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.

Despite an abundant supply of winter vegetables in Dhaka’s markets, prices remain unusually high, frustrating consumers and leaving farmers underpaid. Vegetables such as eggplants, beans, and cauliflowers are selling at nearly double their usual seasonal rates, with eggplants priced between Tk 80–100 per kg and beans exceeding Tk 100. Vendors blame October’s heavy rains for disrupting production and damaging crops, while middlemen continue to profit heavily. Chicken prices have also risen by Tk 20 per kg due to higher feed and transport costs, though egg prices remain stable. Fish prices, particularly for hilsa, have surged, with medium-sized hilsa selling for around Tk 1,500 per kg. Market traders predict that vegetable prices may ease within a week as supply improves. However, consumers and farmers alike accuse syndicates of manipulating prices, calling for stronger government action to curb profiteering and stabilize the market.

Cyclone Ditwah, currently positioned over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent to the Sri Lankan coast, is moving in a north-northwesterly direction, according to a special bulletin issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Friday morning. At 6 a.m., the cyclone was located about 1,955 km southwest of Chattogram, 1,900 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 1,845 km southwest of Mongla, and 1,840 km southwest of Payra seaports. Within 54 km of the cyclone’s center, sustained wind speeds reached 62 km/h, with gusts up to 88 km/h, causing very rough sea conditions. Authorities have advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports to keep hoisted distant cautionary signal No. 2. Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been instructed not to venture into the deep sea until further notice as the system continues to intensify and move northward.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that Cyclone Ditwah, currently located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lankan coast, is moving north-northwestward. As of Friday morning, the cyclone was positioned about 1,955 km southwest of Chattogram port, 1,900 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar, 1,845 km southwest of Mongla, and 1,840 km southwest of Payra. Within 54 km of the cyclone’s center, maximum sustained wind speeds reached 62 km/h, with gusts up to 88 km/h, making the sea very rough near the system. Authorities have advised Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra seaports to continue hoisting distant warning signal No. 2. Fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to shore and avoid deep-sea ventures until further notice as the cyclone continues its movement toward the north-northwest.

At least seven people have been killed in a devastating landslide on the French Pacific island of Tahiti following a week of continuous heavy rainfall. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the casualties on Thursday, noting that several others remain missing. The landslide struck early Wednesday morning in an eastern village, destroying numerous homes and prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. Authorities temporarily suspended rescue efforts due to the risk of a second landslide but have since resumed operations. The French government expressed condolences to the victims' families and pledged full support for recovery efforts. Tahiti, though geographically distant, is an overseas territory under French administration, and the incident has drawn national attention in France as well as international concern over the increasing frequency of climate-related natural disasters in the Pacific region.

Chinese investors have expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh’s eco-friendly technology, jute, textile, and pharmaceutical sectors as part of efforts to support Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s vision of manufacturing transformation. During a meeting in Dhaka, Yang Dongning, Vice President of the Export-Import Bank of China, and Dr. Ma Jun, President of the Institute of Finance and Sustainability, discussed potential large-scale investments, particularly in rooftop solar energy and the jute industry. China aims to utilize around one million tons of jute to produce biofertilizers, green energy, and plastic alternatives through joint ventures with Bangladeshi partners. Dr. Yunus welcomed the initiative, urging China to relocate manufacturing plants to Bangladesh and use closed state-owned jute mills for new ventures. He also encouraged Chinese companies to explore AI, e-commerce, and infrastructure projects, including a proposed railway linking Bangladesh with southern China to boost regional trade connectivity.

Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) announced that its Ghorashal valve station will remain closed for two hours on Friday, November 28, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM due to urgent maintenance work. As a result, gas supply pressure may remain low in several areas including Joydebpur, Tongi, Konabari, Shafipur, and Chandra. The information was confirmed through a press release signed by Md. Al Amin, Manager (Media and Public Relations) of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited. The company expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience and assured that the maintenance work is essential to ensure uninterrupted service in the future. Residents and industrial consumers in the affected areas have been advised to plan accordingly during the maintenance period.

Selim Haider, a celebrated Bangladeshi guitarist and one of the founding members of the iconic band Feedback, passed away on Thursday night, November 27, at a private hospital in Dhaka. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer and other health complications. The news of his death was confirmed by musician Bappa Mazumder. His funeral prayer is scheduled to be held on Friday after Jumma prayers at Hatirpool Pukur Par Jame Mosque. Before forming Feedback, Haider played in the band 'Sannyasi' with late singer Sheikh Ishtiaq and later performed with 'Feedback', 'Maqsood O Dhaka', 'Ullas', and 'Selim Haider & Friends'. He also collaborated with renowned artists like Runa Laila and contributed guitar work to numerous film songs. Known for his introverted nature and musical versatility, Haider mastered lead, bass, rhythm, and keyboard instruments, leaving a lasting legacy in Bangladesh’s modern music scene.

