A strong earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck near Yakutat, Alaska, late Saturday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located about 230 miles northwest of Juneau and 155 miles west of Whitehorse, Yukon. Despite the intensity, no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The tremor was felt across parts of Alaska and western Canada, prompting several emergency calls in Whitehorse, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Seismologist Alison Bird from Canada’s Geological Survey noted that the affected area was mountainous and sparsely populated, reducing the likelihood of major structural damage. Residents reported items falling from shelves and walls shaking.

The USGS confirmed that the quake originated about 10 kilometers below the surface and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the region for potential secondary impacts, though early assessments suggest limited disruption.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has conducted a cleanup operation in the Mohakhali area to remove illegal banners and festoons. The drive took place on Saturday, December 6, covering key locations such as Bir Uttam AK Khandakar Road, Tajuddin Ahmed Road, Mohakhali Railgate, Setu Bhaban, Amtala Mor, and the Public Health gate area. DNCC officials said the operation was part of their regular efforts to maintain city cleanliness and remove unauthorized advertising materials.

According to DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz, the corporation removed a total of 247,000 illegal banners, festoons, and posters during November alone. The DNCC recently issued a public notice instructing individuals and organizations to remove unauthorized advertisements within seven days or face fines and legal action. The notice also highlighted the growing problem of unapproved banners, LED signs, and billboards across the city.

The ongoing campaign reflects DNCC’s broader initiative to enforce urban regulations and improve the visual environment of Dhaka. Authorities have urged residents and businesses to cooperate in maintaining public spaces free from illegal advertisements.

A massive stingray weighing around 600 kilograms was caught in a fishing net off the Teknaf coast in Cox’s Bazar on Friday, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists. The rare marine creature, belonging to the stingray family and locally known as ‘Shapla Pata Maach,’ was hauled ashore with the help of several people after fishermen struggled to lift it onto their trawler.

According to local fisheries officials, the stingray is a fully protected species under the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, which prohibits its capture, sale, or transport. Despite this, the fish was reportedly sold for 50,000 taka to a local trader. Authorities from the Cox’s Bazar South Forest Division have launched an inquiry to determine who purchased and handled the protected animal.

Officials warned that violating wildlife protection laws can lead to up to one year in prison or a fine of 100,000 taka. Conservationists have urged stronger enforcement to prevent similar incidents as deep-sea species increasingly appear in shallow waters due to changing ocean conditions.

The government of Bangladesh has announced that it will permit limited onion imports starting Sunday, December 7, in an effort to curb the recent surge in domestic prices. According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture issued Saturday night, 50 import permits will be granted daily, each allowing the import of up to 30 tons of onions. Only importers who previously applied for export permissions since August 1 will be eligible to reapply, and each importer may submit only one application.

The ministry stated that the measure will continue until further notice to maintain a stable market. Onion prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, with consumers reporting an increase of 20–30 taka per kilogram within just a few days. The current retail price ranges between 140 and 150 taka per kilogram. Officials expect the controlled import initiative to ease supply pressure and bring prices down, though traders warn that logistical delays could slow the impact on retail markets.

At a policy seminar in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter called for international and government-backed climate risk funds to provide additional financing for entrepreneurs, particularly women leading environmentally sustainable businesses. Speaking at the event titled ‘Voices for Change: Putting Climate Action, Women Entrepreneurs and SMEs in Bangladesh’s Public Policy,’ she emphasized that empowering women in business should focus on visibility and opportunity, not just numbers.

Akhter highlighted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the largest source of employment creation in Bangladesh, with 50–60% potential for women’s participation. She noted that women have a proven record of loan repayment, urging financial institutions to expand credit access for them. Despite government initiatives through Bangladesh Bank and the SME Foundation, she said opportunities remain limited for women, who make up 51% of the population.

She also warned that climate change poses daily threats to Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock sectors, urging policy alignment to reduce methane emissions and strengthen women’s roles in climate-resilient economic growth.

A new desalination plant project has been launched in the remote Kalabogi embankment area of Sutarkhali Union, Dakop, Khulna, to address the long-standing drinking water crisis faced by marginalized residents of the Sundarbans. The initiative, led by the Ex Notre Damians Welfare Foundation, began on December 6 with a community event collecting data from women representatives of low-income families who will receive around 3,000 liters of potable water daily from the plant.

