Akij Resources has launched a new technology-driven career platform called NextJobz (nextjobz.com.bd) aimed at modernizing the recruitment process and supporting youth skill development, career guidance, and corporate networking in Bangladesh. The official inauguration took place at Akij House in Tejgaon, Dhaka, where Managing Director Sheikh Jasim Uddin formally announced the launch. Senior officials including Shoaib Hasan, Chief Business Officer of NextJobz Limited, Toufiq Hasan, Chief Business Development Officer of Akij Resources, Mohammad Afsar Uddin, Chief People Officer, and Zayed Bin Rashid, CEO of Akij IBS, attended the event. The initiative reflects Akij’s commitment to integrating technology into human resource development and creating a more efficient job market ecosystem for young professionals across the country.

A recent HSBC ‘Global Trade Pulse’ survey reveals that global businesses are adapting to evolving trade and tariff policies despite rising costs and working capital pressures. Conducted between October 6 and 21, the survey covered 6,750 companies across 17 countries, including 250 from Bangladesh. It found that 67% of firms now feel more confident about trade policy impacts than six months ago, while 77% better understand policy changes. In Bangladesh, 88% of businesses are aware of regulatory shifts and are either prepared or preparing for them—slightly above the global average of 85%. Moreover, 58% of Bangladeshi firms reported revenue growth from trade-related adjustments, compared to the global average of 47%. Half of Bangladeshi businesses expect international trade growth in the next two years. To mitigate risks, 48% are decentralizing operations, 48% focusing on regionalization, and 46% increasing inventory. Many are also expanding exports to Germany, the UK, and France, reflecting growing resilience amid global uncertainty.

In the past one and a half months, a total of 13,528 tons of coarse rice have been imported from India through the Benapole land port via Petrapole. The first shipment of 315 tons arrived on August 21, and by November 18, 145 consignments carried by 395 trucks had entered Bangladesh. The government allowed rice imports through all ports to stabilize domestic prices, leading to steady inflows since August. Monthly imports included 1,260 tons in August, 5,435 tons in September, 5,188 tons in October, and 1,645 tons in November. Importers noted that the volume has recently declined, but overall supply remains stable due to continued imports through other ports. Officials said the ongoing Aman paddy harvest is expected to further ease prices and meet domestic demand. The Benapole Plant Quarantine Center confirmed that imported rice is being inspected and cleared promptly to ensure smooth distribution.

Energy experts have cautioned that ensuring an adequate and sustainable energy supply will be the biggest challenge for Bangladesh’s next government. Speaking at a seminar titled “Powering Prosperity: Creating a Stable and Bankable Energy Future for Bangladesh,” organized by Policy Exchange Bangladesh and the Economic Reporters Forum, specialists emphasized the need for immediate investment in the energy sector to avoid a potential supply crisis by 2031. Abu Chowdhury of EMA Power Limited projected that electricity demand will exceed 35,000 megawatts by 2029, urging new investments and policy dialogues with the private sector, which currently holds 48% of production capacity. Former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo highlighted the importance of local investment, while Professor M. Tamim stressed the need for foreign expertise in gas exploration. Business leaders, including MCCI president Kamran T. Rahman, called for consistent policy frameworks to encourage renewable energy and prepare for rising demand from electric vehicles.

The Bangladesh High Court has issued an injunction halting arbitration proceedings initiated by India's Adani Group in Singapore over unpaid electricity bills amounting to $234 million. The court ruled that the arbitration must remain suspended until a judicially appointed committee submits its report on alleged irregularities in the power purchase agreement between Adani Power and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The bench, led by Justices Md Bazlur Rahman and Urmi Rahman, delivered the order after a preliminary hearing. The dispute stems from Adani’s claim of unpaid dues under a 25-year electricity supply contract from its Jharkhand-based power plant. BPDB has resisted arbitration, citing an ongoing investigation into the deal’s legality and potential corruption. The High Court’s committee has already found preliminary evidence of irregularities and is expected to submit its final report by mid-December. Adani had earlier warned of possible power supply suspension if dues remained unpaid. The case has drawn attention due to allegations that the contract was politically influenced under the previous government.

The Bangladesh government is considering limited onion imports to curb rising prices after a sharp increase of Tk 30–40 per kilogram over the past month due to reduced supply. Although wholesale prices have slightly declined following news of possible imports, retail prices remain high at Tk 100–110 per kg. Discussions are ongoing between the agriculture and commerce ministries, with the former opposing imports to protect farmers and the latter supporting limited imports to stabilize the market. The Department of Agricultural Extension claims there is no current shortage and expects prices to fall as new crops arrive in early December. Import permissions are being issued cautiously, and shipments may begin within one to two weeks through ports like Chattogram and Hili. Historically, Bangladesh imported over one million tons of onions annually, but imports have dropped significantly in recent years to support local farmers.

Chattogram Port has set a new record by issuing 6,301 gate passes in a single day, marking the highest number ever recorded. On Tuesday, the port issued 4,734 consignee gate passes and 1,567 off-dock gate passes. The Chattogram Port Authority confirmed the achievement on Wednesday, noting that the milestone reflects the port’s ongoing digital transformation. According to Secretary Md Omar Faruk, the successful use of modern technology, particularly the Terminal Operating System (TOS) app, has made import and export operations more efficient and transparent. He emphasized that Chattogram Port remains the central hub for Bangladesh’s trade and industrial growth, contributing significantly to national revenue and international competitiveness. The authority believes that such advancements will further strengthen the country’s overall trade system and enhance operational efficiency.

