Iran’s national currency, the rial, fell to a record low against the US dollar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. In the free market, one dollar traded for 1,620,500 rials, marking the steepest decline in the country’s currency history. According to currency tracking website Bonbast, the previous day’s rate was around 1.5 million rials per dollar, meaning the rial lost about 150,000 in value within a single day.

The sharp depreciation comes amid ongoing anti-government protests that began late last month. In response to the unrest, Iran’s government shut down internet access on January 7, making it difficult to obtain reliable exchange rate data from regional markets in Istanbul, Baghdad, and along the Afghan border. Bonbast noted that the blackout has obscured the rial’s true market value.

Market instability intensified after US President Donald Trump announced that a large American naval fleet was moving toward Iran. Analysts fear possible naval blockades or attacks on Iran’s oil and gas facilities. Economists believe continued political tension, economic crisis, and international pressure could further weaken the rial.

Bangladesh’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector has plunged into severe instability over the past month, with widespread shortages, closed filling stations, and prices soaring beyond consumers’ reach. Despite steady demand growth, supply has sharply declined as several major private companies reduced or halted imports. Officials and industry insiders attribute the crisis to long-term planned decisions and the dominance of a powerful business syndicate, rather than solely to international sanctions or Middle East unrest.

According to official data, LPG demand has increased 25-fold in 15 years, but imports fell from 1.61 million tons in 2024 to 1.47 million tons in 2025. Eight large companies, many linked to the former ruling party, have cut imports over the past 18 months, creating a severe supply gap. U.S. sanctions on Iranian-linked vessels further disrupted shipping, leaving many LPG pumps closed nationwide.

Experts and industry leaders have urged the government to intervene directly in LPG trading to stabilize the market. They argue that with proper monitoring and infrastructure development, the state could regain control within six months and restore order to the energy sector.

Professor Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam described a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, where he observed a large plastic sculpture at Sugandha Point built to raise awareness about plastic pollution. He highlighted how plastic waste has become a growing environmental threat to the world’s longest natural sea beach, with single-use plastics from tourists and businesses accumulating in the sand and sea. The professor warned that plastic waste is breaking down into microplastics, entering the marine food chain, and ultimately affecting humans.

He noted that despite a legal ban on polythene in Bangladesh, enforcement in Cox’s Bazar remains weak. Hotels, restaurants, and beach vendors continue to use plastic due to its low cost and availability. The article calls for strict monitoring, fines, and promotion of affordable eco-friendly alternatives. It also emphasizes community-based waste management, recycling initiatives, and environmental education for children and tourists.

The professor further pointed out the problem of stray dogs and animal waste on the beach, urging authorities to take immediate measures. He concluded that protecting Cox’s Bazar requires coordinated national action to preserve its natural beauty and ecological balance.

The Bangladesh government plans to provide incentives to potato farmers after many suffered losses due to low market prices. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers have reduced potato cultivation this season compared to last year, raising concerns about lower production. Farmers are shifting to other vegetables such as eggplant, pumpkin, and bottle gourd following advice from agricultural officials. Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that the incentive plan aims to support affected growers.

Officials said domestic potato demand is around nine million tons, but last season’s production reached over 11.5 million tons, leaving a surplus that could not be exported due to excessive pesticide and fertilizer use. Only certain varieties like Sunshine, Granola, and Diamond are being exported. Exporters noted that limited cultivation of export-quality potatoes restricts market potential despite strong global demand.

Export data from the Export Promotion Bureau show a decline in potato exports from 62,726 metric tons in 2021–22 to 32,392 metric tons in 2022–23, with export earnings dropping from over $33 million in 2013–14 to around $10 million in recent years.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is in the final stage of negotiations with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to purchase 14 new planes, including ten Dreamliners (787-9 and 787-10 series) and four Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The proposed deal, valued at around $3.7 billion, may be signed within the current month if both sides finalize terms. The airline has placed at least 20 conditions and sought maximum price reductions, while Boeing has prepared a revised draft agreement reflecting possible concessions.

