends on controlling inflation and stabilizing interest rates, suggesting that a unified interest rate structure would make the market more sustainable.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the United States could impose 100 percent tariffs on all goods imported from Canada if Ottawa finalizes its new trade agreement with China. He issued the warning on Sunday, reinforcing a similar threat made a day earlier by President Donald Trump. Speaking on ABC’s ‘This Week,’ Bessent said Washington would not allow Canada to become a gateway for cheap Chinese products entering the US market.

The warning follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s January 16 announcement in Beijing of a “new strategic partnership” and preliminary trade deal with China. Under the agreement, China would reduce tariffs on Canadian canola oil from 84 percent to about 15 percent by March 1 and grant visa-free entry to Canadian citizens. In return, Canada would import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at new tariff rates. The deal comes amid rising trade tensions between the US and Canada, as the Trump administration has imposed tariffs on various imports.

President Trump also commented on social media, claiming China was taking over Canada and expressing dismay at the development.