Government employees in Bangladesh have announced a mass rally demanding the immediate publication of the Ninth Pay Commission gazette before the upcoming national election. The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council submitted a memorandum to the Finance Adviser, warning of strict action from January 10 if the gazette is not issued by December. Leaders of the Ministerial Service Association expressed solidarity, noting that employees have worked under the same pay scale for nearly a decade despite rising living costs. They criticized the delay in implementing the new pay structure, which is supposed to be revised every five years. The organizations also proposed restructuring the existing 20-grade system into 10 steps with a 1:4 pay ratio to reduce disparities. Additional demands include the introduction of Secretariat allowance and ration benefits. The delay in finalizing the pay commission’s recommendations has reportedly caused frustration and resentment among lower-income government staff.

A faction of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has warned of launching a tough program from January 10 if the government fails to issue a gazette notification on the ninth national pay scale by December. In a memorandum sent to the Finance Advisor on December 3, the group expressed frustration over delays in finalizing the recommendations of the National Pay Commission 2025, formed by the interim government. The organization demanded restructuring the existing 20 pay grades into 10 steps with a 1:4 ratio to eliminate long-standing salary disparities. It also called for the introduction of a Secretariat allowance and ration allowance. The memorandum highlighted that rising commodity prices and living costs have severely affected lower-grade employees, leading to growing resentment. The group urged the Finance Ministry to intervene directly to resolve the issue and meet their legitimate expectations promptly.

The president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), AHM Shafiquzzaman, has called on the government to take strict measures against traders who increased edible oil prices without approval from the Ministry of Commerce. Following a meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he stated that under the Essential Commodities Act, the ministry determines prices for certain goods based on a specific formula. Shafiquzzaman emphasized that any price hike without ministry consent violates consumer rights and is unjustified. He expressed hope that the government would enforce the tough actions promised by the commerce adviser. He further noted that under the Competition Act and the Consumer Rights Protection Act, hoarding or price manipulation is punishable, urging the government to strengthen market oversight to ensure fair pricing of daily essentials.

Pakistan has announced plans to privatize its state-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) amid mounting debt and IMF loan conditions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that an auction for the airline’s sale will be held on December 23 and broadcast live across national media. The government intends to sell between 51% and 100% of PIA’s shares to reform loss-making state enterprises and meet the terms of a $7 billion IMF bailout. Four consortiums—Lucky Cement, Arif Habib Corporation, Fauji Fertilizer, and Air Blue—have been shortlisted to participate in the bidding. Sharif emphasized transparency and merit in the privatization process, expressing hope that PIA will regain its former prestige and operational efficiency. The move marks Pakistan’s largest privatization effort in nearly two decades. A previous sale attempt failed after a $36 million offer fell far below the $305 million reserve price. The government aims to complete the process swiftly to stabilize the aviation sector and reduce fiscal pressure.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has cautioned that the country’s export sector could face serious setbacks if industries fail to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Speaking at a two-day conference organized by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Dhaka, he emphasized that proper waste management, solar energy use, and efficient water management are essential for obtaining green certification, which is increasingly required in global trade. Dr. Mansur also highlighted structural issues in the current VAT system that disadvantage small entrepreneurs, as well as inefficiencies in loan distribution that could waste allocated funds. He stressed the need for an online marketplace with real-time data and individual entrepreneur profiles to boost market demand. Additionally, he urged the use of international digital payment platforms like PayPal to expand access to global markets, noting that Bangladesh’s small industries have immense potential if supported by sound policies.

Entrepreneurs associated with Agrani Bank’s agent banking services have demanded the immediate reopening of the bank’s agent server and settlement of all outstanding dues and compensations. At a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, spokesperson Md. Abu Sayed stated that Agrani Bank’s agent banking network had been one of the most successful in Bangladesh for the past decade. However, on June 19, the bank abruptly shut down all agent outlets nationwide, citing temporary reasons. Despite assurances from senior management, including the bank’s general manager, the services have remained suspended for nearly six months. The entrepreneurs allege that the bank’s leadership is neglecting their commitments and that the closure has caused severe financial hardship to thousands of agents. They also called for the resignation of the bank’s chairman, accountability for responsible officials, and the swift implementation of a High Court order to resume services and resolve pending arbitration cases.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that global digital payment platform PayPal is preparing to begin operations in Bangladesh soon. Speaking at the ‘Agro Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he said the move will significantly benefit freelancers and small entrepreneurs by enabling smoother international transactions and faster payment transfers. Mansur noted that the lack of international payment gateways currently hampers outsourcing and freelance earnings, often causing delays or non-payment. PayPal’s entry is expected to solve these issues and facilitate cross-border trade. He also emphasized reducing cash transactions to curb corruption, revealing that cash management costs the country around Tk 20,000 crore annually. Additionally, he urged banks to increase agricultural lending from 2% to 10% of total loans and improve SME loan distribution. Highlighting Bangladesh’s agricultural progress, he said food grain production has tripled since independence, reaching nearly 40 million tons.

