Subrata Chowdhury | Atlantic City — The Bengal Club of Atlantic City hosted a meet-and-greet event on Wednesday evening, October 7, bringing together Democratic candidates, voters, party activists, and community representatives ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. The event was held at the Bengal Club auditorium in Atlantic City, New Jersey, providing an opportunity for candidates and political representatives to discuss their campaigns, share their priorities, and engage directly with members of the community.

Mike Suleiman, campaign manager for Democratic congressional candidate Jack Mulcahy and former chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Party, addressed the gathering in support of the candidate. Also speaking were Sean Riggins, a candidate for Atlantic County sheriff; Stephanie Marshall, an Atlantic City council member-at-large; and Subrata Chowdhury, a member of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee. The speakers encouraged attendees to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.

During the program, candidates and political representatives outlined their campaign goals, policy priorities, and vision for the future. The discussion offered attendees an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and exchange views on issues affecting their communities.

Community figure Shahru Raja Chowdhury moderated the event. Other speakers included Akbar Hossain, Md. Didar, Saeed Doha, Md. Mukit, Mahbub Rahman Majnu, Md. Rana, also known as Rana Kabir, Md. Hasan, Ferdous Ahmed, and Md. Zakir, among others.

The gathering drew community leaders, members of the Bangladeshi-American community, and Democratic Party supporters. Attendees had the opportunity to meet political representatives, discuss community concerns, and learn about the candidates’ priorities ahead of the midterm elections.

According to the organizers, the primary goal of the event was to strengthen direct communication between candidates and voters, encourage open discussion of public issues, and promote greater community engagement in the electoral process.

The meet-and-greet reflected the involvement of Atlantic City’s Bangladeshi-American community in local political activities and provided a forum for dialogue between community members and Democratic Party representatives.

Subrata Chowdhury, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The South Jersey Metro Awami League celebrated the 80th birthday of Sheikh Hasina on Thursday night, October 8, at the Bangladesh Community Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event was presided over by veteran Awami League leader Abdur Rafiq. Moniruzzaman Monir conducted the program, while Nur Mohammad led the prayers.

Several party leaders and community members addressed the gathering, including Abu Nasar, Belal Hossain, Abdur Rahim, Belal Uddin, Rakhal Das, Jhulan Pal, Sirajul Haque, Rowshan Uddin, Nur Mohammad, Shahana Ferdousi, and Ahsanul Islam Khan, among others.

During the event, speakers expressed their support for Sheikh Hasina and pledged to continue their political struggle until she could return to Bangladesh. They emphasized their commitment to the former prime minister and called for continued efforts toward their stated political objective.

Party leaders and activists also extended their wishes for Sheikh Hasina’s long life and well-being on the occasion of her birthday. The program concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony marking the birthday celebration.

Subrata Chowdhury | Atlantic City — Jagorani Cultural Society Inc. will celebrate Sharadiya Durga Puja on October 23 and 24, 2026, at the Hindu Jain Temple on South Pomona Road in South Jersey, New Jersey. The two-day celebration will feature traditional worship, aarti, cultural performances, and Mahaprasad distribution, bringing together members of the Bengali community and people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

For Bengalis, autumn evokes memories of white kash flowers swaying in the breeze, fluffy clouds drifting across the sky, and the delicate fragrance of shiuli blossoms. Although Bengalis living in the United States are far from the familiar autumn landscapes of Bengal, their attachment to their homeland’s traditions and cultural heritage remains strong. Durga Puja provides an opportunity for expatriate Bengalis to preserve their cultural identity and celebrate their shared heritage.

According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Durga represents the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of righteousness. A popular account associated with the festival describes Lord Rama invoking Goddess Durga during autumn before his battle against Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita. This autumnal invocation, traditionally known as Akal Bodhan, is associated with the origin of the autumn Durga Puja tradition, which has become one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations among Bengali Hindus.

This year’s celebration in South Jersey is being organized by Jagorani Cultural Society Inc. at the Hindu Jain Temple, located at 571 South Pomona Road. Preparations are underway for the two-day festival, which will include religious ceremonies, aarti, cultural programs, and the distribution of Mahaprasad.

One of the major attractions will be a musical performance on Friday night, October 23, by Abhishek Sinha Chowdhury, known for his association with Zee Bangla’s popular musical reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, according to the organizers. His performance is expected to add a special musical dimension to the festivities and attract music enthusiasts from South Jersey and neighboring communities.

