AGP Executive Report

Investment: BEPZA opened dedicated desks for investors from China, South Korea and Japan. Its zones signed 36 investment deals and exported $8.41 billion in FY26. Energy: OASL aims to connect foreign financiers with power and clean-energy projects worth more than $50 million. Walton also launched an integrated solar system for generation, storage and household use. Waste-to-fuel: The prime minister backed research to turn sewage, kitchen and farm waste into fuel. Researchers estimate a pilot plant would cost Tk100–120 crore; commercial potential still needs testing. Trade: Bangladesh will prioritise investment and economic ties during the prime minister’s Japan visit later this month. Industry: Steelmakers hope resumed public projects will revive demand after domestic consumption fell sharply. Exports: Business leaders want a national halal-industry policy to diversify exports beyond garments. Finance: The IMF may seek deadlines to address weak banks as Bangladesh pursues a new loan; BSEC plans to raise the direct-listing threshold for private firms to Tk1,000 crore. Logistics: DP World’s 15-year deal to operate Chattogram’s New Mooring terminal could reshape port operations, while the government is seeking further investment in free zones and inland depots.

Port Logistics: Bangladesh has signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate Chattogram’s New Mooring Container Terminal. The port authority retains ownership, while the operator is expected to improve capacity and supply-chain efficiency. Energy Costs: Finance adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir says the Middle East crisis added $4.12 billion to Bangladesh’s oil, LNG and fertiliser import bill from March to September; costs could rise by about $600 million a month if the crisis continues. Power Supply: Rosatom says Rooppur’s first unit will connect to the national grid on an experimental basis soon, as Bangladesh seeks to strengthen energy security. Garment Manufacturing: Beximco is seeking approval for a foreign-backed leasing plan to restart some shuttered factories, beginning with an export-focused unit that could reopen next April. Technology: The government aims to establish sovereign AI capabilities within 12 months, but turning the pledge into results will require clear responsibility and delivery plans.

Garment Safety: The International Accord has passed 300 signatories and covers more than 2,000 factories in Bangladesh and Pakistan, but Bangladeshi manufacturers are pushing to change its oversight and protocols. Port Operations: DP World has secured a 15-year concession to operate Chattogram’s New Mooring Container Terminal, with the government arguing the deal will improve efficiency and export competitiveness. Power Supply: Rosatom says Rooppur’s first unit could connect to the grid experimentally soon; separately, Bangladesh approved eight-hour battery storage for a 442MW solar project. Rural Investment: Two IFAD-backed projects worth $324 million aim to strengthen climate resilience, livelihoods and food systems, reaching 2.5 million people. Business Conditions: Private-sector activity fell to its lowest level since August 2024, while textile leaders cite gas and power shortages. The government is also directing banks to disburse Tk 5,000 crore from a small-business fund by November. Aviation: Biman Bangladesh signed a deal to buy 10 Airbus aircraft, a major fleet expansion.

Port & Logistics: Bangladesh signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate Chattogram’s New Mooring Container Terminal; the port authority retains ownership, while workers protest the handover. The prime minister also sought DP World investment in free-trade zones and rail-linked depots. Energy: Rooppur Unit 1 won approval to begin its first controlled nuclear reaction, a key commissioning step before power generation. Small Businesses: Bangladesh Bank told lenders to disburse Tk 5,000 crore in low-cost CMSME loans by November; Tk 450 crore had been released in the first two weeks. Shipbuilding: The government plans policy and infrastructure support for shipbuilding and ship recycling, targeting export growth and greener yards. Renewables: AkijBashir became Bangladesh’s first RE100 member, pledging 100% renewable electricity by 2050; it says it already has about 90MW of solar capacity. Energy Costs: LPG shortages persist, with 12kg cylinders selling for Tk 2,300–2,500, well above the official Tk 1,837 price. Trade: Bangladesh and India discussed jute duties, land ports and other barriers as Bangladesh’s exports to India remain far below its imports.

Ports & Logistics: Bangladesh signed a 15-year deal for DP World to operate Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal, with the state retaining ownership and DP World committing to modernisation investment. The Prime Minister also sought the operator’s investment in free trade zones and rail-based inland depots. Small Businesses: Bangladesh Bank has told lenders to disburse the full Tk 5,000 crore CMSME fund by November; about Tk 450 crore had been released in the first two weeks. Shipbuilding: The government is backing shipbuilding and green ship recycling to capture rising global demand, expand exports and address financing hurdles for shipyards. Energy: Türkiye has offered lower-cost LNG, fuel oil and floating regasification units as Bangladesh seeks affordable supplies; separately, Jamuna Group signed a deal for 34 MWp of rooftop solar. Digital Industry: Bangladesh plans to launch sovereign AI infrastructure within a year, with access for businesses, startups and universities. Prices: Inflation edged up to 8.34% in September, as food inflation also rose.