The region’s rivers, ponds, and groundwater have become excessively saline and mineral-rich due to repeated floods and cyclones, rendering them undrinkable. Health experts note that women in coastal areas suffer severe reproductive and maternal health risks linked to high salinity, including hypertension, eclampsia, and maternal mortality.

Foundation representatives Dr. Shakil Arif Chowdhury and Dr. Dalilur Rahman announced that land acquisition and construction are underway, with water supply expected to begin by January next year, marking a significant step toward improving coastal health and resilience.

Bangladesh’s mobile phone traders have announced a blockade of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, starting Sunday morning. The protest follows earlier demonstrations demanding reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), the abolition of alleged syndicates, and the reopening of unrestricted mobile phone imports.

Traders argue that the NEIR system, set to take effect on December 16, will severely harm small businesses and raise handset prices due to increased taxes and limited supply. They claim that only a select group of importers will benefit from the new regulation. The BTRC and government officials, however, assert that NEIR is essential for national security and to prevent the use of unregistered or stolen phones.

The standoff highlights growing tension between regulators and small traders in Bangladesh’s telecom sector. If unresolved, the dispute could disrupt mobile phone distribution and raise consumer prices ahead of the NEIR rollout.

Archaeologists in Iran have discovered a prehistoric village estimated to be around 7,000 years old beneath the historic Belad Shapur area of Dehdasht city. The excavation, led by researcher Zabihollah Masoudinia, revealed settlement layers dating back to the 5th and 6th millennia BCE, marking the first formal archaeological exploration in the region. The find includes pottery fragments and cultural artifacts that suggest continuous habitation from the Neolithic to the Islamic periods.

Masoudinia noted that the discovery could redefine Dehdasht’s historical significance. Beneath medieval and Islamic-era structures, researchers uncovered evidence of early human technology, including heated stone fragments used for warming liquids. The team also found remnants of an ancient qanat water system in the city’s northern area, indicating advanced water management practices.

Experts believe the discovery will prompt further excavations and research into Iran’s early urban development. A small research center has been established at the site to study the deeper layers and preserve the artifacts for future analysis.

Bangladesh Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has said that the establishment of dedicated commercial courts will mark a new era for the country’s economy and judicial system. Speaking at a seminar in Chattogram organized by the Supreme Court and UNDP, he noted that the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance 2025 has granted the judiciary full administrative and financial autonomy for the first time, enabling long-term judicial reforms.

The Chief Justice explained that the draft Commercial Courts Act—developed through consultations with BIDA, legal experts, and business stakeholders with EU technical support—has been approved in principle by the Cabinet. The law includes provisions for specialized courts, mandatory mediation, limited adjournments, transparent case statistics, and specialized training for judges and lawyers. These measures aim to ensure faster, more transparent commercial dispute resolution and enhance Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.

He emphasized that effective implementation will require infrastructure, human resource development, and digital capacity building. The Supreme Court is preparing practice directions to ensure smooth operation of the new courts, reflecting a national consensus for an independent and efficient judiciary.

A new assessment by Bangladeshi experts has raised grave concerns about Dhaka’s earthquake preparedness, warning that a 6.9-magnitude quake along the Madhupur fault could cause nearly 40% of the capital’s buildings—over 850,000 structures—to collapse. Fatalities could reach up to half a million, with hundreds of thousands more seriously injured. Despite these risks, implementation of earthquake-resilient land use planning and structural safety audits has been stalled for over a year.

The World Bank–funded Urban Resilience Project, worth around Tk 5.68 billion, remains inactive due to bureaucratic disputes and institutional inertia. Experts from BUET and RAJUK have urged immediate integration of seismic-resilient land use plans into Dhaka’s master plan and the activation of modern testing equipment already procured. RAJUK officials say a new trust is being formed to oversee building fitness audits and ensure compliance with seismic codes.

Analysts warn that further delays could make Dhaka’s dense urban landscape increasingly perilous. The government has pledged to approve necessary legislation soon, but experts stress that only sustained enforcement and public compliance can avert a catastrophic outcome.

