U.S. President Donald Trump, beginning his second term on January 20, tightened the country’s immigration policies, leading to widespread labor shortages within a year. Construction firms in Louisiana are struggling to find carpenters, hospitals in West Virginia face shortages of foreign doctors and nurses, and a neighborhood football league in Memphis cannot form enough teams as immigrant children have stopped arriving. The administration has raised visa fees, reduced legal entry routes, and deported over six hundred thousand people, while hundreds of thousands more face deportation after the withdrawal of temporary legal status granted under the previous administration.

Oxford Economics estimates that current policies have reduced net immigration to about 450,000 people annually, far below the 2–3 million per year under the Biden administration. Immigrants now make up 14.8 percent of the U.S. population, the lowest since 1890. Cities once vibrant with immigrant communities, such as Los Angeles and New York, have grown quieter, with fewer international students and diminished cultural activity.

Business owners fear the labor shortage will worsen, affecting industries like construction, nursing homes, and childcare, even as higher wages fail to attract enough workers.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a special resolution scheme for depositors of five troubled Islamic banks being merged into a new entity named Combined Islamic Bank. According to the circular issued on Tuesday, depositors can initially withdraw up to two lakh taka, while those with higher balances may withdraw one lakh taka every three months for up to two years. Term deposits cannot be encashed before maturity, and specific timelines have been set for repayment after maturity.

The five banks being merged are First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank. Bangladesh Bank stated that persistent irregularities, severe liquidity shortages, and high non-performing loans had crippled their operations. The merger and resolution scheme aim to safeguard depositors’ funds and restore financial stability. Institutional fixed deposits worth 15,000 crore taka will be converted into new bank shares, while depositors outside the financial sector may access loans or investments up to 20 percent of their deposit balance.

The central bank has set the new bank’s authorized capital at 40,000 crore taka and paid-up capital at 35,000 crore taka, with a seven-member board appointed to oversee operations.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has said that remittance continues to play a major role in maintaining the country’s economic stability. Speaking at the NRB Global Convention held on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka, he stated that remittance surpassed 30 billion dollars in the last fiscal year and is expected to exceed 35 billion dollars this year. He noted that remittance has supported the economy even during times of crisis.

Mansur emphasized that Bangladeshis living abroad can significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development. He urged stronger engagement with expatriates and encouraged them to invest their skills and resources in Bangladesh. Drawing on his own experience of living in the United States and Canada, he described himself as a “half-NRB” and highlighted the importance of utilizing the expertise of professionals working in diverse fields abroad.

He added that expatriates can invest through offshore banking units, the stock market, or government dollar bonds, which offer attractive returns. Mansur expressed hope that NRBs will continue to contribute regularly to their homeland’s progress.

The 1320-megawatt coal-based power plant located at Gondamara in Banshkhali, Chattogram, will cease operations from January 1, 2026. A project official confirmed the development on December 29, citing that the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) owes more than Tk 3,000 crore to the plant operator, SS Power. Due to the unpaid dues, SS Power lacks sufficient funds to book coal imports from Indonesia, forcing the company to halt electricity generation.

According to the report, SS Power currently supplies 1,224 megawatts of electricity to the Chattogram region, where total demand stands at 1,600 megawatts. The shutdown is expected to cause a severe power crisis in the region and significant losses nationwide. The plant, operated by China’s SEPCO III, had been connected to the national grid in January 2023 and began supplying power in May of that year.

The project, initially developed under a 2016 agreement between BPDB and SS Power, was later taken over by SEPCO III from Bangladesh’s S. Alam Group, according to officials cited in the report.

China has announced a reduction in import tariffs on several categories of goods starting January 1, 2026. According to a statement from the State Council’s Customs Tariff Commission, the Ministry of Finance’s website detailed that the ‘2026 Tariff Adjustment Plan’ will take effect on the first day of the new year. The plan, guided by Xi Jinping’s socialist thought with Chinese characteristics, aims to optimize tariff classifications, implement preferential rates, and promote high-quality development.

The plan introduces temporary import tariff rates lower than the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates for 935 products across three categories. These include key industrial components such as CNC hydraulic cushions and composite contact strips, resources like recycled black powder for lithium-ion batteries, and medical products such as artificial blood vessels and diagnostic kits for infectious diseases. However, products like micro motors, printing machines, and sulfuric acid will retain MFN rates in line with China’s WTO commitments.

