Dhaka’s metro rail operations were suspended on Friday, December 12, after employees launched a full-scale strike protesting the government’s failure to implement an independent employment regulation. Trains scheduled to depart from Uttara at 3:00 p.m. and from Motijheel at 3:20 p.m. did not operate, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded across multiple stations.

The strike was called by a section of regular officers and staff of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), which oversees metro construction and operations. Despite DMTCL’s assurance on Thursday that services would run as usual, protesting workers refused to comply. DMTCL spokesperson Zahidul Islam stated that the authorities were working to address the employees’ demands, noting that procedural steps were underway but service disruption still occurred.

The sudden shutdown caused significant inconvenience for commuters and families planning weekend outings. Government officials are now reviewing the situation, though no timeline has been announced for service resumption.

Prices of daily essentials in Bangladesh remain stubbornly high, with only marginal relief for consumers. Although onion prices have dipped slightly, they still hover around BDT 140 per kilogram for older stock, while newly harvested varieties sell for BDT 110–120. Despite increased imports and fresh supply entering the market, traders say meaningful price reductions will depend on greater availability in the coming weeks.

Fish prices also show little sign of easing, with popular varieties such as rohu, pabda, and shrimp maintaining elevated rates between BDT 300 and BDT 900 per kilogram. Retailers note that fluctuations in wholesale prices rarely translate into relief for end buyers. Meanwhile, chicken and egg prices have stabilized somewhat, while new potatoes have entered the market at lower—but still high—rates compared to previous weeks.

Market observers warn that sustained high food prices could strain household budgets further, especially ahead of the Ramadan season, when demand typically spikes and unscrupulous traders may exploit the situation.

Concerns over a possible halt in Dhaka Metro Rail services eased after the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) confirmed that trains would continue running on schedule. The assurance came late Thursday night through a verified Facebook post, following fears sparked by employees’ announcement of an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday.

Earlier, DMTCL’s regular officers and staff had declared a full-scale strike demanding the formulation and publication of an independent employment regulation. The announcement had raised uncertainty among commuters and city authorities about potential service interruptions. However, DMTCL clarified that passenger services would remain unaffected and operate as per the regular timetable.

The resolution brings temporary relief to Dhaka’s growing metro network, which has become a vital part of the city’s transport system. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to address their regulatory concerns and prevent future disruptions.

Essential commodity prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply ahead of Ramadan, with traders accused of manipulating the market. Within just two days, sugar prices increased by up to Tk 5 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 95–115 in retail markets. Rice, potatoes, garlic, and lentils have also seen notable hikes, with Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) data showing sugar prices up 2.5% in a week and rice up to 8.57% higher than last year.

Consumer rights groups, including the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), have condemned the price manipulation, urging authorities to identify and monitor the syndicates responsible. CAB Vice President S.M. Nazer Hossain stated that there is no sugar shortage, as imports have increased and global prices have fallen. Despite this, traders are exploiting Ramadan demand to inflate profits.

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has pledged intensified monitoring during Ramadan. Analysts warn that without strict oversight, consumers may face severe hardship during the fasting month, despite adequate supply and stable foreign exchange conditions.

Mexico’s Senate has approved a 50% import tariff on goods from India, expanding trade restrictions that previously targeted China and other Asian economies. The new measure, set to take effect on January 1, will apply to automobiles, auto parts, textiles, plastics, and steel from countries without free trade agreements with Mexico. The move follows similar U.S. actions and is seen as part of Mexico’s broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Analysts suggest the decision reflects President Claudia Sheinbaum’s attempt to maintain favorable relations with Washington, particularly as former U.S. President Donald Trump pressures Mexico to impose higher duties on steel and aluminum. Mexico remains the United States’ largest trading partner, and the tariff policy could serve as a strategic gesture to avoid renegotiation of the USMCA trade pact.

