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China to send experts to move forward Teesta mega-project

https://themuslimtimes-bd.com/detailsm.php?id=72138

Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to implement the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project with Chinese assistance, seeking $550 million in loans from Beijing.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed Beijing’s strong interest in the project during a one-hour meeting with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Sources confirmed that China responded positively to Dhaka’s loan request, signaling readiness to engage in the ambitious river project.

As part of the process, a Chinese technical expert team will visit Bangladesh later this year to conduct feasibility assessments. Officials noted that the project’s first phase is estimated at $750 million, of which $550 million is expected to come from Chinese financing, with the remainder covered by the Bangladesh government. Work is targeted to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2029.

The Teesta initiative has long drawn interest from both China and India. In May 2024, India’s then-Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra expressed New Delhi’s willingness to invest in the project during his Dhaka visit. The former Awami League government had favored Indian involvement, with then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stating that she preferred India to take the lead despite China’s readiness.

Discussions on Monday also covered follow-ups from Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s recent visit to China, including hospital construction and other Chinese-funded projects in Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao further briefed on President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), to which Bangladesh has been invited. Since the July uprising, Chinese investments in Bangladesh have exceeded $800 million, making Beijing the largest contributor during the period, the envoy added.

Foreign ministry insiders said Dhaka is strategically balancing its options, noting that several Bangladeshi rivers originate in China where multiple dams have been built. Involving Beijing in the Teesta project could create leverage for future water-flow negotiations.

Teesta Master Plan Implementation|| Three-phase program announced||

https://youtu.be/klAvJTC-jcI

Under the direction of chief adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, a MoU with

Power China was renewed.

"With the sincere efforts of the chief adviser and the adviser to the

Ministry of Water Resources, the TMP public hearing meeting was held on

February 6 at the Kawnia Railway Bridge point on the Teesta River, creating

hope among local people," he said.

As promised by the adviser, the exchanges of views with Power China in five

districts and meetings with high-level representatives of China have already

been completed.

"We have also given well-considered opinions with other stakeholders at every

stage," Dulu said.

He said the national election is in February 2026. Now people want to see the

start of the implementation of the TMP. This is the demand of the lives of

two crore people.

Announcing the three-day programme to achieve this demand, Dulu said the

Teesta River Protection Movement will hold a march, memorandum submission,

mass procession, mass meeting and torch lighting programme on October 5, 9

and 16 next.

Rangpur Metropolitan BNP convener Shamsuzzaman Samu, District BNP convener Md

Saiful Islam, member-secretary Anisur Rahman Laku and leaders and activists

of BNP and its affiliated organizations were present at the press conference

Interim govt should inaugurate Teesta Master Plan work: Dulu

https://www.bssnews.net/others/317762

RANGPUR, Oct 3, 2025 (BSS) - Organizing Secretary (Rangpur division) of the

BNP central executive committee Principal Asadul Habib Dulu has said the

Teesta Master Plan (TMP) work should be inaugurated during the tenure of the

interim government.

"We want the work of implementing the TMP to start in November next with the

money from the state's own treasury before the election schedule is

announced. Those who will come to the elected government later will maintain

the continuity of this work," he said.

Dulu, also a former deputy minister and Chief Coordinator of the Teesta River

Protection Movement said this at a press conference held at the Rangpur

Chamber auditorium to announce a the-day programme demanding the TMP

implementation.

He said the autocratic Hasina regime drowned the dream of TMP by bringing the

boat to the banks of the Teesta with promises.

"We, the people living alongside the Teesta riverbank, do not want to be

disappointed anymore," he said.

Dulu said that the first phase of the implementation of the Teesta Master

Plan will start in January 2026, according to the interim government's water

resources adviser.

"The first phase (5 years) of the Taka 12,000 crore 10-year TMP project will

cost Taka 9,150 crore. Of this, a loan of Taka 6,700 crore has been sought

from China. The remaining Taka 2,415 crore will be given from the government

treasury," he said.

