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.

A new assessment by Bangladeshi experts has raised grave concerns about Dhaka’s earthquake preparedness, warning that a 6.9-magnitude quake along the Madhupur fault could cause nearly 40% of the capital’s buildings—over 850,000 structures—to collapse. Fatalities could reach up to half a million, with hundreds of thousands more seriously injured. Despite these risks, implementation of earthquake-resilient land use planning and structural safety audits has been stalled for over a year.

The World Bank–funded Urban Resilience Project, worth around Tk 5.68 billion, remains inactive due to bureaucratic disputes and institutional inertia. Experts from BUET and RAJUK have urged immediate integration of seismic-resilient land use plans into Dhaka’s master plan and the activation of modern testing equipment already procured. RAJUK officials say a new trust is being formed to oversee building fitness audits and ensure compliance with seismic codes.

Analysts warn that further delays could make Dhaka’s dense urban landscape increasingly perilous. The government has pledged to approve necessary legislation soon, but experts stress that only sustained enforcement and public compliance can avert a catastrophic outcome.

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.

Sri Lanka’s government has announced a large-scale recovery plan to rebuild infrastructure and homes destroyed by Cyclone Dithwa, which left at least 607 people dead and 214 missing. The disaster, compounded by ongoing flood and landslide risks, has affected around two million people—nearly 10 percent of the country’s population. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared the situation a national disaster and pledged continued government efforts to assist affected communities.

According to the Finance Ministry, families who lost their homes will receive up to 10 million rupees (about USD 33,000) to purchase land and rebuild. Compensation of 1 million rupees will be provided to families of the deceased and those left permanently disabled. The Disaster Management Centre reported that over 71,000 houses were damaged and 5,000 completely destroyed, with 150,000 people still in shelters.

The cyclone struck as Sri Lanka was recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, intensifying fiscal pressures. Authorities have warned of further rainfall and landslide risks in coming days, urging displaced residents not to return home prematurely.

Northern Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as Tetulia, in Panchagarh district, recorded 10.5°C at 9 a.m. on Saturday, marking the lowest temperature of the current winter season. The humidity level stood at 94%, intensifying the cold sensation from early morning. Earlier in the week, the temperature had remained steady around 12°C for three consecutive days.

According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, the sudden fall in temperature signals the possibility of a cold wave in the coming days. Dense fog has also reduced road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on. On Friday, the maximum daytime temperature reached 27°C, showing a wide fluctuation between day and night temperatures.

Meteorologists warn that if the downward trend continues, northern districts could face an early cold wave this December, affecting daily life, agriculture, and transportation in the region.

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.

Bangladesh’s northern district of Panchagarh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature, with Tetulia recording the country’s lowest temperature of 11°C early Saturday, according to the local weather office. The humidity level stood at 95 percent at 6 a.m., creating a biting cold that disrupted daily life and reduced outdoor movement. Dense fog has also limited road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on.

Officials at the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory noted that temperatures had hovered around 12°C for several days before dipping further. The persistent chill, combined with high humidity, has made conditions particularly difficult for outdoor workers, especially sand laborers working in rivers. Residents reported that even after sunrise, sunlight provided little warmth.

Meteorologists warned that the early onset of such low temperatures in December could indicate an approaching cold wave across northern Bangladesh. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions as the cold is expected to intensify in the coming days.

Rivers in southern Bangladesh are rapidly losing navigability with the onset of winter, severely disrupting key inland water routes including Dhaka-Barishal and Dhaka-Patuakhali. Several channels have developed sandbars, forcing large passenger vessels to travel at extreme risk or suspend operations entirely. Launch masters report that water depth in many areas has dropped to barely 1.5 meters, far below the 3-meter requirement for safe navigation.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has acknowledged the crisis, confirming that dredging operations are underway in multiple affected points. However, launch operators and passengers continue to face frequent strandings and delays. Veteran passengers note that the number of active routes has fallen from 20 to just a few dozen due to siltation and low water levels. Environmental groups are urging a long-term dredging master plan to restore navigability and prevent further economic and safety impacts.

If the situation persists, experts warn that the region’s inland water transport industry could face collapse, isolating communities and raising transport costs across southern Bangladesh.

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.

A Bailey bridge on the Habiganj–Baniachong regional road collapsed on Friday morning when a stone-laden truck attempted to cross, causing two deck panels to give way and trapping the vehicle mid-bridge. The incident has completely halted road communication between Habiganj district town and the upazilas of Baniachong and Ajmiriganj, affecting residents of more than fifty surrounding villages.

Baniachong Upazila Executive Officer Mahamuda Begum Sathi confirmed that the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has already begun repair work. RHD Executive Engineer Zakir Hossain stated that the truck’s heavy load made removal difficult, requiring partial unloading before towing. He added that repair operations would continue overnight, with normal traffic expected to resume by Saturday morning.

Local authorities have urged commuters to use alternative routes until the bridge is restored. The collapse highlights the vulnerability of older Bailey bridges under heavy transport loads, prompting calls for structural assessments across the region.

A lion that escaped from its enclosure at Dhaka’s Mirpur National Zoo on Friday afternoon has been safely recaptured after being tranquilized. The incident occurred between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., prompting zoo officials to evacuate visitors from nearby areas as a precaution. The lion remained within the zoo premises and did not enter any public zones, according to officials.

Zoo curator Dr. Atikur Rahman stated that the animal was kept calm with food before being sedated using an anesthesia dart. Director Dr. Rafiqul Islam noted that the escape likely occurred through the enclosure’s main access gate, though it remains unclear whether a lock malfunction or human error was responsible. An internal investigation has been initiated to determine the cause.

Authorities confirmed that the situation was under control throughout the incident. The zoo currently houses five lions, including the one that briefly escaped. Officials said safety protocols will be reviewed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

A lion escaped from its enclosure at the Mirpur Zoo in Dhaka on Friday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from zoo authorities. The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m., according to Zoo Director Rafiqul Islam Talukder, who confirmed that the lion remained within the zoo premises and had not harmed anyone. Officials quickly evacuated visitors and deployed tranquilizer teams to capture the animal safely.

Talukder stated that the situation was under control and that staff were monitoring the lion’s movements closely. Preliminary assessments suggested that the animal may have exited through an unlocked door, as no signs of damage or broken grills were found. The zoo administration has launched an internal investigation to determine how the lapse occurred and to prevent future incidents.

Authorities expect to recapture the lion soon and are reviewing safety protocols across all enclosures. The temporary closure of the zoo is being considered until the situation is fully resolved.

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.

Four officials of the Forest Department were injured after being attacked by a group of illegal hill cutters in the Korehat area of Mirsarai upazila, Chattogram, late Thursday night. The incident occurred when the officials attempted to stop the use of a shallow machine for unauthorized hill cutting at the Saibenikhil hill site.

According to Tariqul Rahman, Range Officer of the Korehat Range under the Chattogram North Forest Division, the attack was led by a man identified as Masud Kala. The injured officials—Alal Uddin, Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Ruhul Amin, and Shah Alam—received primary treatment following the assault. Authorities have filed a case with Jorarganj Police Station under forest and criminal laws.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Mohammad Harunur Rashid stated that the perpetrators used sticks and rods during the attack, emphasizing that no one would be spared for assaulting government officials. Police confirmed that legal action is underway, and investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.

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.