Severe monsoon rains, floods, and landslides have killed more than 600 people across South and Southeast Asia, with hundreds still missing. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka are among the worst affected countries. Indonesia’s Sumatra island alone reported over 300 deaths after days of heavy rainfall, while Thailand’s southern provinces saw at least 160 fatalities in one of the worst floods in decades. Sri Lanka, battered by Cyclone Ditwahar, has declared a state of emergency after more than 130 deaths and 170 missing persons. Malaysia’s northern regions also reported casualties and mass evacuations. Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to the combined effects of Typhoon Koto near the Philippines and the rare Cyclone Seniyar in the Malacca Strait. Millions have been displaced, infrastructure severely damaged, and rescue operations hampered by ongoing bad weather across the region.

Around 30,000 tons of Indian onions are reportedly rotting at the Bangladesh border after Dhaka abruptly halted imports to protect local farmers. Exporters from West Bengal and Maharashtra, who had shipped onions to border points like Mahadipur, Petrapole, Ghojadanga, and Hili, are now facing heavy losses. The onions, purchased at around 16 rupees per kilogram and transported at a total cost of 22 rupees, are being sold for as little as 2 rupees per kilogram to avoid total spoilage. In Mahadipur alone, nearly 20,000 tons of onions are stuck, with traders employing workers daily to separate rotten stock. Exporters claim they acted on verbal assurances from Bangladeshi importers, making the sudden ban particularly damaging. Meanwhile, retail onion prices in Indian markets remain between 20 and 30 rupees per kilogram, and traders fear further price drops once stored stock reaches the market. Consumers and traders alike have criticized both state and central governments for mismanagement.

Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited (SJIBL) is advancing Bangladesh’s cashless transaction ecosystem through robust digital infrastructure, innovative payment systems, and international collaborations. Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed stated that the bank has developed state-of-the-art internet and app-based payment systems, enabling customers to make secure transactions across merchants, utilities, and wallet accounts. SJIBL has partnered with institutions in India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore for technical maintenance and remittance services, ensuring uninterrupted digital operations. The bank’s new app, Shahjalal TouchPay, and integration with mobile financial services, card payments, and corporate payment systems enhance service quality and accessibility. Customers can now make charge-free transactions via Bangla QR and EFT systems under Bangladesh Bank guidelines. Despite progress, SJIBL faces challenges from rising cyber threats and regulatory complexities in launching new digital products. The bank remains committed to strengthening cybersecurity, customer awareness, and continuous innovation to sustain its leadership in the competitive digital banking landscape.

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has introduced the world’s first biometric metal card featuring fingerprint-based security, reinforcing Bangladesh’s move toward a cashless economy. The bank’s Managing Director, Ali Reza Iftekhar, stated that EBL’s innovations—such as the WEAREBL wearable payment device, upgraded Sky Banking app, and multi-network virtual cards—are designed to make digital transactions faster, safer, and more convenient. EBL has also ensured interoperability with mobile financial services (MFS) and e-commerce platforms, while adopting AI-based fraud detection and real-time transaction monitoring to strengthen cybersecurity. Drawing lessons from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, EBL is developing cost-effective peer-to-peer transfer models and merchant-friendly fee structures. The bank is also promoting digital literacy and awareness to address fraud and social engineering risks, particularly in rural areas. These initiatives aim to enhance customer trust and accelerate Bangladesh’s transition to a secure, inclusive digital banking ecosystem.

Bangladesh Bank has announced plans to introduce a new interoperable digital payment platform called the Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS) by July 2027, aiming to make the country’s financial transactions fully cashless. The initiative, supported by the Gates Foundation’s Mojaloop platform, will connect banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance companies, and other financial institutions under a unified system. Governor Ahsan H. Mansur stated that the system will enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and lower transaction costs by minimizing the need for cash-outs. The agreement for the platform was signed virtually for security reasons. Experts believe the system will formalize the informal economy and could boost Bangladesh’s GDP by 2.5% to 5.4%, equivalent to an additional $12–25 billion. Currently, the country spends around Tk 20,000 crore annually on cash handling and currency management, a cost expected to drop significantly once IIPS is operational.

