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.

A severe shortage of LPG autogas has crippled operations at seven filling stations in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram. Since midnight on Friday, most stations have displayed notices reading “gas finished,” leaving thousands of transport drivers dependent on autogas unable to refuel their vehicles. The shortage, which has worsened sharply in the past 24 hours, has caused widespread disruption for both drivers and passengers.

The crisis is part of a broader nationwide LPG shortage, though supply in Lohagara had remained relatively stable until recently. Now, filling stations across southern Chattogram—including Karnaphuli, Patiya, Banshkhali, Chandanaish, Satkania, and Lohagara—report having no gas available. Drivers have been seen waiting for hours only to leave disappointed. One CNG driver described the hardship of being unable to operate his vehicle due to the lack of fuel.

Earlier, the Bangladesh LPG Autogas Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association warned that if supply issues persist, the autogas industry could collapse. The group urged the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply nationwide.

The global gold price has reached a new record, surpassing five thousand dollars per ounce for the first time. According to the report, the surge is linked to financial and geopolitical uncertainty arising from tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland. The market also saw silver prices exceed one hundred dollars per ounce on Friday, marking another historic high.

The report notes that investors often turn to gold and other precious metals as safe-haven assets during times of instability. Factors such as higher-than-usual inflation, a weaker US dollar, and increased gold purchases by central banks worldwide have further boosted demand. Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, along with the US action involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, have also contributed to the price rise.

The World Gold Council trade association stated that only 216,265 tons of gold have been mined to date, underscoring the metal’s scarcity as a key driver of its enduring appeal.

The Ministry of Finance’s Social Safety Net Advisory Committee held its 32nd meeting on January 25, 2026, chaired by Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. The meeting approved an increase of Tk 5,000 in the monthly allowance for decorated freedom fighters and families of martyred freedom fighters, raising it from Tk 20,000 to Tk 25,000. Several other social welfare allowances, including those for widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and mothers under the Mother and Child Support Program, were also raised.

The committee finalized beneficiary numbers and allowance rates for 15 social safety programs for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Recommendations included bringing 273,514 new fishermen under the VGF program, increasing old-age allowance beneficiaries to 6.2 million, and expanding support for widows, disabled persons, and disadvantaged groups. The one-time medical assistance for patients with serious diseases was doubled to Tk 100,000, and the number of beneficiaries under the Food-Friendly Program was raised to 6 million families.

These adjustments aim to strengthen Bangladesh’s social protection framework and expand coverage for vulnerable populations in the upcoming fiscal year.

The interim government’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved an additional Tk 25,592 crore for the Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant project, raising its total cost from Tk 113,092 crore to Tk 138,685 crore. The decision was made at ECNEC’s final meeting before the upcoming national election, chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud said the entire cost increase will be financed through project loans.

According to the Planning Ministry, the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) recommends a 22.63 percent cost increase and extends the project deadline from 2024 to June 2028. The government’s direct funding share has been reduced by Tk 166 crore to Tk 21,886 crore, while project loans have risen to Tk 116,799 crore. Implemented with Russian cooperation, the plant aims to generate 2,400 megawatts of electricity from two units with a 60-year lifespan, extendable by 20 years.

The ECNEC meeting also approved 25 projects worth Tk 45,191 crore, including a 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital and several infrastructure, transport, and environmental initiatives.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued an urgent directive to ensure that the January 2026 salaries of MPO-listed teachers and employees are disbursed through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) system. The directive, released on Sunday, January 25, outlines the procedures for submitting salary bills online through the EMIS system’s MPO–EFT module.

According to the directive, the EFT-based payment process for MPO funds began on January 1, 2025, with direct transfers to individual bank accounts continuing through July 2025. From August 2025, institution heads have been required to submit bills online using their designated IDs and passwords. Each teacher or employee’s payable amount must be calculated separately and submitted accordingly.

The directive further states that any necessary deductions due to death, resignation, suspension, or unauthorized absence must be properly indicated during bill submission. The information submitted by institution heads will be considered final for EFT processing, and any errors leading to overpayment or complications will be the responsibility of the respective head.

Interim government’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has assured that prices of daily essentials will not rise during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, and that some items may even become cheaper. He made the statement on Sunday, January 25, 2026, following a taskforce meeting held to review the prices and market situation of essential food products ahead of Ramadan.

The adviser said that imports of daily essentials have increased by 40 percent compared to last year, which will help keep prices within people’s reach. He emphasized that the government expects stability in the market due to the higher import volume. Sheikh Bashir Uddin also commented on irregularities in major infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Payra Port during the previous government’s tenure, claiming that these projects had adverse economic effects.

When asked about any government project to build luxury flats for ministers, the adviser said he was not aware of such an initiative.

A report presented at a press conference held on Sunday at the Power Division in Dhaka revealed that Bangladesh’s power sector incurred losses of Tk 500 billion over the past 15 years. The findings were shared by National Committee chief Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, who stated that the previous government used the severe power crisis as a means of financial exploitation while shielding wrongdoing through an indemnity ordinance.

According to the report, the ongoing financial strain, high electricity prices, and excessive generation capacity stem from long-term institutional and contractual failures rather than short-term crises. It highlighted that power plants were built without tenders, widespread corruption and irregularities occurred, and capacity payments increased twentyfold. The report also noted misuse of emergency powers, repeated renewals of special provisions, and disregard for competition laws, which led to transaction-based electricity pricing.

The report concluded that the combination of excessive plant construction and inflated pricing has placed the power sector at significant risk, driven by irregularities in contracts and governance failures.