AGP Executive Report

Local Livelihoods: In Pirojpur’s Nesarabad, the century-old Atghar boat market keeps thousands of families afloat, with 5,000-6,000 boat-builders selling Tk 25-30 crore worth of wooden boats annually and now adding boat-based tourism to the craft. Humanitarian & Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak shows no let-up: deaths have reached 867 and around 1,000 children are still being hospitalised daily, with experts pointing to gaps in vaccination coverage and questions over effectiveness. Border Tensions: A Bangladeshi man was shot dead by India’s BSF along the Moulvibazar border, while in Panchagarh locals detained an Indian national in a reported retaliation over an alleged BSF abduction. Politics & Diplomacy: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed warned India against letting Sheikh Hasina carry out political activities from Delhi, saying it clashes with “friendly ties,” as cricket diplomacy also faces fresh uncertainty. Public Service: PM Tarique Rahman urged UNOs to treat people as their own and serve with responsibility and humanity. Energy & Security: India-style border security rules are echoed locally as Bangladesh’s MHA bars new solar/wind/hybrid projects within 1 km of sensitive borders. Travel Disruption: Biman engineers and spare parts are being sent to Rome after a technical glitch stranded Bangladeshi passengers, with special care arranged for the affected travellers. Culture & Identity: Tea garden workers in Moulvibazar and Habiganj say they’ve largely forgotten Indigenous Peoples’ Day and their own identities amid poverty and low wages.

UNOs Urged to Serve With Humanity: PM Tarique Rahman asked Upazila Nirbahi Officers to treat local people as their own and work responsibly for a safer Bangladesh. Biman Rome Delay: Special care is arranged for about 100 stranded Biman passengers in Rome as engineers repair a technical fault; others are being housed at the airport lounge. Bangladesh Tourism Push: TTDC launched in Dhaka to boost tourism, with experts pointing to high taxes, weak returns, policy gaps and travel advisories as key blockers; govt targets 6–7% tourism contribution to GDP. Energy Crunch Hits Textiles: Garment and textile factories are still reeling from gas and LNG disruptions, though some have restarted at higher capacity after partial terminal repairs. Bangla QR Drive: Bangladesh Bank targets 1 crore Bangla QR transactions per day, while banks and Islamic institutions push adoption for a cashless Bangladesh. Women-Centred Climate Resilience: Govt earmarks Tk 6,883.6 crore for women-focused climate adaptation and mitigation capacity building. Dengue Surge: Dengue deaths rose to 59 with cases nearing 18,000. Border Security: BGB seized Tk 1.03 crore of Indian goods in Feni and arrested a yaba smuggler with 40,000 tablets in Cox’s Bazar. Local Industry Plan: Govt plans a 400-acre industrial park in Bogura for SMEs, aiming to ease infrastructure and finance costs. Regional Tensions: Arakan Army abducted three fishermen from Teknaf waters, raising fears for coastal safety.

Gold Market: Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) raised gold prices again by Tk 4,374 per bhori, setting 22-carat gold at Tk 234,038 per bhori (VAT included), effective 10am Saturday. Public Health: Bangladesh’s dengue situation worsened, with deaths rising to 59 and cases nearing 18,000; Dhaka division is the worst-hit, including 4,404 cases in Dhaka city. Energy & Industry: Bangladesh’s gas and LNG supply strain is hitting factories hard, with textile units reportedly running far below capacity and turning to costly diesel or alternative fuels. Transport Upgrade: The government is preparing to procure 800 electric buses, but questions remain over BRTC’s ability to operate and maintain the specialised fleet. Digital Bangladesh: Bangladesh is pushing AI into public services, smart city planning, education and health, aiming for faster, more efficient government delivery. Sports & Politics: Shakib Al Hasan says he will return to face trial if his safety is assured, but Bangladesh’s sports minister says there’s no room for a cricket comeback after his link to Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi media event. Local Safety: Bengaluru police launched “Operation Mukta” to identify suspected illegal immigrants, with raids and document checks across multiple tech-heavy localities. Urban Environment: A debate continues over whether tree-planting alone can fix Dhaka’s liveability and environmental problems.

Bangladesh-India Diplomatic Row: India again said it had “no role” in Sheikh Hasina’s New Delhi media interaction and does not endorse what was said, as Dhaka protested the event as harmful to bilateral ties. Sports & Politics: Cricket star Shakib Al Hasan said he will return to Bangladesh and face trial if the government gives clearance ensuring his security, after backlash over his appearance linked to Hasina; his home was attacked. Energy & Economy: The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved a G2G LNG cargo from Aramco Trading Singapore for August delivery, while the Home Ministry issued new border-area rules tightening security clearance for renewable projects. Digital Payments: Bangladesh Bank chief joined the Bangla QR campaign in Chattogram, pushing cashless, low-cost and inclusive payments. Tourism Push: Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam said 1,498 tourist spots will be developed into tourism hubs nationwide. Road Safety: A report warned July road crashes killed 416 people, with speeding and unsafe driving blamed. Education Abroad Scam Crackdown: The foreign ministry said it is curbing syndicates exploiting students seeking study abroad. Tech & Youth: VLSITHON 3.0 began at AIUB with record participation, boosting chip-design talent.

