Starting January 8, expatriate Bangladeshis will receive SMS notifications for e-passport delivery, a service previously available only within the country. This initiative aims to minimize inconvenience by notifying applicants when their passports are ready. Efforts are underway to clear a backlog of 197,000 Machine Readable Passports (MRPs), with 182,745 passports already dispatched to embassies within three weeks. To combat fraud and harassment, authorized agents will be appointed to assist applicants, reducing reliance on brokers. Additionally, steps are being taken to streamline passport services and improve the application process at various offices nationwide.

India has reduced the export price of onions by $100 per ton, lowering it from $405 to $305, effective January 6, to boost exports. Previously, the high price of Indian onions significantly reduced demand in Bangladesh, causing substantial losses for importers. At $405 per ton, Indian onions were less competitive, especially as local supplies increased. The price cut aims to make Indian onions more affordable in the Bangladeshi market, reducing the cost of opening a letter of credit (LC) by about 4 lakh taka per truck. This adjustment seeks to revitalize demand, balance market dynamics, and ensure both consumer affordability and farmer profitability in light of the changing trade conditions.

Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, insists that teaching should be acknowledged as a premier profession in Bangladesh. He believes this acknowledgment would attract the brightest individuals to the field.

Hasnat Abdullah said that teaching is a profession where individuals shape students, thus teachers must be honored with the highest regard.

Garment workers in Ashulia, near Savar, Dhaka, are continuing their protests over various demands. Factories that were not witnessing protests were attacked, prompting authorities to close them for safety reasons.

With the rising trend of rumor-spreading on social media, a media platform named '1 Nojor' (pronounce ‘Ek Nojor’) is being launched to combat misinformation and disinformation. It will operate through public contributions in a social media format, where subscribers will share content. A strong moderation and fact-checking panel will be responsible for preventing misinformation.