Dhaka, Thursday, Jan 15, 2026
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed on Thursday expressed optimism that the country would not face a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) during the upcoming Ramadan, citing an expected increase in imports.“Those who brought in additional imports were not obstructed. Around 150,000 tonnes of LPG are expected to arrive in January. We hope there will be no problem during Ramadan,” Jalal said at a roundtable discussion titled ‘Challenges of Regulating the LPG Market’, organised by the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) at the CIRDAP auditorium.He urged LPG operators to take proactive steps now so that the supply situation does not worsen during the fasting month.“If 150,000 tonnes arrive in January, the problem will ease significantly. BERC has asked businesses to submit three-month projections for January, February and March. If January’s imports are ensured and February deliveries are confirmed, then we may avoid an LPG shortage during ...
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday evening entered the state guest house Jamuna with his family to pay a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.Tarique arrived at Jamuna at around 7:30pm. Earlier, he left the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan at 6:42pm and went to his residence, from where he departed for Jamuna with his family at 6:52pm.Earlier in the afternoon, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul told a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy that Tarique Rahman would meet the Chief Adviser with his family as part of a courtesy call, stressing that the meeting carries no political agenda.This will be the first formal meeting between Prof Yunus and Tarique Rahman in Bangladesh since the latter’s return home.The two last met in person on June 13 last year in London during Prof Yunus’s visit to the UK. That meeting took place at the Dorchester Hotel, when Tarique Rahman was ...
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Thursday announced the suspension of all new and existing approvals for importing shrimp fry for Vannamei shrimp farming, citing risks of disease transmission and environmental pollution associated with the exotic species.In a press release issued in the afternoon, the ministry said the decision was taken following a high-level meeting held on January 7, chaired by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, to review the environmental, social and economic impacts of Vannamei shrimp farming in Bangladesh and determine future actions.The meeting noted that Vannamei shrimp is an import-dependent species and that the import of its fry poses risks of disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and adverse impacts on indigenous species, including Bagda (black tiger shrimp) and Galda (freshwater prawn). In this context, participants opined that unregulated expansion of Vannamei shrimp farming would not be appropriate.The discussion emphasised keeping Vannamei shrimp farming limited to controlled, intensive ...
-1768480191.webp "Tarique Rahman listens to NTRCA job seekers’ grievances on the street")
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday stepped out onto the street in front of the party’s Gulshan office to personally hear the grievances of Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) registered job seekers.The NTRCA-registered aspirants had been waiting outside the BNP chairman’s political office in Gulshan when Tarique Rahman arrived there around 3:30pm from his residence.After entering the office premises, he immediately came back out, crossed the road on foot and exchanged greetings with the demonstrators.Standing on the street, Tarique Rahman listened attentively as the job seekers outlined their demands and concerns regarding the recruitment process in non-government educational institutions.The aspirants complained of alleged secret recruitment of unregistered teachers against vacant posts, as well as a range of structural problems in the appointment process of head teachers. They said these irregularities have created widespread dissatisfaction among NTRCA-registered candidates.
Bangladesh’s citizens themselves will emerge as the frontline guardians of democracy in the days ahead, Citizen’s Platform Convener Debapriya Bhattacharya said on Thursday, citing the country’s evolving political and social transformation.People of Bangladesh are far more aware and far more capable than before. In the days ahead, safeguarding democracy will not require anyone else, the people of this country will themselves act as the principal guardians of democracy,” Debapriya said at a press briefing titled ‘National Election 2026: Citizens’ Recommendations for the Next Government’, organised by the Citizen’s Platform at a city hotel in Gulshan.Debapriya said sustainable development and positive change in the country cannot be achieved through policy frameworks alone. To that end, alongside policy recommendations, the Citizen’s Platform has now introduced a national programme to monitor policy implementation. Under this initiative, the extent to which the recommendations are implemented over time will be closely tracked.“Policy advice alone does ...
