A climate justice march was held in Satkhira, Bangladesh, urging the formation of a specialized institution to protect coastal regions from the growing impacts of climate change. Organized jointly by Green Coalition, BARCIK, and the Education, Culture and Diversity Protection Team, the march began at Shaheed Abdur Razzak Park and moved through several city streets before returning to the starting point. Speakers at the rally highlighted the increasing salinity in coastal areas, livelihood crises, the rising risks of cyclones and tidal surges, and the persistent shortage of freshwater. Participants emphasized that a dedicated coastal protection body is essential to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable development in the region, which faces severe environmental and socio-economic challenges due to climate change.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has launched an e-Services Management System to make all its services accessible online. The platform, inaugurated at BSTI’s Tejgaon headquarters by Director General S M Ferdous Alam, aims to streamline customer service and reduce manual procedures. Supported financially by the Bangladesh Trade Facilitation (BTF) project and technically by Orange Business Development Ltd, the system allows customers to apply for mandatory product licenses, make online payments, and track applications through the portal eservice.bsti.gov.bd. Once an application is submitted, verification, inspection, sample collection, test fee payment, and final license issuance will all be processed digitally. Customers can also purchase Bangladesh Standards (BDS) documents online from anywhere in the world. BSTI plans to gradually integrate additional services, including metrology licenses, MSC licenses, chemical and physical lab tests, and administrative services, into the new digital platform.

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) has been ranked the top agricultural university in Bangladesh in the newly released QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, published by UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds. Among all Bangladeshi public universities, GAKRUBI secured third place and fifth overall when private institutions are included. Out of 1,994 universities worldwide, 22 from Bangladesh made the list. GAKRUBI follows the University of Dhaka and Rajshahi University among public institutions. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman expressed satisfaction with the achievement, describing it as the result of collective dedication and hard work. He emphasized the university’s ambition to reach the global top 200 and become Bangladesh’s leading institution in future rankings. GAKRUBI has also achieved top positions in other global rankings, including THE and URi, where it ranked 77th globally in the Development and Application category, the highest among Bangladeshi universities.

Despite continuous operations by local authorities, illegal stone extraction persists at Shah Arefin Hill in Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila. Following nationwide attention over earlier looting at Bholaganj’s tourist site, the administration launched task force drives to curb the practice. However, reports suggest that organized groups are still removing stones worth nearly half a crore taka each night, even digging near the shrine of Shah Arefin (R.). The local administration has installed iron barricades and plans to cut connecting roads with excavators to prevent vehicle access. Officials claim that Ansar and village police are monitoring the area, while the Bureau of Mineral Development has filed only one case since August last year. Environmentalists warn that unregulated stone extraction poses serious threats to local ecosystems and river biodiversity. Despite the district commissioner’s recent visit and strong warnings, a few operators continue using machines to extract stones, highlighting enforcement challenges and limited coordination among agencies.

Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC has granted scholarships to 300 financially disadvantaged yet meritorious students who recently passed the HSC or equivalent examinations and are now enrolled in the first year at various public universities and medical colleges in Bangladesh. The bank will provide a total of Tk 3.81 crore over four years to support these students in completing their undergraduate studies. A scholarship awarding ceremony was held at the bank’s corporate head office, attended by Chairman A.K. Azad as the chief guest, with Director and Foundation Chairman Md. Sanaullah Sahid as special guest. Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed presided over the event, while SEVP and Company Secretary Md. Abul Bashar conducted the proceedings. The initiative aims to promote higher education opportunities for underprivileged but talented students across the country.

Bangladesh has officially launched the Overseas Employment Platform (OEP) to promote safe migration and fair recruitment processes for migrant workers. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, was developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Switzerland. The digital gateway aims to connect all stakeholders involved in the labor migration process, including aspiring migrant workers, recruitment agencies, the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET), technical training centers, foreign employers, immigration authorities, and reintegration service providers. The platform’s inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials, including Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Swiss Deputy Head of Mission Deepak Elmer, and ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon. Senior Secretary Dr. Niamat Ullah Bhuiyan presided over the event, emphasizing the platform’s role in improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in overseas employment management.

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.

A female NGO worker in Magura’s Shreepur upazila successfully resisted an armed mugging attempt on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred on a road between Kodla and Amalsar villages when three assailants stopped her and tried to snatch her bag at gunpoint. The woman fought back, punching one of the attackers, which led to a scuffle. Overpowered by her resistance, the muggers fled the scene, leaving behind a firearm. The victim later reported the incident to police, who recovered the weapon and are investigating whether it is real or fake. Shreepur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Idris Ali confirmed that a manhunt is underway to arrest the suspects. The woman stated she fought back out of desperation, believing it was her only chance to survive. The incident has drawn local attention for the woman’s bravery and quick response in a dangerous situation.

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.

President Donald Trump announced that he will meet New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday in the Oval Office, marking their first in-person encounter since Mamdani’s election earlier this month. The meeting follows months of sharp exchanges between the two, with Trump repeatedly labeling Mamdani a 'communist' and threatening to cut federal funding to New York City if he won. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, confirmed his team requested the meeting to discuss public safety, economic security, and affordability issues affecting New Yorkers. Despite their political differences, both sides have expressed a willingness to cooperate for the city’s benefit. The meeting is expected to focus on federal support for New York and the city’s cost-of-living challenges. Trump’s decision to host Mamdani comes after he previously backed Andrew Cuomo in an unsuccessful attempt to block Mamdani’s rise. The Oval Office discussion could signal a tentative thaw in relations between the White House and New York City’s incoming leadership.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus said Bangladesh was able to overcome recent crises and restore national stability due to unity and the support of the armed forces. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) Course 2025 in Mirpur Cantonment, he emphasized the importance of solidarity in achieving the nation’s aspirations. Addressing foreign officers, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s growing global defense ties. He reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to reforms and justice for crimes committed during last year’s student uprising. Yunus called on the military, police, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the upcoming national election, scheduled for early February, is peaceful and festive. The DSCSC Course 2025 saw 311 officers graduate, including 58 from 24 foreign countries and 14 women officers, reflecting progress in inclusion and empowerment within the defense sector.

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has reinstated the long-debated non-partisan caretaker government system for overseeing national elections, overturning parts of the 15th constitutional amendment that had abolished it in 2011. The verdict was delivered by a seven-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed after ten days of hearings. However, constitutional experts and senior lawyers clarified that the upcoming 13th parliamentary election, expected by February, cannot be held under this system due to procedural and constitutional constraints. They indicated that the caretaker mechanism could only apply from the 14th general election onward. The ruling follows a 2023 High Court decision that declared sections 20 and 21 of the 15th amendment unconstitutional, paving the way for the system’s return. Legal representatives from various political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, participated in the hearings, while the Attorney General represented the state. The decision marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s electoral framework and political landscape.

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.