Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain stated that effective management of zakat could eliminate poverty in Bangladesh within ten years. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing the Zakat Conference 2026 as the chief guest at the Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The event was organized by the private voluntary organization Mastul Foundation.

Dr. Hossain emphasized that if wealthy citizens pay zakat properly and it is distributed efficiently, the country can overcome poverty and reduce dependence on foreign aid. He described poverty as a curse for any nation and stressed that a strong economy ensures national stability. Highlighting the historical precedent, he noted that in early Islamic periods, zakat was collected and distributed by the state, leading to near elimination of poverty during Caliph Omar’s rule.

He added that the absence of Sharia-based institutional mechanisms in Bangladesh has hindered organized zakat collection and distribution. He urged everyone to follow Islamic principles in paying zakat and thanked Mastul Foundation for its humanitarian activities.

The Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) has accused the government of expanding the list of essential medicines and fixing their prices without consulting drug manufacturers. The allegation was raised on Saturday at a workshop titled “Bangladesh Pharma Industry: Present Challenges and Future Prospects,” jointly organized by BAPI and the Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum (BHRF) in Gazipur. BAPI leaders said the decision ignored production costs, international raw material prices, quality control, and market realities, posing long-term risks to medicine supply and industry stability.

BAPI Secretary General Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain criticized the policy process, saying no discussions were held with manufacturers or the association before the decision. He noted that the technical committee on pricing lacked members with real pharmaceutical experience. BAPI President Abdul Muktadir warned that about 60 percent of local drug companies are struggling, with nearly 40 percent already closed or near closure, threatening the country’s self-sufficiency in medicine. He urged government intervention to support small and medium firms and restore the industry’s health.

BAPI leaders also emphasized that Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector operates under strict regulatory oversight and called on journalists to highlight the challenges faced by struggling companies.

A report by Middle East Eye describes how Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are trading household goods for basic food items amid worsening economic conditions. A mother from Bethlehem wrote in a private Facebook group that she exchanged kitchen utensils for olive oil and za’atar so her children could take food to school. Since the Gaza war began and Israeli restrictions tightened, such exchanges have become common, reflecting widespread hardship.

Economist Dr. Haitham Weida said the West Bank is being pushed toward a hunger crisis, where families cannot secure enough nutritious food. The region’s economy has deteriorated sharply since October 2023, with poverty reaching 28 percent and unemployment at similar levels. Israel’s restrictions have halted most Palestinian labor access, tourism, and tax revenues, while international aid has fallen to about $710–770 million in 2025. Nearly 898 checkpoints now hinder trade and movement.

The worsening situation has forced many Palestinians to risk their lives crossing into Israel for work. Labor unions report at least 38 workers killed and over 1,500 injured between October 2023 and September 2025 while attempting to find employment.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has alleged that Bangladesh experienced extensive money laundering and looting through accounting manipulation and corruption over the past 15 years. He made the remarks on Saturday, January 17, at the ‘SAFA International Conference’ held at a hotel in Dhaka.

Hossain stated that a lack of transparency and weaknesses in financial accounting have hindered both foreign investment and the proper use of domestic resources. He said the burden of financial mismanagement ultimately falls on ordinary citizens, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure professional ethics and competence. He also urged South Asian countries to work together to address global instability.

The adviser added that the next generation of professionals—including accountants, auditors, and economic analysts—will play a vital role in restoring the economy through integrity, accountability, and innovation, helping to strengthen Bangladesh’s position amid global challenges.

The operations of the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (PICT) in Keraniganj, Dhaka, have officially begun under the management of Medlog Bangladesh Private Limited, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based logistics company Medlog. The inauguration took place on Saturday morning, led by Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, advisor to the Ministry of Shipping. He stated that upgrading the terminal to international standards would enhance domestic container movement and strengthen multimodal transport connectivity, opening a new chapter in the country’s port management and inland water transport.

Shipping Secretary Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury said the 22-year concession agreement would make cargo handling at the terminal more dynamic and positively impact the national economy. The partnership between the government and the private sector is expected to play a key role in achieving set goals. The terminal, built at a cost of about Tk 155 crore, had been incurring losses for a decade before the government decided to bring it under professional private management.

Under the concession signed last November, Medlog Bangladesh will operate, maintain, and modernize the terminal in partnership with the Chittagong Port Authority.

