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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.

From 23 October 2026 — Daily Brief

23 OCT 2026 · 10/25

Foreign ministry sources said on 22 October that Bangladesh’s ambassador to Japan, Md Daud Ali, would remain in Dhaka during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Tokyo from 26 to 29 October.

Secretary for bilateral affairs Md Nazrul Islam has been sent to Tokyo to coordinate preparations and provide diplomatic support during the visit.

Officials said a letter dated 15 October had instructed Daud to return to Dhaka within two days for consultations. Sources quoted by several outlets said he would not participate in the prime minister’s trip, but did not publicly establish the reason.

A ministry official gave Bangla Tribune a different explanation, saying the ambassador was in Dhaka because of illness and that his participation would be known after the holiday.

The prime minister is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on 27 October. Trade, investment, infrastructure and implementation of the bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to be discussed.

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

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

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.

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.