Chevron has emerged as the only foreign oil company still operating in Venezuela, following renewed U.S. sanctions targeting the country's oil tankers. Despite Washington’s full embargo and the cancellation of most operating licenses earlier in 2025, the U.S. energy giant continues production under a special exemption. Chevron operates four oil fields and one offshore gas field in partnership with state-owned PDVSA, employing about 3,000 people.

Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves—around 303 billion barrels—has seen its daily output fall to 800,000–900,000 barrels, down from over 3 million a decade ago. Chevron contributes roughly 10% of current production, exporting 150,000–200,000 barrels daily to the U.S. Analysts note that the heavy, sulfur-rich crude is difficult to refine but strategically important for U.S. Gulf refineries.

Experts suggest Chevron’s continued presence reflects Washington’s geopolitical strategy to prevent China or Russia from filling the vacuum in Venezuela’s energy sector. The company insists its operations comply with U.S. law and contribute to regional stability and energy security.

Kuwait has signed a $4.1 billion agreement with China to construct the Mubarak Al-Kabir port on Bubiyan Island, a key component of the Gulf state’s plan to diversify its economy and expand its role in global trade. The deal, valued at 1.28 billion Kuwaiti dinars, covers engineering, procurement, and construction services, according to Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who emphasized that the project would strengthen Kuwait’s regional and international trade connectivity. China’s acting chargé d’affaires, Liu Xiang, said the agreement reflects Kuwait’s growing involvement in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two nations had previously signed seven memoranda of understanding in 2023, covering housing, water treatment, and renewable energy projects.

Analysts view the port as a strategic investment that could enhance Kuwait’s logistics capacity and attract foreign trade flows. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the project seen as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s long-term economic diversification strategy.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made online income tax return filing mandatory for individual taxpayers from fiscal year 2025–26, implemented through local tech firm Synesis IT. However, NBR has yet to sign a formal contract with the company, despite the system handling sensitive taxpayer data. Officials and experts have voiced concern over potential legal and data security risks arising from this contractless arrangement.

Synesis IT developed the online return software under a European Union grant that expired in mid-2024, after which the firm continued service without payment. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan acknowledged the absence of a contract, citing lengthy government procurement procedures. Synesis officials said they have repeatedly requested a formal agreement, warning of financial strain from providing unpaid services. Some NBR insiders expressed surprise that a mandatory national service operates without a legal framework.

The situation highlights governance and accountability gaps in Bangladesh’s digital tax modernization. While the system has reduced corruption and improved taxpayer convenience, unresolved contracting issues could expose the government to future legal and financial complications if not promptly addressed.

The Bangladesh government has approved the purchase of 37.5 million liters of edible oil from international sources and 10 million liters locally to prevent an artificial shortage during the upcoming Ramadan. Additionally, 10,000 tons of lentils will be procured. The total cost for the oil purchase is estimated at Tk 642.45 crore, while lentil procurement will cost Tk 72.20 crore. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will distribute these products nationwide.

The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The imports include 20 million liters of soybean oil from Nigeria’s Vidok Farms and Exports Ltd, 12.5 million liters from the U.S.-based Stewart Klobanu Gerhard, and 5 million liters from Malaysia’s C Millennium Trade Sdn Bhd. Locally, one crore liters of rice bran oil will be sourced through open tender from three domestic firms.

Officials stated that the oil will be sold through TCB at prices lower than the government-fixed retail rate but higher than the procurement cost, ensuring no subsidy burden. The move aims to stabilize market prices and ensure adequate supply during the fasting month.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh has officially upgraded the pay grade of all government primary school head teachers from the 11th to the 10th grade, granting them gazetted officer status. The new salary scale starts at BDT 16,000 and rises to BDT 38,640, replacing the previous range of BDT 12,500 to BDT 30,230. The gazette notification, signed on December 15 and published on December 23, affects 65,502 head teachers nationwide.

The decision follows a long legal and administrative process, including approval from the Ministry of Public Administration, the Finance Division, and the Administrative Development Secretary Committee. It also complies with a Supreme Court ruling that recognized head teachers as second-class gazetted officers. Untrained head teachers must complete Basic Training for Primary Teachers (BTPT) within 18 months.

The government expects the move to enhance financial security and social recognition for head teachers, motivating them to improve primary education quality. Meanwhile, assistant teachers—currently in the 13th grade—continue to press for an upgrade to the 11th grade, a proposal now under review by the National Pay Commission.