-1768460788.webp "Tarique Rahman to meet Prof Yunus This Afternoon")
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold a meeting with Dr Muhammad Yunus this (Thursday) afternoon.The meeting is set to take place at the Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, and marks the first courtesy visit between Dr Yunus and Tarique Rahman since his return to the country.According to government and BNP sources, the meeting is expected between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm. BNP Secretary General and members of the party’s Standing Committee are also likely to attend. Discussions are expected to focus on the upcoming elections, as well as the country’s overall political situation and current law and order conditions.This follows a meeting in London last May between Tarique Rahman and Dr Yunus, during which they discussed preparations for elections scheduled for the second half of February.BNP sources have expressed concern over the recent deterioration of law and order in the country. Ahead of the elections, the party aims to discuss ...
Gold prices in Bangladesh have climbed to an all-time high, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) fixing the price of 22-carat gold (11.664 grams) at Tk 234,680 per bhori after raising it by Tk 2,625.In a statement issued on Wednesday night, BAJUS said the new prices will come into effect from Thursday.Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will sell at Tk 224,007 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 191,989 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method has been priced at Tk 157,231 per bhori.BAJUS said the price adjustment was made considering the rise in the local market price of pure gold (tejaabi shona) and the overall market situation.In addition to the announced selling price, buyers will have to pay a mandatory 5 percent value-added tax (VAT) set by the government and a minimum 6 percent making charge fixed by BAJUS. The making charge, however, may vary depending on the ...
-1768406407.webp "Japanese Model Fishing Villages to Be Developed in Maheshkhali")
Bangladesh has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to transform the vast resources of the Bay of Bengal into a pillar of a sustainable economy while safeguarding marine biodiversity.On Wednesday (14 January), a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) and Japan’s renowned Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) to promote marine conservation, sustainable fisheries and the development of a resilient blue economy. The signing ceremony took place at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.The MoU was signed on behalf of MIDA by its Executive Chairman, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, while Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President of the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) under the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, signed for the Japanese organisation.After witnessing the signing, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over increasing marine pollution. “Our sea is a major asset, yet it ...
-1768375323.webp "Gold hits fresh record in global market, silver also scales new heights")
Gold prices surged to a fresh all-time high in the global market, while silver also set a new record, driven by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and lower-than-expected US inflation data.According to a report by news agency Reuters, spot gold prices rose by 1% on Wednesday (14 January) to USD 4,633.40 per ounce. Earlier in the session, prices touched a record high of USD 4,639.42 per ounce. US gold futures for February delivery gained 0.8%, trading at USD 4,640.90 per ounce.Silver also saw a sharp rally on the same day. Spot silver prices jumped 4.2%, crossing the USD 90 per ounce mark. So far this year, silver prices have increased by nearly 27%.Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data indicate that inflation remains relatively under control. On a year-on-year basis, inflation has eased to 2.6%, sustaining expectations that the US Federal Reserve may ...
-1768375214.webp "Tribunal Orders Trial Against Former Army Officer Ziaul Ahsan")
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has ordered the commencement of trial proceedings against former army officer Ziaul Ahsan in a case involving allegations of enforced disappearances and killings of more than a hundred people, constituting crimes against humanity.The order was passed on Wednesday (14 January) by the tribunal after framing charges against the accused. The tribunal also fixed 8 February as the date to begin recording witness testimonies.Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said the prosecution is pursuing those responsible for committing crimes, not targeting any particular force or institution. “We are chasing criminals and criminal acts, not any force,” he said.He added that the report of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances would be submitted to the tribunal. “We will try to prove the charges against Ziaul Ahsan using all available materials and evidence,” the chief prosecutor stated.Earlier, on 17 December, the prosecution formally submitted the charge sheet in the case. Following ...
