U.S. President Donald Trump said that tariffs imposed by his administration were targeted only at countries with which the United States has trade deficits. Speaking at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump described the decision as fair and claimed that most people understand the reasoning behind it. He acknowledged that some have been negatively affected but maintained that the overall policy was justified.

Trump also stated that in some cases, tariff rates had been reduced. He cited Switzerland as an example, noting that an initial 30 percent tariff was later lowered because he did not want to cause harm to people. During his remarks, Trump further asserted that the United States is sustaining the entire world.

The comments, reported by the BBC, reflect Trump’s continued defense of his trade policies on the global stage, emphasizing fairness and national interest as key motivations behind the tariff measures.

A mobile court of the Department of Environment conducted an operation in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, demolishing the chimneys of four illegal brick kilns and imposing fines totaling Tk 2 million. The operation was led by Executive Magistrate Momtaz Begum from the Khulna Divisional Office of the Department of Environment. Two of the brick kilns were located in Kumiradah area and two in Dudhsar area.

According to the Department of Environment, the drive was carried out under the overall direction of the Khulna Divisional Director and organized by the Jhenaidah District Office. Each kiln was fined Tk 500,000 for operating without authorization, and written undertakings were taken from the owners pledging not to resume operations. The chimneys were demolished using excavators.

Officials from the Jhenaidah office, including Assistant Director Md. Muntasir Rahman, along with police and Ansar Battalion members, were present during the operation.

Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said rice prices are expected to decrease within the next few days. He made the remark on Wednesday afternoon while speaking to journalists at the Kushtia Collectorate premises before attending a meeting on referendum campaigning and voter motivation. Majumder stated that the government has initiated the process to import about 600,000 tons of rice, while private importers have received approval to bring in another 200,000 tons. He said the impact of these imports would benefit consumers, and the government currently holds a record stock of 2.1 million tons of rice.

Addressing the recent price rise in Kushtia markets, Majumder said discussions with mill owners revealed that prices had increased by about two taka but would likely drop within a few days. He added that from the next day, Open Market Sale (OMS) operations would run daily in every upazila, and import permissions through letters of credit from neighboring countries had been granted. Majumder also emphasized that the government aims to maintain stability and prevent unrest similar to that of 2024 through reforms and coordination with political parties and experts.

He further instructed local administrations to ensure a fear-free environment for voters and to take action against anyone attempting to disrupt the election process.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that the country’s current 61 banks far exceed its actual needs, suggesting that 10 to 15 banks would be sufficient. He made the remarks on Wednesday at Jagannath University during a discussion titled “Banking Sector: Current Challenges and Future Prospects.” Mansur emphasized that reducing the number of banks would make it easier to ensure good governance. He added that the government plans to merge state-owned banks, keeping only two in operation.

The governor warned that personal or individual-centric decisions should not influence the banking sector, noting that a lack of proper governance has pushed the sector toward crisis. He stressed the need for comprehensive reforms across all areas of banking. Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim, speaking as a special guest, said the governor’s leadership is crucial in reviving a nearly collapsed sector. He expressed optimism that ongoing initiatives would help restore stability and sustain positive progress.

The event was attended by faculty members, students, and economists including Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah and Dr. Mohammad Helal Uddin.

The Bangladesh government will provide an additional Tk 10 million to the family of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha, for their livelihood. Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that the amount will come from the Chief Adviser’s Fund. Earlier, the Ministry of Finance approved another Tk 10 million for the purchase of a flat or house for the family. The announcement was made on Wednesday after a meeting of the government’s advisory committee on public procurement at the Secretariat.

According to the Finance Division, the Housing and Public Works Ministry had applied for a grant to buy a flat for Hadi’s family. The proposal was approved on the condition that the identities of Hadi’s wife and children are verified. The allocation covers the purchase and furnishing of a 1,215-square-foot apartment in the government’s Doel Tower at Lalmatia, Dhaka. The ministry will use part of its existing Tk 60 million residential building budget for the current fiscal year.

The allocation requires compliance with all financial regulations, inclusion in the revised 2025–26 budget, and return of any unspent funds to the treasury by June 30.

