AGP Executive Report

Minority Rights: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Hindu community leaders the government is responsible for protecting every citizen, as security is stepped up ahead of Durga Puja. Parliamentary Oversight: Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal urged the opposition to form a shadow cabinet and hold ministers to account in parliament, alongside broader institutional reforms. Regional Ties: Bangladesh’s home minister skipped the first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, with a senior official leading the delegation amid strained relations with India. Economic Pressures: The IMF forecast 3.2% growth this fiscal year, far below the government’s 6.5% target, as Dhaka seeks new IMF support. The government is also planning a digital business-services platform promising approvals within seven days. Ports and Investment: Bangladesh signed a $335.78 million Chinese loan for Mongla Port upgrades. Separately, workers are protesting DP World’s 15-year deal to operate Chattogram’s New Mooring terminal.

India Ties: Dhaka will send a senior official, not Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, to Tuesday’s first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, amid strained relations. Port and China: Bangladesh signed a $335.78 million Chinese loan for Mongla Port upgrades, including two container terminals; the 2% loan runs for 20 years, with a five-year grace period. Election Watch: The Election Commission set November 12 for a by-election to a reserved women’s seat vacated by BNP lawmaker Ferdousy Ahmed Mishti after allegations over an attack on a healthcare centre. Minority Security: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged equal rights and security regardless of religion, as BGB prepares to deploy 10,000 personnel for Durga Puja. Economy: Finance Minister Amir Khosru says talks are underway with the IMF for a new loan to cushion energy costs, after Bangladesh left its previous programme early. Saudi Crisis: Two Bangladeshis were killed and at least 24 injured in airport attacks; Dhaka’s embassy urged nationals to stay alert as flight disruptions spread.

Riyadh Attack: Dhaka condemned the Houthi strike that killed two Bangladeshis at Riyadh airport and sought help repatriating their bodies and treating the injured. Flight cancellations stranded thousands of passengers. Party Discipline: Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said extortionists and land grabbers would not be tolerated in the BNP, and warned against interference in upcoming non-party local elections. Regional Diplomacy: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting in Delhi, sending a senior official instead amid strained Bangladesh-India ties. Economy: Bangladesh is negotiating fresh IMF support as Middle East tensions raise economic risks; foreign reserves reached $36.21 billion on October 11. Energy and Ports: Dhaka is pursuing LNG and LPG cooperation with Algeria and seeking Canadian backing for energy and climate initiatives. At Chattogram port, workers began a hunger strike opposing the 15-year DP World terminal deal.

Riyadh Attack: Dhaka condemned the strikes on Saudi Arabia’s airport, where two Bangladeshis were among 12 people killed and four more were reportedly in intensive care. Biman suspended Riyadh flights, while several Dhaka services were cancelled. Investment Diplomacy: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited Japan’s Marubeni to expand in Bangladesh’s IT, AI, fertilizer and energy sectors, as net foreign investment fell 28% in the first half of 2026. Rohingya Repatriation: Dhaka is stepping up diplomatic efforts to secure the refugees’ sustainable return to Myanmar. Local Elections: The BNP has asked for more time to prepare for local government polls.

Riyadh Attack: Bangladesh condemned the strike on Riyadh’s airport, which killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, and injured 309. Dhaka’s mission is coordinating assistance for victims’ families, while five Dhaka–Riyadh flights were cancelled. Opposition Politics: Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman returned from Turkey, while the BNP sought more time to prepare for local government elections and formed a committee to monitor Durga Puja security. Border Security: The government plans to deploy army personnel at two new posts near Rohingya camps amid rising crime. Water Diplomacy: Dhaka is prioritising a guarantee clause in a revised Ganges water-sharing treaty as the current pact nears expiry.

Local Elections: BNP leaders are seeking more time to prepare for local government polls, citing risks of rival candidates splitting the party vote. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also called an urgent meeting of BNP lawmakers to discuss party discipline, opposition programmes and law and order. Durga Puja Security: BNP says its activists will coordinate with local committees and help guard venues nationwide as the festival approaches. Foreign Policy: Tarique’s planned Japan visit on October 26 will focus on investment and economic ties; Dhaka is also pressing India for a revised Ganges water pact with guaranteed flows, with talks expected under the Joint Rivers Commission. Public Finances: The IMF may seek firm deadlines for fixing weak banks and raising revenue as Bangladesh pursues a new loan programme. The central bank says rebuilding the banking sector could cost Tk 60,000 crore annually for up to eight years. Political Rights: Human Rights Watch has warned that mass arrests of opposition supporters and actions against Jasad activists point to continuing restrictions on civil and political freedoms.

