Oman has assured that work visas for Bangladeshi workers will be reopened within the next two months. The decision came following a meeting between Dr. Asif Nazrul, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Oman’s Minister of Labour Dr. Mahad bin Saeed bin Ali Bawain Salim Al-Busaidi. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh.

During the meeting, Dr. Nazrul praised Oman’s initiative to regularize undocumented Bangladeshi workers without penalties and requested opportunities for skilled professionals such as engineers, doctors, and nurses to enter Oman’s labour market. He also urged reconsideration of the suspension on work visas for unskilled and semi-skilled workers.

Oman’s labour minister explained that the suspension, imposed in 2023, aimed to prioritize the regularization of irregular migrant workers. He confirmed that after reviewing the situation, Oman would resume issuing work visas for Bangladesh soon. Dr. Nazrul also proposed holding the next Joint Technical Committee session in Muscat and signing a finalized memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral labour cooperation.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has forecast that the country could attract around $1.4 billion in foreign investment in its oil sector in 2026. She said the projected amount would represent about a 55 percent increase compared to 2025 if planned reforms are implemented. Rodríguez made the remarks during a public consultation meeting with business leaders on opening the oil industry to private investment.

According to AFP reports from Caracas, Rodríguez explained that a proposed bill aimed at easing long-standing state control over the energy sector is awaiting final approval in parliament. She noted that last year’s oil investment stood at about $900 million, while contracts worth $1.4 billion have already been signed for the current year. She emphasized that Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, must regain a strong production position.

Rodríguez assumed the interim presidency on January 3 after U.S. special forces ousted Nicolás Maduro. She now faces U.S. pressure to grant American oil companies access to Venezuelan fields, a condition reportedly tied to former U.S. president Donald Trump’s support for her leadership.

Ha-Meem Group of Industries Managing Director AK Azad said that Bangladesh’s tight monetary policy has already led to the loss of 1.2 million jobs, with another 1.2 million at risk in the next six months. Speaking on Tuesday at a roundtable titled “Implications of LDC Graduation for Banking Industry: Bangladesh Perspective,” organized by the International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICC), Azad argued that inflation cannot be reduced solely through monetary tightening, as it is linked to revenue and other factors. The event was attended by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, ICC President Mahbubur Rahman, and several business and banking leaders.

Citing a study by Ahsan Habib, Azad noted that LDC graduation could reduce exports to the European Union by 45 percent and that the banking sector’s non-performing loans have reached 30 percent due to a slowdown in the ready-made garments industry. He warned that this could deepen liquidity pressures, with default rates at 50 percent in state banks and 30 percent in private ones. Azad added that the private sector has taken only 6 percent of total bank loans, compared to the government’s 27 percent, which may rise to 32 percent.

He emphasized that without boosting investment and employment, the economy cannot be stabilized through monetary policy alone and urged the new government to address the impacts of LDC graduation promptly.

The United States has sharply criticized the European Union over its long-awaited free trade agreement with India, accusing Europe of indirectly financing the Russia–Ukraine war. Senior economic officials in the Trump administration claimed that by purchasing refined Russian oil from India, Europe is unintentionally supporting Moscow’s war efforts. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that although Europe has restricted direct oil trade with Russia, its imports of refined oil from India amount to indirect funding of the conflict.

Bessent described Europe’s approach as unbalanced compared to Washington’s tougher stance. He noted that the US has imposed a 50 percent tariff on India as a punitive measure while Europe continues to benefit by buying refined oil. His comments came as India and the EU prepared to formally announce the trade deal after nearly 14 years of negotiations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called the agreement “the mother of all trade deals.”

The announcement adds a new dimension to global trade amid existing tensions driven by US tariff policies and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.

India and the European Union have finalized a landmark free trade agreement after almost twenty years of intermittent negotiations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday. The deal, reached amid global uncertainty surrounding the United States, aims to strengthen alternative economic and strategic ties between the two sides. It will open India’s large and relatively protected market to the 27 EU member states, while the EU remains India’s largest trading partner.

Modi described the agreement as a major breakthrough, calling it the “mother of all deals” that will create new opportunities for India’s 1.4 billion people and millions across Europe. He and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are expected to present the details at the India–EU summit in New Delhi. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, bilateral trade between India and the EU reached 136.5 billion dollars.

According to an Indian government official, the agreement is now undergoing legal review, expected to take five to six months. Once completed, it could come into effect within a year of formal signing.

Port workers at Benapole land port in Jashore staged a human chain protest on Tuesday morning demanding reinstatement of their discontinued allowance. The demonstration, held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in front of the cargo vehicle terminal under the banner of the Land Port Demand Implementation Council, led to a complete halt in import, export, and unloading operations for one hour, causing congestion inside the port.

Speakers at the protest said they had been receiving the allowance for 21 years as compensation for overtime work, but the government stopped the payment two months ago without prior notice. They described the decision as causing severe financial and mental hardship for employees. Around 150 workers participated in the event, chanting slogans for reinstatement of the benefit.

Warehouse inspectors Shahadat Hossain, Hafizur Rahman, and Nahid Parvez addressed the gathering, warning that if their demands were not met soon, they would announce tougher protest programs in the future.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on imports from South Korea, raising the rate from 15 percent to 25 percent. He stated that South Korea failed to properly implement the terms of a bilateral trade agreement, prompting this decision. The announcement was made Monday through a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he said the measure targets cars, wood, pharmaceuticals, and other goods.

It remains unclear whether the new tariff has taken immediate effect, as no confirmation was available. CNN reportedly contacted the White House for comment but received no response. South Korea is one of the largest exporters to the United States, with exports worth about 132 billion dollars in 2024, including cars, auto parts, semiconductors, and electronics. Analysts fear the new tariffs could raise prices of these products in the U.S. market.

Trump’s authority to impose broad tariffs on multiple countries is currently under legal scrutiny in the U.S. Supreme Court. A ruling against the administration could limit his ability to unilaterally alter import tariffs in the future.

Saudi Arabia is significantly reducing the scope and size of its ambitious Neom megaproject following a year-long internal review. According to a Financial Times report cited on Sunday, the project’s cost has been cut and its design reworked. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is now pursuing a smaller development plan due to delays, rising expenses, and technical challenges. The Neom project, launched in 2017 as part of the kingdom’s economic transformation plan, spans the Red Sea coast and includes the futuristic city concept known as “The Line,” which is now being redesigned and downsized.

Sources told the Financial Times that “The Line” may be converted into a conventional project using existing infrastructure, while Neom could evolve into a data center hub as Saudi Arabia seeks a stronger role in the global artificial intelligence sector. The review comes amid lower oil prices and a government cost-cutting drive, as the country prepares for major events such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Several subprojects, including the Trojena ski resort and the Oxagon industrial zone, are being scaled back or redesigned to align with Saudi Arabia’s current economic realities.

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.