The Trump administration is set to implement the 'Gold Card' visa program by December 18, enabling foreign investors to obtain permanent US residency through a minimum investment of $1 million. The Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have prepared the draft application form, known as I-140G, which has received emergency approval from the White House. Corporate applicants must invest $2 million, while each application requires a non-refundable $15,000 fee. The program, initially delayed due to strict immigration policies, is now moving forward. Applicants will undergo verification to ensure investment funds come from legitimate sources. Once approved, they will complete consular processing and receive immigrant visas granting lawful permanent residency. Skilled professionals, such as scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs, may apply under EB-1, while those contributing to US national interests can apply under EB-2 (National Interest Waiver).

Bitcoin mining is quietly resurging in China, four years after Beijing imposed a sweeping ban on all cryptocurrency-related activities in 2021. Despite the prohibition, miners are taking advantage of cheap electricity and expanding data center demand in energy-rich provinces such as Xinjiang. Before the ban, China was the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hub, but its share dropped to zero after the crackdown. According to Hashrate Index, China has now regained around 14% of global mining activity, ranking third worldwide. The resurgence has also boosted sales for local mining rig manufacturers like Canaan Inc. Industry insiders say miners are exploiting surplus electricity that cannot be exported, making mining profitable again. The Chinese government has not commented on the renewed activity, and analysts note that the revival coincided with Bitcoin’s price surge in October, driven by U.S. policy shifts and weakening confidence in the dollar. However, global risk aversion has since caused Bitcoin’s value to fall by about one-third from its peak.

Farmers in Haimchar upazila of Chandpur district are celebrating a bumper Aman rice harvest this season, thanks to favorable weather and effective guidance from the Department of Agricultural Extension. The cultivation target was set at 1,754 hectares but exceeded expectations with 1,760 hectares under cultivation. Agricultural officials credit the success to the use of improved rice varieties such as BR-22, BR-23, and BRRI Dhan 48–49, along with reduced pest attacks. Farmers report yields nearly double those of last year and express satisfaction despite concerns about fair market prices. Many are now urging the government to reduce fertilizer prices to sustain profitability. Harvesting and threshing activities are currently in full swing across the upazila, with farmers hopeful for just returns on their record yields.

A post-enumeration check by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) has revealed that 365,472 financial institutions were omitted from the 2024 Economic Census conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The initial census counted 11.88 million institutions, but later verification raised the figure to 12.24 million. The BIDS report, released in Dhaka, found an overall error rate of 2.95 percent—below the internationally acceptable 5 percent threshold. The highest omission rate was 5.99 percent in city corporation areas, attributed to non-cooperation from business owners. Rural areas showed a lower error rate of 2.55 percent. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of missing institutions, while Sylhet had the fewest. Officials acknowledged challenges such as limited budgets and low enumerator honorariums but expressed satisfaction with the census quality. They emphasized the need for improved guidelines and better support for field workers in future censuses.

The Bangladesh government has unexpectedly increased the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) revenue collection target for the current fiscal year by Tk 550 billion, raising it from Tk 4.99 trillion to Tk 5.54 trillion—an 11.22% hike. Officials describe the move as unprecedented and unrealistic given the country’s current economic conditions, sluggish investment, and weak export performance. Some NBR insiders believe the decision was influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has urged Bangladesh to expand its tax base, eliminate exemptions, and set a uniform 15% VAT rate as part of loan conditions. Former NBR chairman Abdul Mazid noted that revenue collection remains low relative to GDP and called for stronger enforcement against tax evasion. The IMF has so far disbursed $3.64 billion of a $5.5 billion loan package. Implementation details of the new target will be discussed after NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan returns from abroad later this month.

Dried fish from Pabna district in Bangladesh is now being exported to at least 20 countries after meeting domestic demand, creating new opportunities for foreign exchange earnings and rural employment. The upazilas of Santhia, Bera, Sujanagar, Faridpur, and Chatmohar have become well-known for dried fish production, particularly during the November to March season. Hundreds of seasonal traders from northern regions join local farmers to produce and sell large quantities of dried fish across the country and abroad, including to the Middle East, Malaysia, the UK, and the US. Popular varieties such as shol, taki, boal, tangra, and puti have gained strong demand among expatriate communities. However, local producers face challenges due to declining native fish populations and limited government support. Farmers say that low-interest loans and institutional backing could significantly expand exports and strengthen this promising sector.

Hundreds of farmers in Munshiganj district have become self-reliant through large-scale vegetable seedling production, earning around Tk 40 million annually. The seedlings, produced mainly in Sadar and Tongibari upazilas, are in high demand nationwide due to their superior quality and careful cultivation methods using organic fertilizers and oilcake. Farmers grow seedlings of cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, pumpkin, eggplant, and chili from August to December, selling them to wholesalers from over 25 districts. Each thousand seedlings fetch between Tk 1,500 and Tk 2,000 depending on quality and market demand. Despite some losses from heavy rainfall and rising seed prices, most producers report strong profits. The Department of Agricultural Extension notes that 4,907 hectares have been targeted for winter vegetable cultivation this year, with an expected yield of 125,423 tons. Officials say seedling production has become a profitable profession in the region, helping local farmers meet national demand while improving rural livelihoods.

