AGP Executive Report

Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak keeps worsening, with five more children dying from measles-like symptoms and the death toll rising to 610, as suspected cases surge and hospitals struggle with bed shortages. Power & Cost of Living: Thousands rallied in Dhaka against repeated electricity and fuel price hikes, saying the pressure is becoming unbearable for working people. Border Security: BGB reported multiple push-in attempts foiled along the India-Bangladesh border in 24 hours, stopping dozens of people at several border points. FDI Push: The cabinet approved a 2026 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Incentive Scheme to encourage expatriate Bangladeshis and others to help attract foreign investment. Bangladesh-Turkey Ties: Foreign ministers Khalilur Rahman and Hakan Fidan met in Dhaka, focusing on Rohingya support, trade and investment, and signed an MoU on cultural heritage protection. UN Peacekeeping: Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan were posthumously awarded the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Medal. Sports (Local Pride): Bangladesh beat San Marino 2-1 in a friendly in Europe, with Topu Barman scoring twice. Tech & Environment: A UN report warns AI’s water and land footprint could grow sharply by 2030, adding a new cost to the AI boom.

Delhi Hotel Fire: India’s MEA says 13 foreign nationals were among 21 deaths in the Malviya Nagar blaze, with embassies being contacted for paperwork and medical support for the injured. Border & Migration: India says it has a bilateral mechanism with Bangladesh to verify nationality before deporting suspected illegal migrants, while Bangladesh’s BGB claims it thwarted push-in attempts. Bangladesh–Türkiye Ties: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan says Turkey wants a lasting, just Rohingya solution and will visit Cox’s Bazar camps; Bangladesh and Türkiye also signed an MoU to protect cultural heritage. Diplomacy Expansion: Bangladesh begins steps to open a diplomatic mission in Harare, aiming to deepen ties and boost cooperation in sectors like textiles. Dhaka Security: DMP bans meetings and gatherings around parliament during the budget session. Sports: India and Bangladesh meet in the SAFF Women’s Championship final; Australia’s ODI/T20 squad arrives in Dhaka for the series. Local Economy: Rajshahi targets about Tk 56 crore from litchi trade as Bombay variety demand rises. Public Health/Travel: US embassy in Dhaka orders some visa applicants to keep social media privacy settings public for vetting.

Bangladesh Economy: Export earnings slipped 2.55% year-on-year to $43.799bn in July-May, with May shipments down 7.07%, as ready-made garments still dominate trade. Remittance Watch: Inward remittances dipped nearly 20% in June 1-3 to $483.05m, though the wider FY25-26 inflow remains up 18.25% to $33.24bn. Power & Cost of Living: BERC restored electricity tariffs for lifeline and marginal users after a hike sparked concern, keeping lower slabs unchanged for poor households. Jobs & Industry Push: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 20,000cr pre-refinancing scheme offering working-capital loans up to Tk 200cr at 7% to revive closed large-scale industries. Diplomacy: Türkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan will visit Dhaka for talks with Khalilur Rahman and plans to inspect Rohingya camp projects, while Bangladesh’s UNGA president Khalilur Rahman’s election continues to draw attention. Sports: BCB set ticket prices for the Australia ODI series (Tk 200-2,500) and Bangladesh recalled Mosaddek Hossain for the ODIs; Bangladesh women’s team held recovery after reaching the SAFF final. World/Regional: A deadly Delhi hotel fire killed 21, including Bangladeshi nationals, renewing scrutiny of safety and medical-tourism lodging rules. Environment & Society: World Environment Day events highlighted climate action, including Switzerland’s plan to support 300,000 climate-resilient trees. Viral Human Interest: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” is drawing crowds at Dhaka zoo after being spared from Eid sacrifice.

UNGA Leadership: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected the 81st President of the UN General Assembly, beating Cyprus in a rare contested vote—an international spotlight on Dhaka’s diplomacy. ICC Oversight: An ICC delegation visited Dhaka to review BCB governance and electoral matters ahead of the June 7 elections, with findings set to be submitted to the governing body. Electricity Tariffs: BERC withdrew part of a tariff hike for residential users up to 75 units, keeping lifeline rates unchanged, while the Power Division still seeks a review to protect low-income households. Public Health: DGHS probe findings on the Ad-din Hospital newborn deaths point to poor ward ventilation and an inadequate, old air-conditioning setup; meanwhile measles deaths in Bangladesh keep climbing, with the toll now over 600. Environment & Accountability: Bangladesh’s “polluter pays” principle is still mostly on paper, with authorities recovering only about half of imposed compensation over 16 years due to legal delays and loopholes. Diplomacy & Media: Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon sought Australian support for an independent media commission and for curbing AI-driven misinformation. Sports & Football Fever: Bangladesh recalled Mosaddek Hossain and Nurul Hasan for ODIs vs Australia; and in Dhaka, street football culture is booming ahead of the World Cup at the “FIFA Goli” in Tikatuli. Capital Security: DMP chief says special drives will continue for a safe, peaceful Dhaka, citing arrests and major drug seizures during Eid.