Beyond its religious significance, Durga Puja serves as an important cultural gathering for Bengali communities across the United States. The annual celebration offers an opportunity for families to maintain longstanding traditions, introduce younger generations to Bengali heritage, and strengthen friendships and community ties.

Jagorani Cultural Society Inc. has invited everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background, to join the festivities. The organizers hope the celebration will foster cultural understanding, communal harmony, and a stronger sense of community while keeping the traditions of Bengal alive in the diaspora.

The Durga Puja festivities will take place on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, at the Hindu Jain Temple on South Pomona Road in South Jersey. The organizers welcome community members and visitors interested in experiencing Bengali religious traditions, music, and cultural celebrations.

Nazirur Rahman Sohel, Dhaka — The Bangladesh government is preparing to launch a pilot Model Canal programme aimed at creating employment opportunities, diversifying livelihoods and improving environmental sustainability through the planned use of re-excavated government-owned canals and water bodies.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, will cover 20 selected canals across eight divisions, with an estimated 2,400 ultra-poor families expected to benefit. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the programme in Lalmonirhat on November 19, according to information from the ministry.

Under the concept of “Not Just Canal Excavation, but Multifaceted Use of Excavated Canals,” the government intends to transform restored canals into productive community resources rather than using them solely for drainage and water management.

The programme will promote social forestry along canal banks, fish and duck farming, seasonal vegetable cultivation and cottage industries, while preserving the natural flow and water-retention capacity of canals. It also aims to improve navigation, strengthen local livelihoods and generate sustainable employment for vulnerable households.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said the initiative builds on the canal excavation campaign launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, which sought to restore the country’s water resources and support agricultural development. According to the minister, many canals have gradually become silted up because of neglect and illegal encroachment, reducing their capacity to support drainage, irrigation and other essential activities.

The government is now pursuing a broader programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers, streams and canals over five years, in line with the BNP’s election manifesto. Four government ministries are jointly implementing the initiative, with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief responsible for 7,000 kilometres.

Dulu said the ministry completed 1,200 kilometres of canal excavation during the last fiscal year against its assigned target. He explained that the Model Canal programme would introduce a more comprehensive approach by combining waterway restoration with productive economic activities and environmental conservation. A central objective of the Model Canal programme is to create income-generating opportunities for disadvantaged families living near restored waterways.

The government plans to encourage fish and duck farming in suitable canal sections, seasonal vegetable cultivation along canal banks and tree planting under social forestry initiatives. Cottage industries and other locally appropriate economic activities are also expected to contribute to employment generation.

These activities are intended to help participating families develop more diversified sources of income while making productive use of public water resources. The programme also supports the government’s wider target of planting 25 crore trees across Bangladesh. Integrating social forestry with canal restoration could help improve vegetation cover, protect canal banks and contribute to environmental conservation.

Officials say the approach is designed to help ultra-poor households move gradually towards economic self-reliance through productive livelihoods rather than depending exclusively on social assistance or allowances. The initiative places particular emphasis on preserving the environmental and water-management functions of canals while introducing new economic uses.

According to the programme’s concept paper, activities will be planned to maintain natural water flow and water-retention capacity, helping canals continue to support drainage, irrigation and other local needs.

Restored waterways can play an important role in managing seasonal water flows and supporting agricultural production. Their effective management may also help communities strengthen resilience against water-related disasters, although outcomes will depend on local conditions and implementation.

Minister Dulu said the programme would be implemented in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Act and the Water Body Management Policy. The ministry would also respect the existing legal, administrative and technical responsibilities of relevant government departments and institutions.

This coordination will be important to ensure that commercial and livelihood activities do not undermine the public, environmental and agricultural functions of the canals.

The Model Canal initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to expanding irrigation facilities, conserving water resources and accelerating agricultural production. Under the five-year nationwide plan, the excavation and re-excavation of rivers, streams, canals and other water bodies is intended to restore lost water flows and improve the availability of water for agricultural and community use.

The government is also continuing efforts to restore waterways through public participation, following the tradition of voluntary canal excavation associated with Ziaur Rahman’s earlier campaign. By linking restoration work with farming, aquaculture, forestry and small-scale industries, the Model Canal programme seeks to create a closer connection between environmental management and rural economic development.

Its success will depend on effective coordination among government agencies, protection against renewed encroachment, responsible management of canal banks and water, and the ability of participating families to sustain their livelihood activities over time.

