Workers and employees at Chattogram Port began a work stoppage on Saturday, defying official warnings from the port authority. Although cargo unloading at the jetty continued, delivery and other internal operations came to a standstill. The strike was called by the Chattogram Port unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal to protest the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign company DP World. The program, announced earlier in the week, was supported by the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP).

The port authority had issued a notice on Friday warning of strict administrative and legal action against those involved in anti-institutional activities, stating that the process of engaging the foreign company was based on a court ruling. Despite this, workers continued their planned program. According to labor leader Humayun Kabir, workers reported to duty but refrained from work as a peaceful protest, keeping vessel unloading ongoing to avoid congestion.

Port officials said discussions were ongoing and that an official statement would be released later. The strike is scheduled to end at 4 p.m., with workers warning of tougher actions if the government does not reconsider the lease decision.

The 14th Zakat Fair 2026 began in Dhaka on Saturday under the theme “Establishing Justice through Zakat.” The event was inaugurated by Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, religious adviser to the interim government, at the Officers’ Club on Bailey Road. Organized by the Center for Zakat Management (CZM), the fair aims to promote a just, equitable, and poverty-free society through institutional zakat management.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Hossain emphasized that those who can afford but do not pay zakat lack true faith. He noted that zakat is not charity but the rightful due of the poor, and urged greater public awareness. Former caretaker government adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman highlighted the global philosophical crisis regarding moral and financial responsibilities, stressing that zakat must be given and monitored responsibly. CZM CEO Dr. Mohammad Aiyub Mia said institutional zakat collection can play a major role in reducing income inequality and poverty.

Speakers expressed hope that proper zakat management could significantly contribute to social justice and economic equity in Bangladesh.

The Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) has issued recruitment notices to hire 521 personnel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The positions span grades 6 to 19 and cover a wide range of roles including engineers, medical officers, psychologists, security staff, fire service members, technical and support staff. Applications for most positions open on January 22, 2026, while applications for positions numbered 12 to 27 begin on February 2, 2026.

The recruitment covers several departments such as on-site fire station, security and physical protection services, medical and psychology units, and technical divisions including electrical, electronics, chemistry, and cyber security. Salaries will range from BDT 17,400 to BDT 84,000 depending on grade, with additional benefits as per government regulations. Interested candidates can apply online through www.rooppurnpp.gov.bd or https://npcbl.gov.bd.

The announcement reflects NPCBL’s effort to strengthen operational and safety capacities at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant through diverse technical and administrative appointments.

Selim Mia, a farmer from Taghli village in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj, has achieved notable success cultivating squash, a vegetable popular in Thailand and Vietnam. Guided by local agricultural officers, he experimented with squash on 13 decimals of land during the winter season alongside other vegetables. His total cost was around 8,000 taka, and he expects to earn between 50,000 and 60,000 taka from the harvest. The crop began producing fruit about one and a half months after planting.

Assistant agriculture officer Shamimul Haque Shamim confirmed providing technical support and said Selim’s success has encouraged other farmers to try squash cultivation. Upazila agriculture officer Chinmoy Kar Opu described squash as a foreign vegetable still new to local farmers but noted that those who have tried it have been financially successful. He added that the department is also promoting other foreign vegetables such as broccoli, capsicum, and red cabbage.

According to Opu, squash is nutritionally rich, containing vitamins A, C, E, B6, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. He said regular consumption can strengthen immunity and help protect against diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart ailments.

Rear Admiral S.M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, has emphasized the adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Government-to-Government (G2G) concession models to modernize Bangladesh’s port management sustainably. Writing on January 31, 2026, he argued that these models can attract foreign direct investment, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the government’s debt burden while ensuring long-term financial stability. The approach aligns with the interim government’s economic transformation plan led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which prioritizes maritime sector development as a foundation for national growth.

According to Moniruzzaman, over 92 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade passes through Chattogram Port, making its expansion and modernization crucial. He contends that PPP and G2G frameworks outperform traditional open tendering by ensuring compliance with international standards, structured risk-sharing, and transparent financial safeguards such as mandatory feasibility studies and net present value thresholds. The model also supports environmental protection, technology transfer, and skilled workforce development.

He concludes that implementing PPP and G2G concessions will strengthen Bangladesh’s global trade position, attract sustainable foreign investment, and transform Chattogram Port into a world-class logistics hub.

