Prices of daily essentials in Bangladesh remain stubbornly high, with only marginal relief for consumers. Although onion prices have dipped slightly, they still hover around BDT 140 per kilogram for older stock, while newly harvested varieties sell for BDT 110–120. Despite increased imports and fresh supply entering the market, traders say meaningful price reductions will depend on greater availability in the coming weeks.

Fish prices also show little sign of easing, with popular varieties such as rohu, pabda, and shrimp maintaining elevated rates between BDT 300 and BDT 900 per kilogram. Retailers note that fluctuations in wholesale prices rarely translate into relief for end buyers. Meanwhile, chicken and egg prices have stabilized somewhat, while new potatoes have entered the market at lower—but still high—rates compared to previous weeks.

Market observers warn that sustained high food prices could strain household budgets further, especially ahead of the Ramadan season, when demand typically spikes and unscrupulous traders may exploit the situation.

A mild cold wave has persisted for a second consecutive day in Panchagarh district, northern Bangladesh, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.3°C in Tetulia on Friday morning, according to the local weather office. The previous day saw a minimum temperature of 8.9°C, marking one of the season’s coldest spells so far.

Officials from the Tetulia Meteorological Office reported that the cold wave has spread across surrounding areas, bringing biting cold and prompting residents to light fires for warmth. While daytime temperatures reached around 26.8°C, nighttime cold intensified due to chilly winds descending from the Himalayas. Light fog was observed early Friday, though dense fog remained absent.

Acting officer Jitendranath Roy stated that the mild cold wave is expected to continue for another one to two days. Authorities have advised residents, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions against the increasing cold as winter conditions deepen across northern Bangladesh.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 31 undocumented migrants, including 11 Bangladeshis, during a special enforcement drive named ‘Ops Kutip’ in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday night. The operation, conducted around Masjid Jamek LRT Station, involved 25 immigration officers who randomly checked foreign passengers and pedestrians in the area.

According to Kuala Lumpur Immigration Director Wan Mohammad Saupi Wan Yusoff, officers inspected 60 foreigners and arrested 31 for lacking valid documents. Among those detained were nationals from Bangladesh (11), India (8), Pakistan (7), Indonesia (3), Sudan (1), and the Philippines (1). Five individuals were charged under Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for overstaying, while the rest were detained under Section 6(1)(c) for not possessing valid passes or permits.

All detainees have been transferred to the Kuala Lumpur Immigration Depot for further legal processing. The operation reflects Malaysia’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreign workers amid rising concerns over labor law compliance and border control.

Concerns over a possible halt in Dhaka Metro Rail services eased after the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) confirmed that trains would continue running on schedule. The assurance came late Thursday night through a verified Facebook post, following fears sparked by employees’ announcement of an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday.

Earlier, DMTCL’s regular officers and staff had declared a full-scale strike demanding the formulation and publication of an independent employment regulation. The announcement had raised uncertainty among commuters and city authorities about potential service interruptions. However, DMTCL clarified that passenger services would remain unaffected and operate as per the regular timetable.

The resolution brings temporary relief to Dhaka’s growing metro network, which has become a vital part of the city’s transport system. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to address their regulatory concerns and prevent future disruptions.

Essential commodity prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply ahead of Ramadan, with traders accused of manipulating the market. Within just two days, sugar prices increased by up to Tk 5 per kilogram, now selling at Tk 95–115 in retail markets. Rice, potatoes, garlic, and lentils have also seen notable hikes, with Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) data showing sugar prices up 2.5% in a week and rice up to 8.57% higher than last year.

Consumer rights groups, including the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), have condemned the price manipulation, urging authorities to identify and monitor the syndicates responsible. CAB Vice President S.M. Nazer Hossain stated that there is no sugar shortage, as imports have increased and global prices have fallen. Despite this, traders are exploiting Ramadan demand to inflate profits.

