Mohammad Hossain, a young farmer from Purba Charumed in Lalmohan’s Ramaganj Union of Bhola, has achieved notable success in jujube cultivation. Over the past five years, he has expanded his orchard to 160 decimals of land, growing four varieties of jujube—Bol Sundari, Thai Apple Kul, China Tok-Mishti Kul, and Bharat Sundari. Despite unfavorable weather this year, his yield has been the highest among local growers, and he expects to sell around Tk 1.6 million worth of jujube this season.

Hossain began his venture on one acre of fallow land and gradually expanded due to consistent profits. He has already sold 2,000 kilograms of China Tok-Mishti Kul for about Tk 250,000, with wholesale prices at Tk 130 per kilogram and retail at Tk 150. His success has motivated 16 other farmers from nearby areas to start jujube cultivation under his guidance, receiving hands-on training and advice from him.

According to Lalmohan Upazila Agriculture Officer Abu Hasnain, Hossain’s orchard is managed hygienically and produces sweet, juicy fruits. The agriculture office has pledged full support to anyone interested in starting commercial jujube farming in the area.

The 35-kilometer Chandpur-Shariatpur four-lane road project has remained stalled for five years due to financial shortages, land acquisition complications, and administrative paralysis. Approved in the 2019–2020 fiscal year with a budget of Tk 860 crore, the project aimed to expand the road from Shariatpur’s Monohar Bazar to Vedarganj’s Ibrahimpur. Only six kilometers of work have been completed, leaving 29 kilometers unfinished and causing severe suffering for residents across 21 southern and southwestern districts.

According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), Tk 431.68 crore was allocated for acquiring 95.85 hectares of land, but Tk 430.29 crore was spent acquiring only 49 hectares. The remaining 46.85 hectares require an additional Tk 300 crore, which was not included in the original budget. Many landowners have received only acquisition notices without compensation, leaving them unable to sell or repair their properties.

Officials said the project’s tenure has been extended three times, with the current term ending on December 31, 2025. The RHD has requested another extension and a revision of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) to secure additional funds and restart the tendering process.

Farmers in the Padma char areas of Veramara upazila in Kushtia are facing financial losses despite achieving a bumper onion harvest this season. The losses have been attributed to the government’s decision to import onions from India, which has caused local market prices to fall sharply. Farmers have urged the government to suspend onion imports for two months to help them recover their costs.

According to local sources, 255 hectares of land in Veramara upazila were cultivated with murikata onions this season, with farmers expecting yields of 70 to 80 maunds per bigha. Although favorable weather supported strong production, rising costs of fertilizer, pesticides, and labor have increased overall expenses. Farmers who took loans from NGOs now fear they will be unable to repay them due to the price drop. Some reported potential losses of up to five lakh taka.

Upazila agriculture officer Mahamuda Sultana confirmed that government incentives and technical support helped achieve the cultivation target and good yields. However, she noted that the high yield and ongoing imports have contributed to lower market prices.

The Rehab Fair 2025, one of the largest events in Bangladesh’s housing sector, is set to conclude tomorrow. On Friday, the third day of the fair, large crowds gathered at the China–Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center despite traffic congestion and personal commitments. Visitors came with families, friends, and colleagues, exploring options for affordable apartments and residential plots. The fairgrounds became lively in the afternoon as people sought information and offers from developers.

Developers such as Hawk Homes & Builders and Credence Housing Limited participated with ready and ongoing projects across key locations in Dhaka. Credence Housing announced special discounts and booking offers for buyers, while Hawk Homes reported increased attendance later in the day as temperatures rose. The fair has become more than a marketplace, serving as a platform for inspiration and planning for those aspiring to own homes.

With only one day remaining, many visitors are making preliminary discussions and comparisons, hoping to finalize decisions before the fair ends tomorrow.

Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding to facilitate the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Thailand. The agreement was signed on Friday, December 26, at the office of Thailand’s Labour Minister Trinuch Thienthong. During the signing ceremony, Minister Thienthong expressed optimism that the recruitment process could begin soon under the new arrangement, noting Thailand’s need to address its existing labor shortages through foreign worker recruitment.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Thailand, Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, assured that workers would be sent through a safe, orderly, and regular process. He also invited Thai authorities to visit Bangladesh to gain firsthand understanding of the country’s labor migration systems and procedures. Minister Thienthong instructed her senior colleagues to advance discussions on implementing the memorandum and emphasized the importance of swift action to meet labor market demands.