Delhi Hotel Fire: A deadly blaze at a Malviya Nagar hotel in New Delhi killed at least 21 people, including 17–18 foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Liberia; Bangladesh’s MEA says it is in touch with embassies and assisting victims as investigations point to serious safety lapses. Power Tariff Shock: Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission raised retail power tariffs by 16.68% and bulk tariffs by 19.85%, effective from June 1, drawing protests from multiple parties including Jamaat-e-Islami. Health Accountability: Probe reports on the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Hospital have been submitted; the health minister vowed strict action and announced plans for new children’s hospitals with ICU facilities. Social Protection Push: A policy debate says Bangladesh must treat social protection as a core reform agenda for ageing, care gaps, climate shocks and insecure work—not just small allowances. Education Policy: The state minister says all English medium schools will come under a uniform policy to improve quality and accountability. Sports—Bangladesh Cricket: Mosaddek Hossain returns to Bangladesh’s ODI squad for the Australia home series after nearly four years, alongside Nurul Hasan Sohan. Weather Watch: BMD forecasts above-normal heat and slightly below-normal rainfall in June, with possible heat waves. Eid Zoo Sensation: An albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” is drawing crowds after being spared from Eid sacrifice and moved to Dhaka’s national zoo; a curator was fired.

Delhi Hotel Fire: A deadly blaze at a Malviya Nagar B&B in New Delhi killed at least 21 people, including 18 foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Liberia; Bangladesh High Commission says five Bangladeshis were injured and receiving treatment, while Delhi police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and issued a lookout circular as investigators probe alleged safety lapses and overcrowding. Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles death toll climbed to 601 as seven more children died in 24 hours, with DGHS reporting 511 suspected and 90 confirmed deaths and tens of thousands of suspected cases. Neonatal Care Probe: A government committee submitted its report on six newborn deaths at Ad-din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, with health ministry to brief media after review. Energy Costs: Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission raised retail power tariff by Tk 1.52 per unit (to Tk 10.63/kWh), while CAB warned the hike could fuel inflation and raise business costs. Exports & Economy: Export earnings fell 7.07% in May to $4.40bn as RMG shipments dropped; meanwhile the DSE extended its post-Eid rally with turnover hitting an eight-month high. Finance & Social Protection: Bangladesh Bank and scheduled banks are being pushed to include bankers under the Progoti pension scheme. Sports: Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 to reach the SAFF Women’s Championship final, where they will face the India-Bhutan winner.

UNGA Leadership: Bangladesh’s FM Khalilur Rahman elected President of the 81st UN General Assembly in a closely fought vote, with PM Khalilur and India’s EAM Jaishankar congratulating him. LDC Graduation: The UN backed Dhaka’s plea to defer LDC graduation by three years, but urged major domestic reforms during the extended period. Forced Labour Trade Pressure: The US proposed tariffs on India and 59 other economies over forced-labour-linked imports, with Bangladesh also named among affected countries—raising new export uncertainty. EU Migration Crackdown: The EU approved a plan to deport and confine undocumented migrants in offshore detention centres in third countries, including Bangladesh, with penalties for non-cooperation. Public Health Crisis: Measles deaths in Bangladesh keep climbing, with reports citing hundreds of child fatalities and renewed calls for stronger vaccination and independent review. Dhaka Governance & Safety: DMP jailed a motorcyclist for hiding number plates to evade AI cameras; separate reports highlight wildlife management failures after a crocodile killed a child at a Bagerhat shrine pond. Economy & Markets: Dhaka stocks extended the post-Eid rally for a 7th straight session, while banking stress remains in focus as defaulted loans rise. Sports (Bangladesh angle): Bangladesh women’s teams set for SAFF semis and international cricket schedules keep Bangladesh on the summer map, including White Ferns hosting Bangladesh in December.

Dengue Cost Relief: Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain urged private hospitals to cut dengue diagnostic test fees by up to 80%, with talks on waiving doctors’ consultation charges too. Measles Emergency: Bangladesh reported 309 measles-linked deaths in May alone, pushing the toll to 594 since mid-March, as suspected cases surge and vaccination gaps worry experts. Capital Market Buzz: Dhaka stocks extended a post-Eid rally for a second day; DSE turnover crossed Tk 10 billion and indices rose. Power Price Watch: BERC will announce its decision on proposed electricity rate hikes at 3pm Wednesday after public hearings. Labour Diplomacy: Bangladesh was unanimously elected vice-president of the 114th ILC, a boost for its role in global labour governance. Overseas Work Crackdown: Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque said no syndicates or corruption will be allowed in sending workers abroad, with a plan for a single Probashi card. Research Spotlight: Jahangirnagar University topped Bangladesh in Chemistry in the Nature Index ranking. Bilateral Ties: US and Spanish envoys met Bangladesh’s JS Speaker, discussing investment, trade access and cooperation.