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has pledged intensified monitoring during Ramadan. Analysts warn that without strict oversight, consumers may face severe hardship during the fasting month, despite adequate supply and stable foreign exchange conditions.

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan on Friday morning, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a tsunami warning. The quake occurred at a depth of about 20 kilometers at 11:44 a.m. local time, according to JMA reports.

This tremor followed only days after a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region, raising concerns about ongoing seismic instability. Authorities have urged residents across a wide area—from Hokkaido in the north to Chiba east of Tokyo—to remain alert for possible aftershocks or additional quakes within the coming week.

Japan, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic activity. The country still bears memories of the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which killed or left missing over 22,000 people and triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The latest events have renewed public attention to Japan’s disaster preparedness and early warning systems.

Mexico’s Senate has approved a 50% import tariff on goods from India, expanding trade restrictions that previously targeted China and other Asian economies. The new measure, set to take effect on January 1, will apply to automobiles, auto parts, textiles, plastics, and steel from countries without free trade agreements with Mexico. The move follows similar U.S. actions and is seen as part of Mexico’s broader effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Analysts suggest the decision reflects President Claudia Sheinbaum’s attempt to maintain favorable relations with Washington, particularly as former U.S. President Donald Trump pressures Mexico to impose higher duties on steel and aluminum. Mexico remains the United States’ largest trading partner, and the tariff policy could serve as a strategic gesture to avoid renegotiation of the USMCA trade pact.

Economists warn the tariffs could raise production costs and strain supply chains across Asia. India, South Korea, China, Thailand, and Indonesia are expected to be most affected, potentially prompting diplomatic and trade responses in early 2025.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced late Thursday that metro rail services in Dhaka will continue as scheduled, easing fears of a complete shutdown. The assurance came after regular officers and employees of DMTCL had declared an indefinite work stoppage starting Friday, raising concerns about major disruptions to passenger transport across the capital.

In a verified Facebook post, DMTCL informed passengers that trains would operate according to the regular timetable and that all services would remain uninterrupted. The company’s statement followed a Wednesday notice from its staff union announcing a full-scale strike, reportedly over unresolved internal issues. The reversal of the strike decision has brought relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on the metro for timely travel.

The development highlights ongoing labor-management tensions within DMTCL, though details of the dispute remain unclear. Authorities are expected to continue discussions with employees to prevent future disruptions to Dhaka’s growing metro network.

Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has reported that 1.3 million foreign workers have registered under its savings scheme since it became effective on October 1 this year. The registrations were facilitated through 60,000 employers, marking what officials describe as a positive start toward ensuring social protection for migrant laborers.

Despite the progress, the EPF noted that some employers still fail to make mandatory contributions, hindering full compliance. To strengthen enforcement and worker protection, the EPF signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Immigration Department during a ceremony in Putrajaya. The agreement enables secure data sharing between the two agencies, including information on temporary employment visas and other valid work permits.

EPF CEO Sazaliza Zainuddin said the partnership will enhance identity verification, speed up registration, and ensure transparency in contribution enforcement. Full implementation of mandatory contributions is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, supported by an integrated data system to streamline verification and compliance processes.

A tragic incident in Rajshahi’s Tanore upazila ended late Thursday night when rescuers recovered the body of Sajid, a young boy who had fallen into a deep tube well. Fire Service and Civil Defence teams conducted a 33-hour-long rescue operation before reaching the child, who was trapped about 50 feet below ground. Despite being swiftly transported to the Tanore Upazila Health Complex, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Lieutenant Colonel Tajul Islam Chowdhury, Director of Operations at the Fire Service, confirmed the child’s death and detailed the extensive rescue efforts. The operation involved specialized equipment and continuous coordination among local authorities and emergency teams. Residents had gathered at the site throughout the ordeal, hoping for a positive outcome.