The planned launch of the Model Canal programme represents an effort to broaden the role of canal restoration in Bangladesh’s rural development strategy. With 20 canals selected across eight divisions and approximately 2,400 ultra-poor families expected to benefit, the pilot will test whether restored waterways can support environmental protection alongside employment generation and income diversification.

If implemented effectively, the programme could provide a framework for combining water-resource management, social forestry, agricultural development and community-based economic activities in other parts of the country. The initiative’s long-term impact will depend on how successfully the government preserves the canals’ natural functions while ensuring that local communities can benefit from them sustainably.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations has warned that global economic growth is expected to slow to 2.6% in 2026, down from 2.9% in 2025, as escalating tensions in the Middle East, rising energy costs and growing uncertainty in international trade put pressure on the world economy.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the latest economic outlook highlights the vulnerability of developing economies to geopolitical shocks and rising import costs. The agency cautions that the effects of the Middle East crisis are extending beyond the region, affecting energy markets, business confidence and the broader outlook for global trade.

The report comes at a time when governments and businesses are confronting a combination of geopolitical instability, inflationary pressures and changing international economic relationships.

The conflict in the Middle East has intensified concerns about global energy supplies, particularly as uncertainty surrounding oil production and shipping routes threatens to increase costs for businesses and consumers.

Higher energy prices can affect transportation, manufacturing, electricity generation and food distribution, creating additional pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses. Countries that rely heavily on imported fuel are particularly exposed, as rising import bills can weaken their financial positions and increase inflationary pressures.

UNCTAD’s assessment indicates that geopolitical instability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the global economic outlook. Continued uncertainty could discourage investment, disrupt supply chains and limit the ability of governments to support economic activity.

Developing Economies Face Growing Pressure
Developing countries are expected to experience uneven economic conditions as higher energy costs combine with existing financial challenges. Nations dependent on imported fuel and external borrowing could face greater difficulties financing infrastructure, public services and industrial development.

UNCTAD projects growth in developing economies at 4% in 2026, compared with 4.7% in 2025. Although the projected rate remains above the global average, the slowdown highlights the difficulties facing countries attempting to sustain economic expansion amid volatile international conditions.

The agency has also raised concerns about unequal access to investment, technology and higher-value industries. Economies with limited industrial capacity may struggle to capture the benefits of global trade and technological advances, widening existing development gaps.

International trade continues to provide opportunities for economic expansion, but shifting geopolitical relationships and changing supply chains are creating new challenges for businesses.

Demand for semiconductors, advanced computing equipment and artificial intelligence infrastructure has supported activity in parts of the global economy. However, UNCTAD warns that the benefits of technological investment remain concentrated in a relatively small number of economies and companies.

For countries seeking sustainable growth, strengthening domestic industries, improving access to technology and diversifying export markets will remain important priorities. The UN’s forecast underscores the uncertainty facing the world economy as policymakers respond to energy market volatility, geopolitical tensions and changing trade patterns.

The direction of oil prices, the security of major shipping routes and the progress of diplomatic efforts in the Middle East will be important factors influencing economic conditions in the coming months. While the global economy is still projected to expand in 2026, the lower growth forecast signals that countries may face a more difficult environment for investment, job creation and improvements in living standards.

The UNCTAD assessment reinforces the importance of international cooperation, resilient supply chains and policies that help vulnerable economies withstand external shocks.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will not launch new military attacks on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, citing what he described as productive discussions with Tehran. The announcement signals a temporary pause in the prospect of renewed US strikes as diplomatic efforts continue amid a prolonged regional conflict.

Trump made the announcement on Thursday, October 8, through a social media post, saying his administration was engaged in productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran. His remarks come as the conflict continues to affect regional security, energy markets and international shipping routes.

The decision provides a clearer indication of Washington’s immediate military intentions, although it does not establish whether a longer-term agreement with Iran is within reach. Trump has previously left open the possibility of renewed military action after the elections.

Trump’s announcement follows weeks of uncertainty over whether Washington would resume military operations against Iran. The president has indicated that diplomatic engagement remains an option, even as his administration maintains pressure on Tehran.

In his statement, Trump said discussions with Iranian officials were productive and ruled out attacks before the midterm elections. However, the announcement did not confirm that a comprehensive peace agreement had been reached or that the two governments had resolved their central disagreements.