Bangladesh’s interim government is facing criticism for failing to bring to justice those responsible for large-scale corruption in the power and energy sector during the Awami League’s 15-and-a-half-year rule. The national inquiry committee led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury has yet to submit its final report, citing the technical complexity of contracts and the vast amount of documentation involved. Preliminary findings reportedly confirm widespread corruption, including irregularities in deals with India’s Adani Group. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also complained that it has not received key documents needed for investigation. Experts estimate that at least Tk 1.25 trillion was embezzled through capacity charges, inflated project costs, and rent-seeking schemes. Despite the repeal of the controversial indemnity law that shielded energy contracts from legal scrutiny, no major prosecutions have followed. Analysts and legal experts describe the government’s inaction as a major governance failure, warning that entrenched bureaucratic resistance continues to protect the sector’s most powerful figures.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh has held a meeting with secretaries from various ministries and departments to discuss the formulation of a new national pay scale. The meeting, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, took place on Monday afternoon and was described as productive, though not all secretaries attended. The commission, formed on July 27 to design a modern and appropriate salary structure for government employees, has already collected public feedback online from October 1 to 15. Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that three reports will be reviewed before final recommendations are made, with the current government setting a framework for implementation by the next administration. Meanwhile, employee leaders have issued a November 30 deadline for the commission to submit its recommendations, warning of strong protests if delayed. They also announced a mass rally in Dhaka on December 5 to demand timely implementation of the new pay scale.

Pakistan’s Trading Corporation (TCP) has issued a tender to purchase 100,000 tons of locally produced long-grain white rice (IRRI-6) for export to Bangladesh, marking a notable step in strengthening bilateral trade ties. The tender, published on November 20, sets November 28 as the submission deadline and requires bids to remain valid for 21 working days. The rice must be from the latest harvest, free from contamination, and ready for shipment within 45 days of contract signing. This move follows the resumption of direct trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in 2024, which began with a 50,000-ton rice deal. Analysts view the tender as an effort to integrate Pakistani rice into Bangladesh’s import supply chain amid Dhaka’s ongoing efforts to stabilize domestic prices through continuous import tenders. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s rice exports have declined by 28% in early fiscal 2026 due to policy and legal challenges, though opportunities have emerged in the U.S. market following tariffs on Indian basmati rice.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that within the next 18 months, all financial institutions in Bangladesh—including banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance, and microfinance organizations—will be connected through an interoperable transaction system. Speaking at an event titled ‘Instant Payment in Bangladesh: Unveiling Inclusion Opportunities,’ jointly organized by Bangladesh Bank and the Gates Foundation, he said the initiative aims to reduce cash dependency and promote transparency in financial transactions. The new Interoperable Instant Payment System (IIPS) will operate under the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) framework, supported by open-source software Mojaloop. The governor emphasized that the system will enhance revenue collection and bring all financial entities under one digital channel. Although IIPS was launched earlier this month, many institutions have yet to join. The central bank plans to make the platform fully operational by July 2027, aiming to transition the country toward a cashless economy.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh has made significant progress in formulating a new salary structure for government employees, according to its chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Following a meeting with secretaries from various ministries on Monday, Khan said discussions were productive though not all secretaries attended. The commission expects to submit its report soon, possibly by the end of November. The government formed the commission on July 27 to recommend an updated pay scale for officials under the national salary framework. Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Council, warned that if the recommendations are not submitted by November 30, employees will announce larger protest programs from a December 5 rally. The commission’s recommendations will cover government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. Officials indicated that around half of the work has been completed, with final recommendations expected by late December if necessary.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that all banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance companies, and other financial institutions in Bangladesh will adopt a cashless inter-transaction system starting from July 2027. The initiative aims to eliminate the need for cash withdrawals and enhance transparency in financial transactions. Speaking at an event in Dhaka’s Westin Hotel, the governor emphasized that digitization is essential for ensuring transparency, reducing corruption, and improving revenue collection. During the event, Bangladesh Bank signed an agreement with the Gates Foundation’s Mojaloop to establish the inter-transaction platform, which will be called the Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS). The agreement was signed virtually due to security considerations. The move is expected to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition toward a fully digital financial ecosystem and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.

The Bangladesh government has decided to import non-basmati rice from India through a Singapore-based supplier to keep domestic rice prices stable. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed announced the decision after a government purchase advisory committee meeting at the Secretariat on Monday. He stated that while rice prices have somewhat stabilized, there are signs of a slight increase, prompting the government to act preemptively. The choice of a Singapore supplier was based on competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery. Ahmed also mentioned that the government aims to finalize a revised budget by December, taking into account increased expenditures for the upcoming national election and referendum, which will be held on the same day. He acknowledged the logistical challenges of conducting both events simultaneously but supported the decision as efficient. The meeting also approved fertilizer and refined oil purchases, along with three road development projects.

The Government of Bangladesh has promulgated the 'Deposit Protection Ordinance, 2025' to strengthen depositor confidence and ensure financial stability in the banking sector. Under the new ordinance, depositors will be entitled to receive up to Tk 200,000 immediately if a bank or financial institution is liquidated or closed. The ordinance, issued by the President under Article 93(1) of the Constitution due to the dissolution of Parliament, replaces the Bank Deposit Insurance Act of 2000. A new Deposit Protection Department will be established under Bangladesh Bank to oversee premium collection, fund management, member inspections, and payout operations. Two separate protection funds will be created for banks and financial institutions, financed through premiums, penalties, and investment income. All existing banks will automatically become members, while financial institutions will join by July 1, 2028. Certain government and foreign deposits will remain excluded. Bangladesh Bank will also be empowered to cooperate with foreign regulators and adopt international standards to enhance depositor protection.