The incident has sparked renewed concern over safety measures surrounding deep tube wells in rural Bangladesh. Authorities are expected to review existing regulations and consider preventive steps to avert similar tragedies in the future.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of 1,936.5 acres of land owned by businessman Mohammad Saiful Alam, chairman of S. Alam Group, and his family members. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought the order to prevent the transfer or disposal of assets during an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and illegal loan activities. The court valued the seized properties at approximately BDT 16,940 crore.

According to the ACC’s petition, Alam and his associates allegedly obtained loans from various banks under false pretenses and diverted the funds to acquire assets in Bangladesh and abroad. The agency argued that immediate asset freezing was necessary to ensure potential recovery of misappropriated funds. ACC Deputy Director Tansin Munabil Haque filed the petition, and the commission’s spokesperson confirmed the court’s decision.

This order follows earlier actions against S. Alam Group, including the freezing of shares in 105 companies and an Interpol red notice request against Alam and senior executives. The case underscores growing scrutiny of large conglomerates and financial transparency in Bangladesh’s corporate sector.

Bangladesh’s interim government has decided to withdraw the 15 percent value-added tax (VAT) on Dhaka Metro Rail tickets, a move expected to cost the state around Tk 40 crore in annual revenue. The decision was approved at a council meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on December 11, according to his press secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Officials said the exemption aims to ease commuting costs for Dhaka residents, as the metro rail has become a vital part of the city’s daily transport network, serving roughly 250,000 passengers each day. The VAT had been imposed on July 1, 2024, by the previous administration. The same meeting also approved tax reductions on dates ahead of Ramadan and endorsed several legal amendments, including the Commercial Court Ordinance and the Registration Amendment 2025.

Analysts note that while the VAT removal may reduce short-term revenue, it could encourage greater public transport use and ease urban congestion. Further fiscal adjustments may be needed to offset the revenue shortfall.

Bangladeshi joint forces detained three Indian citizens in Khagrachhari’s Panchhari area on Wednesday evening for allegedly entering the country illegally. The men were identified as residents of Tripura’s Gomati district and were apprehended while attempting to return to India through the border. They were later sent to jail custody by a local court on Thursday.

According to police, the detainees—James Kumar Riang (33), Tarsen Riang (30), and Lal Thakma Riang (32)—had entered Bangladesh through a remote route in Dighinala’s Rupsenpara area without valid travel documents. During interrogation, they admitted to crossing the border without passports. Law enforcement recovered their Aadhaar cards, mobile phones, and cash. A case has been filed under the Foreigners Act for illegal entry.

Officials said the incident underscores ongoing challenges in monitoring the porous Bangladesh–India border in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Security agencies have increased patrols to prevent further unauthorized crossings amid heightened regional vigilance.

Australia has expressed interest in prioritizing Bangladesh as its second production destination for the cotton and wool industry. The announcement came during the sixth round of Senior Officials’ Talks (SOT) between Bangladesh and Australia, held in Dhaka. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral–East and West) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The dialogue covered a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, investment, renewable energy, maritime cooperation, and technology exchange. Australia reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s interim government and reform initiatives, emphasizing the importance of a free and fair upcoming national election. Both sides also discussed cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and anti–money laundering efforts.

The talks concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on employment for dependents of diplomatic and consular staff. The next round of SOT is scheduled to take place in Canberra next year, signaling continued momentum in the growing partnership.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing widespread storms and heavy rainfall across most regions, prompting warnings of potential flash floods if weather conditions do not improve soon. The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) reported that strong winds and rain have hit Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Border Region. Moderate rainfall and fog have also been observed in Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, and the southwestern areas.

According to the NCM, the current weather pattern is driven by a deep low-pressure system over the Red Sea, causing winds between 18 and 40 kilometers per hour, with gusts possibly reaching 50 kilometers per hour. The stormy conditions have also extended to the Persian Gulf, where winds are sweeping toward Saudi Arabia’s southern regions.

Such intense weather events are relatively rare in the desert climate of Saudi Arabia, though similar storms have occurred several times in recent years. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and avoid flood-prone areas as the situation develops.