Bangladesh Bank and commercial banks have collectively invested around Tk 12 trillion to promote cashless transactions across the country, according to a recent central bank report. The initiative includes building digital infrastructure, installing modern hardware and software, and expanding digital payment systems from cities to rural areas. Currently, about 45% of total financial transactions are conducted digitally, compared to 90% cash-based transactions previously. The move aims to reduce corruption, counterfeiting, and transaction risks while saving an estimated Tk 20,000 crore annually in cash printing and management costs. Despite progress, small-scale transactions remain largely cash-based, and cyber security has emerged as a major challenge due to low user awareness. The central bank is enhancing oversight, improving system security, and running awareness campaigns to encourage safer digital practices. Authorities believe that expanding digital payments will accelerate economic activity, formalize business operations, and increase government revenue by curbing illegal cash transactions.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new interoperable digital transaction system from November, allowing seamless money transfers among mobile financial services (MFS) such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, as well as between banks and payment service providers (PSPs). The initiative aims to reduce transaction costs and promote a cashless economy. Under the new fee structure, transferring BDT 1,000 from an MFS account to another MFS, bank, or PSP account will cost BDT 8.50, while bank-to-bank or bank-to-MFS transfers will cost BDT 1.50. The central bank has mandated that all charges be displayed before transactions and only the sender will bear the fee. This system operates through the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) platform, reviving a similar initiative halted in 2020. Bangladesh Bank previously suspended the ‘Binimoy’ platform due to irregularities and contract violations. The central bank now plans to launch another interoperable platform with support from Mojaloop, an open-source initiative backed by the Gates Foundation.

Dhaka Bank is implementing several initiatives to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition toward a cashless economy. The bank is introducing NFC-based mobile payment services, expanding the use of Bangla QR for small merchants and consumers, and modernizing its internet banking and mobile app platforms. It is also promoting financial literacy and awareness campaigns to encourage digital transactions. Drawing on experiences from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, Bangladesh is studying successful models like India’s UPI and Pakistan’s Raast to develop interoperable, low-cost, and real-time payment systems. Inspired by these examples, Bangla QR transactions are now free for users, and the country is moving toward cost-free peer-to-peer transfers. To ensure uninterrupted service, banks are upgrading core systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and strengthening data centers and disaster recovery sites. Despite progress, challenges remain in rural connectivity, cybersecurity threats, and occasional system downtime affecting transaction continuity.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all commercial banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service operators to ensure instant transfer of funds to the accounts of small and marginal traders for transactions made through the Bangla QR code system. The move aims to promote a cashless society and reduce cash-based transactions across the country. Institutions have been instructed to build the necessary infrastructure by December 15, after which immediate fund transfers must be implemented. For other types of businesses, the timing of fund deposits will depend on the relationship and risk assessment between the financial institution and the merchant. The central bank issued the directive on November 24, emphasizing that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital payments and financial inclusion through the expansion of Bangla QR-based transactions.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank has positioned itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s journey toward a cashless economy, aligning with the government’s ‘Digital Bangladesh’ vision. The bank has introduced advanced internet banking, dual-currency debit and Islamic credit cards, Islamic wallets, Bangla QR payments, and digital donation boxes to promote secure and accessible digital transactions. It has also launched an Education Management System for automated tuition fee collection and expanded agent banking to rural areas to enhance financial inclusion. Managing Director Md. Rafat Ullah Khan highlighted Bangladesh’s upcoming digital reforms, including private credit bureaus, digital-only banks, e-money licenses, and an interoperable A2A platform similar to India’s UPI. Despite challenges like cybersecurity risks, user awareness, and network limitations, the bank is upgrading its core systems, adopting cloud technology, and strengthening cybersecurity. With Bangladesh Bank’s new policies and infrastructure initiatives, Al-Arafah aims to deliver faster, safer, and nearly cost-free digital transactions nationwide by 2026.