-1768326851.webp "Iran International Editorial seeks evidence as media blackout deepens, vows to document killings")
Iran International Editorial Board has said that further, detailed documentation is required to establish an accurate account of those killed in the recent unrest, alleging that security institutions have systematically withheld information and avoided recording or announcing verified casualty figures.In a statement cited by CBS News, the outlet said experience from recent years shows a consistent pattern of concealing the true scale of deaths, prompting its commitment to refine the figures through public cooperation.Iran International said it will work with its audience by collecting documentation, cross-checking accounts and continuously verifying information to ensure that no victim remains unidentified and no family is left unheard.The statement also highlighted a sweeping communications and media blackout inside Iran, with hundreds of national and local newspapers shutting down since Thursday — an unprecedented development in the country’s press history.At present, it said, apart from the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), only a ...
-1768306595.webp "Functional parliamentary committees key to political accountability, says Amir Khosru")
BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said political accountability to the people can be ensured if Parliament is made effective and its standing committees are allowed to function properly.He made the remarks while speaking at a programme titled “National Election 2026 and Citizens’ Expectations”, organised by Citizen’s Platform at city’s Agargaon.Amir Khosru said all elements of the so-called “new political arrangement” already exist within the Constitution, stressing that the real challenge lies not in the constitutional framework but in political practice. “The most important issue is ensuring accountability of politicians. If politicians are accountable to the people, many problems can be resolved easily.”He noted that people have largely lost trust in politicians, adding that restoring public confidence is solely the responsibility of political leaders. “A significant portion of that trust can be regained through accountability alone.”Highlighting the role of parliamentary democracy, Amir Khosru said accountability must ...
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, the United States has revoked more than 100,000 visas, reflecting the administration’s continued hardline stance on immigration.The US State Department revealed on Monday that the cancellations included around 8,000 student visas and 2,500 visas for specialised workers. Most revocations, the department said, were linked to “encounters with US law enforcement for criminal activity,” though it did not clarify whether charges had been formally filed.The sheer scale of the revocations highlights the breadth of Trump’s immigration crackdown since his re-election in 2024. Last month, the administration reported overseeing more than 2.5 million voluntary departures and deportations, describing the effort as a “record-breaking achievement.” However, some deportations reportedly involved individuals holding valid visas, raising concerns over due process and human rights.Visa approval procedures have also been tightened, with more rigorous social media checks and expanded screening processes introduced. “We will continue ...
President Donald Trump has warned that countries continuing to do business with Iran could face a 25% tariff on trade with the United States, following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.Officials have told CBS News, a US partner of the BBC, that Mr Trump has also been briefed on a range of military and covert options regarding Iran, including long-range missile strikes, as well as cyber and psychological operations. In recent days, the president has suggested that a military intervention could be possible if protesters are killed. His national security team is scheduled to meet later to discuss potential responses.Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister has said Tehran remains open to talks with Washington, while also emphasising that the country is “prepared for war”.The crackdown in Iran has already claimed at least 648 lives, according to a human rights group, which has cautioned that the true death toll could be much higher. A days-long ...
Mojibur Rahman Monju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), on Tuesday apologised to the public for joining the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, admitting that the move undermined expectations for a new political force and a fresh political arrangement.Speaking at a programme titled “National Election 2026 and Citizens Expectations”, organised by Citizen’s Platform at city’s Agargaon, Monju said his party had failed to live up to public aspirations as a new political organisation.“As a new political party, we could not fulfil your expectations. In the heat of electoral politics, we had to join a major political alliance. Many of you were hurt by this decision. I apologise to you,” he said.However, when Monju asked the audience whether they accepted his apology, the crowd responded in unison with a resounding “No.” Reacting to the response, he remarked, “When someone seeks forgiveness, forgiveness should be granted. Not forgiving has ...
