Bangladesh Bank has increased the license renewal fee for money changer institutions operating in the country. According to a circular issued on Monday, the renewal fee has been raised from 5,000 taka to 10,000 taka. The new fee structure will take effect on January 15, 2026. All other existing instructions related to license renewal will remain unchanged. The central bank has also requested relevant parties to take necessary steps to inform all money changers and customers about the change.

Industry representatives have welcomed the decision, describing it as a positive recognition of their role in maintaining market stability. They said the increase in renewal fees indicates that the regulatory authority has a favorable assessment of their operations and has included them in its “good book.”

The adjustment reflects Bangladesh Bank’s satisfaction with the sector’s contribution to stabilizing the foreign exchange market, according to stakeholders quoted in the report.

Tax Commissioner Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun has been appointed as the new head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued a notification on Monday confirming his appointment as the chief of the financial intelligence agency.

According to the notification, the appointment was made under Section 24(1)(gha) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015) and Rule 22 of the Money Laundering Prevention Rules, 2019. Mamun, currently a commissioner at the National Board of Revenue, will serve as a full-time officer with the rank equivalent to a deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank. His contractual appointment will be effective for two years from the date he assumes office, subject to relinquishing his duties with other organizations.

The BFIU operates under Bangladesh Bank and is responsible for investigating and preventing money laundering and related financial crimes, as outlined in the relevant laws and regulations.

As of January 12, 2026, a total of 3.188 million taxpayers have submitted their income tax returns online for the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to a press release issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). More than 3,000 expatriate Bangladeshis have also filed e-returns voluntarily, despite not being required to do so. The NBR described this participation by expatriates as a positive development.

The NBR’s communication officer Al Amin Sheikh stated that 4.553 million taxpayers have completed registration in the e-return system, including around 5,000 expatriates. The deadline for individual taxpayers to submit returns has been extended twice, now set for January 31. From this fiscal year, online return submission has been made mandatory for individual taxpayers, except for senior citizens aged 65 or above, persons with disabilities, expatriates, legal representatives of deceased taxpayers, and foreign nationals working in Bangladesh.

The NBR urged all eligible taxpayers to complete their e-return submissions by January 31 through the online system.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to maintain existing export incentives and cash assistance for 43 sectors during the final six months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, from January to June 2026. The Bangladesh Bank issued a circular on Monday confirming that the rates for shipped goods will remain between 0.30 percent and 10 percent, depending on the product category. The decision aims to continue supporting export-oriented industries under current conditions.

Officials noted that Bangladesh is expected to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category in November 2026, after which direct cash support for exports will no longer be allowed. Although the government had planned to reduce incentive rates further, it chose to keep them unchanged due to increased U.S. tariffs, export disruptions through Indian land ports, and industrial instability following political changes in August 2024. These factors have placed pressure on export-oriented sectors.

The circular details unchanged support rates across sectors including textiles, leather, jute, pharmaceuticals, frozen seafood, agriculture, light engineering, software, and handicrafts. The continuation is intended to stabilize export performance ahead of the LDC transition.

Bangladesh Bank has purchased an additional 81 million US dollars from ten commercial banks through an auction. The transaction took place on Monday, January 12, 2026, according to Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The exchange rate for the purchase was set at 122.30 taka per dollar, with the cutoff price matching that rate.

With this latest purchase, the central bank’s total dollar acquisition in January has reached 698 million US dollars. The report also notes that during the ongoing 2025–26 fiscal year, Bangladesh Bank has conducted several rounds of dollar purchases through auctions. So far, the total amount bought stands at 3.83 billion US dollars.

The continued dollar purchases indicate the central bank’s ongoing efforts to manage foreign exchange reserves and stabilize the domestic currency market, as reflected by the consistent auction-based acquisitions throughout the fiscal year.

Star Cineplex is set to launch three new multiplex cinemas across Bangladesh during the upcoming Eid season. Two of these, located in Narayanganj’s Jalkuri area and Bogura’s Police Plaza, are being developed by Star Cineplex. The Narayanganj branch at Simanto Tower is planned for inauguration on Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring three halls, while the Bogura branch with two halls is also expected to open later this year. The company’s senior marketing manager, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, confirmed the plans and noted that the projects had been delayed but are nearing completion.