Bangladesh experienced several mild earthquakes over the past week, including a magnitude 4 tremor in the Bay of Bengal on November 26. A day later, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia, though no major tsunami followed. Experts say Bangladesh faces limited tsunami risk unless a powerful quake occurs near the Andaman or Nicobar Islands. The country lies at the junction of two tectonic plates stretching from Chattogram-Arakan to the Andaman region. Historical records show a major 8.5 magnitude quake off the Arakan coast in 1962 caused a significant tsunami, but such events are rare, with recurrence intervals of 500–900 years. Meteorologists note that while small undersea quakes are frequent, they rarely cause damage. Bangladesh’s funnel-shaped coastline could amplify tsunami effects from distant sources, but the greater current concern is strong inland earthquakes rather than tsunamis.

A new International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment identifies entrenched corruption and elite-driven 'state capture' as the root causes of Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis. The report highlights how political and business elites manipulate state policies to serve their interests, undermining governance, accountability, and the rule of law. It warns that without dismantling elite privileges, Pakistan’s economic stagnation will persist. The IMF estimates that comprehensive governance reforms could boost Pakistan’s GDP by up to 6.5%, compared to its 2024 level of $340 billion. The report also criticizes weak institutions, judicial inefficiency, and misuse of the National Accountability Bureau for political purposes. Experts from Oxford University and local think tanks agree that corruption and poor governance are deeply intertwined, requiring political will and structural reforms. They call for unified economic planning, procurement modernization, and transparency to rebuild public trust and stabilize the economy.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has announced plans to introduce area-based rent rates and new guidelines for tenants and landlords by early December. During a roundtable discussion on tenant and landlord rights held at the DNCC auditorium on Thursday, the city’s administrator stated that although the House Rent Control Act of 1991 exists, many of its provisions are not being followed. The DNCC aims to prepare a directive ensuring compliance with safety measures such as fire protection and earthquake resistance. Tenants will have the freedom to move in or out of rented houses at their convenience. The city authority will also publish a standard agreement format on its website and take steps to prevent commercial activities in residential areas. Additionally, DNCC will ensure that tenants are informed about landlords’ holding tax payments, and services will be withheld from properties with unpaid taxes.

High-speed broadband internet has reached remote coastal areas of Bangladesh’s southwest, including Mongla in Bagerhat district, under the government’s ‘Establishing Digital Connectivity (EDC)’ project. Over 50,000 broadband connections have been installed nationwide, with 2,382 in Khulna and Bagerhat districts. Schools, colleges, madrasas, land offices, and community clinics in these areas now benefit from improved connectivity, enhancing education, healthcare, and administrative efficiency. Teachers report that multimedia classes and online communication with education offices have become easier, while students can now access online resources more effectively. The initiative, funded by the government, aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural regions. Implemented by Circle Network, the project faced challenges due to the region’s waterways and difficult terrain. Officials say the expansion of broadband in these coastal zones is accelerating digital services and improving the quality of life for residents in one of the country’s most remote areas.

A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lankan coast has intensified into Cyclone Ditwah, according to a special weather bulletin issued on Thursday, November 27. The storm was located about 1,935 to 2,040 kilometers southwest of Bangladesh’s major sea ports—Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra—and is moving north-northwestward. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised these ports to replace distant cautionary signal No. 1 with distant warning signal No. 2. Within 54 kilometers of the cyclone’s center, maximum sustained winds are reported at 62 km/h, gusting up to 88 km/h, with very rough sea conditions prevailing nearby. All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay of Bengal have been instructed to remain close to shore and avoid deep-sea ventures until further notice.

Atova Technology organized an 'Industrial Training, Farewell and Appreciation Ceremony' in Dhaka to honor participants who completed industry-based training programs. Chief guest Khandaker Mahbub Uddin Khokon, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, emphasized that practical training enhances young people's efficiency and confidence, calling such initiatives vital for human resource development. BASIS administrator Hafizullah Khan Liton highlighted the importance of hands-on training for developing skilled manpower in local government and ICT sectors. Manjur Mohammad Shahriar, director of the DEIED project under Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, said the project aims to make youth industry-ready, and Atova’s efforts align with that goal. Other guests, including Robiul Islam Noyon and Raushan Kamal James, praised Atova’s contribution to IT skill development. CEO Ferdous Alam stated that Atova’s mission is to prepare youth for real-world industry work and expand training and career support programs in the future.

After two years and eight months of signing the transit agreement and protocol, the first cargo shipment under the Bangladesh-Bhutan transit arrangement has departed from Chattogram Port. The consignment, consisting of 6,530 kilograms of goods including shampoo, chocolate, juice, and palm fruit imported from Thailand, left the port by road on Wednesday night. The shipment will travel through the Burimari land port, enter India via Changrabandha, and reach Bhutan via Siliguri, covering a total distance of 684 kilometers. Bangladesh earned Tk 101,713 in port charges and duties from this trial run. Chattogram Port Secretary Omar Faruk confirmed that the trial aims to identify and resolve any logistical or procedural issues before regular operations begin. Bhutan, a landlocked country previously reliant on India’s Kolkata and Haldia ports, seeks to diversify its trade routes and reduce costs through this new corridor. The initiative follows Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering’s recent visit to Bangladesh, which accelerated the trial process.