Bangladesh’s agricultural land is shrinking rapidly due to urbanization, industrialization, and unplanned development, according to interim government Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. Speaking at a national workshop on agricultural land protection and land use in Dhaka, she warned that chemical-based farming is degrading soil fertility and harming overall production. Akhter also highlighted that excessive pesticide and herbicide use is damaging not only farmland but also fisheries and livestock sectors. She noted that while aquaculture has increased fish production, pollution, landfilling, and uncontrolled tourism are destroying natural breeding grounds, endangering native fish diversity. Experts at the workshop said agriculture still contributes 11% to the GDP and remains the main livelihood for rural people, but the country is losing about 80,000 hectares of farmland annually. They urged effective implementation of proposed land protection laws to safeguard agricultural resources. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Agroecology Platform with participation from multiple ministries and stakeholders.

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.

China has launched an unmanned spacecraft, Shenzhou-22, to assist three astronauts stranded aboard the Tiangong space station after their return capsule, Shenzhou-20, was damaged by suspected orbital debris. The Long March-2F rocket carrying the rescue craft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on November 25, successfully docking with Tiangong. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang remain in orbit, continuing their mission until safe return conditions are restored. The damage to the Shenzhou-20 capsule had delayed their return to Earth, prompting the emergency backup launch. This marks another milestone in China’s expanding space program, following the record-setting Shenzhou-21 mission, during which three astronauts spent 204 days in orbit conducting scientific experiments, including studies involving laboratory mice.

Bangladeshi Baul singer Hasina Sarkar has made explosive allegations against male Baul artists, claiming that some of them demand sexual favors from female performers in exchange for being invited to musical programs. Her comments came amid nationwide outrage over fellow Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was recently arrested for making derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah during a performance in Ghior, Manikganj. Hasina stated that when she sought performance opportunities, male Bauls implied she must comply with their inappropriate demands. She rejected such propositions, saying she would not compromise her dignity for stage appearances. The remarks have sparked widespread discussion about exploitation and moral decline within parts of the Baul community, a folk tradition known for its spiritual and philosophical roots. Authorities have not yet commented on Hasina Sarkar’s claims.

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.

Dhaka Metro Rail has introduced an online recharge system for its MRT and Rapid Pass cards, enabling passengers to top up their travel cards anytime and from anywhere. The service was inaugurated at Agargaon station by Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The system, implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), aims to reduce long queues and passenger inconvenience at stations. Commuters can register at www.rapidpass.com.bd or through the app, and recharge using any digital payment method. The recharge remains pending until the card is tapped at an Automatic Vending Machine (AVM). Users can recharge between BDT 100 and 5,000, view transaction history, and request refunds within seven days before tapping, subject to a 5% service charge. Officials described the initiative as a step toward a more modern, transparent, and efficient public transport system in Bangladesh’s capital.

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 Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia’s Afar region erupted for the first time in about 12,000 years, sending a massive ash plume 14 kilometers high. The eruption, which lasted several hours, blanketed nearby Afdera town in ash and caused mild tremors around Erta Ale. The Smithsonian Institution confirmed no previous Holocene-era eruptions from this volcano. The ash cloud traveled across the Red Sea, reaching Yemen, Oman, India, northern Pakistan, and even parts of China’s upper atmosphere. Local authorities reported no casualties, though the eruption may affect the livelihoods of pastoral communities in the region. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) and India Met Sky Weather noted temporary disruptions to flights over northern India, which have since normalized. Experts say the volcano lies within the tectonically active Rift Valley, where two plates meet, making it a hotspot for geological activity.

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.

Bangladesh, particularly Dhaka and Chattogram, remains at extreme risk of a major earthquake, with experts warning that a quake above magnitude 7 could cause catastrophic damage. The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department has improved its capabilities in recent years, introducing modern search and rescue tools such as acoustic listening devices, snake-eye cameras, and drones. However, investigations reveal that preparedness remains inadequate due to outdated equipment, bureaucratic delays, and manpower shortages. Nearly 800 rescue tools have become unusable, and new equipment procurement is progressing slowly. The department has fewer than 15,000 personnel across 500 stations, far below international standards. To address this, over 55,000 urban community volunteers have been trained to assist in early rescue operations. Yet, narrow roads, lack of heavy machinery, and absence of air rescue capacity pose serious challenges. While new command centers and special rescue units are being formed, experts stress that only coordinated, decentralized, and well-equipped efforts can ensure effective disaster response.

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.

Bangladesh’s interim government is facing criticism for failing to bring to justice those responsible for large-scale corruption in the power and energy sector during the Awami League’s 15-and-a-half-year rule. The national inquiry committee led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury has yet to submit its final report, citing the technical complexity of contracts and the vast amount of documentation involved. Preliminary findings reportedly confirm widespread corruption, including irregularities in deals with India’s Adani Group. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also complained that it has not received key documents needed for investigation. Experts estimate that at least Tk 1.25 trillion was embezzled through capacity charges, inflated project costs, and rent-seeking schemes. Despite the repeal of the controversial indemnity law that shielded energy contracts from legal scrutiny, no major prosecutions have followed. Analysts and legal experts describe the government’s inaction as a major governance failure, warning that entrenched bureaucratic resistance continues to protect the sector’s most powerful figures.