Back to the brief

Politics

Prime minister inspects Mongla port and proposed economic zone

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inspected Mongla port and the proposed BEZA economic zone on 22 October after visiting the Sundarbans and a naval base. He met naval, port and local officials. Business representatives called for better navigability, additional jetty capacity and faster customs services to increase use of the port.

From 23 October 2026 — Daily Brief

23 OCT 2026 · 8/25

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inspected Mongla port and a proposed Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority development on 22 October during a day-long visit to the southwest.

He viewed Hiron Point and adjoining parts of the Sundarbans from the air before landing at Nalian in Khulna’s Dacope upazila. From there, he travelled by water to the naval base at Mongla.

The prime minister met representatives of the navy, port administration and local authorities and inspected the naval vessel BNS Abu Bakr. In the afternoon, he visited the port jetty and proposed economic-zone site before returning to Dhaka.

Local shipping and business representatives called for dredging to maintain navigability, additional jetty capacity and more efficient customs services. They said improvements to port facilities and transport links could encourage cargo handling and investment in the region.

Politics

NCP calls Shahbag protest for 30 October, demands two ministers resign

The NCP plans a 3pm protest outside the National Museum at Shahbag on 30 October. Launching a week of outreach, Nahid Islam demanded the home and energy ministers’ resignation, a constitutional reform council and changes to laws the party describes as authoritarian.

Politics

Jamaat-led alliance challenges by-election preparations, announces long march

The Jamaat-led 11-party alliance alleges plans to manipulate the 29 October Thakurgaon-1 by-election. It also announced a Dhaka–Khulna–Kushtia long march for 31 October over referendum implementation, public services and living costs. The manipulation allegation remains unproven in the reports reviewed.

Politics

NCP reshapes central leadership while retaining Nahid and Akhter

The NCP published a new 195-position central committee on 23 October. Nahid Islam and Akhter Hossen retain the top posts, while Nasiruddin Patwary, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam and Asif Mahmud receive revised senior roles. The reorganisation also changes how organisational and policy responsibilities are distributed.

Politics

Ministry sources say envoy will miss prime minister’s Japan visit

Foreign ministry sources say Bangladesh’s ambassador to Japan, Md Daud Ali, will remain in Dhaka during the prime minister’s 26–29 October visit. Secretary Nazrul Islam will coordinate arrangements in Tokyo. The reason remains unclear: one official cited illness and said the ambassador’s participation would be clarified after the holiday.

Politics

Seven Islamic parties agree common platform while retaining existing alliances

Seven Islamic parties agreed on 22 October to work under a common banner after a Dhaka meeting facilitated by Hefazat-e-Islam leaders. Representatives said the parties would retain their own organisations and existing alliances. A 21-member liaison committee will coordinate the initiative, with further discussion of its structure and activities planned.

Politics

PM to inspect Mongla Port as businesses seek infrastructure improvements

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is due to inspect Mongla Port, a proposed economic zone and the Sundarbans on 22 October. Local businesses want dependable energy supplies, sustained dredging and better freight links. The announced programme consists of inspections and meetings; investment decisions and delivery timetables remain to be announced.