Economists warn the tariffs could raise production costs and strain supply chains across Asia. India, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Indonesia are expected to be most affected, potentially prompting diplomatic and trade responses in early 2025.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced late Thursday that metro rail services in Dhaka will continue as scheduled, easing fears of a complete shutdown. The assurance came after regular officers and employees of DMTCL had declared an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday, raising concerns about major disruptions to passenger transport across the capital.

In a verified Facebook post, DMTCL informed passengers that trains would operate according to the regular timetable and that all services would remain uninterrupted. The company’s statement followed a Wednesday notice from its staff union announcing a full-scale strike, reportedly over unresolved internal issues. The reversal of the strike decision has brought relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on the metro for timely travel.

The development highlights ongoing labor-management tensions within DMTCL, though details of the dispute remain unclear. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to prevent future disruptions to Dhaka’s growing metro network.

Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has reported that 1.3 million foreign workers have registered under its savings scheme since it became effective on October 1 this year. The registrations were facilitated through 60,000 employers, marking what officials describe as a positive start toward ensuring social protection for migrant laborers.

Despite the progress, the EPF noted that some employers still fail to make mandatory contributions, hindering full compliance. To strengthen enforcement and worker protection, the EPF signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Immigration Department during a ceremony in Putrajaya. The agreement enables secure data sharing between the two agencies, including information on temporary employment visas and other valid work permits.

EPF CEO Sazaliza Zainuddin said the partnership will enhance identity verification, speed up registration, and ensure transparency in contribution enforcement. Full implementation of mandatory contributions is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, supported by an integrated data system to streamline verification and compliance processes.

Bangladesh’s interim government has decided to withdraw the 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) on Dhaka Metro Rail tickets, a move expected to cost the state around Tk 40 crore in annual revenue. The decision was approved at a council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on December 11, according to his press secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Officials said the exemption aims to ease commuting costs for Dhaka residents, as the metro rail has become a vital part of the city’s daily transport network, serving roughly 250,000 passengers each day. The VAT had been imposed on July 1, 2024, by the previous administration. The same meeting also approved tax reductions on dates ahead of Ramadan and endorsed several legal amendments, including the Commercial Court Ordinance and the Registration Amendment 2025.

Analysts note that while the VAT removal may reduce short-term revenue, it could encourage greater public transport use and ease urban congestion. Further fiscal adjustments may be needed to offset the revenue shortfall.

Australia has expressed interest in prioritizing Bangladesh as its second production destination for the cotton and wool industry. The announcement came during the sixth round of Senior Officials’ Talks (SOT) between Bangladesh and Australia, held in Dhaka. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral–East and West) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The dialogue covered a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, investment, renewable energy, maritime cooperation, and technology exchange. Australia reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s interim government and reform initiatives, emphasizing the importance of a free and fair upcoming national election. Both sides also discussed cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and anti–money laundering efforts.

The talks concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on employment for dependents of diplomatic and consular staff. The next round of SOT is scheduled to take place in Canberra next year, signaling continued momentum in the growing partnership.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) employees have announced a strike starting December 12 at 7 a.m., suspending all metro rail passenger services in Dhaka. The workers say the decision follows the authorities’ failure to finalize and publish the company’s employment regulations, despite repeated assurances. The strike is expected to disrupt daily commuting for thousands of passengers in the capital.

Officials and employees stated that since DMTCL’s establishment in 2013, no formal employment policy has been approved for its more than 900 staff. Workers recruited after the metro’s commercial launch in December 2022 claim they have been denied essential benefits such as leave, provident fund, gratuity, shift allowance, overtime, and group insurance. They noted that an advisory committee had directed completion of the job rules within 60 working days from September 2024, but the deadline passed without progress.

The strike underscores growing frustration among employees after multiple unfulfilled promises by management. Unless resolved quickly, the standoff could affect Dhaka’s public transport reliability and erode confidence in the city’s flagship infrastructure project.

