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.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a recruitment circular for 24 non-cadre positions in the 9th and 10th grades across various ministries and departments. The announcement, published on November 30, 2025, includes posts such as Assistant Architect, Assistant Computer Programmer, Public Relations Officer, Accounts Officer, and Assistant Cipher and Consular Officers. The positions fall under ministries including Housing and Public Works, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Foreign Affairs. Applicants must hold relevant bachelor's or master's degrees from recognized universities, with specific academic requirements for each post. The salary ranges from BDT 16,000 to 53,060 depending on grade. Candidates must be under 32 years of age as of November 1, 2025. Online applications can be submitted through the PSC website or Teletalk portal between December 14, 2025, and January 13, 2026. The application fee is BDT 200, reduced to BDT 50 for underprivileged applicants.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) and Annex Communications Limited have signed an agreement granting Annex exclusive rights to manage inside branding services for the Dhaka Metro Rail. The signing ceremony took place at DMTCL’s conference room on Monday, December 1, marking a new phase of collaboration between the two organizations. The agreement was signed by DMTCL’s Joint Secretary and Company Secretary (additional duty) Khandaker Ehteshamul Kabir and Annex Communications Director Sharif Sabbir. Senior officials from both sides, including DMTCL Managing Director Faruk Ahmed and Annex Chairman Mahmudur Rahman, attended the event. The partnership aims to enhance the metro’s passenger experience through innovative branding and advertising solutions, while also opening new commercial opportunities for both entities. The initiative reflects DMTCL’s broader strategy to integrate modern marketing approaches within public transport infrastructure.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has announced an increase in the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for December. The price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been raised by Tk 38, from Tk 1,215 to Tk 1,253. The new rate will take effect from the evening of December 2. Additionally, the price of autogas has been revised upward from Tk 55.58 per liter to Tk 57.32 per liter. The adjustment follows a previous price reduction in November, when LPG prices were cut by Tk 26 and autogas by Tk 1.19 per liter. BERC reviews LPG prices monthly based on fluctuations in international market rates and exchange rates, aiming to ensure fair pricing for both consumers and suppliers.

Iranian authorities have announced the discovery of a large new gold reserve in the privately owned Shadan mine in South Khorasan province. According to local media reports on December 1, the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade has confirmed the authenticity of the find. The newly discovered deposit includes approximately 7.95 million tons of oxide gold ore and 53.1 million tons of sulfide gold ore, which are expected to significantly boost the mine’s total reserves. The easily extractable oxide ore is seen as a major advantage for Iran’s mining sector. Officials believe this discovery could strengthen the country’s economy, which has been weakened by years of international sanctions and inflation. The Iranian rial continues to depreciate against the US dollar, prompting many citizens to view gold as a safe investment. Iran currently has 15 active gold mines, with Zarshouran being the largest. The announcement follows Pakistan’s recent report of a major gold discovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

More than 70 secretaries from various ministries in Bangladesh have opposed proposals for a steep pay hike under the upcoming ninth pay scale, urging the Pay Commission to make realistic recommendations in line with the government’s financial capacity. The commission has so far held four rounds of consultations with secretaries and discussions with over 250 organizations, both online and in person. While some groups have demanded salary increases up to three or four times the current levels, a significant number of secretaries have cautioned against such moves, emphasizing fiscal sustainability. Commission officials said the process of gathering opinions was challenging due to scheduling constraints but noted that the feedback is being carefully reviewed. They expect to finalize and submit the recommendations within the stipulated timeframe, with special attention to minimum wage structures and grade reclassification.

Bangladesh’s November Economic Update and Outlook report by the General Economics Division (GED) highlights a mixed economic scenario. While bank deposits have shown robust growth, private sector credit expansion remains sluggish. The report notes that overall inflation has fallen to single digits, largely due to declining food prices and improved supply conditions. Food inflation dropped from 12.66% to 7.08%, while non-food inflation slightly rose to 9.13%, reflecting ongoing pressure in housing, transport, and healthcare costs. The report also indicates that rice prices, which surged earlier in 2025, have begun to decline as new Aman harvests entered the market and government procurement boosted domestic reserves. Despite steady economic growth, the National Board of Revenue continues to fall short of its collection targets. Export performance remains volatile, though moderate recovery is expected in the coming months.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced that the use of the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) will become mandatory from January 1 to modernize and digitize the country’s bond management process. According to an official circular, all bonded warehouse license holders must use CBMS for issuing Utilization Permissions (UP) related to duty-free raw material imports. No services will be provided through manual or alternative methods after the deadline. The automated CBMS software, launched earlier with 24 modules, is currently being used on a limited scale in three customs bond commissionerates. NBR stated that the system has been upgraded based on user feedback to make it more user-friendly. The mandatory use of CBMS is expected to enhance service speed, transparency, and accountability, while reducing costs, time, and disputes. The NBR reaffirmed its commitment to continuing digitalization efforts to achieve full automation and transparency in revenue management.