AGP Executive Report

Dengue Emergency: Ten people died and 1,943 were hospitalised in 24 hours, pushing Bangladesh’s death toll to 331 and total cases above 107,000. India Ties: Dhaka plans to press India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and suspects in the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi at an upcoming consular dialogue. Minority Security: Puja organisers reported 34 incidents of vandalism and attacks ahead of Durga Puja, with arrests in 11 cases; 33,851 celebrations are planned nationwide. Data Breach: More than 18 lakh Bangladesh-linked user records and 17,362 sets of login credentials were found on the dark web, a cybersecurity report says. Economic Strain: The IMF urged tight monetary policy and broader reforms as inflation remains high; it has cut Bangladesh’s FY27 growth forecast to 3.2%. Export Shift: Spain overtook Germany as Bangladesh’s largest EU apparel buyer, with garment exports reaching $1.14 billion in July–September. Saudi Executions: Saudi Arabia said it executed two Bangladeshis in the Makkah region over alleged acts inside a mosque, but did not specify the conduct or identify the mosque.

Public Service: The government gazetted appointments for 1,702 candidates from the 45th BCS, with recruits due to join by November 1. Economic Strain: The IMF cut Bangladesh’s 2026–27 growth forecast to 3.2%. The government says the energy crisis has added $4.1 billion in costs since late February, complicating its reform plans. Gulf Disruptions: One hundred flights between Dhaka and Saudi Arabia were cancelled or suspended, affecting 15,393 passengers, including migrant workers. Migrant Safety: A rights group says 20 Bangladeshis trafficked to Russia for work have been killed in the war in Ukraine. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles death toll has topped 1,100, as the country struggles to contain the outbreak. Trade and Industry: Bangladesh and China’s Yunnan province agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and connectivity. In Chandpur, six of 33 units at the BSCIC industrial estate remain shut, with locals citing poor infrastructure and limited support for entrepreneurs.

Public Health: Dengue claimed five more lives, with 1,920 people hospitalised in 24 hours; Bangladesh’s measles death toll has also passed 1,100. The prime minister urged households to clean their surroundings twice a week to curb mosquito breeding. Trafficking: Police arrested two suspects accused of luring Bangladeshis to Russia with false job offers before they were forced into the war in Ukraine. Twenty victims are confirmed dead, officials say. Children’s Rights: A UN review says 41.6 million Bangladeshis were married as children, with legal gaps weakening protections. Economy and Jobs: Inflation continues to outpace wage growth, squeezing workers, while the IMF warns growth will slow and inflation rise. Exporters say Bangladesh could double sales to the UK to $10 billion by diversifying beyond garments. Cricket: Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal batted for more than eight hours to deny Bangladesh a Test win; Australia completed a 3-0 women’s ODI sweep. West Indies named Kevin Wickham for their upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh, while resting Shai Hope. Investment: The government says it wants to shift from Chinese loans towards investment, as a Chinese firm plans a $17 million garment factory in Mongla.

Cricket: Afghanistan batted out 92 overs to draw the Abu Dhabi Test, with Sediqullah Atal’s 111 denying Bangladesh a win after missed chances. West Indies have called up Kevin Wickham for their two-Test series in Bangladesh, while resting Shai Hope and Alzarri Joseph. Economy: The IMF expects Bangladesh’s growth to slow to 3.2% in FY27 and inflation to reach 10.9%. In Bangkok, Finance Minister Amir Khosru said Dhaka wants Chinese financing to shift from loans to investment; the US Treasury has also pledged support for economic stability. Politics: The government has warned of legal action after Muhammad Yunus was heckled by Bangladeshi expatriates at New York’s JFK airport. Energy: Bangladesh’s first nuclear reactor at Rooppur has reached criticality, a major step in the plant’s development. Health: Dengue deaths have risen to 316, with nine deaths and 1,954 hospitalisations reported in one day. Overseas workers: Houthi attacks on Saudi airports killed Bangladeshi nationals and disrupted flights from Dhaka, leaving thousands of passengers affected.

Test Cricket: Afghanistan held Bangladesh to a dramatic draw in Abu Dhabi, batting 142 overs as Sediqullah Atal made 111 and Qais Ahmad finished unbeaten on 49. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said missed chances cost his side victory. Yunus Incident: Dhaka says it will pursue legal action and raise the heckling of Muhammad Yunus at New York’s JFK airport with US authorities. Economy: The IMF cut Bangladesh’s FY27 growth forecast to 3.2% and expects inflation to reach 10.9%, citing persistent economic strains. Dengue: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered stronger prevention drives and inter-agency coordination as deaths reached 316 and 1,954 people were hospitalised in a day. Infrastructure: Rooppur’s first reactor reached criticality, while Bangladesh signed a $335.78 million Chinese loan deal to modernise Mongla port. Jobs and Transport: A Chattogram job fair secured work for 323 people; India’s RITES dispatched the first 18-coach rake under a 200-coach supply contract for Bangladesh Railway.