A financial agreement has not yet been reached with China. China is working

with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance on this

issue. A technology and loan agreement with China may be concluded by the end

of this year.

He said, "It is urgent to ensure allocation of funds for the TMP in the next

ECNEC meeting. The work should be inaugurated during the tenure of the

interim government. If not, the demands will be realized through a tough

movement."

Dulu said the TMP is the demand of 20 million people of the Teesta basin who

are suffering from discrimination.

"Under this demand, a 48-hour sit-in programme was held on both banks of the

Teesta on February 17 and 18 last under the banner of the Teesta River

Protection Committee under the slogan 'Jago Bahe Teesta Bachai'" he said.

Tens of thousands of people participated in the programme at each of the 11

points in the five districts of the Teesta basin.

"At the conclusion of the event, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman joined

virtually from London to express solidarity with the demands of a million

people demanding the speedy implementation of the TMP and the Teesta Water

Agreement," he said.

In view of the movement that aroused the response of the people of the

region, the interim government took sincere initiatives to implement the

Teesta Master Plan.

So, yet another day of having many posts removed. I posted the two articles below a couple of times, and both times they were deleted. There was other link, again on the subject of China investment in Bangladesh, but I cannot find that article again right now.

Hopefully it’s the weekend now, and we will have time to debate this subject without all our posts being deleted again. The articles I posted were all on the subject of China investment in Bangladesh, something that is very relevant to GCM right now, so can anyone please help me to understand what’s wrong with them, and why they are continually being deleted?

This is all getting very tiresome, especially after spending so much time and effort trying to find news for GCM board!!!!!

76th Anniversary of China

Bangladesh’s benefit from China’s South-South Cooperation

https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/830496

Bangladesh is a major beneficiary of China’s growing intent of redoubling the south-south cooperation and may increase the benefits further by taking full advantage of the Chinese policy. There are many ongoing and upcoming projects in Bangladesh that include the Padma Bridge Rail Link, the Dhaka Motorway, Mongla Port Modernisation, the establishment of the Chinese Industrial Economic Zone, the Teesta River Restoration Project, etc.

China Day Special

Bridges and bonds: Bangladesh-China strategic cooperation

https://www.daily-sun.com/post/830275

Partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative

Dr Yunus in his message recalled that Bangladesh was the first country to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He had expressed confidence that relations would continue to move forward, “bringing a future marked by peace, diversity and inclusivity”.

Chinese state-owned enterprises have also invested a huge amount mainly in the power sector that includes the Payra 1320 MW power plant, the Banshkhali 1320 MW power plants, etc.

Water management: Under this, we have several projects. Chinese companies have been invited to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) to help with flood control and sustainable water management. The country is also providing technical support for a 50-year master plan for water management, including river dredging and flood prevention measures.

Digit, really not sure why you had a post removed because you asked if there may have been a public holiday in Bangladesh this week …..

But you were right

Yes — there was a public holiday in Bangladesh this week:

• October 1, 2025 (Wednesday) — Mahanabami — government (executive order) holiday 

• October 2, 2025 (Thursday) — Durga Puja / Vijaya Dashami — government holiday 

It starts at the QEII Conference Centre, in London and then generally continues in the closest pub 😂😂

Generally in London

Looking forward to the most exciting six months in GCM history!

With what we already know this should be the most exciting six months in GCM history since the Asia Energy days …

News due in 2025 ………

• Anytime between now and December, the new Energy Roadmap, in which we know Fouzul Khan, (the energy advisor) has already said, using own coal will be in the plan.

• Mid November Final Results – this should obviously have a nice up date.

• Late November the renewal of the PowerChina MoU

• Mid December – GCM, AGM, will it be Champagne rather than coffee this year 😉

• Before the end of the year, the green light for the Teesta River Project in order for it to start early 2026

Daily possibility of new news in the media with reference to using own coal / Phulbari OPM

The possibility that Yunus will sign off the Phulbari SoD before he leaves in February 2026. Could this be his legacy to change the future of Bangladesh……

February 2026, Bangladesh elections, with both the two main parties predicted to win, both in favor of using the countries own minerals / coal

March 2026 if not already signed off by Yunus, Phulbari green light announced by the new government

Interesting read ……

In September, shortages of imported coal and gas triggered widespread load-shedding, with daily shortfalls averaging 404MW. At one point in late April, the deficit spiked to 2,353MW.

