AGP Executive Report

Political Tensions: Opposition leader Nahid Islam warned parliament may not last its full term, accusing the government of sidelining dissent and failing to control law and order. He announced a protest for Oct. 30. Police say a proposed law would let them pursue extortion cases without victims’ complaints. Japan Ties: Ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Tokyo visit, Japan is preparing to mobilise $6.35 billion in private investment over five years. Biman will double Dhaka–Narita flights from Oct. 29. Saudi Executions: Bangladesh is still seeking court verdicts and explanations after Saudi Arabia executed two citizens; officials say the mission was not told their sentences were death. The government says around 7,500 Bangladeshis are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. Health and Weather: Dengue killed six people and sent 1,898 to hospital in 24 hours. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal could strengthen into a cyclone, with rain forecast from Oct. 27. Education and Cricket: HSC and equivalent results will be published Oct. 29. The BCB removed batting coach Mohammad Ashraful and named Mohammad Salahuddin interim coach ahead of the West Indies Tests.

Weather Alert: A well-marked low over the Bay of Bengal may strengthen into a cyclone, but Bangladesh’s weather office says a direct hit is unlikely; rain could reach coastal districts from October 27, and fishing boats have been warned to stay clear of deep waters. Road Safety: Three people died and at least 16 were injured when a bus plunged into a ditch on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway while overtaking. Cybersecurity: Bangladesh Bank’s website remained offline for a third day as officials review its defences; links with commercial banks and financial services are unaffected. Public Health: Nearly four in 10 Bangladeshi children face elevated lead exposure, with the highest rate in Dhaka Division. Seven more people have died with measles symptoms as the outbreak continues. Investment and Diplomacy: Japan plans to arrange $6.35 billion in private investment in Bangladesh over five years, with several agreements expected during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Tokyo visit. Dhaka is also seeking Saudi court verdicts and answers after two Bangladeshi nationals were executed.

Dhaka Security: A crude bomb exploded near the old Ramna police station on Friday night; no casualties were reported and police are investigating. Japan Ties: Ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s October 26–29 visit, Japan is expected to arrange $6.36 billion in private investment over five years, with several cooperation agreements also under discussion. Energy and Industry: Gas shortages and power cuts are disrupting factories, adding pressure on garment suppliers already facing reduced orders. Weather Watch: Cyclone Arnab is forecast to approach India’s eastern coast, but could bring heavy rain to Bangladesh; its track may change. Diplomacy: Dhaka is seeking Saudi Arabia’s court documents after two Bangladeshis were executed in Mecca, while an official says about 7,500 Bangladeshis are imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. Cricket: Taskin Ahmed returns to Bangladesh’s squad for the first West Indies Test, starting October 28 in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s under-19s drew their series with Afghanistan 2–2 after losing the final match.

Japan Investment: Japan is expected to mobilise about US$6.35 billion in private investment in Bangladesh over five years, targeting manufacturing, automobiles and energy. Saudi Arabia: Biman has suspended Dammam flights through October 25 and Riyadh services through October 31 after an airport attack. Dhaka says about 7,500 Bangladeshis are in Saudi jails and is seeking verdicts after two citizens were executed; the body of a Bangladeshi worker killed in a separate attack arrived home. Test Cricket: Taskin Ahmed returns to Bangladesh’s squad for the first Test against West Indies on October 28, while Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are also included. Dhaka Air: The capital’s air quality was unhealthy Friday morning, with an AQI of 153. Fisheries: A proposed Tk 47.55 crore project aims to raise fish production in 29 baors across four southwestern districts.

Saudi Crisis: An attack on Dammam airport killed two people and injured eight, including two Bangladeshis. Flight disruptions affected more than 20,000 passengers, and Biman suspended some Saudi services. Dhaka is also seeking answers after Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals without prior notice. Cybersecurity: Bangladesh Bank took its website offline amid global cyberattack concerns; banking transactions continued normally as officials worked on security checks. Unrest in Sajek: The army and police evacuated more than 2,300 tourists stranded by clashes and gunfire in Rangamati. Health: Dengue claimed four more lives, with 1,512 people hospitalised. Government and Investment: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inspected Mongla Port, the Sundarbans and a proposed economic zone; Japan is preparing $6 billion in private investment in Bangladesh. Dhaka and Algiers also agreed to broaden cooperation, including on energy and hydrocarbons. Cricket: Bangladesh crashed out of the tri-series after losing to Afghanistan, and off-spinner Aliss Al Islam was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action.