Russia, facing a shortage of workers across agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and shipbuilding, has turned to foreign labor to fill the gap. In December, a labor export agreement was signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which 70,000 Indian workers are expected to go to Russia in 2026. Reports indicate that Indian workers will earn between 555 and 1,111 US dollars per month. Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains far behind, with only 6,266 workers currently in Russia and just 325 sent officially through government channels.

Migration experts attribute Bangladesh’s weak position to a lack of long-term planning and poor coordination between the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They argue that Bangladesh needs a permanent labor market research center and better collaboration with private sector experts to identify opportunities. Officials from the expatriates’ welfare ministry say a draft memorandum of understanding has been sent to Russia’s foreign ministry, though issues remain over repatriation agreements.

Experts warn that without strategic reforms and institutional coordination, Bangladesh risks missing out on emerging labor markets like Russia’s.

Car imports through Chattogram Port have sharply increased ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Over the past six months, more than 7,000 vehicles arrived at the port, with 6,651 cleared by importers. The customs authority collected around Tk 1,153 crore in revenue during this period, marking a significant rise compared to the previous fiscal year. The port handled 841 brand-new and 6,225 reconditioned cars via 16 specialized Ro-Ro vessels, setting a new record for vehicle imports within such a short time.

Importers and showroom managers attributed the surge to election-related demand, particularly for microbuses and vans used in campaigns, as well as expectations of post-election stability. After years of sluggish sales due to dollar shortages and higher import taxes, the market is showing signs of recovery. Daily vehicle deliveries from the port have risen from about 10 to 40–50 units.

Officials noted that timely vehicle clearance has improved, with only 103 cars delayed beyond the 30-day limit. However, some traders suggested that the increase in imports may reflect logistical shifts from Mongla Port rather than a broad rise in consumer demand.

Bangladesh has appointed the London-based legal firm Three VB Chambers to represent the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in an international arbitration process against India’s Adani Power Limited. The arbitration, to be conducted at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), concerns disputes over coal pricing and electricity tariffs. The decision came five days after a national review committee submitted its final report on power sector contracts signed during Sheikh Hasina’s government.

BPDB officials said the firm, led by King’s Counsel Farhaz Khan, has been advising the national committee reviewing the Adani contract for several months. The dispute intensified after Adani Power initiated arbitration in Singapore last year, claiming Bangladesh owed about USD 485 million in unpaid coal-related dues. Bangladesh has accused Adani of inflating coal prices, artificially raising power generation costs.

Following the fall of the Hasina government in August, the interim administration strengthened its review of the Adani deal. Officials said evidence of financial transactions between Adani and some Bangladeshi officials has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Legal experts have cautioned that contract termination could expose Bangladesh to compensation claims of up to USD 5 billion.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a major reduction in gold prices after five consecutive increases. According to a notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the price of gold has been reduced by up to Tk14,600 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk271,363 per bhori. The new prices took effect from 10:45 a.m. the same day. Previously, the price had reached a record high of Tk286,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history.

BAJUS stated that the local price adjustment followed a decline in the rate of pure gold in the international market. On Friday morning, global gold prices fell to USD 5,200 per ounce, down from USD 5,550 the previous day, according to data from Goldprice.org. Alongside gold, silver prices also dropped, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk7,757 per bhori.

The price revision reflects the impact of international market trends on Bangladesh’s domestic bullion market, signaling potential short-term relief for jewelry buyers.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a special initiative to make air travel more affordable for expatriate workers. Under this plan, one-way ticket prices on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route have been set at only 20,000 taka, enabling workers to visit their families more easily. The scheme will be effective for inbound flights from April 18 to May 25, 2026, and for return flights from May 30 to June 30, 2026.

According to Sheikh Bashiruddin, adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the program targets the sale of 80,000 tickets across both countries. The initiative is expected to benefit expatriate workers while generating significant revenue for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, potentially exceeding 1 billion taka in additional income. The lowest one-way fare on the Medina–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes is set at 20,500 taka, with return fares starting at 42,000 taka.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus praised the measure as a milestone in expatriate-friendly policy implementation and urged that the initiative be maintained effectively to ensure lasting benefits for workers and the national economy.

