The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 17 development projects worth Tk 15,383.51 crore, including the third revision of the Dhaka Metro Rail Line-6 project. The approval came during a meeting chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Of the total cost, Tk 9,451.84 crore will come from government funds, Tk 5,609.70 crore from foreign loans, and Tk 379.31 crore from the implementing agencies’ own funds. The approved projects include sustainable agricultural development in Chattogram, quality potato seed production and distribution, drilling of three gas exploration wells, construction of 1,560 flats for July martyrs’ families in Mirpur, and a 220 MW solar power project in Sonagazi. Other projects cover urban resilience in Narayanganj, autism and NDD services, digital entrepreneurship, and health sector improvements. Two proposed projects were sent for further review.

India’s Ministry of Telecommunications has directed smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a state-owned cybersecurity app called ‘Sanchar Saathi’ on all new devices within 90 days. The app, which cannot be deleted or disabled, is intended to help track and block lost or stolen phones and strengthen cyber threat prevention. However, privacy advocates and industry experts have raised concerns that the mandatory inclusion could compromise user privacy and data security. Companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi have yet to comment on the directive. Analysts suggest Apple may seek a compromise, possibly offering users an installation choice instead of a compulsory preinstall. The government maintains that the app’s purpose is purely protective, but critics argue that the inability to remove it raises surveillance and data misuse fears among users.

Researchers are making significant progress in developing lab-grown versions of the world’s rarest blood type, known as Rh-null or 'Golden Blood', which occurs in only one out of every six million people. This blood type lacks all 50 Rh antigens, making it compatible with nearly all Rh blood types but extremely difficult to find for transfusions. Scientists from the University of Bristol, Laval University in Canada, and institutions in Barcelona are using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to remove key antigens from stem cells, creating universal or Rh-null-like red blood cells. The research aims to produce blood that can be safely transfused to patients regardless of blood group, potentially revolutionizing transfusion medicine. However, experts caution that large-scale production and clinical application remain years away due to strict regulations and the need for extensive trials. The work, led by Professor Toye and others, also includes non-gene-edited lab-grown blood trials under the RESTORE project, marking the world’s first human testing of lab-produced red blood cells.

The death toll from severe flooding and landslides in Indonesia has climbed to 442, with 402 people still missing, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The disaster, triggered by tropical storm Seniyar, has devastated parts of Sumatra Island, leaving thousands displaced and many areas inaccessible. Relief operations are ongoing, with aid being delivered by air and sea, though poor weather and lack of heavy equipment have slowed progress. Two naval ships have been deployed from Jakarta to deliver supplies to the worst-hit areas, including Sibolga and North Sumatra’s Central Tapanuli district. Across Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Malaysia, monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in at least 600 deaths. Authorities continue to struggle with damaged roads and disrupted communication lines, further complicating rescue and relief operations.

According to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank, remittance inflows to Bangladesh surged by 24.6 percent in the first 29 days of November 2024, reaching USD 2.681 billion. During the same period last year, remittance receipts stood at USD 2.152 billion. From July to November 29 of the current fiscal year, expatriate Bangladeshis sent a total of USD 12.83 billion, compared to USD 11.09 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year. The strong growth in remittance inflows reflects continued resilience among overseas workers and may help strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves amid ongoing economic challenges. Economists view this upward trend as a positive sign for Bangladesh’s balance of payments and domestic liquidity conditions.

Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved a third revision of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6 project, extending its completion deadline by three years to December 2028. The project, which originally aimed to finish by the end of 2025, will now cost Tk 32,718 crore—Tk 755 crore less than previously estimated. The cost reduction comes mainly from the cancellation of four planned station plazas at Uttara North, Uttara Center, Agargaon, and Motijheel, as well as savings in land acquisition, civil works, and consultancy services. The extension is needed to complete the 1.16-kilometer Motijheel–Kamalapur section. MRT Line-6, Bangladesh’s first metro rail system, currently operates from Uttara to Motijheel. The revised plan also includes increased expenses for salaries, consultancy, and foreign loan interest payments, which rose by Tk 270 crore.

Bangladeshi taxpayers can legally reduce their payable taxes by investing in specific sectors recognized for tax rebate eligibility. According to the National Board of Revenue guidelines, five major investment areas qualify for such benefits: life insurance, provident fund, savings certificates, deposit pension schemes (DPS), and treasury bonds or shares. Life insurance premiums paid under the policyholder’s name are considered eligible investments, while provident fund contributions by both employer and employee also qualify. Savings certificates, issued by the government, offer both high returns and maximum tax rebate opportunities. DPS accounts allow regular monthly deposits that accumulate into a lump sum, which is treated as an investment for tax purposes. Additionally, investments in government treasury bonds and listed company shares are eligible for tax rebates, with treasury bonds capped at BDT 500,000 and no upper limit for share investments. These options provide both financial security and tax-saving opportunities for individuals.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Md. Faruk Ahmed confirmed that no physical displacement occurred in Dhaka’s metro rail infrastructure following the recent earthquake. Speaking at a press conference in Uttara on December 1, he said that passenger safety remains the top priority and that operations were temporarily halted for thorough inspections. Engineers physically examined all metro structures for four to five hours after the tremor, including bearing pads at Farmgate and Bijoy Sarani. Two test runs were conducted before resuming public service, causing a 27-minute delay. Ahmed also addressed misinformation circulating on social media, dismissing claims that metro structures had collapsed. He clarified that only minor cracks appeared on a wall, two tiles fell, and a few ceiling pads loosened, none of which indicated structural damage. The DMTCL reassured commuters that the metro system remains safe and fully operational.

