The government of Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 27.15 million liters of refined soybean oil from the international market at a cost of Tk 357.62 crore, with each liter priced at Tk 131.49. The decision was made on Wednesday at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The procurement will be conducted under the Direct Purchase Method (DPM) to ensure adequate supply and market stability ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to meeting sources, the Ministry of Commerce proposed the urgent import to meet increased demand during Ramadan. After evaluation by the tender committee, the purchase was finalized from Canada-based NSRIC Green Supplies Inc. Officials stated that the oil will be sold in the open market at a price lower than the government-fixed rate but not below the purchase cost, meaning no subsidy will be required. Consumers will access the product through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

The meeting also approved the import of 30,000 metric tons of bagged granular urea fertilizer from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) for the 2025–26 fiscal year at a cost of Tk 149.17 crore.

Bangladeshi singer Balam is set to release his fifth solo album titled 'Maula' after a gap of more than a decade. The album, containing six songs, will be released on the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Balam has composed and arranged all the tracks himself, while the lyricists’ names remain undisclosed. He mentioned that all songs will be released in audio format, with one track accompanied by a music video.

Discussing the project, Balam said he has resumed music seriously after years of releasing only singles, which he found insufficient to meet fans’ expectations. He emphasized that a full album allows for greater musical variety and helps attract listeners of different tastes and ages. The album aims to connect with both long-time fans and younger audiences, including Generation Z.

The title track 'Maula' is a Sufi-inspired song created during the COVID period, reflecting on global unrest. Balam believes its message remains relevant today. His previous albums include 'Balam' (2007), 'Balam 2' (2008), 'Balam 3' (2010), and 'Bhubon' (2013).

Private airline Novoair has announced an increase in flight frequency on the Dhaka–Chattogram route to meet growing passenger demand and improve travel convenience. Starting January 26, 2026, the airline will introduce an additional flight on this route, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Currently, Novoair operates one daily flight between Dhaka and Chattogram, departing Dhaka at 1:15 p.m. and returning from Chattogram at 2:40 p.m.

According to Novoair Managing Director Mofizur Rahman, Chattogram is a key commercial and tourism hub in Bangladesh, and the decision to expand service reflects increasing passenger needs and the company’s commitment to better connectivity. The new flight will depart Dhaka at 4:15 p.m. and return from Chattogram at 5:40 p.m. on the specified days.

In addition to the Chattogram route, Novoair currently operates regular flights to Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and Saidpur, maintaining its focus on domestic air connectivity within Bangladesh.

The full meeting of the Ninth National Pay Commission concluded on Wednesday, finalizing recommendations for a new pay structure for government employees and pensioners. According to meeting sources, the commission has proposed increasing government employees’ salaries by 100 to 147 percent, setting the lowest salary at 20,000 taka for the 20th grade and the highest at 160,000 taka for the first grade.

The proposed pay scale also includes significant pension increases. Pensioners currently receiving less than 20,000 taka per month would see their pensions doubled, while those receiving between 20,000 and 40,000 taka would get a 75 percent increase. Pensioners earning more than 40,000 taka would receive a 55 percent rise. Additionally, the commission suggested raising medical allowances for elderly pensioners, recommending 10,000 taka for those over 75 years old and 5,000 taka for those under 55.

Officials said the recommendations were finalized after extensive discussions and reviews. The report will be submitted to the government for verification and approval before the new pay and pension structures are implemented.

Veteran Bangladeshi film actor and choreographer Ilias Javed passed away on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, at a hospital in Uttara, Dhaka. He was 82. Born in Pakistan, Javed spent most of his life in Bangladesh, where he became a celebrated figure in the golden era of Bengali cinema. His real name was Raja Mohammad Ilias, and before becoming a leading actor, he was one of the country’s most acclaimed dance directors.

Javed began his artistic journey in Mumbai, training under legendary dance masters Sadhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj, and learning alongside Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan. He debuted as a hero in the Urdu film “Nayi Zindegi” in 1964, but his breakthrough came with the 1970 film “Payel,” directed by Mustafiz, where he starred with Razzak and Shabana. He went on to act in over a hundred films, including “Nishan,” “Malka Banu,” and “Kajal Rekha,” pairing with leading actresses such as Shabana, Bobita, and Kabori.

Beyond acting, Javed revolutionized dance in Bengali cinema, mentoring top actors and actresses. His wife Dolly Javed described him as a superstar in both acting and choreography, remembered with respect by peers and fans alike.