In addition, the Padma Cineplex in Jazira, Shariatpur, near the Padma Bridge South Police Station, is almost complete. Its owner, film producer Mohammad Iqbal, said about 90 percent of the construction work has been finished, with an opening targeted for Eid-ul-Azha. Star Cineplex previously announced plans to expand to 100 screens nationwide and aims to extend operations beyond major cities to district and sub-district levels.

These developments come amid widespread closures of traditional cinema halls, offering renewed optimism for Bangladesh’s film exhibition industry.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized smuggled goods and narcotics worth about Tk 7.49 crore in coordinated operations across the 1,668.854-kilometer Rangpur region border during December 2025. The information was disclosed by Lieutenant Colonel Mahbub Ul Haque, the acting officer of the Rangpur region, at a press briefing held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Kurigram BGB hall room. A total of 70 suspects were detained during the month-long drives.

The seized items include Indian phensedyl, yaba, cannabis, heroin, tapentadol tablets, and other intoxicant syrups. BGB also recovered six foreign pistols, 29 rounds of ammunition, 197 cattle including cows and buffaloes, and various smuggled goods such as motorcycles, cosmetics, clothing, pesticides, cumin, bicycles, and stone artifacts. As part of anti-human trafficking efforts, 15 people at risk of trafficking were rescued and handed over to police, while surveillance against counterfeit currency and cross-border crimes was intensified.

Additionally, BGB distributed blankets among 1,125 cold-affected people and provided free medical care and medicines to 1,100 individuals. The official stated that patrols and operations will continue to ensure border security and internal law and order.

A Dhaka court recorded the confessional statement of Mohammad Jinnat, one of the accused shooters in the murder of former Dhaka North Swechchhasebak Dal general secretary Azizur Rahman Mosabbir. The confession was taken by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque after Jinnat agreed to give his statement. Following the recording, he was sent to jail. The court also granted seven-day remand for three other accused — Mohammad Billal, his brother Abdul Kadir, and Mohammad Riaz — for further investigation.

The hearing took place on Monday afternoon when the investigation officer presented the accused before the court. The remand request was heard by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam, with Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki representing the state. The accused denied involvement, claiming they were not connected to the incident.

The murder occurred last Thursday night near Hotel Super Star in West Tejturi Bazar, Tejgaon, when unidentified assailants shot Mosabbir, who later died at a local hospital. His wife filed a murder case the following day, leading to multiple arrests across several districts and the recovery of a motorcycle and cash linked to the crime.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has announced a major revision of its main index, DSEX, following an annual trading review. Nine new companies will be added to the index, six of which are identified as weak in fundamentals. At the same time, sixteen companies will be removed, including five well-known Islamic banks whose shares have been declared void and trading suspended. The changes will take effect on January 18, according to DSE authorities.

The six weak fundamental companies joining the DSEX are BD Welding, Desco, Dulamia Cotton, Safko Spinning, Standard Ceramic, and Jhil-Bangla Sugar. The other three additions are Ha-Well Textile, Northern Islami Insurance, and Sharp Industries. The five Islamic banks being removed—First Security Islami Bank, Exim Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank—have merged to form a new entity named Sammilit Islami Bank. Other companies dropped include Apollo Ispat, United Capital, Meghna Condensed Milk, and several others.

The DSE also adjusted its DS-30 index, adding Meghna Petroleum, BSRM Steels, and Fine Foods, while removing Heidelberg Cement, GPH Ispat, and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag.

A Chattogram court has sentenced ten individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of police constable Abdul Kaiyum, who was stabbed to death by robbers a decade ago. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Judge Mizanur Rahman of the Chattogram Special Judge Court. The convicted are Md. Javed, Nurul Alam, Suman Molla, Harunur Rashid, Tapan Chandra Sarker, Mintu Das, Arsal alias Russell, Faruk alias Bullet Faruk, Md. Sohel, and Md. Babul. Five of the convicts were present in court, while the other five remain absconding.

Each convict was also fined 25,000 taka, totaling 250,000 taka, which the court ordered to be handed over to the slain constable’s family. According to court sources, the incident occurred on November 3, 2013, in front of the DIG bungalow at Tigerpass Ambagan under Khulshi Police Station, when robbers attacked police personnel, killing Kaiyum and injuring three others.

