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.

Starting January 25, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will impose fines and possible jail terms for honking in and around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, violators may face a maximum fine of 10,000 taka or up to three months in jail. The enforcement will cover the airport area and a 1.5-kilometer stretch from Scholastica School to Hotel Le Méridien.

The DMP has declared the airport zone, along with Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan, as silent areas where honking is a punishable offense. The initiative aims to reduce noise pollution in these designated zones. The police announcement specifies that the rule will be strictly implemented from January 25.

To ensure compliance, special mobile courts will be operated jointly by the Department of Environment, BRTA, Civil Aviation Authority, Dhaka North City Corporation, and DMP magistrates, as stated in the police notice.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that shipbuilding companies can regularize their defaulted loans by depositing three percent of the outstanding amount. The central bank’s Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a circular on Tuesday outlining the terms. The loans can be repaid over a maximum of ten years, including a two-year grace period during which only interest must be paid monthly or quarterly. Companies must apply by June 30 of this year, and banks are required to resolve applications within sixty days.

The circular explains that the global economic downturn, geopolitical instability, and military unrest in Europe have disrupted supply chains, severely affecting both export-oriented and domestic shipbuilding industries. To sustain this promising export sector and facilitate loan recovery, Bangladesh Bank introduced special rescheduling and restructuring facilities. Previously rescheduled loans may also receive up to two additional years of repayment time with a two percent down payment.

Banks must verify through special inspections that borrowers were genuinely affected by uncontrollable circumstances. Islamic banks are instructed to implement the policy in accordance with Shariah principles.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said one of Bangladesh’s major problems is policy distortion caused by excessive laws and regulations conflicting with free-market principles. Speaking on Tuesday at a seminar titled ‘Post Election 2026 Horizon; Economy, Politics and Capital Market’ organized by BRAC EPL Stock Brokerage in Banani, Dhaka, he argued that the economy has reached a low equilibrium over the past one and a half years and requires major reforms, liberalization, and market-oriented policies to recover.

He emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy and capital market are overly regulated by controlling agencies, calling for deregulation, transparency, and accountability. Khasru said his party would pursue liberalization if in power, allowing markets to operate freely. He also highlighted issues such as reckless bank lending, capital flight, and lack of accountability as key causes of financial instability.

Khasru further noted that transparency in the capital market is essential, urging the removal of “garbage accounts” and accurate disclosure of non-performing loans, which he said could reach 40 percent if properly reported. He stressed that investor confidence depends on presenting a clear and credible financial picture.

Business operators in Bangladesh have decided to import over 28,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to ensure normal supply during Ramadan. The decision was made during an emergency meeting held on Tuesday at the Rail Bhaban in Dhaka between the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Faozul Kabir Khan. During the meeting, business representatives assured that the current LPG shortage would be resolved before Ramadan.

The energy adviser instructed operators to prevent any LPG shortage before the upcoming national election and to maintain stable supply during Ramadan. He emphasized that the import commitments made for January and February must be fulfilled, assuring full government cooperation to achieve this goal. Operators explained that adverse international conditions had disrupted imports but denied charging higher prices.

According to the operators, twelve companies aim to import 167,600 tons of LPG in January and plan to increase the volume to 184,100 tons in February. They expressed confidence that meeting these targets would significantly ease the current supply crisis.

The Bangladesh Bridge Authority announced that toll collection from the Padma Bridge has reached a milestone of 30 billion taka. The information was shared in a press release issued on Tuesday by Masud Rana Shikder, Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer of the authority. Since the bridge’s inauguration on June 25, 2022, both vehicle crossings and revenue have steadily increased.

According to the release, the Padma Bridge has significantly reduced travel time, created employment opportunities, and contributed positively to national GDP growth. It has also brought major improvements in the transportation of agricultural, fisheries, livestock, and industrial goods. The Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system installed at the Mawa and Jajira ends has accelerated toll operations, minimizing waiting times at toll plazas.

