Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to take firm measures against the forgery and misuse of skill development certificates to preserve Bangladesh’s reputation in the international labor market. He issued the directive on Sunday at the Governing Body meeting of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) held at his office in Tejgaon. This was the second meeting of the NSDA Governing Body since its establishment in 2018.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser emphasized that NSDA provides a strong framework for developing skilled human resources based on national and international labor market demands. He warned that certificate fraud undermines the credibility of Bangladeshi workers and could erode employer trust. He highlighted the importance of a unified certification system across all training institutions to curb such malpractice and strengthen Bangladesh’s brand image abroad.

The meeting also reviewed progress on previous decisions and approved plans to establish an integrated skills ecosystem. This system aims to standardize training curricula across ministries, reduce public spending waste, and enhance the reliability of Bangladeshi skill certificates in global markets.

Bangladesh has expressed interest in buying freight wagons and coaches from Pakistan at a lower cost, according to a report by Pakistani newspaper The Dawn on February 8. A two-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by a senior official, visited Pakistan Railway’s carriage factory and workshop in Mughalpura, Lahore, as well as facilities in Islamabad. During the visit, they observed the production process of train coaches, wagons, and related components.

Officials from Pakistan Railways said the delegation included Bangladesh’s Secretary for International Organization and Consular Affairs and the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain Khan. Chief Mechanical Engineer Muhammad Nasir Khalili briefed them on the workshop’s operations, technical capacity, and ongoing projects, and a short documentary was shown. The delegation also toured the locomotive workshop, where they were informed about engine maintenance and production. At the end of the visit, Bangladeshi representatives said the trip reflected the strong relationship between the two countries.

Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi stated that enhanced railway cooperation would benefit both nations. He added that Bangladesh is also in talks with India for similar purchases but has shown interest in Pakistan as well.

Syria has signed several multi‑billion‑dollar investment agreements with Saudi Arabia aimed at rebuilding its war‑torn economy after 14 years of civil conflict. The deals, announced on Saturday by Syrian Investment Authority chief Talal al‑Hilali, cover aviation, energy, housing and telecommunications. Projects include constructing a new international airport in Aleppo, launching a low‑cost airline named Flynas Syria, and implementing a major telecom initiative called SilkLink to strengthen regional connectivity.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al‑Falih said the newly launched Elaf Fund will invest about US$2 billion to develop two airports in Aleppo, while Syria’s ICT Minister Abdul‑Salam Haykal confirmed a US$1 billion telecom investment to lay thousands of kilometers of fiber‑optic cables linking Asia and Europe. The Syrian Energy Ministry also signed a separate deal with Saudi firm ACWA Power for water and energy projects. Analysts view the agreements as politically significant following Bashar al‑Assad’s ouster in December 2024 and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.

International reactions have been largely positive, though some analysts caution that many previous investment pledges in Syria have yet to become binding contracts.

Bangladesh’s Payra Port, once envisioned as the nation’s third major seaport to boost southern regional growth, has become mired in political interference, questionable contracts, and escalating costs. The project’s dredging expenses have reached 500 million dollars, financed not through regular taxation but by drawing from the country’s foreign currency reserves. Experts warn that this approach undermines economic stability and transparency, as the port continues to struggle with heavy sedimentation and limited operational progress.

The article highlights that successive governments have promoted Payra as a symbol of progress and climate resilience, despite repeated scientific warnings about the site’s unsuitability due to high silt levels. German geologist Dr. Hermann Kudrass and Bangladeshi economist Wahiduddin Mahmud both criticized the project’s economic and environmental logic, calling it a drain on public funds. Officials privately acknowledge that continuous dredging has become a permanent financial burden.

The report concludes that Payra Port now represents a broader pattern of politically driven megaprojects in Bangladesh—visibly grand but economically unsustainable, with taxpayers bearing the long-term cost while accountability remains elusive.

As Bangladesh’s new government prepares to assume power following the election, public concern is rising over rapidly increasing prices of essential goods ahead of Ramadan. The article warns that controlling the soaring market will be the administration’s first major challenge, as past political transitions have often been exploited by unscrupulous traders to destabilize prices. Commodities such as rice, lentils, oil, sugar, and vegetables have already begun to rise sharply, threatening affordability for middle- and low-income families.

The report highlights that around 2.1 million tons of food products are currently stuck at Chattogram Port, creating fears of an artificial shortage if clearance delays persist. A lack of lighter vessels and storage facilities is worsening the situation. The piece attributes market instability not to supply shortages but to syndicates that hoard goods and manipulate prices, taking advantage of weak monitoring by local authorities.

