AGP Executive Report

Flood Response: Bangladesh’s flood and landslide toll rose to 54 dead with 39 injured as 11 districts stay on alert; health workers’ leave was cancelled and extra medical teams readied to keep services running. Public Health: Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine is set to enter routine immunisation from Aug 1, with children aged 15 months to get it free alongside MMR-2. Education Reform: Primary schools will get Play and STEM Labs, aiming to build scientific thinking from the earliest grades. Rohingya Strategy: A security-heavy national committee led by PM Tarique Rahman will draft a Rohingya repatriation action plan within 90 days. Drug Crackdown: Bangladesh’s drug enforcement push highlights a sharp rise in Yaba/ATS seizures and identifies key drug-prone border districts. Governance & Services: Foreign Minister Khanal says enhanced high-security e-passports have started rolling out, with more digital, faceless passport services. Trade & Ports: Matarbari deep seaport is on track for 2029 operations, promising direct calls by large mother vessels to cut transhipment costs.

IMF Talks & Reforms: Bangladesh’s Finance Minister says the IMF has praised the government’s reform agenda and agreed to a phased approach, with welfare kept at the centre as detailed subsidy talks are yet to begin. Disaster Response: Floods, hill runoff and landslides across seven districts have killed 54 and injured 39; authorities opened 1,049 shelters and cancelled leave for health workers while keeping healthcare on high alert. Health Crisis: Measles-related deaths rose to 758 as dengue fears deepen pressure on hospitals, with thousands of suspected cases still being treated. Economy & Currency: The dollar climbed to Tk 123 in the inter-bank market amid slower remittances and export earnings, while the government signals reforms will roll out gradually. Trade & Ports: Shipping Minister says steps are underway to cut port logistics costs and speed cargo handling; Matarbari deep seaport is set to start operations by 2029, enabling direct calls by larger vessels. Business & Investment: BEZA signed a $13.7m land lease deal for a new manufacturing unit in the National Special Economic Zone, and Bangladesh Bank extended FC-Taka swap support for exporters in specialized zones. Digital Finance: City Bank-bKash nano loans have surpassed Tk 10,000 crore, reaching millions of small borrowers through app-based lending. RMG & Jobs: Bangladesh’s apparel sector continues to face strain as job shedding and export pressures linger. Politics & Justice: Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed reiterated Sheikh Hasina will go to jail if she surrenders, as extradition efforts continue. Local Events: DSCC announced “Hridoye Dhaka” weeklong celebrations for Dhaka Day starting July 31.

Rohingya Crisis: Human Rights Watch warns monsoon-linked landslides are killing and displacing Rohingya in Bangladesh as overcrowding and aid shortfalls leave camps on denuded, slide-prone hillsides. Flood Disaster: Torrential monsoon rains and landslides have killed at least 51 people, with over 1.02 million affected and nearly 268,000 families sheltering across seven districts; power outages and damaged roads are slowing relief. Dhaka Waste-to-Energy: PM Tarique Rahman met on waste-to-energy plants for Dhaka City—Aminbazar (42.5MW) and Matuail (power from methane)—aiming to feed electricity to the grid from 2028. RMG Exports Push: BGMEA and HSBC signed a partnership to expand apparel exports via roadshows, starting with Hong Kong, and linking efforts with BATEXPO. Health Warning: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak is flagged as a warning against complacency, with high case and death counts showing gaps in sustained, even vaccination coverage. Telecom Policy: ICT Minister says there’s no plan to privatise Teletalk, arguing it’s needed to keep competition and prevent tariff hikes. Regional Security: Bangladesh is likely to send its PM’s defence adviser to the BIMSTEC NSA meeting in New Delhi on July 16. Education Funding: Finance Minister urges private universities to reinvest tax savings into quality education and research. Power Update: Rain has eased national load-shedding, but intermittent outages continue in some areas due to weather damage to lines and substations. Politics & Mourning: Former acting President and Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar was laid to rest at Jatiya Sangsad premises after namaz-e-janaza.

