The government has finalized its decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port to foreign operator DP World. The agreement is expected to be signed in Dhaka today, Sunday, in the presence of senior government and ministerial officials. However, port authorities claim they have not been officially informed about the deal, which is being managed by the Public-Private Partnership Authority. Meanwhile, BNP-backed port workers and employees continue strikes and protests opposing the foreign operator’s appointment.

According to port sources, the handover of NCT to DP World may be completed before the February 12 national election. Workers argue that leasing the profitable terminal to a foreign company could cost the state around two thousand crore taka annually and threaten national security. The port authority counters that DP World’s advanced technology will enhance operational capacity while preserving national interests through lease revenues.

In response to ongoing strikes, the port authority has transferred four employees and formed a committee to identify those violating institutional discipline and assess related losses.

The Bangladesh government has reduced the prices of all types of fuel oil by Tk 2 per liter for February. According to a notification issued by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Saturday night, the new rates will take effect from Sunday, February 1. Under the revised pricing, diesel will cost Tk 100 per liter, kerosene Tk 112, petrol Tk 116, and octane Tk 120.

The government introduced an automatic fuel pricing system in March of the previous year to align domestic prices with global market trends. Under this system, new prices are announced each month based on international market movements. The latest adjustment reflects the continuation of that policy framework.

The notification did not specify how long the new rates will remain in effect beyond February, but the monthly review mechanism suggests further adjustments may follow depending on global price changes.

At the 14th Zakat Fair 2026 held at the Officers’ Club in Dhaka, speakers emphasized the need for a state-managed zakat system to reduce financial inequality in Bangladesh. Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, the chief guest, said that institutional collection and distribution of zakat could generate up to one trillion taka annually, significantly aiding poverty alleviation. The event was chaired by former caretaker government adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, with a welcome address by Center for Zakat Management (CZM) CEO Dr. Mohammad Ayub Mia.

Speakers noted that zakat is both a financial and moral obligation, requiring proper oversight to ensure funds are used effectively. They highlighted that despite a large Muslim population, many capable individuals either do not pay zakat or fail to calculate and distribute it correctly. A symposium titled “Islamic Social Finance: Future Roadmap” proposed forming an Islamic Social Finance Ministry, noting that zakat and waqf income could contribute up to 4% of GDP.

Former NBR chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Majid stressed that government involvement and clear guidelines are essential to make zakat management transparent and impactful for national development.

Professor Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, Chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, called on officials to strengthen public trust in the bank by ensuring customer satisfaction through dedicated service. Speaking as chief guest at an officers’ conference held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Sena Prangon in Dhaka Cantonment, he emphasized that customers are the lifeblood of the bank and that all complaints should be addressed promptly and seriously. He urged employees to treat the institution as their own to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.

The event was presided over by Managing Director Md. Omar Faruk Khan, with senior executives including Executive Committee Chairman Mohammad Khurshid Wahab, Audit Committee Chairman Md. Abdus Salam, Risk Management Committee Chairman Professor Dr. M. Masud Rahman, and Independent Director Md. Abdul Jalil attending as special guests. Additional Managing Director Md. Altaf Hossain delivered the welcome speech, while Deputy Managing Director Md. Mahbub Alam gave the vote of thanks.

In his remarks, Managing Director Khan highlighted the importance of expanding investment in the SME sector to strengthen the national economy and make banking services more accessible through improved customer care.

The four-day 25th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show (DIFS) 2026 – Winter Edition and the 8th Dhaka International Denim Show 2026 concluded successfully at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. Organized jointly by Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS-Global USA) and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX China), the exhibitions ran from January 28 to 31, 2026.

More than 325 companies from over 15 countries participated, displaying modern technologies and innovations in yarn, fabric, denim, and related textile products across over 650 booths. The first day featured a seminar titled “Why Invest in Bangladesh?” organized with the support of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), while the second day hosted “Importance of MICE Tourism in Bangladesh” in collaboration with the Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB).

Organizers stated that the international exhibitions would strengthen Bangladesh’s global position in the textile and apparel sector and open new opportunities for investment and event-based tourism.

Workers and employees at Chattogram Port began a work stoppage on Saturday, defying official warnings from the port authority. Although cargo unloading at the jetty continued, delivery and other internal operations came to a standstill. The strike was called by the Chattogram Port unit of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal to protest the government’s decision to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to foreign company DP World. The program, announced earlier in the week, was supported by the Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP).

