DHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Premier Minerals Limited (PML), an Australian company registered in Singapore, to conduct geological surveys and laboratory activities for the development of heavy mineral resources found in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Md Mazibur Rahman and Premier Minerals Limited Managing Director Craig Figtree signed the deal on behalf of their respective sides. The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Bangladesh Secretariat, a handout said. Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Md. Rashedul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSO), were present, among others.

Photo: BSSKHULNA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Experts at a conference today stressed the urgent need for the rapid implementation of an effective water management policy, warning that failure to do so could render Bangladesh's southern region uninhabitable. In this context, experts emphasized that immediate and people-oriented implementation of effective water management policies is essential. The remarks were made during the second-day session of the three-day Third Coastal Water Conference, held at the city's CSS Ava Centre under the theme "Water and Ecosystem Protection for Sustainable Development." If the current situation continues, salinity in the south-western coastal region will increase, turning it into a marine environment and destroying the Sundarbans. "When plans are formulated, the opinions of affected communities are often ignored," he said, stressing the need for effective water management initiatives to protect the coast and the country for future generations.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have surged once again, with the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) setting a new all-time high for the precious metal. Under the revised prices, 21-carat gold will be sold at Tk245,527 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk210,419 per bhori, while gold under the traditional method will cost Tk172,919 per bhori. Bajus last adjusted gold prices on January 23, when the price of 22-carat gold was raised by Tk6,299 to Tk255,617 per bhori. According to the new rates, 21-carat silver will cost Tk6,940 per bhori, 18-carat silver Tk5,949 per bhori, and silver under the traditional method Tk4,432 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted eight times, with increases on six occasions and decreases twice.

This has renewed questions over why four years of tight monetary policy have produced little result. Inflation, he argues, cannot be controlled through monetary policy alone and requires structural reform and effective competition. Instead of easing inflation, higher borrowing costs have squeezed the private sector, slowing investment and job creation without lowering prices. Business groups are demanding lower rates, but with inflation still above 6 percent, Bangladesh Bank has not cut the policy rate. As tight monetary policy continues to fail, it is increasingly clear that without effective market reform and structural intervention, inflation will remain entrenched.

Khulna police arrested two wanted criminals from different parts of Khulna city on Saturday night. A press release from Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Media Cell confirmed the matter on Sunday. Police said he is facing at least six cases, including murder, robbery, and illegal possession of arms. In a separate operation, police arrested Abir Hasan, also known as Abujar, 27, from the Purbobania Khamar Lohargate area. Abir, a close associate of Babualias Grenade Babu, is accused in 10 cases, including drug trafficking, extortion, and abduction.

“An environment conducive to a fair election has not yet been fully ensured. During the meeting, Monju placed a series of complaints before the CEC regarding the overall election situation. He stressed the need to install CCTV cameras in every polling booth, saying that a credible election would not be possible otherwise. Referring to Barishal-3, the AB Party Chairman said that campaign activities of AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad have come under attack twice. Calling the CEC for intervening immediately, Monju said that if a fair environment cannot be ensured, holding the election would become meaningless.

“Jamaat leaders are saying they will not give us a single seat in Dhaka… I think they are saying such things to encourage their workers. But they should not say anything that even puts their faith (in Allah) to the test,” he said. Speaking at a discussion organised by Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal at the Jatiya Press Club, Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, also warned Jamaat leaders that Allah does not like pride or arrogance. No such requirement exists,” the BNP leader said. Nazrul said BNP raised the issue with the Election Commission, which claimed it was done unintentionally by office staff.

Jahangir Alam Chowdhury-File PhotoDHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said the government is planning to provide incentives to potato farmers as they failed to get fair prices due to increased production. The adviser said production of major crops including paddy, potato, onion, vegetables and mustard has increased significantly this year. Paddy production rose by six percent compared to last year, while potato production increased by 14 percent. Onion production saw a sharp rise of 22 percent, contributing to price stability in the market, he said.