The statement added that automatic toll collection through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards has made travel faster and easier. The Bangladesh Bridge Authority credited public cooperation and modernization of the digital toll system for achieving this milestone and extended thanks to all stakeholders involved in the bridge’s operation and maintenance.

The Pay Commission of Bangladesh is set to submit its report on the Ninth National Pay Scale to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The commission, led by Zakir Ahmed Khan, will hold its final meeting earlier in the day at the Cabinet Division’s old building. According to commission sources, the new pay structure will be partially implemented from January 1, 2026, and fully effective from July 1, 2026–27 fiscal year.

Under the proposed structure, house rent will not increase for all grades of government employees. Instead, it will rise proportionally for grades 20 to 9 but decrease for grades 8 to 1, as higher-grade officers are already receiving significant salary hikes. The lowest salary, currently Tk 8,250, is expected to more than double, while the highest salary will rise from Tk 78,000 to over Tk 120,000, maintaining a 1:8 ratio between the lowest and highest scales.

The government has already raised operating expenditure by Tk 22,000 crore in the revised 2025–26 budget to support partial implementation. Full implementation is estimated to require an additional Tk 70,000–80,000 crore.

The Finance Division of Bangladesh has issued a new order requiring its prior approval for 26 categories of government financial decisions. Signed by Finance Secretary Dr. Mohammad Khairuzzaman Mozumder, the directive took effect immediately and will remain valid until further notice. The order aims to strengthen fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability across ministries and departments by centralizing oversight of major financial and administrative actions.

According to the order, proposals related to creation or abolition of posts, pay structure changes, vehicle procurement, outsourcing of services, and temporary labor hiring must be submitted to the Finance Division. Approval is also mandatory for expenditures exceeding budget allocations, re-appropriation between revenue and capital budgets, and honoraria above specified limits. Additionally, foreign travel expenses beyond set dollar thresholds, tax and fee proposals, and policy matters involving financial commitments or international agreements require prior clearance.

The directive further covers loan guarantees, remission of government revenue claims, and approval of pay and allowances for private or foreign experts. The Finance Division emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure consistent financial governance across all government entities.

Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has experienced its heaviest snowfall in 130 years, leaving towns and cities buried under massive snowdrifts. Local authorities reported snow accumulation ranging from 10 to 40 feet, with some multi-story buildings covered up to the fourth floor. The severe blizzard has caused fatalities due to snow pressure and avalanches. On January 15, Mayor Yevgeny Belyayev declared a state of emergency in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s administrative center.

The extreme weather has paralyzed transportation, forcing road closures and flight cancellations. Power outages have been reported across several areas, and schools, offices, and businesses remain shut, confining residents indoors. Shortages of essential goods such as bread, milk, and eggs have emerged as snow-blocked roads disrupt supply chains.

Meteorologists attributed the continuous heavy snowfall and strong winds to multiple low-pressure systems over the Sea of Okhotsk. They warned that the harsh conditions could persist for several more days, prolonging the region’s crisis.

Renowned musician Kabir Suman has joined Dhaka cinema for the first time, contributing as a lyricist and composer for the upcoming film 'Jhamela'. Although he will not sing, his songs will be performed by popular Bangladeshi singer Asif Akbar. The film, directed by Yamin Ilan, features six songs, three of which are written and composed by Suman. Music direction is handled by Ujjal Sinha and Azmir Babu.

'Jhamela' is a family drama produced under the banner of Diya Productions, with Diya Rois as producer. The cast includes Dolly Zahur, Shyamal Mawla, Tanjika Amin, Rashed Mamun Apu, Kazi Nowshaba Ahmed, Abu Hurayra Tanvir, Abdullah Rana, and Saberi Alam, among others. Director Yamin Ilan emphasized that the film is entirely Bangladeshi, not modeled after Tamil or Indian cinema, and that shooting has taken place in Dhaka and Gazipur.

