Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) has announced up to threefold increases in internet speeds across all existing packages while keeping monthly prices unchanged. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology disclosed the decision in a statement on Sunday, noting that the move aims to ensure improved digital services for customers. BTCL said the initiative will provide more reliable, faster, and higher-quality internet access, supporting the country’s ongoing digital transformation.

According to the new structure, the 5 Mbps ‘Sulav-5’ package priced at 399 taka has been upgraded to a 20 Mbps ‘Sashroyi-20’ package. Similarly, the 12 Mbps ‘Sulav-12’ package at 500 taka now offers 25 Mbps, and the 15 Mbps ‘Campus-15’ package at the same price has been raised to 50 Mbps. Higher-tier packages have also seen significant boosts, with speeds reaching up to 170 Mbps for 1,700 taka.

BTCL stated that the enhanced speeds will play an important role in supporting online education, office work, video streaming, gaming, and other digital services across the country.

Karnaphuli Paper Mills (KPM) has supplied 914 tons of paper to the Election Commission (EC) through the Bangladesh Stationery Office (BSO) ahead of the scheduled deadline. The paper, valued at over Tk 110 million, will be used for printing ballots and other materials for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. KPM Managing Director Mohammad Shahid Ullah confirmed the delivery on Sunday, January 11, 2026, noting that the supply was completed before the January 15 deadline.

According to KPM, the paper order included brown, green, and pink sheets specifically requested for election use. The mill, located in Kaptai, Rangamati, had set a production target of 3,500 tons for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. In addition to the EC, KPM will supply another 1,200 tons of paper to 11 other institutions, including Dhaka University, education boards, and the National University, through the BSO.

KPM, a state-owned enterprise under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), is one of South Asia’s largest paper mills and has produced 19,030 tons of paper as of January 11, 2026.

A lake built at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in memory of Rudra Sen, the first student killed in the July Movement, is facing controversy after reports that part of it will be filled to construct a garage. The lake, built at a cost of Tk 7.5 crore, was inaugurated six months ago but still lacks any memorial plaque honoring Rudra Sen. Experts warn that filling parts of the lake could harm its natural beauty and ecological balance.

Visitors and students have expressed disappointment that the site does not visibly commemorate Rudra Sen. Activists from the university’s anti-discrimination student movement said they had repeatedly demanded a memorial monument and plaque, but the administration failed to act despite assurances. Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Sajedul Karim stated that plans and architectural designs to honor Rudra Sen have been submitted and will be implemented soon.

Environmental specialists caution that the proposed garage could pollute the lake through wastewater and vehicle residues, potentially damaging the ecosystem.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Davao Occidental in the southern Philippines late Saturday night, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The quake occurred at 10:58 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 315 kilometers southeast of Balut Island in Sarangani municipality, at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the surface. Authorities confirmed that despite the strength of the tremor, there was no tsunami threat to the Philippine archipelago.

Tremors were felt across several southern provinces, including Malungon and Kiamba in Sarangani, Tupi and Koronadal in South Cotabato, and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat. Disaster officials are monitoring the affected areas for potential aftershocks and minor damage.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Bangladesh’s banking sector has come under renewed pressure as government borrowing surged sharply midway through the 2025–26 fiscal year. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank report, between July and January 4 the government borrowed a net Tk 59,756 crore from banks, representing 57.45 percent of its annual target of Tk 104,000 crore. This borrowing is about 619 percent higher than the same period last fiscal year, when the government had borrowed Tk 8,312 crore.

Sector insiders noted that at the start of the fiscal year, the government had reduced development spending and benefited from strong revenue growth and foreign loans, keeping borrowing low. However, rising development expenditures, investments in Islami Bank, election-related costs, and increased subsidy and interest payments have driven borrowing upward again. To meet financing needs, the government also held two additional auctions in December, raising about Tk 10,000 crore through treasury bills and bonds.

The report shows total government debt from banks reached Tk 610,661 crore by January 4, up from Tk 550,904 crore at the end of the previous fiscal year, raising concerns about liquidity and private sector credit flow.

