The eastern Chinese city of Ningbo has introduced a new incentive program to counter the country’s declining marriage rate. According to the city’s Civil Affairs Department, newly married couples will receive eight cash vouchers worth a total of 1,000 yuan (about $141 or £107). These vouchers can be used for wedding photography, ceremonies, celebrations, hotels, shopping, and other marriage-related services. The vouchers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Similar initiatives have been launched in other eastern cities such as Hangzhou and Pinghu, running through the end of the year. Official data show that over 6.1 million couples registered marriages last year, down nearly 20% from 7.68 million in 2023. Analysts attribute the decline to high child-rearing and education costs. In response, Chinese authorities have promoted policies encouraging marriage and childbirth, including “love education” programs at universities and local government support for marriage at an “appropriate age.”

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of the government-approved merger plan involving five Shariah-based private banks in Bangladesh—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, EXIM Bank, and Social Islami Bank. The petition, submitted on behalf of investor Shahidul Islam by Barrister Mahsib Hossain, names the Bangladesh Bank governor and the finance secretary among the respondents. The merger proposal, approved on October 9 by an advisory council, aims to form a new Shariah-compliant entity tentatively named either United Islamic Bank or Sammilito Islamic Bank. The new bank would assume all assets and liabilities of the merged institutions, with an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore, including Tk 20,000 crore from the government. Bangladesh Bank recently appointed administrators to manage the financially weak banks, assuring depositors that their funds remain secure and that no employees will be dismissed during the restructuring process.

The Bangladesh government has issued the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, allowing the formation of trade unions with the consent of at least 20 workers in a factory. Previously, 20 percent of a factory’s workforce was required to form a union. The new ordinance specifies the number of workers needed for union registration based on total workforce size, ranging from 20 to 400. The amendment aims to modernize labor laws, align them with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and ensure greater balance between workers and employers. It extends labor law protections to domestic workers and sailors, prohibits blacklisting, strengthens measures against sexual harassment, enhances maternity benefits, and bans gender-based wage discrimination. The ordinance also introduces improved mechanisms for dispute resolution and establishes a fund for rehabilitation and medical support of injured workers. Officials described the reform as a landmark step toward international labor standards.

Bangladesh has recorded a 17% increase in the import of nine essential consumer goods ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, according to a recent Bangladesh Bank report. The imported items include sugar, soybean oil, pulses, chickpeas, peas, onions, garlic, ginger, and dates. Among these, pea imports surged by 294%, while date imports rose by 231%. In contrast, onion imports dropped by 99%, and garlic and ginger imports declined by 89% and 22%, respectively. The central bank attributed the overall rise in imports to stable dollar supply and policy measures facilitating trade. To ensure adequate supply and price stability during Ramadan, Bangladesh Bank has instructed commercial banks to maintain minimal cash margins for opening letters of credit (LCs) on ten key commodities until March 2026. Officials expect that these measures will prevent shortages and may even lower prices if market monitoring remains effective.

Bangladesh Bank has announced it will discontinue five public services, including the sale and purchase of savings certificates and prize bonds, starting November 30. Initially, the closure will apply to the central bank’s Motijheel office, with other regional offices following later. The suspended services also include the exchange of damaged notes, treasury challan services, and providing change for challans. Customers will still be able to access these services through commercial banks, which the central bank will closely monitor to ensure smooth operations. The decision is part of a modernization and security enhancement plan involving automated vaults and restricted public access to sensitive areas. Although recent fraud incidents involving savings certificate servers occurred at the Motijheel branch, officials clarified that the closures are primarily driven by security and modernization concerns. Currently, Bangladesh Bank handles a significant portion of the country’s savings certificate transactions, with over 30% processed through its Motijheel office.

Denmark-based APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, has signed an agreement with the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to construct and operate the Laldia Container Terminal in Bangladesh for 30 years under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The company will invest approximately Tk 6,700 crore in the project. The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka, attended by senior officials including PPP Authority CEO Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, and Danish State Secretary for Trade and Investment Lene Gandløse Hansen. The terminal is expected to become operational between 2028 and 2030. Under the agreement, APM Terminals will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, and operation of the facility, which aims to enhance Bangladesh’s maritime trade capacity and efficiency.

Bangladesh Bank has announced it will stop selling savings certificates and prize bonds, along with discontinuing several customer-facing services such as exchanging damaged notes, accepting government challans, and providing change for challans from November 30. Initially, the decision will take effect at the Motijheel office before being extended to other branches. The central bank explained that the move aims to strengthen oversight of commercial banks, which will now handle these services independently. Officials cited security and policy reasons for the change, noting that no central bank globally offers direct counter services. Experts have supported the decision, emphasizing that central banks should focus on regulatory functions rather than commercial operations, but they also urged authorities to ensure that customers do not face additional difficulties at commercial banks. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that payments related to savings certificates will continue through the EFTN system.

New Zealand’s Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s ruling that Uber drivers should be classified as employees rather than independent contractors, marking a major legal victory for gig economy workers. The unanimous decision dismissed Uber’s appeal against a 2022 Employment Court ruling involving four drivers represented by two unions. The court’s judgment could enable thousands of Uber drivers in New Zealand to claim full employment rights, including back pay and benefits such as minimum wage, paid leave, and the right to collective bargaining. The Workers First Union welcomed the ruling, saying it sets a precedent for fairer treatment of gig workers. Uber expressed disappointment, warning that the decision could have broad implications for contracting arrangements across the country. Despite the ruling, Uber said its operations in New Zealand would continue as usual for now. The case aligns New Zealand with similar legal developments in countries like the United Kingdom, where courts have also recognized Uber drivers as employees.