Old Dhaka Fire: A blaze at a Chawkbazar market was brought under control after a 12-hour battle; four firefighters were injured as locked warehouses, narrow streets and water shortages hampered the operation. Economic Reform: The government plans a digital business-approval platform promising investment services within seven days, while Bangladesh signed a $335.78 million Chinese loan for Mongla Port upgrades. Energy and Technology: Bangladesh is seeking energy cooperation with Algeria and Saudi Arabia and plans to launch sovereign AI infrastructure within a year. Regional Security: Two Bangladeshis were killed and others injured in the Riyadh airport attack; the violence also disrupted flights between Dhaka and Saudi Arabia. Public Health: Dengue deaths have passed 300, with nearly 100,000 cases reported and 2,167 hospitalisations in a single day. Politics and Rights: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged equal rights and security for all citizens ahead of Durga Puja. Cricket: Bangladesh are closing in on victory over Afghanistan after building a commanding lead in the one-off Test.

Cricket: Bangladesh need seven wickets on the final day to beat Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, after Litton Das’s century helped set a 479-run target. Saudi Fallout: Two Bangladeshis were killed and 24 injured in attacks on Riyadh airport; flight disruptions from Dhaka have affected 5,418 passengers. Regional Ties: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first BIMSTEC home ministers’ meeting in Delhi, with a senior official representing Bangladesh amid strained ties. Dhaka has also pressed India for continued preferential trade access after LDC graduation. Economy: Bangladesh signed a $335.78 million Chinese loan for Mongla Port upgrades, while a Chinese garment investment worth $17 million is set to create 3,005 jobs. The government is also discussing a fresh IMF loan. Public Health: Dengue caused four deaths and 2,167 hospitalisations in one day; the death toll has passed 300 as cases approach 100,000.

Saudi Attack: Two Bangladeshis were killed in a Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport, and four others were reported injured by a state minister. The attack disrupted Dhaka–Saudi flights, leaving passengers stranded as families sought news of loved ones. Economy and Energy: Bangladesh’s gross forex reserves rose to $36.21 billion, while the government continued talks with the IMF on fresh support amid Middle East-driven uncertainty. Dhaka is also seeking Canadian backing for energy and climate finance and exploring LNG and LPG cooperation with Algeria. City Environment: Dhaka ranked sixth among the world’s most polluted cities on Monday, with an AQI of 167—an unhealthy level. Cricket: Hasan Mahmud’s historic Test hat-trick helped put Bangladesh in command against Afghanistan, while Sobhana Mostary’s landmark century against Australia came in a series defeat.

Saudi Attack: Two Bangladeshis were among 12 people killed in the Riyadh airport strike, with more than 300 injured. A fresh projectile hit the airport on Sunday, while Biman suspended Dhaka–Riyadh flights and cancellations disrupted travel. Dhaka condemned the attacks. Cricket: Hasan Mahmud became the first Bangladeshi pacer to take a Test hat-trick and the fastest to reach 50 Test wickets, helping Bangladesh take a commanding lead against Afghanistan. Sobhana Mostary also made history with Bangladesh’s first women’s ODI century against Australia, though the hosts won the series. Public Health: Bangladesh’s dengue death toll reached 303 as infections neared 100,000. Energy and Investment: Rooppur nuclear plant began fission, bringing power generation closer. The prime minister invited Japan’s Marubeni to invest in IT, AI, fertiliser and energy.

Riyadh Attack: Two Bangladeshis were among 12 killed in a missile strike on Riyadh airport that wounded 309. Dhaka condemned the attack and is coordinating help for victims’ families; five flights from Dhaka were cancelled, and Biman suspended its Riyadh service. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles death toll reached 1,155 after eight more deaths, while dengue sent 1,631 people to hospital in 24 hours. Cricket: Hasan Mahmud became Bangladesh’s first fast bowler to take a Test hat-trick, leaving Afghanistan eight wickets down and 126 runs behind. Infrastructure: The Sonahat Bridge in Kurigram remains unfinished after seven years, forcing residents and freight trucks onto a deteriorating railway bridge built in 1887. Culture: Four people were detained after Rabindranath Tagore’s mural in Dhaka was defaced, in an incident that raised fears of provocation ahead of Durga Puja. Economy: Garment exports rose 6.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, while Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank plan €250 million for women’s health and stronger healthcare services.

Air Travel: Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended its Dhaka–Riyadh–Dhaka flights until further notice, citing operational circumstances, and advised booked passengers not to go to the airport. Border Security: A 30-year-old Bangladeshi was reportedly injured in BSF firing near Jhenaidah; authorities are investigating. Police also recovered a bullet-hit body near the Sylhet border, but claims about who shot the man remain unverified. Journalism: Veteran journalist Amir Khasru, 64, has died in Dhaka after prolonged kidney and liver complications. Cricket: Afghanistan reached 211 for four, trailing Bangladesh by 135 in the Abu Dhabi Test; Rahmat Shah was unbeaten on 84 at stumps. Economy: Bangladesh’s garment exports rose 6.1% year-on-year to $10.58 billion in July–September, according to Export Promotion Bureau data. Durga Puja: BNP leaders urged activists to coordinate with local committees and help keep celebrations peaceful nationwide.

