AGP Executive Report

Saudi Attacks: Riyadh’s airport was struck again Sunday, a day after an attack killed two Bangladeshis and hundreds were injured. Dhaka condemned the strike and said it would support measures to protect Mecca and Medina. Investment: Japan’s Marubeni is exploring investments in Bangladesh’s IT, AI, fertiliser and ship-recycling sectors; Prime Minister invited the firm to expand cooperation. Economic Pressure: Net foreign investment fell 28% in the first half of 2026, with equity inflows down sharply. LPG consumers are also paying up to Tk 2,500 for a 12kg cylinder, far above the official Tk 1,837 price, amid weak market monitoring. Rohingya: Bangladesh is stepping up diplomatic efforts for sustainable repatriation, with the home minister urging a coordinated role for China, ASEAN, the UN and Japan.

Riyadh Attack: Two Bangladeshis were among 12 people killed and 309 wounded in a strike on Riyadh airport, attributed to Yemen’s Houthis. Airport operations were suspended as the Saudi-led coalition vowed a firm response, raising fears of wider escalation. Student Visas: UK universities are withdrawing offers amid tighter visa rules; withdrawals among Bangladeshi applicants rose to 23.5% in the first half of 2026, from 7.1% a year earlier. Women’s Health: Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank plan €250 million in health investments, aiming to reach 47 million women and adolescent girls from 2027 to 2031. Trade and Infrastructure: Chattogram Port Authority and DP World signed a 15-year deal to operate and modernise the New Mooring Container Terminal, with calls for measurable gains in service and public revenue. Cricket: Sobhana Mostary’s record 118 helped Bangladesh recover from 8 for 3 against Australia, with Nigar Sultana adding an unbeaten 74 in a historic 195-run stand.

Politics: The BNP wants more time to prepare for local government elections and has urged activists to help keep Durga Puja peaceful. Tarique Rahman has also called an urgent meeting of the party’s parliamentary group. Trade and Investment: Ready-made garment exports rose 6.1% to $10.58 billion in July–September. BEPZA has opened dedicated desks for Chinese, South Korean and Japanese investors, while the government signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate Chittagong Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal. Economic Pressure: The World Bank forecasts 3.4% growth in FY27 as energy and banking strains weigh on the economy. Bangladesh secured a $3.1 billion loan to sustain fuel and LNG supplies; the central bank governor says bank-sector repairs may cost Tk60,000 crore a year for five to eight years. Capital Markets: BSEC plans to raise the asset or turnover threshold for private firms seeking direct listing to Tk1,000 crore. Research: BAEC scientist M Khalid Hossain has again been named among the world’s top 2% of researchers.

Banking Crisis: Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman says the sector needs Tk 60,000 crore a year for five to eight years to recover from financial losses and structural damage. Rising Import Costs: A Middle East crisis could add $4.12 billion to Bangladesh’s energy and fertiliser bill over seven months, a finance adviser warns. Chattogram Port: The government has signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal, drawing protests and calls from port workers for talks. Technology Policy: The government aims to build sovereign AI capabilities within a year, but delivery will depend on clear responsibility, resources and technology partnerships. India Relations: Dhaka is making a new Ganges water-sharing treaty with a guarantee clause a priority as officials call for dialogue and cooperation.

Ganges Treaty: Dhaka is preparing to seek a new water-sharing pact with India, prioritising a guarantee for Bangladesh’s dry-season flows before the 1996 treaty expires in December. Chattogram Port: DP World has formalised a 15-year deal to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal, drawing protests and calls from port workers for talks. Rural Resilience: Bangladesh and IFAD launched two investments worth $324 million to strengthen climate resilience, livelihoods and food systems, with 2.5 million people expected to benefit. Garment Safety: The International Accord now covers more than 2,000 factories in Bangladesh and Pakistan, but local manufacturers are pushing to change its oversight and protocols. Economic Pressures: Rice prices in Dhaka have risen by up to Tk3 a kilogram as paddy and transport costs climb; Standard Chartered has also confirmed plans to sell its retail business in Bangladesh. Hockey: Bangladesh will replace Pakistan at the Asian Champions Trophy in India, joining five other teams for the October 27-November 5 tournament.