According to Biman sources, the National Negotiation Committee—comprising secretaries from key ministries and the airline’s board chairman—is leading the talks. The government and Biman’s board have already given policy approval for the purchase. Boeing has shown willingness to adjust prices and payment terms, and both parties are working to finalize details such as advance payments, delivery schedules, and training provisions.

If signed this month, the aircraft deliveries will continue through 2035. Biman expects the new planes to expand its international operations and address current fleet shortages that limit route frequency and new route launches.

In Cumilla’s Chauddagram upazila, a poor farmer named Siraj Mia has been forced to pull a wooden plow himself due to financial hardship. Unable to afford cattle or rent a tractor, he was seen leveling muddy farmland in Durgapur village during the ongoing Boro rice planting season. Despite being a genuine farmer, Siraj said he has not received any government incentives, farmer cards, or free seeds and fertilizers. He expressed frustration that his information was collected during floods, yet no assistance followed.

Other poor farmers in the area echoed similar grievances, alleging that real farmers are often excluded from government support programs. They claimed that seasonal or politically connected individuals receive benefits instead. Rising agricultural costs have made it increasingly difficult for low-income farmers to manage cultivation expenses.

Chauddagram Upazila Agriculture Officer Jubayer Ahmed stated that authorities are aware of Siraj Mia’s situation and will inspect the case in person to ensure necessary government assistance is provided.

A devastating landslide in Indonesia’s West Java province has killed at least 50 people, with 32 others still missing as of Wednesday, according to local media reports. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors despite adverse weather and difficult terrain. Heavy machinery and tracking devices are being used to locate those trapped under mud and debris.

Authorities reported earlier in the day that 48 people had been confirmed dead and 32 remained missing, citing the state news agency Antara. The disaster has displaced at least 685 residents, who have been moved to safer areas. The landslide struck a village in West Bandung Regency on Saturday, burying numerous homes.

Separately, Indonesia’s Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali said that 23 naval personnel were caught in the landslide during a training exercise in the same area. Four of them have been confirmed dead, while 19 remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing despite the challenging conditions.

The government has initiated a direct purchase (DPM) process to procure coal for the RPCL-Norinco power plant in Patuakhali, aiming to start commercial operation quickly. Officials said the move seeks to bypass prolonged tender delays that have kept the 1,320-megawatt plant idle since its test run in April last year. The project, built with $2.54 billion including $1.77 billion in Chinese loans, faces repayment pressure from lenders as coal shortages prevent full operation.

Sector experts and senior Supreme Court lawyers have criticized the decision, calling it a violation of a High Court ruling that upheld a Singapore-based company’s right to supply coal after multiple tenders were canceled. They argue the government’s direct purchase plan exceeds its authority and could create long-term complications. The RPCL board has also approved emergency coal procurement from the EPC contractor consortium and plans to send a committee to Indonesia to identify potential mines.

Experts warn that bypassing competitive tenders and relying on EPC contractors for coal could increase project costs, deepen dependency on imports, and further delay stable power generation.

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and the government’s Aspire to Innovate (a2i) program signed a memorandum of understanding at the university’s Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall on Wednesday. The agreement aims to implement paperless administrative operations at BMU and enhance healthcare services through the use of information and communication technology.

Under the MoU, BMU will introduce a digital payment system to make financial transactions related to medical services, education, and research more transparent and efficient. The university’s service fees and bills will be integrated with a2i’s ‘EkPay’ platform, enabling payments through mobile financial services, digital wallets, online banking, debit and credit cards, and agent banking. The initiative is expected to reduce manual hassles and promote a cashless environment across the institution.

Speakers at the event expressed optimism that this digital transformation would help BMU evolve into a modern and smart medical institution, improving patient convenience and supporting the digital preservation of health records.

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s new film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” centered on the Palestinian crisis, has secured a place in the final nominations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September last year to record-breaking standing ovations, will compete in the Best International Feature Film category. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in California, with the final nominations announced on January 22.

