Bangladesh’s cargo vessel owners have threatened to suspend all waterway freight transport within 15 days if their 10-point demand is not met. At a press conference in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association (BCVOA) and the Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh (COAB) alleged that a syndicate of product agents has taken control of the shipping sector, depriving vessel owners of payments and violating transport regulations. The associations claim that around 800 ships have already been scrapped due to financial distress, with unpaid dues exceeding Tk 400 crore, including demurrage charges. They accused agents of turning ships into floating warehouses to manipulate market supply and prices. The owners demanded immediate implementation of the 2024 transport policy, payment of all arrears, and an end to irregular chartering practices. They warned that if the government fails to intervene, the suspension of shipping operations could severely disrupt supply chains and raise consumer costs across the country.

Bangladesh’s economy is gradually recovering due to various government initiatives aimed at revitalizing economic activities, according to Economic Adviser Professor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Speaking at the ‘Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he stated that the economy is now in a much better position compared to the challenging period of last August. Dr. Ahmed highlighted positive trends in foreign reserves and exports, noting that major global institutions have recognized Bangladesh’s progress. However, he acknowledged that internal challenges remain and urged greater accountability and restraint in future development projects, citing past mega projects that yielded limited benefits. He emphasized that national development should also focus on education, health, and social security, not just economic growth. Dr. Ahmed also called on journalists to play a responsible role by producing investigative reports and constructive criticism to ensure transparency and improvement.

The Dhaka (South) Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate has announced recruitment for 99 permanent positions across 13th to 20th grade posts. Eligible permanent residents of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj districts can apply online until November 17, 2025. The available roles include senior data entry/control operator, computer operator, higher-grade assistant, stenographer-cum-computer operator, cashier, office assistant-cum-typist, driver, sepoy, and others. Educational qualifications range from secondary school certificates to university degrees, depending on the post. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 32 years as of October 1, 2025, with age relaxation up to 40 years for departmental candidates in specific categories. Application fees are set at BDT 112 for higher-grade posts and BDT 56 for lower-grade ones, payable through Teletalk within 72 hours of submission. No travel or daily allowances will be provided for written, practical, or oral examinations. The recruitment aims to strengthen administrative and operational efficiency within the customs department.

The unloading of a wheat shipment from the United States has begun at Bangladesh’s Mongla Port under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two countries. The vessel ‘MV Weco Tati’ arrived on November 14 carrying 60,875 metric tons of wheat imported by the Bangladesh government. After quality testing confirmed the wheat met required standards, unloading operations started on November 16. Of the total shipment, 35,075 metric tons will be stored in Mongla’s food warehouses, while the remainder will be distributed to Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi. Officials stated that due to the vessel’s large size and depth, unloading is being conducted from the fairway. This is the first direct wheat shipment to Mongla under the G2G-1 cash purchase agreement, as previous consignments arrived via Chattogram Port. Under the broader agreement, Bangladesh will import a total of 440,000 metric tons of wheat from the US, with three consignments totaling 178,636 metric tons already received.

Transport owners in five southern districts of Bangladesh have announced a strike to press a three-point demand. The Rupsha-Bagerhat Bus-Minibus Coach and Microbus Owners’ Association declared the program at a press conference in Bagerhat on Sunday. Their demands include shutting down unauthorized BRTC counters, stopping unlicensed vehicles on highways, and banning the operation of three-wheelers such as Mahindra, Nasimon, and Karimon on major roads. The association warned that if their demands are not met by December 1, they will begin an indefinite transport strike from December 2. Leaders from transport owners’ associations of Bagerhat, Khulna, and Jhalokathi districts were present at the event. The strike, if enforced, could disrupt transportation across the southern region, affecting commuters and goods movement significantly.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur stated that merging five financially weak Sharia-based banks was unavoidable to ensure stability in the banking sector. Speaking at the Bangladesh Islamic Finance Summit in Dhaka on November 16, he emphasized that transparency and good governance are essential for strengthening the financial system. The five banks—EXIM Bank, Social Islami Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, and Global Islami Bank—were declared non-functional on November 5, with administrators appointed to oversee their operations. On November 9, the central bank’s board, chaired by Dr. Mansur, granted a preliminary license to a new state-owned Sharia-based bank named ‘Sammilit Islami Bank’ to manage the merged institutions. The governor expressed optimism that the merger would bring positive outcomes for the economy if proper governance is maintained.

ICB Islamic Bank Limited has announced a job opening for the position of Assistant Vice President (Head of Internal Control and Compliance). The application process began on November 12 and will continue until November 20, 2025. Both male and female candidates with an MBA or postgraduate degree are eligible to apply online. Applicants must have proven experience and skills in the banking sector. The position is contractual and office-based, with a maximum age limit of 50 years. Salary, bonuses, and other benefits will be provided as per the bank’s policy. This recruitment drive aims to strengthen the bank’s internal control and compliance functions, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and operational efficiency.