Saudi Arabia’s state-owned mining company Ma’aden has extracted a total of 7.8 million ounces, equivalent to 221,000 kilograms, of gold from four locations across the country. The extraction took place at Mansourah Massarah, Uruk 20/21, Umm al-Salam, and Wadi al-Jawaa. According to the company, Mansourah Massarah yielded 3 million ounces, Uruk 20/21 and Umm al-Salam produced 1.607 million ounces, and Wadi al-Jawaa contributed 3.08 million ounces.

Ma’aden’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Wilt stated that this achievement strengthens Saudi Arabia’s global position as a leading gold producer. He attributed the success to the company’s long-term strategic plan, emphasizing that the results demonstrate its effectiveness in practice.

The report, citing Gulf News, suggests that the large-scale extraction will enhance Saudi Arabia’s mineral reserves and accelerate Ma’aden’s operations as a world-class gold producer.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance, visited the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi, Pabna, on Friday, January 16, 2026. During the inspection, he reviewed the final preparations for nuclear fuel loading and assessed the overall progress of Bangladesh’s first nuclear power project. He toured the training center, main control room, electrical and water systems, and cooling tower, and discussed safety and technical matters with engineers and officials.

The Managing Director of Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Limited (NPCBL), Dr. Zahedul Hasan, briefed the adviser on the project’s safety systems, construction progress, and readiness for fuel loading. Senior government officials, including secretaries from the Cabinet Division, Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, and Science and Technology Ministry, were present during the visit.

Project authorities stated that construction is in its final phase, with testing activities ongoing. They expressed optimism that nuclear fuel loading will begin soon, marking a major step toward enhancing Bangladesh’s energy security and supporting sustainable development goals.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited has allegedly collected around Tk 400 crore in bills from customers in Shibaloy and surrounding areas of Manikganj over the past 16 years without providing regular gas supply. Residents claim they were forced to pay monthly bills despite receiving little or no gas since 2010. Protests demanding uninterrupted supply reportedly faced police action in 2014, injuring journalists and locals.

Regional manager Md. Alamgir Hossain said daily demand in the area is 22.6 MMCFD, but supply stands at only 11.8 MMCFD, creating a shortfall of about 11 MMCFD. He added that bill payment is mandatory for active connections, though disconnection requests are being processed. Locals estimate that residential users alone paid Tk 285 crore, with industrial and CNG users bringing the total to about Tk 400 crore.

District officials acknowledged the issue as a consumer rights violation and said legal action is underway against companies overcharging for cylinder gas. Consumers have demanded either regular gas supply or installation of meters to ensure fair billing.

The Sylhet Power Development Board announced that electricity supply will be suspended for eight hours on Saturday, January 17, 2026, across multiple areas of Sylhet city. The outage will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow transformer repairs and transmission line improvements. The affected zones include Sheikhghat, Shubhechha Residential Area, Surjer Hashi Clinic, Jitu Mia Point, Talotola VIP Road, Park View Hospital, Hilltown Residential Hotel, Teli Haor, Kazirbazar, Court Point, Surma Market, Mirzajangal, Topkhana, Kotwali Thana, the Circuit House area, the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, and several other nearby locations.

Executive Engineer Mohammad Arafat of the Sales and Distribution Division-1 confirmed the planned interruption through an official notice issued on Friday, January 16. He expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and assured residents that power would be restored earlier if the maintenance work is completed ahead of schedule.

The maintenance aims to enhance the reliability of Sylhet’s electricity infrastructure and minimize future disruptions once the upgrades are completed.

Interim government finance adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has called on government officials and employees to remain patient regarding the announcement and implementation of the new pay scale. Speaking to journalists on Friday evening at Gurudaspur Upazila Mini Stadium in Natore, he said that necessary steps would be taken promptly once the committee’s report on the pay scale is received. He confirmed that a committee has already been formed and that the government will act based on its recommendations.

Addressing another issue, Dr. Ahmed said that the upcoming referendum would reflect the will of the people. He noted that administrative officials are working to ensure a ‘yes’ vote and that the media also has a responsibility to raise public awareness about the referendum. He added that he has been visiting various districts to highlight its importance.

Several senior officials, including the cabinet secretary, finance secretary, and other top administrative and departmental representatives, were present during the visit.

After more than a decade of fluctuating relations, the United States is struggling to maintain its economic position in Africa, according to Turkish academic Yunus Turhan of Haci Bayram Veli University in Ankara. Citing U.S. Census Bureau data, he noted that trade between the U.S. and Africa has seen major ups and downs from 2014 to 2025, with exports reaching 34 billion dollars and imports 37.8 billion dollars by November 2025. Despite this, Africa accounted for only 1.1 percent of America’s total trade volume of 7.37 trillion dollars in 2024.