Security: A crude bomb exploded outside the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka early Saturday; a second was defused as police search for two suspects. Jobs: Candidates blocked Dhaka roads after a recruitment exam was suspended amid question-leak allegations. Banking: The central bank governor says the sector needs Tk 60,000 crore a year for up to eight years to recover from financial damage. Weather: Rain and gusty winds are forecast across Bangladesh over the next 48 hours, with a low-pressure area possible over the Bay around October 13. Cricket: Bangladesh reached 317-8 on day one of the Abu Dhabi Test against Afghanistan, led by Tanzid Hasan’s 83 and half-centuries from Shadman Islam and Litton Das. Durga Puja: Mahalaya celebrations began the festival countdown, while the BNP formed a monitoring committee and leaders pledged support and security for Hindu communities. Energy and trade: Rosatom says Rooppur’s first unit will connect to the grid soon; meanwhile, Bangladesh faces an extra $4.12 billion in energy and fertiliser import costs amid the Middle East crisis. Chattogram Port’s 15-year DP World deal has drawn worker opposition. Water diplomacy: Dhaka is pressing for a revised Ganges treaty with guaranteed water flows.

Cricket: Bangladesh closed day one of the Abu Dhabi Test against Afghanistan at 317-8, led by Tanzid Hasan’s 83, Shadman Islam’s 67 and Litton Das’s 53. The women’s team, meanwhile, lost the first ODI in Australia by seven wickets after being bowled out for 166. India Relations: Dhaka is seeking a revised Ganges treaty with guarantees for its water share before the 1996 pact expires on December 12; New Delhi says river talks belong within the Joint Rivers Commission. Bangladesh also pressed India to retain preferential market access after LDC graduation and remove trade barriers. Chattogram Port: The government has signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal, drawing protests and opposition from port workers. Energy: Rooppur’s first unit has been cleared to begin fission, while Rosatom says it aims to connect the unit to the grid on an experimental basis soon. Public Services: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman says the government plans to expand community and technology-based mental health care. Jobs Abroad: Authorities have busted a suspected gang accused of taking up to Tk1 million from people with promises of overseas jobs. Border: BGB says it foiled an attempted push-in of four people from India into Meherpur.

Cricket: Bangladesh chose to bat against Afghanistan in their one-off Abu Dhabi Test, the Tigers’ first Test at a neutral venue. Chattogram Port: DP World has secured a 15-year deal to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal, while port workers demand talks and protesters urge the government to reconsider. The port authority will retain ownership. Energy: Rooppur’s first unit has been cleared to begin fission, raising hopes of easing power shortages as concerns persist over cost and safety. Economy: Foreign reserves climbed to $36.16 billion, and Bangladesh and India discussed trade barriers, including duties on Bangladeshi jute. Health and environment: Dengue killed five more people, with 1,935 hospitalised in 24 hours; Dhaka ranked fifth among the world’s most polluted cities, while nearby communities oppose a planned waste-to-energy plant over pollution fears. Rangpur Murders: Police say DNA from crime-scene items statistically matches samples from two accused in the murders of a family of four.

Port Deal: Bangladesh signed a 15-year agreement for DP World to operate Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Terminal, while workers protested the handover. 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 pact before the current treaty expires in December, with a guarantee of Bangladesh’s share. Economy and Housing: September inflation rose to 8.34%, and Bangladesh Bank ordered lenders to disburse Tk 5,000 crore in CMSME loans by November. The ADB will provide $100 million for affordable, climate-resilient homes for about 40,000 families. Health and Safety: Dengue claimed five more lives, with 1,935 people hospitalised in 24 hours. Bangladeshis were among those injured in attacks on two Saudi airports that killed three people and wounded 36. Cricket: Bangladesh face Afghanistan in a one-off Test in Abu Dhabi as they seek to build on recent progress in the format. Culture: Chhayanaut and Dhaka schools are holding joint autumn celebrations to bring music and dance to young audiences.

Aviation: Biman Bangladesh has placed a firm order for 10 Airbus jets—four A350-900s and six A321neos—as it plans to expand international routes and modernise its fleet. Energy: The government approved a $230 million, 442-megawatt solar plant at Rampal, replacing a planned coal expansion as Bangladesh seeks to ease fuel dependence and chronic power shortages. Economy: September inflation rose to 8.34%, while manufacturing and services helped lift GDP growth to 4.6% in April–June. India ties: Dhaka says it is optimistic about resolving water-sharing disputes through talks; the Ganges treaty expires in December, and trade issues are also on the agenda. Public health: Dengue claimed eight more lives, with 1,860 people hospitalised in 24 hours. Research: Twenty-two Dhaka University researchers made the 2026 list of the world’s top 2% of scientists, and the university ranked first among Bangladeshi research institutions.