Renewable Energy: ECNEC approved a 442MW solar plant at Rampal, backed by Tk 2,498 crore and planned with eight-hour battery storage. The project will use land once earmarked for coal power and is expected to be completed by 2029. Aviation: Biman signed a firm order for 10 Airbus jets—four A350-900s and six A321neos—to modernise its fleet and expand international routes. Automotive: Toyota Tsusho is exploring vehicle manufacturing in Bangladesh, with potential for local jobs and technology transfer. Jobs and Growth: The World Bank says about two million people enter the labour market annually, while only 900,000 jobs are created; industrial employment has declined, and power outages affect 71% of firms. Garments: BKMEA urged faster renewable-energy adoption to protect the RMG sector’s competitiveness, while BGMEA pressed the World Bank to expand funding for factory water management. Trade: A 540-tonne methanol shipment from Assam to Dhaka has revived the Brahmaputra cargo route after seven decades. Fertiliser: Jamuna Fertiliser halted production again, just two days after restarting, due to a boiler leak.

Aviation: Biman signed a firm deal for 10 Airbus jets—four long-haul A350s and six A321neos—with deliveries expected from around 2033. Energy and Investment: ECNEC approved 13 projects worth Tk 16,207.55 crore, including a 442-MWp Rampal solar plant set to include eight-hour battery storage. Bangladesh also wants to raise annual trade with Indonesia from about $4 billion to over $10 billion by expanding garment, pharmaceutical and agricultural exports. Economic Outlook: GDP growth reached 3.68% in FY26, with industry growing 6.52% in the final quarter; a new gas discovery in Noakhali could add 7 million cubic feet a day to the national grid. Industry Pressures: Textile leaders say gas and power shortages are hitting mills, while the World Bank warns energy constraints and banking-sector problems are weighing on growth. Foreign Investment: Germany is seeking stronger trade and investment ties with Bangladesh, including cooperation in renewable energy and skills development.

Nuclear Power Watch: Bangladesh is preparing to switch on its first Rooppur nuclear plant, a $13bn, 2.4GW project, with Unit-1 targeted by year-end and Unit-2 within a year—promising relief from chronic power shortages even as concerns persist for communities nearby. Industrial Investment: Toyota Tsusho briefed PM Tarique Rahman on plans to set up a Toyota vehicle manufacturing plant in Bangladesh, highlighting jobs, industrial expansion, technology transfer and skilled manpower, while also discussing possible links to waste-to-energy and renewables. Energy & Cost Pressure: The World Bank warns Bangladesh’s growth is being dragged by energy bottlenecks, banking vulnerabilities and weak revenue, projecting GDP growth around 3.4% for FY26–FY27 and urging fast reforms in banking, domestic revenue and energy. Trade & Compliance: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir says the government will fast-track a TSDF and simplify approvals to boost shipbuilding and recycling competitiveness, aiming to attract foreign buyers and reduce delays in Chattogram clearances. Tourism & Fisheries Ties: Bangladesh and the Maldives pushed closer cooperation on sustainable tuna fisheries and tourism at Dhaka’s Great Tuna Gala, with officials pointing to growing connectivity and market opportunities. Food Market Shock: Bangladesh’s LPG price rose again to Tk 1,837 for a 12-kg cylinder, while retailers report supply shortages and higher charging, adding to household cost pressure.

World Bank Update: Bangladesh’s growth outlook stays weak as energy shortages, banking vulnerabilities and low revenue collection drag momentum; the lender projects FY27 GDP growth at 3.4% (and FY26 also 3.4%), with a modest rise to 3.9% in FY28 only if energy constraints ease and reforms speed up. Energy & Industry: Textile mills warn gas and power shortages still disrupt production, while BTMA and opposition leaders push for policy support on incentives, taxes and LDC graduation impacts. Ship Recycling Push: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir says the government will fast-track a TSDF and simplify approvals for shipbuilding and recycling to attract foreign buyers, with focus on Chattogram clearances and environmental compliance. Food Safety Enforcement: BFSA fined food businesses over Tk 1cr in September and filed 44 cases, citing hygiene lapses, missing labels and unapproved ingredients. Renewables Project: ECNEC approval is sought for a 442MWp Rampal solar plant worth Tk 2,498.08cr to expand clean power and cut fuel dependence. Trade & Connectivity: Bangladesh-India trade talks resume in New Delhi on Oct 8-9, aiming to cut tariff/non-tariff barriers and review anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute. Apparel Sustainability: Dutch-backed “Circular Textiles Bangladesh” launches to advance traceability and decarbonization for EU-linked product requirements, involving BGMEA/BKMEA and tech partners.