Prison officials said Jewel was not released on parole, but was allowed a brief viewing at the prison gate on humanitarian grounds. Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten later said the family had been advised to apply to the Jessore district administration, as Jewel was being held there. However, the Jessore district administration said no written or verbal parole application was submitted to the Jessore DC. You asked a question about agriculture.”Between law and humanityFor Suborna’s family, the debate over procedure offers little comfort. Circumstances, confusion and delay ensured he received only a farewell at the prison gate.

Photo: ISPRDHAKA, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is replacing its 62 peacekeepers of the Aviation Transport Unit contingent deployed in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As part of this replacement, 35 members of the Bangladesh Air Force left Dhaka for the Democratic Republic of Congo today aboard an UN-Chartered aircraft (Ethiopian Airlines), said a release of the Inter-Services of Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this evening. The remaining 27 members of the new contingent will leave Dhaka for Congo on February 2, 2026 (Monday) in an UN chartered aircraft (Ethiopian Airlines), it mentioned. Group Captain Mohammad Salim Javed of the BAF contingent led the forces. Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanvir Khan and senior officers of the Air Force were present at the airport to bid them farewell, the release added.

A two-day training workshop on election-time journalism was held in Rajshahi to promote professional ethics, safety, and responsible reporting among journalists. Organized by the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in cooperation with the Rajshahi Union of Journalists (RUJ), the program awarded certificates to 50 journalists from Rajshahi University and nearby upazilas at its closing ceremony at the Rajshahi Muktijuddho Smriti Stadium. The program was chaired by RUJ General Secretary Dalim Hossain Shanto and moderated by PIB trainer Mohammad Shah Alam, with speakers including Salahuddin Ahmad Bablu and RUJ President Abdul Awal. Simultaneously, another two-day workshop for 50 journalists from Chapainawabganj and Naogaon districts concluded at the Social Services Office, chaired by Abdul Awal and attended by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Farid Uddin Khan and trainer Sharmin Rinvi. Participants noted that such training is vital for promoting responsible journalism and enhancing professional skills during election periods.

A major milestone was achieved with the promulgation of the Revenue Policyand Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025, separating revenue policy formulationfrom revenue administration. To strengthen long-term revenue capacity, NBR has adopted a 10-year Mediumand Long-Term Revenue Strategy (MLTRS) targeting higher revenue-to-GDP ratio. Trade facilitation has been prioritized through monthly stakeholder meetingswhere business representatives directly present customs, VAT and income taxissues to NBR leadership. In income tax, online return filing has been made mandatoryfor most taxpayers, with over 34 lakh e-returns already submitted this fiscalyear. Overall, through policy reforms, digital transformation and administrativestrengthening, NBR has demonstrated visible progress in revenue managementduring the interim government period, contributing to fiscal stability andsustainable economic development.

An 18-year-old boy was arrested in Tungipara in Gopalganj after roaming suspiciously at night with a walkie-talkie and claiming to be a member of the Bangladesh Army. Locals grew suspicious of the teenager, identified as Rahat Chowdhury, son of Delwar Chowdhury of Bhagyaakul village, Srinagar Upazila, Munshiganj, after noticing his unusual behavior. Residents alerted the police, and Rahat was subsequently detained by Tungipara Police and personnel from a nearby Army camp. During questioning, he stated that he had come to visit a friend and worked at a shop in Gopalganj town. A case has been filed against Rahat with Tungipara Police Station, and he was sent to jail on Sunday afternoon.

Did You Know? Have you ever considered the indirect effects of climate change? For example, as our climate warms, the territory habitable for bark beetles expands. As they take over and kill our evergreens, forests become primed for wildfires. More wildfires, like the Flagstaff Fire and Fourmile Fire that occurred near Boulder in the last few years, ultimately contribute to flooding by increasing run-off.

Corsicana, TX (75110)TodayFlurries or snow showers possible early. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph..TonightFlurries or snow showers possible early. Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.