Bangladesh Bank has directed all commercial banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service operators to ensure instant transfer of funds to the accounts of small and marginal traders for transactions made through the Bangla QR code system. The move aims to promote a cashless society and reduce cash-based transactions across the country. Institutions have been instructed to build the necessary infrastructure by December 15, after which immediate fund transfers must be implemented. For other types of businesses, the timing of fund deposits will depend on the relationship and risk assessment between the financial institution and the merchant. The central bank issued the directive on November 24, emphasizing that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital payments and financial inclusion through the expansion of Bangla QR-based transactions.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank has positioned itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s journey toward a cashless economy, aligning with the government’s ‘Digital Bangladesh’ vision. The bank has introduced advanced internet banking, dual-currency debit and Islamic credit cards, Islamic wallets, Bangla QR payments, and digital donation boxes to promote secure and accessible digital transactions. It has also launched an Education Management System for automated tuition fee collection and expanded agent banking to rural areas to enhance financial inclusion. Managing Director Md. Rafat Ullah Khan highlighted Bangladesh’s upcoming digital reforms, including private credit bureaus, digital-only banks, e-money licenses, and an interoperable A2A platform similar to India’s UPI. Despite challenges like cybersecurity risks, user awareness, and network limitations, the bank is upgrading its core systems, adopting cloud technology, and strengthening cybersecurity. With Bangladesh Bank’s new policies and infrastructure initiatives, Al-Arafah aims to deliver faster, safer, and nearly cost-free digital transactions nationwide by 2026.

The Tenants’ Council, a renters’ rights organization, held a human chain protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, urging the government to stop what they describe as unjustified rent increases across the country. The protest, chaired by the council’s president Jannat Fatema and conducted by acting president Md. Mostafa, featured several leaders who criticized landlords for raising rents annually under various pretexts. They argued that amid the current economic crisis, limited income sources, and rising prices of essential commodities, tenants are struggling to manage household expenses. The speakers accused the government of failing to take effective steps to control rent or inflation. The organization demanded an official government notification to freeze rent hikes, warning that if landlords continue to raise rents, the Tenants’ Council will launch a larger nationwide movement to protect renters’ rights.

Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) announced that the two-day 'Potato Festival 2025' will be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from December 12. The event aims to promote Bangladesh’s potato industry on the global stage by showcasing modern storage technologies, processing capabilities, and export opportunities. BCSA President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the festival will highlight the need for advanced cold storage, value-added processing, and investment-friendly policies to expand exports. Despite being the world’s seventh-largest potato producer, Bangladesh struggles with inadequate preservation facilities and limited processing infrastructure. Over a hundred local and international companies will participate in the exhibition, featuring innovations in cold-chain systems, agricultural machinery, potato-based food products, and culinary applications. The initiative seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global potato market.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced plans to merge five struggling banks into a single new entity with Tk 35,000 crore in paid-up capital, aiming to strengthen the country’s financial sector. Speaking at the Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference in Dhaka, he highlighted progress in macroeconomic stability, foreign exchange management, and governance reforms despite structural challenges. Mansur noted that the exchange rate has remained stable between Tk 120 and Tk 122.50 per US dollar, and foreign banks have resumed normal operations. He identified high non-performing loans—potentially reaching 35%—as a major challenge that could take up to a decade to resolve. The governor also outlined reforms including greater central bank autonomy, stronger deposit insurance, and limits on family ownership in banks. He urged businesses to utilize the bond market for long-term financing and confirmed that nine non-bank financial institutions are being phased out.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reduced airfares on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Dhaka route following widespread public dissatisfaction and protests over high ticket prices. According to a statement from the Sylhet District Administration’s media cell on Friday, the fare revision aims to improve passenger service and reflect current market conditions. Under the new pricing structure, the minimum one-way fare on the Sylhet-Dhaka route has been set at 2,024 taka, totaling 3,199 taka with taxes, while the maximum fare is now 7,024 taka, totaling 8,199 taka with taxes. The fare reduction comes after several days of demonstrations in Sylhet, where residents accused a syndicate of exploiting the poor condition of the Sylhet-Dhaka highway to artificially inflate airfares. The move is expected to ease travel costs for passengers frequently commuting between the two cities.

At an international conference organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter cautioned that relying on national average data to assess nutrition levels masks the real dietary disparities between rich and poor citizens. She emphasized that 'Zero Hunger' means ensuring nutritional quality, not just food quantity. Akhter noted that while agriculture receives subsidies, the fisheries and livestock sectors—vital for rural livelihoods and nutrition—do not, and she called for policy support and subsidies for these sectors. She warned against uncontrolled hybridization that threatens native species and highlighted the risks of antibiotic overuse in aquaculture, which could lead to antimicrobial resistance. Akhter also stressed preserving local food diversity and protecting indigenous fish and livestock breeds. Other speakers, including senior officials and researchers, discussed policy commitments to restore river fish, reduce pesticide use, and ensure quality in farmed fish production.