The government of Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 27.15 million liters of refined soybean oil from the international market at a cost of Tk 357.62 crore, with each liter priced at Tk 131.49. The decision was made on Wednesday at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The procurement will be conducted under the Direct Purchase Method (DPM) to ensure adequate supply and market stability ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to meeting sources, the Ministry of Commerce proposed the urgent import to meet increased demand during Ramadan. After evaluation by the tender committee, the purchase was finalized from Canada-based NSRIC Green Supplies Inc. Officials stated that the oil will be sold in the open market at a price lower than the government-fixed rate but not below the purchase cost, meaning no subsidy will be required. Consumers will access the product through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

The meeting also approved the import of 30,000 metric tons of bagged granular urea fertilizer from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) for the 2025–26 fiscal year at a cost of Tk 149.17 crore.

Bangladeshi singer Balam is set to release his fifth solo album titled 'Maula' after a gap of more than a decade. The album, containing six songs, will be released on the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Balam has composed and arranged all the tracks himself, while the lyricists’ names remain undisclosed. He mentioned that all songs will be released in audio format, with one track accompanied by a music video.

Discussing the project, Balam said he has resumed music seriously after years of releasing only singles, which he found insufficient to meet fans’ expectations. He emphasized that a full album allows for greater musical variety and helps attract listeners of different tastes and ages. The album aims to connect with both long-time fans and younger audiences, including Generation Z.

The title track 'Maula' is a Sufi-inspired song created during the COVID period, reflecting on global unrest. Balam believes its message remains relevant today. His previous albums include 'Balam' (2007), 'Balam 2' (2008), 'Balam 3' (2010), and 'Bhubon' (2013).

Private airline Novoair has announced an increase in flight frequency on the Dhaka–Chattogram route to meet growing passenger demand and improve travel convenience. Starting January 26, 2026, the airline will introduce an additional flight on this route, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Currently, Novoair operates one daily flight between Dhaka and Chattogram, departing Dhaka at 1:15 p.m. and returning from Chattogram at 2:40 p.m.

According to Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman, Chattogram is a key commercial and tourism hub in Bangladesh, and the decision to expand service reflects increasing passenger needs and the company’s commitment to better connectivity. The new flight will depart Dhaka at 4:15 p.m. and return from Chattogram at 5:40 p.m. on the specified days.

In addition to the Chattogram route, Novoair currently operates regular flights to Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and Saidpur, maintaining its focus on domestic air connectivity within Bangladesh.

The full meeting of the Ninth National Pay Commission concluded on Wednesday, finalizing recommendations for a new pay structure for government employees and pensioners. According to meeting sources, the commission has proposed increasing government employees’ salaries by 100 to 147 percent, setting the lowest salary at 20,000 taka for the 20th grade and the highest at 160,000 taka for the first grade.

The proposed pay scale also includes significant pension increases. Pensioners currently receiving less than 20,000 taka per month would see their pensions doubled, while those receiving between 20,000 and 40,000 taka would get a 75 percent increase. Pensioners earning more than 40,000 taka would receive a 55 percent rise. Additionally, the commission suggested raising medical allowances for elderly pensioners, recommending 10,000 taka for those over 75 years old and 5,000 taka for those under 55.

Officials said the recommendations were finalized after extensive discussions and reviews. The report will be submitted to the government for verification and approval before the new pay and pension structures are implemented.

Veteran Bangladeshi film actor and choreographer Ilias Javed passed away on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, at a hospital in Uttara, Dhaka. He was 82. Born in Pakistan, Javed spent most of his life in Bangladesh, where he became a celebrated figure in the golden era of Bengali cinema. His real name was Raja Mohammad Ilias, and before becoming a leading actor, he was one of the country’s most acclaimed dance directors.

Javed began his artistic journey in Mumbai, training under legendary dance masters Sadhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj, and learning alongside Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan. He debuted as a hero in the Urdu film “Nayi Zindegi” in 1964, but his breakthrough came with the 1970 film “Payel,” directed by Mustafiz, where he starred with Razzak and Shabana. He went on to act in over a hundred films, including “Nishan,” “Malka Banu,” and “Kajal Rekha,” pairing with leading actresses such as Shabana, Bobita, and Kabori.