Flood Crisis: Heavy monsoon rains and landslides have killed at least 51 people in southeastern Bangladesh over the past week, with 39 injured and 38,400 sheltering in government centres; Cox’s Bazar took the worst toll (28 deaths, including 13 Rohingya), and more flooding is feared in the next 24–48 hours as river levels keep rising. Health Alert: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak worsened again, with five more child deaths reported, pushing the confirmed+suspected toll to 758 as hospitals stay overwhelmed and dengue risk looms. Disaster Response: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered top-level vigilance and faster relief, rescue and medical support for waterlogged areas, while technical schools and colleges were told to move key assets to safer floors. RMG & Trade: BGMEA and Chinese business leaders agreed to explore joint ventures, tech transfer and automation to boost Bangladesh’s garment sector; exporters also urged emergency support after Chattogram port disruptions. Markets & Finance: BSEC imposed Tk 1,497cr fines in a stock market crackdown, and the DSE rebalanced its DS30 index, dropping Linde Bangladesh, Kohinoor Chemicals and Unique Hotel. Cashless Push: BMPCA demanded scrapping the Bangla QR service charge, saying it discourages small merchants from going digital.

Flood Crisis: Torrential monsoon rain has killed at least 44 people and left over a million stranded across seven districts in southeastern Bangladesh, with Chattogram hardest hit; power outages, damaged roads and broken communications are slowing rescue, and many families are surviving on dry rations while army and navy teams deliver food, drinking water and medicines by boat. Political Violence: Six months into the new BNP-led government, killings tied to politics continue, with rights group Ain o Salish Kendra alleging dozens of politically related deaths and police-custody fatalities, while the government says reporting has improved. Hasina Return: Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina says she will return around December and surrender, telling Reuters she may be arrested or even killed, as Dhaka faces fresh political tension ahead of her comeback. Legal/Finance: A legal notice has been served alleging USD 25 million laundering linked to Eastern Bank PLC chairman Md Showkat Ali Chowdhury, with demands for action within seven days. Health Policy: The government plans to introduce mental health screening nationwide through primary health care units and household visits, aiming to shift care toward prevention. IMF Talks: An IMF delegation is set to arrive in Dhaka to discuss a new loan programme and macroeconomic reforms. Local Politics: BNP is preparing for local polls and its December national council, focusing on grassroots restructuring and election pledges. Rohingya Aid: Qatar Charity continues cooking gas support for Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char, benefiting thousands. Sports/Society: State minister Tuku vows stronger sports promotion and a tougher anti-drug push, urging harmony at tournaments. Passing: Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar, former acting President and Speaker, has died at 95.

Flood Relief Crisis: Monsoon floods and landslides in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar and Habiganj have killed at least 44 and left over a million stranded, with power outages, damaged roads and broken communications slowing aid; the army and navy are ferrying food, drinking water and medicines, while Rohingya camp landslides have also claimed lives. Disaster Response Updates: Authorities say relief is being coordinated nationwide under PM’s round-the-clock monitoring, with warnings that several rivers remain above danger levels and fresh flooding could hit other areas. Education Disruption: Chattogram Education Board postponed HSC and equivalent exams until July 16 due to the floods. Border & Safety: BGB rescued stranded tourists in Bandarban and also rescued 122 flood-hit families; in Joypurhat, locals and BGB foiled an alleged BSF push-in attempt. Healthcare Focus: PM Tarique Rahman urged doctors to build public trust to cut the costly outflow for overseas treatment, while DMC marked its 80th anniversary with proposals to modernise Bangladesh’s healthcare. Economy & Policy: An IMF delegation arrives in Dhaka for talks on a new loan programme and reforms; HSBC expects Bangladesh to benefit from global recovery with growth around 4.4% in FY27. AI Push: Posts and IT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam launched an AI research lab and competition, saying the country is prioritising an AI-skilled workforce. Environment & Livability: Ministers urged mass tree plantation and waste cleanup, including a drive along the Dhaka-Aricha highway, aiming for a cleaner, liveable Bangladesh.

