Bangladesh’s November Economic Update and Outlook report by the General Economics Division (GED) highlights a mixed economic scenario. While bank deposits have shown robust growth, private sector credit expansion remains sluggish. The report notes that overall inflation has fallen to single digits, largely due to declining food prices and improved supply conditions. Food inflation dropped from 12.66% to 7.08%, while non-food inflation slightly rose to 9.13%, reflecting ongoing pressure in housing, transport, and healthcare costs. The report also indicates that rice prices, which surged earlier in 2025, have begun to decline as new Aman harvests entered the market and government procurement boosted domestic reserves. Despite steady economic growth, the National Board of Revenue continues to fall short of its collection targets. Export performance remains volatile, though moderate recovery is expected in the coming months.

Pakistan is witnessing heightened tension following rumors about the death of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The government and Adiala Jail authorities have not provided any information on his whereabouts, and his family members reportedly have not been allowed to meet him for an extended period. In response, Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for protests in Rawalpindi demanding proof of his safety and whereabouts. To prevent demonstrations, the local administration has imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings from December 1 to 3. Rawalpindi’s Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema stated that the decision was made to maintain public safety, peace, and stability amid growing unrest and speculation surrounding Khan’s condition.

US President Donald Trump has cautioned Israel not to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, calling for a 'strong and genuine dialogue' between the two nations. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that no actions should obstruct Syria’s progress toward becoming a prosperous state. His remarks came shortly after Israel reportedly launched new airstrikes inside Syria, killing 13 people near Damascus. The newly formed Syrian government condemned the attacks as 'war crimes,' accusing Israel of deliberate shelling in the Beit Jinn area. Although Trump did not directly mention the Israeli strikes, he expressed satisfaction with the new Syrian administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharar, who replaced Bashar al-Assad last December. Trump praised al-Sharar’s commitment to national unity after years of civil war and reiterated US support for Syria’s development and stability.

Russia has claimed control over the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a major transport hub, following prolonged and intense fighting. Moscow announced the capture on December 1, but Kyiv rejected the claim, alleging that Russia is spreading such information to influence ongoing ceasefire discussions. The claim came just hours after senior US and Ukrainian officials met in Florida to discuss possible pathways to end the war. Ukrainian forces maintain that they still hold Pokrovsk and surrounding areas despite heavy Russian assaults. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly visited the front lines on Sunday, where military chief Valery Gerasimov briefed him on the situation. Footage released by the Kremlin showed Russian troops raising their flag in Pokrovsk’s city center, later verified by CNN. The city’s road and rail links make it strategically vital for Ukraine’s logistics, though continued Russian drone strikes have damaged key supply routes.

Turkey has achieved a major milestone in military aviation with the successful test of its unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma. The aircraft, developed by Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar, became the world’s first unmanned combat jet to successfully fire a radar-guided beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile at a moving jet-powered target. The test, conducted over the Black Sea near Sinop province, used Turkey’s domestically developed ‘Gökdoğan’ missile and the Murad Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system built by defense firm Aselsan. The Kizilelma’s ability to detect, track, and destroy aerial targets without human pilots marks a breakthrough in autonomous air combat technology. Baykar officials stated that this achievement demonstrates Turkey’s growing aerospace capabilities and positions Kizilelma as the first and only unmanned platform officially recognized for air-to-air combat readiness. The test also featured joint flight operations with F-16 fighter jets, signaling a new era of manned-unmanned aerial collaboration.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly given Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro an ultimatum to resign immediately and leave the country, according to BBC and Miami Herald reports. The ultimatum was delivered during a phone call on November 21, confirmed by Trump but without revealing details. Trump allegedly offered Maduro and his family safe passage if he stepped down voluntarily. However, Maduro rejected the offer, demanding international legal protection for himself and his allies while reaffirming control over the military. The conversation was reportedly facilitated by Brazil, Qatar, and Turkey. Washington dismissed Maduro’s counterproposals, insisting he must relinquish power soon. Analysts remain uncertain whether Trump’s warning could lead to military action, though sources suggest Maduro’s camp views the threat as mere rhetoric. The diplomatic standoff underscores persistent US-Venezuela tensions and uncertainty over the future of Maduro’s regime.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh soon, according to the party’s Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. Following a regular committee meeting on Monday, December 1, Salahuddin informed reporters that discussions covered various political issues, including preparations for upcoming elections and the health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. He mentioned that Dr. AZM Zahid would brief the media regarding Khaleda Zia’s health. Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain stated that there are no legal obstacles preventing Tarique Rahman’s return and that a travel pass could be issued within a day if required. Tarique Rahman has been living abroad for several years, and his potential return is being closely watched amid Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam announced that his party will participate in Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th national parliamentary election as the 'guardian of reforms'. Speaking at a reception in Dhaka for 24 activists recently released from detention in the UAE, Nahid described the election as a turning point for the nation. He urged the government to ensure rehabilitation and employment for the freed expatriates, whom he called 'July warriors'. Nahid emphasized the importance of enabling postal voting for expatriates and accused some political forces of obstructing post-July reform efforts. He warned against campaigns opposing the 'July Charter' and criticized divisive politics based on liberation war and religion. Framing the election as a vote for state reconstruction, Nahid said the NCP would remain uncompromising on core political principles and committed to economic justice, youth employment, democracy, and inclusive governance. He concluded that the NCP is fully prepared to fulfill people's aspirations and ensure the victory of reform.

