The Daily Mail’s parent company, Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), has announced a £500 million agreement to acquire The Telegraph newspaper from the US-UAE consortium RedBird IMI. The deal, confirmed in a press release from DMGT, marks a significant consolidation in the British media landscape. Founded 170 years ago, The Telegraph has long been one of the UK’s leading conservative newspapers and a direct rival to the Daily Mail. By securing this acquisition, DMGT is set to become one of the largest right-leaning media groups in the United Kingdom. The move underscores ongoing shifts in ownership within the UK press industry, as traditional media houses seek to strengthen their influence amid changing readership and digital transformation trends.

Amid global economic instability, inflation, and geopolitical tensions, gold remains a key safe-haven asset for central banks worldwide. According to the latest data from the World Gold Council and international financial institutions, the United States holds the largest gold reserves at 8,133.46 tons, surpassing the combined reserves of the second and third-ranked countries. Germany follows with 3,355.14 tons, while Italy, France, Russia, and China complete the top six. Notably, China increased its reserves by 331 tons between 2019 and 2024. Other significant holders include India (876.2 tons), Japan (846 tons), Turkey (595.4 tons), and Saudi Arabia (323.1 tons). Bangladesh, by comparison, maintains 14.8 tons of gold in its central bank reserves. Although modest globally, this reserve plays an important role in supporting financial stability and international trade confidence. Central banks continue to rely on gold as a core reserve asset due to its enduring value amid global uncertainty.

Government employees in Bangladesh have called an urgent meeting to finalize their movement demanding the implementation of the ninth pay scale by December. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, at the Dhaka University Fourth Class Employees Association office. Representatives from around a dozen organizations, in addition to the 12 unions under the Bangladesh Government Employees Demand Realization Unity Council, are expected to attend. According to the council’s coordinator, Md. Mahmudul Hasan, the participating organizations will discuss and finalize a program of action to press for the pay scale’s implementation. The meeting aims to unify various employee groups under a single platform to strengthen their collective bargaining power. The decision on the next course of action, including possible demonstrations or negotiations, is expected to emerge from this gathering.

India’s Reliance Industries Limited, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has announced it has stopped importing Russian crude oil for its export-oriented refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The decision comes ahead of European Union sanctions on Russian oil set to take effect on January 21, 2026, and amid growing US pressure on India over its energy trade with Moscow. Reliance confirmed that from November 20, its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) refinery ceased using Russian crude, and from December 1, all exported products will be derived from non-Russian sources. The move aligns with upcoming trade restrictions and ongoing US sanctions on major Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, which supply much of India’s Russian oil. Washington recently imposed sanctions on both firms, accusing them of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The development coincides with discussions of a potential trade agreement between India and the United States, signaling a possible shift in India’s energy sourcing strategy.

A Tk 93 crore modern chemical warehouse complex built on six acres in Tongi’s Kathaldia area of Gazipur remains largely unused as chemical traders show little interest in renting the facilities. The project, initiated after the 2019 Chawkbazar fire to relocate hazardous chemical storage from Dhaka’s residential areas, was completed in December 2023 under the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC). Despite modern safety features, including fire suppression systems and office spaces, only two traders have applied for rental since advertisements were published in October. Business owners cite high rent rates—Tk 26 per square foot—and the site’s distance from the main industrial zone as major deterrents. Officials argue that the higher cost reflects advanced safety measures and reduced fire risk. The government hopes the project will eventually help move chemical storage out of densely populated areas to prevent future disasters.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh is expected to submit its final recommendations for a new pay scale by the end of December 2024. According to commission member Dr. Mohammad Ali Khan, around 50 percent of the work has been completed, and opinions from secretaries will be collected next week before finalizing the report. The commission has dismissed a 15-page document circulating on social media as fake, clarifying that no official draft or decision has been released yet. The leaked document falsely claimed details about salary grades, increments, and allowances. Meanwhile, interim government economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the new pay scale will likely be implemented after the national elections in February 2025. However, the Bangladesh Government Employees Unity Council has warned of strict action if the official gazette is not published by December 15. The 23-member commission, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, was formed in July to review and recommend updates to the government salary structure.

In Dhaka’s major wholesale and retail markets, vegetable prices have risen by Tk 10–20 per kilogram over the past week due to reduced supply from farms. Traders at Karwan Bazar and other markets reported that early winter crops like beans, potatoes, gourds, radishes, and cabbages have become costlier, with beans selling between Tk 100–120 per kg and new potatoes reaching Tk 140–160. Conversely, egg, broiler chicken, and onion prices have declined. Red eggs are now Tk 120 per dozen, white eggs Tk 115, and broiler chicken Tk 155–170 per kg. Onion prices dropped by Tk 5–10 to Tk 95–110 per kg, as new local onions entered the market. Meat and fish prices remain stable, with beef at Tk 750–780 and mutton at Tk 1,200–1,250 per kg. Traders attribute the vegetable price hike to supply shortages, while the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) confirms stability in most essential commodities.