Beyond acting, Javed revolutionized dance in Bengali cinema, mentoring top actors and actresses. His wife Dolly Javed described him as a superstar in both acting and choreography, remembered with respect by peers and fans alike.

Japan is set to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, the world’s largest facility of its kind, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced plans to activate one reactor after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, following final approval from the Niigata governor last month. Despite safety upgrades, including a 15-meter tsunami barrier and elevated emergency power systems, local residents remain concerned about potential risks.

Public opinion is sharply divided, with a September survey showing about 60 percent of residents opposing the restart and 37 percent supporting it. Protesters gathered outside the plant this week, citing safety fears and past issues such as information concealment and inadequate evacuation plans. Seven civic groups submitted a petition with 40,000 signatures opposing the restart, noting the site’s location in an active seismic zone.

Japan’s government supports renewed nuclear use to reduce energy imports, meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050, and address rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence. The restarted unit will be TEPCO’s first operational reactor since 2011, as the country aims to expand nuclear and renewable energy to supply up to 40 percent of its power by 2040.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh has launched the second phase of the e-bail bond service in eight districts—Manikganj, Bandarban, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi, and Sherpur. The service was inaugurated on Wednesday at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry. The initiative aims to modernize the judicial system and reduce the suffering of litigants. Previously, the service was introduced in Narayanganj, where it has been operating successfully.

According to the ministry, the e-bail bond system allows detainees to be released within an hour through online submission, eliminating multiple procedural steps and reducing time and cost. Dr. Nazrul stated that the digital process ensures full record-keeping of signatures and prevents intentional delays. He expressed hope that the service will be expanded to all 64 districts in phases.

He further mentioned that the ministry aims to introduce the e-bail bond service nationwide within six months and expects future governments to continue this essential digital reform.

The National Pay Commission is set to propose a new pay scale for government employees, raising the maximum salary to Tk 160,000 and the minimum to Tk 20,000. The commission will submit its final report on the ninth national pay scale to the Chief Adviser on Wednesday afternoon at the State Guest House Jamuna. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., following a preparatory session held earlier in the day at the Secretariat.

According to commission sources, the proposed pay structure includes salary increases ranging from 100 to 147 percent, with proportionally higher raises for lower-grade employees. The commission has recommended partial implementation from January 1, 2026, and full execution from July 1, 2026, marking the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed noted that not all recommendations may be implemented exactly as proposed but expressed confidence that government employees would be satisfied.

The 21-member commission, led by former finance secretary and PKSF chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, was formed on July 27 of the previous year and tasked with submitting its report within six months.

The National Pay Commission, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, has finalized recommendations for a new salary structure for Bangladesh’s government employees. The proposal suggests increasing basic pay by 100 to 147 percent, raising the minimum salary in the 20th grade from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum in the 1st grade from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000. The report is scheduled to be formally submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to the proposal, the new structure would take effect partially from January 1 and fully from July 1. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that after submission, several committees will review the report, a process expected to take three to four months. The recommendations also include major revisions to housing and transport allowances, with the Boishakhi allowance proposed to rise from 20 to 50 percent and transport benefits extended up to the 10th grade.

For pensioners, the commission proposed significant increases, including a 100 percent rise for those receiving less than Tk 20,000 per month and smaller increments for higher pension brackets.

Popular Bangladeshi film actor and 'Nirapad Sarak Chai' founder Ilias Kanchan is undergoing cancer treatment in London. According to Liton Ershad, vice chairman of the organization, Kanchan is currently in his second round of chemotherapy, which will continue until May. Afterward, he is expected to receive a vaccine in Germany. If his condition improves, he may return to Bangladesh.

Several of his co-artists have expressed their hopes for his recovery. Actor Misha Sawdagor said they are eagerly waiting for Kanchan to return healthy, praising his kind nature and contributions to Bangladeshi cinema. Actress Champa prayed for his quick recovery and return to his family. Shabnaz described him as a pride of the film industry and a lifelong advocate for road safety. Actress Popy recalled his guidance and kindness, wishing for his battle with illness to end soon.

Ilias Kanchan debuted in the 1977 film 'Boshundhora' and has received multiple National Film Awards and the Ekushey Padak for his social contributions.