The newly built third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has no mobile network coverage due to a design flaw, delaying its inauguration. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) discovered the issue after construction was nearly complete and has begun urgent work to install network infrastructure inside the terminal. The correction process, including opening parts of the aesthetic ceiling to lay cables, is expected to take six to seven months.

According to CAAB sources, the original design did not include an in-building mobile network solution, forcing a redesign and additional costs estimated in the millions. An emergency board meeting decided to sign a five-year agreement with state-owned Teletalk to implement the network, as other operators only offered space rental without revenue sharing. The contract will be reviewed every two years, with rent increasing by 2.5 percent annually upon renewal.

CAAB officials acknowledged that the absence of mobile coverage is a major operational flaw in an otherwise world-class facility. They expect the new agreement with Teletalk to resolve the issue and enable the terminal’s opening once the network installation is complete.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Taiwan late Saturday night, according to the island’s weather administration. The quake hit at 11:05 p.m. local time near Yilan County, with its epicenter located 73 kilometers beneath the seabed. Buildings in the capital Taipei shook, prompting residents to rush outdoors in fear. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

Taipei city authorities said there were no significant losses, though minor incidents such as gas and water pipe leaks and slight structural damage occurred in some buildings. Taiwan Power Company reported temporary power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes in Yilan. Chipmaker TSMC briefly evacuated some staff from its Hsinchu Science Park facilities before resuming normal operations.

The weather administration warned of possible aftershocks measuring between 5.5 and 6.0 within the next 24 hours. President Lai Ching-te stated that the situation was under control and urged citizens to remain alert for aftershocks.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has removed a total of 148 tons of waste from the 300 Feet area in the capital, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held a reception on May 25 to mark the return of its acting chairman, Tarique Rahman. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz ordered the cleanup on Thursday night, and a special cleaning drive began Friday morning with 350 sanitation workers participating. The collected waste was transported in 148 trips by 20 trucks and safely dumped at the Aminbazar landfill. By noon, the entire venue was cleared and reopened for public movement.

During the operation, some local BNP activists voluntarily joined DNCC workers from 10 a.m. to assist in the cleaning effort. Administrator Ejaz expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that joint efforts by city authorities, citizens, and political activists after large gatherings can make the city cleaner and more livable.

The cleanup followed a massive public gathering celebrating Tarique Rahman’s return after 17 years, prompting DNCC’s immediate action to maintain environmental hygiene.

Ferry services on the important Daulatdia–Paturia route, connecting Rajbari’s Daulatdia and Manikganj’s Paturia, were suspended again from 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, due to dense fog. The suspension was announced by the terminal authorities after visibility on the river dropped sharply, making navigation unsafe. Earlier, ferry movement on the same route had been halted for about 15 hours from Friday evening until Saturday morning before resuming for around 12 hours.

According to the terminal authorities, the fog intensified after evening, obscuring the river’s marking lights and creating serious safety risks. As a result, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) temporarily stopped all ferry and vessel operations to prevent possible accidents. The suspension led to long queues of passenger buses, trucks, and private cars at both terminals, causing hardship for drivers and passengers in the cold night.

Officials said ferry operations will resume once the fog density decreases and conditions are reviewed for safe navigation.

China has appointed its first female captain for the domestically produced C919 passenger aircraft, according to the South China Morning Post. The historic appointment went to Yu Yue, a former Boeing 737 pilot with China Southern Airlines. Since joining the airline in 2015, Yu has maintained a zero-error record. Earlier this year, she joined the C919 program and completed extensive training at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China and COMAC’s Shanghai training center, which included simulator sessions for emergency scenarios.

The C919, developed by the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is a narrow-body jet designed for short- and medium-haul routes and is seen as China’s alternative to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The aircraft began commercial service on domestic routes in May 2023. Major state-owned carriers—China Southern, Air China, and China Eastern—are incorporating the C919 into their fleets and retraining pilots accordingly.

Yu highlighted the challenges faced by women pilots in balancing professional duties with family responsibilities. In 2024, China had 941 female pilots, less than two percent of the total, though participation has been gradually increasing.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has announced a record increase in gold prices across the country, raising rates by up to Tk 1,575 per bhori. The new prices, effective from Sunday, December 28, set the cost of 22-carat gold at Tk 227,856 per bhori, marking the highest level in Bangladesh’s history. The announcement was made through a BAJUS press release on Saturday, December 27.

According to the association, the adjustment reflects a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market, aligned with global market trends. The main reason cited for the increase is the surge in international gold prices, which have exceeded USD 4,500 per ounce. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been raised, with 22-carat silver now priced at Tk 6,065 per bhori.

The new pricing structure indicates a broader response to global market pressures, suggesting continued volatility in precious metal prices as Bangladesh aligns its domestic rates with international movements.