A 22-year lease agreement for Dhaka’s Keraniganj-based Pangao Inland Container Port with Swiss company Medlog has sparked controversy over alleged links to banned Awami League leader and former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury. Sources claim Medlog is affiliated with Chowdhury’s Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The deal, signed on November 17 between Chittagong Port Authority and Medlog Bangladesh Ltd, was reportedly finalized within days, raising concerns among port officials, workers, and civil society groups. Critics argue that the rushed process and lack of transparency could jeopardize national interests, sovereignty, and local employment. Labor unions fear job losses for the 391 registered port workers if foreign management replaces them with its own staff. Officials from the Chittagong Port Authority maintain that the lease was awarded through a proper tender process and that local workers will not be displaced. However, demands persist for the full disclosure of the contract terms and for assurances regarding national control and worker rights.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) reported a 15.54% increase in revenue collection during the first four months (July–October) of the 2025–26 fiscal year compared to the same period last year. Total revenue collected reached BDT 1,19,478 crore, up from BDT 1,03,409 crore in 2024–25, when political unrest and economic stagnation had slowed growth. Despite the improvement, the NBR fell short of its target of BDT 1,36,697.7 crore by about BDT 17,000 crore. The highest growth was recorded in the domestic value-added tax (VAT) segment, which rose 24.78% to BDT 46,878 crore. Income and travel tax collections grew by 16.11% to BDT 37,849 crore, while customs and export duties increased by 4.53% to BDT 34,751 crore. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the government set a total revenue target of BDT 5,64,000 crore, equivalent to 9% of GDP, with NBR expected to contribute BDT 4,99,000 crore.

Bangladesh’s Annual Development Program (ADP) for the current fiscal year is progressing sluggishly, with only about 8.33% of allocated funds spent between July and October, compared to 7.90% during the same period last year. The Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) reported that Tk 19,878 crore was spent in the first four months, down from Tk 21,978 crore a year earlier. Political unrest, curfews, and shutdowns following last year’s government change significantly disrupted development activities. Many projects were halted or re-evaluated due to fiscal constraints and political considerations, leading to the lowest implementation rate in two decades. The revised ADP for FY2024–25 saw only 67.85% of total allocations utilized, nearly 13 percentage points lower than the previous year’s 80.63%. Officials note that early-year spending is typically slow but expect acceleration later, though the current stagnation reflects deeper structural and political challenges.

After nearly six years of closure, gas has been rediscovered in Well No. 1 of the Kailashtila gas field in Sylhet, Bangladesh. According to Sylhet Gas Fields Limited Managing Director Abdul Jalil Pramanik, the well contains an estimated reserve of around 20 billion cubic feet of gas. Daily production is expected to reach 5 to 6 million cubic feet, potentially sustaining output for the next decade. The well, originally drilled in 1961 and last active in 2019, was reopened under a government project to overhaul old wells, with Bapex initiating work in August 2023. Following three months of operations and testing, officials confirmed the find on Thursday evening. The gas will be added to the national grid within two to three days, saving an estimated 33 billion taka in foreign currency by reducing LNG imports. This rediscovery is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s domestic energy supply and reduce dependence on imported gas.

The Bangladesh government plans to complete a nationwide rice and paddy procurement drive before the February national election to ensure strong food reserves for the incoming administration. Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder announced that the target for the current Aman season is 700,000 tons—comprising 50,000 tons of paddy, 50,000 tons of atap rice, and 600,000 tons of parboiled rice—purchased directly from farmers. The procurement campaign will run until February 28, 2026. Farmers will receive Tk 39 per kg for paddy, Tk 50 for parboiled rice, and Tk 49 for atap rice. The government has also expanded its food-friendly program to cover 5.5 million families for six months instead of five. Last season’s shortfall in collection led to the decision to import 800,000 tons of rice in FY2024–25. Despite current self-sufficiency, retail rice prices in Dhaka range between Tk 54 and Tk 85 per kg, depending on quality.

Pakistan is preparing to construct an artificial island in the Arabian Sea, about 30 kilometers off the coast of Sujawal district in Sindh, to facilitate offshore oil and gas exploration. According to Bloomberg, the project is being led by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), whose general manager Arshad Palekar revealed the plan during an oil and gas conference in Islamabad. The six-foot-high platform will withstand sea waves, allowing continuous drilling operations. Inspired by a similar project in Abu Dhabi, this marks Pakistan’s first artificial island for energy exploration. The construction is expected to be completed by February next year, after which PPL plans to drill 25 wells. The initiative follows renewed interest in Pakistan’s offshore resources, reportedly after comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump about the country’s potential oil reserves. Experts believe the project could enhance Pakistan’s energy supply, provide eco-friendly marine fuel, and improve maritime trade routes.

Bangladeshi shipbuilder Western Marine Shipyard has exported three newly built landing crafts named Maya, Emi, and Muna to the United Arab Emirates-based Marwan Shipping Limited. The handover ceremony took place on November 20 on the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram. UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Hamoudi praised the collaboration as a sign of strengthening bilateral ties and expressed optimism for future exports from Bangladesh. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted Western Marine’s contribution to diversifying Bangladesh’s export portfolio. The crafts, each 69 meters long and 16 meters wide, were built under Bureau Veritas classification standards and can operate at 10 nautical miles per hour. Equipped with Yanmar engines, electro-hydraulic ramp winches, and advanced navigation systems, the vessels are designed for heavy equipment and bulk cargo transport. The delivery is part of an eight-ship contract signed in 2023 between Western Marine and Marwan Shipping.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh is advancing its work to review and recommend a revised salary and allowance structure for government employees. A meeting with secretaries from various ministries and departments is scheduled for November 24 at the Secretariat, chaired by Commission President Zakir Ahmed Khan. The commission aims to finalize recommendations covering government, semi-government, autonomous bodies, state-owned banks, approved universities, and public educational institutions. Earlier, from October 1 to 15, the commission collected public and institutional feedback through online questionnaires. Formed on July 27, the commission plans to submit its final report by December. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed stated that three reports are being reviewed before final recommendations are made, emphasizing that the current government will lay the groundwork while the next administration will implement the new pay scale, considering fiscal and social spending realities.