A three-member team from Bangladesh’s Geological Survey, led by Deputy Director (Geology) Mohammad Anisur Rahman, inspected the Madhabdi area of Narsingdi following recent earthquakes. The team found that cracks in the ground appeared mainly in areas that were once ponds or wetlands later filled with loose sand. Rahman explained that the phenomenon, known as soil liquefaction, occurs when seismic waves cause water from nearby ponds to infiltrate sandy layers, reducing the soil’s load-bearing capacity and leading to surface collapse. He assured that the shallow cracks pose no immediate danger and can be easily filled, though buildings constructed on reclaimed land may face structural risks. Rahman added that the tremors are likely aftershocks of the 5.5 magnitude quake. Another official, Sohel Rana, noted that Bangladesh lies in a geologically complex tectonic zone, making earthquake prediction difficult, and warned that moderate to strong quakes may continue in the region.

In Sandwip, Chattogram, BNP’s Moshapur Union General Secretary Idris Alam has been accused of illegally clearing large portions of coastal forest in the Mogdhara area to occupy government land. Locals allege that Idris and his followers have been cutting mangrove trees at night for weeks and smuggling the timber to nearby regions, including Hatiya and Subarnachar. The deforestation has reportedly endangered the island’s main coastal embankment, increasing the risk of river erosion and environmental degradation. Despite repeated complaints, the forest department and local administration have allegedly remained inactive. Idris claims ownership of the land but has failed to produce legal documents. Forest officials deny his claims, stating that cutting trees without permission violates the Forest Act of 1927 and the Environmental Conservation Act of 1995. The Upazila administration has announced an investigation, warning of legal action if the allegations are proven. The destroyed forest was part of a coastal greenbelt project established after the 1991 cyclone to protect the shoreline.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that all banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance companies, and other financial institutions in Bangladesh will adopt a cashless inter-transaction system starting from July 2027. The initiative aims to eliminate the need for cash withdrawals and enhance transparency in financial transactions. Speaking at an event in Dhaka’s Westin Hotel, the governor emphasized that digitization is essential for ensuring transparency, reducing corruption, and improving revenue collection. During the event, Bangladesh Bank signed an agreement with the Gates Foundation’s Mojaloop to establish the inter-transaction platform, which will be called the Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS). The agreement was signed virtually due to security considerations. The move is expected to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition toward a fully digital financial ecosystem and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.

The Bangladesh government has decided to import non-basmati rice from India through a Singapore-based supplier to keep domestic rice prices stable. Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed announced the decision after a government purchase advisory committee meeting at the Secretariat on Monday. He stated that while rice prices have somewhat stabilized, there are signs of a slight increase, prompting the government to act preemptively. The choice of a Singapore supplier was based on competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery. Ahmed also mentioned that the government aims to finalize a revised budget by December, taking into account increased expenditures for the upcoming national election and referendum, which will be held on the same day. He acknowledged the logistical challenges of conducting both events simultaneously but supported the decision as efficient. The meeting also approved fertilizer and refined oil purchases, along with three road development projects.

Dhaka’s Metro Rail is set to introduce an online recharge system for its Rapid Pass and MRT Pass cards starting Tuesday, November 25. The new service will be inaugurated at Agargaon Metro Station by Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry. Under the new system developed by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), passengers can recharge their cards through credit cards, bKash, Nagad, Rocket, or other online banking platforms. After completing payment online, users must tap their cards at newly installed AVM machines at stations to activate the recharge. A small service fee will apply for online transactions. Unused recharges will remain valid for three months and will be refunded automatically with a 10% deduction if not activated. The DTCA has installed 32 AVM machines across 16 stations from Uttara to Motijheel. Currently, about 55% of Metro Rail passengers use these cards, and authorities expect the new system to improve convenience and efficiency for commuters.

The Government of Bangladesh has promulgated the 'Deposit Protection Ordinance, 2025' to strengthen depositor confidence and ensure financial stability in the banking sector. Under the new ordinance, depositors will be entitled to receive up to Tk 200,000 immediately if a bank or financial institution is liquidated or closed. The ordinance, issued by the President under Article 93(1) of the Constitution due to the dissolution of Parliament, replaces the Bank Deposit Insurance Act of 2000. A new Deposit Protection Department will be established under Bangladesh Bank to oversee premium collection, fund management, member inspections, and payout operations. Two separate protection funds will be created for banks and financial institutions, financed through premiums, penalties, and investment income. All existing banks will automatically become members, while financial institutions will join by July 1, 2028. Certain government and foreign deposits will remain excluded. Bangladesh Bank will also be empowered to cooperate with foreign regulators and adopt international standards to enhance depositor protection.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has warned of large-scale protests if the National Pay Commission fails to submit its recommendations for a new pay scale by November 30. Council President Badiul Kabir stated that employees are united and ready to launch greater movements if their demands are not met. The Pay Commission, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, held a meeting on Monday with secretaries from various ministries to review pay structures for government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. The commission aims to finalize recommendations for salary, allowances, and benefits based on these reviews. Although the commission is expected to submit its final report by late December, Kabir insisted that at least a summary should be submitted within the set deadline. If the recommendations are delayed, a mass rally on December 5 will announce further protest programs.

