Bangladesh Bank has introduced stricter experience requirements for appointing managing directors (MDs) and chief executive officers (CEOs) in the country’s commercial banks. According to a circular issued by the central bank’s Banking Regulation and Policy Department on November 26, candidates must now have at least three years of combined or individual experience as Additional Managing Director (AMD) and Deputy Managing Director (DMD) to qualify for the MD position. Previously, only two years of experience in any senior management role was sufficient. The new directive clarifies earlier ambiguities and aims to raise leadership standards in the banking sector. Additionally, the circular allows senior officials from regulatory bodies in the banking and financial sectors, with at least 25 years of experience and service in Grade-2 of the national pay scale, to be directly appointed as MDs. This change opens the door for experienced regulators to assume top executive roles in commercial banks, potentially enhancing governance and professional expertise across the sector.

Bangladesh’s Power Division has issued a clarification regarding the calculation of demand charges and meter rent for prepaid electricity users. According to the statement released on November 26, demand charges and meter rent are deducted from the first recharge each month. If no recharge occurs in a given month, the charges are adjusted during the next recharge. The division emphasized that electricity consumption and cost are identical for both prepaid and postpaid meters. Prepaid users receive a 0.5% rebate as a government incentive and are exempt from security deposits. Residential demand charges are set at Tk 42 per kilowatt per month, with a 5% VAT applied. Monthly meter rent is Tk 40 for single-phase and Tk 250 for three-phase meters provided by distribution companies. Customers can recharge through mobile financial services, cards, or vending stations, and enjoy emergency credit facilities if balance runs out. Faulty meters due to technical issues are replaced free of cost.

Bangladesh and Pakistan are expected to resume direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi from December, according to Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan. Mahan Air is likely to operate three flights weekly, a move anticipated to enhance bilateral trade and regional connectivity. The visa process between the two countries has also been simplified, allowing issuance within three to four days through joint recommendations from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Bangladesh’s honorary consulate. Both nations are exploring trade opportunities in rice, pineapples, textiles, and ready-made garments, with plans to launch a direct cargo service soon. The Pakistani Higher Education Commission will send a delegation to Bangladesh to attract students for higher studies. Officials from both sides emphasized the shared cultural and historical ties and expressed optimism that bilateral trade, currently valued at around $700 million, could rise to $3 billion in the coming years with improved connectivity.

US President Donald Trump announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping has agreed to increase China’s imports of American goods following a recent phone call between the two leaders. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he urged Xi to buy more US products, and Xi consented. The development follows Beijing’s earlier decision to resume soybean purchases from the United States and lift restrictions on rare earth exports. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent, China has pledged to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from American farmers this year, with about 2 million tons already ordered. During the conversation, Xi emphasized the historical cooperation between China and the US against fascism and militarism and called for joint efforts to uphold the outcomes of World War II. He also reiterated China’s stance that Taiwan’s return is an integral part of the postwar international order and that Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive restricting foreign travel by bank officials until the upcoming national parliamentary election. In a circular sent to all bank chairmen and managing directors on Wednesday, the central bank instructed that managing directors (MDs), chief executive officers (CEOs), and other employees should refrain from traveling abroad unless absolutely necessary. The order, issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act of 1991, takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. The move is seen as part of efforts to maintain administrative stability and ensure smooth financial operations during the election period. The central bank emphasized that any foreign travel must be justified by urgent necessity and approved accordingly. This measure aims to keep key decision-makers available in the country during a politically sensitive time.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive restricting foreign travel by officials and employees of all banks and financial institutions until the completion of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The central bank’s Banking Regulation and Policy Department announced that only essential and unavoidable trips will be permitted during this period. The measure aims to prevent administrative disruptions and maintain operational stability in the banking sector during the election season. The directive applies to managing directors, chief executive officers, and all other officers and staff. Bangladesh Bank invoked its authority under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, to enforce the order, which takes immediate effect. The move is part of precautionary steps to ensure that the financial system remains fully functional and responsive amid the heightened administrative and political activities surrounding the upcoming national polls.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bangladesh government has unexpectedly increased the National Board of Revenue’s (NBR) revenue collection target for the current fiscal year by Tk 550 billion, raising it from Tk 4.99 trillion to Tk 5.54 trillion—an 11.22% hike. Officials describe the move as unprecedented and unrealistic given the country’s current economic conditions, sluggish investment, and weak export performance. Some NBR insiders believe the decision was influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has urged Bangladesh to expand its tax base, eliminate exemptions, and set a uniform 15% VAT rate as part of loan conditions. Former NBR chairman Abdul Mazid noted that revenue collection remains low relative to GDP and called for stronger enforcement against tax evasion. The IMF has so far disbursed $3.64 billion of a $5.5 billion loan package. Implementation details of the new target will be discussed after NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan returns from abroad later this month.

Dried fish from Pabna district in Bangladesh is now being exported to at least 20 countries after meeting domestic demand, creating new opportunities for foreign exchange earnings and rural employment. The upazilas of Santhia, Bera, Sujanagar, Faridpur, and Chatmohar have become well-known for dried fish production, particularly during the November to March season. Hundreds of seasonal traders from northern regions join local farmers to produce and sell large quantities of dried fish across the country and abroad, including to the Middle East, Malaysia, the UK, and the US. Popular varieties such as shol, taki, boal, tangra, and puti have gained strong demand among expatriate communities. However, local producers face challenges due to declining native fish populations and limited government support. Farmers say that low-interest loans and institutional backing could significantly expand exports and strengthen this promising sector.

Hundreds of farmers in Munshiganj district have become self-reliant through large-scale vegetable seedling production, earning around Tk 40 million annually. The seedlings, produced mainly in Sadar and Tongibari upazilas, are in high demand nationwide due to their superior quality and careful cultivation methods using organic fertilizers and oilcake. Farmers grow seedlings of cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, pumpkin, eggplant, and chili from August to December, selling them to wholesalers from over 25 districts. Each thousand seedlings fetch between Tk 1,500 and Tk 2,000 depending on quality and market demand. Despite some losses from heavy rainfall and rising seed prices, most producers report strong profits. The Department of Agricultural Extension notes that 4,907 hectares have been targeted for winter vegetable cultivation this year, with an expected yield of 125,423 tons. Officials say seedling production has become a profitable profession in the region, helping local farmers meet national demand while improving rural livelihoods.