The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, has expelled or suspended 16 individuals, including teachers, officials, and students, for their alleged involvement in obstructing the July–August student movement, attacking protesters, and creating instability on campus. The decision was made during the university’s 90th syndicate meeting on November 27 after reviewing the investigation and disciplinary committee reports. Two teachers and one official were temporarily suspended, while 13 students, including the president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Chhatra League unit, were permanently expelled, with some losing their academic certificates. The syndicate stated that the punishments were imposed for direct or indirect participation in actions that disrupted the movement. University authorities said the measures aim to maintain campus stability and ensure student safety, warning that no leniency will be shown toward future acts of violence or unrest.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, Modi conveyed his prayers and best wishes for her speedy recovery. He acknowledged Khaleda Zia’s long service to the people of Bangladesh and assured that India stands ready to extend any possible assistance for her treatment. Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister of Bangladesh, has been suffering from multiple health complications, including liver, kidney, and heart problems. She has been receiving treatment for the past four days in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Modi’s message comes amid growing concern in Bangladesh over her condition, drawing attention to the humanitarian aspect of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.

A mild earthquake was felt in Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram city, and the surrounding hilly areas just before 1 a.m. on Monday. Residents in Cox’s Bazar, Ukhiya, and Chakaria reported light tremors lasting a few seconds, prompting some to rush outdoors in fear. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake measured 4.9 in magnitude, with its epicenter located in Natchuang, Sagaing region of Myanmar. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed similar data. This marks the eighth earthquake felt in Bangladesh since November 21, when a 5.2-magnitude quake struck Narsingdi and was felt across the country. Experts note that the recent series of mild tremors may indicate ongoing regional tectonic activity, though no major threat has been identified yet.

The Election Commission of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur has suspended the central student union (BRUCSU) and hall council elections, citing serious errors and inconsistencies in the voter list provided by the registrar’s office. At a press conference on Monday, the commission alleged that the registrar’s office supplied incomplete and inaccurate data, hindering the fairness and transparency of the election process. Election Commissioner Dr. Mohsina Ahsan suggested that the errors might have been intentional and urged the university administration to investigate. The commission announced that all electoral activities, including nomination distribution, would remain halted until the discrepancies are resolved. Another commissioner, Md. Masud Rana, emphasized that the registrar’s office must urgently correct and verify the list to resume the election. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Shawkat Ali described the incident as unfortunate, promising to issue a show-cause notice to the registrar’s office and urging both sides to resolve the matter promptly.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced that the use of the Customs Bond Management System (CBMS) will become mandatory from January 1 to modernize and digitize the country’s bond management process. According to an official circular, all bonded warehouse license holders must use CBMS for issuing Utilization Permissions (UP) related to duty-free raw material imports. No services will be provided through manual or alternative methods after the deadline. The automated CBMS software, launched earlier with 24 modules, is currently being used on a limited scale in three customs bond commissionerates. NBR stated that the system has been upgraded based on user feedback to make it more user-friendly. The mandatory use of CBMS is expected to enhance service speed, transparency, and accountability, while reducing costs, time, and disputes. The NBR reaffirmed its commitment to continuing digitalization efforts to achieve full automation and transparency in revenue management.

The Bangladesh government has officially declared Begum Khaleda Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former three-time prime minister, as a 'Very Important Person' (VIP). The announcement was made through a gazette notification issued on Monday, December 1, under the directive of the President. Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury, Director General (Administration) of the Chief Adviser’s Office, signed the order. The declaration was made under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021, and took immediate effect. Khaleda Zia, who has been suffering from multiple age-related health complications, is currently receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The move formally recognizes her as a state-designated VIP, ensuring enhanced security and protocol measures during her treatment and public engagements.

The concluding prayer (Akheri Munajat) of the five-day Jor Ijtema at Tongi, Gazipur, will be held on Tuesday morning between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the banks of the Turag River. The prayer will be led by Maulana Ahmad Batla from Pakistan. After the Munajat, participating devotees will disperse across the country and abroad for religious preaching activities, returning again during the World Ijtema. Monday marked the fourth day of the gathering, featuring sermons, prayers, and religious discussions led by scholars from India and Bangladesh. However, the event has also seen the deaths of six devotees, including Azizur Rahman from Chapainawabganj, who reportedly died of a stroke near the ablution area on Monday afternoon. The information was confirmed by Habibullah Raihan, media coordinator of the Shura Committee. The Jor Ijtema serves as a preparatory congregation ahead of the annual World Ijtema.