Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Dhaka Transport Owners Association have jointly launched an e-ticketing and counter-based system to organize and modernize the city’s public bus network. The system was officially inaugurated at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday, with full implementation expected within a week. Under the new system, all buses will pick up and drop off passengers only at designated stops, and passengers must purchase e-tickets through an app or device. Fares will remain within government-approved limits, and students will continue to receive half fares.

The initiative involves collaboration among DMP’s traffic and crime divisions, the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation, and several transport unions, with technical support from UrbanMove Tech. The company will manage the e-ticketing operations across routes, installing QR codes at over 800 bus stops for app-based ticketing and deploying more than 3,500 ticket masters for passengers without smartphones.

Officials said the system aims to reduce traffic congestion, prevent unsafe competition among buses, and improve passenger safety and comfort. It follows eight months of consultations with relevant ministries, city corporations, and transport stakeholders.

Digital rights activists have warned that Iran’s government is advancing plans to permanently disconnect the country from the global internet. According to a report by the censorship-monitoring group Filterwatch, only a small, government-approved group will be allowed limited access to international networks, while the general public will be restricted to a domestic “national internet” isolated from the global web. Filterwatch chief Amir Rashidi described the system as a state-controlled parallel network containing only government-approved search engines, messaging apps, and streaming services.

Activists allege that Chinese technology and Huawei equipment are being used to build this surveillance and censorship infrastructure, enabling authorities to monitor and block internet traffic. Since January 8, Iran has faced one of its longest internet blackouts, lasting over 200 hours, surpassing Egypt’s 2011 shutdown. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani suggested the restrictions could continue until March 20, coinciding with the Nowruz holiday.

Analysts cited by The Guardian said the move reflects a decade-and-a-half of planning since the 2009 protests, when Iran began developing its domestic internet system. A 2025 law now criminalizes possession of Starlink terminals, with penalties up to death, as authorities use Russian and Chinese jammers to block satellite signals.

Bangladesh’s Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service, launched in 2017, has failed to achieve expected success even after eight years. The service allows users to retain their mobile numbers while switching operators, but experts and stakeholders say regulatory and operational barriers have hindered its growth. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) granted licenses to multiple firms, yet the service remains underutilized.

According to the report, key obstacles include BTRC and mobile operators’ inaction, high taxes imposed by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and restrictions preventing operators from offering incentives. The current MNP fee of Tk 450 is considered too high compared to neighboring countries, where similar services cost Tk 90–100. Additionally, BTRC’s directive blocking masked SMS messages to MNP users has created further complications, particularly for financial and social platforms.

Experts suggest revising the 2018 MNP guidelines, reducing taxes, and allowing promotional incentives to make the service more accessible and attractive. They also emphasize public awareness campaigns to prevent waste of resources and improve adoption.

Bangladesh’s leading industrial group RFL, through its subsidiary Rangpur Metal Industries Limited, has signed an agreement with Japanese tech-based startup Glafit Bangladesh Limited to jointly establish electric vehicle charging stations across the country. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at RFL Group’s headquarters in Badda, Dhaka, where RFL Managing Director RN Paul and Glafit Bangladesh Managing Director Tomoyaki Furuoka signed on behalf of their respective companies.

RN Paul stated that the use of eco-friendly vehicles such as scooters is growing among the country’s youth, and RFL recently launched its ‘Raido’ brand of electric scooters. However, the lack of fast-charging facilities remains a major obstacle for the sector. The company plans to set up charging and battery-swapping stations nationwide with Glafit providing technical support. Initial installations will focus on areas with higher electric vehicle usage, later expanding based on demand.

Furuoka added that Glafit’s mobile app will allow users to connect with the ecosystem, locate nearby charging points, monitor battery status, and track usage details.

An e-ticketing service has been officially launched at the Sixty Dome Mosque and its adjacent museum in Bagerhat to reduce tourist inconvenience and save time. The inauguration took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, with officials expressing hope that the new system will make visitor entry more efficient through modern management.

The event was attended by the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb, Director General of the Department of Archaeology Sabina Alam, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten, Khulna Divisional Director of Archaeology Lovely Yasmin, Bagerhat Museum Curator Md. Zahed, and Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Shamim Hossain, among others. Fayez Ahmed Taiyeb stated that the e-ticketing initiative would save visitors’ time and reduce hassle, marking an important step in tourism management.

He added that combining heritage preservation with modern technology would attract more tourists and enhance Bagerhat’s international recognition as a heritage destination.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued a public warning against misinformation circulating on social media regarding the server location and IP address of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system. In a special notice posted Tuesday on its verified Facebook page, the commission clarified that the NEIR system was launched on January 1 under a government decision to curb illegal handset imports, prevent mobile theft, combat crimes using unauthorized devices, and ensure government revenue.

According to the BTRC, all NEIR data are securely hosted within Bangladesh using the commission’s own hardware and in full compliance with the national data protection law. The IP address used by the system was allocated by APNIC to a Bangladeshi organization, ensuring that no data or traffic leaves the country. All operational requests are processed domestically, and detailed IP route reviews have confirmed the system’s internal security.

The BTRC urged mobile users to disregard false claims and avoid spreading unverified information about the NEIR system.

Bangladesh has introduced the 'Moon Alert' or Missing Urgent Notification System, the country's first national emergency alert mechanism for rescuing missing children. The initiative, launched jointly by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Amber Alert for Bangladesh, includes a toll-free helpline number 13219. The system was inaugurated at the CID headquarters in Malibagh by Additional IGP and CID chief Md. Shibgat Ullah, aiming to strengthen law enforcement operations and ensure public participation in child rescue efforts.