Alongside Tunisia’s entry, the category includes films from Brazil, France, Norway, and Spain. Despite submissions from seven African countries, Tunisia is the only one to reach the final list. This marks Ben Hania’s third Oscar nomination, following previous recognition for “The Man Who Sold His Skin” (2020) and “Four Daughters” (2023). She remains the only Tunisian filmmaker to receive multiple Oscar nominations.

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” depicts the January 2024 Gaza attack that killed five-year-old Hind Rajab, her relatives, and paramedics. The film’s executive producers include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on January 28, 2026. During the opening ceremony, he also launched the website and logo of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Challenge'. The event is organized by the ICT Division, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Bangladesh Computer Samity, and will continue until January 31.

The expo aims to promote innovation, capacity building, success, and investment in the technology sector. It features innovative products, digital devices, mobile and e-sports technologies, along with special discounts and offers. The event includes five seminars and four panel discussions on topics such as digital transformation, global investment, startup ecosystems, financing, and inclusive digital growth. A documentary titled 'Create Here, Connect Everywhere' was screened at the opening.

Organizers have ensured Wi-Fi coverage across the venue using satellite internet technology. The expo is being viewed as an important platform for showcasing advanced technologies and innovative ideas from various industries and universities.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for an end to fraudulent practices in Bangladesh, emphasizing that the July Movement had opened new possibilities, just as the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 could do for the information technology sector. He said the participants of the July Movement would one day lead the world. Yunus made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon at the inauguration of the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026 held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center.

He stated that Bangladesh had become known for fraud, which had damaged its international image. To excel in technology, he said, the country must eliminate fraudulent practices. Yunus stressed that Bangladesh has the ability to move forward with pride if integrity is maintained.

The event highlighted the government’s focus on innovation and digital transformation, with Yunus positioning the fight against fraud as essential for restoring Bangladesh’s reputation and achieving technological progress.

France has moved toward restricting children’s use of social media, with its lower house of parliament passing a bill to ban access for those under 15. The measure still requires approval from the Senate before becoming law. In response, the European Union is considering similar action, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supporting the idea of setting a minimum age limit. The Commission plans to form an expert panel early this year to advise on possible steps for all 27 member states.

The EU already enforces the Digital Services Act, which bans advertising targeted at children and allows regulators to require structural changes to online platforms. France, Denmark, and three other countries are testing an age verification app designed to protect minors from harmful online content, with the Commission expecting a full rollout by the end of the year.

Although no EU-wide ban is yet in place, regulators anticipate initial decisions on child protection measures during the first half of 2026.

A devastating snowstorm has paralyzed life across 14 U.S. states, with the death toll rising to 38. The storm has blanketed roads in the central and eastern regions under thick snow, severely disrupting transportation and leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The U.S. weather agency has warned that the extreme cold is expected to persist for several more days.

Temperatures have dropped below freezing in Tennessee, Arkansas, and North Carolina, with forecasts indicating further decline by Wednesday night. The National Weather Service has cautioned that conditions could worsen in the eastern United States on Friday and Saturday, with another winter storm expected to hit parts of the East Coast and record low temperatures predicted as far south as Florida.

More than 550,000 homes and businesses have lost power, including over 135,000 in Nashville, Tennessee. Local authorities there reported that homeless shelters are full, and police and firefighters are working extended hours to manage the crisis.

A major portion of Mamar Ghat, an important river transport hub under Mongla municipality in Bagerhat, has collapsed into the Pashur River due to severe erosion. The incident has left around 10,000 daily commuters facing acute travel disruptions, while fear and uncertainty spread across the area. Residents along the riverbank are relocating homes and belongings to safer places as the erosion continues.

According to local accounts, the erosion has been ongoing for three years but intensified recently due to heavy upstream runoff that raised river levels and increased current pressure. Illegal sand extraction along the riverbank has worsened the situation, destabilizing the river’s natural flow and embankments. Locals allege that unregulated sand lifting over the past decade has triggered the current crisis, severely affecting transport to the nearby Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

Mongla municipal administrator and Upazila Executive Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi said sand-filled geobags are being placed to curb the erosion. Residents, however, question why preventive measures and enforcement against illegal sand mining were not taken earlier.