A gas supply disruption occurred in Dhaka’s Uttara area after a valve on an industrial customer’s service line near the Uttara-Tongi Bridge burst, causing a high-pressure gas leak. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC announced on Tuesday night that gas supply through the main pipeline in Uttara was immediately shut down following the incident.

According to the company’s statement, the 12-inch diameter main distribution pipeline in Uttara was placed under shutdown, suspending gas supply across Uttara, Uttarkhan, Dakshinkhan, and adjacent areas. Replacement work on the damaged valve is underway, and Titas Gas expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to customers.

This marks the third gas pipeline accident in Dhaka within two weeks. Earlier, on January 4, a pipeline under the Turag River developed a leak, disrupting supply in Mirpur and Mohammadpur. Another valve burst near Ganabhaban on January 10 also caused temporary supply suspension before restoration later that night.

A gas leak near the Uttara-Tongi Bridge in Dhaka led to the immediate shutdown of gas supply across Uttara, Uttar Khan, Dakshin Khan, and nearby areas. The incident occurred when a valve on an industrial customer’s service line burst under high pressure, according to a statement issued Tuesday night by Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC. The company said replacement work on the damaged valve is underway and apologized for the temporary inconvenience to customers.

This marks the third gas pipeline accident in Dhaka within two weeks. On January 4, a pipeline under the Turag River was punctured, disrupting supply to Mirpur and Mohammadpur. Another valve burst on January 10 near Ganabhaban, causing temporary supply suspension before restoration later that night. The repeated incidents have affected gas distribution in several parts of the capital.

Titas Gas stated that the 12-inch main distribution pipeline in Uttara was shut down for safety, and repair work continues to restore normal supply soon.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued a public warning against misinformation circulating on social media regarding the server location and IP address of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system. In a special notice posted Tuesday on its verified Facebook page, the commission clarified that the NEIR system was launched on January 1 under a government decision to curb illegal handset imports, prevent mobile theft, combat crimes using unauthorized devices, and ensure government revenue.

According to the BTRC, all NEIR data are securely hosted within Bangladesh using the commission’s own hardware and in full compliance with the national data protection law. The IP address used by the system was allocated by APNIC to a Bangladeshi organization, ensuring that no data or traffic leaves the country. All operational requests are processed domestically, and detailed IP route reviews have confirmed the system’s internal security.

The BTRC urged mobile users to disregard false claims and avoid spreading unverified information about the NEIR system.

Global oil prices have risen by nearly four dollars per barrel in recent days due to renewed tensions involving Iran, according to a Reuters report published on Tuesday. Brent crude reached 64.15 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at 59.78 dollars, marking their highest levels since December 8. The increase follows strong remarks by US President Donald Trump about Iran, reversing a previous price decline that occurred after the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The report noted that Iran is facing its largest anti-government protests in years, with allegations of deadly violence against demonstrators. As of Monday, the protests had entered their 16th day, with at least 648 protesters reported killed by the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights. In response, Trump warned of possible military action and threatened a 25 percent tariff on countries trading with Iran. Barclays estimated that geopolitical risks added a three to four dollar premium to oil prices.

Market concerns also grew over crude supply from Venezuela, as the new government in Caracas may transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States under Western sanctions.

The Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association has urged the government to address six major problems affecting the restaurant sector, including a severe gas crisis and rising inflation. The call came during a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday, where association leaders, including President Osman Gani and General Secretary Imran Hasan, highlighted the growing difficulties faced by restaurant owners across the country.

Speakers alleged that private syndicates have created an artificial shortage of LPG gas, forcing restaurants to buy cylinders at inflated prices, while Petrobangla and government advisers remain inactive. They also complained about extortion and threats from individuals posing as labor union representatives, which they said are worsening the situation. The association demanded immediate measures to stabilize fuel supply, control commodity prices, and stop unethical practices in the sector.

The association further called on political parties to include a dedicated plan for protecting the restaurant industry in their election manifestos, emphasizing that the sector employs around three million people and indirectly supports about twenty million more.

