Bangladesh Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that the establishment of dedicated commercial courts will mark a new era for the country’s economy and judicial system. Speaking at a seminar in Chattogram organized by the Supreme Court and UNDP, he noted that the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025 has granted the judiciary full administrative and financial autonomy for the first time, enabling long-term judicial reforms.

The Chief Justice explained that the draft Commercial Courts Act—developed through consultations with BIDA, legal experts, and business stakeholders with EU technical support—has been approved in principle by the Cabinet. The law includes provisions for specialized courts, mandatory mediation, limited adjournments, transparent case statistics, and specialized training for judges and lawyers. These measures aim to ensure faster, more transparent commercial dispute resolution and enhance Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.

He emphasized that effective implementation will require infrastructure, human resource development, and digital capacity building. The Supreme Court is preparing practice directions to ensure smooth operation of the new courts, reflecting a national consensus for an independent and efficient judiciary.

Bangladesh’s industrial and public works adviser Adilur Rahman Khan announced that sugar imports have been temporarily suspended until the unsold stock from domestic mills is cleared. Speaking after inspecting the Natore Sugar Mill and Uttara Gonobhaban on December 6, he said Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has already begun selling locally produced sugar to stabilize the market.

Adilur emphasized that state-owned sugar mills, many dating back to the British era, cannot operate sustainably on subsidies alone. He called for both local and foreign investment to modernize production and expand capacity. Discussions with potential investors are ongoing, and he expressed optimism about positive developments soon. He also mentioned plans to diversify into related production activities to improve profitability.

The adviser further noted that Uttara Gonobhaban has been renovated after years of neglect and could host cabinet meetings under the current government, following historical precedent. Local officials, including the Natore deputy commissioner and police superintendent, attended the visit.

Bangladesh’s onion market has turned volatile despite sufficient domestic supply, with retail prices soaring to Tk 160 per kilogram in Dhaka. Officials say more than 100,000 tons of old onions remain in storage, while new harvests are entering markets. Yet, traders are allegedly withholding supply to create an artificial shortage and pressure the government to allow imports, though their real motive appears to be profit maximization.

Market insiders and consumer groups claim a powerful syndicate of wholesalers and commission agents has been manipulating prices since October. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) confirmed evidence of market manipulation, noting that current prices far exceed the reasonable level of Tk 90 per kilogram. The BTTC has recommended limited imports to stabilize prices, while the Department of Agricultural Extension insists there is no genuine supply shortage.

Consumer advocates warn that unchecked profiteering could hurt both farmers and buyers, urging stronger market monitoring. The government is reviewing BTTC’s report before deciding on import measures.

Two small shop owners in Munshiganj’s Tongibari upazila have reported receiving unusually high electricity bills despite minimal power consumption. One tea stall owner, who operates with only a single light and fan, was billed 55,550 taka for the month, while another small food shop owner received a bill of 24,216 taka. Both claim their usual monthly bills range between 200–800 taka.

The incidents occurred in Litukhan Bazar of Dighirpar Union, sparking concern among local traders. The affected owners said they contacted the local Palli Bidyut office, which advised them to visit in person. Tongibari Palli Bidyut zonal officer Abdus Salam acknowledged that the issue might stem from a meter reading or billing system error and assured that an on-site inspection would be conducted to resolve the problem.

The cases have drawn attention to potential flaws in rural electricity billing systems, raising questions about transparency and accountability in utility management across Bangladesh’s countryside.

Israel has announced a significant increase in its defense budget, raising it to 112 billion shekels ($34.7 billion) for the new fiscal year—about $7 billion higher than the previous allocation. The decision, jointly endorsed by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, awaits final approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet before being submitted to the Knesset.

The move comes despite an ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, prompting questions about the timing and intent behind the expansion. Katz explained that the additional funds are meant to meet the operational needs of the armed forces and ease the burden on reservists. According to the Finance Ministry, the 2026 defense budget will be 47 billion shekels ($14.5 billion) higher than in 2023. Israel reportedly spent around $31 billion in 2024 on military operations in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Analysts suggest the budget increase reflects Israel’s long-term security strategy and preparation for potential regional escalations, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilize the Gaza situation.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have led to the closure of key border crossings since October 11, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded and disrupting regional trade. Pakistani truck drivers transporting goods to Afghanistan are facing uncertainty as their cash reserves run out. Exporters and logistics operators report that shipments bound for Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, including kinnow fruit exports, have been severely affected. According to Junaid Makda, president of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, thousands of containers carrying bilateral and transit goods are stuck across Pakistan, with demurrage charges of $150–200 per container per day. Last year, Pakistan exported kinnow worth $110 million, but this year’s estimate has dropped to $100 million due to the disruption. The closure follows one of the most intense border clashes since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021, further straining trade and livelihoods across the region.

Bangladesh’s export earnings have declined for four consecutive months since August of the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting persistent weakness in the country’s key apparel sector. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), November’s export income fell by 5.54% year-on-year to $3.89 billion, down from $4.12 billion in the same month last year. Despite this, total exports for July–November reached $20.02 billion, slightly higher than $19.90 billion a year earlier, marking a marginal 0.62% growth. The readymade garment industry remained the top export earner, contributing $3.14 billion in November, though 5% lower than last year. Exporters attribute the decline to aggressive competition from China and India in the EU market and higher tariffs in the US, which have reduced demand by about 30%. Analysts warn that achieving the government’s $63 billion annual export target will be difficult amid sluggish global demand, high interest rates, and domestic economic challenges.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has cancelled more than 550 flights nationwide for the fourth consecutive day, severely disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. The cancellations affected major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Goa. The disruption stems from newly implemented crew rostering and flight duty time limitation (FDTL) regulations, which have increased mandatory rest periods and reduced the number of permitted night landings. With a shortage of pilots and crew, IndiGo has struggled to maintain its schedule. The airline stated that it is taking all necessary measures to restore normal operations and expects the situation to stabilize within 48 hours. However, cancellations may continue for the next few days, and IndiGo plans to reduce flight operations from December 8. Passengers have faced severe inconvenience, with reports of thousands of unclaimed suitcases piling up at Delhi airport terminals.