The port authority had issued a notice on Friday warning of strict administrative and legal action against those involved in anti-institutional activities, stating that the process of engaging the foreign company was based on a court ruling. Despite this, workers continued their planned program. According to labor leader Humayun Kabir, workers reported to duty but refrained from work as a peaceful protest, keeping vessel unloading ongoing to avoid congestion.

Port officials said discussions were ongoing and that an official statement would be released later. The strike is scheduled to end at 4 p.m., with workers warning of tougher actions if the government does not reconsider the lease decision.

The 14th Zakat Fair 2026 began in Dhaka on Saturday under the theme “Establishing Justice through Zakat.” The event was inaugurated by Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, religious adviser to the interim government, at the Officers’ Club on Bailey Road. Organized by the Center for Zakat Management (CZM), the fair aims to promote a just, equitable, and poverty-free society through institutional zakat management.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Hossain emphasized that those who can afford but do not pay zakat lack true faith. He noted that zakat is not charity but the rightful due of the poor, and urged greater public awareness. Former caretaker government adviser Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman highlighted the global philosophical crisis regarding moral and financial responsibilities, stressing that zakat must be given and monitored responsibly. CZM CEO Dr. Mohammad Aiyub Mia said institutional zakat collection can play a major role in reducing income inequality and poverty.

Speakers expressed hope that proper zakat management could significantly contribute to social justice and economic equity in Bangladesh.

The Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL) has issued recruitment notices to hire 521 personnel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The positions span grades 6 to 19 and cover a wide range of roles including engineers, medical officers, psychologists, security staff, fire service members, technical and support staff. Applications for most positions open on January 22, 2026, while applications for positions numbered 12 to 27 begin on February 2, 2026.

The recruitment covers several departments such as on-site fire station, security and physical protection services, medical and psychology units, and technical divisions including electrical, electronics, chemistry, and cyber security. Salaries will range from BDT 17,400 to BDT 84,000 depending on grade, with additional benefits as per government regulations. Interested candidates can apply online through www.rooppurnpp.gov.bd or https://npcbl.gov.bd.

The announcement reflects NPCBL’s effort to strengthen operational and safety capacities at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant through diverse technical and administrative appointments.

Selim Mia, a farmer from Taghli village in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj, has achieved notable success cultivating squash, a vegetable popular in Thailand and Vietnam. Guided by local agricultural officers, he experimented with squash on 13 decimals of land during the winter season alongside other vegetables. His total cost was around 8,000 taka, and he expects to earn between 50,000 and 60,000 taka from the harvest. The crop began producing fruit about one and a half months after planting.

Assistant agriculture officer Shamimul Haque Shamim confirmed providing technical support and said Selim’s success has encouraged other farmers to try squash cultivation. Upazila agriculture officer Chinmoy Kar Opu described squash as a foreign vegetable still new to local farmers but noted that those who have tried it have been financially successful. He added that the department is also promoting other foreign vegetables such as broccoli, capsicum, and red cabbage.

According to Opu, squash is nutritionally rich, containing vitamins A, C, E, B6, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron. He said regular consumption can strengthen immunity and help protect against diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart ailments.

Rear Admiral S.M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, has emphasized the adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Government-to-Government (G2G) concession models to modernize Bangladesh’s port management sustainably. Writing on January 31, 2026, he argued that these models can attract foreign direct investment, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce the government’s debt burden while ensuring long-term financial stability. The approach aligns with the interim government’s economic transformation plan led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which prioritizes maritime sector development as a foundation for national growth.

According to Moniruzzaman, over 92 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade passes through Chattogram Port, making its expansion and modernization crucial. He contends that PPP and G2G frameworks outperform traditional open tendering by ensuring compliance with international standards, structured risk-sharing, and transparent financial safeguards such as mandatory feasibility studies and net present value thresholds. The model also supports environmental protection, technology transfer, and skilled workforce development.

He concludes that implementing PPP and G2G concessions will strengthen Bangladesh’s global trade position, attract sustainable foreign investment, and transform Chattogram Port into a world-class logistics hub.