Rohingya Violence: A new report details killings and shootings in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps, including Hasan Ahmed’s death in Nayapara and clashes between armed groups in Balukhali and Camp-8. Border Talks: BGB and India’s BSF will hold director general-level talks in New Delhi on Jun 8, with push-back attempts, fencing and border killings on the agenda. Eid & Power: After Eid-ul-Azha, banks and offices reopened; the Power Division ordered markets and malls to shut by 7pm to save electricity. Budget Watch: The government is considering raising tax on export incentives to 20% from 10% and other VAT/withholding changes, drawing concern from export industries. Remittances: Inflows hit $3.42b in May, up 15.34%, keeping the streak above $3b for six months. Dengue Update: One more dengue death was reported; 110 new patients were hospitalized in 24 hours, with the death toll at six. Law & Order: Protests over Islami Bank’s new chairman turned into clashes with police using tear gas and grenades. Social Safety Net: The upcoming budget plans to expand the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes as part of a broader welfare push. Sports: Bangladesh women’s team suffered back-to-back defeats in Scotland ahead of the T20 World Cup, while LPL draft picks included Mehidy and Hasan.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Bangladesh raised octane, petrol and kerosene by Tk 5 per litre in a second fuel hike in about six weeks, while diesel stayed at Tk 115, citing global market movements. Remittances Surge: Expatriates sent $3.42b in May (May 1-31), up 15.3%, lifting total inflows to $32.75b in FY26 so far. Electricity Rules: Shops, malls and markets must shut again at 7pm, ending the Eid-ul-Azha late-opening relaxation. Public Safety & Violence: A rights report says mob violence killed 32 in May and 53 unidentified bodies were recovered. Health Alert: Measles-like deaths rose again, with three more children dying in 24 hours; suspected deaths now 498 and suspected cases 72,070. Sports: DPL resumes Tuesday after Eid break; SAFF Women’s semis set after Bangladesh’s India loss, with players getting mental boosts ahead of Nepal clash. Culture Under Pressure: Protests followed suspension of ‘Bonolota Express’ screenings in Brahmanbaria, with MPs and cultural groups condemning what they call rising fundamentalism. Justice Update: Police say Ramisa rape-murder prime accused Sohel Rana tried to mislead the trial by naming a third person.

Bangladesh–India Border Talks: Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) DG is set to meet India’s BSF in Delhi next week (June 8-11), with border fencing, attacks on BSF personnel, infiltration checks and migrant handovers on the agenda. Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles-like outbreak continues to surge, with two more children dying and suspected cases crossing 70,000, while health authorities push for containment. Eid Aftermath in Dhaka: Dhaka city corporations say temporary cattle-market waste cleanup is underway, with leaseholders warned of action and deposits/blacklisting for failing to clear sacrificial waste on time. Char Hardship: Eid-ul-Azha brings anxiety to northern river chars as crop losses, debt and river erosion leave families without animals or meat. Sugar Mill Revival Uncertainty: Closed state sugar mills still drain public funds—Shyampur Sugar Mills in Rangpur remains suspended since 2020, with revival plans stalled over funding. Football: New Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley calls the country’s football passion a “powerful heartbeat” as the team departs for a San Marino friendly on June 5. Sports (SAFF Women): Bangladesh women lose 3-0 to India in SAFF Group B, with coach Peter Butler hinting at professionalism and tracking-back issues. Public Health: Experts stress awareness and institutional delivery to cut maternal mortality, highlighting preventable delays that cost lives.

UNGA Presidency: Bangladesh is in a tight race for the UN General Assembly presidency, with diplomats saying last-minute lobbying—especially against Cyprus’s long campaign—could decide the secret ballot. Rohingya Aid: Finland pledged EUR 2 million to UNHCR to plug gaps in Rohingya support in Cox’s Bazar as funding cuts worsen camp conditions. Minority Safety: A report says violence against Christians and other minorities rose after the February elections, with Jamaat-linked areas facing more attacks. Cricket (BCB): The BCB says ICC board representatives will be nominated after its June 7 election process ends, with an ICC delegation expected to visit soon. Dhaka Sports: Mohammedan strengthened the DPL title push by signing pacer Nahid Rana. Eid & City Clean-up: DSCC claims it cleared over 36,000 tonnes of sacrificial waste, exceeding its Eid-ul-Azha target. Human Rights: MSF reports rape cases up nearly 40% in May, with rape-murders tripling. Health Probe: A Supreme Court lawyer issued a legal notice seeking a judicial inquiry into the deaths of six children at Ad-Din Hospital. Tech & IDs: An investigation found some AI tools can generate altered Bangladeshi NID images without clear warnings.