At least 40 areas in South Keraniganj, Dhaka, have been without gas for five days, affecting around 300,000 to 400,000 residents. The disruption began after a gas pipeline was damaged during excavation work at Shubhadda Canal, halting about 50,000 Titas Gas connections. Locals have repeatedly complained to the Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution office in Jinjira but reported no progress in repairs. Frustration has grown as residents accuse officials of negligence and shifting responsibility.

According to residents and local contractors, the problem originated under the canal where the main supply line passes. The Jinjira office stated that the emergency team is responsible for repairs, while the emergency team said the exact leakage point has not yet been identified. Titas Gas officials, including the deputy general manager and emergency team manager, confirmed that inspection teams have visited the site and promised action once the fault is located.

Residents warned of protests if gas service is not restored soon, while officials urged patience as technical teams continue to locate the leak.

The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair, organized by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Ministry of Commerce, has largely turned into an entertainment venue rather than achieving its founding goal of promoting Bangladeshi products in global markets. Despite being labeled an international event, the fair now focuses more on local sales and leisure activities, with visitors describing it as resembling a street market. The fair, which began in 1995 to connect local entrepreneurs with foreign buyers, currently hosts 324 stalls but only 11 foreign pavilions, and the presence of international buyers is minimal.

Export-related stakeholders say the fair has failed to generate meaningful export orders, as most stalls sell locally produced or rejected goods instead of export-quality products. Business leaders and associations, including BGMEA and EAB, argue that specialized expos such as the Global Sourcing Expo are more effective for export promotion. EPB officials acknowledge challenges in attracting foreign participants due to visa, customs, and accommodation issues but maintain that the fair still serves as a branding and networking platform.

Experts suggest shortening the fair’s duration and introducing sector-based pavilions and business-to-business zones to restore its international relevance.

Speakers at a seminar in Dhaka on January 28 called for stricter policies and higher import duties on cosmetics and beauty products to curb the spread of counterfeit and low-quality items. The event, jointly organized by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) and the Association of Skin Care and Beauty Products Manufacturers and Exporters of Bangladesh (ASBME), highlighted the growing threat of substandard cosmetics to public health and domestic industry.

DNCRP Director General Faruk Ahmed warned that failure to control fake products could endanger future generations, while economist Dr. Mohammad Ainul Islam emphasized that cosmetics are linked to public health and social well-being. Several industry representatives, including former FBCCI director Ishakul Hossain Sweet and importers’ association secretary Shahid Hossain, demanded a reduction in the 127.72% import duty on raw materials to make local production competitive, alongside higher tariffs on finished imported goods.

Participants also urged stronger market surveillance, consumer awareness, and a ban on informal imports through luggage parties to protect consumers and ensure sustainable growth of the domestic cosmetics sector.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has resumed direct flights on the Dhaka-Karachi-Dhaka route after a 14-year suspension. The inaugural flight BG-341 departed from Dhaka at 8 p.m. on Thursday for Karachi, marking the re-establishment of direct air connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan. A ceremony was held at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to commemorate the occasion.

According to a Biman press release, the route is expected to play a key role in expanding trade, education, and cultural exchange between the two countries. The return flight BG-342 will depart Karachi at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and arrive in Dhaka at 4:20 a.m. local time the same day. The first flight carried 150 passengers. Under the winter schedule, flights will operate every Thursday and Saturday following the same timing.

The launch event was attended by Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider, CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, and Biman’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Md. Shafiqul Rahman.

Bangladesh Bank has purchased an additional $55 million from five commercial banks, bringing its total dollar purchases to $3.93 billion since the start of the current fiscal year. The central bank’s Executive Director and spokesperson, Arif Hossain Khan, confirmed the transaction, noting that the move aims to maintain market balance amid increased foreign currency supply.

According to the report, the dollar market in Bangladesh became unstable in 2022, when the exchange rate rose from 85 to 122 taka per dollar. Over the past three fiscal years, the central bank sold about $34 billion to support the market, while buying only around $1 billion during that period. Following the fall of the previous Awami League government, the current administration took strict measures to curb money laundering, resulting in higher export earnings and remittance inflows.

Khan stated that the current market has more dollar supply than demand, and the central bank is buying dollars to prevent an excessive fall in the exchange rate, which could harm remittance and export sectors. As of January 22, the country’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $32.66 billion, or $28 billion under BPM-6 standards.