Bangladesh Bank has continued buying US dollars from local banks as supply remains strong. On Tuesday, it purchased $223.5 million from 14 banks, bringing total purchases in the first six months of the fiscal year to $3.54 billion. As a result, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $33.18 billion, according to Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan.

Bankers said the increase in remittances through formal channels has boosted dollar supply, easing the earlier market crisis. Since supply now exceeds demand, the central bank is buying dollars to prevent a sharp fall in the exchange rate, which could hurt remittance inflows and exports. The move has had a positive impact on reserves.

The report notes that after the fall of the previous Awami League government, the new administration took strict measures to curb money laundering, leading to higher export earnings and remittances. Bangladesh Bank’s current intervention aims to maintain market stability and protect key economic sectors.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, and Water Resources Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized finalizing a long-term sustainable management masterplan for the protection of Saint Martin’s Island. Speaking as chief guest at a high-level strategic consultation workshop titled “Strategic Consultation Workshop on Saint Martin’s Island Masterplan,” she said conservation must take priority over tourism to safeguard the island’s unique ecosystem.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Department of Environment with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The advisor stated that the masterplan should clearly outline actions and prohibitions to restore biodiversity and that tourism must be strictly regulated to prevent harmful dominance by outsiders. She also highlighted the importance of involving local communities in the plan’s implementation and creating alternative livelihoods such as fishing, dried fish trade, handicrafts, and controlled tourism.

The ministry’s secretary noted that several short- and long-term initiatives have already been undertaken during the interim government period, and a draft masterplan has been prepared. Participants were informed that despite its ecological importance, the island faces severe degradation from unregulated tourism, coral and shell collection, unsustainable fishing, and climate risks.

Bangladesh’s economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the current tensions between India and Bangladesh will not impact the country’s economy. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday after a meeting of the government’s procurement advisory committee, he said trade and purchase activities with India remain normal and there is no economic problem arising from the situation.

He described the recent incident involving cricketer Mustafizur Rahman as unfortunate, noting that Bangladesh was not responsible for initiating the issue. According to him, the sudden decision to stop the player’s participation was unexpected and regrettable, and such actions are not beneficial for either country. He emphasized that the political strain between the two nations will not affect economic or commercial relations.

Dr. Ahmed added that emotional factors may have influenced the situation and expressed hope that both sides would act with consideration to avoid harming bilateral relations. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh’s response to the incident was appropriate and that reactions naturally follow actions.

The committee responsible for the marine fisheries and ecosystem survey conducted by research vessel RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen submitted its report to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser at a meeting held Tuesday morning at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The survey, carried out from August 21 to September 21 of the previous year, involved 25 scientists from eight countries, including 13 from Bangladesh. Professor Sayedur Rahman presented the findings, revealing the discovery of 65 new aquatic species and alarming signs of imbalance due to overfishing, such as excessive jellyfish growth and plastic found at depths of 2,000 meters.

The report indicated a decline in large fish compared to 2018 and warned that aggressive sonar-based targeted fishing by 70 of 270–280 deep-sea trawlers threatens fish stocks and coastal livelihoods. The Fisheries Adviser cautioned that such practices could deplete the Bay of Bengal and said the government would decide on sonar fishing. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for research and policy support to utilize marine resources effectively and highlighted cooperation with Japan, Indonesia, and the Maldives for joint research.

It was also disclosed that the UK’s Royal Navy vessel HMS Enterprise is being transferred to the Bangladesh Navy to strengthen oceanographic research and data collection capabilities.

Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman has officially joined as the new Chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Foundation. He took charge at the foundation’s office on Monday following his appointment through a government notification issued by the Ministry of Industries on January 1, 2026. The notification stated that Rahman will hold the position until a new chairperson is appointed, in addition to his existing duties as Industries Secretary.

Obaidur Rahman holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management from the University of Dhaka. A member of the 15th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration), he has served in various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Public Administration, as well as in field administration. His appointment marks him as the ninth chairperson of the SME Foundation.