Jamuna Bank PLC has inaugurated its 170th branch in Naria, Shariatpur, reaffirming its commitment to modern and accessible banking services. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Additional Managing Director and COO Md. Abdus Salam as chief guest, with Md. Abdus Sobhan, Head of NRB Banking, Foreign Remittance, and Operations, presiding over the event. Local representatives, business leaders, and customers were also present.

Speakers highlighted the importance of remittances from Europe, particularly Italy, where a large Bangladeshi expatriate community contributes significantly to the national economy. Jamuna Bank emphasized its global remittance partnerships that ensure secure and fast fund transfers to beneficiaries in Bangladesh.

The new Naria branch is expected to enhance financial inclusion in the region, making banking services more efficient for residents and supporting the growing flow of remittances from abroad. The expansion aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to strengthen rural and semi-urban financial networks across the country.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has approved a Tk 576.90 crore project to upgrade and modernize Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur. The project, sanctioned for the 2025–26 fiscal year, aims to strengthen academic, administrative, and research infrastructure while promoting a technology-driven learning environment.

According to Professor Dr. Moniruzzaman Bahadur, Director of Planning, Development, and Works at HSTU, the initiative includes the construction of a 12-story academic building, new dormitories, residential facilities for faculty and staff, and expansions of the administrative and medical centers. It also covers internal roads, drainage, substations, water supply systems, and boundary walls.

Officials expect the project to alleviate accommodation shortages, enhance research capacity, and elevate the university’s academic environment to international standards. Implementation is anticipated to begin in the upcoming fiscal cycle, with long-term benefits for higher education infrastructure in northern Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 22 new development projects totaling Tk 46,419 crore (approximately USD 4.2 billion). The approval came during the committee’s 18th meeting under the interim government, chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka. The Planning Ministry confirmed the decision in an official statement following the meeting.

Of the total allocation, Tk 30,482 crore will come from government funds, Tk 1,689 crore from project loans, and Tk 14,247 crore from implementing agencies’ own resources. This marks the seventh ECNEC meeting of the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting the government’s continued focus on infrastructure and socio-economic development despite the political transition.

Officials noted that the newly approved projects span key sectors including transport, energy, and rural development. Economists expect the investments to stimulate employment and regional connectivity, though they cautioned about ensuring transparency and timely implementation to maximize impact.

Bangladesh Bank has directed that the shares of five Shariah-based banks undergoing merger be valued at zero, citing negative net asset values. The affected institutions—First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank—received official letters instructing them to nullify their paid-up capital under the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025. The central bank stated that the decision followed an assessment showing each bank’s equity had turned negative.

Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed that the order does not require approval from the Dhaka or Chittagong stock exchanges or the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur earlier explained that shareholders would not receive stakes in the newly formed Combined Islami Bank PLC, as each share’s net asset value had fallen between Tk 350 and Tk 420 below zero.

The move effectively wipes out shareholder equity, leaving investors facing heavy losses. Trading of the banks’ shares remains suspended, while the newly licensed Combined Islami Bank PLC begins operations as the country’s largest state-owned Shariah-compliant bank.

China has reportedly discovered an enormous undersea gold deposit off the coast of Laizhou in Shandong province, which local media describe as Asia’s largest underwater gold mine. The find, located near Yantai, is estimated to contain over 3,900 tons of gold, accounting for roughly 26 percent of China’s total reserves. While the central government has yet to confirm the discovery, reports from the South China Morning Post suggest the actual volume may exceed initial estimates.

The discovery follows a series of major gold finds across China, including deposits in Liaoning and Xinjiang provinces. The China Gold Association notes that China remains the world’s top gold ore producer, with 377 tons mined last year. However, it still trails South Africa, Australia, and Russia in total reserves. Geological teams have increasingly used artificial intelligence, high-powered radar, and satellite imaging to locate new mineral resources.

Analysts believe this discovery could strengthen China’s position in global gold markets and reduce import dependency. The government’s ongoing investment in exploration—totaling about 4.5 trillion yuan since 2021—signals a strategic push to secure critical resources amid global economic uncertainty.

