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.

Bangladesh has inaugurated its first specialized dental unit designed exclusively for children with special needs, marking a milestone in inclusive healthcare. The unit, launched at Faith Bangladesh’s Lalmatia campus in Dhaka, aims to provide safe, child-sensitive, and advanced dental care, including anesthesia-assisted procedures rarely available in regular clinics. The inauguration ceremony was attended by former Additional Secretary and Janata Bank Director Dr. Md. Shahadat Hossain, and Additional Secretary of the ICT Ministry Md. Zahirul Islam, among others. Speakers emphasized the need to expand specialized healthcare services for the country’s estimated 1.6 to 1.8 million children with special needs. Faith Bangladesh’s Executive Director Nilufar Ahmed Karim highlighted the organization’s commitment to compassionate and inclusive health services. The organization also announced plans to introduce two additional specialized services — a dedicated eye care unit and an asthma center — to further support children with special needs and their families.

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the US-backed peace plan for Ukraine, calling the proposal to cede occupied territories to Russia its 'main problem.' Following discussions on the peace framework, Zelensky argued that legitimizing Russia’s control over lands seized by force would set a dangerous global precedent. The draft plan reportedly suggests freezing front lines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, effectively granting Moscow control over large areas. It also proposes that Kyiv hand over parts of the Donbas region still under Ukrainian control, a condition Zelensky described as deeply concerning. He warned that relinquishing Donbas could expose Ukraine to future Russian aggression. Earlier, both the United States and Ukraine described the 28-point peace plan talks in Geneva as 'highly productive,' though Kyiv’s leadership remains wary of any compromise that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has expressed his belief that despite widespread criticism of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the public will ultimately vote for the party in the upcoming elections. Speaking at a discussion meeting held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Monday, Manna clarified that he is not campaigning for BNP nor affiliated with it. However, he stated that, in his view, people are likely to favor BNP when it comes to casting their votes. His remarks come amid uncertainty over who will assume responsibility for the country in the next five years, reflecting the broader political ambiguity and voter sentiment ahead of the national polls.

Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has sharply criticized the latest US proposal aimed at ending the country’s prolonged conflict, describing it as the 'worst document so far.' The US plan calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire followed by a nine-month political process. Al-Burhan objected to provisions that would dissolve the Sudanese armed forces and security institutions while allowing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to remain in their current positions. He accused Washington of trying to impose conditions on Sudan. Meanwhile, the RSF has expressed its willingness to accept the ceasefire. The war, which began in April 2023, has killed over 40,000 people and displaced more than 14 million, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Al-Burhan said the army would only agree to a truce once RSF fighters withdraw from civilian areas and displaced people can safely return home. He reiterated that the military seeks peace but will not accept external pressure.

The National Sports Council (NSC) of Bangladesh has issued a directive prohibiting the use of national team players in any political or election campaigns. In a letter dated November 24, the NSC warned that players are national assets and symbols of unity, and their involvement in political activities could harm the neutrality and integrity of the sports sector. The council noted that some groups or individuals were attempting to use athletes for political purposes ahead of the upcoming elections, which violates sports ethics and could damage the sporting environment. The directive strictly forbids players from participating in campaign events, appearing on political platforms, or endorsing any candidate. The NSC emphasized that all athletes must maintain the country’s reputation through their sporting excellence and adhere to the council’s instructions to preserve a healthy, nonpartisan sports environment.

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.

BNP-nominated candidate for the Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda) constituency, Kazi Mohammad Salauddin, has refuted claims that his party is reconsidering his nomination or planning to replace him with former joint secretary general Lion Aslam Chowdhury. In a statement responding to a report published by the daily Jugantor, Salauddin said no official decision or announcement regarding candidate changes has been made by the BNP Standing Committee. He urged party members and the public not to be misled by such reports. However, the reporter of the original article maintained that internal discussions and decisions had taken place within the party to nominate Aslam Chowdhury, citing confirmation from Chowdhury himself and senior BNP leaders. The reporter insisted that the news was based on credible sources and not politically motivated.

Residents of Bhola living in Barishal organized a human chain on Monday morning demanding the construction of the long-awaited Bhola-Barishal bridge to connect the island district with the mainland. The demonstration took place in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall, where participants highlighted the daily struggles caused by dependence on river transport. They argued that the lack of a bridge hampers emergency medical access and economic development. Speakers, including students from BM College, emphasized that Bhola possesses significant natural resources and that a portion of its wealth could fund the bridge without requiring government subsidies. Protesters urged the government to take immediate steps toward the project, noting that despite years of discussion, no visible progress has been made. They expressed determination to continue their movement until their demand for the bridge is fulfilled.

A new poll by Neapolitan News Service and RMG Research reveals that 67% of registered U.S. voters believe legal immigration benefits the country, while most view illegal immigration negatively. Conducted between November 12 and 13 among 1,000 registered voters, the survey shows a decline in support compared to August, when 74% favored legal immigration. Seventeen percent of respondents said both legal and illegal immigration are harmful, while 10% believe all immigration is beneficial. Support for legal immigration is strongest in regions facing labor shortages, with 64% of voters emphasizing the need for legal pathways for doctors and nurses to live and work in the U.S., down from 71% in August. The findings come amid ongoing debates over immigration policy, which became more restrictive during the first year of the Trump administration.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus convened an emergency meeting with experts and officials in Dhaka on November 24 to discuss earthquake preparedness, coordination, and rapid response mechanisms. The meeting followed a series of four tremors that struck Dhaka and surrounding areas between November 21 and 22, the strongest measuring 5.7 magnitude. The quakes caused panic, structural damage, and led to the deaths of 10 people, including a child, while over 600 others were injured. Narsingdi reported the highest fatalities with five deaths, followed by four in Dhaka and one in Narayanganj. Experts warned that these tremors could signal a larger impending earthquake, urging authorities to strengthen disaster readiness and public awareness. The Chief Adviser emphasized the need for immediate coordination among relevant agencies to minimize risks and ensure effective emergency response.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh has published the draft master plan for St. Martin’s Island on its official website, inviting public and institutional feedback by December 20. The plan aims to regulate uncontrolled tourism, ensure environmental protection, and promote sustainable management of the ecologically vulnerable island. Additionally, the ministry has also sought opinions on the draft guidelines for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) concerning plastic waste management 2025, with submissions due by December 20, 2025. Authorities expect that collective input from ministries, agencies, stakeholders, and the public will help finalize effective and realistic strategies to safeguard the island’s coastal ecosystem and address the country’s growing plastic waste challenges.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax documents belonging to Lutful Tahmina Khan, wife of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The order was issued by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Foyez following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the ACC, Tahmina allegedly amassed illegal assets worth about Tk 15.46 crore and conducted suspicious transactions totaling Tk 43.77 crore through ten bank accounts under her name and partially owned companies. Investigators suspect the funds were laundered in violation of the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2012. The court stated that seizing her tax returns and related financial records is essential for a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations of corruption and money laundering.