Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met Elon Musk in Washington as part of a high-level delegation, discussing trade ties and welcoming U.S. businesses to China. Musk is set to join the Trump administration as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Han also met Vice President-elect J.D. Vance to discuss bilateral and international relations. Emphasizing shared interests, Han pledged reforms and an improved business climate, aiming for stable, healthy, and sustainable U.S.-China cooperation.

Rumors about cricketer and former MP Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s death in a Dubai car accident are circulating widely on social media. However, the Rumor Scanner team confirmed these claims are entirely false and baseless. No credible domestic or international sources have reported on Mashrafe’s presence in Dubai or his alleged death. While he hasn’t appeared publicly since August 2024, he was expected to play for Sylhet Strikers in the BPL but is currently sidelined due to fitness issues. The death rumor holds no truth.

A UK parliamentary group has withdrawn its report criticizing Bangladesh’s interim government, citing inaccuracies and bias. Allegedly favoring ousted PM Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the report faced backlash from experts and MPs, including Rupa Huq, who called it conspiratorial. Claims of legal weaponization and Islamist empowerment were based on questionable data from a Delhi think tank. The report is now under review, and APPG will not pursue further action. Tulip Siddiq, Hasina’s niece, resigned over related controversies.

TikTok resumed operations in the U.S. hours after shutting down, following President-elect Trump’s pledge to delay enforcement of a law banning the app. Trump promised an executive order to secure TikTok’s future, allowing its 170 million U.S. users to regain access. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is exploring solutions, including a joint venture with U.S. ownership. Despite relief, the app’s long-term future remains uncertain due to bipartisan national security concerns and challenges in resolving ownership issues.

Argentina’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcelo Cesa, has requested Bangladesh’s cooperation to introduce microcredit in Argentina and increase trade between the two nations. Cesa highlighted the unexplored potential in sectors like cotton, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and football. The Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, supported expanding bilateral ties, noting the strong emotional connection through football. The discussion also touched on investment opportunities and energy cooperation, as well as Argentina’s appreciation for Bangladesh’s commitment to combating enforced disappearances.

TikTok ceased operations in the U.S. Saturday night, hours before a nationwide ban took effect, citing a law requiring its sale to a U.S. entity. The Supreme Court upheld the ban, triggering app store removals and server restrictions. However, TikTok hinted at a swift return, noting President-elect Trump’s potential 90-day extension. The blackout leaves 170 million U.S. users and businesses in limbo, with bipartisan concerns over data security driving the ongoing controversy. Trump’s inauguration may determine TikTok’s fate.

Dhaka consistently ranks as the world’s most polluted city, with air quality reaching dangerously unhealthy levels. Experts blame construction dust, waste burning, brick kilns, and outdated vehicles, urging immediate action. WHO reports link air pollution to severe health risks, including heart disease and respiratory issues. The High Court has ordered authorities to take urgent measures. IQAir data shows Dhaka’s AQI scores frequently exceed 300, highlighting the critical need for sustainable solutions and public awareness to combat this crisis.

Commerce Advisor SK Bashir Uddin revealed that 37 lakh of TCB’s 1 crore family cardholders are fake. Speaking at a symposium in Dhaka, he emphasized addressing inequality through policy reforms and criticized unethical bank profits during the economic downturn. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya of CPD condemned the reckless VAT hike and the lack of direct tax collection strategies. Despite record Aman production, corruption in procurement persists, leaving farmers unpaid. Experts questioned the government’s economic legacy and reform strategies.

Elon Musk may need to pay $40–$50 billion to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations, similar to the $44 billion he spent on Twitter, analyst Dan Ives suggests. Reports indicate China might consider a sale to Musk to avert a U.S. ban over security concerns. TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, faces pressure to divest its U.S. assets. While TikTok dismisses the rumors, Musk’s strong ties with China and his social media ambitions position him as a potential buyer for this “golden asset.”

The Supreme Court upheld a law banning TikTok unless it severs ties with Chinese parent ByteDance, citing national security risks from its data collection practices. The ban is set to start Sunday, potentially removing TikTok from U.S. app stores. Enforcement will fall to President-elect Donald Trump, who stated, “It ultimately goes up to me, so you’re going to see what I’m going to do.” While some lawmakers suggest extending the ban to allow TikTok more time to find a buyer, the app’s future remains uncertain as ByteDance has not committed to selling. TikTok has yet to comment on the ruling.

In Bangladesh, joint purchases of Family Savings Certificates are no longer allowed, and institutional funds cannot be invested in them. From now, only individual buyers, including Bangladeshi women aged 18 or above, physically disabled individuals, and men aged 65 or above, can apply. The maximum purchase limit is 4.5 million BDT per person. This new rule, effective immediately, replaces a 2012 regulation.

Tulip Siddiq, a UK Labour Party minister and the niece of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned following corruption allegations in Bangladesh. Elon Musk, a close ally of Donald Trump, criticized her on social media, labeling her corrupt. Siddiq, who served as the Economic Secretary in the UK Treasury, was responsible for addressing financial sector corruption. Her name emerged in a corruption case in Bangladesh, where she, along with her family members, faces accusations. Siddiq has consistently denied the allegations.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has decided to reduce the VAT rate for hotels and restaurants from 15% to 5%. This decision, confirmed by NBR Member Mohammad Belal Hossain Chowdhury, will be officially announced today. The NBR’s move follows a review of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association’s appeal. Earlier, the VAT on restaurants had been raised to 15% from 5% on January 9, alongside VAT hikes on over 100 goods and services.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has announced that starting February 1, 2025, all certificates, licenses, and permits for import-export goods must be submitted through the Bangladesh Single Window system, replacing traditional paper certificates. This change, impacting seven key government institutions, aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce costs, and prevent customs evasion. The system will be fully operational by March 2025, covering 19 government agencies. This initiative supports Bangladesh’s commitment to the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, ensuring a more efficient and faster import-export process for businesses.

The Rajshahi Forest Department is seeking two vloggers, Al-Amin and Tuli, for posting viral videos of eating egrets and wild ducks, violating the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. A memorandum by Youth Action for Social Change urged swift legal action and conservation measures. The vloggers face penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Authorities are preparing a case, with law enforcement tasked to locate them. Conservationists demand protecting bird habitats and preventing hunting and pollution.