Hasina Return Plan: Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina told Reuters she plans to return to Bangladesh around December and surrender in court, warning she could be arrested or even killed—while Dhaka’s government urges media to stop broadcasting her statements under an ICT ban. Flood Relief & Risk: After heavy monsoon rains, floodwaters are receding in parts of the southeast, but fresh threats remain in the north and northeast; PM Tarique Rahman orders intensified rescue and relief, while ports keep cautionary signal No. 3. Rohingya Crisis: Landslides and flash floods have killed at least 14 Rohingya refugees, prompting renewed calls for better camp safety and scrutiny of humanitarian spending; Bangladesh also handed WFP rice for food support. Migration Scams Exposed: A probe highlights flawed worker vetting—BMET cleared thousands for overseas jobs, but many were trapped in cyber scam compounds or forced into harm. Air Quality Update: Dhaka’s AQI improved to “moderate” after rainfall. Economy & Jobs: Talks in parliament point to CEPA with India to cut trade gaps, while BSEC moves to reform capital-market rules. Tech & Skills: Bangladesh’s AI talent and data-annotation work are quietly growing, alongside debates on building a knowledge economy.

Sheikh Hasina Return Talks: Ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina says she will return to Bangladesh around December and voluntarily surrender, even if she is arrested or killed, after a death sentence in absentia. Media Curbs: The government has asked media and social platforms not to broadcast or publish Hasina’s statements, citing an International Crimes Tribunal ban and court orders. Political Tensions: BNP’s first 100 days coverage highlights worries about political dissent and bans on major parties, while Awami League leaders also signal plans to return amid expected backlash. Teesta Flood Watch: Teesta River levels in Lalmonirhat have slipped below danger, but BWDB is managing flows with sluice gates as residents brace for fresh short-term flooding. Rohingya Monsoon Crisis: Landslides in overcrowded Cox’s Bazar camps have killed at least 13, with authorities relocating families to safer areas. Regional Energy Push: The EU launched a €5m South Asia energy connectivity project to boost cross-border power trade, including Bangladesh. Starlink Bandwidth Route: Bangladesh has authorized Starlink to export bandwidth via local infrastructure, with Nepal’s regulatory approval seen as the key next hurdle. Visa Update: Saudi Arabia rolled out a “Visa Package” for an initial group of seven countries, bundling e-visas with flights and four-star hotel bookings.

Rohingya Crisis: Monsoon-triggered landslides in Cox’s Bazar have killed at least 13 Rohingya refugees, with five children among the dead after a school building collapsed; authorities used loudspeakers and volunteers to move families from risky areas, while emergency teams rescued the injured and recovered bodies. Disaster Response: The Bangladesh Army rescued 150 stranded tourists from Sajek Valley as heavy rain and flash floods blocked roads; more than 400 others remain marooned and will be evacuated in phases. Religious Violence: A historic Shri Kalimata Temple in Panchagarh’s Atwari Upazila was vandalised and the idol desecrated, with the main accused reportedly caught by local Hindus after a viral video. Flood Watch: The Teesta River rose above the danger level at Dalia Barrage, renewing fears for low-lying char areas as BWDB monitors upstream inflows. Economy & Industry: The government plans to raise RMG’s spinning incentive for locally produced yarn to 5% to revive struggling spinners, and Cabinet approved an Invest Bangladesh Act draft plus renewable energy and import policy updates to improve the investment climate. Energy & Connectivity: The EU launched a €5m regional energy connectivity project to expand cross-border power trade across South Asia, while Riyadh Air opened ticket sales for daily Dhaka–Riyadh flights from Aug 7. Capital Market Reform: BSEC is set to revive the mutual fund industry and push broader capital market reforms to restore investor confidence. Media Policy: The government is considering amendments to the Press Council Act to introduce journalist registration and strengthen accountability for false or unethical reporting.

