Professor Dr. M. Shahidul Islam emphasized that Bangladesh must adopt and implement a strategic plan for green technology and renewable energy to ensure long-term sustainable economic development. Currently, about 95 percent of the country’s energy system depends on high carbon-emitting fossil fuels, producing roughly 0.7 kilograms of carbon per kilowatt-hour of electricity. This dependency poses structural challenges to sustainability and directly contributes to climate change, threatening public health, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

The article highlights that energy security is a fundamental right linked to food security, water management, industrialization, and employment. Bangladesh holds about 3 billion tons of high-quality coal and has renewable energy potential of around 75,000 megawatts from solar, wind, hydro, and biomass sources. The proposed in-situ underground coal gasification (UCG) method could convert deep coal into syngas without mining, reducing environmental damage and carbon emissions.

Economic analysis shows UCG could achieve up to 85 percent thermal efficiency and cut emissions to below 0.1 kilograms per kilowatt-hour. The author calls for pilot projects, research, and skilled workforce development to overcome geological and technical challenges, ensuring a balanced, low-risk energy transition for Bangladesh.

Popular family game show 'Family Feud Bangladesh' is set to return to television with its second season starting January 19. The show will air every Monday at 9:30 p.m. on NTV, with reruns on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Viewers will also be able to watch it anytime for free on the Bongo app and website. The new season will again be hosted by Tahsan Khan and directed by Wahidul Islam Shuvro.

According to the producers, the second season aims to build on the success of the first, which recorded over one billion total views across platforms and awarded more than three million taka in prizes. The upcoming season promises more excitement, larger prizes, and a wider scope of participation. Tahsan Khan expressed enthusiasm about the show’s return, noting that survey questions were collected from all 64 districts of Bangladesh, making the content more engaging and representative.

The producers expect the expanded format and fresh survey-based questions to enhance the show’s appeal and strengthen its position as a leading source of family entertainment in Bangladesh.

The European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc have signed a major trade agreement in Asunción, Paraguay, on Saturday. The deal, reported by Turkey-based Hurriyet Daily News, brings together the EU’s 27 member states and Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, forming one of the world’s largest free trade zones. The signing follows nearly 25 years of complex negotiations.

The agreement is viewed as a significant message against the tariff threats and trade uncertainty associated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on several European countries over the Greenland issue. During the signing ceremony, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the parties chose fair trade over tariffs and long-term partnership over isolation. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña described the deal as a clear message in favor of international trade amid global tensions, while European Council head Antonio Costa said it rejects the use of trade as a geopolitical weapon.

Leaders expressed hope that the agreement will generate employment, prosperity, and new opportunities across both regions.

NASA has moved its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, marking a major step toward sending humans to the Moon for the first time in over five decades. The transfer, lasting about 12 hours, positions the Artemis-2 mission for final testing before a possible launch on February 6. The mission will carry three American astronauts and one Canadian on a roughly 10-day journey around the Moon without landing.

The Artemis-2 mission, announced during former President Donald Trump’s first term, is viewed as a key milestone in the United States’ renewed lunar ambitions. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen attended the rollout, expressing excitement about the upcoming flight. Engineers will now conduct a series of safety tests, including a full simulation, before liftoff. NASA previously completed the uncrewed Artemis-1 mission in November 2022.

The report notes that China is also advancing its lunar program, aiming to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. Analysts suggest U.S. urgency stems partly from China’s progress, while uncertainty remains over the 2027 Artemis-3 mission due to delays in SpaceX’s Starship rocket development.

Digital rights activists have warned that Iran’s government is advancing plans to permanently disconnect the country from the global internet. According to a report by the censorship-monitoring group Filterwatch, only a small, government-approved group will be allowed limited access to international networks, while the general public will be restricted to a domestic “national internet” isolated from the global web. Filterwatch chief Amir Rashidi described the system as a state-controlled parallel network containing only government-approved search engines, messaging apps, and streaming services.

Activists allege that Chinese technology and Huawei equipment are being used to build this surveillance and censorship infrastructure, enabling authorities to monitor and block internet traffic. Since January 8, Iran has faced one of its longest internet blackouts, lasting over 200 hours, surpassing Egypt’s 2011 shutdown. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani suggested the restrictions could continue until March 20, coinciding with the Nowruz holiday.

Analysts cited by The Guardian said the move reflects a decade-and-a-half of planning since the 2009 protests, when Iran began developing its domestic internet system. A 2025 law now criminalizes possession of Starlink terminals, with penalties up to death, as authorities use Russian and Chinese jammers to block satellite signals.

Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have sharply increased their overseas investments despite sluggish domestic conditions. According to a Bangladesh Bank report, during the first quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year (July–September), Bangladeshis legally invested a total of 15.8 million US dollars abroad, marking an 829 percent rise from the same period of the previous year, when the figure was only 1.7 million dollars. The report covers only officially approved investments, excluding any unrecorded or illicit capital transfers.

