AGP Executive Report

IsDB Partnership Talks: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met IsDB Group Chairman Muhammad Al Jasser to discuss deepening the next phase of development financing, with priorities including energy, food security, transport, digitalisation, jobs and private-sector growth. Yunus on Financing: Al Jasser also met Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus at the Yunus Centre to explore how microcredit and social business can deliver wider social and economic impact, especially for young people. Nepal Flood Aid: Bangladesh sent US$1 million to Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund for Bhotekoshi flood and landslide recovery, with foreign ministry officials handing over the letter and condolences. Hili Port Resumes: Hili land port import-export activity is set to restart Saturday after a five-day halt caused by an Indian traders’ strike, following talks with district administration. Janmashtami in Bangladesh: Hindu communities across the country marked Janmashtami with prayers, programmes and processions; President and PM issued greetings. Govt Pay Scale Reassurance: Commerce Minister said the new pay scale will be rolled out in phases and is unlikely to trigger a major price shock. BSEC Direct Listings: BSEC plans to expand direct listings to bring stronger companies to the market and boost investor confidence. Eastern Refinery Deal: Bangladesh signed an IsDB agreement for a $1b loan to expand the Eastern Refinery, aiming to cut refined fuel import costs. Child Custody Concern: A report flags abuse and overcrowding in government-run child development centres, calling for urgent reforms. Tech Launch: Lenovo introduced AI-powered all-in-one PCs in Bangladesh, with models priced up to Tk 125,000.

UAE Women’s Asia Cup: Esha Oza says the UAE are regrouping after a rough opening loss to Sri Lanka, focusing on better run-scoring ahead of Indonesia. Bangladesh Economy & Trade: UK Export Finance offers up to £2bn to back eligible Bangladeshi buyers using British goods and services; Bangladesh Bank also widened financing against OBU-held foreign currency deposits, and plans to disburse 25% of pre-finance loans this month. Apparel Under Pressure: Commerce Minister says 400+ garment factories shut in three years, while exporters warn the energy crunch could disrupt Christmas shipments. Health Watch: Chattogram reports 55 new dengue hospitalisations in 24 hours, with no fresh deaths. Disaster Preparedness: Disaster Management minister says earthquake readiness is urgent and training volunteers is underway. Local Development: Work on a 37-metre bridge in Pirojpur has stalled for six years, leaving thousands stranded. Governance & Rights: Bank Resolution (Amendment) Bill 2026 is placed in parliament to scrap a controversial clause; TIB warns proposed human rights and enforced disappearance bills still lack real independence. International Aid: Bangladesh provides $1m assistance to flood-hit Nepal.

Tarique Rahman Anniversary: Bangladesh marks PM Tarique Rahman’s 19th jail release anniversary today, recalling his 2008 bail after nearly 18 months in detention during the 1/11 caretaker period. Public Safety: Police say illegal firearms are increasingly fueling killings and clashes, with 1,311 weapons looted from police facilities in the 2024 unrest still unaccounted for. Law Enforcement: Police have sought Interpol information on former IGP Benazir Ahmed’s whereabouts after reports he moved to Saint Lucia. Women, Peacebuilding: UN envoy Irene Zubaida Khan urged stronger women’s leadership and equal participation in peace processes at a UN forum. Energy Security: Govt signed a $1bn IsDB loan for Eastern Refinery expansion to cut refined fuel import costs. Economy & Finance: Non-performing loans are again reported above Tk 6 trillion, as banking stress continues. Food Prices: Hilsa supplies rise in Chandpur, pushing prices down sharply. Labour Migration: Malaysia resumes recruitment with 10,000 workers under a zero-cost system via BOESL, with warnings to jobseekers not to pay brokers. Environment & Health: Govt forms an expert committee to test microplastic in toothpaste. Media Workers: BFUJ and DUJ plan a rally demanding the 10th wage board and interim dearness allowance for journalists.