Turhan highlighted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), launched in 2000, has played a key role by allowing 32 African nations to export over 1,800 products duty-free to the U.S., contributing about 500 billion dollars in exports between 2002 and 2022. The U.S. House of Representatives recently extended AGOA for another three years. However, Turhan observed that U.S.-Africa trade remains largely oil-dependent.

He added that China and Russia have become Washington’s main competitors in Africa, with China’s trade reaching 314 billion dollars in 2025 and Russia’s 24.5 billion dollars in 2024. Turhan suggested that the U.S. should work closely with partners like Turkey to balance strategic rivalry and development goals in Africa.

The Department of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member special taskforce to address the ongoing lighter vessel shortage ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The government decided to operate mobile courts in key river routes including Narayanganj, Jashore, and Noapara to curb the illegal use of lighter vessels as floating warehouses by some importers. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for obstructing cargo unloading and disrupting normal supply chains.

According to the Department of Shipping, several importers have been keeping goods on lighter vessels for extended periods instead of unloading them, effectively turning them into floating storage facilities. The sudden increase in commercial ships at outer anchorage due to bulk imports before Ramadan has created a shortage of lighter vessels needed to unload goods from seaports. This has delayed cargo handling and raised concerns about potential artificial shortages of essential commodities.

Officials believe that implementing this initiative will help stop the misuse of lighter vessels, speed up cargo unloading, and ensure stable supply of essential goods in the market during Ramadan.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Sirajganj has projected a combined market value of around Tk 1,200 to 1,250 crore from mustard and honey production in the current season. Mustard cultivation has expanded to 90,550 hectares across Ullapara, Tarash, Raiganj, and Shahjadpur upazilas, exceeding the initial target of 90,000 hectares. The DAE expects about 146,000 metric tons of mustard to be produced if weather conditions remain favorable. Farmers are optimistic about good profits due to improved seed varieties and favorable weather.

Honey production has also become a significant economic activity alongside mustard farming. The district has set a target of producing 404,000 kilograms of honey this season, with 220 beekeepers already collecting about 100,000 kilograms. Ullapara upazila leads in both mustard and honey output, creating employment opportunities for many. The DAE is promoting the high-yielding BARI Sarisha-20 variety, which matures within 75–80 days and allows farmers to cultivate boro rice afterward.

Officials noted that expanding mustard cultivation could help reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported edible oil, as domestic production currently meets only a small portion of national demand.

The July Shaheed Smriti Foundation (JSSF) has announced that it needs an additional Tk 2.38 billion to fulfill its commitments to the families of martyrs and injured fighters of the July uprising. The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Kamal Akbar, made the statement at a press conference held on Thursday in front of the JSSF stall at the International Trade Fair in Purbachal. He said the foundation’s goal is to ensure dignity, security, and a sustainable future for those who sacrificed their lives or were injured during the July movement.

According to Kamal Akbar, JSSF has already distributed Tk 1.1621 billion out of Tk 1.1998 billion received from the Chief Adviser’s Fund and public contributions. The funds have reached 829 martyr families and 6,471 injured fighters, while 7,769 injured fighters are still awaiting financial assistance. He added that 7,082 injured fighters have applied for rehabilitation, with 25 percent seeking training, 20 percent employment, and 54 percent self-employment opportunities. So far, 82 injured fighters have been sustainably rehabilitated through the foundation.

Kamal Akbar emphasized that sustainable rehabilitation and proper recognition of the July fighters are essential for the nation’s long-term progress, calling for coordinated support from the media, society, and the state.

China’s export trade reached a record $3.77 trillion in 2025 despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s year-long imposition of high tariffs on multiple countries. According to customs data released Wednesday, exports rose 5.5 percent from the previous year, while imports remained stable at $2.58 trillion, resulting in a trade surplus of $1.19 trillion. Although exports to the United States declined, Beijing expanded sales to markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

The data showed that China’s exports grew 6.6 percent in December, surpassing economists’ forecasts of 3 percent, while imports increased 5.7 percent, also exceeding expectations. However, trade with Russia fell for the first time in five years, as demand for Chinese cars dropped and crude oil imports from Russia declined due to Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

At a press briefing, China’s Vice Minister of Customs Administration Wang Jun said global trade growth remained insufficient and the current environment was not favorable for China’s foreign trade development.