The Bangladesh government has reduced import duties on mobile phones to keep prices within consumers’ purchasing power. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a notification on Tuesday announcing that the existing 25 percent duty on imported mobile phones has been lowered to 10 percent, while the total import tax burden has been reduced by 60 percent. The move is expected to significantly lower the prices of both imported and locally assembled phones in the market.

To ensure local assemblers are not disadvantaged, the government also reduced import duties on components used by domestic mobile phone assembly firms. A separate notification cut the duty on imported assembly materials from 10 percent to 5 percent, representing a 50 percent reduction. According to NBR estimates, the price of imported phones costing over 30,000 taka will drop by about 5,500 taka, while locally assembled phones in the same price range will decrease by around 1,500 taka.

The NBR stated that the duty cuts will help keep mobile phones affordable and make digital services more accessible to citizens across the country.

Bangladesh has introduced the 'Moon Alert' or Missing Urgent Notification System, the country's first national emergency alert mechanism for rescuing missing children. The initiative, launched jointly by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Amber Alert for Bangladesh, includes a toll-free helpline number 13219. The system was inaugurated at the CID headquarters in Malibagh by Additional IGP and CID chief Md. Shibgat Ullah, aiming to strengthen law enforcement operations and ensure public participation in child rescue efforts.

The Moon Alert system was developed under the leadership of the CID’s Missing Children Cell with technical support from the Zero Missing Children platform. It draws on international experience from the Amber Alert model, which began in the United States in 1996 and is now active in over 30 countries. Verified alerts will be disseminated through official web portals, mobile apps, media outlets, social media, digital billboards, and SMS broadcasting to mobilize public assistance while prioritizing child safety and privacy.

Authorities expressed confidence that the Moon Alert will establish a state-led, technology-driven framework for child protection and justice in Bangladesh.

Brahmanbaria Municipality has launched a cleanup campaign to restore and beautify the city’s historic Town Canal, aiming to free it from pollution and illegal occupation. The initiative began on Tuesday morning with an inauguration by Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan, who inspected several points of the canal and instructed municipal authorities to expedite waste removal. Municipal Administrator Md. Shariful Islam, Executive Engineer Md. Kawsar Ahmed, and City Planner Jannatul Ferdous Ara were present during the event.

According to officials, the canal—once a vital waterway for drainage and trade—is now severely polluted and encroached upon due to negligence and public unawareness. The municipality plans to construct walkways, plant trees along both banks, and install lighting to make the canal aesthetically pleasing. Strict monitoring will be enforced to prevent indiscriminate waste dumping.

Deputy Commissioner Sharmin Akter Jahan said the city is overwhelmed with garbage and that previous restoration attempts had failed. A coordinated plan has now been adopted involving local residents, environmentalists, and community leaders to ensure sustainable restoration of the five-kilometer canal connecting the Titas River at both ends.

Bangladesh has introduced the 'Moon Alert' system for the first time to ensure rapid recovery of missing and abducted children. The initiative, launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was inaugurated on Tuesday morning at the CID headquarters in Malibagh, Dhaka, by Additional IGP and CID chief Md. Shibgat Ullah. A toll-free helpline, 13219, has been integrated with the system to facilitate immediate reporting and coordination.

According to CID, once a child goes missing, information will be disseminated quickly through police stations, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, banking ATM booths, metro rail networks, and other key public platforms across the country. The alert will also appear on large screens at bus, train, and launch terminals. Border alerts will be issued to prevent child trafficking, with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) being notified. Law enforcement agencies will prioritize the first three hours after disappearance as the most critical period for recovery.

CID stated that the system will be centrally monitored and coordinated with multiple government stakeholders. It is expected to play an effective role in combating child-related crimes and enhancing public participation in child protection efforts.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that no decision has yet been made regarding the introduction of the ninth pay scale. He said the government will decide after receiving the Pay Commission’s report. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday after a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement, he noted that the Pay Commission is currently working on the matter and that he will meet with them within a day or two.

Ahmed explained that the commission comprises 21 members who will evaluate all aspects before publishing their report. Once the report is released, details about implementation and announcement timing will become clear. During the same meeting, he announced plans to train 60,000 drivers—40,000 new and 20,000 previously trained—in heavy vehicle operation, with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) organizing the program.