Meghna Group of Industries has issued a new job circular seeking qualified candidates for the positions of Deputy Manager and Manager in its Ad and Creative department. The recruitment notice was published on November 15, 2025, and online applications will remain open until November 22, 2025. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and have at least seven years of relevant experience, particularly with Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. The positions are full-time and based in Gulshan, Dhaka. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. Salary will be determined through negotiation, and selected employees will receive additional benefits as per company policy. Interested candidates can apply and find more details through the official Meghna Group website.

China has discovered its largest gold deposit since 1949 in Liaoning Province, containing an estimated 1,444 tons of gold. The Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed that the Dadonggou mine, identified after just 15 months of exploration, holds around 2.586 million tons of ore with an average gold content of 0.56 grams per ton. The total estimated value of the deposit exceeds €166 billion, given current record-high gold prices of over €115,000 per kilogram. The state-run Liaoning Geological and Mining Group led the project, employing about 1,000 technicians and workers. Although the site’s exact location remains undisclosed for strategic reasons, officials have completed a preliminary economic feasibility assessment. The discovery comes amid surging global gold demand, driven by a weak U.S. dollar, geopolitical instability, and central banks’ increasing gold purchases. China has intensified mineral exploration in recent years, with multiple major finds in 2024, reinforcing its position as a leading gold producer and consumer.

A new four-star hotel, Best Western Plus Bay Hills, owned by Gold Sands Group, was inaugurated on November 15 in Himchari, Cox’s Bazar. Managed by the American top-grade hotel chain Best Western, the property is uniquely positioned to offer panoramic views of both the hills and the sea from every suite. The grand opening ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and featured a series of events including a rally, ribbon-cutting, horse carriage promotions, Marine Drive lighting, celebrity and influencer engagements, a musical barbecue night, and a cultural evening. The event was attended by the CEO of Gold Sands Group, Shahadat Hossain Bahar, along with senior company officials, local administrative representatives, and business leaders. In his remarks, the CEO expressed gratitude to all attendees and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of Bangladesh’s tourism industry.

Private sector lender Bengal Commercial Bank PLC has issued a recruitment circular for Specialist Officer–Executive Officer (SO–EO) positions under its Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in the Information Technology Division. The job announcement, published on November 5, invites applications from qualified candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or equivalent fields. Applicants must have at least four years of relevant professional experience and be under 40 years of age. The salary will be determined through negotiation, and selected candidates will receive additional benefits as per the bank’s policy. Interested candidates can apply online, with the application deadline set for November 20, 2025.

US-Bangla Airlines Limited has opened applications for three full-time Network Engineer positions based in Dhaka. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and have one to four years of relevant experience. Both male and female applicants aged between 22 and 30 years are eligible to apply. The offered monthly salary ranges from BDT 30,000 to 35,000. Interested candidates must complete their applications through the official US-Bangla Airlines career portal by December 13, 2025. The recruitment aims to strengthen the airline’s IT infrastructure and network management capabilities as part of its ongoing digital modernization efforts.

NRBC Bank PLC has opened a recruitment notice for the position of Litigation Coordinator. The bank is seeking one qualified candidate with an LLB or LLM degree and at least eight years of relevant experience. Applicants must be willing to work anywhere in Bangladesh and should not exceed 40 years of age. The position is full-time and open to both male and female candidates. Salary will be determined through negotiation based on experience and qualifications. Interested individuals are required to apply online through the NRBC Bank PLC application portal. The deadline for submission of applications is November 30, 2025. The role involves coordinating legal matters and supporting the bank’s litigation processes across its operational areas.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, a leading private Shariah-based commercial bank in Bangladesh, has issued a job circular for the position of Head of Investment Risk Management Division. The recruitment notice, published on November 13, 2025, invites applications from qualified candidates until November 25, 2025. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree and possess strong knowledge of investment profiles and risk management policies, along with a minimum of 15 years of experience. The position is full-time and based in Dhaka, open to both male and female candidates. Salary will be negotiable, with additional benefits provided according to the bank’s policies. Interested applicants can apply online through the official website of Al-Arafah Islami Bank (www.aibl.com.bd).

Global gold prices fell sharply on Friday, November 14, following hawkish remarks from U.S. Federal Reserve officials that dampened expectations for an interest rate cut in December. Spot gold dropped 1.9% to $4,092.72 per ounce after falling more than 3% earlier in the session, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery declined 2.4% to $4,094.20. Analysts said the reduced likelihood of a rate cut increased pressure on gold and silver markets, triggering widespread selling across global equities. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has also created a data vacuum, leaving both the Fed and traders uncertain ahead of next month’s policy meeting. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December has slipped from 50% to 46%. Meanwhile, physical gold demand in major Asian markets remained weak, and other precious metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium also saw declines despite maintaining weekly gains.