Chattogram Port has set a new record by issuing 6,301 gate passes in a single day, marking the highest number ever recorded. On Tuesday, the port issued 4,734 consignee gate passes and 1,567 off-dock gate passes. The Chattogram Port Authority confirmed the achievement on Wednesday, noting that the milestone reflects the port’s ongoing digital transformation. According to Secretary Md Omar Faruk, the successful use of modern technology, particularly the Terminal Operating System (TOS) app, has made import and export operations more efficient and transparent. He emphasized that Chattogram Port remains the central hub for Bangladesh’s trade and industrial growth, contributing significantly to national revenue and international competitiveness. The authority believes that such advancements will further strengthen the country’s overall trade system and enhance operational efficiency.

Pakistani music star Atif Aslam is set to return to Dhaka for a live concert titled “Main Stage Show Featuring Atif Aslam” on December 13. The event is being organized by Main Stage Inc., whose CEO Kazi Rafsan confirmed that preparations and official permissions are in their final stages. The concert will feature both international and local artists, with strict security measures coordinated with law enforcement and private agencies. Although the exact venue has not been disclosed yet, organizers hinted it will be near Purbachal or Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital. Tickets are already on sale in three categories—‘Pehli Nazar,’ ‘Aadat,’ and ‘Doorie’—priced at 9,999, 4,999, and 2,499 Bangladeshi taka respectively. Atif Aslam, who last performed in Dhaka during the “Magical Night 2.0” concert, previously described Bangladesh as his second home.

The Bangladesh government is taking steps to reduce the prices of legally imported mobile phones while intensifying efforts to curb the trade of illegal and cloned handsets. Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, announced that initiatives are underway to simplify mobile and SIM registration, de-registration, and re-registration processes. He emphasized that illegal phones are linked to various crimes, including SIM fraud, online scams, tax evasion, and cross-border smuggling. To support consumers, the government has requested the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to consider reducing import duties and urged local manufacturers to lower prices. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is also working to make registration easier and ensure that all active phones before December 16 are recognized as legal. Authorities reaffirmed that only legally imported or locally produced phones will be allowed in the market, with strict action planned against smuggling and digital crimes tied to illegal devices.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive removing the previous time restriction on writing off default loans. According to the circular released by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) on November 19, banks can now write off loans classified as bad or loss if recovery is deemed unlikely, without waiting for a specific time period. Previously, only loans classified as bad or loss for two consecutive years were eligible for write-off. The new rules prioritize older classified loans and require banks to notify borrowers at least 10 working days before writing off their loans. The directive, which takes immediate effect, aims to streamline the loan management process and improve the accuracy of banks’ financial statements by clearing long-standing non-performing assets from their books.

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, the tallest volcano on Java island, erupted on Wednesday, prompting authorities to raise its alert level to the highest. The eruption sent ash plumes soaring up to 5.6 kilometers into the sky and unleashed fast-moving pyroclastic flows reaching seven kilometers from the summit. The country’s volcanology agency has urged residents to stay at least 2.5 kilometers away from the crater due to ongoing risks. Located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', Mount Semeru stands at 3,676 meters and is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The region, densely populated and prone to seismic activity, faces potential threats to nearby communities, transport routes, and aviation. Semeru, also known as Mahameru, has a long history of eruptions, including a deadly one in 2021 that killed 62 people and buried several villages in ash. Indonesia, with nearly 130 active volcanoes, continues to monitor Semeru closely for further activity.

A rubber plantation worker named Abdul Haque, aged 40, was killed by a wild elephant in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at the Paijhiri rubber plantation in Sonai Chhari union while he was collecting latex from trees. According to local authorities and law enforcement, the elephant suddenly attacked him, causing his death on the spot. Abdul Haque was a resident of Punarbasanpara in Baishari union and the son of the late Minaz Uddin. Police, led by Sub-Inspector Lokman from the Sonai Chhari police outpost, recovered the body from the scene. Bandarban Divisional Forest Officer Md. Abdur Rahman stated that a case and investigation would follow as per wildlife law, and the victim’s family would receive compensation. Naikhongchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Masrurul Haque confirmed the death and said an unnatural death case has been filed, with legal procedures underway.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a new mobile application called 'Jabo Kothay?' to enhance the capital’s public sanitation system through technology. The app, developed by Bhumijo with support from WaterAid Bangladesh, was unveiled at an event in Shyamoli Park marking World Toilet Day. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated that the initiative marks a new era for Dhaka’s sanitation management, aiming to build around 650 modern toilets across the city. The app helps users locate nearby toilets, view photos, service details, and operating hours, and make digital payments via QR code for cashless access. WaterAid’s 'Star Rating System' will assess cleanliness, safety, and hygiene standards, encouraging better maintenance and user satisfaction. As part of the event, WaterAid handed over five mobile toilets to DNCC to be installed in busy areas, ensuring safe and accessible sanitation for workers, low-income residents, and women. Officials from DNCC, DSCC, and partner organizations attended the event.