He also said a bridge will be built in Barishal under a joint government and OPEC Fund initiative. The Roads and Highways Department will implement the project on the Barishal (Dinerarpul)-Lakshmi Pasha-Dumki road, improving connectivity to remote areas of Bhola.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has reduced customs duty on mobile phone imports from 25 percent to 10 percent through a new gazette notification. The decision, announced on Tuesday by the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, aims to keep mobile phone prices within consumers’ purchasing power. As a result, the total import duty on mobile phones has decreased by 6 percent.

To prevent local mobile phone assembling companies from facing unfair competition, the NBR also issued a separate notification reducing customs duty on imported components for assembly from 10 percent to 5 percent. According to the ministry’s statement, this represents a 50 percent reduction in the existing import duty on components.

The ministry said that due to these changes, the price of imported mobile phones priced above Tk 30,000 is expected to fall by about Tk 5,500, while locally assembled phones in the same price range may drop by about Tk 1,500. The government expects the overall price reduction to make mobile phones more affordable for the general public.

State-owned Sonali Bank achieved a record operating profit of Tk 8,017 crore in 2025, marking an increase of Tk 2,322 crore compared to 2024. The announcement was made by Managing Director Shawkat Ali Khan at a press conference held at the bank’s head office on Tuesday.

According to the managing director, the bank’s interest income rose significantly last year, contributing to the higher operating profit. After making necessary provisions, the net profit is expected to be around Tk 1,200 crore. He also reported that the bank’s total deposits stood at Tk 1,79,879 crore, while loans disbursed amounted to Tk 1,04,723 crore. In addition, Sonali Bank recovered Tk 1,203 crore in cash from defaulted loans during the year.

The figures highlight Sonali Bank’s strong performance in 2025, reflecting improved income generation and loan recovery within the state-owned banking sector.

A fire that broke out at the scrap yard of the Matarbari coal-based power plant project in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, was brought fully under control after nearly nine hours. The blaze started around 9 p.m. on Monday and was contained by 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. According to acting station officer Ram Prasad Sen of the Maheshkhali Fire Service and Civil Defense, two fire units worked to extinguish the flames.

Officials confirmed that the main plant of the 1,200-megawatt power facility was not affected. The fire occurred in an area where wood and other unused materials were piled up. Although the fire burned for several hours, there was no major damage, and the extent of losses has yet to be determined. Local residents first noticed the fire from a nearby bridge.

Maheshkhali Upazila Executive Officer Imran Mahmud Dalim stated that the fire originated inside the plant’s scrap yard, but the cause of the incident remains unknown.

Bangladesh Bank has increased the license renewal fee for money changer institutions operating in the country. According to a circular issued on Monday, the renewal fee has been raised from 5,000 taka to 10,000 taka. The new fee structure will take effect on January 15, 2026. All other existing instructions related to license renewal will remain unchanged. The central bank has also requested relevant parties to take necessary steps to inform all money changers and customers about the change.

Industry representatives have welcomed the decision, describing it as a positive recognition of their role in maintaining market stability. They said the increase in renewal fees indicates that the regulatory authority has a favorable assessment of their operations and has included them in its “good book.”

The adjustment reflects Bangladesh Bank’s satisfaction with the sector’s contribution to stabilizing the foreign exchange market, according to stakeholders quoted in the report.

Tax Commissioner Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun has been appointed as the new head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued a notification on Monday confirming his appointment as the chief of the financial intelligence agency.

According to the notification, the appointment was made under Section 24(1)(gha) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015) and Rule 22 of the Money Laundering Prevention Rules, 2019. Mamun, currently a commissioner at the National Board of Revenue, will serve as a full-time officer with the rank equivalent to a deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank. His contractual appointment will be effective for two years from the date he assumes office, subject to relinquishing his duties with other organizations.

The BFIU operates under Bangladesh Bank and is responsible for investigating and preventing money laundering and related financial crimes, as outlined in the relevant laws and regulations.