Measles Crisis: Bangladesh reported eight more child deaths from measles or related symptoms in 24 hours, taking the toll to 583 since March 15, with 90 confirmed measles deaths and 493 suspected; 1,033 suspected cases were admitted nationwide. Press Freedom Under Strain: Journalists were attacked and equipment damaged while covering the deaths of six newborns at Dhaka’s Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, after the health minister visited and raised concerns over alleged unhygienic conditions. UN Peacekeeping Tribute: UN chief Antonio Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal on June 5, after they were killed in a 2025 drone strike in Abyei. Ziaur Rahman Anniversary: India’s High Commission paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman and his 1971 radio address; in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman urged nation-building and distributed clothes and dry food among the poor as the country marks the 45th death anniversary. Eid Clean-Up: DSCC removed 28,428 tonnes of sacrificial waste from Dhaka from Eid day to Saturday afternoon, with operations continuing to keep the city clean. Sports: Bangladesh coach Peter Butler backed winger Ritu Porna ahead of the SAFF Women’s clash with India; Pakistan vs Australia ODI series kicked off in Rawalpindi with Oliver Peake making a debut.

Budget & Economy: Nepal’s Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle unveiled a Rs 2124.34 billion budget for FY 2026/27, targeting 7% growth and setting a deficit of Rs 657.29 billion. Energy Security: IMF, World Bank and IEA chiefs warned of summer fuel scarcity risks if the Strait of Hormuz stays disrupted, as oil inventories are being drawn down fast. Cricket (Pakistan-Australia): Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said fast-bowler pace has dropped due to workload and fatigue, with plans to regain speed ahead of the ODI series starting May 30. Bangladesh Sports: Bangladesh women’s defender Shamsunnahar said the SAFF clash vs India is a “fifty-fifty” battle where whoever takes chances will win. Dhaka City Watch: PM Tarique Rahman inspected Eid-ul-Azha sacrificial waste removal across Dhaka and withdrew two city corporation officials for negligence. Media Freedom: LGRD minister Mirza Fakhrul urged journalists to stay united to protect rights and ensure media freedom. Higher Education Row: State minister Bobby Hajjaj withdrew remarks comparing Dhaka University to a coaching centre after protests. Public Health: Bangladesh measles outbreak coverage highlights deaths rising again, with health systems under strain.

Dhaka Eid Aftermath: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally inspected sacrificial waste removal across Dhaka, ordering action after he found uncleared qurbani waste in areas including Hatirpool, Elephant Road, Farmgate and Karwan Bazar; two city corporation officials were withdrawn for negligence. Waste Cleanup Push: Dhaka Medical College Hospital reported 270 people injured in Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice-related incidents over two days, mostly from knife cuts and animal kicks. Border & Migration: India’s MEA said it has shared names of 2,680 people with Bangladesh for nationality verification, expecting an early response to enable deportations. Politics & Education: A state minister withdrew controversial remarks about Dhaka University after backlash. History in Schools: Civic figures urged inclusion of Ziaur Rahman’s “Birth of a Nation” in textbooks ahead of his death anniversary. Viral Animal Story: Bangladesh saved the albino “Donald Trump” buffalo from Eid sacrifice and it is now drawing crowds at Dhaka Zoo. Sports (Local Focus): Bangladesh women’s cricket team begins T20 World Cup prep with a tri-nation series opener against Scotland.

Eid-ul-Azha in Dhaka: Two Eid congregations were held at Dhaka University’s central mosque (7:30am and 8:30am), with more jamaats at Salimullah Muslim Hall and other DU venues, as the country marked the festival with prayers, sermons and munajat at the National Eidgah. PM’s Eid message: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged all sections to cooperate in building a safe, prosperous Bangladesh, saying nation-building depends on everyone doing their duties properly. Public health worry: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak continues to claim lives, with reports of rising deaths and surging cases. Viral Eid animal story: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was spared from Eid sacrifice and moved to Mirpur National Zoo in Dhaka after government intervention, drawing crowds. Maritime incident: A product tanker anchored off Chittagong caught fire; Coast Guard and rescue teams worked to control it and rescued 22 crew members. Sports (Bangladesh-linked): Bangladesh women’s football beat Maldives 4-2 in the SAFF Women’s Championship opener, securing a semifinal berth.