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.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced plans to merge five struggling banks into a single new entity with Tk 35,000 crore in paid-up capital, aiming to strengthen the country’s financial sector. Speaking at the Fourth Bangladesh Economic Conference in Dhaka, he highlighted progress in macroeconomic stability, foreign exchange management, and governance reforms despite structural challenges. Mansur noted that the exchange rate has remained stable between Tk 120 and Tk 122.50 per US dollar, and foreign banks have resumed normal operations. He identified high non-performing loans—potentially reaching 35%—as a major challenge that could take up to a decade to resolve. The governor also outlined reforms including greater central bank autonomy, stronger deposit insurance, and limits on family ownership in banks. He urged businesses to utilize the bond market for long-term financing and confirmed that nine non-bank financial institutions are being phased out.

An endangered Palash fish eagle was rescued by the Forest Department in Satkania, Chattogram, after it was found injured from an electric shock. The bird reportedly came into contact with a high-voltage power line while flying over a pond in the Uttar Chadaha area on Saturday morning, causing it to fall into the water. Locals promptly informed forest officials, who arrived at the scene and rescued the eagle. The injured bird was later transferred to Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar for medical treatment. According to Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary Beat Officer Chanchal Kumar Tarafdar, the Palash fish eagle is a large brown sea eagle species that primarily hunts aquatic fish and is identifiable by a distinctive white band on its tail. The species is considered endangered in Bangladesh and plays a vital role in maintaining the country’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

Cyclone Ditwah has caused severe devastation in Sri Lanka, leaving at least 123 people dead and 130 missing as it moves north-northwest over the southwestern Bay of Bengal. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has issued distant warning signal No. 2 for the country’s four major seaports—Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra—advising all fishing boats and trawlers to remain near the coast and avoid deep-sea operations until further notice. As of Saturday morning, the cyclone was located about 1,880 kilometers southwest of Chattogram and 1,750 kilometers southwest of Mongla. Winds near the cyclone’s center are reaching sustained speeds of 62 km/h, with gusts up to 88 km/h, making the sea very rough. Sri Lanka continues to experience heavy rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters in some areas, along with strong winds and flooding. Regional authorities are monitoring the storm’s movement closely as it continues to track toward the northern Bay of Bengal.

At least 56 people have been killed and 21 remain missing after Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, triggering severe flooding and landslides across the island. Heavy rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters in several regions has caused widespread destruction, particularly in the eastern and central districts. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that 21 people died in a landslide in the tea-producing district of Badulla. Over 44,000 people have been affected nationwide, with homes destroyed and many residents stranded. Schools, colleges, and universities have been closed, and several international flights have been canceled. Authorities have issued a red alert for low-lying areas along the Kelani River, including parts of the capital Colombo, urging residents to move to higher ground. Rescue operations are ongoing, though access to remote areas remains difficult due to continuous heavy rain and damaged infrastructure.

Amazon has officially launched its new satellite internet service, ‘Amazon LEO,’ positioning it as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company claims LEO is the world’s fastest commercial satellite internet service, capable of delivering download speeds up to one gigabit per second—five times faster than Starlink’s current performance. Although Amazon’s network currently includes only 150 satellites compared to Starlink’s 8,000, it plans to expand to 3,236 satellites in the coming years. The service is initially available to select business clients, including Hunt Energy Network, Vanu Incorporated, and JetBlue Airways, as part of a limited rollout to test network performance and industrial applications. Amazon aims to broaden access globally next year, while SpaceX continues to expand Starlink toward a 12,000-satellite constellation. The launch marks a major step in the growing competition for global satellite-based internet connectivity.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reduced airfares on the Dhaka-Sylhet-Dhaka route following widespread public dissatisfaction and protests over high ticket prices. According to a statement from the Sylhet District Administration’s media cell on Friday, the fare revision aims to improve passenger service and reflect current market conditions. Under the new pricing structure, the minimum one-way fare on the Sylhet-Dhaka route has been set at 2,024 taka, totaling 3,199 taka with taxes, while the maximum fare is now 7,024 taka, totaling 8,199 taka with taxes. The fare reduction comes after several days of demonstrations in Sylhet, where residents accused a syndicate of exploiting the poor condition of the Sylhet-Dhaka highway to artificially inflate airfares. The move is expected to ease travel costs for passengers frequently commuting between the two cities.

Severe floods and landslides have claimed more than 300 lives across Indonesia and Thailand, with both nations struggling to recover from the widespread destruction. In Indonesia’s Sumatra region, at least 174 people have died and 80 remain missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides. North Sumatra alone reported 116 deaths, while Aceh and West Sumatra recorded 35 and 23 fatalities respectively. Rescue efforts continue as many areas remain cut off and power restoration is underway. In Thailand, southern provinces have been hit by record rainfall, leaving at least 145 people dead, including over 110 in Songkhla province. Thousands have been displaced, and authorities are accelerating search and recovery operations as floodwaters begin to recede. Despite some improvement in weather conditions, the Thai Meteorological Department has warned of possible thunderstorms in several southern regions, raising concerns about further hazards.