A vessel carrying 60,950 metric tons of wheat from the United States has arrived at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port, marking the fourth shipment under a government-to-government (G2G) purchase agreement between Bangladesh and the US. According to the Ministry of Food, the wheat was imported under cash purchase contract G2G-01, part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the two governments. The total agreement covers the import of 440,000 metric tons of wheat. Earlier shipments arrived on October 25, November 3, and November 15, totaling 239,586 metric tons so far. The ministry confirmed that sample testing of the newly arrived wheat has already begun, and unloading will proceed once quality verification is complete. The import aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s food security and stabilize the domestic grain supply amid global market fluctuations.

Thousands of government employees gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Friday, December 5, demanding the immediate implementation of the ninth pay scale. The rally, organized by the Government Employees Demand Implementation Unity Council, was attended by representatives from various departments, including the Bangladesh Postal Department. Abu Nasir Khan, president of the Bangladesh Administrative Officers Implementation Unity Council, said that although salaries were supposed to be adjusted every five years, no pay increase has occurred since 2015 despite soaring living costs. He criticized the interim government’s delay, noting that the finance adviser’s statement that the next government would implement the pay scale had angered employees. Speakers, including Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Nurul Haque Nur, expressed solidarity with the workers’ demands. The participants urged the interim government to announce and enforce a fair and discrimination-free ninth pay scale before the national election schedule is declared.

Despite strict government warnings, edible oil prices in Bangladesh have surged again, with producers allegedly increasing prices without official approval. Bottled soybean oil is now selling at Tk 198 per liter, up Tk 9 from the previous rate. The Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had twice sought permission from the Commerce Ministry to raise prices but received no response. Ignoring the ministry, producers raised prices and distributed oil with new labels, causing shortages in retail markets. Retailers claim they are being forced to sell at higher prices while facing potential fines. The Commerce Ministry later held an emergency meeting and proposed a Tk 5 increase instead of Tk 9, with a final decision expected Sunday. Consumer rights groups and government officials have warned of legal action against unauthorized price hikes and hoarding, emphasizing the need to stabilize essential commodity prices ahead of Ramadan.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has cancelled more than 550 flights in a single day, marking the worst air travel disruption in two decades. The airline attributed the cancellations to a combination of crew shortages, planning errors linked to new flight duty time limitation (FDTL) regulations, and technical issues. The new policy, effective since November 1, aims to reduce pilot fatigue and enhance safety but has increased the demand for pilots, especially for night operations. IndiGo’s on-time performance dropped sharply to 19.7 percent on Wednesday, down from 35 percent the previous day. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have held meetings with IndiGo executives to address the crisis. Major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Goa were affected. IndiGo operates around 2,300 flights daily and is planning further cancellations over the next few days as it works to restore normal operations.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is preparing to operate three weekly flights between Dhaka and Karachi, according to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan. Speaking at the Foreign Services Academy in Islamabad, he confirmed that the national carrier will soon begin direct operations on the route. He also clarified that the flights will use Indian airspace, similar to how Indian aircraft use Bangladesh’s airspace. Due to India’s ongoing airspace restrictions on Pakistan, Pakistani airlines are unlikely to start flights to Dhaka soon. The High Commissioner emphasized that direct air connectivity could significantly enhance bilateral trade, which remains limited due to logistical barriers. He noted that in the past, direct trade links existed via rail, and improved connectivity could benefit farmers and expand profitable commerce. Khan further stressed that weak regional connectivity hinders South Asia’s progress and that regional cooperation is essential for sustainable development.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a newly designed Tk 500 banknote as part of its 'Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh' series. The note, bearing the signature of Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, will first be issued from the central bank’s Motijheel office before distribution to other branches. The 152mm by 65mm green-colored note features the Central Shaheed Minar on the left and the Supreme Court of Bangladesh on the reverse side. It includes advanced security features such as a Royal Bengal Tiger watermark, optically variable ink that changes color from green to blue, and a twisted security thread combining red and golden hues. Additional elements include tactile marks for the visually impaired, UV-reactive designs, and micro-printing of 'Bangladesh Bank'. The new note aims to enhance durability and prevent counterfeiting, continuing the series that previously introduced redesigned Tk 1000, Tk 100, Tk 50, and Tk 20 notes.

A severe fertilizer shortage has hit five unions in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur, causing major disruption for potato farmers. The scarcity of TSP and Moroccan fertilizers has prevented many from sowing seeds on time, raising fears of reduced potato yields this season. Farmers report that despite repeated contact with local agricultural officials, no clear information or supply has been provided. Investigations reveal that some dealers are secretly selling fertilizers at nearly double the government-fixed prices, with Moroccan fertilizer bags priced between Tk 2,200 and Tk 2,500 instead of Tk 1,350. Local farmers express frustration as their fields remain idle due to the lack of fertilizer. The upazila agriculture office claims that supply is being distributed as per government allocation but admits a temporary shortage due to increased demand. Officials have promised to resolve the crisis soon and take legal action against dealers overcharging farmers.