According to official data, between 31 August and 11 September the number of plants reporting gas shortages rose from 12 to 19. For households, that translated into abrupt blackouts. For industry, it meant lost output and mounting costs.

Bangladesh's experience underscores the dangers of tying energy security to volatile global fuel markets.

Policymakers and experts warn that unless Dhaka curbs wasteful consumption and diversifies its energy mix, the fragility will only deepen as economic activity rebounds and climate change drives up cooling demand.

"The country needs to build a power system that is not only bigger, but more resilient," the IEEFA report concludes.

"That means cutting inefficiencies, reducing reliance on dollar-denominated energy imports, and investing in a modern grid that can handle renewable

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/fuel-import-reliance-rendering-bd-susceptible-to-external-shocks

😳😳😳

Fertilizer gas price may rise 150% pending BERC approval

Insufficient gas supply keeps many fertilizer plants closed, forcing costly imports, while BCIC says domestic production would be cheaper

Meeting fertilizer demand through LNG imports would require Tk6,000 crore in annual subsidies, warns Petrobangla

Fertilizer factories in Bangladesh may soon face significantly higher gas costs, as Petrobangla moves to implement a fertilizer-specific tariff hike—pending final approval from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/power-energy/393035/fertilizer-factories-face-higher-costs-for-extra

.

One has cancelled the other out

There was this one from Feb 2025 Pappi, ??

Interim govt drafts plan, eyes full digital economy, smart governance by 2030

Highlights

- Draft of National Digital Transformation Strategy prepared

- It targets expediting country's digital transformation

- Bangladesh to become a top 15 nation in e-government index

- The country will also become an AI and 4IR hub in South Asia

- There will be 7-8 million ICT professionals by 2030

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/new-strategy-paper-eyes-full-digital-economy-smart-governance-2030-1069446

Nice quick 600k traded.... and we are only 10 mins into trading ......

Maybe if it was stop losses that were hit last night, that's them buying back in again....

OR is it as i said last night, Bangla buying :)

Interesting times for GCM that's for sure

Just thought it was worth updating the GCM Journey, which shows that every month since the coal seminar at the start of the year the SP has ended up being higher .....

Obviously, the LTH know this, but for those just looking in, it’s quite interesting just looking back over the GCM journey and growth from February 2025 after at the coal seminar held by energy experts and Fouzel Khan from the Interim Government, all came out and said that the countries coal resources should be mined, and specifically mentioned Phulbari and open pit mining.

At the 1st of each month the SP was

March 1.55p

April 2.65p

May 2.85p

June 3.10p

July 4.00p

August 5.5p

September 6.5p

October 6.9p

So, each month the share price has risen,

That’s quite an increase in volume, and each month the SP, as I say has risen.

Also, along the way, you can bet you your life on it, that I am not the only one who has been buying and just tucking them away, which then obviously reduces the free flow …. Just saying lol

Okay, so now I’ve had time to have a shower, and a couple of Gunniess, (it always helps my thinking) lol I’ve had time to think about today’s trading, and how strange it was, and I’ve decided, although I guess we will have to wait until the morning to find out if we get a negative RNS or not, that today was another big game in order for someone to get hold of stock…. May be I’m being too simplistic, and optimistic, but there was massive buying volume, right up until mid morning, and then it just stopped, could that have been buying from Bangladesh, probably not, but this pattern has happened several times now, and the timing kind of fits in with the Dhaka stock market hours, so it worth thinking about, plus after those initial buys which all seemed a very strange size, and repetitive, all at either 68k or 98k, which came all at once in quick succession, then the MM’s took the offer up to 9p and ensured we had what appeared to be a massive spread and to put off PI buying, which obviously did the job! Then, we get to about 4pm and we had a couple of large sells, which imho dropped the bid far too much and too quickly, so the question I’m now asking myself is, did those couple of sells give the MM’s the opportunity to drop the bid in order to trigger some stop losses and fill their boots with yet more stock … How many times have we seen that happen either here or in other stocks over the years…

