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.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formally asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remove Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from her position as WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Director. Allegations include corruption and unethical influence used to secure the role, along with misusing power to obtain a plot in Purbachal. The ACC launched an investigation on January 15 after verifying preliminary evidence. Additionally, the Bangladesh government has notified WHO of its decision to work directly with the organization due to financial and criminal cases against Putul. She was appointed as Regional Director in February 2024, but her qualifications and legitimacy for the role are under scrutiny.

In the 2009 BDR mutiny case, over 200 accused were granted bail in the explosives case by a Dhaka court. These individuals were acquitted in the murder case or faced no appeals against them. The mutiny at Pilkhana led to 74 deaths, including 57 army officers, and resulted in separate murder and explosives cases. Delays in the explosives trial have hindered the release of 468 individuals. A reinvestigation commission has been formed to revisit the case, with a 90-day deadline.

A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant against cricketer Shakib Al Hasan and three others over dishonored checks worth approximately 41.5 million BDT in a case filed by IFIC Bank. The checks, issued by Shakib’s Agro Farm Limited, were dishonored due to insufficient funds. Despite being summoned, Shakib and the other accused failed to appear in court, prompting the magistrate to issue the warrant. The case stems from business loans taken from the bank’s Banani branch.

At Jahangirnagar University, students detained a man in Nawab Faizunnesa Hall around 1 AM on January 18. Ashraful Alam Parvez, who entered disguised with a scarf and bindi, was taken to Arpa Khandaker Chandni’s room after attending the winter festival. Nearby students identified him, leading to his detention and eventual handover to Ashulia Police. Arpa claimed she helped him due to his lack of accommodation. Authorities plan disciplinary action against Arpa and have formed a probe committee.

The Public Administration Reform Commission’s proposal to divide Bangladesh into four provinces—Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Khulna—has sparked significant criticism. Experts argue that Bangladesh’s small geographical size, shared language, and cultural unity make such divisions unnecessary and counterproductive. They caution that creating provinces could lead to administrative inefficiencies, governance overlaps, and new conflicts instead of solving existing issues. Local governance experts suggest that strengthening local governments and empowering existing administrative divisions would be a more effective and less disruptive approach. By focusing on decentralization within the current structure, the government can bring services closer to the people without the risks and complexities associated with establishing provincial frameworks.

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.

Students from Dhaka College’s residential halls attacked Government Laboratory High School, vandalizing its science fair. The clash began over an argument about smoking and escalated when Dhaka College students stormed the school with sticks and rods, damaging stalls despite pleas from Laboratory School students. Both institutions are investigating the incident, with Dhaka College promising disciplinary action against those involved. Police have urged school authorities to control their students to prevent further violence.

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.

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.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has requested the bank account details of 14 journalists, including Zulhas Alam of AP and Farid Hossain of UNB, along with their business account information. The BFIU has directed banks to provide these details within seven working days. This follows previous actions taken against journalists in recent months amid a broader investigation into corruption and misdeeds linked to the Awami League government.

The Indian rupee has reached its lowest level in two years, depreciating 0.7% in a single day to 86.7550 against the US dollar. Since December, the rupee’s value has dropped by 2%, driven by India’s slow economic growth and expectations of an interest rate cut by the central bank in February. Analysts predict further depreciation unless significant interventions are made. The decline has also strained the central bank’s reserves, highlighting broader economic challenges.