Investment: The government plans a 30-day deadline for processing foreign investors’ profit-repatriation requests and has eased rules for transferring or repatriating share proceeds, aiming to cut costs and build confidence. Telecom: BTRC is targeting January 1, 2027, to restart the handset registry, which it says could curb Tk 2,000 crore in annual tax evasion from illegal phones. Saudi Executions: Dhaka is still seeking answers and the court verdict after Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals; reports say they had been detained since 2023. Public Health: Dengue killed seven more people and put 1,373 in hospital in 24 hours, as authorities step up control efforts. Cricket: Bangladesh were knocked out of the UAE tri-series after Afghanistan bowled them out for 160 and won by seven wickets; stand-in captain Towhid Hridoy said the batting unit needs to improve, particularly overseas. Expatriate Safety: Two Bangladeshis were among eight people injured in the attack on Dammam airport, where two others died; operations have resumed, and a Biman flight carrying 379 passengers departed for the city. Tourism: A blockade on the Sajek road stranded more than 2,300 tourists, with police negotiating to help them reach safety.

Saudi Executions: Dhaka is demanding answers after Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi nationals on October 14, saying it was not informed beforehand. The case has sparked public anger, while the families dispute the accusations. Cricket: Bangladesh were bowled out for 160 and lost to Afghanistan by seven wickets, missing the tri-series final. Public Health: Dengue killed seven more people, all in Dhaka South, as 1,373 were hospitalised in 24 hours. The measles outbreak has also passed 1,200 reported deaths. Road Safety: Investigators say the bus in Tuesday’s fatal Natore crash had been operating for five months without a valid fitness certificate. Japan Ties: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is due to visit Japan from October 26 to 29, with business leaders urging him to secure investment and push for the trade pact’s implementation. Travel: Biman is resuming Riyadh flights on October 26 and has restarted Dammam services after Saudi airport restrictions disrupted 134 Bangladesh-linked flights.

Saudi Executions: Dhaka says Riyadh has yet to explain why two Bangladeshis executed on October 14 were not reported to the country’s mission. Bangladesh has requested the court verdicts and details of the case. Transport: Three carriages of a Dhaka-bound commuter train derailed in Cumilla, suspending traffic on the route’s up line; no deaths were immediately reported. Public Health: Bangladesh has recorded 215,768 suspected measles cases and 1,204 suspected and confirmed deaths since March, despite emergency vaccination efforts. Girls’ Education: State Minister Shama Obaed says tackling poverty, school dropouts and limited opportunities for girls is key to ending child marriage; nearly half of women aged 20–24 married before 18. Cricket: Bangladesh and Nepal will co-host the 2027 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup from January 21, with Bangladesh opening against the UAE in Sylhet. Rural Livelihoods: River erosion in Kurigram has swallowed farmland, forcing farmers to cut half-ripe paddy to salvage fodder.

Politics: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for people of all faiths to build Bangladesh together during Durga Puja visits, while accusing ousted Awami League figures and opposition forces of plotting unrest. Government: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accepted State Minister Ishraque Hossain’s resignation after video showed him brandishing a firearm during a Dhaka anti-drug drive. An additional DIG was also placed on special duty after drugs were seized at a property he rented out. Diplomacy: Dhaka is pressing Riyadh for court judgments and an explanation after Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshis on October 14. Bangladesh says it received no advance notice and the prisoner list did not reveal they faced death sentences. Jobs and business: Chinese zipper maker SBS began production in Mirsharai with a $15.5 million investment and plans to employ more than 2,000 people at full capacity. Keya Group, meanwhile, laid off 739 workers at four Gazipur factories amid gas supply and banking problems. Public health: Five people died of dengue and 1,366 were hospitalised in one day; the measles outbreak has claimed more than 1,200 lives this year.

Saudi Executions: Dhaka is seeking answers after Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshis over alleged indecent acts in a Mecca mosque, saying it received no advance notice. Questions remain about their legal representation and whether they could appeal. Politics and Unity: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited a Durga Puja mandap in Rangpur and urged people of all faiths to work together to build Bangladesh. He is due to hold talks with Japan’s prime minister in Tokyo on October 27. Jobs and Industry: Keya Group laid off 739 workers at four Gazipur factories, citing banking problems, unpaid gas bills and excess staff. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has claimed more than 1,200 lives, with experts warning that weak vaccination coverage leaves children at risk. Law and Order: The government says mob-violence incidents fell 41% in January–September, but a rights group recorded 187 deaths, underscoring concerns about attacks outside the law. Connectivity: The telecom regulator plans to map service gaps in remote and disaster-prone areas.