We all know the story here, and the massive potential GCM holds, which does not now seem that far off, especially if you believe all the Bangladesh media, and we have always said that as we get closer and closer to that green light, many many dirty games, some of which will seem to be underhand, will be played out, (welcome to the AIM’s market)

So to my question , was today just one of those days …..

Let’s see what tomorrow brings, but that’s my thoughts for the moment ….

Interesting read ….

China’s 2025 momentum and a new chapter for Bangladesh

https://weeklyblitz.net/2025/10/01/chinas-2025-momentum-and-a-new-chapter-for-bangladesh/

China’s 2025 national commemorations—from the September 3 Victory Day ceremony to a forward-leaning diplomatic calendar—underscore a simple truth: Beijing is pairing domestic modernization with a constructive, outward-looking agenda that prioritizes stability, connectivity, and shared development. For Bangladesh, this evolution is not abstract. It is visible in ports and power plants, industrial zones and digital infrastructure, training pipelines and expanded market access. The relationship has matured from symbolism to a pragmatic partnership delivering the tools an export-driven economy needs to move up the value chain and build resilience.

The depth of cooperation is most evident in infrastructure and industry. Chinese companies have played central roles in transformative projects that enhance national efficiency and reduce logistics costs—from upgrades at Mongla Port to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel beneath the Karnaphuli River, alongside critical power assets that give manufacturers the planning certainty they require. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram is designed for speed and scale: dependable utilities, streamlined customs, and supplier ecosystems that help new entrants ramp up without prohibitive start-up risk. In technology, partnerships with Chinese firms in telecommunications, renewable energy, and industrial automation are modernizing production, extending digital public infrastructure, and cultivating skilled technical workforces ready for the next decade of growth. In public health, collaboration spanning vaccines, diagnostics, and hospital tele-linkages has accelerated access while embedding capabilities that will outlast any single emergency.

Trade ties have grown in both breadth and sophistication. China remains Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, supplying machinery and intermediate goods that anchor our export engine while widening duty-free access for Bangladeshi products. The strategic opportunity now is to shift from volume to value—positioning apparel, leather, light engineering, agro-processed foods, and pharmaceuticals for higher-margin niches across China’s inland and tier-2 cities. That requires standards alignment, smarter logistics, and sustained business matchmaking. Encouraging pilot programs already point the way: cold-chain corridors for agri-exports, e-commerce onboarding for SMEs, and technical assistance on labeling, traceability, and payment compliance. These practical steps will help Bangladeshi firms compete more effectively in the world’s most dynamic consumer market.

Foreign direct investment is where cooperation becomes transformation. Chinese FDI has supported factories, logistics parks, energy infrastructure, and electronics assembly, with meaningful spillovers to

Heavy import reliance fuels Bangladesh’s power sector woes

While Bangladesh has increased its power generation capacity, the sector’s troubles deepened due to heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports. In the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, imports accounted for around 65% of the total power supply (including imported electricity and fuels used in electricity generation).

https://ieefa.org/resources/heavy-import-reliance-fuels-bangladeshs-power-sector-woes

So not only have you got coal imports becoming more expensive due to meeting the IMF conditions, it looks like it’s just taken another massive 40% increase due to increased port costs …..

This looks like it’s only going one way, and that Phulbari open put mining is is becoming a better option daily ……..

Chittagong Port to enforce higher tariffs from 14 October

Earlier, the interim government postponed the implementation of the newly imposed 40% tariff in the inland depot of Chittagong port for one mont

The new tariff, which covers a range of port and private inland container depot (ICD) services, represents an average increase of 40-45%.

https://www.deshkalnews.com/english/details/business/6128