Bangladesh’s gold market remains volatile as prices surged again within just 12 hours of a previous reduction. The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced a new record high, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 255,617 per bhori, effective nationwide from Saturday. The decision reversed Thursday night’s brief price cut, which had lowered the rate to Tk 249,318 per bhori before being superseded by Friday noon’s increase.

BAJUS said the adjustment was made due to a rise in the local price of acid gold and changing global conditions. The association noted that international prices had unexpectedly climbed after a previous downward trend, prompting an emergency meeting to revise domestic rates. Traders attributed the global volatility to heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, which have boosted demand for gold as a safe investment.

Market analysts reported that gold prices in Bangladesh have been adjusted 12 times so far this year, with nine increases and three reductions. They warned that without stability in global conditions, sustained relief in domestic gold prices remains unlikely.

Dhaka has ranked first among 126 cities worldwide for having the most polluted air, according to the Air Quality Index (IQAir) report released on Sunday morning, January 25, 2026. The city recorded an air quality score of 283, placing it in the 'very unhealthy' category. Kolkata, Hangzhou, Cairo, and Lahore followed Dhaka in the top five positions with scores of 210, 186, 178, and 176 respectively.

The IQAir index classifies air quality scores between 0 and 50 as good, 51 to 100 as moderate, 101 to 150 as unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151 to 200 as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy, and above 300 as hazardous. Dhaka’s current score of 283 indicates a severe level of air pollution that poses significant health risks to residents.

The report highlights the persistent air quality challenges faced by Dhaka, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with pollution levels that frequently exceed safe limits.

A massive snowstorm has severely disrupted the United States, affecting nearly 180 million people from New Mexico to New England under winter storm warnings. Around 13,000 flights have been canceled due to widespread snow and ice, and more than 100,000 customers have lost power. The National Weather Service forecast heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Saturday through Monday across the southern Rocky Mountains to New England.

At least a dozen states have declared emergencies as millions face power outages and travel disruptions. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli warned that snow and ice will melt slowly, hindering rescue and recovery operations. President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for twelve states, including South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and others, with more declarations expected.

U.S. Interior Secretary Kristi Noem said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has pre-deployed relief supplies, personnel, and rescue teams across affected states, urging residents to stay indoors and make prudent decisions as the severe cold is expected to persist for several days.

The third day of arguments in the murder case of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, known as the first martyr of the July Revolution, is scheduled to take place today. The hearing is being held at International Crimes Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with two other members—retired district and sessions judge Md. Manjurul Basid and district and sessions judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. The prosecution is set to present all evidence and documents related to the case.

On January 22, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented witness testimonies, seized evidence, and investigation documents before the tribunal, asserting that the evidence clearly established the direct involvement of the accused. The court then set today’s date for the continuation of the arguments.

The current phase of the case began on January 21 with the prosecution’s opening arguments. After the prosecution completes its presentation, defense lawyers will begin their arguments before the tribunal.

A U.S. citizen was shot dead by an immigration officer in Minneapolis, sparking renewed protests across the city. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the 37-year-old victim, identified as Alex Pretty, died in hospital after being shot on Saturday. Pretty, a Minneapolis resident, worked as a nurse in an intensive care unit. Demonstrators have called for the withdrawal of heavily armed federal forces from the city.

Federal agents and immigration officers have been deployed in Minneapolis for several weeks as part of an anti-illegal immigration campaign. The latest killing follows the January 7 death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer inside a vehicle, triggering daily protests. Last week, a Venezuelan national was also injured in a separate shooting incident.

The repeated shootings have intensified public anger and sustained demonstrations, with protesters demanding accountability and the removal of federal agents from Minneapolis streets.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that all goods entering the United States from Canada will face a 100% tariff if Canada completes a trade agreement with China. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said Canada must not act as a “drop-off port” for Chinese products entering the U.S., warning of severe consequences if it does.

