Experts have revealed that around 70% of buildings in Chattogram are at high risk of collapse in the event of a major earthquake measuring 7–8 on the Richter scale. Poor construction practices, lack of soil testing, weak foundations, and extreme population density have made the city dangerously vulnerable. Unplanned areas such as Reazuddin Bazar, Khatunganj, New Market, and Bahaddarhat are particularly at risk. Despite previous warnings and incidents, including the 1997 Hamzarbag building collapse that killed 23 people, authorities like the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) have failed to take effective action. A recent 5.7-magnitude quake caused panic across the city, highlighting the fragility of many structures. Experts also warned that vital installations such as the port, airport, and refineries could face severe damage. Fire Service officials cautioned that even moderate tremors could cause catastrophic casualties due to old and unregulated buildings. Urban planners and disaster experts have urged immediate enforcement of building codes and stronger preparedness measures.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh has held a meeting with secretaries from various ministries and departments to discuss the formulation of a new national pay scale. The meeting, chaired by Zakir Ahmed Khan, took place on Monday afternoon and was described as productive, though not all secretaries attended. The commission, formed on July 27 to design a modern and appropriate salary structure for government employees, has already collected public feedback online from October 1 to 15. Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that three reports will be reviewed before final recommendations are made, with the current government setting a framework for implementation by the next administration. Meanwhile, employee leaders have issued a November 30 deadline for the commission to submit its recommendations, warning of strong protests if delayed. They also announced a mass rally in Dhaka on December 5 to demand timely implementation of the new pay scale.

In Sitakunda’s Syedpur union of Chattogram, villagers used mosque loudspeakers to mobilize and chase away two Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, Jasim Uddin and former commissioner Rehan Uddin Rihan, who allegedly attempted to fill around 100 acres of farmland with sand from the sea. The land, reportedly purchased by Awami League leader and Pacific Jeans managing director Syed Tanvir Hossain, was being prepared for industrial use without environmental clearance. Hundreds of villagers gathered, dismantled sand pipes, and forced the group to flee, leaving several injured. Local farmers and political leaders condemned the destruction of winter crops and demanded government intervention. The district Jamaat leadership denied involvement, claiming the accused acted independently. Sitakunda’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed no permission was granted for sand extraction and promised legal action against those responsible. The incident has sparked widespread outrage over environmental damage and land misuse in the coastal area.

Dhaka Metro Rail has officially launched an online recharge system for its Rapid Pass and MRT cards, allowing passengers to top up their travel cards from home. The service, inaugurated at Agargaon Station by Dr. Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser for road and railways, enables users to recharge between Tk 100 and Tk 5,000 through the website rapidpass.com.bd using mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad, Rocket, bank cards, or internet banking. Once recharged, users can activate the balance by tapping their cards at Add Value Machines (AVMs) installed at 16 stations, totaling 32 machines. The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) also announced plans to introduce app-based recharge within a month. Refunds and cancellations are allowed within seven days before activation, subject to a 5% service charge. Currently, around 1.6 million passengers use Rapid Pass and MRT cards, and the new system aims to make metro travel smoother and more convenient.

Pakistan’s Trading Corporation (TCP) has issued a tender to purchase 100,000 tons of locally produced long-grain white rice (IRRI-6) for export to Bangladesh, marking a notable step in strengthening bilateral trade ties. The tender, published on November 20, sets November 28 as the submission deadline and requires bids to remain valid for 21 working days. The rice must be from the latest harvest, free from contamination, and ready for shipment within 45 days of contract signing. This move follows the resumption of direct trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier in 2024, which began with a 50,000-ton rice deal. Analysts view the tender as an effort to integrate Pakistani rice into Bangladesh’s import supply chain amid Dhaka’s ongoing efforts to stabilize domestic prices through continuous import tenders. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s rice exports have declined by 28% in early fiscal 2026 due to policy and legal challenges, though opportunities have emerged in the U.S. market following tariffs on Indian basmati rice.

Iran’s northern Mazandaran province has been battling a massive wildfire for over a week in the ancient Hyrcanian forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Firefighters and local residents have managed to bring about 80 percent of the blaze under control, according to officials. The fire, reportedly caused by human activity rather than natural factors, has already burned around 1,500 acres, as confirmed by NASA satellite imagery. The Hyrcanian forest, stretching along the Caspian Sea’s southern coast, is one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, home to rare species like the Persian leopard. No casualties or damage to nearby settlements have been reported so far. The wildfire coincides with Iran’s worst drought in 60 years, which has forced authorities to ration water in Tehran and other regions. Additional fires have also been reported near Jolfa in southwestern Iran, raising concerns about worsening environmental conditions across the country.

Dhaka University (DU) has formed a Central Coordination Committee and four sub-committees to inspect and evaluate the structural safety of its residential halls and academic buildings following a recent earthquake. The central committee, headed by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, was established after an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The sub-committees, comprising experts from BUET’s Civil Engineering Department, will conduct technical inspections and assessments of the buildings. Their findings will be made public, and detailed reports will be preserved by the university’s engineering office and respective halls. If any building is deemed unsafe, students will be relocated to safer facilities. The committees include university officials, hall provosts, engineers, and representatives from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The initiative aims to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the university’s infrastructure in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Sylhet District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam has announced an immediate initiative to demolish 23 buildings identified as highly risky in the city’s earthquake-prone zones. The decision follows renewed fears after recent tremors and years of inaction by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC), which had earlier marked these structures as dangerous nearly six years ago. The meeting, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Khan Md. Reza-un-Nabi, focused on earthquake preparedness and post-disaster response. Officials and experts discussed evacuation challenges, especially in narrow streets that could hinder rescue operations. The risky buildings include government offices, markets, schools, and residential structures. Experts from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology warned that most of Sylhet’s 42,000 buildings are not earthquake-resistant, with 60–65% built without following proper construction codes. The SCC has formed a committee to review renovation and demolition plans, with authorities emphasizing urgent action to prevent potential disasters and ensure public safety.