Women’s Cricket: The ICC has moved the inaugural six-team Women’s Champions Trophy from Sri Lanka to India, with matches in Mumbai and Vadodara from Feb 14–28; Sri Lanka still qualifies, alongside Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa. Nepal Floods/Climate: Nepal’s flood death toll has crossed 1,200 as PM Balendra Shah urges stronger global action on Himalayan climate risks; UN warnings also flag Mumbai and Kolkata at risk from rising seas. Energy & Policy: Bangladesh launched rooftop solar incentives with Tk 10.50 per kWh for surplus power fed to the grid for three years, alongside a new National Committee on Climate Finance chaired by the PM. Economy & Banking: Dhaka Bank signed a Visa partnership to grow its card portfolio; IFC approved a $50m facility for BRAC Bank to expand MSME lending, especially women-led and farm businesses. Governance & Law: Contracts of MDs of three state banks (Agrani, BDBL, BASIC) were cancelled; four police officers were dismissed over misconduct and desertion. Sports: Tawhid Hridoy made Bangladesh A history with a triple century in South Africa. Local Security: Jamaat MPs protested “deteriorating” law and order, citing rising theft and mugging incidents.

Rooftop Solar Push: Bangladesh introduced a Tk 10.50 per kWh incentive for surplus electricity from rooftop solar systems with batteries, valid for three years for installations made by Feb 28, 2027, as power shortages hit nearly 4,000MW at peak. Court Watch: The High Court halted Cox’s Bazar beach dune road construction for eight weeks, citing alleged violation of earlier orders protecting the dunes. Energy & Economy: Bangladesh Bank extended loan rescheduling again, while TIB welcomed the new pay scale but urged annual asset and income disclosure to curb corruption. Local Safety: A Kushtia drowning case shows gaps in river rescue capacity, with families waiting for divers from Khulna due to lack of trained fire service divers. Migration Crackdown: Bengaluru police transferred 31 Bangladeshi nationals to West Bengal for deportation after August raids. Regional Climate Alarm: Reports highlight South Asia’s rare coral recovery signs, while Nepal flood coverage renews calls for better cross-border data sharing and transparency. Gold Update: Bajus cut gold prices by Tk 4,374 per bhori, setting 22-carat gold at Tk 2,31,880 per bhori (VAT included).

Bangladesh-India Ties: Dhaka called India’s cancellation of an Awami League-linked Delhi programme a “positive, good and expected initiative,” saying it won’t allow space in Dhaka or Delhi for terrorists. Foreign Affairs & Security: Bangladesh said any possible visit by Tarique Rahman to India depends on a conducive environment, while debate continues over Dhaka’s potential interest in the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan “Mecca” defence pact. Capital Market: BSEC approved draft rules for direct listing without IPO for eligible firms, including those with Tk 500cr turnover, and eased share transfer rules for Z-category firms. Governance & Accountability: TIB welcomed the new national pay structure but urged mandatory annual asset disclosure tied to salary benefits. Energy & Development: ADB approved $175m for Chattogram Hill Tracts power upgrades to expand reliable grid access. Economy & Prices: Traders said essentials prices won’t rise if supply stays normal, but warned fuel shortages and supply-chain hurdles could destabilise markets. Local Economy: Shrimp disease wiped out stock at 250 Batiaghata farms, with losses estimated over Tk 15 crore. Digital Life: BTRC raised mobile balance spending limits under Direct Operator Billing by 150% to Tk 5,000 monthly. Disaster & Climate: Nepal’s flash floods blamed on climate change, with deaths topping 900 and thousands missing; regional climate resilience remains a key HKH agenda.