It urges immediate government intervention to dismantle these syndicates and ensure stable supply before Ramadan, emphasizing that maintaining reasonable prices will be the new administration’s first and most critical test of credibility.

Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a multibillion-dollar investment package covering aviation, energy, real estate, and telecommunications as Damascus’s new leadership moves to rebuild after a 14-year civil war. Syrian Investment Authority chief Talal al-Hilali announced the agreements, which include developing a new international airport in Aleppo, launching a low-cost Syrian-Saudi airline, and creating a telecommunications project called SilkLink to position Syria as a regional hub. Saudi Arabia’s Elaf fund will invest $2 billion to develop two airports in Aleppo, while nearly $1 billion will go into telecommunications infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia has been a key supporter of Syria’s new government, which took power after toppling Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The deals mark the largest investment since the United States lifted sanctions on Syria in December. The Ministry of Energy also signed a water agreement with Saudi firm ACWA Power, and Flynas partnered with the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority to establish “Flynas Syria,” expected to begin operations in late 2026.

US envoy Tom Barrack praised the agreements as a boost for reconstruction, while analyst Benjamin Feve cautioned that the deals may carry more political than immediate economic weight.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has informed Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur that amending the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, is not feasible during the tenure of the interim government. In a letter sent on February 5, he stated that such a fundamental law should not undergo major revisions until a new government assumes office. Consequently, the proposed amendment to the central bank order has been put on hold.

The adviser’s letter noted that the proposed changes involved key issues such as appointment and removal of top officials, elevation of the governor’s status, restructuring of the board, financial liability of the republic, and conflict of interest prevention. He emphasized that as the 1972 order forms the foundation of the country’s central banking system, any amendment must be carefully reviewed with input from stakeholders and experts.

Earlier, Bangladesh Bank had submitted a reform proposal aimed at enhancing its autonomy and insulating it from political influence. The governor’s draft suggested merit-based appointments through a search committee and legal safeguards for removal procedures.

Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) inaugurated two air-conditioned buses built under its own management and funding at the central repair workshop in Gazipur on Saturday. The event was attended by senior officials, including the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Sheikh Moinuddin, who described the achievement as a matter of national pride and a step toward greater self-reliance in public transport operations.

BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla stated that the corporation has evolved into a comprehensive state service institution, integrating passenger and freight transport with training, technical education, and workshop facilities. He said the new bus production demonstrates BRTC’s growing technical and operational capacity. The corporation also operates a central control room that monitors all buses and trucks nationwide in real time through a vehicle tracking system.

According to BRTC, the process of importing 340 modern buses from Korea is in its final stage, and plans are underway to add new trucks and coaster buses to the fleet within the year.

NESCO Rajshahi announced that electricity supply will be suspended for six hours in multiple areas on Sunday, February 8, due to tree branch trimming near 11/0.4 kV power lines. The outage will occur from 7:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m., affecting Panchabati, Bospara, Shekherchak, Sagorpara, Moholdarpara, Shiroil Masterpara, Debesingpara, Debesingpara Ambagan, Bhadra, Upor-Bhadra, Shiroil, Sericulture, Baliapukur, Boro Bottola, Northern Mor, Sadhur Mor, Munnaper Mor, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The notice, signed by Subrata Kumar Das, Executive Engineer of NESCO Rajshahi Sales and Distribution Division-1, was issued on Thursday, February 5. The company stated that the temporary power suspension is necessary to safely remove tree branches close to electrical lines.

NESCO authorities expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and assured residents that the maintenance work is essential for ensuring uninterrupted and safe electricity supply in the future.

Md. Erfanul Haque, an additional secretary, has officially taken charge as the chairman of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla). According to a press release issued by Petrobangla on Saturday, he assumed the position last Thursday. Before joining Petrobangla, Haque served as an additional secretary in the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

The announcement stated that Haque is an officer of the 18th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) cadre and began his government career on January 25, 1999. Over his long career, he has served in various administrative roles, including as a first-class magistrate, assistant commissioner (land), and upazila executive officer. He also worked in several key ministries, including Education, ICT, Primary and Mass Education, and Public Administration.

Haque holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Dhaka and another in the same field from Waseda University in Japan. Upon assuming his new role, he sought the prayers and cooperation of all concerned.