In Dhaka’s major markets, the price of green chili has fallen by nearly half over the past week, dropping from Tk 160–200 per kilogram to Tk 80–100. Onion prices have also eased slightly, with regular onions selling for Tk 95–105 and new leafy onions for Tk 70–80 per kilogram. However, vegetable prices remain high despite increased winter supply. Tomatoes, beans, and eggplants are still selling at elevated rates, ranging from Tk 80–140 per kilogram. Other vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, radish, and bottle gourd have seen modest price drops. Meat, fish, eggs, and poultry prices remain stable, with broiler chicken selling at Tk 155–170 per kilogram and eggs at Tk 115–120 per dozen. Retailers report that edible oil prices may rise by Tk 5–6 per liter soon, though supply remains steady. Traders expect vegetable prices to decline further in the coming days as supply improves.

India’s onion export industry is facing a sharp downturn as key buyers Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia reduce imports and turn to alternative suppliers like Pakistan and China. According to The Economic Times, India’s repeated export bans to control domestic prices have pushed traditional buyers to seek new sources and even develop self-sufficiency using Indian onion seeds. Experts note that Bangladesh, once importing nearly three-quarters of India’s total onion exports, has drastically cut purchases in the past eight months despite high domestic prices. Saudi Arabia has also limited imports for nearly a year, preferring cheaper onions from Yemen and Iran. Exporters say India’s absence from the global market during export bans allowed competitors to capture market share. Officials warn that India’s dominance in the global onion trade is weakening as former buyers become producers themselves, posing long-term risks to Indian farmers and exporters.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing a severe crisis marked by record levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), rising capital and provisioning shortfalls, and declining investor confidence. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, total bad loans have surged to Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of all distributed credit. Analysts attribute this deterioration to years of mismanagement, irregularities, and alleged looting during the previous Awami League government. Experts warn that the incoming government after the February election will inherit a fragile financial system, with nearly half of the country’s banks struggling to survive. Liquidity shortages, high lending rates of 14–18%, and declining deposits are further constraining investment and job creation. Economists fear that without strict action against top defaulters and systemic reforms, the banking sector’s instability could severely undermine Bangladesh’s overall economic recovery and growth prospects.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing an unprecedented crisis marked by soaring default loans, capital shortfalls, and declining profitability. Analysts attribute the turmoil to years of mismanagement and irregularities during the previous Awami League government. According to Bangladesh Bank data, non-performing loans (NPLs) have surged to a record Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of total disbursed loans. The sector’s provision deficit has also ballooned to Tk 3.2 trillion, while nearly half of all banks are struggling to stay afloat. Experts warn that the liquidity crunch, high interest rates, and eroding depositor confidence could further cripple investment and job creation under the new government. Former Bangladesh Economic Association president Dr. Mainul Islam estimates real NPLs may exceed 40% once written-off and renewed loans are included. Analysts urge strict legal action against top defaulters to restore stability. The worsening situation poses a major challenge for the interim and upcoming elected governments to revive confidence and ensure sustainable economic growth.

Despite an abundant supply of winter vegetables in Dhaka’s markets, prices remain unusually high, frustrating consumers and leaving farmers underpaid. Vegetables such as eggplants, beans, and cauliflowers are selling at nearly double their usual seasonal rates, with eggplants priced between Tk 80–100 per kg and beans exceeding Tk 100. Vendors blame October’s heavy rains for disrupting production and damaging crops, while middlemen continue to profit heavily. Chicken prices have also risen by Tk 20 per kg due to higher feed and transport costs, though egg prices remain stable. Fish prices, particularly for hilsa, have surged, with medium-sized hilsa selling for around Tk 1,500 per kg. Market traders predict that vegetable prices may ease within a week as supply improves. However, consumers and farmers alike accuse syndicates of manipulating prices, calling for stronger government action to curb profiteering and stabilize the market.

Chinese investors have expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s eco-friendly technology, jute, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors as part of efforts to support Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s vision of manufacturing transformation. During a meeting in Dhaka, Yang Dongning, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China, and Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, discussed potential large-scale investments, particularly in rooftop solar energy and the jute industry. China aims to utilize around one million tons of jute to produce biofertilizers, green energy, and plastic alternatives through joint ventures with Bangladeshi partners. Dr. Yunus welcomed the initiative, urging China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh and use closed state-owned jute mills for new ventures. He also encouraged Chinese companies to explore AI, e-commerce, and infrastructure projects, including a proposed railway linking Bangladesh with southern China to boost regional trade connectivity.

Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) announced that its Ghorashal valve station will remain closed for two hours on Friday, November 28, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM due to urgent maintenance work. As a result, gas supply pressure may remain low in several areas including Joydebpur, Tongi, Konabari, Shafipur, and Chandra. The information was confirmed through a press release signed by Md. Al Amin, Manager (Media and Public Relations) of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited. The company expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and assured that the maintenance work is essential to ensure uninterrupted service in the future. Residents and industrial consumers in the affected areas have been advised to plan accordingly during the maintenance period.

A new International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment identifies entrenched corruption and elite-driven 'state capture' as the root causes of Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis. The report highlights how political and business elites manipulate state policies to serve their interests, undermining governance, accountability, and the rule of law. It warns that without dismantling elite privileges, Pakistan’s economic stagnation will persist. The IMF estimates that comprehensive governance reforms could boost Pakistan’s GDP by up to 6.5%, compared to its 2024 level of $340 billion. The report also criticizes weak institutions, judicial inefficiency, and misuse of the National Accountability Bureau for political purposes. Experts from Oxford University and local think tanks agree that corruption and poor governance are deeply intertwined, requiring political will and structural reforms. They call for unified economic planning, procurement modernization, and transparency to rebuild public trust and stabilize the economy.