Port & Trade: Patenga Container Terminal has delayed a fourfold hike in LCL cargo storage fees, while heavy rains in Chattogram have slowed cargo handling for a third straight day, disrupting inspections, unloading and market activity. Markets & Business: Singer Bangladesh has been pushed into the “Z/junk” category on the Dhaka bourse after accumulated losses exceeded paid-up capital; BSEC chief Masud Khan unveiled a reform agenda to restore investor confidence, including steps to improve market surveillance and capital market rules. Economy Outlook: ADB forecasts Bangladesh GDP growth at 4.5% for FY2026-27, with inflation risks still elevated. Environment & Governance: PM Tarique Rahman urged transparency in tree plantation claims and called for tree planting to become a daily habit; a national event also reflected a directive to avoid using personal photos in official displays. Rohingya Crisis: Monsoon landslides in Cox’s Bazar killed at least 13 Rohingya refugees and forced relocations from high-risk areas. Diplomacy & Policy: Foreign minister Shama Obaed said there’s no “diplomatic deficiency” in efforts to repatriate Sheikh Hasina; Bangladesh and the EU discussed preparations for a future FTA, while BPPA was told to cut procurement lead time further. Tech & Mobility: Bangladesh targets EV manufacturing with a new industry policy, and Teletalk launched a Professional Package for eligible professionals.

Rohingya Crisis: Bangladesh authorities used loudspeakers and volunteers to relocate people from risky areas after fresh landslides in Cox’s Bazar camps killed at least 13 refugees, including children, as rescue teams struggled amid monsoon chaos. Economy Outlook: The Asian Development Bank forecast Bangladesh’s growth at 4.5% for FY2026-27, citing resilience from remittances and services, but warning inflation risks and weaker exports/private investment. Banking Assurance: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told parliament depositors of five troubled banks will get their full money back with interest, ruling out any “haircut.” Green Finance: EIB Global and BRAC Bank agreed a €60 million, 12-year deal to expand microfinance and green/circular investments, backing cleaner production, waste reduction and renewable energy. Justice Support: Sweden and UNDP extended funding by 3 million kronor to support Bangladesh’s justice reforms, aiming for more effective and people-centered services. Public Procurement Reform: A high-level committee has been reconstituted to improve public procurement rules and procedures, including reviewing the Public Procurement Act and Rules. Local Governance & Safety: Waterlogging and landslide risk prompted Chattogram to put eight shelters on standby as heavy rains disrupt normal life. Capital Market Confidence: PM Tarique Rahman said the government is working to restore investor confidence in the capital market through governance, transparency and reform programmes.

Islamic Banking & Finance: Bangladesh Bank data shows Islamic banking deposits rose 8.35% year-on-year to Tk 4.79 lakh crore in Q1 2026, with Islamic branches/windows of conventional banks also boosting competition. Public Spending & Procurement: The government announces fresh austerity for FY26-27, cutting costs on vehicles, buildings, land acquisition and most foreign travel, while a new high-level panel will review the Public Procurement Act and rules to improve the system. Trade, AML & Governance: A BIBM study says anti-money laundering enforcement in trade services is uneven, citing gaps like weak monitoring and limited red-flag detection tools. Rohingya Crisis in Cox’s Bazar: Monsoon-triggered landslides continue to kill children at Rohingya camps, with at least five more child deaths reported after earlier fatalities. World Cup & Local Sports Talk: VAR debates are heating up as local experts back the technology for reducing errors, even as decisions remain inconsistent. Labour & Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman says efforts to reopen overseas labour markets are stepping up, and Irene Khan has been given state minister rank as Bangladesh’s UN envoy.

Severe Weather & Safety: Record rains have battered Bangladesh’s southeast, with Chattogram seeing 412.3mm in 24 hours, triggering landslides, wall collapses, flight disruptions and even the suspension of public exams; local authorities also kept eight shelters on standby as waterlogging and hill risks rise. Capital & Infrastructure Woes: A major lake development project in Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara is still far behind schedule and was flagged for being launched without a proper feasibility study, raising fresh questions about project delays and governance. Economy Watch: Bangladesh’s PMI stayed in expansion at 52.9 in June, though growth slowed in manufacturing and construction. Finance & Markets: BSEC approved UCB’s Tk 7.75b rights issue and a new open-end mutual fund, while forex reserves climbed to $27.92b. Energy Funding: The government secured a $1.0b hard-term IsDB loan for Eastern Refinery’s delayed Unit-2 expansion. Liveability Ranking: Dhaka was ranked among the world’s least liveable cities in the 2026 Global Liveability Index. Regional Cooperation: Bangladesh and the Netherlands pledged closer water-management cooperation, while Bangladesh is set to host BIMSTEC sectoral meetings. Migrant Labour Update: Malaysia reopened its labour market for Bangladeshis, aiming to cut recruitment fees and improve transparency. Sports & Society: Thousands of Bangladesh fans flooded Dhaka streets to celebrate Argentina’s World Cup win over Egypt.