The National Committee to Protect State-Owned Sugar Mills has announced a program to besiege the Ministry of Industries on March 31, demanding the reopening of six state-owned sugar mills that were closed during the Awami League government. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club, where the committee also declared protest programs at all closed and operational sugar mills until March 26. The committee issued an ultimatum to the interim government to reopen the mills, end corruption, and modernize the industry.

At the event, central convener Kamruzzaman Firoz presided over the session, while joint convener Nur Rahman Palash read the written statement. Labor leaders and representatives from various federations and organizations, including the National Democratic Workers Federation and the Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, were present. Firoz recalled that in November 2024, a decision had been made to modernize and reopen the six mills following a meeting between national leaders and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Although an ordinance was later issued to reopen them, the Finance Ministry withheld funding and suspended sugarcane processing activities.

The committee’s announcement signals renewed pressure on the government to act on earlier commitments to revive the state-owned sugar industry.

The Chattogram Port Raksha Sangram Parishad has announced an indefinite strike starting Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 8 a.m., protesting the decision to lease the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to a foreign company and demanding withdrawal of disciplinary actions against workers and employees. The announcement was made by convener Md. Humayun Kabir at a press conference at the Chattogram Press Club. The strike has been supported by the Chattogram Workers-Employees Unity Council (SKOP) and the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal.

The organization’s four-point demand includes canceling the lease plan with DP World, removing Port Chairman M. Moniruzzaman, reinstating all employees affected by previous disciplinary measures, and ensuring no legal action against labor leaders. The workers had earlier suspended their blockade for two days after discussions with the shipping adviser Brigadier (Retd.) Sakhawat Hossain but resumed protest following new restrictions on 15 workers imposed by the port authority.

The Parishad stated that despite earlier 96-hour work stoppages, the government took no initiative to resolve the crisis, prompting the indefinite strike that could again disrupt operations at Bangladesh’s main seaport.

Professors Mohammad Abdur Rab and Muhammad Mohiuddin Sarkar argue that Bangladesh’s economy, despite its potential, remains constrained by corruption, debt, and policy short-sightedness. They emphasize that remittances and the ready-made garment sector currently drive the economy, but structural weaknesses such as rising non-performing loans, foreign debt, and low tax-to-GDP ratios threaten long-term stability. The authors call for redefining economic strategies after the July revolution, focusing on sustainable development rather than GDP illusions.

They identify corruption as the root of most crises, noting its deterrent effect on foreign investment and its role in capital flight. The article highlights the need for governance reforms, transparency, and accountability in public spending. It also warns that unplanned foreign borrowing and export dependency could destabilize the economy as Bangladesh transitions from LDC status.

The authors propose an “economy of justice,” where fairness, honesty, and balanced resource distribution guide all policies. They urge reforms in taxation, banking, and trade diversification to ensure inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience.

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order removing the 25 percent punitive tariff previously imposed on Indian goods. The order, which takes effect on February 7, was originally introduced as a penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil, according to the report. The decision follows recent announcements by Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Washington and New Delhi have reached a new trade agreement.

Under the new trade arrangement, tariffs on Indian goods are expected to drop from 50 percent to 18 percent. The executive order also reiterates Trump’s demand that India stop buying oil from Russia and increase its energy imports from the United States. Additionally, it outlines plans for the two countries to expand defense cooperation over the next decade.

India has not confirmed Trump’s claim that it will halt Russian energy purchases. Previously, New Delhi defended its decision to buy Russian oil, describing it as a matter of national interest.

In Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari upazila, the fertilizer market has reportedly fallen under the control of a powerful syndicate. Government-allocated fertilizers are missing from authorized dealers’ warehouses but are being sold in retail shops at double the official price. Farmers allege that an artificial crisis has been created, forcing them to buy fertilizers such as TSP at inflated rates ranging from Tk 2,400 to Tk 3,200 per bag. The shortage has disrupted potato and other crop cultivation during the current Rabi season.

Farmers accuse local agriculture officials of negligence in monitoring the market. According to the report, sub-assistant agricultural officers often limit their duties to signing dealer registers without field inspections, allowing dishonest dealers to divert stock to the black market. Officials claim they cannot conduct raids without the assistant commissioner’s approval, leaving room for irregularities. Farmers describe the few raids conducted as superficial, with only minor fines imposed on small retailers.

The district’s Department of Agricultural Extension deputy director, Saikhul Arefin, denied any fertilizer shortage. However, locals question this claim, pointing to rising prices and the spread of adulterated fertilizers that threaten soil quality and future crop yields.