The SME Foundation plays a key role in supporting small and medium enterprises across Bangladesh, and Rahman’s dual role is expected to ensure continuity in the organization’s leadership until a permanent appointment is made.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the government will initiate legal proceedings within a week to declare nine non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) defunct. The move aims to restore discipline in the country’s financial sector. Independent auditors will assess the true financial condition of these institutions. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the central bank’s headquarters.

According to the governor, if the plan proceeds as expected, individual depositors of these institutions will receive their principal funds before Ramadan. Institutional investors, however, will be settled gradually depending on the availability of government funds. The nine institutions are FAS Finance, Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company, Premier Leasing, Fareast Finance, GSP Finance, Prime Finance, Aviva Finance, Peoples Leasing, and International Leasing.

These nine NBFIs account for 52 percent of total defaulted loans in the financial sector, amounting to Tk 25,089 crore at the end of last year. Eight of them have an average negative net asset value of Tk 95 per share, indicating that without government intervention, repayment of liabilities is nearly impossible.

Customers withdrew Tk 107.77 crore from five troubled Islamic banks over two days, while new deposits of Tk 44 crore were made during the same period. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur disclosed the figures at a press conference held on Monday in Dhaka. He said the central bank had managed the situation well following the announcement of a new scheme, as the level of withdrawals was lower than initially feared.

According to the governor, a total of 13,314 transactions took place during the two days, with the highest withdrawal of Tk 66 crore recorded at EXIM Bank. He reassured depositors that their funds remained safe and that those placing new deposits could withdraw them at any time.

The governor’s remarks aimed to restore confidence among depositors amid concerns about the financial health of the affected Islamic banks.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has confirmed that the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport will not be inaugurated during the tenure of the current interim government. He made the statement while responding to a question at a press conference organized on the ‘Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026’.

The adviser explained that despite extensive efforts, including meetings and negotiations with the Japanese vice minister, the government could not complete the necessary processes to open the terminal. He said the administration had made every possible attempt but their efforts were not successful.

Bashiruddin added that the government is currently working to keep the procedural requirements active for future actions, and the next government will make the final decision on the terminal’s opening.

US President Donald Trump has released a list of immigrant groups receiving welfare assistance in the United States. Published on Sunday, the list includes immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, China, and Nepal among more than 120 countries and regions. India, however, is not included. The chart shared by Trump on social media shows the percentage of immigrant families from each country receiving welfare or assistance.

According to the data, 54.8 percent of Bangladeshi immigrant families receive assistance, followed by 40.2 percent from Pakistan, 34.8 percent from Nepal, 32.9 percent from China, 42.7 percent from Ukraine, and 25.9 percent from Israel/Palestine. The list also includes an “unspecified Asia” category at 38.8 percent. The report, citing The Hindu and India’s PTI news agency, notes that Indian-Americans have the highest median household income among major immigrant groups in the US.

The Pew Research Center’s data referenced in the report states that Indian-Americans make up about 21 percent of the total Asian population in the United States, ranking as the second-largest Asian-origin group.

China’s government efforts to boost the national birthrate are facing growing resistance as many young couples choose to remain child-free. Despite financial incentives and social pressure, couples like 25-year-old content creator Grace and her husband are opting out of parenthood, citing financial strain, career priorities, and personal freedom. The trend reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward marriage and family life.

Nearly a decade after China replaced its one-child policy with a two-child rule in 2016, the country is experiencing a deepening demographic crisis. The population has declined for three consecutive years, and the United Nations projects it could fall from 1.4 billion to 630 million by the end of the century. In 2024, only 9.54 million babies were born—about half the number recorded in 2016. The “DINK” (dual income, no kids) lifestyle has gained massive popularity on social media, sparking both celebration and criticism.

Authorities have introduced pro-birth measures, including annual subsidies of about $500 per child under three and new taxes on contraceptives. Experts warn these steps have limited impact and caution that persistently low fertility could accelerate population aging and strain China’s long-term economic stability.