At an international conference organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter cautioned that relying on national average data to assess nutrition levels masks the real dietary disparities between rich and poor citizens. She emphasized that 'Zero Hunger' means ensuring nutritional quality, not just food quantity. Akhter noted that while agriculture receives subsidies, the fisheries and livestock sectors—vital for rural livelihoods and nutrition—do not, and she called for policy support and subsidies for these sectors. She warned against uncontrolled hybridization that threatens native species and highlighted the risks of antibiotic overuse in aquaculture, which could lead to antimicrobial resistance. Akhter also stressed preserving local food diversity and protecting indigenous fish and livestock breeds. Other speakers, including senior officials and researchers, discussed policy commitments to restore river fish, reduce pesticide use, and ensure quality in farmed fish production.

In Dhaka’s major markets, the price of green chili has fallen by nearly half over the past week, dropping from Tk 160–200 per kilogram to Tk 80–100. Onion prices have also eased slightly, with regular onions selling for Tk 95–105 and new leafy onions for Tk 70–80 per kilogram. However, vegetable prices remain high despite increased winter supply. Tomatoes, beans, and eggplants are still selling at elevated rates, ranging from Tk 80–140 per kilogram. Other vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, radish, and bottle gourd have seen modest price drops. Meat, fish, eggs, and poultry prices remain stable, with broiler chicken selling at Tk 155–170 per kilogram and eggs at Tk 115–120 per dozen. Retailers report that edible oil prices may rise by Tk 5–6 per liter soon, though supply remains steady. Traders expect vegetable prices to decline further in the coming days as supply improves.

India’s onion export industry is facing a sharp downturn as key buyers Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia reduce imports and turn to alternative suppliers like Pakistan and China. According to The Economic Times, India’s repeated export bans to control domestic prices have pushed traditional buyers to seek new sources and even develop self-sufficiency using Indian onion seeds. Experts note that Bangladesh, once importing nearly three-quarters of India’s total onion exports, has drastically cut purchases in the past eight months despite high domestic prices. Saudi Arabia has also limited imports for nearly a year, preferring cheaper onions from Yemen and Iran. Exporters say India’s absence from the global market during export bans allowed competitors to capture market share. Officials warn that India’s dominance in the global onion trade is weakening as former buyers become producers themselves, posing long-term risks to Indian farmers and exporters.

At least 84 people have been killed and dozens remain missing after severe floods and landslides struck Indonesia’s Sumatra island this week. Rescue teams confirmed the toll on Friday, with North Sumatra province reporting 62 deaths and 95 injuries, while West Sumatra recorded 22 deaths and 12 missing persons. The city of Sibolga has been among the hardest hit, with over 30 fatalities. Ongoing heavy rains have hampered rescue operations, cutting off access to several areas. Authorities are focusing on evacuating residents and delivering relief supplies, though poor weather and damaged infrastructure have slowed progress. In Aceh province, about 1,500 people have been displaced and power outages reported after flooding and landslides. Indonesia’s state electricity company is working to restore power after a transmission tower collapse. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying monsoon storms, prolonging rainy seasons, and increasing the frequency of flash floods across the region.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing a severe crisis marked by record levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), rising capital and provisioning shortfalls, and declining investor confidence. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank data, total bad loans have surged to Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of all distributed credit. Analysts attribute this deterioration to years of mismanagement, irregularities, and alleged looting during the previous Awami League government. Experts warn that the incoming government after the February election will inherit a fragile financial system, with nearly half of the country’s banks struggling to survive. Liquidity shortages, high lending rates of 14–18%, and declining deposits are further constraining investment and job creation. Economists fear that without strict action against top defaulters and systemic reforms, the banking sector’s instability could severely undermine Bangladesh’s overall economic recovery and growth prospects.

Bangladesh’s banking sector is facing an unprecedented crisis marked by soaring default loans, capital shortfalls, and declining profitability. Analysts attribute the turmoil to years of mismanagement and irregularities during the previous Awami League government. According to Bangladesh Bank data, non-performing loans (NPLs) have surged to a record Tk 6.45 trillion, representing 35.77% of total disbursed loans. The sector’s provision deficit has also ballooned to Tk 3.2 trillion, while nearly half of all banks are struggling to stay afloat. Experts warn that the liquidity crunch, high interest rates, and eroding depositor confidence could further cripple investment and job creation under the new government. Former Bangladesh Economic Association president Dr. Mainul Islam estimates real NPLs may exceed 40% once written-off and renewed loans are included. Analysts urge strict legal action against top defaulters to restore stability. The worsening situation poses a major challenge for the interim and upcoming elected governments to revive confidence and ensure sustainable economic growth.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will hold its first-ever auction of the 700 MHz radio frequency band on January 14, aiming to expand the country’s telecommunications capacity. The announcement was made by Fayez Ahmed Tayyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on posts, telecommunications, and IT, who described the move as a major milestone for the sector. The 700 MHz band, valued at around Tk 11,000 crore, has long remained unused due to regulatory and technical challenges. Joint efforts by BTRC, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Ministry of Finance have paved the way for the auction. The spectrum is expected to enhance 4G and 5G network coverage, improve indoor connectivity, and expand rural access with fewer towers. Globally known as a high-value and strategic band, the 700 MHz frequency is considered the “golden band” for densely populated countries like Bangladesh due to its wide coverage and cost efficiency.