Northern Bangladesh, particularly Tetulia, is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as winter begins to set in. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in Tetulia was recorded at 13°C on Wednesday morning, with humidity at 97%. The previous days also saw temperatures hovering around 12.8°C to 13.4°C, signaling the onset of winter. Meteorologists predict that the first cold wave of the season may arrive in early December if sea conditions remain stable. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area or cyclone may form over the Bay of Bengal in late November, potentially bringing rainfall and rough seas. Fishermen along coastal areas have been advised to remain cautious. Experts note that while November’s remaining days may not see a significant increase in cold intensity, the true winter chill is expected to begin in December.

Malaysia is set to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 years old starting next year, following similar moves by Australia and several European countries. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the cabinet has approved the measure as part of broader efforts to protect young people from cyberbullying, scams, and sexual harassment. The government plans to implement electronic age verification using ID cards or passports. Additionally, Malaysia will require major social media and messaging platforms with over eight million users to obtain licenses beginning in January. These platforms must comply with age verification, content safety, and transparency regulations. The initiative aligns Malaysia with global efforts to make the internet safer for children and families, while also tightening oversight of digital platforms.

At the closing ceremony of the 'Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries' project in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter emphasized the urgent need for an integrated plan focusing on Bangladesh’s coastal and deep-sea areas. She warned that unplanned fishing has reduced marine fish stocks and that both declining coastal catches and limited deep-sea access are alarming. Akhter highlighted Bangladesh’s vast potential in marine fisheries and stressed the importance of continuing project activities under the government’s revenue budget even after World Bank funding ends on November 28. She also called for greater recognition and inclusion of women fishers, noting that only 4% currently hold fisher cards. Referring to her experience at COP-30, she underscored climate change as a major factor affecting marine fisheries and urged that it be prioritized in future planning. The event was attended by senior officials, including the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and the ministry’s secretary.

Gas supply in Narayanganj returned to normal after nearly 60 hours of disruption caused by a pipeline rupture during bridge foundation work at Shashangaon in Fatullah. The 12-inch diameter Titas Gas pipeline was damaged while boring for the Panchaboti-Muktarpur flyover bridge, forcing authorities to halt supply from Saturday evening until Tuesday morning. The repair was completed around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, after which gas distribution resumed. The interruption severely affected both industrial operations and household users in the area. According to Titas Gas officials, the repair took longer due to the high-risk location—adjacent to a two-story building and an electric pole—and the pipeline being buried 24 feet underground in muddy soil. Extra caution and safety measures were required to prevent further hazards, which extended the repair duration, said Rajib Kumar Saha, Deputy Managing Director of Titas Gas Narayanganj region.

Sharmin S. Murshid, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government on social welfare and women and children affairs, has expressed concern over the growing insecurity women face in cyberspace. Speaking at a national dialogue on ending online harassment of women, held at the China Friendship Conference Center, she emphasized that while technology advances, societal attitudes will determine its impact. Murshid cited data showing that 59% of women internet users face online harassment, with 90% reporting incidents, but weak enforcement of existing laws allows offenders to act with impunity. She announced that her ministry’s quick response team will reach victims within 24 hours. Senior officials and international representatives from Australia, Sweden, and UN Women stressed the need for stronger laws, institutional coordination, and public awareness. They noted that less than 40% of countries have legal protections against cyber harassment, leaving 1.8 billion women and girls vulnerable. The dialogue was part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Bangladesh’s tannery industry faces severe uncertainty following the government’s decision to bring it under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the continued failure to implement the revised minimum wage announced a year ago. At a press conference organized by the Tannery Workers Union in Dhaka, labor leaders expressed frustration over the delay, accusing factory owners of exploiting workers by labeling them as ‘temporary’ to deny fair pay. They warned of possible large-scale protests if the wage decision is not enforced soon. Speakers, including Labor Reform Commission Chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, said the move to place the industry under BEPZA without consulting unions threatens workers’ rights and union freedom. They also criticized the growing trend of replacing skilled workers with contract laborers and the lack of legal compensation for those laid off. The leaders cautioned that prolonged instability could weaken trust between workers and owners and harm the national economy.

Bangladesh’s agricultural land is shrinking rapidly due to urbanization, industrialization, and unplanned development, according to interim government Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. Speaking at a national workshop on agricultural land protection and land use in Dhaka, she warned that chemical-based farming is degrading soil fertility and harming overall production. Akhter also highlighted that excessive pesticide and herbicide use is damaging not only farmland but also fisheries and livestock sectors. She noted that while aquaculture has increased fish production, pollution, landfilling, and uncontrolled tourism are destroying natural breeding grounds, endangering native fish diversity. Experts at the workshop said agriculture still contributes 11% to the GDP and remains the main livelihood for rural people, but the country is losing about 80,000 hectares of farmland annually. They urged effective implementation of proposed land protection laws to safeguard agricultural resources. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Agroecology Platform with participation from multiple ministries and stakeholders.