Unauthorized brick kilns are reportedly increasing in Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram district. According to the report, there are 18 brick kilns in the area, of which 13 are operating without approval. These unlicensed kilns are using topsoil from agricultural land to produce bricks and burning coal mixed with wood from various trees as fuel. The practice is said to be harming local biodiversity and public health.

Despite the growing number of illegal kilns, there appears to be no visible administrative action to stop them. The report notes that these operations continue openly, raising doubts among residents about the effectiveness of local authorities. The unregulated expansion of such kilns is contributing to environmental degradation and public concern.

The situation highlights a lack of enforcement of existing rules and the need for stronger oversight to protect farmland and community well-being in Nageshwari.

The Bangladesh government is awaiting an assessment report from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) experts before proceeding with the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) 5G network expansion project. Officials said technical testing is nearing completion, with about 50 percent of the work already done. The project, launched in 2022, aims to build a strong backbone network to meet national bandwidth demand through 2030.

The initiative has faced repeated disruptions due to misinformation, administrative weaknesses, and allegations of irregularities and corruption. Disputes have arisen over tender processes, equipment clearance at ports, and letters from the chief adviser’s special assistant. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s inquiry into the readiness phase and complaints about limited time for financial proposal submissions have further complicated progress. Despite these issues, the project continues to move forward.

Once completed, the project will establish high-capacity optical fiber networks across Bangladesh, significantly enhancing digital infrastructure and enabling BTCL to supply about 30 percent of the country’s total internet bandwidth. The government expects the network to improve broadband access and strengthen competition with private operators.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck Assam in northern India early Monday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred near the surface, with its epicenter located about three kilometers outside Dhing village, close to the Bhutan border. Tremors were felt at 4:17 a.m. local time (10:47 p.m. GMT on Sunday).

The USGS reported that although strong shaking was experienced in the area, the region’s relatively low population density is expected to limit the extent of damage. No immediate reports of casualties or major destruction have been received so far.

The Himalayan region is known for frequent seismic activity, with several major earthquakes recorded in India’s history. Notably, the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake killed around 4,800 people, and the 1897 “Great Assam Earthquake” remains one of the most powerful in the country’s history, causing hundreds of deaths in remote mountain areas.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has issued the final gazette of the Public Offer of Securities Rules, 2025, allowing issuing companies to use up to 30 percent of funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) to repay bank loans. The decision, published on December 30, 2025, includes two conditions: the loan must be project or BMRE-related, and it cannot be a defaulted or rescheduled loan.

The previous draft of the regulation did not permit loan repayment from IPO proceeds, which had raised concerns among market participants about reduced corporate interest in stock market listings. Based on stakeholder feedback, BSEC reinstated the repayment option, similar to the one-third allowance under the 2015 rules. The new regulation also increases the quota for general investors and reintroduces the lottery system for IPO share allocation.

Additionally, the rules extend the IPO application submission period to 120 days and require stock exchange recommendations for IPO approvals. The number of qualified institutional investors for determining indicative prices in the book-building method has been reduced from 75 to 40.

Ferry and all other vessel operations on the Daulatdia–Paturia river route resumed on Monday morning after being suspended for nearly seven hours due to dense fog. Authorities restored normal navigation around 7:15 a.m. on January 5, 2026, once visibility improved. The suspension had begun at 12:30 a.m. the previous night when thick fog over the Padma River made navigation lights unclear and created safety risks.

According to the terminal authorities, the fog intensified after Sunday evening, severely reducing visibility and prompting the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) to halt all ferry and vessel movement for safety. During the suspension, long queues of passenger buses, trucks, and private cars formed at both Daulatdia and Paturia terminals, leaving travelers stranded in the cold night.

With ferry operations now restored, vehicles are gradually crossing the river, easing congestion and bringing relief to passengers and drivers who had faced significant hardship overnight.