Relations between Washington and Ottawa have become increasingly strained since Trump’s return to the White House in 2024, with disputes emerging over trade and other issues. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently described a “fracture” in the U.S.-led global system. During a visit to Beijing last week, Carney announced a “new strategic partnership” with China and an initial trade understanding aimed at reducing tariffs. Trump responded by calling the move dangerous and labeling Carney “governor,” echoing earlier remarks about Canada as a potential U.S. state.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc countered that the China deal only addresses tariff issues and is not a free trade pact. Analysts cited in the report warned that continued tensions could create major uncertainty for both economies.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained 21 Bangladeshi nationals, including men, women, and children, while they were attempting to cross into India illegally through the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah. The operation took place on Friday from morning to evening across the Baghdanga, Kumillapara, and Khosalpur border outposts under the 58 BGB battalion. Assistant Director Munshi Imdadur Rahman confirmed the arrests.

Among those detained were eight men, seven women, and six children from various districts including Jhenaidah, Madaripur, and Gopalganj. In separate operations at Rajapur and Kumillapara border areas, BGB also seized 36 bottles of Indian Phensedyl, 90 bottles of other drug syrups, and several items such as bangles, earrings, necklaces, and cosmetics.

Following the operation, all detainees were handed over to Maheshpur Police Station for further legal procedures, according to BGB officials.

Bangladesh has repeatedly sent letters to India through diplomatic channels urging fair distribution of waters from shared rivers, but has received no effective response from New Delhi. Officials from the Water Resources Ministry, Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), and Water Development Board confirmed that India continues to withdraw water unilaterally during the dry season and release it suddenly during monsoons, causing floods in Bangladesh. The last JRC technical meeting was held in Delhi on 9 September, after which India reportedly avoided further communication.

Experts and policymakers in Bangladesh allege that India, as the upstream country, is using water as a strategic tool against Bangladesh. Concerns are rising as the Ganges water-sharing treaty nears expiration in December, with Bangladesh already receiving less than its due share. Environmental experts warn that reduced water flow is damaging agriculture and biodiversity, while the Teesta and Kushiyara rivers face severe depletion and operational barriers despite agreements.

Government advisers stated that ensuring equitable water rights remains a top priority, with instructions issued to prepare for extending the Ganges treaty and to pursue stronger diplomatic and political measures to secure Bangladesh’s fair share.

A mild earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale struck 33 kilometers east of Thakurgaon in Rangpur on Sunday morning at 8:34 a.m. Residents across the district reported feeling the tremor, which was described as noticeable but brief.

Many locals shared their experiences on social media, particularly on Facebook, saying they felt the shaking clearly. People in Pirganj and Ranishankoil areas reported the strongest sensations of the quake. No reports of damage or casualties were mentioned in the source.

The event drew attention among residents as it was felt across several parts of Thakurgaon, though it was categorized as a mild earthquake.

A student was killed and another person injured when a truck hit their motorcycle in the Shanir Akhra area of Jatrabari, Dhaka, late on Saturday night, January 24. The deceased, Khairul Hossain Kamrul, 20, was a second-year student at Vashantek Government College. The injured, Md. Yasin, 27, was riding with him when the accident occurred. Witness Mahadi Islam said a chicken-laden truck struck their motorcycle, causing both to fall and sustain serious injuries. Locals took them to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where Khairul died around 11 p.m. while undergoing treatment.

Khairul was the son of Md. Harunur Rashid from Mahinanda Majhpara village in Kishoreganj Sadar upazila and lived in Vashantek for his studies. Inspector Md. Faruk, in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost, confirmed the incident and said the body was kept in the hospital morgue. Police are investigating the case.

Authorities have yet to release further details about the truck or its driver as the investigation continues.

A Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officer was killed and two others were seriously injured during a violent mob attack in Sitakunda’s Jungle Salimpur area, about 12 kilometers from Chattogram city, on January 19. The incident occurred when a 16-member RAB-7 team conducted an operation targeting suspected armed groups. Deputy Assistant Director Abdul Motaleb, 45, was beaten to death after being captured, while two other RAB members and a source sustained severe injuries. Videos obtained by the newspaper show Motaleb being brutally assaulted by multiple attackers inside a room.