U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new ‘Gold Card’ visa program aimed at wealthy foreign investors willing to contribute at least $1 million. Announced via his Truth Social account and later confirmed to reporters, the initiative promises expedited U.S. residency and a direct path to citizenship for qualified applicants. The program is being managed through the website TrumpCard.gov, where applicants must first pay a $15,000 processing fee before submitting their forms.

According to U.S. officials, applicants approved under the scheme will be required to make a $1 million “contribution,” described as a gift on the official site. Holders of the Gold Card visa will enjoy rights similar to those of Green Card holders, including permanent residence and work authorization. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Reuters that roughly 10,000 people have already pre-registered for the visa, with expectations of significant revenue generation.

Analysts say the program could attract global investors but may also spark debate over the ethics of selling citizenship. Further details on implementation and oversight are expected in the coming weeks.

Mobile phone traders in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar staged a major protest on Wednesday, blocking traffic at the busy SARC Fountain intersection. Their single-point demand was the resignation of Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. The demonstration began around 5:40 p.m., with traders setting fire to tires and wooden planks, chanting slogans, and reportedly vandalizing a vehicle.

Police confirmed that traffic in and around the area came to a complete halt, causing severe congestion and hardship for commuters. The traders also called for reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), the abolition of alleged syndicate control in the mobile market, and permission for open mobile imports. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) recently announced that NEIR will be implemented from December 16, requiring registration of all mobile devices.

Traders argue that the current NEIR framework and import restrictions threaten their livelihoods. Authorities have increased police presence, but tensions remain high as negotiations are yet to begin.

Bangladesh recorded a strong inflow of remittances in the first eight days of December, reaching USD 1.008 billion, according to Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan. The daily average stood at USD 126 million, marking a significant rise from USD 831 million during the same period last year. On December 8 alone, expatriates sent USD 131 million, reflecting continued momentum in foreign income inflows.

Between July and December 8 of the current fiscal year, total remittances reached USD 14.046 billion, up 18.4% year-on-year. November saw the highest monthly inflow of the fiscal year at USD 2.889 billion, followed by strong figures in October and September. The previous fiscal year (2024–25) closed with a record USD 30.32 billion in remittances, the highest in Bangladesh’s history.

Economists attribute the growth to improved banking channels, policy incentives, and seasonal demand ahead of year-end festivities. Sustained remittance growth is expected to support foreign reserves and stabilize the exchange rate amid global economic uncertainty.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has stated that informal workers make up the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh’s labor force but remain largely unrecognized and unprotected. Speaking at the ‘Women Workers in Informal and Marginal Sectors Conference 2025’ in Dhaka, she emphasized that the country’s economic assessments often overlook the contributions of informal workers, leaving them excluded from policy and social protections.

Akhter noted that around 85 percent of Bangladesh’s workforce operates in the informal sector, including tea laborers, fishers, and domestic workers, whose efforts sustain the national economy. However, economists and policymakers tend to focus on the formal sector, she said, neglecting the invisible labor that underpins economic growth. Other speakers, including former Labor Reform Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed and Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle, echoed calls for structural recognition and gender-sensitive labor reforms.

Participants urged the government to integrate informal workers into national labor frameworks, highlighting the need for leadership development and collective advocacy to ensure fair rights and representation.

Bangladesh’s economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the number of millionaire bank account holders has risen as individuals deposit long-hidden cash into banks. Speaking after a government procurement advisory meeting on December 9, he cited Bangladesh Bank data showing that accounts with deposits of at least one crore taka have surpassed 128,000.

According to the central bank’s latest report, total bank deposit accounts reached 174.6 million by September 2025, up by 5.6 million in three months. While small deposits are declining due to rising living costs, large deposits are increasing, reflecting widening income inequality. Banking officials clarified that not all crore-level accounts belong to individuals; many are held by corporations or government entities.

Economists note that the trend underscores the uneven impact of inflation and economic pressure. Wealthier groups continue to accumulate assets, while middle- and lower-income households deplete savings. The data suggest a growing concentration of financial resources among high-income earners, raising concerns about long-term economic inclusivity.