Capital Market Reform: BSEC moves to reshape Bangladesh’s capital market, scrapping the floor price, tightening broker oversight and aiming to restore the MSCI Bangladesh index from November. Power for Remote Communities: ADB approved a $175m concessional loan to expand electricity access in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, adding substations and thousands of km of distribution lines for about 88,000 more households. Rural Development Agenda: The government’s 2026-27 budget puts rural connectivity, climate-resilient infrastructure, jobs, poverty reduction and financial inclusion at the centre. Journalists’ Benefits: PM’s information adviser says job and livelihood security for journalists will be addressed alongside the new national pay scale. Missing Children Data: Information adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said 13,876 general diaries were filed over missing children between June-Dec 2025. BNP Anniversary: BNP marks its 48th founding anniversary today with tributes and a five-day programme. Nepal Flood Crisis: Nepal seeks more foreign tunnel-rescue and forensic support as deaths pass 1,000 and thousands remain missing after flash floods. Air Connectivity: SalamAir launches its first direct Muscat–Sylhet flight, boosting international travel options for Bangladeshis. Minority Safety Concern: A minority rights lawyer warns Hindus face rising fear and weak protection, urging stronger institutional action. Foreign Policy/Defense: Bangladesh FM says the “Mecca Pact” is an internal Muslim-world matter, while US envoy Sergio Gor’s Boeing remarks may refer to a previous deal.

Forex Crackdown: Maldives police detained six expats over an alleged illegal foreign-currency exchange network, with millions of dollars and rufiyaa reportedly moving through personal accounts. Business & Investment: Bangladesh showcased its investment potential in Kunming, while CCCI urged a knowledge-based economy and faster infrastructure and port/airport upgrades. Company Registration Reform: RJSC will introduce an Electronic Business Registration System modeled on Singapore, aiming to let new firms register online from home within hours. Media Leadership: Shafik Rehman was elected NEC president and Mahmudur Rahman general secretary, as editors discussed press freedom and professional standards. Capital Market: BSEC plans rules to make listing mandatory for “public interest companies,” and NBR eased minimum turnover tax for firms with turnover up to Tk 2 crore. Economy & Finance: Bangladesh Bank data shows government net borrowing from banks far exceeded the plan, raising crowding-out concerns. Public Health: Measles deaths rose again, with suspected fatalities pushing the outbreak toll near 1,000. Disaster & Safety: Nepal-Tibet floods left hundreds feared trapped in hydropower tunnels as deaths passed 950. Sports: BCB chief Tamim said talks with BCCI continue to restore Bangladesh’s India white-ball tour window in 2026-27.

Ramon Magsaysay Award: Bangladesh’s Runa Khan of Friendship won the 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Award, with the ceremony set for Nov 15 in Manila, joining Singapore’s Tommy Koh and Myanmar’s Bo Kyi. Energy & Economy: Gas supply in August reportedly hit a decade low, pushing Bangladesh toward a near standstill as power generation deficits rise and factories feel the squeeze. Local Service Delivery: Dhaka’s “Nagorik Sheba Kendra” centres are largely non-functional due to missing equipment and weak connectivity, leaving citizens with fewer ways to get services in one place. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh’s RMG sector is adopting AI-powered monitoring to boost productivity, while Jeans & Polo Ltd is rolling out Click ERP to tighten production control. Public Safety & Border: US Ambassador Brent Christensen toured Banglabandha land port and the India-Bangladesh zero point in Panchagarh. Crackdown: NDLEA reported major drug seizures at Lagos airport, including “Jihadi drug” and other opioids. Sports Diplomacy: BCB chief Tamim Iqbal says Bangladesh and India are still searching for a window for the long-delayed home white-ball series. Disaster Watch: Nepal flood rescue efforts continue for workers feared trapped in hydropower tunnels as deaths and missing climb.