Chattogram Port: The government has signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal, prompting protests and a three-day ultimatum from port workers seeking talks. Nuclear Power: Rooppur Unit-1 has regulatory clearance to begin its first controlled nuclear reaction, a major step towards electricity generation. Economy and Energy: Bangladesh secured a $3.1 billion loan to maintain fuel and LNG supplies, while banks were told to disburse Tk 5,000 crore in CMSME loans by November as private-sector activity weakened. Technology and Research: The government says it plans to launch sovereign AI infrastructure within a year; meanwhile, 347 Bangladeshi researchers made a global top-2% scientists list. Trade and Climate: Bangladesh and Lithuania agreed to deepen trade, investment and technology ties, while Dhaka sought stronger UNDP cooperation on climate resilience and finance.

Chattogram Port: Bangladesh signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate and modernise the New Mooring Container Terminal. The government says ownership and regulatory control will remain with the state, but port workers and other groups oppose the agreement and are demanding talks. Small Businesses: Bangladesh Bank has told banks to disburse the full Tk 5,000 crore CMSME refinancing fund by November; about Tk 450 crore had been released in the first two weeks. Digital Economy: Bangladesh aims to launch sovereign AI infrastructure within a year, with access planned for businesses, startups and universities. Housing: The ADB will lend $100 million to support affordable, climate-resilient homes for around 40,000 families. Public Finance: The government has begun buying back treasury bonds before maturity, repurchasing Tk 1,716 crore in its first auction to help manage repayment risks.

Clean Energy: Bangladesh approved a $230 million, 442-megawatt solar plant at Rampal, replacing a planned coal expansion. Expected to open by 2029, it would be the country’s largest solar facility as fuel dependence and power shortages persist. Aviation: Biman signed a firm order for 10 Airbus jets—four A350-900s and six A321neos—to modernise its fleet and expand international routes. Climate Action: A Dhaka conference called for turning climate plans into funded projects with measurable results, and urged greater private-sector investment in clean energy. Research: Dhaka University says 22 researchers made the 2026 global top 2% scientist list; the university ranked first among Bangladesh’s research institutions. Jobs and Growth: The World Bank says about two million people joined Bangladesh’s labour market annually from 2016 to 2024, while only 900,000 jobs were created each year. It also flagged power outages and business constraints as barriers to employment.

Aviation: Biman Bangladesh Airlines has agreed to buy 10 Airbus aircraft, adding to a planned 35-plane fleet as it seeks to expand international routes. Public investment: ECNEC approved 13 projects worth Tk 16,207.55 crore, including a 442MW solar plant in Rampal. Trade and investment: Germany signalled interest in deeper business ties with Bangladesh; talks also covered an early Bangladesh-EU free trade agreement and cooperation in renewable energy, skills and aviation. Economic outlook: The World Bank expects Bangladesh’s growth to reach 3.4% in FY27, with energy constraints and banking problems weighing on the economy. Diplomacy and technology: A Bangladesh-led resolution on AI and human rights was adopted by consensus at the UN Human Rights Council, calling for wider access to technology and international cooperation. Rohingya: Malaysia returned 1,500 Rohingya to Myanmar despite warnings about their safety, renewing concerns for the stateless community, including the more than one million refugees in Bangladesh. Political rights: Human Rights Watch has criticised mass arrests of opposition supporters, while a case over the alleged forced resignation of a Rajshahi Medical University vice-chancellor has led to one arrest.

Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Bangladesh’s growth is being squeezed by energy bottlenecks, banking weaknesses and weak revenue, projecting GDP growth around 3.4% and saying reforms are needed fast to protect jobs and the poor. Central Banking & Payments: Bangladesh Bank says card and ATM services were disrupted after Q-Cash/NPSB migration and maintenance, while NPSB-linked transactions for banks and MFS providers stayed normal. Tourism & Fisheries Ties: Bangladesh is pushing stronger cooperation with the Maldives in tourism and sustainable fisheries, highlighted at Dhaka’s Great Tuna Gala. Industry & Investment: Toyota Tsusho briefed PM Tarique Rahman on plans to start vehicle manufacturing in Bangladesh, aiming for jobs, technology transfer and skills. Housing Rights: World Habitat Day marked the call for adequate housing for all, linking it to dignity, poverty reduction and climate resilience. Justice Delayed: Seven years after Abrar Fahad’s killing, his family is still waiting for the verdict to reach the final stage. Urban Clean-up: DNCC’s eviction drive has kept Mirpur-10 footpaths hawker-free for the first time in recent memory, with monitoring ongoing. Tech for Health: A study highlights an AI smartphone app approach to help find cataract patients earlier in rural Bangladesh.