Severe tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides have killed more than 900 people across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka over the past week to ten days. Indonesia’s Sumatra Island was hardest hit by Cyclone Seniyar, with at least 435 deaths and more than 400 people missing. Sri Lanka, battered by Cyclone Ditwah, reported 334 deaths and extensive damage to over 25,000 homes, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. In southern Thailand, 162 people died and 3.5 million were affected, though floodwaters have begun to recede. Malaysia reported two deaths and the evacuation of 34,000 people from coastal areas. Rescue operations continue across all four nations, with military helicopters delivering aid to isolated regions. Communication and transport networks remain severely disrupted in many affected areas, while reports of looting have emerged in some Indonesian towns due to delayed relief supplies.

The issue of allowing private companies direct listing on Bangladesh’s stock market has resurfaced amid discussions on the draft Initial Public Offering (IPO) Regulations 2025. Market stakeholders, including the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the DSE Brokers Association (DBA), argue that enabling direct listing for large private and multinational firms would increase quality share supply and restore investor confidence. DBA President Saiful Islam proposed a hybrid model allowing company directors to sell part of their shares directly through IPOs to attract more firms to the market. Currently, the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) bans direct listing for private companies, though government firms may do so. BSEC officials clarified that direct listing falls under listing regulations, not IPO rules. Critics recall past controversies, such as the 2009 Summit Group listings that led to market manipulation allegations. Despite concerns, experts stress that new quality listings are vital to overcome the ongoing liquidity and confidence crisis in the capital market, where no new company has been listed for over a year.

The ASEAN Technology Cooperation Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur’s Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, set new participation records with over 2,000 onsite delegates, 50,000 online viewers, and representatives from 13 countries. The three-day event, inaugurated by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, underscored technology, human capital, and regional unity as key drivers of future transformation. Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to boost research funding and attract global innovators. The summit launched several initiatives, including the Cooperation and Development Summit 2025 and multiple MoUs between regional innovation bodies. Discussions covered emerging technologies, AI governance, sustainable supply chains, and cross-border R&D. Industry leaders emphasized ASEAN’s growing interdependence with the APEC region and Malaysia’s strategic role in digital trade and green industry. The event reinforced Malaysia’s position as a hub for ASEAN innovation diplomacy and regional science collaboration, paving the way for long-term partnerships and policy frameworks.

Bangladesh’s Pay Commission has completed four rounds of consultations with secretaries from all ministries as part of its effort to finalize recommendations for the upcoming ninth pay scale. Over 70 secretaries participated in the meetings, offering practical and realistic suggestions rather than ambitious proposals. The commission also gathered input from more than 250 organizations and through online submissions. Officials stated that reviewing and incorporating these opinions is underway, with more than half of the work already completed. Commission Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan expressed optimism that the final report could be submitted within the scheduled timeframe, possibly by next month. The new pay scale is expected to emphasize adjustments to the minimum salary structure and grade reclassification. Stakeholders, including the Secretariat Officers and Employees Association, have expressed satisfaction with the commission’s progress and transparency in the decision-making process.

After a ten-month ban imposed by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, tourists are once again permitted to stay overnight on Bangladesh’s only coral island, Saint Martin’s. Starting Monday, four ships have been authorized to operate daily from Cox’s Bazar to the island, with the permission valid until January 31. Authorities have capped the number of tourists at 2,000 per day and mandated strict adherence to environmental guidelines to protect the island’s fragile biodiversity. Visitors must purchase tickets online through a government-approved portal containing a QR-coded travel pass. The administration has reiterated the importance of sustainable tourism, prohibiting activities such as beach lighting at night, loud music, barbecues, and the use of single-use plastics. The move follows a limited reopening in November that allowed day trips only, but no overnight stays. Officials emphasize that preserving Saint Martin’s ecological balance is a national priority, and compliance with the 12-point conservation directive is mandatory for all visitors.

At least 212 people have been confirmed dead and more than 218 remain missing after Cyclone Ditwah battered Sri Lanka, triggering heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across the island. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that nearly one million people have been affected, with around 200,000 displaced and taking shelter in 1,275 relief centers. The central region suffered the most damage, while Colombo’s northern areas were inundated after the Kelani River overflowed. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving over 24,000 personnel from the police, army, and air force. The air force has evacuated more than 120 people by helicopter from the eastern Mavil Aru reservoir area, where a dam breach caused severe flooding. Authorities warn that floodwaters in Colombo may take another day to recede, although the weather department forecasts drier conditions ahead. Cyclone Ditwah has since moved toward India, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.

A powerful winter storm has swept across the US Midwest, bringing over a foot of snow and causing major disruptions from South Dakota to New York. More than 53 million people were under winter weather alerts as heavy snow, strong winds, and thunderstorms created hazardous conditions. Des Moines recorded 10.9 inches (28 cm) of snow by midnight Sunday, marking its heaviest two-day snowfall since January 2024. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport saw 8.4 inches of snow on Saturday, setting a new November snowfall record for the city. Illinois State Police reported around 500 vehicle accidents in the Chicago area on Saturday alone. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as cleanup and recovery efforts continue amid freezing temperatures and ongoing weather warnings.