Japan is set to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, the world’s largest facility of its kind, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) announced plans to activate one reactor after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, following final approval from the Niigata governor last month. Despite safety upgrades, including a 15-meter tsunami barrier and elevated emergency power systems, local residents remain concerned about potential risks.

Public opinion is sharply divided, with a September survey showing about 60 percent of residents opposing the restart and 37 percent supporting it. Protesters gathered outside the plant this week, citing safety fears and past issues such as information concealment and inadequate evacuation plans. Seven civic groups submitted a petition with 40,000 signatures opposing the restart, noting the site’s location in an active seismic zone.

Japan’s government supports renewed nuclear use to reduce energy imports, meet carbon neutrality goals by 2050, and address rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence. The restarted unit will be TEPCO’s first operational reactor since 2011, as the country aims to expand nuclear and renewable energy to supply up to 40 percent of its power by 2040.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Bangladesh has launched the second phase of the e-bail bond service in eight districts—Manikganj, Bandarban, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi, and Sherpur. The service was inaugurated on Wednesday at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry. The initiative aims to modernize the judicial system and reduce the suffering of litigants. Previously, the service was introduced in Narayanganj, where it has been operating successfully.

According to the ministry, the e-bail bond system allows detainees to be released within an hour through online submission, eliminating multiple procedural steps and reducing time and cost. Dr. Nazrul stated that the digital process ensures full record-keeping of signatures and prevents intentional delays. He expressed hope that the service will be expanded to all 64 districts in phases.

He further mentioned that the ministry aims to introduce the e-bail bond service nationwide within six months and expects future governments to continue this essential digital reform.

The National Pay Commission is set to propose a new pay scale for government employees, raising the maximum salary to Tk 160,000 and the minimum to Tk 20,000. The commission will submit its final report on the ninth national pay scale to the Chief Adviser on Wednesday afternoon at the State Guest House Jamuna. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., following a preparatory session held earlier in the day at the Secretariat.

According to commission sources, the proposed pay structure includes salary increases ranging from 100 to 147 percent, with proportionally higher raises for lower-grade employees. The commission has recommended partial implementation from January 1, 2026, and full execution from July 1, 2026, marking the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year. Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed noted that not all recommendations may be implemented exactly as proposed but expressed confidence that government employees would be satisfied.

The 21-member commission, led by former finance secretary and PKSF chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, was formed on July 27 of the previous year and tasked with submitting its report within six months.

The National Pay Commission, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, has finalized recommendations for a new salary structure for Bangladesh’s government employees. The proposal suggests increasing basic pay by 100 to 147 percent, raising the minimum salary in the 20th grade from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum in the 1st grade from Tk 78,000 to Tk 160,000. The report is scheduled to be formally submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to the proposal, the new structure would take effect partially from January 1 and fully from July 1. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that after submission, several committees will review the report, a process expected to take three to four months. The recommendations also include major revisions to housing and transport allowances, with the Boishakhi allowance proposed to rise from 20 to 50 percent and transport benefits extended up to the 10th grade.

For pensioners, the commission proposed significant increases, including a 100 percent rise for those receiving less than Tk 20,000 per month and smaller increments for higher pension brackets.

Popular Bangladeshi film actor and 'Nirapad Sarak Chai' founder Ilias Kanchan is undergoing cancer treatment in London. According to Liton Ershad, vice chairman of the organization, Kanchan is currently in his second round of chemotherapy, which will continue until May. Afterward, he is expected to receive a vaccine in Germany. If his condition improves, he may return to Bangladesh.

Several of his co-artists have expressed their hopes for his recovery. Actor Misha Sawdagor said they are eagerly waiting for Kanchan to return healthy, praising his kind nature and contributions to Bangladeshi cinema. Actress Champa prayed for his quick recovery and return to his family. Shabnaz described him as a pride of the film industry and a lifelong advocate for road safety. Actress Popy recalled his guidance and kindness, wishing for his battle with illness to end soon.

Ilias Kanchan debuted in the 1977 film 'Boshundhora' and has received multiple National Film Awards and the Ekushey Padak for his social contributions.