Security: Police are hunting two suspects after crude bombs were thrown outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka; one exploded and another was defused. Banking: The central bank governor says Bangladesh needs Tk 60,000 crore a year for five to eight years to repair a sector damaged by financial looting. Minority Rights: The government pledged equal security and dignity for all citizens ahead of Durga Puja, while the BNP formed a 12-member committee to monitor festival safety. Technology Policy: The government aims to establish sovereign AI capabilities within a year, but questions remain over who will lead implementation and how the plan will be funded. Rohingya Response: Local NGOs say they have no direct funding under the 2026 response plan, despite calls for greater participation in aid delivery. Ports and Water: The 15-year DP World deal to operate Chattogram’s New Mooring Terminal has drawn protests, while Dhaka is seeking a revised Ganges treaty with guaranteed water flows.

Ganges Treaty: Dhaka is pushing for a revised water-sharing pact with India that guarantees Bangladesh’s dry-season share before the 1996 treaty expires in December. New Delhi says river talks belong within the Joint Rivers Commission. Chattogram Port: The government has formalized a 15-year DP World deal to operate the New Mooring terminal, prompting protests and calls from port workers for talks; the commerce minister dismissed claims the agreement sells out national interests. Politics & Accountability: Local Government Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan said politics should protect people’s rights, with stronger grassroots democracy and accountability. BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi condemned threats to halt remittances, saying they would hurt families and the economy. Trade & Labour: Bangladesh asked India to maintain preferential market access after its LDC graduation and ease trade barriers. Separately, the International Accord for garment safety has passed 300 signatories, but Bangladeshi manufacturers are pushing to reduce outside oversight. Public Services: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman says the government plans to expand mental-health care through local clinics, referrals and technology-based counselling.

Bangladesh-India Trade: Officials met in New Delhi on Friday to discuss trade barriers, anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute and smoother movement of goods across land ports. Dhaka’s delegation said the meeting was for discussion, not decisions. Chattogram Port: Bangladesh signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate and maintain the New Mooring Container Terminal; the port authority retains ownership. The agreement has drawn protests, with workers demanding talks and critics questioning the handover. Ganges Water Pact: Dhaka is seeking a new or revised water-sharing deal with India before the current agreement’s 2026 deadline, while ministers stress diplomacy and cooperation. Economic Outlook: Foreign reserves rose to $36.16 billion on October 8, as the government also secured a $3.1 billion loan to maintain fuel and LNG supplies.

Port Deal: Bangladesh signed a 15-year agreement for DP World to operate Chattogram port’s New Mooring Container Terminal, with the government retaining ownership and regulatory control. The deal has triggered protests and worker opposition; Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also urged the company to invest in free-trade zones and inland depots. India Ties: Dhaka is seeking a new or revised Ganges water-sharing treaty before the current pact expires in December 2026, including a guarantee of Bangladesh’s share. Ministers say they hope to reach agreement through diplomacy. Digital Policy: The government plans to launch sovereign AI infrastructure within a year, using local data and computing resources and opening the system to businesses, universities and students. Economic Pressure: Inflation rose to 8.34% in September, up from 8.26% in August, as food-price growth accelerated. Housing: The ADB will lend $100 million to support safe, affordable and climate-resilient homes for about 40,000 families.

India Ties: Bangladesh says it is optimistic that dialogue and international law can help resolve water-sharing disputes with India, as the Ganges treaty nears its December expiry. Rights and Politics: Awami League supporters protested at the UN Human Rights Council, alleging political repression; separately, a party official said reconciliation remains possible if the AL acknowledges responsibility. Global Governance: A Bangladesh-led resolution on artificial-intelligence rights has been adopted by the UN Human Rights Council. Climate Policy: At a Dhaka conference, Bangladesh’s environment minister urged the government to turn climate plans into funded projects with measurable results. Energy: The government approved a 442-megawatt solar plant in Rampal, replacing a planned coal expansion and targeting completion by 2029.

Rights and Politics: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged equal rights regardless of religion or identity in a meeting with Hindu and Buddhist representatives. Separately, adviser Zahed said reconciliation with the Awami League could be discussed if its leadership acknowledged responsibility; Human Rights Watch has warned of mass arrests of opposition supporters. Public Spending: ECNEC approved 13 projects worth Tk 16,207.55 crore, including a 442MW solar plant in Rampal. Trade and Investment: Bangladesh wants to lift trade with Indonesia from about $4 billion to more than $10 billion, while Germany is seeking stronger trade and investment ties. Aviation: Biman signed a deal for 10 Airbus jets to expand its long-haul and regional networks. Rohingya: Malaysia returned 1,500 refugees to Myanmar despite UN warnings about the risks they face.