The Bangladesh government has introduced a new policy to curb illegal mobile phone imports and smuggling. Expatriates registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) can now bring up to three mobile phones tax-free when returning home, including their personal device and two new handsets. Those without BMET cards may bring one additional phone by paying applicable taxes. The policy also mandates registration of used phones in the National Equipment Identity Registrar (NEIR) for expatriates staying over 60 days. The government plans to reduce high import duties—currently around 61%—to encourage legal imports and lower market prices. Additionally, VAT and taxes on locally manufactured phones will be rationalized to support domestic production and foreign investment. Authorities are tightening surveillance at airports and land ports to prevent refurbished or cloned phones from entering the country. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology confirmed that no active handset will be deactivated before December 16 as NEIR becomes operational.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council has submitted a memorandum to the Finance Adviser, urging immediate implementation of the Ninth National Pay Commission report. The memorandum, delivered on December 3, outlines three key demands: implementation of the 9th pay scale, introduction of a Secretariat allowance, and provision of a ration allowance. The council warned that if the government fails to issue a circular in December and publish a gazette by January 1, 2026, they will announce strict protest programs on January 10. The organization expressed concern over delays in finalizing the pay commission’s recommendations, citing rising living costs and growing frustration among lower-grade public employees. They emphasized that the current 20-grade pay structure should be revised to a 10-grade system with a 1:4 salary ratio to reduce disparities. The memorandum reflects mounting pressure on the interim government to address public servants’ long-standing demands amid economic challenges.

Pakistan’s Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, has announced that the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service will resume operations on December 31, 2025. Speaking at a meeting with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abbasi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity with Iran and Turkey. The initiative aims to strengthen trade links among the three countries and improve logistical efficiency across the region. The minister stated that Pakistan Railways plans to expand its freight transport capacity by the end of this year to support the project. He urged the business community to take advantage of the renewed trade corridor, which is expected to play a key role in boosting Pakistan’s regional commerce and economic integration with neighboring countries.

The Indian rupee has fallen to a historic low, crossing the 90 mark against the US dollar for the first time, reflecting mounting pressure on the country's currency amid global economic uncertainty. Analysts attribute the depreciation to a combination of factors including persistent foreign fund outflows, a strengthening US dollar, elevated crude oil prices, and concerns over India's widening trade deficit. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring the situation, though it has refrained from heavy intervention so far. A weaker rupee could make imports, especially energy and electronics, more expensive, potentially fueling inflationary pressures. However, exporters may benefit from improved competitiveness in global markets. Economists suggest that the rupee’s trajectory will depend on upcoming US Federal Reserve decisions, domestic inflation data, and capital flow trends. The government and RBI are expected to focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability while ensuring that currency volatility remains contained.

Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin stated that the recent increase in edible oil prices by traders has no legal justification and was done without government approval. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the government learned about the price hike only half an hour before it was implemented. The adviser criticized the collective decision by companies to raise prices, calling it unacceptable. He noted that the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) recently purchased soybean and rice bran oil from these companies at prices about 20 taka lower than current market rates, questioning the rationale behind the hike. Bashiruddin assured that the government will discuss and determine appropriate actions, including possible legal measures if laws were violated. He emphasized that the government retains regulatory authority over traders and aims to maintain a stable supply chain, especially ahead of Ramadan. The adviser also mentioned that prices of sugar, lentils, and eggs have recently decreased, indicating positive market trends.

Bangladesh Bank has approved the launch of the Combined Islamic Bank PLC, formed through the merger of five struggling Islamic banks—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank. The new institution began operations on December 2, with its official inauguration scheduled for Thursday by Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Depositors will be able to withdraw up to Tk 2 lakh starting Sunday, while a roadmap is being prepared for larger withdrawals. The bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 35,000 crore, with the government contributing Tk 20,000 crore and depositors’ shares covering the remaining Tk 15,000 crore. The authorized capital stands at Tk 40,000 crore. Officials expect the merger to stabilize the Islamic banking sector and restore depositor confidence after months of financial uncertainty.

The United Nations is grappling with a severe financial crisis after four major member states—United States, China, Russia, and Mexico—failed to pay their dues, leaving the organization short of $1.59 trillion. To manage the shortfall, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced a 15.1% reduction in the 2026 budget to $3.24 billion and an 18.8% cut in staff positions, eliminating 2,681 posts. Despite the austerity, funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and African development initiatives will remain unchanged. The UN also plans to reduce spending on special political missions by 21.6% and cancel two office leases in New York by 2027 to save $24.5 million annually from 2029. Guterres emphasized that the liquidity crisis has already left 18% of positions vacant, warning that continued non-payment by member states threatens the UN’s operational capacity.

Bangladesh Bank is set to introduce a newly designed Tk 500 banknote on December 4, themed on the country's historic and archaeological architecture. The note, bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office before being distributed nationwide. The 152mm × 65mm note features the Central Shaheed Minar on the front and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on the back. The design incorporates a blooming national water lily motif and predominantly green tones for a modern and secure look. It includes ten advanced security features, such as color-shifting ink, a red security thread that changes color under light, tactile marks for the visually impaired, and UV-visible elements. The Royal Bengal Tiger watermark and electrotype ‘500’ enhance authenticity. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that all existing notes and coins will remain valid, while collectors can obtain sample notes from the Money Museum in Mirpur.