Abdul Kaiyum, a resident of Sandwip upazila in Chattogram, had joined the police as a constable on October 6, 2012. The case was filed naming 11 suspects and several unidentified persons, and the verdict came after testimony from 14 witnesses.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a revised Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Tk 2 trillion for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Including projects under autonomous bodies and corporations, the total expenditure stands at Tk 2.289 trillion. The decision was made at an NEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The revised plan allocates Tk 1.28 trillion from domestic sources and Tk 720 billion from foreign sources.

According to the press briefing, the revised ADP reflects a reduction of Tk 300 billion compared to the original plan, with Tk 160 billion less from domestic sources and Tk 140 billion less from foreign assistance. The programme includes 1,330 projects, comprising 1,108 investment projects, 35 feasibility studies, 121 technical assistance projects, and 66 self-financed projects by agencies. Priority sectors include transport, power and energy, housing, education, and local government, which together receive Tk 1.211 trillion or 60.54% of total allocations.

Planning officials stated that the revised ADP aims to expand economic activities, generate employment, develop human resources, improve social services, and support sustainable growth.

Police in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar arrested four robbers with weapons while they were fleeing after a robbery early Sunday. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the Baganbari area of Hossainpur under Kadipur Union. The arrested men were identified as Juber Ahmad Jubla, 28, Delwar Hossain, 27, Nazim Mia, 26, and Zakir Hossain, 30, all residents of different areas in Kulaura. Police also seized a microbus and a motorcycle used in the crime.

According to police sources, the robbers stopped local resident Lal Mia, 42, while he was returning home on a motorcycle, and took his phone, wallet, and motorcycle at knifepoint before escaping in a microbus. Acting on the report, a police team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Azmal Hossain and Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman Mollah launched an operation in the Chunghar area around 3 a.m. and arrested four suspects. During the raid, Azmal Hossain sustained a finger injury from an attack by the robbers.

Police said the detainees are identified robbers and have been charged. They will be presented before the court soon.

Bangladesh Bank has eased loan facilities for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) importers, allowing them to import gas on credit for up to 270 days. The central bank issued a circular on Monday, stating that LPG, usually imported in bulk and later bottled for retail, will now be treated as an industrial raw material for trade credit purposes. This classification enables importers to access the same deferred payment terms available for other industrial raw materials under existing foreign exchange regulations.

According to the circular, banks have been instructed to assist importers in obtaining buyer’s credit from foreign banks and financial institutions. Additionally, offshore banking units have been authorized to provide bill discounting facilities to support the sector. The move aims to address the time-intensive nature of LPG storage, bottling, and distribution processes.

The decision comes amid a supply shortage that has pushed the price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder up to 2,500 taka, significantly above the government-fixed rate, causing hardship for consumers and businesses.

A seven-year-old Bangladeshi girl named Afnan has been placed on life support after being critically injured by gunfire that crossed into Bangladesh from Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflict. The incident occurred in the Hwaikyang border area of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday afternoon. She was brought to Chittagong Medical College Hospital around 4:30 p.m. in critical condition, where doctors performed emergency surgery on her head that night.

Hospital Director Brigadier General Taslim Uddin confirmed that the bullet struck Afnan’s head, leaving her in a highly critical state. A CT scan and emergency operation were conducted, and she was later placed on life support due to deterioration. Earlier in the day, rumors of her death spread in the area, prompting local unrest.

The shooting followed intense clashes between the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which escalated Saturday night. A stray bullet from the Myanmar side hit Afnan’s home in the Techchibridge area. Local residents staged protests after hearing of her supposed death, but law enforcement and community leaders later restored calm.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced plans to make Mumbai free of alleged illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. The declaration came as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance released its manifesto for the upcoming Mumbai municipal elections. Fadnavis stated that with assistance from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), an artificial intelligence tool will be developed to identify Bangladeshi migrants.

The source notes that there is no concrete data showing any negative economic or social impact from such alleged infiltration. In recent years, the issue of so-called illegal Bangladeshis has become a recurring political theme in India, raised by the ruling BJP and its allies during various state and local elections, including in Bihar and West Bengal.

According to the report, several Indian migrant workers have been beaten to death on suspicion of being Bangladeshis in states such as Kerala, Odisha, and Bihar. Analysts believe that reckless political rhetoric has endangered the lives of poor and migrant communities, particularly Muslims and Bengali-speaking citizens.