According to the director, the team plans to release the film during one of the upcoming Eid festivals this year.

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUB) organized a farmer training program titled “Verification of Milk Quality at Farmers’ Doorsteps through the Innovated Mobile Milk Testing Laboratory.” The event took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the university’s International Complex seminar room. The training aimed to ensure fair prices for farmers and safe milk for consumers by teaching the use and practical application of the mobile milk testing laboratory. Forty farmers from different areas of Gazipur participated in the two-phase program.

The opening session was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. J.K.M. Mostafizur Rahman as chief guest, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad as special guests. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Farhana Yasmin, Director of the External Center. The training was conducted by Professor Dr. Md. Morshedur Rahman, inventor of the mobile milk testing technology, who provided both theoretical and practical guidance.

According to the university, the mobile milk testing lab—first of its kind in Bangladesh—offers services such as nutrition analysis, adulteration detection, antibiotic presence testing, mastitis examination, and microbial count assessment.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced major labor market reforms requiring at least 60 percent Saudi nationals in 18 marketing and sales-related professions. The directive, reported by Gulf News, aims to expand local participation and reduce unemployment. Companies with three or more employees must comply within three months, and Saudi workers in these roles will receive a minimum monthly salary of 5,500 riyals.

The affected professions include marketing and advertising managers, public relations officers, graphic designers, photographers, sales managers, retail and wholesale representatives, and IT and telecommunications sales specialists. Firms failing to meet the localization target after the grace period will face fines and administrative penalties.

The initiative aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil and create more jobs for young Saudis. However, the policy is expected to significantly impact expatriate workers, particularly from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, who have long dominated Saudi Arabia’s private marketing and sales sectors.

Toyota Bangladesh Limited (TBL), a fully owned investment of Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific and Toyota Tsusho Japan, recently held a meeting with the Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ashik Chowdhury, to discuss the future of the automotive industry in Bangladesh. The meeting focused on long-term growth, a sustainable automotive future, and improving the overall business environment in the country.

During the discussion, TBL emphasized its commitment to contributing to Bangladesh’s evolving industrial landscape through innovation, efficiency, and responsible business practices. BIDA welcomed Toyota Bangladesh’s participation and reaffirmed its growing support for sustainable investments that strengthen industrial capacity and promote environmentally responsible growth.

The meeting highlighted mutual interest in advancing Bangladesh’s automotive sector through collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to foster a more sustainable and competitive industry.

The Pay Commission led by Zakir Ahmed Khan will submit its report on new salary and allowance recommendations for government employees to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday at 5 p.m. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed the submission to the media. According to the report, the commission has proposed partial implementation of the new pay structure from January 1, 2026, with full implementation from July 1, 2026, marking the start of the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Sources indicate that the current minimum salary of Tk 8,250 may more than double, while the maximum salary could rise from Tk 78,000 to over Tk 120,000. The commission has recommended setting the ratio between the highest and lowest salaries at 1:8. The revised 2025–26 budget has already increased operating expenses by Tk 22,000 crore to accommodate partial implementation. Full implementation of the proposed structure is expected to require an additional Tk 70,000–80,000 crore.

The commission, formed on July 27 last year with 21 members, was tasked with submitting its report within six months and has suggested higher increases for lower-grade employees.

The National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization approved the final structure and responsibilities of the newly formed Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Departments, officially dissolving the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The approval was granted on Tuesday during the committee’s meeting, confirming the administrative framework for the two new departments.

According to the decision, the specific duties of the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Departments have been defined. The meeting also outlined the types of officials to be appointed to these departments and the process for staff deployment. The session was attended by six government advisers, including those from the Finance and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs ministries, along with the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary, and 14 secretaries or senior secretaries.

In total, the committee approved 11 proposals related to administrative reorganization, marking a significant step in restructuring Bangladesh’s revenue administration system.