Bangladesh Bank Policy: BB cut the interest rate on its Tk 3,000cr North Bengal agro-refinance fund, setting the customer cap at 7% and refinancing at 3%, with loan tenures up to 18 months for production and up to 36 months for preservation, marketing and agro-processing. Drug Bust: NDLEA seized captagon (“Jihadi drug”) and opioids worth over N6.2bn at Lagos airport, hiding 47,200 captagon pills inside “Ghana soap” and recovering 3.9m opioid tablets from abandoned consignments, arresting a cross-border kingpin. Foreign Policy: Bangladesh’s FM and state minister said there’s “no risk” in the Mecca Pact, framing it as Muslim self-defence while pledging balanced relations under “Bangladesh First.” Energy Pressure: A study warns the energy crisis has pushed FY25-26 import costs to $10.63bn and is stalling industrial investment, with outages and connection hurdles hurting business. Local Governance & Transport: Govt moves to ban battery-powered/e-rickshaws on Dhaka’s main roads, with limited registration for smaller passenger loads on internal roads. Economy & Finance: BB approved FY26 net profit of Tk 25,977cr and bonus for officials; Titumir said NPL ratios are starting to decline but banking problems remain deep. Sports: Bangladesh U-20 face Uzbekistan in a must-win AFC U-20 opener in Tashkent.

Bangladesh-Malaysia Partnership: Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain says ties are built on mutual trust after PM Tarique Rahman’s Malaysia visit, urging Malaysia to increase imports from Bangladesh. Labour Migration: Malaysia plans to hire about 2,00,000 Bangladeshi workers in six months, starting late September; 10,000 will be recruited “free of cost,” and the labour market will reopen via a transparent process. Education Reform: PM adviser Mahdi Amin says a major curriculum overhaul is coming for the 2028 academic session, with ethics, human values, AI and sports added from 2027. Enforced Disappearance Watch: International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances is marked today, while Bangladesh’s ICT prepares cases over about 250 alleged disappearances, and rights groups warn new laws must ensure accountability. Dhaka Infrastructure: The Gabtoli–Postogola eight-lane road missed its June deadline; only about 5 km is under work, while the rest is still in feasibility. Weather Alert: BMD forecasts rain/thunder in Dhaka and warns gusty winds for several river ports. AI Push: KOICA will fund a USD 13m AI Hub in Dhaka.

Transport Modernisation: PM Tarique Rahman ordered Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) on Dhaka expressways and flyovers within four months, with a supporting app, and directed relocation of the Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj plus capacity expansion at Gabtoli. Human Rights & Justice: Ahead of the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the proposed Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress Act 2026 will let victims seek justice directly in court, while BNP leaders and ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam reiterated calls for impartial investigations and maximum punishment. Local Governance & Jobs: Government-linked foundations will work under a five-cluster approach to push the Five-Year Strategic Framework, with pledges of over one crore jobs and a “One Village, One Product” push alongside renewable energy and social protection. Urban Services via PPP: SNV signed an MoU with the PPP Wing of Invest Bangladesh Authority to mainstream small-scale PPPs for water, sanitation, faecal sludge and solid waste, using practical templates and pilot support. Trade & Security: Customs seized nearly 73 tonnes of duplex board in Old Dhaka after a bonded shipment went off-route, while BGB reported drug and smuggling seizures in Jashore. Economy & Industry: Maersk Line expressed interest in direct investment in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding and ship recycling, and the World Bank warned up to 600,000 jobs could be lost if the Middle East crisis drags on. Weather: Rain is likely to continue for five days, with ports advised to hoist cautionary signal-3.

Nepal Flood Response: Nepal says it doesn’t need foreign search-and-rescue teams, but is asking for specialised help like tunnel rescue, DNA testing and body storage as the Himalayan flash-flood death toll climbs past 600 and nearly 3,000 remain missing; India is preparing medical and engineering support including a tunnel-rescue team after Kathmandu’s request. Weather Watch: Bangladesh’s monsoon will continue for five days, with BMD issuing maritime caution signal No. 3 for Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra as low pressure builds over the Bay. Economy & Trade: Apparel exporters urge India’s commerce ministry to regulate cotton yarn exports amid a price surge that could hit garment supply chains, while Bangladesh’s LDC graduation push is tied to calls for structural reforms to keep attracting FDI. Health & Education: Govt plans permanent campuses for six medical colleges and incentives to ease teacher shortages. Women & Society: Bangladesh is urged to make menstrual leave real, and a new focus on home-based childcare highlights how lack of safe childcare keeps women out of work. Defence & Security: Bangladesh moves ahead with talks to buy China’s J-10CE jets, citing performance lessons from Operation Sindoor. Local Governance: Bureaucracy instability and frequent transfers are blamed for slowing reforms and development delivery.