The United States and Iran have exchanged proposals aimed at ending the conflict and addressing regional security concerns. Negotiations have also involved the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. The immediate challenge for diplomats will be to turn discussions into concrete commitments that can reduce hostilities and restore confidence in regional stability.

Although Trump has ruled out attacks before November 3, broader security concerns remain. Washington has continued to apply economic pressure on Iran, while military deployments and regional tensions have underscored the uncertainty surrounding the conflict.

The announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation that military action has been permanently ruled out. Trump has previously suggested that further escalation could remain an option after the elections, depending on developments. Iran’s response, the progress of negotiations and the actions of other regional actors will likely influence the next phase of the crisis.

For neighboring countries and US allies, the immediate priority remains preventing further escalation and protecting civilian infrastructure, maritime traffic and commercial aviation.

Energy markets responded to Trump’s comments as investors reassessed the likelihood of an immediate escalation. Oil prices declined on Friday following the announcement. Brent crude fell by $1.70 to $102.58 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped by $1.08 to $90.41 per barrel in the reported trading session.

The movement reflects the sensitivity of global energy markets to developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect crude supplies, transportation costs and energy prices internationally.

Nevertheless, a single announcement does not eliminate the risks facing oil markets. The duration of any price relief will depend on whether diplomatic progress continues and whether shipping and energy infrastructure remain secure.

The US midterm elections will determine control of Congress and are a significant political test for the Trump administration. Foreign policy, military spending, inflation and fuel prices have all become important considerations in the domestic political environment.

Trump’s announcement establishes a stated limit on military action before election day. However, the president has not ruled out all future military options, and the precise relationship between the electoral timetable and subsequent security decisions remains uncertain.

The administration must also weigh diplomatic objectives against the potential consequences of renewed conflict, including risks to US personnel, regional partners and the global economy. Attention will now turn to whether Washington and Tehran can make tangible progress in negotiations before the election deadline.

President Donald Trump’s decision not to launch attacks on Iran before the November 3 midterm elections marks an important development in US foreign policy and the wider Middle East crisis. His reference to productive discussions offers a potential opening for diplomacy, while the market reaction demonstrates the economic importance of developments involving Iran.

However, the announcement is not a peace agreement, and major security questions remain unresolved. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether negotiations can produce lasting progress or whether the risk of renewed confrontation will persist beyond the election.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Three Saudi citizens have been killed and several others injured in attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a Saudia Airlines aircraft, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. The incident has heightened concerns over aviation security and the escalating conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Saudi aviation authorities confirmed the fatalities in a statement issued Friday, following attacks on Thursday. The first incident targeted airport facilities in the Saudi capital, while the second struck an aircraft belonging to the kingdom’s national carrier.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels operating in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with a ballistic missile. However, Saudi authorities had not officially identified the perpetrators in their initial statement, and the group’s account should be treated as a claim rather than independently verified fact.

The attacks caused material damage and left several people injured, some of whom required hospital treatment, according to Saudi aviation officials. Authorities said they were coordinating with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and implement measures to protect passengers, airport personnel and aviation infrastructure.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of major civilian transport hubs amid rising regional tensions. Riyadh is a central gateway for international travel, business and religious tourism, making disruptions to its airport potentially consequential for travelers and airlines.

The security situation has prompted several international airlines to suspend or adjust services to Riyadh. Lufthansa and multiple Indian carriers have announced temporary suspensions following the reported attacks, while flight cancellations have disrupted scheduled arrivals and departures.

Airlines are monitoring developments and reviewing operational risks as authorities assess the situation. Passengers traveling to or from Saudi Arabia should confirm their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

The scale and duration of the disruption will depend on subsequent security assessments and decisions by aviation authorities and individual carriers.

The attacks come amid renewed hostilities in Yemen, where Houthi forces are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government and its regional supporters. The conflict has increasingly threatened critical infrastructure and transport routes, raising concerns about wider regional instability.

Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen’s conflict since 2015, supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. Renewed attacks on Saudi territory could further complicate efforts to contain the fighting and protect civilian infrastructure.

The latest incident also highlights the broader risks facing commercial aviation in a region affected by missile threats, military operations and shifting security conditions.

Travelers scheduled to fly through Riyadh should check directly with their airlines for cancellations, rescheduling options and updated airport guidance. Passengers should also follow official announcements from Saudi aviation authorities and their respective embassies.

