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.

Russia’s state space agency Roscosmos has announced plans to construct a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2036. The facility is expected to supply electricity to Russia’s lunar exploration program and a planned joint Russia-China research base. The project will be developed in partnership with the Lavochkin Association, with participation from the state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute, Russia’s leading nuclear research center.

The initiative marks Moscow’s renewed ambition to regain prominence in space exploration after setbacks such as the crash of its Luna-25 lander in 2023. Roscosmos described the proposed power plant as a critical step toward establishing a sustainable lunar presence. Although the agency did not explicitly confirm the plant’s nuclear nature, the involvement of major nuclear institutions strongly indicates that direction.

Analysts view the project as part of Russia’s broader strategy to compete with the United States and China in lunar development. If successful, it could enable long-term human and robotic operations on the Moon, though technical and financial challenges remain significant.

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.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh has officially upgraded the pay grade of all government primary school head teachers from the 11th to the 10th grade, granting them gazetted officer status. The new salary scale starts at BDT 16,000 and rises to BDT 38,640, replacing the previous range of BDT 12,500 to BDT 30,230. The gazette notification, signed on December 15 and published on December 23, affects 65,502 head teachers nationwide.

The decision follows a long legal and administrative process, including approval from the Ministry of Public Administration, the Finance Division, and the Administrative Development Secretary Committee. It also complies with a Supreme Court ruling that recognized head teachers as second-class gazetted officers. Untrained head teachers must complete Basic Training for Primary Teachers (BTPT) within 18 months.

The government expects the move to enhance financial security and social recognition for head teachers, motivating them to improve primary education quality. Meanwhile, assistant teachers—currently in the 13th grade—continue to press for an upgrade to the 11th grade, a proposal now under review by the National Pay Commission.

Jamuna Bank PLC has inaugurated its 170th branch in Naria, Shariatpur, reaffirming its commitment to modern and accessible banking services. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Additional Managing Director and COO Md. Abdus Salam as chief guest, with Md. Abdus Sobhan, Head of NRB Banking, Foreign Remittance, and Operations, presiding over the event. Local representatives, business leaders, and customers were also present.

Speakers highlighted the importance of remittances from Europe, particularly Italy, where a large Bangladeshi expatriate community contributes significantly to the national economy. Jamuna Bank emphasized its global remittance partnerships that ensure secure and fast fund transfers to beneficiaries in Bangladesh.

The new Naria branch is expected to enhance financial inclusion in the region, making banking services more efficient for residents and supporting the growing flow of remittances from abroad. The expansion aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to strengthen rural and semi-urban financial networks across the country.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has approved a Tk 576.90 crore project to upgrade and modernize Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur. The project, sanctioned for the 2025–26 fiscal year, aims to strengthen academic, administrative, and research infrastructure while promoting a technology-driven learning environment.

According to Professor Dr. Moniruzzaman Bahadur, Director of Planning, Development, and Works at HSTU, the initiative includes the construction of a 12-story academic building, new dormitories, residential facilities for faculty and staff, and expansions of the administrative and medical centers. It also covers internal roads, drainage, substations, water supply systems, and boundary walls.

Officials expect the project to alleviate accommodation shortages, enhance research capacity, and elevate the university’s academic environment to international standards. Implementation is anticipated to begin in the upcoming fiscal cycle, with long-term benefits for higher education infrastructure in northern Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 22 new development projects totaling Tk 46,419 crore (approximately USD 4.2 billion). The approval came during the committee’s 18th meeting under the interim government, chaired by Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka. The Planning Ministry confirmed the decision in an official statement following the meeting.

Of the total allocation, Tk 30,482 crore will come from government funds, Tk 1,689 crore from project loans, and Tk 14,247 crore from implementing agencies’ own resources. This marks the seventh ECNEC meeting of the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting the government’s continued focus on infrastructure and socio-economic development despite the political transition.

Officials noted that the newly approved projects span key sectors including transport, energy, and rural development. Economists expect the investments to stimulate employment and regional connectivity, though they cautioned about ensuring transparency and timely implementation to maximize impact.

Amazon has revealed that it blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to North Korean workers attempting to secure IT positions within the company. Chief Security Officer Stephen Schmidt stated on LinkedIn that these applicants often operate remotely through U.S.-based 'laptop farms'—computers controlled from abroad to bypass sanctions and conceal their true identities. He warned that the issue extends beyond Amazon and is likely widespread across the technology industry.

According to Schmidt, the number of North Korean job seekers has increased by nearly one-third over the past year. Indicators of such applicants include irregular phone number formats and falsified academic credentials. The revelation follows a U.S. case in July where an Arizona woman was sentenced to eight years in prison for helping North Koreans secure jobs at about 300 American firms, generating $17 million in illegal revenue.

Security experts note that North Korea’s cyber operations increasingly target Western companies to funnel foreign currency into state programs. Analysts expect tighter corporate screening and government coordination to counter these covert employment schemes.

Vince Zampella, the co-creator of the globally acclaimed video game series ‘Call of Duty,’ has died in a car accident near Los Angeles. Electronic Arts (EA) confirmed his death on Monday, stating that the 55-year-old gaming pioneer was driving his Ferrari on a mountainous road north of the city when the crash occurred on Sunday.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the vehicle veered off the road for unknown reasons, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella and a passenger sustained critical injuries and later died. Eyewitnesses shared footage on social media showing the burning red Ferrari at the crash site. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely regarded as a trailblazer in first-person shooter gaming, having co-founded studios responsible for several of the best-selling titles in history. His death marks a major loss for the global gaming community, with tributes pouring in from fans and industry peers worldwide.

A capacity-building workshop on preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) was held in Kushtia, Bangladesh, organized by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). The event, held on Monday, brought together 32 representatives from local civil society organizations and NGOs to discuss strategies for combating digital and gender-based violence.

Speakers included Kushtia Department of Social Services Assistant Director Md. Murad Hossain and BNNRC Chief Executive Officer A.H.M. Bazlur Rahman. They emphasized that both women and men can be victims of TFGBV and highlighted the importance of collective community action. Participants stressed that awareness among families, teachers, and students is essential to build safer digital and physical environments.

The workshop underscored the need for coordinated efforts involving government agencies, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Organizers called for sustained awareness campaigns in schools and families to ensure long-term prevention and support mechanisms against gender-based violence in the digital era.