Veteran Bangladeshi actor and dancer Ilias Javed, a popular figure from the golden era of cinema, passed away at the age of 82 on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. in a hospital in Uttara, Dhaka. The news was confirmed by Soni Rahman, an executive member of the Artists’ Association. His body will be taken to the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) for a final tribute, where his funeral prayer will be held after Asr. He will then be buried beside the mosque in Uttara Sector 12.

Javed had been battling cancer for a long time and also suffered from heart problems, having survived two previous heart attacks. His death has cast a shadow of grief over the film and cultural community. Born in 1944 in Peshawar, British India, he began his career as a dance director before becoming a leading actor in over 200 films. He debuted as a hero in the Urdu film “Nayi Zindegi” in 1964 and gained fame with “Payel” in 1966. He was best known for his role in the film “Nishan.”

In his personal life, Javed married actress Dolly Chowdhury in 1984.

At least 20 people have died in four days of devastating wildfires across southern Chile, leaving entire communities in ruins and thick smoke blanketing the air. The fires have burned an area comparable to the size of Detroit in the United States, mainly in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, affecting about 7,200 people. Residents are appealing for urgent assistance as firefighters remain on alert amid forecasts of rising temperatures.

Local accounts describe widespread frustration over limited government support, with many survivors relying on volunteers and neighbors for help. Chile’s Deputy Interior Minister Víctor Ramos said the government has intensified relief efforts and will provide financial aid ranging from 350 to 1,500 US dollars per affected family. Around 4,000 firefighters are battling 21 active fires across Biobío, Ñuble, and Araucanía regions, where hundreds of homes have been destroyed.

Authorities suspect some fires were deliberately set, with one person arrested in Penco for attempted arson. Researchers link the increasing frequency of such wildfires to prolonged heat and dryness associated with climate change, making this year’s fires the worst since February 2024.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced that the country has received 300 million U.S. dollars from oil sales. Speaking on Tuesday, she said the payment represents the first installment under a 50-million-barrel oil supply agreement announced by U.S. President Donald Trump with Caracas. The deal came into effect earlier this month following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro.

According to Reuters, the Venezuelan government informed four domestic banks that the 300 million dollars, held in an account in Qatar, would be distributed among them. The funds will allow banks to sell dollars to local companies facing foreign currency shortages so they can pay for raw materials and essential imports. Rodríguez said the money, part of an initial 500 million dollar tranche, will be managed by the national and central banks to stabilize the currency market and protect workers’ income and purchasing power.

On the same day, lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez stated that a proposal to reform the country’s main oil law could be discussed this week. The reform aims to attract foreign investment and build on existing partnership models introduced under Maduro’s administration.

Bangladesh’s domestic textile industry, with investments worth about $25 billion, is facing severe pressure due to a surge in low-priced yarn and fabric imports from India. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) reported that since 2022, yarn imports from India have risen sharply—from $429 million in 2022 to $2.28 billion in 2024—now accounting for 95 percent of total yarn imports. Despite a government ban on land-route imports in August 2024, Indian exporters have continued shipments by sea at dumping prices, supported by export subsidies of 3.88 percent per kilogram.

BTMA and local mill owners warn that aggressive Indian pricing has forced many domestic mills to shut down, with over 30 closures in three years. The Ministry of Commerce has proposed ending bonded warehouse facilities for certain yarns to protect local spinners, while garment exporters’ associations BGMEA and BKMEA oppose the move, citing higher production costs and reduced export competitiveness. Industry leaders are urging policy support, lower bank interest rates, and stronger oversight at land ports to prevent further losses.

The ongoing dispute underscores tensions between protecting domestic textile producers and maintaining competitiveness in Bangladesh’s export-oriented garment sector.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has reported that temperatures across the country are currently 4 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, even during the coldest month of the year. On Tuesday, Teknaf recorded the highest temperature at 31.4°C, while Dhaka reached 28°C. Officials described the situation as abnormal and warned that temperatures may rise further in the coming days.

Meteorologist Kazi Zebun Nesa attributed the unusual warmth to air pollution and global climate change. Dr. Omar Faruk explained that a recent deep depression over the Bay of Bengal contributed to the sudden temperature increase across Bangladesh and neighboring countries. He noted that there is no sign of a cold wave or imminent temperature drop.

Senior meteorologist S.M. Kamrul Hasan said the global average temperature has been rising for the past three years, affecting Bangladesh as well. He added that the minimal difference between day and night temperatures recorded on December 29 was the lowest in 73 years, underscoring the abnormal weather pattern.