A low-pressure system formed over the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait is intensifying and is expected to develop into Cyclone 'Seniyar' within the next 48 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Early warnings have been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. The cyclone, named 'Seniyar' meaning 'lion'—a name given by the United Arab Emirates—is projected to move west-northwest, but its landfall location remains uncertain. The IMD forecasts that the system will become a deep depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by Monday and may strengthen further. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department has indicated the possible formation of another low-pressure area over the southern Andaman Sea, which could also intensify. Both Indian and Bangladeshi forecasts suggest stable weather in most regions, except for light rain in northern Bengal’s hilly areas. No major temperature changes are expected across Bangladesh and West Bengal in the coming days.

Popular Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmadullah has described the recent series of earthquakes in Bangladesh as a profound warning rather than mere geological activity. In a Facebook post, he urged citizens to combine practical disaster preparedness with spiritual reflection and collective repentance, emphasizing that divine mercy is essential for true safety. Ahmadullah criticized the government’s inadequate disaster readiness, citing a lack of trained rescue workers, heavy equipment, and effective urban planning. He also condemned widespread corruption and wasteful spending on political events and unnecessary projects, arguing that such funds should be redirected toward earthquake-resistant infrastructure, rescue training, and emergency planning. The scholar further called on individuals to follow building codes and avoid constructing unsafe structures for short-term profit. He urged the government to develop a comprehensive national roadmap for disaster management, including rescue operations, medical care, shelter, and communication systems, while reminding society to maintain both physical and spiritual preparedness.

Following a series of mild earthquakes felt across Bangladesh last weekend, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting with top scientists, researchers, and university professors to assess the situation and formulate an action plan. Experts assured that there is no immediate cause for panic but emphasized the need for preparedness and public awareness. The government announced plans to form expert committees and task forces to evaluate building safety, hospital readiness, and public awareness programs. Participants highlighted the importance of combating misinformation on social media and involving youth in disaster preparedness initiatives. The Public Works Department has already begun assessing structural damage using specialized software. The Chief Adviser urged coordination with Bangladeshi scientists abroad through the ‘Shubhechha’ app and called for written recommendations from experts to guide immediate government actions. The meeting concluded with a decision to finalize a national earthquake preparedness strategy based on expert input.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that within the next 18 months, all financial institutions in Bangladesh—including banks, mobile financial services (MFS), insurance, and microfinance organizations—will be connected through an interoperable transaction system. Speaking at an event titled ‘Instant Payment in Bangladesh: Unveiling Inclusion Opportunities,’ jointly organized by Bangladesh Bank and the Gates Foundation, he said the initiative aims to reduce cash dependency and promote transparency in financial transactions. The new Interoperable Instant Payment System (IIPS) will operate under the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) framework, supported by open-source software Mojaloop. The governor emphasized that the system will enhance revenue collection and bring all financial entities under one digital channel. Although IIPS was launched earlier this month, many institutions have yet to join. The central bank plans to make the platform fully operational by July 2027, aiming to transition the country toward a cashless economy.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has released the draft of the Saint Martin Master Plan and the draft directive on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste management 2025 for public review. The Saint Martin Master Plan aims to regulate uncontrolled tourism, protect the fragile environment, and ensure sustainable management of the ecologically sensitive island. The draft is available on the ministry’s official website, and stakeholders, including ministries, agencies, and the public, have been invited to submit written feedback via email to env2@moefcc.gov.bd by December 20, 2024. Similarly, opinions on the EPR directive draft can be sent to env3@moefcc.gov.bd by December 20, 2025. The ministry expects that collective input will help finalize effective and practical strategies to safeguard the island’s coastal ecosystem and address the country’s growing plastic waste challenges.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh has made significant progress in formulating a new salary structure for government employees, according to its chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Following a meeting with secretaries from various ministries on Monday, Khan said discussions were productive though not all secretaries attended. The commission expects to submit its report soon, possibly by the end of November. The government formed the commission on July 27 to recommend an updated pay scale for officials under the national salary framework. Badiul Kabir, president of the Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Council, warned that if the recommendations are not submitted by November 30, employees will announce larger protest programs from a December 5 rally. The commission’s recommendations will cover government, semi-government, autonomous, and state-owned institutions. Officials indicated that around half of the work has been completed, with final recommendations expected by late December if necessary.

Authorities have announced the indefinite closure of the Madhyapara Stone Mine in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, following widespread fear among workers after a series of recent earthquakes in Bangladesh. The decision was made late Sunday night after workers expressed hesitation to enter underground shafts during the morning shift. The Belarusian contracting company and mine management jointly decided to halt operations and informed Petrobangla, which approved the suspension after a tripartite discussion. The mine’s Managing Director, D.M. Zobaid Hossain, confirmed that the closure was prompted by safety concerns and the psychological impact of recent tremors that caused fatalities elsewhere in the country. Workers have been granted leave until further notice while authorities assess safety conditions before resuming operations. The shutdown underscores the growing anxiety over seismic activity and its implications for industrial safety in Bangladesh’s northern region.