The Moon Alert system was developed under the leadership of the CID’s Missing Children Cell with technical support from the Zero Missing Children platform. It draws on international experience from the Amber Alert model, which began in the United States in 1996 and is now active in over 30 countries. Verified alerts will be disseminated through official web portals, mobile apps, media outlets, social media, digital billboards, and SMS broadcasting to mobilize public assistance while prioritizing child safety and privacy.

Authorities expressed confidence that the Moon Alert will establish a state-led, technology-driven framework for child protection and justice in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has introduced the 'Moon Alert' system for the first time to ensure rapid recovery of missing and abducted children. The initiative, launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was inaugurated on Tuesday morning at the CID headquarters in Malibagh, Dhaka, by Additional IGP and CID chief Md. Shibgat Ullah. A toll-free helpline, 13219, has been integrated with the system to facilitate immediate reporting and coordination.

According to CID, once a child goes missing, information will be disseminated quickly through police stations, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, banking ATM booths, metro rail networks, and other key public platforms across the country. The alert will also appear on large screens at bus, train, and launch terminals. Border alerts will be issued to prevent child trafficking, with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) being notified. Law enforcement agencies will prioritize the first three hours after disappearance as the most critical period for recovery.

CID stated that the system will be centrally monitored and coordinated with multiple government stakeholders. It is expected to play an effective role in combating child-related crimes and enhancing public participation in child protection efforts.

Meta has deactivated more than 540,000 Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts in Australia following the country’s new social media ban for users under 16. The U.S. technology company stated that between December 4 and 11, it removed 330,639 Instagram accounts, 173,497 Facebook accounts, and 39,916 Threads accounts believed to be operated by minors. The action came after Australia implemented the world’s first full prohibition on social media use by children under 16, effective December 10.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Australian government’s decision bars minors from creating, using, or maintaining profiles on major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat. In a blog post, Meta said it seeks constructive dialogue with the government to explore safer, privacy-preserving, and age-appropriate online experiences instead of a total ban. The company emphasized that a unified industry standard for age verification is still lacking.

Meta reaffirmed its commitment to comply with Australian law but expressed concern over the absence of clear and consistent age determination standards across the industry.

The Indian government has imposed a two-month ban on virtual private network (VPN) use in Indian-administered Kashmir, citing national security concerns. The order, issued on December 29, described VPNs as a threat to national security and alleged that they were being misused to incite unrest. Following the ban, police have intensified searches, stopping pedestrians and vehicles to check mobile phones, and have taken action against more than 100 individuals accused of violating the order.

The decision has caused significant anxiety among professionals and residents who rely on VPNs for secure communication and data protection. Basit Bande, an IT professional from Pulwama working in Pune, told Al Jazeera that the government’s order was issued without adequate consideration for professionals whose work depends on VPN access. He fears losing his job or being forced to relocate permanently to Pune as many corporate systems, including email, require VPN connections.

According to cybersecurity firm Surfshark, about 20 percent of India’s 800 million internet users use VPNs, making the country one of the largest VPN markets globally. The ban has sparked renewed debate about digital rights and online security in India.

The Government of Bangladesh is set to launch a national registration and digital ID card program for freelancers to formalize the country’s growing freelancing sector. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology announced that the digital platform for the initiative has been completed and will be officially inaugurated on Tuesday. Registered freelancers will be able to use their ID cards to access banking services, loans, credit cards, financial incentives, and both government and private training opportunities.

According to the ministry’s statement, the platform, freelancers.gov.bd, has successfully passed vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, ensuring its security and technical readiness. The initiative aims to strengthen connections between freelancers, banks, government institutions, and the private sector, which the ministry expects will elevate Bangladesh’s digital economy to new heights.

The ministry described the program as a strategic national initiative designed to promote self-employment among youth, increase foreign currency earnings, and expand technology-based employment opportunities across the country.

Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes reported that personal data of about 17.5 million Instagram users has been leaked and shared on the dark web. The leaked dataset includes usernames, full names, email addresses, phone numbers, partial physical addresses, and other contact details. The breach has raised serious concerns about user privacy and platform security.

According to Malwarebytes, although no passwords were exposed, the leaked information could still be exploited for identity theft or financial fraud. A hacker using the alias 'Solonik' reportedly released the data for free on a dark web forum last week. Following the leak, users from various regions have complained about receiving numerous password reset emails, which analysts believe may be linked to unauthorized login attempts using the exposed email addresses.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, denied any direct hacking or intrusion into its systems. The company attributed the surge in password reset emails to a technical issue and assured that user accounts remain secure.

The ‘Ami Probashi’ app has introduced a new visa verification service for Bangladeshi migrant workers traveling to Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. According to a press release issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the platform’s operator announced that migrants can now verify their visas before departure by calling the helpline number 16768. The service aims to make the verification process simple and accessible through both the app and the hotline.

The initiative is designed to protect migrant workers from visa-related fraud and ensure safe and transparent migration. After calling the helpline and providing visa details, the ‘Ami Probashi’ team will verify the information. Once verification is complete, an SMS will be sent to the user confirming whether the visa is valid or invalid. If the visa information is not found in the system, users will be advised to contact the relevant embassy.

The service is already operational, offering Bangladeshi workers a reliable way to confirm visa authenticity before traveling to the three Gulf countries.

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.

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.