Ambassador Kazi briefed the Thai minister on ongoing discussions with Thai business communities and reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to following best practices similar to other major labor markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bangladesh’s financial regulatory bodies have agreed to implement three major initiatives aimed at improving coordination and efficiency across the sector. The decisions were made at a meeting titled “Strengthening the Financial Reporting Council and Ensuring Structural and Coordinated Cooperation,” held at the FRC office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar under the chairmanship of Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser. Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh Bank, FRC, BSEC, IDRA, RJSC, MRA, and NBR attended the meeting.

The three initiatives include single-point enlistment of auditors and audit firms under the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), creation of a common report submission portal for all regulators, and establishment of a real-time common data-sharing platform. The FRC will lead the implementation of these projects, with deadlines set between January 15 and January 31, 2026. The FRC chairman stated that these measures will enhance transparency, reduce information concealment, and strengthen financial discipline.

According to the meeting’s proceedings, the initiatives are expected to reduce procedural delays, improve inter-agency data exchange, and curb manipulation in loan management and stock valuation.

Bangladesh Bank announced that depositors of five troubled Islamic banks undergoing merger will be able to withdraw up to Tk 200,000 from next Monday. The funds will be disbursed through the Deposit Insurance Fund, and withdrawals can be made directly from the respective branches. The five banks—First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, and Union Bank—are being consolidated into the newly approved Combined Islami Bank PLC.

According to central bank officials, the withdrawal process faced initial complications but is now ready to proceed. Customers with deposits exceeding Tk 200,000 will be allowed phased withdrawals every three months, while senior citizens and cancer patients will face relaxed restrictions. The new bank’s paid-up capital is set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the insurance fund.

The merger aims to restore depositor confidence and stabilize the banking sector after years of loan defaults. Bangladesh Bank has also ordered the cancellation of existing shares of the five banks due to negative asset values under the Bank Resolution Ordinance.

Bangladesh has finalized the draft of its first major Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, marking a milestone in bilateral economic relations. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Choudhury Ashiq described the achievement as historic, emphasizing that it reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to policy continuity, investment protection, and credible dispute resolution mechanisms.

The agreement is expected to open new opportunities beyond traditional manufacturing and energy sectors, extending to automobiles, digital services, logistics, and healthcare. Ashiq noted that Japanese investment will bring advanced technology, skills, and standards, reshaping Bangladesh’s economic landscape. The move aligns with Bangladesh’s preparations for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, positioning the nation for broader global integration.

Officials indicated that this is only the beginning, as Bangladesh seeks similar agreements with key markets such as the United States, the European Union, and South Korea. The EPA is seen as a strategic foundation for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the post-LDC era.

Bangladesh and Japan have finalized the draft of their long-anticipated Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), paving the way for extensive trade liberalization between the two nations. Under the agreement, Japan will grant duty-free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, while Bangladesh will offer similar benefits to 1,039 Japanese items. The formal signing is expected in January 2026, following months of negotiations led by trade officials from both countries.

The EPA also covers the services sector, with Bangladesh opening 97 service categories and Japan 120, aimed at boosting investment and technology exchange. The agreement follows eight rounds of discussions held alternately in Dhaka and Tokyo since early 2024. Officials say the deal will deepen bilateral trade ties and diversify Bangladesh’s export base beyond apparel.

Analysts view the EPA as a strategic step for Bangladesh ahead of its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, ensuring continued market access in Asia’s third-largest economy. The agreement is expected to strengthen supply chains, attract Japanese investment, and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in high-value exports.

Pakistan has finalized the sale of a 75% stake in its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), to Arif Habib Investment for $482 million. The auction, broadcast live on state television, saw participation from three domestic bidders. Arif Habib Investment emerged as the top bidder with an offer of 135 billion Pakistani rupees, narrowly surpassing a consortium led by Lucky Cement, which offered 134 billion rupees. Private airline Air Blue placed a distant third bid of 26.5 billion rupees.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the transaction as one of the largest in Pakistan’s history, emphasizing transparency throughout the process. The deal also grants Arif Habib Investment the option to acquire the remaining 25% of PIA shares in the coming months. The privatization move follows a failed attempt last year, as the government seeks to reduce losses and modernize the struggling airline.

