Tanvir Mahmud, 55, managing director of Hallmark Group and a key figure in one of Bangladesh’s largest financial scandals, died Saturday night while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Prison authorities said he was transferred from jail earlier in the day after complaining of illness. Mahmud had long suffered from kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory complications. He was serving a life sentence handed down last year for embezzling Tk 10 crore under the names of non-existent companies. The Hallmark Group became infamous after being accused in 2012 of misappropriating around Tk 4,000 crore in loans from Sonali Bank through fraudulent means. Mahmud’s wife, Hallmark chairperson Jesmin Islam, and several others were also convicted in the case. His death marks the end of a controversial chapter in Bangladesh’s banking and corporate fraud history.

Bangladesh Bank and commercial banks have collectively invested around Tk 12 trillion to promote cashless transactions across the country, according to a recent central bank report. The initiative includes building digital infrastructure, installing modern hardware and software, and expanding digital payment systems from cities to rural areas. Currently, about 45% of total financial transactions are conducted digitally, compared to 90% cash-based transactions previously. The move aims to reduce corruption, counterfeiting, and transaction risks while saving an estimated Tk 20,000 crore annually in cash printing and management costs. Despite progress, small-scale transactions remain largely cash-based, and cyber security has emerged as a major challenge due to low user awareness. The central bank is enhancing oversight, improving system security, and running awareness campaigns to encourage safer digital practices. Authorities believe that expanding digital payments will accelerate economic activity, formalize business operations, and increase government revenue by curbing illegal cash transactions.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a new interoperable digital transaction system from November, allowing seamless money transfers among mobile financial services (MFS) such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, as well as between banks and payment service providers (PSPs). The initiative aims to reduce transaction costs and promote a cashless economy. Under the new fee structure, transferring BDT 1,000 from an MFS account to another MFS, bank, or PSP account will cost BDT 8.50, while bank-to-bank or bank-to-MFS transfers will cost BDT 1.50. The central bank has mandated that all charges be displayed before transactions and only the sender will bear the fee. This system operates through the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) platform, reviving a similar initiative halted in 2020. Bangladesh Bank previously suspended the ‘Binimoy’ platform due to irregularities and contract violations. The central bank now plans to launch another interoperable platform with support from Mojaloop, an open-source initiative backed by the Gates Foundation.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Venezuelan and surrounding airspace should be declared off-limits, escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The statement, made on Truth Social, comes amid increased US military presence in the Caribbean, officially aimed at combating drug trafficking. However, Caracas accuses Washington of attempting regime change. Since early September, US forces have attacked over 20 alleged drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 people, though no evidence has been released to substantiate the drug trafficking claims. The US Federal Aviation Administration has also warned of deteriorating security and heightened military activity in Venezuelan airspace, prompting six major South American airlines to suspend flights. In response, Venezuela banned several airlines, accusing them of supporting US “state terrorism.” Reports suggest Trump and Maduro recently spoke by phone and discussed a possible meeting in the US, further complicating the geopolitical situation.

Dhaka Bank is implementing several initiatives to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition toward a cashless economy. The bank is introducing NFC-based mobile payment services, expanding the use of Bangla QR for small merchants and consumers, and modernizing its internet banking and mobile app platforms. It is also promoting financial literacy and awareness campaigns to encourage digital transactions. Drawing on experiences from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, Bangladesh is studying successful models like India’s UPI and Pakistan’s Raast to develop interoperable, low-cost, and real-time payment systems. Inspired by these examples, Bangla QR transactions are now free for users, and the country is moving toward cost-free peer-to-peer transfers. To ensure uninterrupted service, banks are upgrading core systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and strengthening data centers and disaster recovery sites. Despite progress, challenges remain in rural connectivity, cybersecurity threats, and occasional system downtime affecting transaction continuity.

BNP Assistant Economic Affairs Secretary Mahmudur Rahman Sumon has announced his decision to contest the upcoming election from the Narayanganj-2 constituency, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s nomination process. Speaking at a discussion and prayer event in Araihazar, Sumon said the current nomination does not reflect the people's choice and should be changed. He emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, describing him as a symbol of the party’s struggle. Sumon also paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, praising her sacrifices for democracy. Addressing the current political climate, he voiced concern over fear and uncertainty among party activists, saying it contradicts the spirit of democratic change. Sumon concluded by calling for proper nominations to ensure genuine transformation and pledged readiness to make any sacrifice for the people’s victory. The event ended with prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery and national peace.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all commercial banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service operators to ensure instant transfer of funds to the accounts of small and marginal traders for transactions made through the Bangla QR code system. The move aims to promote a cashless society and reduce cash-based transactions across the country. Institutions have been instructed to build the necessary infrastructure by December 15, after which immediate fund transfers must be implemented. For other types of businesses, the timing of fund deposits will depend on the relationship and risk assessment between the financial institution and the merchant. The central bank issued the directive on November 24, emphasizing that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital payments and financial inclusion through the expansion of Bangla QR-based transactions.