At this stage, the full extent of the damage, the precise circumstances of the attacks and any further security measures remain subject to additional official updates.

The deaths of three Saudi citizens in attacks targeting Riyadh’s international airport and a Saudia aircraft mark a serious development in the region’s deteriorating security environment. With Houthi rebels claiming responsibility and international airlines reassessing operations, the incident is likely to keep aviation security and the Yemen conflict at the forefront of regional attention.

Further developments will depend on the findings of Saudi investigations, subsequent security decisions and any additional announcements from the parties involved.

Source: Associated Press reporting published October 9, 2026, citing Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and statements regarding the Houthi claim of responsibility.

DHAKA — The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and global port operator DP World today signed a 15-year concession agreement to operate and modernise the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), in a major move aimed at increasing the capacity, efficiency and competitiveness of Bangladesh’s principal maritime gateway.

CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman signed the agreement on behalf of the port authority, while DP World Chairman Essa Kazim signed for the international terminal operator at a ceremony at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Al Hamoudi and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury were among those present.

Under the agreement, DP World will operate and manage NCT for an initial 15 years, while ownership of the terminal’s land, core infrastructure and assets will remain with the Chattogram Port Authority and, ultimately, the Bangladesh government.

The concession includes an upfront payment of approximately Tk 600 crore, with 25 percent payable upon signing and the remaining 75 percent due before operations begin. DP World will also invest more than Tk 1,000 crore during the first 10 years to modernise NCT through new equipment, digital technology and operational improvements.

Under the agreement, CPA will receive a share of terminal revenue or royalty ranging from approximately 40 percent to 67 percent per TEU, depending on average terminal revenue. The port authority will also receive a fixed annual fee of around Tk 10 crore.

The agreement sets a minimum annual volume guarantee of 1.23 million TEUs, with the possibility of adjusting the figure to 1 million TEUs once a new terminal becomes operational.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the government aims to rapidly improve the capacity and efficiency of existing strategic assets. He said the introduction of modern equipment, digital systems, international operating standards and global logistics connections would help make NCT more competitive.

The government also plans to engage multiple international operators across port terminals to improve service quality, reliability and supply-chain resilience, he said.

DP World Chairman Essa Kazim said Bangladesh was becoming an increasingly important trading and manufacturing economy and that his company was committed to supporting the country’s development.

Through the partnership, DP World will connect NCT with its global network of ports, logistics infrastructure and supply-chain services, helping establish more efficient links between Bangladesh and international markets, he said.

NCT is one of four dedicated container-handling facilities at Chattogram Port. Since beginning operations in 2007, it has become a key part of Bangladesh’s trade infrastructure and currently handles around 44 percent of the port’s container traffic.

Chattogram Port handles approximately 92 percent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade, making improvements in its efficiency strategically important for the country’s economy. The port, however, continues to face challenges involving container dwell time, vessel turnaround time, equipment performance and overall productivity.

Container dwell time at Chattogram Port and NCT exceeds nine days, compared with less than two days at several peer ports. Vessels also spend more than 2.5 days at the port, while benchmark ports record turnaround times of roughly 15 to 24 hours.

The 2025 Container Port Performance Index ranked Chattogram Port 364th among 400 container ports worldwide. The government estimates that operational inefficiencies and insufficient modernisation cost the economy around Tk 10 crore per day, or more than Tk 3,000 crore annually.

According to World Bank data, reducing container dwell time by one day could increase Bangladesh’s exports by around 7.4 percent.

The concession agreement includes key performance indicators, phased performance targets and financial penalties for failure to meet agreed standards. The targets cover areas including truck turnaround time and crane productivity. If a performance target is missed for three consecutive months, the applicable financial penalty will be triggered.

CPA will continue to oversee terminal operations through monitoring, audits and regular reporting. The agreement requires weekly and monthly reporting on container and vessel handling, revenue and other operational indicators.

The concession does not transfer ownership or sovereign authority over the terminal. Security, customs, immigration and other functions currently performed by Bangladeshi government agencies will remain under national authority.

The agreement also contains provisions covering cybersecurity, data localisation, access control and background screening under government-approved standards.

The DP World agreement is expected to complement the development of the Laldia Container Terminal, the fifth container terminal at Chattogram Port. The Laldia terminal is being developed by Denmark-based APM Terminals and is expected to be ready by 2030.

Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury described DP World’s involvement in NCT as an important step toward bringing Bangladesh’s trade operations closer to international standards.