RMG Export Outlook: Bangladesh’s apparel sector is being pushed to move beyond pure scale as buyers demand faster, more flexible response; FY25-26 garment exports fell 1.64% to $38.701bn, with EU down but US and UK up, while BATEXPO 2026 (Nov 18-19) is set to rebuild buyer confidence. Energy & Industry Pressure: The World Bank warns Bangladesh growth could stagnate at 3.4% in FY26-27 as energy shortages and a fragile banking sector hit factories, with LNG supply disruptions and load-shedding worsening costs. LPG Crisis in Dhaka: LPG cylinders are scarce and being sold above BERC-fixed rates, with reports of overcharging and retailers avoiding sales amid enforcement fears. Trade & Logistics Boost: A historic Brahmaputra river route is revived as a 540-tonne methanol cargo sails from Dibrugarh to Dhaka, testing inland-water freight potential for regular shipments. Investment & SEZ Expansion: Rancon Lubricants signed a 50-year land lease for 6.5 acres at Invest Bangladesh’s National SEZ in Mirsarai, planning a $19.65m unit and 250+ jobs. Policy & Compliance: Dhaka plans a regulatory framework for battery-run autorickshaws to curb uncontrolled operations while protecting drivers’ livelihoods. Finance Sector Update: IDRA begins clearing unpaid insurance claims, settling BDT263.6m for 7,641 policyholders in phase three.

RMG Trade & Market Access: BGMEA mourned banker-corporate leader M Ghaziul Haque, crediting his role in private banking and supply-chain support for apparel exports. BATEXPO 2026 returns Nov 18-19 in Dhaka to showcase Bangladesh’s transformed RMG sector to global buyers, while exporters report losing Russian buyers amid sanctions and payment/shipping disruptions. Telecom & Compliance: BTRC will relaunch NEIR on Jan 1, 2027 to block illegal handsets, in two phases. Energy & Industry Costs: LPG scarcity in Dhaka is driving covert overcharging despite fixed prices; separate coverage flags LNG price pressure hurting gas supply and industrial output. Govt also seeks ECNEC approval for a 442MWp Rampal solar project. Trade Negotiations: Bangladesh pushes FTA talks with Türkiye and a G2G LNG/fertiliser import plan with Algeria. Logistics & Inland Shipping: Assam’s Dibrugarh sent the first international cargo to Bangladesh since Independence—540 tonnes of methanol—reviving the Brahmaputra freight corridor. Policy & Social Impact: Banks cut CSR spending sharply; a Plan International report links climate shocks to higher child marriage and teen pregnancy risks.

Aviation & Fleet Expansion: Biman Bangladesh Airlines is set to sign an Airbus deal for 10 new aircraft on Oct 7, adding four A350-900s and six A321neo jets to modernise its fleet and expand long-haul and regional capacity. Energy & Industry Cost Pressure: Bangladesh’s LNG expansion is under fresh scrutiny as analysts warn the country may not afford doubling import capacity amid high bills, debt and unreliable power supply. Air Quality in Dhaka: Air pollution remains severe around Dhaka, with AQI readings hitting unhealthy levels in Savar, Tongi and Gazipur, driven by vehicles, construction dust and brick kilns. Construction & Urban Services: World Habitat Day 2026 featured a housing fair with 157 stalls and policy discussions on universal housing and sustainable urbanisation. Transport & Logistics: A methanol cargo voyage will sail from Dibrugarh to Dhaka via the Brahmaputra route, reviving inland waterway trade links. Infrastructure Delivery Risks: Experts flag weak planning and coordination behind repeated delays and cost overruns in major projects. Environment & Rivers: Plastic pollution is worsening in rivers like the Buriganga, threatening aquatic life and public health. Labour Migration Protections: Rights groups urge Bangladesh and Malaysia to adopt a binding labour agreement before large-scale recruitment resumes. Business & Trade: BGMEA asks Pakistan to import more Bangladeshi jute yarn and pharmaceuticals to narrow trade imbalance. Renewables: Gtech Infrastructure held a seminar on rooftop solar as a cleaner, cost-effective energy option for businesses.