Government employees in Bangladesh have formed a united front to demand immediate implementation of a new pay scale. The interim government established a pay commission on July 27 to revise the salary structure, initially promising to enforce it within its tenure. However, recent remarks by Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, suggesting that the next elected government will make the final decision, have sparked anger among employees. Leaders from various organizations, including the Secretariat Officers’ Association and the Bangladesh Government Employees Unity Council, have warned of intensified pressure if the commission’s recommendations are not submitted by November 30. They demand that the new pay scale be gazetted by December 15 and implemented from January 1. Twelve employee groups, including teachers, railway workers, and office staff, are coordinating joint actions. If the government fails to meet their deadline, employees plan to escalate with protests, sit-ins, and possible work stoppages. Union leaders insist that the new pay scale must be announced this year to maintain trust among civil servants.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued new regulations eliminating the requirement for prior approval from authorities such as RAJUK and NHA for the transfer, sale, donation, or mortgage of residential plots and flats. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works published the gazette notification on November 10, making the rules effective immediately. The reform aims to simplify services, reduce bureaucratic delays, and curb corruption in property ownership transfers. Under the new rules, property owners will no longer need approval from the leasing authority for ownership changes, though permissions will still be required for changes in land use or plot amalgamation. A transfer fee of 2% for developed plots or buildings and 5% for land-only transfers will apply. Owners must submit transfer records to the leasing authority within 90 days, with penalties for delays. The lease term will automatically renew after 99 years. However, existing approval requirements remain for non-residential properties and disputed or government-linked plots.

Xiaomi has cautioned that smartphone prices could increase next year due to a sharp rise in global memory chip prices, driven by soaring demand for chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Major manufacturers like Samsung are prioritizing high-speed memory production for AI applications, reducing output for mobile chips and tightening supply. Xiaomi President Lu Weibing said the company expects greater cost pressure in the coming year, noting that even higher retail prices may not fully offset production expenses. Despite modest sales growth of 0.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, Xiaomi’s revenue of 113.1 billion yuan fell slightly short of analyst expectations, and its Hong Kong-listed shares dropped 2.81% on the announcement. However, the company’s net profit surged 80.9% to 11.3 billion yuan, supported by new ventures in electric vehicles, AI, and other emerging technologies, which now account for a quarter of total revenue.

South Korean children’s content company Pinkfong, creator of the viral 90-second video 'Baby Shark', has grown into a $400 million enterprise after its stock market debut. The video, released in June 2016 under CEO Kim Min-seok’s approval, became the most viewed content on YouTube with over 16 billion views. Pinkfong’s shares rose 9% on their first trading day, raising about $52 million. Originally founded in 2010 as SmartStudy with just three employees, the company shifted focus to younger audiences, producing simple, educational content that led to Baby Shark’s global success. While the song remains a key revenue driver, accounting for about one-fourth of earnings, new franchises like Bebefinn now contribute around 40%. Analysts note that Pinkfong must prove its growth extends beyond Baby Shark. CEO Kim says the company plans to use IPO funds to expand its film and character lineup and evolve into a technology-driven content creator leveraging data insights.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has launched a comprehensive e-Services Management System to deliver all quality-related services online. The initiative, inaugurated at BSTI’s Tejgaon headquarters, aims to make certification and licensing processes more efficient and transparent. Supported financially by the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) project and technically by Orange Business Development Ltd, the system allows clients to apply for product quality certificates, halal certification, metrology licenses, packaging approvals, and testing reports through a single digital platform. Users can submit applications, make payments, and track inspection and certification progress online. BSTI officials can also verify applications, issue inspection reports, collect samples, and grant licenses digitally. The platform is expected to enhance service accessibility, reduce processing time, and promote digital transformation within Bangladesh’s industrial and trade sectors.

Japan’s economy faces mounting pressure as China urges its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan. The advisory has led to mass cancellations of Japan-bound flights and a sharp decline in tourism-related bookings. Tokyo-based East Japan International Travel Service, which mainly serves Chinese group tourists, reports losing about 80% of its bookings for the rest of the year. Tourism contributes roughly 7% to Japan’s GDP, with Chinese and Hong Kong visitors accounting for about one-fifth of all foreign tourists. Analysts at Nomura Research Institute estimate potential losses of around 2.2 trillion yen ($14.23 billion) if the boycott continues. More than ten Chinese airlines have refunded tickets through December 31, with around 500,000 cancellations already reported. The diplomatic standoff has also affected cultural exchanges, with Chinese authorities suspending Japanese film releases and Japanese celebrities publicly reaffirming support for the One-China policy to avoid backlash.

Two judges of the 74th Miss Universe competition resigned just three days before the final event, citing concerns over transparency and fairness. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch announced his resignation on Instagram, claiming that an unofficial jury had already selected 30 finalists from 136 contestants without the presence of the official eight-member panel. He alleged that some members of this informal group had personal ties with certain contestants. Shortly after Harfouch’s resignation, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing personal reasons. The Miss Universe Organization denied the allegations, clarifying that no external group was involved in the evaluation process. They explained that Harfouch may have confused the 'Beyond the Crown' initiative—an independent social program with its own committee—with the main competition’s judging process. The final event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand, on November 21.

A fishing trawler named FB Raisa brought in an exceptional catch of 200 maunds of hilsa from the Bay of Bengal, landing at the BFDC Fish Landing Center in Patharghata, Barguna. The fish, caught about 70 kilometers off Kuakata on November 17, were sold for Tk 52 lakh at Tk 26,000 per maund. The trawler, carrying 17 fishermen, had struggled for days with poor catches before this haul of nearly 18,000 hilsa weighing around 300–400 grams each. The sudden abundance has brought relief and happiness to the fishermen, who had been facing financial hardship. Local fish traders and the Barguna Trawler Owners’ Association expressed satisfaction, attributing the improved catch to government efforts to curb illegal wooden trawling, which they believe has helped restore fish stocks in the Bay.