“We want faster operations, stronger connectivity and higher standards at one of our most important trade gateways,” he said.

DP World operates more than 80 marine and inland terminals in over 40 countries, with its network handling around 10 percent of global container traffic. The company has port operating experience in major markets including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The selection of DP World followed Bangladesh’s government-to-government policy and public-private partnership framework, including prequalification, technical and financial evaluation, due diligence and negotiations.

The process began with in-principle approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on March 23, 2023. The Transaction Structure Report was approved on October 20, 2025, followed by the Request for Proposal on January 8, 2026.

Bids were received on January 25, with negotiations continuing until August 6. The CPA Board approved the arrangement on September 16, followed by final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on October 1.

The agreement is expected to play a significant role in modernising Chattogram Port, improving cargo handling efficiency and strengthening Bangladesh’s connectivity with international trade and logistics networks.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged global logistics company DP World to expand its investments in Bangladesh, particularly in free trade zones and rail-based inland container depots (ICDs), as the country seeks to strengthen its trade and logistics infrastructure.

The prime minister made the call during a meeting with a delegation from DP World led by Board Chairman Essa Kazim at the Secretariat on Thursday.

According to Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque, the meeting focused on expanding Bangladesh-UAE trade and investment, developing port and logistics facilities, and exploring opportunities for further cooperation between the two sides.

A major issue discussed was the 15-year concession agreement between Bangladesh and DP World for the operation and modernisation of the Chattogram Container Terminal.

Under the agreement, DP World will operate and maintain the Chattogram Container Terminal along with its overflow container yard. The partnership is expected to contribute to the modernisation of the terminal, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Bangladesh’s overall port and logistics infrastructure.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also sought information about DP World’s plans for new investments in Bangladesh, including the development of free trade zones and rail-connected inland container depots.

In response, the DP World delegation expressed interest in cooperation and investment in these areas.

The prime minister also invited DP World and other international investors to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The discussions also covered potential initiatives to improve Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, expand regional trade connectivity and develop a more modern, efficient and integrated logistics system.

The proposed investments in free trade zones and rail-based ICDs could further connect Bangladesh’s ports with inland industrial and commercial centres, supporting more efficient movement of export and import cargo across the country.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe as shortages of medical supplies, damaged infrastructure and obstacles to reconstruction continue to challenge efforts to restore essential services.

The United Nations and its humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that Gaza’s health system remains under enormous pressure. In a UN Geneva briefing earlier this month, the World Health Organization said that no hospital in Gaza was fully functional, citing chronic shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

WHO said medical supplies can face lengthy approval procedures before entering Gaza. According to the agency, medical shipments had waited a median of 74 days for approval, while some equipment had been repeatedly rejected or delayed.

The consequences extend beyond hospitals. Without adequate diagnostic equipment and laboratory supplies, health authorities face greater difficulty identifying and responding to disease outbreaks. The humanitarian situation is also tied closely to the enormous scale of physical destruction.

A recent UN Trade and Development assessment estimated that Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction needs have reached approximately $71.5 billion. The assessment, based on work by the World Bank, European Union and United Nations, estimated physical infrastructure damage at $35.2 billion and economic and social losses at $22.7 billion as of early 2026.

Housing represents the largest category of damage and reconstruction needs. Educational and healthcare facilities have also suffered extensive damage, with more than half of hospitals and primary healthcare clinics reported as non-functional in the assessment.

Agriculture has been severely affected as well. UNCTAD reported that less than 1.5% of Gaza’s cropland remained accessible and undamaged, increasing dependence on humanitarian food assistance.

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding alongside continuing political disputes over Gaza’s future, security arrangements, disarmament and reconstruction.

A Washington Post report published Thursday said reconstruction remains largely stalled despite a U.S.-backed framework, citing disagreements over implementation and security arrangements. The report said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to live amid extensive destruction and inadequate infrastructure.

For international aid agencies, the challenge is therefore twofold: providing immediate assistance while establishing conditions that allow Gaza’s basic infrastructure and economy to recover.

UNCTAD said large-scale international financial and technical assistance will be required for recovery. It identified rebuilding agriculture, industry, construction, energy and technology as important elements of longer-term economic recovery.

The UN’s humanitarian agencies continue to call for predictable and sufficient access for medical and humanitarian supplies, warning that the scale of need remains far greater than current response capacity.