India has signed a significant energy agreement with the United States to import 2.2 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) annually, accounting for about 10% of Delhi’s total LPG consumption. The deal comes amid ongoing pressure from Washington over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and recent trade frictions, including US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Despite these tensions, both nations continue dialogue on energy and trade cooperation. Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the deal as the first LPG supply agreement between the two countries, emphasizing India’s goal of diversifying energy sources to ensure affordable and secure fuel for its population. The agreement also opens the rapidly growing Indian LPG market to US suppliers. Analysts note that while India’s economy has recently shown strong growth, high US tariffs remain a concern that could slow GDP expansion if not reduced soon.

The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has been denied permission by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to call for a second round of tenders for the MRT Line-1 and MRT Line-5 (North) projects, despite contractors quoting significantly higher prices than estimated. The approved cost for MRT Line-1 was Tk 52,561 crore, but bids could raise it to nearly Tk 97,000 crore. Similarly, MRT Line-5’s cost may double from its approved Tk 41,238 crore. Under the loan agreement with JICA, DMTCL cannot renegotiate prices with contractors. Infrastructure experts blame weak loan terms negotiated during the previous Awami League government for the cost escalation, arguing that JICA’s restrictions contradict international practices. DMTCL officials admit the bids are excessively high but say they are exploring alternative financing and local material use to curb costs. The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has indicated that discussions with JICA are ongoing to find a solution to the rising expenses.

Khulna Power Company Limited (KPCL) has signed an asset purchase agreement with Dubai-based Subson Energy FZCO to sell its 40-megawatt power plant located in Noapara, Jashore. According to the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the deal includes provisions for KPCL to either sell the plant or export its generated electricity. This follows a previous agreement with Turkey’s Aksa Enerji Üretim A.S. for the sale of KPCL’s 115MW KPC Unit-2 in Khalishpur, Khulna. KPCL’s financial performance has improved notably, with earnings per share (EPS) rising to Tk 0.25 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, compared to Tk 0.04 a year earlier. The company’s net asset value per share (NAVPS) stood at Tk 19.27 as of September 30, 2025. KPCL attributed the profit growth to higher income and increased contributions from its subsidiaries. For the 2024–25 fiscal year, KPCL declared a 5% cash dividend for general investors, following a 10% payout in the previous two years.

Bangladesh’s cargo vessel owners have threatened to suspend all waterway freight transport within 15 days if their 10-point demand is not met. At a press conference in Dhaka, the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners Association (BCVOA) and the Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh (COAB) alleged that a syndicate of product agents has taken control of the shipping sector, depriving vessel owners of payments and violating transport regulations. The associations claim that around 800 ships have already been scrapped due to financial distress, with unpaid dues exceeding Tk 400 crore, including demurrage charges. They accused agents of turning ships into floating warehouses to manipulate market supply and prices. The owners demanded immediate implementation of the 2024 transport policy, payment of all arrears, and an end to irregular chartering practices. They warned that if the government fails to intervene, the suspension of shipping operations could severely disrupt supply chains and raise consumer costs across the country.

Bangladesh’s economy is gradually recovering due to various government initiatives aimed at revitalizing economic activities, according to Economic Adviser Professor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. Speaking at the ‘Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025’ event in Dhaka, he stated that the economy is now in a much better position compared to the challenging period of last August. Dr. Ahmed highlighted positive trends in foreign reserves and exports, noting that major global institutions have recognized Bangladesh’s progress. However, he acknowledged that internal challenges remain and urged greater accountability and restraint in future development projects, citing past mega projects that yielded limited benefits. He emphasized that national development should also focus on education, health, and social security, not just economic growth. Dr. Ahmed also called on journalists to play a responsible role by producing investigative reports and constructive criticism to ensure transparency and improvement.

The Dhaka (South) Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate has announced recruitment for 99 permanent positions across 13th to 20th grade posts. Eligible permanent residents of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Munshiganj districts can apply online until November 17, 2025. The available roles include senior data entry/control operator, computer operator, higher-grade assistant, stenographer-cum-computer operator, cashier, office assistant-cum-typist, driver, sepoy, and others. Educational qualifications range from secondary school certificates to university degrees, depending on the post. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 32 years as of October 1, 2025, with age relaxation up to 40 years for departmental candidates in specific categories. Application fees are set at BDT 112 for higher-grade posts and BDT 56 for lower-grade ones, payable through Teletalk within 72 hours of submission. No travel or daily allowances will be provided for written, practical, or oral examinations. The recruitment aims to strengthen administrative and operational efficiency within the customs department.

The unloading of a wheat shipment from the United States has begun at Bangladesh’s Mongla Port under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two countries. The vessel ‘MV Weco Tati’ arrived on November 14 carrying 60,875 metric tons of wheat imported by the Bangladesh government. After quality testing confirmed the wheat met required standards, unloading operations started on November 16. Of the total shipment, 35,075 metric tons will be stored in Mongla’s food warehouses, while the remainder will be distributed to Khulna, Barishal, and Rajshahi. Officials stated that due to the vessel’s large size and depth, unloading is being conducted from the fairway. This is the first direct wheat shipment to Mongla under the G2G-1 cash purchase agreement, as previous consignments arrived via Chattogram Port. Under the broader agreement, Bangladesh will import a total of 440,000 metric tons of wheat from the US, with three consignments totaling 178,636 metric tons already received.