Ganosamhati Andolon’s chief coordinator Zonayed Saki has called for a constitutional reform in Bangladesh based on the recently formulated 'July National Charter'. Speaking at a rally in Uttara, Dhaka, he argued that the current state structure and constitution cannot ensure justice or rights for citizens. Saki emphasized the need for a new democratic power framework and proposed that the next national election should also serve as a constitutional assembly election. He claimed that public unity forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and highlighted the sacrifices of activists. Advocate Bilkis Nasima Rahman Tuhin, the party’s nominated candidate and rally chair, said their politics aims not at power but at people’s liberation. She criticized past governments for corruption, inequality, and misuse of power, pledging to build a state where citizens hold real authority and accountability prevails. The event was attended by several central and local leaders of the party.

Al-Arafah Islami Bank has positioned itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s journey toward a cashless economy, aligning with the government’s ‘Digital Bangladesh’ vision. The bank has introduced advanced internet banking, dual-currency debit and Islamic credit cards, Islamic wallets, Bangla QR payments, and digital donation boxes to promote secure and accessible digital transactions. It has also launched an Education Management System for automated tuition fee collection and expanded agent banking to rural areas to enhance financial inclusion. Managing Director Md. Rafat Ullah Khan highlighted Bangladesh’s upcoming digital reforms, including private credit bureaus, digital-only banks, e-money licenses, and an interoperable A2A platform similar to India’s UPI. Despite challenges like cybersecurity risks, user awareness, and network limitations, the bank is upgrading its core systems, adopting cloud technology, and strengthening cybersecurity. With Bangladesh Bank’s new policies and infrastructure initiatives, Al-Arafah aims to deliver faster, safer, and nearly cost-free digital transactions nationwide by 2026.

Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) arrested 12 foreign workers, including 11 Bangladeshis and one Myanmar national, during a four-hour anti-drug operation at a residential building in the Woodlands area. The raid, conducted on Thursday night with support from the Health Sciences Authority, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Ministry of Manpower, and police, targeted individuals suspected of drug use and trafficking. A 34-year-old Bangladeshi was detained on charges of drug trafficking and consumption. Authorities seized drug-related paraphernalia such as glass bottles, cut straws, and rubber tubes from the dormitory rooms. CNB Deputy Commanding Officer Superintendent Xanthus Tong Hiong Gee said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse across Singapore. According to CNB data, 3,119 drug users were arrested in 2024, slightly down from 3,122 in 2023, though the number of new users rose to 966 from 952 the previous year.

At least 18 people were killed and 20 others injured in an airstrike in Myanmar’s Sagaing region on Friday evening, according to local officials and rescue workers cited by AFP. The attack struck a crowded tea shop in Tabayin Township, where two bombs were dropped by military aircraft. Witnesses reported that several homes were also destroyed in the blast. The incident marks another deadly episode in Myanmar’s ongoing civil conflict, which erupted after the 2021 military coup. The junta has increasingly relied on air power to target areas controlled by opposition forces, often resulting in civilian casualties. Local sources said the high death toll was due to the large number of people gathered at the tea shop during the attack. The strike coincides with the start of early overseas voting for Myanmar’s upcoming elections, which the junta hopes will consolidate its power. Observers warn that continued violence could undermine the credibility of the polls and further isolate the regime internationally.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) recovered four abandoned grenades from the Sarulia area of Demra in Dhaka on Saturday night. According to a brief message from RAB headquarters around 10 p.m., the explosives were found lying unattended, prompting immediate recovery by a patrol team from RAB-10. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident so far. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine who left the grenades at the site and whether they pose any further security threat. The discovery has raised concerns about public safety in the densely populated neighborhood, though officials have assured that the situation is under control. Law enforcement agencies are now working to trace the origin of the explosives and assess if the incident is linked to any larger criminal or militant activity.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem issued a strong warning against foreign and authoritarian influence in Bangladesh during a student and youth gathering in Sylhet’s Companiganj on Saturday. Addressing the rally organized by the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, Kayem declared that Bangladesh must be led by leaders rooted in its soil and people, not by those serving external interests. He criticized what he described as India’s oppression and the previous government’s tolerance of Delhi’s dominance, asserting that such subservience would no longer be accepted in an independent Bangladesh. Kayem also condemned border killings and warned that any further deaths along the frontier would trigger mass protests from the nation’s citizens. The event, held to pray for the recovery of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was attended by several Jamaat leaders and local political figures.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has called upon citizens across the country to offer prayers for the recovery of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The appeal was made in a joint statement issued by the organization’s Amir, Allama Muhibullah Babunagari, and Secretary General, Allama Sajedur Rahman, and conveyed to the media by Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi. The Hefazat leaders praised Khaleda Zia as a patriotic and courageous leader who had previously supported Hefazat’s movement against anti-Islamic elements in 2013. They also highlighted her political struggle against what they described as Indian dominance and authoritarianism, noting her imprisonment and sacrifices. The statement expressed hope for her swift recovery and return to national leadership during what they termed a difficult period for the country.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition has remained stable for the past three days, according to her personal physician and BNP Standing Committee member Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain. Speaking at a briefing at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, he said Khaleda Zia is responding to her current treatment and that any decision regarding her transfer abroad will depend on the recommendation of the medical board. The medical team is consulting with doctors in the UK, Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States to ensure the best possible care. BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is overseeing the coordination of her treatment. Dr. Zahid urged party supporters to avoid crowding the hospital to ensure uninterrupted care for all patients. He reassured the public that Khaleda Zia is receiving appropriate medical attention and that further steps will be taken based on medical advice and her condition.