Bangladesh-India Diplomacy: Indian envoy Dinesh Trivedi met PM Tarique Rahman’s circle in New Delhi and held talks with Narendra Modi, with Dhaka expecting further follow-up on trade and visa issues. Foreign Policy & Rights: Human Rights Watch says Bangladesh is seeing mass arrests of opposition supporters and a wider crackdown on civil and political rights. Economy Watch: The World Bank warns Bangladesh’s growth is under pressure from weak banking, energy shortages, and revenue shortfalls, forecasting FY27 GDP growth around 3.4% and noting rising poverty. Energy & Industry: Toyota Tsusho briefed the PM on plans to start vehicle manufacturing in Bangladesh, while LPG prices remain a flashpoint as consumers report shortages and overcharging. Nuclear Power: Rooppur’s first reactor is set to be switched on soon, promising relief from electricity woes but also raising local safety concerns. Urban Governance: After DNCC’s Mirpur-10 eviction drive, hawker-free footpaths held for the first time in recent memory—at least for now. Regional Migration: Malaysia is in talks with Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing over repatriating thousands of migrants, with rights groups warning of risks for returnees. Justice Delayed: Abrar Fahad’s family still waits for the final execution stage seven years after his killing, as appeals remain pending.

Political Reconciliation: PM adviser Zahed Ur Rahman says reconciliation with the Awami League is “not impossible,” but only if the party acknowledges responsibility and talks begin with its top leadership. Human Rights & Opposition: Human Rights Watch condemns mass arrests of opposition supporters, citing the Jasad office crackdown in Dhaka as part of a wider pattern against civil and political rights. Economy Under Strain: The World Bank warns energy bottlenecks, weak revenue and banking vulnerabilities are dragging growth, projecting 3.4% GDP for FY27 and urging fast reforms. Energy & Industry: BTMA leaders tell Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman that gas and power shortages are still disrupting textile mills, alongside tax and LDC-graduation pressures. Education Administration: Govt appoints 40 more candidates to the education cadre under the 49th BCS, continuing phased recruitment after earlier exclusions sparked debate. Bangladesh-UN Alignment: Foreign Affairs state minister Humaiun Kobir calls for tighter UN agency coordination and closer alignment with Bangladesh’s 2026-2031 reform framework, including on Rohingya repatriation. Bangladesh-Canada Ties: President Mirza Fakhrul urges Canada to expand investment and cooperation in agriculture, IT, education and Rohingya support. Regional Connectivity: India-Bangladesh river trade gets a boost as methanol cargo sails via the Brahmaputra after decades.

World Habitat Day 2026: UN marks the 40th observance with a push for “adequate housing for all,” linking housing to dignity, poverty reduction, inequality and climate resilience. Heat governance: A global Heat Forum urges cities to build lasting defenses against extreme heat, calling for heat action plans by 2030 and stronger worker protections. Dhaka transport regulation: The transport minister says Dhaka’s battery-run autorickshaws will be brought under a specific regulatory framework, with a draft policy in the works to curb “uncontrolled” operations while considering drivers’ livelihoods. Land administration transparency: The Law Ministry selects 18 sub-registrars for key Dhaka offices via lottery to reduce alleged syndicates and favouritism, with final postings based on skills and workload. Education cadre appointments: Govt appoints 40 more candidates to the education cadre under the 49th BCS, asking them to join by Oct 12. Rights and rule of law: HRW warns Bangladesh’s BNP-led government is continuing a “cycle of political repression” through arbitrary detentions and rollback of safeguards. Dengue campaign: Jamaat launches a dengue awareness drive in Rupganj, including leaflet distribution and mosquito repellent spraying. Economy outlook: The World Bank flags stagnating growth at 3.4% for FY2026-27, blaming energy shortages and a fragile banking sector.

Political Violence & Rights: TIB condemned the Rajshahi University attack on journalists and urged BNP and Jamaat to rein in violence and ensure unbiased prosecution. Civil Liberties Under Pressure: HRW said mass arrests of Jasad activists are an assault on civil and political rights, warning of arbitrary detention despite promises to restore rights. Student Politics Crackdown: Chhatra Dal expelled three RU leaders and issued show-cause notices to six over the RU journalist assault, while RU protests continued. Foreign Policy & Regional Security: At the Bay of Bengal Conversation, officials stressed trust-building for cooperation; separately, Nepal’s home minister visit to India is set for BIMSTEC talks. Rohingya Accountability: Disaster Management Minister Dulu met the Myanmar IIMM head, calling for justice for crimes against Rohingyas and safer repatriation. Economy & Governance: PM’s investment adviser Tanvir Gani pushed transparent reporting and predictable tax policy to restore investor confidence; BTRC plans to relaunch NEIR on Jan 1, 2027 to block illegal handsets. Trade & Energy: Bangladesh seeks to advance an FTA with Türkiye and a G2G LNG/fertiliser deal with Algeria; LPG scarcity in Dhaka is driving overcharging. Regional Connectivity: Assam’s Dibrugarh-Dhaka river route resumed with a methanol shipment, reviving Brahmaputra trade. Education Policy: PM Tarique Rahman marked World Teachers’ Day, pledging to make teaching a first-choice profession.