A mobile court in Baliakandi upazila of Rajbari district fined three individuals Tk 200,000 on December 27 for illegally cutting and selling soil to brick kilns. The operation took place in the Amtala area of Baliakandi Sadar Union, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ehsanul Haque Shipon. The fined individuals were identified as Touhid Biswas, son of Moslem Biswas; Hasan Molla, son of Shukur Molla; and Rashed Sheikh, son of Sadek Sheikh. Police personnel from Baliakandi Police Station were present during the operation.

According to the Upazila Assistant Commissioner, the offenders violated Section 7(a) of the Balumahal and Soil Management Act 2010 and were penalized under Section 15(1) of the same law. He stated that similar drives would continue against anyone involved in illegal soil or sand extraction within the upazila.

The enforcement action underscores the local administration’s ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized soil extraction and protect land resources in the Rajbari region.

The Sylhet district administration honored 103 expatriate Bangladeshis for their contributions to remittances and professional success. The ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon at the Kabi Nazrul Auditorium in Rikabibazar, Sylhet city. The recognition was divided into six categories: successful professionals, businesspersons, community leaders, women entrepreneurs, achievers in sports, and importers of Bangladeshi products abroad. Abdul Nasher Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, presented the awards as the chief guest.

The event was attended by senior officials including the Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza Un Nabi, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam, Superintendent of Police Kazi Akhtarul Alam, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Masud Rana. The program began with a rally in honor of the remittance contributors, joined by expatriates, government officials, and people from various professions.

According to the district administration, 582 applications were submitted over the past 20 days, and after verification, 103 individuals were selected for the honor.

A severe winter storm named Devin caused major travel disruptions across the United States on Friday, leading to the cancellation of 1,802 flights and delays to more than 22,000 others, according to Reuters. The storm struck during the Christmas holiday season, heavily affecting the northeastern region. The worst disruptions occurred at John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty, and LaGuardia airports, where more than half of all cancellations and delays were reported. JetBlue canceled 225 flights, Delta 212, Republic Airways 157, American Airlines 146, and United Airlines 97.

Airline representatives said ticket change fees were waived for affected passengers. JetBlue reported canceling about 350 flights over two days, mostly in the northeastern United States. The storm also impacted Boston, Chicago, and Toronto in Canada. Authorities declared states of emergency in parts of New Jersey and New York as the National Weather Service forecast four to five inches of snow from New Jersey through southern Connecticut.

By Friday evening, snowfall reached seven inches in New York’s Pawling and Wolcott and 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, with snow, rain, and ice expected to continue into early Saturday.

A powerful winter storm has disrupted daily life across the northeastern United States, prompting emergency declarations in parts of New York and New Jersey. The U.S. weather service forecasted between four and five inches of snow from New Jersey through New York City to southern Connecticut. As of Friday evening, heavy snow, rain, and ice were affecting the region and were expected to continue until early Saturday.

According to the weather department, by 8:15 p.m. Friday, seven inches of snow had been recorded in Pawling, New York, 6.5 inches in Waterbury, Connecticut, and seven inches in Wolcott, New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in more than half of the state, covering 36 counties, including all five boroughs of New York City.

Forecasts indicated that snow would persist through Saturday morning, with the Mid-Hudson, New York City, and Long Island areas expected to see the heaviest accumulation. Snowfall could reach 4 to 8 inches in many areas, with some places seeing up to a foot, raising concerns about power outages and accidents.

In Sariakandi upazila of Bogura, women from 117 chars along the Jamuna River are leading a quiet revolution in agriculture. They work across the sandy river islands, cultivating crops and contributing significantly to the rural economy. From seedbed preparation to harvesting and threshing, women now participate equally with men in nearly all farming activities, helping bring stability and prosperity to their families.

Despite their vital role, these women face deep-rooted wage discrimination. Female laborers report earning only 200 to 260 taka per day, while men receive 500 to 600 taka for the same work. Local sources note that both government and non-government organizations are conducting advocacy programs to raise awareness about women’s rights, but wage inequality remains unresolved. Agricultural officer Mohammad Ali Jinnah praised the women’s skill and dedication, emphasizing that ensuring fair pay could further strengthen the rural economy.

Observers believe that addressing wage disparity would not only recognize women’s true contribution but also enhance national agricultural productivity.

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.

A mild cold wave is sweeping across several districts of Bangladesh, including Jessore, Chuadanga, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Pabna, Sirajganj, and Nilphamari, and is expected to continue until Saturday. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that temperatures have fallen significantly over the past five days, with Dhaka recording around 13 degrees Celsius on Friday. In at least two districts, temperatures dropped below 10 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest of the season.

According to the weather office, the cold conditions are being influenced by a subcontinental high-pressure zone. The forecast for the next 120 hours warns of moderate to dense fog in parts of the country, which may temporarily disrupt air, river, and road transport. The lowest temperature was recorded at about 9 degrees Celsius in Tetulia, Panchagarh, while similar conditions were observed in Jessore.

The cold has severely affected daily life, particularly in northern Bangladesh, where low-income and floating populations are suffering the most. The intensity of cold and fog is expected to increase further in the coming days.