According to RAB officials, the operation had been planned for two months amid reports of growing influence of armed groups in the area. The violence erupted after RAB members arrested two suspects, including a man named Yasin, during a gathering of over 150 people. The crowd quickly turned hostile, and more than 300 attackers joined the assault. Police later rescued four RAB members from Nizampur, three kilometers away, all bearing signs of severe physical assault but no gunshot wounds.

Authorities confirmed that the area has long been under the control of rival armed groups, and the attack has intensified concerns over law enforcement safety in the region.

Authorities in Kapasia upazila of Gazipur recovered 11 live horses and meat from eight slaughtered horses from the home of Jahangir Alam, identified by locals as the organizational secretary of the upazila Jubo League. The operation took place late Friday night in Mask village under Durgapur Union after residents noticed suspicious activity and gathered at the scene. Those allegedly involved in the slaughter fled before locals arrived.

As tensions rose, residents vandalized a pickup truck and set a covered van on fire before police intervened to restore order. Locals alleged that Jahangir Alam had long been involved in illegal horse meat trading under the guise of a cattle farm. Following the fall of the previous government, he reportedly returned to the area under local political protection.

Assistant Commissioner (Local Government and Treasury) and Executive Magistrate Md. Faisal confirmed that the slaughtered horse meat was found buried, while the live horses were placed under the custody of the Durgapur Union Parishad chairman. The seized vehicles were handed over to police custody.

Police in Lakshmipur recovered the body of Fazle Rabbi, a 21-year-old college student, eight days after he went missing. The body, with hands and feet tied, was found on Saturday, January 24, in a toilet tank of an unoccupied house in Chandraprabhabagh village under Uttar Joypur Union. District Detective Police detained a man named Sahed from Dhaka in connection with the incident. Rabbi, son of Bellal Hossain from Purba Aladadpur village in Hajirpara Union, was a student at Chandraganj Kofil Uddin Degree College.

According to police and locals, Rabbi was last seen on the night of January 16 when he went to Choupalli Bazar in Uttar Joypur Union from Chandraganj. His father filed a missing diary the next day at Chandraganj Police Station. Locals later noticed a foul smell from the tank and discovered the body. Police recovered the body and sent it to the district hospital morgue for autopsy. Authorities said Rabbi’s motorcycle was also recovered and preparations for a case are underway.

The government pay commission of Bangladesh has proposed a new pay scale that would more than double the salaries of primary school teachers. According to the recommendation, teachers in the 13th grade would see their basic pay rise from 11,000 taka to 24,000 taka. The proposed scale sets the minimum salary for government employees at 20,000 taka and the maximum at 160,000 taka, with higher increases suggested for employees in grades 11 to 20. The commission also advised raising allowances, including tiffin benefits.

Commission chief Zakir Ahmed Khan told the media that implementing the proposal would require 1.06 trillion taka. The 23-member commission, formed on July 27 of the previous year, completed its work ahead of schedule, spending only 18 percent of its allocated budget. The report is due on February 14, and a special committee will be formed to oversee implementation.

Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said the next step is to execute the recommendations, with an implementation committee to be established to manage the process.

A devastating fire broke out on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, on Circular Road in Gaibandha town, destroying the Bandhan Printing Press along with five nearby shops and business establishments. The blaze, which started suddenly at the printing press near Taj Cinema Hall, quickly spread to adjacent stores including Aditya Store, Niyat Varieties, Choton’s shop, and Ratan Salon. Preliminary estimates suggest that assets worth several crores of taka were reduced to ashes.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly, causing panic across the area. A team from the Gaibandha Fire Service arrived promptly and managed to bring the flames under control after intense efforts. However, by that time, all goods, equipment, and furniture inside the affected establishments had been completely destroyed.

The Gaibandha Fire Service stated that while the fire was contained, the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown. An investigation is underway to determine the source and assess the full extent of the damage.