China will continue reducing tariffs under 24 free trade agreements with 34 partners, adding items like intelligent bionic robots and sustainable aviation fuel to support scientific progress and circular economy goals.

The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair will begin on January 1 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to inaugurate the event. The announcement was made by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman during a press conference held at the exhibition center on Monday afternoon.

According to the Commerce Secretary, this year’s fair has introduced online allocation for various categories of stalls and pavilions. Visitors will be able to purchase tickets both on-site and online, with entry facilitated through QR code scanning. The press conference was attended by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Hasan Arif, Additional Secretary (Export) of the Ministry of Commerce Abdur Rahim Khan, and EPB Director General Baby Rani Karmakar.

The fair marks a continuation of Bangladesh’s annual trade promotion efforts, with the new digital ticketing and stall allocation systems aimed at improving accessibility and management for participants and visitors.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Bin Harun stated that the return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to the country serves as a confidence booster for investors. He made the comment in a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday night, noting that the development signals progress toward a free and fair election, which he said is vital for an investment-friendly environment.

In the same post, Harun highlighted the recent completion of negotiations on the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), describing it as a major step for the country’s economic future. The agreement will provide duty-free access for 7,379 Bangladeshi products to Japan and 1,039 Japanese products to Bangladesh. It is expected to attract Japanese investment in sectors such as ICT, logistics, electronics, renewable energy, and agro-processing, while also enhancing employment and skills among Bangladeshi youth.

Harun added that the government is forming a specialized negotiation team to handle future trade agreements with countries like the United States, South Korea, and Turkey, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh’s trade capacity after LDC graduation.

Mojibur Rahman Shamim, former chairman of Chitalmari Upazila in Bagerhat and owner of Joy Group, received an exit facility from Bangladesh Bank despite his company being declared a willful defaulter by Trust Bank. Joy Group had taken loans from multiple banks but failed to repay them despite having the capacity. The central bank extended the facility under a policy meant for businesses affected by political changes or currency fluctuations, raising questions about the decision.

According to bank data, Joy Group’s eight entities owe a total of Tk 517 crore to four banks, all classified as defaulted. Trust Bank, Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and Padma Bank hold the loans. The central bank’s policy allows affected businesses to regularize loans with a two percent down payment and up to ten years for repayment, but willful defaulters are not eligible. Bank officials said they were reluctant to extend new facilities but were compelled by Bangladesh Bank’s directive.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that willful defaulters are not entitled to such benefits and any irregularities would be investigated. Deputy Governor Zakir Hossain Chowdhury denied allegations of exerting pressure to approve the facility.

The modernization and renovation work of the Sixth Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, also known as the Mukterpur Bridge, officially began in Munshiganj. The project, supported technically and financially by the Chinese government, aims to ensure structural safety and enhance the bridge’s long-term durability. The inauguration ceremony was held on the banks of the Dhaleshwari River, attended by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen as chief guest and chaired by Bridge Division Secretary and Bangladesh Bridge Authority Executive Director Mohammad Abdur Rouf.

Senior officials from the Bridge Division, Bangladesh Bridge Authority, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and engineers involved in the project were present. The Bridge Secretary stated that the renovation is being carried out under the guidance and supervision of the Adviser to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan. He emphasized that the project will improve connectivity between Dhaka, Munshiganj, and southern Bangladesh.

The secretary expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, noting that the initiative reflects the Belt and Road cooperation and symbolizes mutual trust between the two nations. He also called for the construction of a second Mukterpur Bridge to meet growing traffic demand in the region.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has extended the deadline for submitting online income tax returns by one month. According to an order signed by NBR Secretary Md. Ekramul Haque, the new deadline has been moved from December 31 to January 31. This marks the second extension of the filing period for the current fiscal year 2025–26.

Previously, the NBR had already extended the submission deadline once from the original legal deadline of November 30 to December 31. The extension applies to all taxpayers who are now required to file their returns online, following a directive issued in August making e-filing mandatory for all. So far, more than 2.6 million taxpayers have submitted their e-returns for the fiscal year.