Saudi Executions: Dhaka is seeking an explanation after Saudi Arabia executed two Bangladeshi citizens over alleged acts inside a Mecca mosque. Officials say Bangladesh was not told in advance, despite the couple appearing on a prisoner list shared between the countries. Measles Emergency: Bangladesh’s outbreak has killed more than 1,200 people, mostly children, as experts warn that weak vaccination coverage and gaps in outreach are hampering the response. Durga Puja: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is due to visit worshippers in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Chattogram, in an unprecedented outreach beyond Dhaka. He has urged people of all faiths to work together and preserve communal harmony. Political Accountability: State Minister Ishraque Hossain announced his resignation after a video of him wielding a gun went viral; opposition leader Nahid Islam also demanded the home minister resign over law-and-order failures. Economy and Energy: The government says it spent $4.12 billion on energy subsidies in eight months, while higher salaries for government employees are expected to begin arriving by month’s end.

Saudi Executions: Dhaka says it was not informed before two Bangladeshis were executed in Mecca and is seeking details of the case and legal proceedings from Riyadh. Cox’s Bazar Fire: Ten people died in a resort blaze at Inani; investigators cited wooden structures, strong winds and a lack of fire alarms and firefighting equipment as factors in its rapid spread. Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s outbreak has killed 1,196 people, with more than 213,000 suspected cases. Experts warn that vaccination gaps and weak health data are hampering the response. Political Accountability: Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain faced criticism after video showed him brandishing a pistol during an anti-drug raid; reports say the prime minister asked him to resign, though officials disputed that account. Public Spending: The government faces questions over a proposed $31 million addition to the Single Point Mooring maintenance contract, despite tender terms requiring taxes to be included. Leadership and Diplomacy: Nahida Akter will captain Bangladesh’s women in T20Is, while former air chief Sheikh Abdul Hannan was arrested in Qatar over graft allegations. Dhaka Conditions: The capital ranked third among the world’s most polluted cities, with an unhealthy AQI reading of 171.

Government: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered State Minister Ishraque Hossain to resign after video showed him carrying a firearm during an anti-drug raid in Dhaka, triggering criticism over his conduct. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has claimed 1,196 lives, with more than 213,000 suspected cases reported; health experts point to gaps in vaccination. Tragedy: Ten people, including children, died in a fire at a wooden resort in Cox’s Bazar. Diplomacy: Dhaka has sought an explanation from Saudi Arabia after two Bangladeshis were executed over an alleged offence at a Makkah mosque. Economy: Bangladesh Bank says Tk 14,519 crore of a Tk 60,000 crore stimulus package had been disbursed by mid-October, while remittances rose 13.3% to $1.74 billion in the first 17 days of the month. Migrant Workers: A report says 20 Bangladeshis trafficked to Russia for jobs have died after being sent to fight in Ukraine. Cricket: Nahida Akter has been named Bangladesh women’s T20I captain; West Indies have replaced Keemo Paul with Shamar Springer ahead of their two-Test tour, starting October 28.

Resort Fire: A blaze at a Cox’s Bazar beach resort killed 10 people, including six members of one family, and injured nine. The resort manager has been arrested as investigators examine reported safety failures. Measles Outbreak: Bangladesh’s death toll has climbed to 1,189. A review linked the crisis to falling vaccination coverage and gaps in health data and outreach, with young children hardest hit. Minister Under Probe: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has ordered an investigation after State Minister Ishraque Hossain displayed a firearm during an anti-drug drive. He says he acted in self-defence. Executions Abroad: Dhaka has asked Saudi Arabia for details after two Bangladeshi nationals were executed on October 14; the government says it received no advance notice. Cricket: Bangladesh were beaten by 99 runs by Zimbabwe in the Abu Dhabi tri-series opener, despite a strong start to the chase.

Cox’s Bazar Fire: Ten people, including six members of one family, died when flames tore through a beach resort in Inani. Authorities said it lacked a fire-safety licence despite a warning in June. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles death toll rose to 1,189, including suspected cases, as the outbreak continues to spread. Saudi Executions: Dhaka has asked Riyadh for details after two Bangladeshis were executed, saying it received no advance notice. Disability Support: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to expand allowances, jobs and access to public services for people with disabilities. Economy: Garment exports to the EU fell sharply in January–August, though August figures offered early signs of recovery; exports to Poland rose 9.8% in FY26.

Cox’s Bazar Fire: At least 10 people were killed and nine injured when a resort at Inani Sea Beach caught fire. Authorities are investigating the cause. Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has claimed 1,186 lives, according to the latest reports, while dengue cases are also rising. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged young people to join prevention drives and inspected hospitals and schools. Digital Security: Personal data belonging to more than 1.8 million Bangladeshis, along with over 17,000 sets of login details, was found on the dark web, a cybersecurity report says. Economic Strain: Rising food prices are squeezing household budgets, while Dhaka is seeking a fresh $4.5 billion IMF loan as it faces economic pressure. India Ties: Bangladesh plans to press India to return former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others at an upcoming consular dialogue. Durga Puja: Celebrations are under way nationwide; reports of 34 attacks at Puja venues have raised concerns about minority safety.