The analysis shows that foreign investment by Bangladeshis began rising from the October–December quarter of the previous fiscal year. Meanwhile, domestic private investment remains stagnant due to political instability and high bank interest rates. Private sector credit growth slowed to 6.58 percent in November 2025, down from double digits in July 2024. Sector insiders argue that entrepreneurs should focus on domestic investment to address rising unemployment and declining GDP growth.

As of September 2025, total Bangladeshi capital invested abroad stood at 362.1 million dollars, up from 348.3 million a year earlier. India, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong received the largest shares, with financial institutions attracting the most sectoral investment.

Bangladesh’s Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service, launched in 2017, has failed to achieve expected success even after eight years. The service allows users to retain their mobile numbers while switching operators, but experts and stakeholders say regulatory and operational barriers have hindered its growth. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) granted licenses to multiple firms, yet the service remains underutilized.

According to the report, key obstacles include BTRC and mobile operators’ inaction, high taxes imposed by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and restrictions preventing operators from offering incentives. The current MNP fee of Tk 450 is considered too high compared to neighboring countries, where similar services cost Tk 90–100. Additionally, BTRC’s directive blocking masked SMS messages to MNP users has created further complications, particularly for financial and social platforms.

Experts suggest revising the 2018 MNP guidelines, reducing taxes, and allowing promotional incentives to make the service more accessible and attractive. They also emphasize public awareness campaigns to prevent waste of resources and improve adoption.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has cancelled work orders for three bridge and culvert construction projects in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet after the contractor failed to start work within the stipulated time. The same contractor, Messrs Fahad Construction of Amberkhana, Sylhet, had been awarded a single tender covering five structures across Osmaninagar and Bishwanath upazilas, but only began work on two culverts in Bishwanath. The DDM also decided to forfeit the contractor’s security deposit and take necessary legal action.

According to a letter signed by Project Director and Joint Secretary Md Parvezul Islam, the project period runs until 30 June 2026, and all construction must be completed within that time to qualify for payment. Despite repeated requests, including a final notice to begin work by 31 December 2025, no progress was made in Osmaninagar. The DDM deemed this a clear violation of contract terms and issued cancellation notices to relevant authorities.

Local officials confirmed that recommendations have been sent to the ministry to formalize the cancellation process, while the contractor’s local representative cited internal management issues for the delay.

Senior officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump have criticized Canada’s decision to permit imports of up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) under a new trade deal with Beijing. Speaking at a Ford factory event in Ohio, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Canada would regret the move, while Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the vehicles would not be allowed into the United States. The Canadian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.

The decision follows Canada’s earlier 2024 imposition of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese EVs, mirroring US duties. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new agreement reduces tariffs to 6.1 percent on most-favoured-nation terms. The deal also includes China lowering tariffs on Canadian canola seed to about 15 percent by March 1. US officials expressed concern that the policy could give China a stronger foothold in North America despite Washington’s tougher stance on Canadian vehicles and parts.

Greer noted that new US cybersecurity rules for internet-connected vehicles, effective January 2025, would make it difficult for Chinese cars to enter the American market. Lawmakers from both parties, including Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, voiced strong opposition to Chinese vehicles being sold in the US.

Canada and China have reached an initial trade agreement to reduce tariffs on electric vehicles and canola, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced during his visit to Beijing on Friday. The deal marks the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017 and aims to rebuild ties after years of strained relations. Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a 6.1 percent tariff, compared with the 100 percent rate imposed by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2024. China, in turn, will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to about 15 percent by March 1, down from 84 percent, and remove anti-discrimination tariffs on other Canadian agricultural and seafood products.

Carney said the agreement would unlock nearly $3 billion in export orders for Canadian farmers and fishers and attract Chinese investment into Canada’s auto and clean energy sectors. Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the move, warning it could flood the market with cheap Chinese EVs without guaranteed domestic benefits. Both nations also pledged to restart high-level economic dialogue and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, energy, and green technology.

Analysts noted the deal could reshape the context of Sino-US rivalry, though Ottawa is not expected to shift away from its strategic alignment with Washington.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has reported an unusual rise in daytime temperatures across the country, with readings two to three degrees Celsius higher than normal for January. The department noted that while daytime temperatures are increasing, nighttime temperatures remain nearly unchanged. Only Tetulia in Panchagarh recorded a temperature below 10°C, marking the end of the recent cold wave. The current weather pattern, described as the most abnormal in 30 years, may continue until January 25–26, with a brief dip around January 22–23 before rising again.

Meteorologist Dr. Omar Faruk explained that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal last week absorbed moisture from surrounding areas, leading to the sudden temperature increase in Bangladesh and neighboring countries. Another expert, Kazi Zebunnesa, said that the disappearance of dense fog and increased sunlight have contributed to the warming trend. The capital, Dhaka, has already experienced a noticeable decline in cold intensity.

According to the weather office, this pattern suggests that winter may end earlier than usual, possibly within January itself, as the country transitions toward warmer conditions.

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.