World Bank Outlook: The World Bank says Bangladesh’s growth will stay sluggish at 3.4% in FY27 (and FY26 also 3.4%), blaming energy bottlenecks, banking weakness, weak credit growth and softer exports, with a modest 3.9% recovery in FY28 if reforms and energy supply ease. Political Reconciliation: PM’s adviser Zahed Ur Rahman says reconciliation with the Awami League is possible only if the party acknowledges responsibility and groundwork is set through talks with top leadership. Canada Investment Push: President Mirza Fakhrul urged Canada to boost investment and cooperation in agriculture, food security, fertiliser, IT, outsourcing and education, citing strong bilateral trade and Rohingya support. AI Governance: ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam called for trust, capacity-building and international cooperation to govern AI responsibly in the public sector. Ship Recycling Rules: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir plans to fast-track TSDF and simplify approvals to attract foreign shipbuilding and recycling business. Durga Puja Security: DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed promised foolproof Durga Puja security with CCTV and body-worn cameras. Public Health Alert: A measles outbreak is linked to nearly 900 suspected deaths, underscoring vaccination gaps. Rights Under Scrutiny: HRW condemned mass arrests tied to opposition meetings, saying civil and political rights are under pressure. Energy & Renewables: Govt initiated a 442MWp Rampal solar project draft for ECNEC approval. Court Case: Dhaka court ordered further PBI probe in the Sifat murder case. Bangladesh-India Trade: Bangladesh and India will hold a Joint Working Group on Trade in New Delhi, focusing on tariff/non-tariff barriers and jute-related issues.

Bangladesh Economy Under Pressure: The World Bank warns Bangladesh’s growth may stagnate at 3.4% in FY2026-27, citing energy shortages, fuel disruptions, and a fragile banking sector. RMG Next Steps: A Bangladesh apparel analysis urges buyers to demand flexibility and faster response, while noting garment export figures are mixed and competition is rising. Investor Confidence & Finance: Tanvir Shahriar Ghani stresses trust through proper reporting and governance to attract global capital. Banking Disruption: 19 banks temporarily shut card, ATM and digital services during Q-Cash migration, affecting customers nationwide. Energy Crisis Hits Homes: LPG cylinders vanish in Dhaka and are sold above the fixed rate, adding to consumer hardship. Media Rights Under Fire: HRW says Bangladesh is stuck in a “cycle of political repression” with mass arrests, while TIB condemns attacks on journalists at Rajshahi University. Digital Payments Boost: Grameen Telecom’s gpay launches with Bangladesh Bank approval, targeting merchants and remittances. Apparel Trade Showcase: BATEXPO 2026 returns in Dhaka on Nov 18-19, aiming to boost global buyer confidence in Bangladesh’s transformed RMG sector.

Media & Rights: TIB condemned the Rajshahi University attack and death threats against journalists, urging justice and party reforms to stop politically driven violence. Capital Market & Governance: Bangladesh’s push to restore investor confidence is tied to transparent financial reporting and clear ownership; meanwhile DSE shares slid as selling pressure grew ahead of dividend season. Telecom Regulation: BTRC plans to relaunch the NEIR handset-tracking system on Jan 1, 2027 to block illegal phones, in two phases. Energy & Health Access: Govt will set up an integrated medical oxygen management system in at least 20 districts this fiscal year. Trade & Industry: Sweden backs more open, rules-based trade; BATEXPO 2026 will return in Dhaka to showcase Bangladesh’s RMG transformation; apparel exports to Russia keep falling after sanctions. Economy & Consumers: Banks cut CSR spending sharply; LPG shortages and overcharging hit Dhaka as cylinders vanish. Education: PM Tarique Rahman vowed to make teaching a first-choice career for talented people. Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh-Türkiye FTA talks move forward; foreign policy should balance partnership with autonomy, says Humaiun Kobir.