The decision aims to provide additional time for taxpayers to complete their online submissions and ensure compliance with the mandatory e-filing system introduced earlier in the year.

The Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (ICT) in Keraniganj, Dhaka, is set to resume full operations in early January after years of losses and inactivity. The Chittagong Port Authority confirmed that Swiss company Medlog will take over management for 22 years, beginning in the first week of January. The terminal, built in 2013 on 64 acres at a cost of Tk 154 crore, can handle up to 200,000 containers annually. Officials expect the new arrangement to make the terminal profitable and strengthen Bangladesh’s trade and transport network.

Business leaders and port users have expressed both optimism and concern. They argue that profitability will depend on reducing customs delays, shipping costs, and vessel charges. Medlog Bangladesh Private Limited plans to invest about Tk 490 crore to modernize the terminal, add new cranes, and automate transport systems. The company will also introduce specialized vessels and barges for efficient cargo movement.

Experts believe the revived terminal could become a major logistics hub for Dhaka and surrounding industrial areas, easing pressure on road transport and boosting inland waterway trade efficiency.

A bumper early potato harvest has been reported along the banks of the Gomti River in Comilla, where farmers are expressing concern over low market prices despite strong yields. The report, published on December 28, 2025, describes lush green fields and high-quality produce, yet growers fear they will not recover rising production costs. Farmers cite increased prices of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides as major challenges and are calling for government support and market regulation.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, potatoes were cultivated on 8,310 hectares in Comilla this season, about 800 hectares less than last year. The highest cultivation occurred in Daudkandi, followed by Debidwar and Burichang upazilas. Farmers are currently selling potatoes at 18 taka per kilogram to wholesalers, who resell them in markets for 25–30 taka after transport costs. Officials note that although cultivation has declined slightly, existing stocks mean there is no shortage risk in the district.

Local agricultural officers said that while yields are good, it is too early to predict price trends until new potatoes reach broader markets.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a record increase in gold prices across the country, raising rates by up to Tk 1,575 per bhori. The new prices, effective from Sunday, December 28, set the cost of 22-carat gold at Tk 227,856 per bhori, marking the highest level in Bangladesh’s history. The announcement was made through a BAJUS press release on Saturday, December 27.

According to the association, the adjustment reflects a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market, aligned with global market trends. The main reason cited for the increase is the surge in international gold prices, which have exceeded USD 4,500 per ounce. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been raised, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk 6,065 per bhori.

The new pricing structure indicates a broader response to global market pressures, suggesting continued volatility in precious metal prices as Bangladesh aligns its domestic rates with international movements.

The Sylhet district administration honored 103 expatriate Bangladeshis for their contributions to remittances and professional success. The ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon at the Kabi Nazrul Auditorium in Rikabibazar, Sylhet city. The recognition was divided into six categories: successful professionals, businesspersons, community leaders, women entrepreneurs, achievers in sports, and importers of Bangladeshi products abroad. Abdul Nasher Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, presented the awards as the chief guest.

The event was attended by senior officials including the Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza Un Nabi, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police Kazi Akhtarul Alam, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Masud Rana. The program began with a rally in honor of the remittance contributors, joined by expatriates, government officials, and people from various professions.

According to the district administration, 582 applications were submitted over the past 20 days, and after verification, 103 individuals were selected for the honor.

In Sariakandi upazila of Bogura, women from 117 chars along the Jamuna River are leading a quiet revolution in agriculture. They work across the sandy river islands, cultivating crops and contributing significantly to the rural economy. From seedbed preparation to harvesting and threshing, women now participate equally with men in nearly all farming activities, helping bring stability and prosperity to their families.

Despite their vital role, these women face deep-rooted wage discrimination. Female laborers report earning only 200 to 260 taka per day, while men receive 500 to 600 taka for the same work. Local sources note that both government and non-government organizations are conducting advocacy programs to raise awareness about women’s rights, but wage inequality remains unresolved. Agricultural officer Mohammad Ali Jinnah praised the women’s skill and dedication, emphasizing that ensuring fair pay could further strengthen the rural economy.

Observers believe that addressing wage disparity would not only recognize women’s true contribution but also enhance national agricultural productivity.