At least fifty areas in Dhaka have open manholes, posing serious risks to pedestrians and vehicles. The uncovered manholes, often missing due to theft, have caused frequent accidents and injuries. City officials acknowledge that around ten percent of the capital’s 75,000 manholes remain uncovered at any time. The stolen covers, valued at about four crore taka annually in Dhaka South City Corporation alone, are reportedly sold to scrap dealers for small sums.

Responsibility for installing and maintaining manholes lies with Dhaka WASA and the two city corporations. Officials admit that ensuring security for the heavy metal covers is difficult and that police involvement is needed. Despite over fifty related cases filed in various police stations, arrests remain rare. Residents complain that stolen covers are often replaced only to be stolen again, leaving roads hazardous.

To address the problem, Dhaka South City Corporation has begun installing fiber-made manhole covers in wards 66 and 67. These new covers, tested and approved by BUET, are cheaper, strong enough to withstand heavy loads, and have no resale value, which authorities hope will reduce theft and improve public safety.

Bangladesh has made significant progress toward strengthening mutually beneficial trade relations with the United States. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Saturday, during his visit to Washington, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman requested U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer to raise the issue of reducing the existing 20 percent reciprocal tariff on Bangladesh with U.S. President Donald Trump. The USTR agreed to bring the matter forward, which could enhance Bangladesh’s competitive position in South Asia if implemented.

The two countries also discussed a new and innovative mechanism to support Bangladesh’s export priorities. Under the proposed preferential arrangement, Bangladesh could export an equivalent amount of apparel and textile products to the U.S. duty-free, based on the square meter volume of cotton and synthetic fibers imported from the U.S. Observers believe this creative and mutually beneficial system would strengthen bilateral ties, benefiting Bangladeshi producers and workers while deepening supply chain links with U.S. raw material suppliers.

Analysts view this development as a reflection of growing trust and positive momentum in U.S.-Bangladesh economic relations, potentially marking a promising new chapter for Bangladesh in global trade.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has called for legal action against individuals or groups allegedly creating an artificial crisis in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market despite sufficient reserves. In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, he said a vested quarter is deliberately causing public suffering by manipulating supply, which he described as inhumane and against public interest.

Porwar warned that such actions are destabilizing the market, raising prices, and harming the national economy, particularly affecting lower- and middle-income groups. He urged the government to restore order in the LPG market, identify those involved in hoarding and unethical business practices, and take strict legal measures against them.

He further emphasized that the government must act responsibly to protect citizens’ rights by strengthening market monitoring and ensuring exemplary punishment for offenders, warning that failure to do so could lead to recurring crises. Porwar also called on the public to remain vigilant and united against any anti-public activities.

Three members of a Bangladeshi family from Fatikchhari, Chattogram, were killed in a road accident in Oman on Friday night. The crash occurred around 8 p.m. local time in the Tambeet area of Salalah when a camel suddenly entered the road, causing their car to lose control and crash. Three other family members were seriously injured and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Salalah.

The deceased were identified as Bilkis Akter, wife of expatriate Md Shafiur Alam; their only son Muhammad Sakibul Hasan (Sabuj); and Bilkis’s son-in-law Muhammad Didar from Harualchhari Union. The injured include Sakib’s sister, his wife, and their young daughter. Relatives said the family had traveled from Muscat to Salalah a few days earlier to visit the shrine of Hazrat Ayub (A.) and were returning home when the accident occurred.

Local representatives in Fatikchhari reported that news of the deaths cast a deep shadow of grief over the family’s village, where residents are mourning the loss of three members from one household.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that at least two large and strong Islamic banks are expected to emerge in the country in the future. Speaking on Saturday at the second day of the International Islamic Finance and Banking Conference at the University of Dhaka, he said these banks would ensure healthy competition and better returns for depositors. The conference was jointly organized by the Central Shariah Board for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh and the university’s finance department.

Mansur noted that although a significant portion of the banking sector operates under Shariah principles, investment opportunities for Islamic banks remain limited, creating liquidity management challenges. He emphasized the need to develop a Shariah-compliant bond or sukuk market to ease liquidity pressure and strengthen the sector. Currently, about one-fourth of the country’s total banking assets are under Islamic management, but the corresponding investment avenues have not developed proportionately.

The governor added that the government’s initiative to establish a sukuk market would reduce financing costs and help Islamic banks manage liquidity more effectively, leading to greater stability in the overall financial system.

Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that it is not possible to reduce bank interest rates at this time. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 10, at an event organized by Banking Almanac at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, where he attended as the chief guest. Ahmed emphasized that given the current realities, lowering loan interest rates is not feasible.

He noted that the banking sector has become relatively stable but cautioned that reducing interest rates remains difficult. The adviser also mentioned that controlling inflation cannot be achieved by the government alone without the cooperation of the business community and the broader society. He expressed hope that he would not fail in his role as economic adviser and that moving Bangladesh forward remains a major challenge.

The comments highlight the government’s cautious stance on monetary policy adjustments amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the financial sector and manage inflationary pressures.

RFL Group has introduced its electric scooter brand 'Raido' at the Dhaka International Trade Fair 2026, marking its first appearance with affordable and eco-friendly models. The company is showcasing nine scooter models at Pavilion 23 of the main exhibition building. The highlight of the stall is the Raido Leaf model, priced at Tk 49,000 after a Tk 6,000 discount from its regular price of Tk 55,000, which has drawn strong interest from young visitors.

According to Raido’s Head of Marketing, Shariful Islam, the brand’s 'Raido DITF Fest' campaign features scooters ranging from Tk 55,000 to Tk 145,000, catering to different budgets and needs. The company is offering discounts up to Tk 14,000, exclusive gifts, and surprise coupons, alongside pre-booking opportunities. The BRTA-approved scooters feature modern designs, powerful motors, long-lasting batteries, and can operate at a cost of 11 paisa per kilometer.

RFL’s Marketing Director Kamruzzaman Kamal said electric scooters have gained global popularity as affordable, eco-friendly vehicles, and the Raido series aims to make urban and rural commuting in Bangladesh more convenient and sustainable.

The contractor responsible for building the Government Technical School and College in Saghatta, Gaibandha, has abandoned the project midway, leaving the construction incomplete after seven years. The project began on February 20, 2018, under the Gaibandha District Education Engineering Department, with a budget of Tk 15.47 crore. Dhaka-based firm Messrs Dhali Construction was tasked to complete the work by June 30, 2021, but only 67 percent has been finished. Locals reported that the contractor’s workers left the site three months ago, taking equipment with them.

Despite the institution starting academic activities two years ago, students and staff continue to face difficulties due to the lack of classrooms and administrative buildings. Principal Tarikul Islam said the incomplete construction is disrupting educational activities, and repeated appeals to the ministry have not resolved the issue.

Executive Engineer Ashish Kumar Roy of the Education Engineering Department confirmed that a new tender process has begun to appoint another contractor, and work will resume once the new work order is issued.

The United States has approved the 'Russian Sanctions Bill', which proposes tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing oil from Russia. Although the bill has not yet been voted on, it signals potential pressure on nations such as India and China to halt purchases of discounted Russian crude. The move comes amid an unfinished US-India trade agreement, with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggesting delays were linked to a lack of direct communication between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

India, a major buyer of Russian oil, has already reduced imports following earlier US tariff threats. Experts warn that if the bill passes, India could face severe export losses, with $87.4 billion in trade with the US at risk. Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative said the bill’s passage is unlikely but urged India to clarify its oil policy. Former trade secretary Ajay Dua described the measure as weaponizing trade.

Analysts note the bill could primarily target India while sparing China, potentially straining India-US relations further. The US has also withdrawn from the India-led International Solar Alliance, adding to diplomatic friction.

Bangladesh’s lowest temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius was recorded on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Chuadanga and Panchagarh’s Tetulia. According to local weather observations, Chuadanga registered 9.2 degrees Celsius at 6 a.m. with 95 percent humidity, which dropped to 8.3 degrees Celsius by 9 a.m. when humidity stood at 93 percent. The data was confirmed by the acting officer of the first-class weather observatory, Jaminur Rahman Jaman.

A continuous cold wave, sometimes moderate and sometimes mild, has been sweeping over Chuadanga, severely disrupting daily life. Dense fog and cold winds from the north have caused transportation delays and reduced visibility from night until morning. The district’s normal activities have slowed significantly as residents struggle with the biting cold.

In recent days, temperatures in Chuadanga have fluctuated between 6.9 and 8.5 degrees Celsius, indicating persistent cold conditions across the region.