Analysts say the sale could mark a turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector, though challenges remain in restructuring operations and restoring PIA’s global reputation.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has alleged large-scale corruption worth Tk 2,926 crore in six government and private solar power projects implemented under the Awami League government. The findings, released at a press conference in Dhaka, indicate irregularities in land acquisition and inflated project cost estimates, particularly within the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).

According to TIB, while BPDB’s standard cost for generating one megawatt of solar power is around Tk 8 crore, the six projects studied were estimated at an average of Tk 13.08 crore per megawatt—over 1.5 times higher. The report also found that five of the projects involved Tk 249 crore in irregularities related to land purchase and acquisition.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the findings highlight systemic weaknesses in project oversight and accountability. The organization urged the government to conduct independent audits and ensure transparency in future renewable energy initiatives to restore public trust and safeguard public funds.

Chevron has emerged as the only foreign oil company still operating in Venezuela, following renewed U.S. sanctions targeting the country's oil tankers. Despite Washington’s full embargo and the cancellation of most operating licenses earlier in 2025, the U.S. energy giant continues production under a special exemption. Chevron operates four oil fields and one offshore gas field in partnership with state-owned PDVSA, employing about 3,000 people.

Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves—around 303 billion barrels—has seen its daily output fall to 800,000–900,000 barrels, down from over 3 million a decade ago. Chevron contributes roughly 10% of current production, exporting 150,000–200,000 barrels daily to the U.S. Analysts note that the heavy, sulfur-rich crude is difficult to refine but strategically important for U.S. Gulf refineries.

Experts suggest Chevron’s continued presence reflects Washington’s geopolitical strategy to prevent China or Russia from filling the vacuum in Venezuela’s energy sector. The company insists its operations comply with U.S. law and contribute to regional stability and energy security.

Kuwait has signed a $4.1 billion agreement with China to construct the Mubarak Al-Kabir port on Bubiyan Island, a key component of the Gulf state’s plan to diversify its economy and expand its role in global trade. The deal, valued at 1.28 billion Kuwaiti dinars, covers engineering, procurement, and construction services, according to Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who emphasized that the project would strengthen Kuwait’s regional and international trade connectivity. China’s acting chargé d’affaires, Liu Xiang, said the agreement reflects Kuwait’s growing involvement in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two nations had previously signed seven memoranda of understanding in 2023, covering housing, water treatment, and renewable energy projects.

Analysts view the port as a strategic investment that could enhance Kuwait’s logistics capacity and attract foreign trade flows. Construction is expected to begin soon, with the project seen as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s long-term economic diversification strategy.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has made online income tax return filing mandatory for individual taxpayers from fiscal year 2025–26, implemented through local tech firm Synesis IT. However, NBR has yet to sign a formal contract with the company, despite the system handling sensitive taxpayer data. Officials and experts have voiced concern over potential legal and data security risks arising from this contractless arrangement.

Synesis IT developed the online return software under a European Union grant that expired in mid-2024, after which the firm continued service without payment. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan acknowledged the absence of a contract, citing lengthy government procurement procedures. Synesis officials said they have repeatedly requested a formal agreement, warning of financial strain from providing unpaid services. Some NBR insiders expressed surprise that a mandatory national service operates without a legal framework.

The situation highlights governance and accountability gaps in Bangladesh’s digital tax modernization. While the system has reduced corruption and improved taxpayer convenience, unresolved contracting issues could expose the government to future legal and financial complications if not promptly addressed.

The Bangladesh government has approved the purchase of 37.5 million liters of edible oil from international sources and 10 million liters locally to prevent an artificial shortage during the upcoming Ramadan. Additionally, 10,000 tons of lentils will be procured. The total cost for the oil purchase is estimated at Tk 642.45 crore, while lentil procurement will cost Tk 72.20 crore. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will distribute these products nationwide.

The approval came during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The imports include 20 million liters of soybean oil from Nigeria’s Vidok Farms and Exports Ltd, 12.5 million liters from the U.S.-based Stewart Klobanu Gerhard, and 5 million liters from Malaysia’s C Millennium Trade Sdn Bhd. Locally, one crore liters of rice bran oil will be sourced through open tender from three domestic firms.

Officials stated that the oil will be sold through TCB at prices lower than the government-fixed retail rate but higher than the procurement cost, ensuring no subsidy burden. The move aims to stabilize market prices and ensure adequate supply during the fasting month.