Portugal is participating in Web Summit 2025 with 115 startups selected under the 'Road 2 Web Summit' program, which has already raised around €40 million in funding. The initiative aims to enhance international visibility and attract investment for local entrepreneurs. Startup Portugal, the national platform, supports startups through programs such as Startup Voucher and Startup Visa, helping new ventures and skilled talent thrive. According to project manager Carolina Valinho, Portugal is being celebrated as a European hub for entrepreneurship, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and expansion. Analyst Carolina Soja noted that Portugal serves as a central gateway to the European market, backed by accelerator programs and investment incentives. With seven unicorns, including Tekever recently joining the list, Portugal’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, positioning the country as a leading destination for digital entrepreneurs.

Bangladeshi expatriate Shah Alam Kajol has been re-elected as a member of the Bonfim Junta Freguesia Assembly in Porto, Portugal, securing his second consecutive term in the local elections held on October 12. Representing Portugal’s Socialist Party, Kajol won his seat despite his party’s overall loss at the municipal level. Expressing gratitude, he thanked the Bangladeshi community in Portugal for their unwavering support and promised to continue standing beside them. Beyond politics, Kajol plays a vital role as president of the Bangladesh Community of Porto, fostering cultural unity, promoting Bangladesh’s positive image, and supporting employment initiatives for expatriates. His contributions have made him a respected figure in both political and social spheres. Fellow expatriates across Portugal have celebrated his victory, calling him a source of inspiration for the Bangladeshi diaspora. Another Bangladeshi candidate, Masud Majumder, also contested independently in Lisbon but was unable to secure a win.

For the first time, two Bangladeshis are running in Portugal’s local government elections, marking a significant milestone in immigrant political engagement. Shah Alam Kajol is seeking re-election in Porto’s Bonfim Junta area as a Socialist Party candidate, having previously served as a councilor. Meanwhile, Masud Majumdar is participating for the first time in Lisbon’s São Vicente Junta Freguesia area as an independent candidate. Both emphasize their commitment to addressing real local issues and improving citizens’ quality of life. Experts and community leaders note that immigrant leadership is vital, especially amid rising right-wing politics in Portugal. Their active participation is inspiring not only the Bangladeshi diaspora but also other immigrant communities, sending a positive message about inclusion and representation. These developments are strengthening the visibility of Bangladeshis in Europe and enhancing the country’s image internationally.

Thousands of migrants in Portugal, including Bangladeshi expatriates, are facing mounting challenges due to new strict regulations imposed by the country’s Immigration and Asylum Agency (AIMA). These rules now require detailed proof of residence—specifically a declaration from the homeowner—and verified income statements for residency approval or renewal. Many migrants, who have lived in Portugal for years, report being unable to meet these demands, as landlords often refuse to provide the required declarations. Additionally, families must now justify their income according to the number of household members. Bangladeshi residents like Kamruzzaman, who have been living in Portugal for over six years, fear losing their legal status despite having previously renewed their permits without issue. The recent tightening of immigration laws, approved by Portugal’s parliament on September 30, has created widespread anxiety and uncertainty among expatriate communities awaiting final implementation.

Portugal has officially recognized Palestine as an independent state, joining the UK, Canada, and Australia in a wave of international support.

The announcement came from the Portuguese Foreign Minister in New York. Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed recognition via a video message, citing London’s commitment to reviving the two-state solution. Australia also issued a joint statement declaring its recognition, while Canada had been the first G7 nation to extend formal acknowledgment.

This latest move raises the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 151. French authorities are also expected to issue a formal declaration today.

Portugal has announced plans to consult its president and parliament in September regarding official recognition of Palestine at the United Nations.

This move follows similar announcements from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as momentum builds among Western nations to support Palestinian statehood. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s office made the statement on Thursday, indicating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified the urgency of international action.

Earlier this week, Canada expressed intent to recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly session, citing worsening conditions in Gaza. France and the UK have also indicated they are prepared to take similar steps if certain conditions are not met by Israel.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government is facing a precarious situation after surviving two no-confidence motions in parliament. The latest challenge came amid allegations that Montenegro benefited financially while in office. Although the Socialist Party and Chega Party abstained from voting, preventing the opposition’s no-confidence motion from passing, the government now faces a high-risk confidence vote next week. If the government fails to secure parliamentary support, Montenegro’s administration could collapse, plunging Portugal into political uncertainty.