The Liberation War of 1971, the mass uprising against autocracy in 1990 and the student–people’s uprising of 2024 are all rooted in the same aspiration and are not contradictory to one another, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convener of the Citizen’s Platform, on Tuesday.“According to the Proclamation of Independence of April 10, 1971, the goal was to establish a sovereign state ensuring equality, human dignity and social justice. The Liberation War was the principal means to build that state. The subsequent movements emerged from the same aspiration to realise those ideals,” Debapriya said while speaking at a programme in Dhaka's Agargaon, titled ‘National Election 2026 and Citizens’ Expectations’, organised by the Citizen’s Platform.“The struggle for independence in 1971, the anti-autocracy movement in 1990 and the 2024 uprising were all driven by people’s quest for equality, dignity, justice and rights,” Debapriya said.He said that after the Liberation War, people had hoped for dismantling ...
The corridors of Bandhan Health Care in Bhola were filled with grief and anger late Monday night, as Lamia’s family and neighbours demanded answers.Posters of her newborn baby clutched in tiny hands seemed to mock the suddenness of her death, a loss made all the more painful because it was, according to relatives, entirely preventable.Lamia, 19, a resident of Abhawa Office Road area in Bhola municipality, had gone to the clinic on 7 January to give birth to her first child. She delivered a healthy baby boy by caesarean section the following day, but what should have been a moment of joy quickly turned into tragedy.Her brother-in-law, Md. Rajib, recounted the ordeal, “The clinic charged Tk 1,200 for blood group testing and cross-matching. But they didn’t perform the cross-match. Instead of ‘O’ positive, they gave her ‘B’ positive blood. Shortly afterwards, she developed convulsions, and her condition worsened so rapidly that ...
-1768234113.webp "Gold hits record high in Bangladesh as prices jump Tk4,199 per bhori")
Gold prices in Bangladesh soared to an all-time high as the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) raised the price of gold by Tk4,199 per bhori, effective from Tuesday morning.Under the new rate, the price of 22-carat gold has been set at Tk232,055 per bhori (11.664 grams), the highest level ever recorded in the local market.BAJUS announced the price hike late Monday night, citing an increase in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. Considering the overall market situation, the association said it has revised gold prices accordingly.According to the new price structure, 21-carat gold will cost Tk221,499 per bhori, while 18-carat gold has been fixed at Tk189,890 per bhori. The price of gold under the traditional method has been set at Tk156,881 per bhori.In addition to the announced prices, buyers will have to pay the government-mandated 5 percent VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set ...
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has completed the annual rebalancing of the DSE Bangladesh Broad Index (DSEX), the semi-annual rebalancing of the DSE Bangladesh 30 Index (DS30), and the annual rebalancing of the DSE SME Growth Index (DSMEX) for 2026.The revised indices will come into effect from January 18, according to a statement issued by the DSE on Monday.Following the annual rebalancing, nine new companies have been included in the DSEX, while 16 companies have been dropped. As a result, the total number of constituents of the benchmark index now stands at 319.The newly included companies in the DSEX are Bangladesh Welding Electrodes Ltd, Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd, Dulamia Cotton Spinning Mills Ltd, Hwa Well Textiles (BD) PLC, Northern Islami Insurance PLC, Safko Spinnings Mills Ltd, Sharp Industries PLC, Standard Ceramic Industries Ltd and Zeal Bangla Sugar Mills Ltd.The companies excluded from the DSEX are Appollo Ispat Complex Limited, ...
Bangladesh Bank has extended significant policy support to stabilise the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ease import-related constraints by allowing importers to avail credit facilities for up to 270 days.Under the new arrangement, LPG imports will now be treated as industrial raw materials, enabling businesses to import LPG on deferred payment terms through suppliers’ credit or buyers’ credit for a maximum period of 270 days, according to a circular issued by the central bank on Monday.The circular, sent to all scheduled banks by the Foreign Exchange Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank, noted that LPG is primarily imported in bulk and subsequently bottled for distribution. Considering the multiple stages involved in processing and marketing, the central bank has decided to categorise LPG as an industrial raw material.Earlier, a circular issued on December 29 allowed a 270-day usance period — the timeframe for deferred payment — for industrial raw material ...