Global crude oil prices have declined despite continued sanctions on Russia, as markets anticipate that global supply will surpass demand in 2026. On Tuesday, Brent crude dropped by 27 cents to $63.10 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell by 23 cents to $58.61. Analysts attribute the decline to forecasts from institutions like Deutsche Bank, which predict a surplus of at least two million barrels per day in 2026, with little chance of shortages in 2027. Meanwhile, Indian refiners such as Reliance have reduced imports of Russian oil due to new sanctions, prompting Russia to increase sales to China. However, optimism remains as expectations of a potential U.S. interest rate cut in December could stimulate economic activity and boost oil demand. The market currently faces a tug-of-war between fears of oversupply and hopes of renewed demand growth.

China has launched an unmanned spacecraft, Shenzhou-22, to assist three astronauts stranded aboard the Tiangong space station after their return capsule, Shenzhou-20, was damaged by suspected orbital debris. The Long March-2F rocket carrying the rescue craft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on November 25, successfully docking with Tiangong. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang remain in orbit, continuing their mission until safe return conditions are restored. The damage to the Shenzhou-20 capsule had delayed their return to Earth, prompting the emergency backup launch. This marks another milestone in China’s expanding space program, following the record-setting Shenzhou-21 mission, during which three astronauts spent 204 days in orbit conducting scientific experiments, including studies involving laboratory mice.

Bangladeshi Baul singer Hasina Sarkar has made explosive allegations against male Baul artists, claiming that some of them demand sexual favors from female performers in exchange for being invited to musical programs. Her comments came amid nationwide outrage over fellow Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was recently arrested for making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah during a performance in Ghior, Manikganj. Hasina stated that when she sought performance opportunities, male Bauls implied she must comply with their inappropriate demands. She rejected such propositions, saying she would not compromise her dignity for stage appearances. The remarks have sparked widespread discussion about exploitation and moral decline within parts of the Baul community, a folk tradition known for its spiritual and philosophical roots. Authorities have not yet commented on Hasina Sarkar’s claims.

The Trump administration is set to implement the 'Gold Card' visa program by December 18, enabling foreign investors to obtain permanent US residency through a minimum investment of $1 million. The Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have prepared the draft application form, known as I-140G, which has received emergency approval from the White House. Corporate applicants must invest $2 million, while each application requires a non-refundable $15,000 fee. The program, initially delayed due to strict immigration policies, is now moving forward. Applicants will undergo verification to ensure investment funds come from legitimate sources. Once approved, they will complete consular processing and receive immigrant visas granting lawful permanent residency. Skilled professionals, such as scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs, may apply under EB-1, while those contributing to US national interests can apply under EB-2 (National Interest Waiver).

Bitcoin mining is quietly resurging in China, four years after Beijing imposed a sweeping ban on all cryptocurrency-related activities in 2021. Despite the prohibition, miners are taking advantage of cheap electricity and expanding data center demand in energy-rich provinces such as Xinjiang. Before the ban, China was the world’s largest Bitcoin mining hub, but its share dropped to zero after the crackdown. According to Hashrate Index, China has now regained around 14% of global mining activity, ranking third worldwide. The resurgence has also boosted sales for local mining rig manufacturers like Canaan Inc. Industry insiders say miners are exploiting surplus electricity that cannot be exported, making mining profitable again. The Chinese government has not commented on the renewed activity, and analysts note that the revival coincided with Bitcoin’s price surge in October, driven by U.S. policy shifts and weakening confidence in the dollar. However, global risk aversion has since caused Bitcoin’s value to fall by about one-third from its peak.

Dhaka Metro Rail has introduced an online recharge system for its MRT and Rapid Pass cards, enabling passengers to top up their travel cards anytime and from anywhere. The service was inaugurated at Agargaon station by Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The system, implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), aims to reduce long queues and passenger inconvenience at stations. Commuters can register at www.rapidpass.com.bd or through the app, and recharge using any digital payment method. The recharge remains pending until the card is tapped at an Automatic Vending Machine (AVM). Users can recharge between BDT 100 and 5,000, view transaction history, and request refunds within seven days before tapping, subject to a 5% service charge. Officials described the initiative as a step toward a more modern, transparent, and efficient public transport system in Bangladesh’s capital.

Farmers in Haimchar upazila of Chandpur district are celebrating a bumper Aman rice harvest this season, thanks to favorable weather and effective guidance from the Department of Agricultural Extension. The cultivation target was set at 1,754 hectares but exceeded expectations with 1,760 hectares under cultivation. Agricultural officials credit the success to the use of improved rice varieties such as BR-22, BR-23, and BRRI Dhan 48–49, along with reduced pest attacks. Farmers report yields nearly double those of last year and express satisfaction despite concerns about fair market prices. Many are now urging the government to reduce fertilizer prices to sustain profitability. Harvesting and threshing activities are currently in full swing across the upazila, with farmers hopeful for just returns on their record yields.

A post-enumeration check by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) has revealed that 365,472 financial institutions were omitted from the 2024 Economic Census conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The initial census counted 11.88 million institutions, but later verification raised the figure to 12.24 million. The BIDS report, released in Dhaka, found an overall error rate of 2.95 percent—below the internationally acceptable 5 percent threshold. The highest omission rate was 5.99 percent in city corporation areas, attributed to non-cooperation from business owners. Rural areas showed a lower error rate of 2.55 percent. Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of missing institutions, while Sylhet had the fewest. Officials acknowledged challenges such as limited budgets and low enumerator honorariums but expressed satisfaction with the census quality. They emphasized the need for improved guidelines and better support for field workers in future censuses.