After a long suspension, ship operations on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route will resume on December 1, allowing tourists to stay overnight on the island under 12 strict government guidelines. A maximum of 2,000 tourists per day will be permitted to visit, with four vessels—MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Baro Aulia, Keari Sindbad, and Keari Cruise & Dine—authorized to operate. The district administration and environment department will enforce the new rules to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. Tourists must buy tickets online through an approved tourism portal containing a QR code for verification. Activities such as beach lighting, loud music, barbecues, and the use of motorized vehicles or single-use plastics are prohibited. Overnight stays will be allowed only in December and January, while February will remain closed to visitors. Authorities hope the new measures will ensure sustainable and eco-friendly tourism while preserving Saint Martin’s unique biodiversity.

Bangladesh faces a severe earthquake threat due to the Ganges-Brahmaputra megathrust fault, which could trigger a magnitude 9 quake, experts warned at a seminar in Dhaka organized by JCX Developments Limited. Local and international geologists, architects, and engineers highlighted that the country lies at the junction of three active tectonic plates—Indian, Myanmar, and Eurasian—making it highly vulnerable. Over 200 earthquakes have been recorded in the past century, with increased activity since 2024. Specialists emphasized that the accumulated energy in the subduction zone from Sylhet to Teknaf remains unreleased for nearly a millennium. Japanese experts shared lessons from Japan’s earthquake-resistant architecture and urged stronger building codes, structural audits, and emergency preparedness. Participants called for coordinated efforts between government and private sectors to build resilience through awareness, drills, and technological readiness. Rapid urbanization, dense population, and weak infrastructure were identified as major risk factors that could worsen the impact of a major quake.

The Tenants’ Council, a renters’ rights organization, held a human chain protest in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, urging the government to stop what they describe as unjustified rent increases across the country. The protest, chaired by the council’s president Jannat Fatema and conducted by acting president Md. Mostafa, featured several leaders who criticized landlords for raising rents annually under various pretexts. They argued that amid the current economic crisis, limited income sources, and rising prices of essential commodities, tenants are struggling to manage household expenses. The speakers accused the government of failing to take effective steps to control rent or inflation. The organization demanded an official government notification to freeze rent hikes, warning that if landlords continue to raise rents, the Tenants’ Council will launch a larger nationwide movement to protect renters’ rights.

Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) announced that the two-day 'Potato Festival 2025' will be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from December 12. The event aims to promote Bangladesh’s potato industry on the global stage by showcasing modern storage technologies, processing capabilities, and export opportunities. BCSA President Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu said the festival will highlight the need for advanced cold storage, value-added processing, and investment-friendly policies to expand exports. Despite being the world’s seventh-largest potato producer, Bangladesh struggles with inadequate preservation facilities and limited processing infrastructure. Over a hundred local and international companies will participate in the exhibition, featuring innovations in cold-chain systems, agricultural machinery, potato-based food products, and culinary applications. The initiative seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global potato market.

Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency after relentless rains caused by Cyclone Ditwah led to catastrophic flooding across the island. At least 132 people have died and 176 remain missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). More than 15,000 homes have been destroyed, and over 78,000 residents have been relocated to emergency shelters. The military, navy, and air force are conducting joint rescue operations, including a 24-hour mission in Anuradhapura that saved 69 passengers, among them a German tourist. Central districts such as Badulla and Kandy have been severely affected, with roads and bridges washed away, isolating many villages. Power and water supplies have been disrupted in about one-third of the country, and communication networks remain unstable. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has appealed for international assistance and urged Sri Lankans abroad to send financial aid. Meanwhile, Cyclone Ditwah is moving north toward India, prompting flight cancellations in Chennai and warnings of heavy rain and strong winds.