Bangladesh’s industrial and public works adviser Adilur Rahman Khan announced that sugar imports have been temporarily suspended until the unsold stock from domestic mills is cleared. Speaking after inspecting the Natore Sugar Mill and Uttara Gonobhaban on December 6, he said Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has already begun selling locally produced sugar to stabilize the market.

Adilur emphasized that state-owned sugar mills, many dating back to the British era, cannot operate sustainably on subsidies alone. He called for both local and foreign investment to modernize production and expand capacity. Discussions with potential investors are ongoing, and he expressed optimism about positive developments soon. He also mentioned plans to diversify into related production activities to improve profitability.

The adviser further noted that Uttara Gonobhaban has been renovated after years of neglect and could host cabinet meetings under the current government, following historical precedent. Local officials, including the Natore deputy commissioner and police superintendent, attended the visit.

Sri Lanka’s government has announced a large-scale recovery plan to rebuild infrastructure and homes destroyed by Cyclone Dithwa, which left at least 607 people dead and 214 missing. The disaster, compounded by ongoing flood and landslide risks, has affected around two million people—nearly 10 percent of the country’s population. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared the situation a national disaster and pledged continued government efforts to assist affected communities.

According to the Finance Ministry, families who lost their homes will receive up to 10 million rupees (about USD 33,000) to purchase land and rebuild. Compensation of 1 million rupees will be provided to families of the deceased and those left permanently disabled. The Disaster Management Centre reported that over 71,000 houses were damaged and 5,000 completely destroyed, with 150,000 people still in shelters.

The cyclone struck as Sri Lanka was recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, intensifying fiscal pressures. Authorities have warned of further rainfall and landslide risks in coming days, urging displaced residents not to return home prematurely.

Northern Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature as Tetulia, in Panchagarh district, recorded 10.5°C at 9 a.m. on Saturday, marking the lowest temperature of the current winter season. The humidity level stood at 94%, intensifying the cold sensation from early morning. Earlier in the week, the temperature had remained steady around 12°C for three consecutive days.

According to Jitendranath Roy, acting officer of the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory, the sudden fall in temperature signals the possibility of a cold wave in the coming days. Dense fog has also reduced road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on. On Friday, the maximum daytime temperature reached 27°C, showing a wide fluctuation between day and night temperatures.

Meteorologists warn that if the downward trend continues, northern districts could face an early cold wave this December, affecting daily life, agriculture, and transportation in the region.

Bangladesh’s onion market has turned volatile despite sufficient domestic supply, with retail prices soaring to Tk 160 per kilogram in Dhaka. Officials say more than 100,000 tons of old onions remain in storage, while new harvests are entering markets. Yet, traders are allegedly withholding supply to create an artificial shortage and pressure the government to allow imports, though their real motive appears to be profit maximization.

Market insiders and consumer groups claim a powerful syndicate of wholesalers and commission agents has been manipulating prices since October. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) confirmed evidence of market manipulation, noting that current prices far exceed the reasonable level of Tk 90 per kilogram. The BTTC has recommended limited imports to stabilize prices, while the Department of Agricultural Extension insists there is no genuine supply shortage.

Consumer advocates warn that unchecked profiteering could hurt both farmers and buyers, urging stronger market monitoring. The government is reviewing BTTC’s report before deciding on import measures.

Bangladesh’s northern district of Panchagarh is experiencing a sharp drop in temperature, with Tetulia recording the country’s lowest temperature of 11°C early Saturday, according to the local weather office. The humidity level stood at 95 percent at 6 a.m., creating a biting cold that disrupted daily life and reduced outdoor movement. Dense fog has also limited road visibility, forcing vehicles to move slowly with headlights on.

Officials at the Tetulia Meteorological Observatory noted that temperatures had hovered around 12°C for several days before dipping further. The persistent chill, combined with high humidity, has made conditions particularly difficult for outdoor workers, especially sand laborers working in rivers. Residents reported that even after sunrise, sunlight provided little warmth.

Meteorologists warned that the early onset of such low temperatures in December could indicate an approaching cold wave across northern Bangladesh. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions as the cold is expected to intensify in the coming days.