Bangladesh’s Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has called for dismantling entrenched systems surrounding the nation’s ports, alleging that a long-standing mafia network continues to dominate operations. Speaking at the 48th annual general meeting of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) in Chattogram, he said the same group of officials and business figures have maintained control for decades, hindering reform and innovation.

Hossain highlighted that BSC has achieved its highest net profit in its 53-year history, a milestone that has emboldened the corporation to invest in new vessels. He emphasized that such financial strength should be used to modernize management and bring in new leadership. The meeting was also attended by Shipping Ministry Secretary Dr. Nurun Nahar Chowdhury.

The adviser’s remarks signal growing government intent to reform port governance and curb corruption. Analysts suggest that implementing structural changes could improve efficiency and transparency in Bangladesh’s maritime trade sector.

The Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday night at Uttara Club in Dhaka. The event was attended by BGBA members and key guests including founding president Kaiyum Reza Chowdhury, Director General of the Department of Textiles Md. Shahidul Islam, NBR First Secretary Shahriar Hasan, and Adnan Masud, AMD of United Commercial Bank PLC. The meeting began with a moment of silence for the late Sharif Osman Hadi, followed by prayers led by BGBA Treasurer Fazlul Haque Saeed.

Presided over by BGBA President Mofazzal Hossain Pavel, the AGM reviewed the association’s 2024–25 financial audit and discussed progress on previous initiatives. Secretary General Md. Zakir Hossain presented the annual report, while members raised questions and offered recommendations for organizational improvement. Pavel noted that after a High Court ruling, multiple AGMs had been consolidated in 2024, and the 2025 session marked a return to the regular calendar cycle. He expressed optimism for continued unity and thanked all members, committees, and donors for their support.

Bangladesh’s stock market has gone 16 months without a single company listing or submitting an initial public offering (IPO) application, marking the longest such pause since the COVID-19 pandemic. The last company to list was Techno Drugs in July 2024. Despite directives from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to accelerate listings of state-owned and multinational firms, no progress has been made, raising concerns among investors and market analysts.

Officials attribute the stagnation to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission’s (BSEC) ongoing revision of IPO regulations. The new Public Offer of Equity Securities Rules, 2025, has completed public consultation and awaits final approval. BSEC spokesperson Abul Kalam said companies could still apply under the 2015 rules but lacked initiative due to governance issues and restrictive pricing models. Market leaders, including the DSE Brokers Association, criticized the regulator for failing to maintain supply and investor confidence.

Analysts warn that the prolonged freeze has set the market back by at least two years, with over a quarter of listed firms now in weak ‘Z’ category. The new IPO framework, expected by December, may determine whether investor trust can be restored in 2026.

Farmers in Kaukhali upazila of Pirojpur district have seen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes this season through early bottle gourd cultivation. With favorable weather and strong market demand, wholesalers from various regions are purchasing directly from fields, ensuring steady income for growers. Around 58 hectares of land have been brought under bottle gourd cultivation this year, alongside other vegetables such as pumpkin, beans, cucumber, and bitter gourd.

Local farmers report significant profits. Mamun Hossain from Purba Keundia village earned about 250,000 taka from early sales and expects to sell another 200,000 taka worth of produce, with production costs of only 30,000–35,000 taka. Another farmer, Sujit, reported sales of around 150,000 taka. Agricultural officers credit the success to Kaukhali’s fertile alluvial soil and continuous technical support.

Officials say government projects and training programs have encouraged farmers to adopt improved vegetable varieties. With rising prices and expanding cultivation, bottle gourd farming is emerging as a sustainable income source for rural households in southern Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s tea production has dropped by 10–12% in 2025 due to adverse weather, labor unrest, and rising production costs, raising fears of a collapse in export trade. The National Tea Company and other producers reported that prolonged droughts, heavy rains, and delayed leaf growth have disrupted yields across major tea estates, particularly in Moulvibazar, which hosts more than half of the country’s 171 gardens.

Industry stakeholders say the government’s minimum price of Tk 245 per kilogram has failed to offset higher costs for fertilizer, fuel, and pesticides. Auction sales have also declined, while illegal imports of low-quality tea from neighboring countries are undercutting domestic producers. Laborers report reduced earnings as lower yields mean fewer leaves to pluck.

Experts warn that without urgent government intervention and improved irrigation, the industry could face long-term decline. Calls are growing for stricter border controls, better quality assurance, and modernization to restore competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.