Pakistani music star Atif Aslam is set to return to Dhaka for a live concert titled “Main Stage Show Featuring Atif Aslam” on December 13. The event is being organized by Main Stage Inc., whose CEO Kazi Rafsan confirmed that preparations and official permissions are in their final stages. The concert will feature both international and local artists, with strict security measures coordinated with law enforcement and private agencies. Although the exact venue has not been disclosed yet, organizers hinted it will be near Purbachal or Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital. Tickets are already on sale in three categories—‘Pehli Nazar,’ ‘Aadat,’ and ‘Doorie’—priced at 9,999, 4,999, and 2,499 Bangladeshi taka respectively. Atif Aslam, who last performed in Dhaka during the “Magical Night 2.0” concert, previously described Bangladesh as his second home.

The Bangladesh government is taking steps to reduce the prices of legally imported mobile phones while intensifying efforts to curb the trade of illegal and cloned handsets. Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, announced that initiatives are underway to simplify mobile and SIM registration, de-registration, and re-registration processes. He emphasized that illegal phones are linked to various crimes, including SIM fraud, online scams, tax evasion, and cross-border smuggling. To support consumers, the government has requested the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to consider reducing import duties and urged local manufacturers to lower prices. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is also working to make registration easier and ensure that all active phones before December 16 are recognized as legal. Authorities reaffirmed that only legally imported or locally produced phones will be allowed in the market, with strict action planned against smuggling and digital crimes tied to illegal devices.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive removing the previous time restriction on writing off default loans. According to the circular released by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) on November 19, banks can now write off loans classified as bad or loss if recovery is deemed unlikely, without waiting for a specific time period. Previously, only loans classified as bad or loss for two consecutive years were eligible for write-off. The new rules prioritize older classified loans and require banks to notify borrowers at least 10 working days before writing off their loans. The directive, which takes immediate effect, aims to streamline the loan management process and improve the accuracy of banks’ financial statements by clearing long-standing non-performing assets from their books.

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, the tallest volcano on Java island, erupted on Wednesday, prompting authorities to raise its alert level to the highest. The eruption sent ash plumes soaring up to 5.6 kilometers into the sky and unleashed fast-moving pyroclastic flows reaching seven kilometers from the summit. The country’s volcanology agency has urged residents to stay at least 2.5 kilometers away from the crater due to ongoing risks. Located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', Mount Semeru stands at 3,676 meters and is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. The region, densely populated and prone to seismic activity, faces potential threats to nearby communities, transport routes, and aviation. Semeru, also known as Mahameru, has a long history of eruptions, including a deadly one in 2021 that killed 62 people and buried several villages in ash. Indonesia, with nearly 130 active volcanoes, continues to monitor Semeru closely for further activity.

A rubber plantation worker named Abdul Haque, aged 40, was killed by a wild elephant in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at the Paijhiri rubber plantation in Sonai Chhari union while he was collecting latex from trees. According to local authorities and law enforcement, the elephant suddenly attacked him, causing his death on the spot. Abdul Haque was a resident of Punarbasanpara in Baishari union and the son of the late Minaz Uddin. Police, led by Sub-Inspector Lokman from the Sonai Chhari police outpost, recovered the body from the scene. Bandarban Divisional Forest Officer Md. Abdur Rahman stated that a case and investigation would follow as per wildlife law, and the victim’s family would receive compensation. Naikhongchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Masrurul Haque confirmed the death and said an unnatural death case has been filed, with legal procedures underway.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a new mobile application called 'Jabo Kothay?' to enhance the capital’s public sanitation system through technology. The app, developed by Bhumijo with support from WaterAid Bangladesh, was unveiled at an event in Shyamoli Park marking World Toilet Day. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated that the initiative marks a new era for Dhaka’s sanitation management, aiming to build around 650 modern toilets across the city. The app helps users locate nearby toilets, view photos, service details, and operating hours, and make digital payments via QR code for cashless access. WaterAid’s 'Star Rating System' will assess cleanliness, safety, and hygiene standards, encouraging better maintenance and user satisfaction. As part of the event, WaterAid handed over five mobile toilets to DNCC to be installed in busy areas, ensuring safe and accessible sanitation for workers, low-income residents, and women. Officials from DNCC, DSCC, and partner organizations attended the event.

Government employees in Bangladesh have formed a united front to demand immediate implementation of a new pay scale. The interim government established a pay commission on July 27 to revise the salary structure, initially promising to enforce it within its tenure. However, recent remarks by Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, suggesting that the next elected government will make the final decision, have sparked anger among employees. Leaders from various organizations, including the Secretariat Officers’ Association and the Bangladesh Government Employees Unity Council, have warned of intensified pressure if the commission’s recommendations are not submitted by November 30. They demand that the new pay scale be gazetted by December 15 and implemented from January 1. Twelve employee groups, including teachers, railway workers, and office staff, are coordinating joint actions. If the government fails to meet their deadline, employees plan to escalate with protests, sit-ins, and possible work stoppages. Union leaders insist that the new pay scale must be announced this year to maintain trust among civil servants.

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued new regulations eliminating the requirement for prior approval from authorities such as RAJUK and NHA for the transfer, sale, donation, or mortgage of residential plots and flats. The Ministry of Housing and Public Works published the gazette notification on November 10, making the rules effective immediately. The reform aims to simplify services, reduce bureaucratic delays, and curb corruption in property ownership transfers. Under the new rules, property owners will no longer need approval from the leasing authority for ownership changes, though permissions will still be required for changes in land use or plot amalgamation. A transfer fee of 2% for developed plots or buildings and 5% for land-only transfers will apply. Owners must submit transfer records to the leasing authority within 90 days, with penalties for delays. The lease term will automatically renew after 99 years. However, existing approval requirements remain for non-residential properties and disputed or government-linked plots.