Energy & Infrastructure: Govt is pushing a Tk 2,910.22cr project to expand and modernise electricity distribution in Chattogram Hill Tracts, aiming to connect 88,586 new consumers across all 26 upazilas of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, with ADB financing. Power Pollution Watch: DoE tests found oil/grease, suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand in water from a govt power plant canal flowing into the Sangu River far above limits, raising health and fisheries concerns. Transport & Roads: PM Tarique Rahman ordered faster work on Dhaka’s Inner Circular Road, while locals reported new 250m cracks on the Dhaka Bypass upgrade in Sonargaon, alleging substandard materials. Energy Prices: BERC raised LPG prices for October; a 12kg cylinder now costs Tk 1,837, but shortages and alleged overpricing keep retail rates much higher. Jobs & Skills: Government will launch an Employment Exchange Centre in December, starting in Dhaka, to match jobseekers with employers via online/offline databases and fairs. Trade & Logistics: India’s Sonowal will flag off the first international cargo voyage from Assam’s Dibrugarh to Bangladesh carrying methanol to Pangaon Port, reviving Brahmaputra trade links. Finance & Markets: Mercantile Bank appointed Ahmed Shaheen as additional managing director; separate coverage highlights low stock-market participation in Bangladesh. Industry & Telecom: Robi completed nationwide 4G modernization in Chattogram region; BCIC got a new chairman, Md. Babul Mian.

Textile water stewardship: BKMEA inaugurated its Water Cell on Oct 3, launching a Water Stewardship awareness and consultation for knitwear to cut water use, boost reuse and prevent pollution. River pollution crackdown: A report says factories in Gazipur and Narsingdi are still polluting rivers despite ETPs, with tests finding heavy metals and highly acidic water. Nuclear power progress: Rooppur’s second unit fuel is being stockpiled; officials say trial electricity could start after tests, aiming for power by December. Port digital push: Chattogram Port is moving toward “paperless” operations by Dec 2026, expanding online TOS services, payments and e-gate systems. Energy market pressure: LPG importers met the energy minister over supply crisis and overpricing claims; separate coverage highlights how rising fuel costs are squeezing farmers and food production. Food and trade costs: Commerce minister urged faster LC openings to raise fruit supply and curb abnormal malta prices, while restaurant owners demanded a unified one-stop licensing system. Investment and industry finance: Invest Bangladesh launched an incentive scheme offering cash for mobilising fresh FDI; BASIC Bank remains under strain after past irregularities. Skills and jobs: Islamic University in Kushtia held an industry-academia event with 27 firms, while a study warns most outbound workers leave without training.

LPG Supply Crunch: Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku met LPG importers to tackle a cylinder supply crisis and alleged overpricing, as consumers report 12-kg LPG sold far above the BERC-set rate. Fruit Import Pressure: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir ordered faster opening of letters of credit to boost malta and dates imports after malta prices hit Tk 520/kg, directing consumer-rights action against unjustified hikes. Restaurant Compliance Push: Restaurant owners demanded a unified one-stop licensing system, saying they now face 10–12 approvals from multiple departments, adding cost and slowing operations. Transport Safety Move: A new Motor Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling Policy will formally scrap vehicles with fitness certificates expired for over five years, with a process for seizure and objections. Energy Security Research: KUET researchers reported progress producing diesel-rich bio-crude from human waste, sewage sludge and farm residues, aiming to cut imported fuel dependence. Gas Infrastructure Focus: Officials highlighted Bhola’s gas potential but stressed transmission constraints as production remains underutilised. Textile/Jute Value Addition: Jute diversification efforts push raw jute into higher-value products beyond RMG, while the government promotes new sales outlets and fairs. Disaster Preparedness Funding: Bangladesh scaled up disaster risk reduction with major allocations for cash-for-work, rural maintenance, shelters and food support. Banking Sector Watch: BASIC Bank remains stuck recovering from Bacchu-era irregularities, while Bank Asia signed BB refinance participation agreements for green factories and ICT financing. Digital Banking Debate: A Bangladesh Bank move to approve digital banks sparked renewed questions on whether app-first banking can deliver beyond branchless convenience.

Nuclear Energy & Industry: A uranium fuel shipment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has arrived in Bangladesh after earlier delays tied to Pakistan airspace permission, with tight security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and more consignments expected in November-December. Trade & Exports: Dhaka is pushing Seoul for concrete steps to boost Bangladeshi exports and narrow the trade imbalance, including streamlining food-safety and quarantine checks for agricultural and fishery products. Textiles & Manufacturing: Pearl Global commissioned a new garment manufacturing unit and expanded sustainable laundry capacity in Bangladesh, adding about 7 million pieces of annual capacity; separately, the textile sector targets $47.5bn exports through green and digital transformation. Industrial Finance: ADB approved a $50m loan for Modern Syntex to nearly quadruple polyester chips output in Bangladesh, aiming to cut reliance on imported synthetic inputs. Logistics & Transport: Dhaka–Chattogram rail communication resumed after a derailment incident involving a rescue train trolley. Energy & Regional Cooperation: PM Tarique Rahman called for deeper regional cooperation to turn the Bay of Bengal into a shared prosperity zone across trade, energy, technology, climate and maritime affairs.