Mecca Pact Watch: Bangladesh’s interest in joining the Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is drawing scrutiny, with India saying the pact has security implications and closely monitoring Dhaka’s stance. Bangladesh-China Skills Push: Bangladesh and China signed an MoU to set up a China-Bangladesh Vocational Education, Training and Research Centre, plus three cooperation platforms for teacher training, research and Chinese language skills—aimed at creating jobs for young people. Nepal Floods Aid & Rescue: Nepal and China resumed Himalayan rescue after flash floods and glacier collapse, with China’s team reaching the Gyirong border area and finding “nothing but ruins”; Nepal says it can handle search-and-rescue itself while Bangladesh and others offer assistance. Labour Migration to Malaysia: Malaysia will reopen its labour market via a transparent process, recruiting 10,000 Bangladeshis on a “zero-cost” basis through BOESL, with selected agencies and warnings against payments or passport submissions before official instructions. Education Staffing Gap: Tangail reports 1,459 vacant teacher posts in 1,623 government primary schools, disrupting classes with shortages of both head and assistant teachers. Women’s Representation Demand: Nari Sanghati calls for 33% women lawmakers in parliament and pushes for daycare, more female primary teachers, subsidised sanitary pads and a Sexual Harassment Prevention Act.

Nepal Flood Response: Nepal says it doesn’t need foreign search-and-rescue teams after the flash floods, as its own security agencies run operations; the foreign ministry says offers are “natural” but not required, while fresh warnings point to renewed risk from a border lake in Tibet. Bangladesh-Region Ties: Bangladesh is among countries offering help, and Malaysia is coordinating aid delivery to Nepal, including a possible SMART rescue team. Mecca Pact Talk: Bangladesh’s foreign minister says Dhaka will consider joining the Mecca Pact if existing members propose it, with opposition parties backing the idea. Energy & Economy: Opposition leaders in parliament slam the government’s first 180 days over the energy crisis, load shedding, factory closures and worsening law and order. Rohingya Rights: UN-linked reporting highlights renewed protection concerns for Rohingya activists and families in Cox’s Bazar as some face relocation back into camps. Local Solar Push: Government launches a nationwide rooftop solar service network to expand access beyond big firms, including support for youth and women entrepreneurs. Culture & Media: Chhayanaut marks Nazrul’s 50th death anniversary with music and recitation, while TV and audiovisual groups protest a legal notice targeting romantic dramas. Labour & Climate: A study links extreme heat to major income losses for informal workers in Dhaka, adding to the pressure on already vulnerable households.

Nepal Flood Relief: Bangladesh has offered “all possible assistance” to Nepal after deadly flash floods and landslides, with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman saying Nepal will share its specific needs soon; Bangladesh is also preparing relief supplies like tents, mosquito nets, dry food, flashlights and body bags. Aviation Security: UK and Bangladesh deepened cooperation on aviation security as a five-day “Aviation Security Supervisor Training” ended at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, focusing on evolving threats and stronger airport supervision. Gas Crisis at Home: Dhaka households report weak daytime piped gas, pushing families toward electric cookers; the disruption began after LNG supply fell following issues at floating storage and regasification units. Banking Recovery: Bangladesh Bank reviewed Sommilito Islami Bank’s loan recovery drive, with nearly 10,000 lawsuits filed and a forensic audit nearing completion. Policy & Economy: Invest Bangladesh, the new apex investment promotion body, plans open bidding in October for idle state assets; meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank allowed local firms to arrange foreign-currency guarantees for foreign contractors in international tenders. Sports & Culture: The 50th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam was observed with state honours and nationwide programmes, while the 2nd Embassy Indoor Games begins tomorrow in Dhaka.