Monsoon Disaster: Heavy rains triggered deadly landslides in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, killing at least eight Rohingya refugees including five children, with more injured and families displaced as authorities relocate people from high-risk slopes. Transport Disruptions: Flooding and bad weather disrupted travel across southern Bangladesh, with flights delayed and train services halted after the Cox’s Bazar–Dhaka rail line submerged; Sajek Valley was temporarily closed over landslide fears. Capital Markets: BSEC approved United Commercial Bank’s Tk 775.18cr rights issue and cleared a new Blue-Wealth mutual fund prospectus. Digital Governance: The government reaffirmed mandatory e-GP for all public procurement and said it will complete the full transition to an electronic system to boost transparency. Investment Push: A draft law plans to merge four investment agencies into one “Unified Investment Development Authority” to give investors a single service point. Banking for Growth: UCB will digitise Faridpur municipality revenue collection; Prime Bank launched an agri loan campaign in Madhabpur; Bank Asia targets 40% of its loan portfolio for SME and retail. Tech & Connectivity: Bangladesh authorised Starlink to export transborder bandwidth via IPLC links. Education & Youth: Parliament passed tougher penalties for public exam offences, while PM met students heading to RoboSub 2026, urging research-led innovation. International Ties: Bangladesh is set to host BIMSTEC sectoral meetings; Japan-backed plans include a Tadao Ando-designed children’s library at the National Museum.

Rohingya Crisis: Heavy monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, killing at least eight Rohingya refugees including five children; rescuers recovered bodies and injured children, while authorities relocate families from high-risk hillside areas. Public Health & Safety: DGHS ordered private hospitals and clinics to set up labour (delivery) rooms by July 11 or face legal action, aiming to reduce unnecessary C-sections and improve maternal care. Religion & Communal Tension: In Feni, Muslims vandalised a Hindu temple; Hindu protesters were attacked and four people injured, with tension reported in the area. Security: A bomb blast injured at least three people during a rally by the National Citizen Party in Savar near Dhaka, as the “July March” demands reforms. Digital Connectivity: Bangladesh approved Starlink to export unfiltered international bandwidth via local infrastructure to neighbouring countries, potentially boosting foreign earnings. Economy & Trade: Bangladesh invited US firms to expand investment, highlighting sectors like energy, textiles and high-value manufacturing, while inflation eased to 9.16% in June. Air Quality: Dhaka’s AQI stayed in the “moderate” range on Tuesday morning.

Bangladesh Bank & Industry Support: BB exempted defaulter Abdul Monem Sugar Refinery Ltd from a legal bar to open import LCs, demanding banks keep a 100% cash margin, aiming to keep the refinery running. Export Push: A modern vapour heat treatment (VHT) plant in Gabtoli will process up to 12 tonnes of mangoes daily, helping meet phytosanitary rules and boost fresh fruit exports. Digital Services: Finance Minister Amir Khosru ordered banks and insurers to offer customer-centric digital help at every outlet, with staff assisting people to use services from home. Inflation Watch: Inflation eased to 9.16% in June as food prices cooled, though non-food costs stayed high. Banking Leadership: Zahidul Haque was appointed deputy managing director of National Bank, while Anisur Rahman became BB deputy governor. Rural Development Drive: National Rural Development Day events highlighted rural prosperity plans, including Family and Farmer Cards for millions. Food Safety: PM Tarique Rahman formed a high-level committee to tackle food adulteration and strengthen agencies and mobile courts. Health Regulation: Health Minister ordered private clinics to set up delivery rooms by July 11 or face licence cancellation. Disaster Risk: Chattogram authorities urged residents of nine hazardous hills to evacuate amid heavy monsoon rains and landslide warnings.