Chattogram Port Protests: Hundreds block the Chattogram port road and stage a sit-in demanding the government cancel plans to hand over container terminals to foreign operators, including a 15-year concession for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and concerns over Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) and general cargo berths. Capital Market Revival: Finance Minister Amir Khosru says the “face” of Bangladesh’s capital market will change within a year as the government pushes reforms, automation and CDBL-linked deepening under World Investor Week. Energy Cost Warning: A new analysis questions whether Bangladesh can afford LNG expansion, warning of another “LNG trap” as imports rise while households and industries already struggle with high bills and unreliable supply. Rajshahi University Violence: Teachers, students and former campus journalists protest an attack on journalists at Rajshahi University, calling for an independent probe and action. Women and Children Violence: HRSS reports 236 women and children faced violence in September, including rape, gang rape, sexual abuse and killings. Overseas Jobs Drop: BMET data shows overseas employment clearances fell 29% year-on-year in September, despite a month-on-month rebound. Employment Exchange Plan: Government will launch an employment exchange centre in December to match jobseekers with employers via databases and fairs. Bangladesh-India Extradition Row: Bangladesh urges India to expedite Sheikh Hasina extradition, stressing political intent alongside legal steps.

Capital Market Rescue: Finance minister Amir Khosru says govt is lifting the capital market out of the “ditch,” blaming past failures of exchanges and intermediaries and promising coordinated regulator action. Investor Participation Gap: A report notes fewer than 1% of Bangladeshis invest in stocks, with only about 17 lakh BO accounts despite a huge banking base. Employment Exchange Push: Govt plans to launch an Employment Exchange Centre in December, starting with Dhaka, to match jobseekers with employers via online/offline databases and career fairs. Banking & Deals: Pubali Bank signed an MoU with United Healthcare for card benefits and test discounts; Dutch-Bangla Bank held a Barishal strategic conclave to boost customer service. Energy & Cost Pressure: LPG prices were hiked by BERC, but consumers report shortages and retail prices far above official rates. Governance & Democracy Debate: Mahfuz Anam warns Bangladesh dismantles dictatorships but struggles to build durable democratic institutions. Rohingya Support: Home minister urges UN agencies to maintain funding and logistics for safe, dignified repatriation as border pressures grow. Urban Planning: PM says master plans are being prepared for every city corporation and district for planned urbanisation. Road Safety: RSF reports 423 deaths in 442 crashes in September, averaging 14 deaths a day. ICT Innovation: BIN honoured 44 innovations at the Bangladesh ICT and Innovation Awards 2026.

Stock Market Participation: Bangladesh’s stock market remains tiny, with only about 17 lakh beneficiary owner accounts—under 1% of the population—raising questions about low investor appetite and financial inclusion. Industry Water Stewardship: BKMEA inaugurated a Water Cell to help knitwear firms measure, cut, reuse and prevent pollution, with WaterAid and international partners backing the push. Health Insurance Gap at CoU: Comilla University students with serious illnesses say they must sell property or rely on donations because student health insurance is missing, while staff already have coverage. Local Political Moves: Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s newly formed Chtalmai upazila committee held an oath-taking meeting, listing office-bearers and pledging to implement its agenda. Durga Puja Safety & Tensions: West Bengal’s Durga Puja continues to face disputes over pandals, processions and political friction, with fresh controversy tied to how the festival is represented. Environment & Pollution: Reports highlight factories polluting rivers despite effluent treatment plants, with dangerous chemical and heavy-metal readings around key waterways. Port Digital Push: Chattogram Port aims for full paperless operations by December 2026, but recent payment-related protests show digital reforms need smooth rollout. Agriculture Under Pressure: Farmers face rising costs after fuel price hikes, with diesel-heavy irrigation and transport hitting small producers hardest. Human Rights Focus: Bangladesh’s political transition raises concerns over restrictions on peaceful assembly and association, including bans affecting Awami League activities. Business Leadership Change: Raidha Collections appointed Shazia Zaheen Alamgir as its new CEO, signaling a push toward EU-focused growth. Regional Diplomacy: India says it can’t set a deadline on Sheikh Hasina’s extradition request, saying the matter is under a structured legal process.