Russia, facing a shortage of workers across agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and shipbuilding, has turned to foreign labor to fill the gap. In December, a labor export agreement was signed between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which 70,000 Indian workers are expected to go to Russia in 2026. Reports indicate that Indian workers will earn between 555 and 1,111 US dollars per month. Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains far behind, with only 6,266 workers currently in Russia and just 325 sent officially through government channels.

Migration experts attribute Bangladesh’s weak position to a lack of long-term planning and poor coordination between the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They argue that Bangladesh needs a permanent labor market research center and better collaboration with private sector experts to identify opportunities. Officials from the expatriates’ welfare ministry say a draft memorandum of understanding has been sent to Russia’s foreign ministry, though issues remain over repatriation agreements.

Experts warn that without strategic reforms and institutional coordination, Bangladesh risks missing out on emerging labor markets like Russia’s.

Car imports through Chattogram Port have sharply increased ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. Over the past six months, more than 7,000 vehicles arrived at the port, with 6,651 cleared by importers. The customs authority collected around Tk 1,153 crore in revenue during this period, marking a significant rise compared to the previous fiscal year. The port handled 841 brand-new and 6,225 reconditioned cars via 16 specialized Ro-Ro vessels, setting a new record for vehicle imports within such a short time.

Importers and showroom managers attributed the surge to election-related demand, particularly for microbuses and vans used in campaigns, as well as expectations of post-election stability. After years of sluggish sales due to dollar shortages and higher import taxes, the market is showing signs of recovery. Daily vehicle deliveries from the port have risen from about 10 to 40–50 units.

Officials noted that timely vehicle clearance has improved, with only 103 cars delayed beyond the 30-day limit. However, some traders suggested that the increase in imports may reflect logistical shifts from Mongla Port rather than a broad rise in consumer demand.

Bangladesh has appointed the London-based legal firm Three VB Chambers to represent the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) in an international arbitration process against India’s Adani Power Limited. The arbitration, to be conducted at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), concerns disputes over coal pricing and electricity tariffs. The decision came five days after a national review committee submitted its final report on power sector contracts signed during Sheikh Hasina’s government.

BPDB officials said the firm, led by King’s Counsel Farhaz Khan, has been advising the national committee reviewing the Adani contract for several months. The dispute intensified after Adani Power initiated arbitration in Singapore last year, claiming Bangladesh owed about USD 485 million in unpaid coal-related dues. Bangladesh has accused Adani of inflating coal prices, artificially raising power generation costs.

Following the fall of the Hasina government in August, the interim administration strengthened its review of the Adani deal. Officials said evidence of financial transactions between Adani and some Bangladeshi officials has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission. Legal experts have cautioned that contract termination could expose Bangladesh to compensation claims of up to USD 5 billion.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a major reduction in gold prices after five consecutive increases. According to a notice issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the price of gold has been reduced by up to Tk14,600 per bhori, bringing the rate of 22-carat gold down to Tk271,363 per bhori. The new prices took effect from 10:45 a.m. the same day. Previously, the price had reached a record high of Tk286,000 per bhori, the highest in Bangladesh’s history.

BAJUS stated that the local price adjustment followed a decline in the rate of pure gold in the international market. On Friday morning, global gold prices fell to USD 5,200 per ounce, down from USD 5,550 the previous day, according to data from Goldprice.org. Alongside gold, silver prices also dropped, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk7,757 per bhori.

The price revision reflects the impact of international market trends on Bangladesh’s domestic bullion market, signaling potential short-term relief for jewelry buyers.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a special initiative to make air travel more affordable for expatriate workers. Under this plan, one-way ticket prices on the Saudi Arabia–Bangladesh route have been set at only 20,000 taka, enabling workers to visit their families more easily. The scheme will be effective for inbound flights from April 18 to May 25, 2026, and for return flights from May 30 to June 30, 2026.

According to Sheikh Bashiruddin, adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the program targets the sale of 80,000 tickets across both countries. The initiative is expected to benefit expatriate workers while generating significant revenue for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, potentially exceeding 1 billion taka in additional income. The lowest one-way fare on the Medina–Dhaka and Jeddah–Dhaka routes is set at 20,500 taka, with return fares starting at 42,000 taka.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus praised the measure as a milestone in expatriate-friendly policy implementation and urged that the initiative be maintained effectively to ensure lasting benefits for workers and the national economy.