Following a series of mild tremors in Bangladesh after a 5.7-magnitude quake, global attention has turned to countries with minimal earthquake risk. According to seismic data, nations far from major tectonic fault lines experience very few or no natural earthquakes. Among them, Chad and Niger in Central Africa face extremely low seismic risk, though they remain vulnerable to floods, droughts, and wildfires. Similarly, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in West Africa rarely experience quakes but contend with climate-related hazards. In Europe, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, and Ireland are among the safest countries, with fault lines located over 1,000 kilometers away. Finland occasionally experiences minor, human-induced tremors due to mining activities. The Bahamas, though distant from the Caribbean fault line, faces coastal flooding and hurricanes. In South America, Uruguay’s distance from major fault zones makes earthquakes rare, though flooding remains a concern. These nations exemplify regions where seismic stability contrasts with other environmental risks.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, is deteriorating rapidly due to rising salinity and the impacts of climate change. Cracks, peeling lime plaster, and salt deposits are visible on the mosque’s walls, domes, and especially the mihrab. Studies by Khulna University, the National Geographic Society, and ICOMOS reveal that temperature rise, industrial pollution, monsoon humidity, and groundwater salinity are accelerating the damage. The Department of Archaeology has formed a five-member expert committee led by former Director General Dr. Md. Shafiqul Alam to assess the structure, which found the mihrab at risk of collapse. Corrosion in iron clamps has weakened the building’s load-bearing capacity. Regional Director Lovely Yasmin stated that with UNESCO’s assistance, a detailed decay map will be created, and international experts will join urgent conservation efforts. Experts warn that without immediate action, the mosque could be declared an ‘endangered world heritage site,’ posing a significant cultural loss for Bangladesh.

Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters, often triggering tsunamis and landslides. Several countries face frequent seismic activity due to their location along tectonic plate boundaries. Japan tops the list as it lies within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', where it experiences constant tectonic movement. The country has developed advanced seismic monitoring systems and early warning networks. Indonesia, also on the Ring of Fire, endures multiple high-magnitude earthquakes annually, often accompanied by volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. China has a tragic history of deadly quakes, including the 2008 Sichuan disaster that killed tens of thousands. The Philippines faces similar risks due to its mountainous terrain and frequent storms, which heighten landslide dangers. Iran, located on several fault lines, regularly experiences destructive quakes, such as the 1990 Gilan event that claimed over 40,000 lives. Despite these risks, all five nations have strengthened disaster preparedness and public awareness to mitigate earthquake impacts.

Gold prices declined for the third consecutive session on Monday, November 24, as a stronger U.S. dollar and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve interest rate decisions weighed on the market. According to Reuters, spot gold fell 0.4% to $4,045.58 per ounce, while December futures dropped 0.9% to $4,042.50. Analysts noted that the dollar’s value is at a six-month high, making gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies. The CME FedWatch tool showed the probability of a rate cut next month fell to 69% from 74%. Despite earlier optimism following comments from New York Fed President John Williams, other Fed officials maintained a cautious stance, suggesting rates should remain steady to avoid economic risks. Reliance Securities’ analyst Jigar Trivedi predicted no major changes in gold prices over the next three to five weeks, though slight declines are possible. Meanwhile, silver prices slipped 0.1%, while platinum and palladium gained 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively.

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon expressed deep concern over Delhi’s alarming air pollution levels while promoting her upcoming film 'Tere Ishq Mein'. Speaking at the event, she noted that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) had exceeded 430, posing severe health risks. Sanon said the toxic air quality has become a serious issue that demands immediate attention. The worsening pollution has already disrupted several film shoots in Delhi, including the postponement of her film 'Cocktail 2', which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The actress urged authorities and citizens to take collective responsibility and implement effective measures before the situation deteriorates further. Kriti Sanon will next appear opposite South Indian actor Dhanush in director Aanand L. Rai’s 'Tere Ishq Mein'.

Bangladesh’s Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that holding the national election and referendum simultaneously will increase government expenditure. Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase at the Secretariat on Monday, he explained that the additional costs would arise from arrangements for both the referendum and voting facilities for expatriates. However, he assured that the overall budget would not face any major issues due to these adjustments. Dr. Ahmed also noted that conducting both events on the same day is preferable, as practiced in several other countries, since holding them separately would be more difficult and costly. Additionally, he mentioned that the Ministry of Energy has been approved to import refined fuel and that non-basmati rice imports will be increased to stabilize rising rice prices. He urged local businesses to act responsibly, emphasizing that price control requires political commitment beyond administrative measures.

A road in Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj has collapsed into a canal after dredging work was carried out using heavy machinery without draining the water, sparking public concern and criticism. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank and implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board, was meant to be executed through water drainage excavation. However, contractor Ataur Rahman Khan Ltd used dredgers instead, causing erosion that damaged roads connecting Majhbari and Bongkura villages. Locals, including students of nearby schools and madrasas, now face severe travel disruptions and safety risks. Residents accuse the contractor and supervising engineers of negligence and corruption, alleging that similar irregularities are occurring in other canal projects in the area. Officials from the Water Development Board and local administration have acknowledged the issue and promised prompt repairs. The incident highlights growing frustration over mismanagement in rural infrastructure projects.

A World Bank report released on November 24 warns that by 2030, around 90% of South Asia’s population will be exposed to extreme heat, while one in four people will face flood risks. The report highlights that rising salinity in water and soil will make life increasingly difficult in coastal areas. It criticizes current climate adaptation measures as low-cost and largely symbolic, noting the lack of substantial government initiatives. Jean Pem, World Bank Division Director, emphasized that Bangladesh is facing severe environmental challenges, which could worsen unless early disaster warning systems, smart agriculture, and adaptation budgets are expanded. Siddhartha Sharma, the Bank’s Chief Economist for South Asia, added that Bangladesh’s climate response remains slow, urging stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate action against the growing climate crisis.