Bangladesh-India Tensions: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam warned India to be more sensitive to Bangladeshi sentiments and decide whether it will allow Sheikh Hasina and banned Awami League leaders to carry out “conspiratorial activities” from Indian soil, saying it could alarm people in Bangladesh. Politics & Sovereignty: Bangladesh strongly condemned Hasina’s India-based media interaction as an affront to sovereignty and a grievous insult to July martyrs, while Hasina vowed to return in December despite a death sentence. CHT Security: Security forces are on high alert across the Chattogram Hill Tracts, with army, BGB, police and intelligence coordinating to prevent sabotage and misinformation. Public Health: Experts said strengthening healthcare alone won’t stop non-communicable diseases like diabetes; a Dhaka summit pushed faith-based prevention and lifestyle change, while dengue should be treated as a national public health issue starting from homes and communities. RMG & Trade: Korean officials see strong prospects for upgrading Bangladesh’s RMG through man-made fibres, functional textiles and automation; Bangladesh also seeks global climate finance with investment-ready projects. Economy & Agriculture: Cabinet approved importing 35,000 MT of MOP fertilizer from Russia; rice prices hover near a 10-month high amid supply concerns. Social Development: Govt announced a Para Sports Complex and expanded allowances for more athletes; FIFA Foundation’s “Playing for Peace” football programme kicked off in Dhaka. Road Safety & Other: Eight died in a head-on collision in Sylhet; nearly 900 Cumilla primary schools run without head teachers, hurting classroom management.

Bangladesh–India Tensions: Bangladesh again protested Sheikh Hasina’s New Delhi media appearance, with officials and politicians demanding India stop allowing her political activities from Indian territory and calling it a sovereignty affront. Legal & Political Fallout: NCP leaders renewed calls for Hasina’s extradition, warning her status must not become a “bargaining chip” in negotiations. Energy Security: Gas supply is expected to return to normal within 2–3 days after repair work on the Moheshkhali LNG terminal; meanwhile, the cabinet approved direct procurement of eight LNG cargoes and emergency LPG imports to stabilise supply. Economy & Trade: FBCCI welcomed the Bangladesh–South Korea CEPA, saying duty-free access for most tariff lines could boost exports and narrow the trade gap. Investment Climate: BIDA said policy uncertainty and weak continuity still deter investors, even as FY27 budget measures reflect many of its proposals. Workers’ Health Coverage: A BKMEA-Guardian MoU and a “Health Express” ultrasound campaign point to wider healthcare access, with government exploring a nationwide worker health insurance model. Public Safety & Governance: RAB is set to be dissolved and replaced by a new Special Response Battalion under a draft law. Sports: Women’s Asia Cup confirmed in Dubai from Aug 28, with Bangladesh to play Sri Lanka on Sept 6.

Politics & Diplomacy: Bangladesh sharply condemned Sheikh Hasina’s live media interaction from New Delhi, calling it an affront to sovereignty and warning it could harm Dhaka-India ties, while Hasina—speaking via audio at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia—vowed to return in December despite jail or death threats and urged lifting the Awami League ban. Violence & Security: Hours after Shakib Al Hasan joined Hasina’s event, a mob attacked his ancestral home in Magura—windows smashed and petrol bombs thrown—sparking a fire; police said the property was unoccupied and no injuries were reported. Economy & Jobs: Bangladesh’s garment sector layoffs continue, with reports of factories shedding workers amid weak demand and stiff competition; one Gazipur worker said she learned via text she was among thousands laid off. Road Safety: A new report says July saw 416 deaths from 458 road accidents, with motorcycles and pedestrians among the worst-hit. Markets: Gold prices rose again in Dhaka, with 22-carat gold set at Tk 232,930 per bhori after a Tk 9,856 jump. Commemoration: July Mass Uprising Day was observed at Bangladesh missions abroad, including the UN in New York and embassies/consulates in Rome, Istanbul, Cairo, Uzbekistan and Morocco.

Hasina’s December return vow: Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, speaking from India at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, said she will return to Dhaka in December even if she is jailed or killed, and urged lifting the ban on her Awami League while dropping “false cases.” Bangladesh-India row: Dhaka’s foreign ministry hit back hard, calling the New Delhi media interaction an affront to sovereignty and warning it could derail efforts to reset ties. July Uprising Day focus: Across Bangladesh and abroad, the second anniversary was marked with rallies, prayers, and events including the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum inauguration; leaders reiterated “Bangladesh First,” justice for martyrs, and full implementation of the July Charter. Energy and jobs pressure: Officials blamed the energy crisis on 17 years of mismanagement, while garment-sector slump is driving factory closures and mass layoffs, with workers in Gazipur among those affected. Economy and policy moves: Bangladesh’s taka is reported as among the region’s most stable currencies; experts urged stronger public-private partnerships to integrate nutrition into primary healthcare. Business updates: Startup Bangladesh recorded its first venture capital exit via Pulse Tech; BRAC Bank announced auto-loan benefits for selected Hyundai models. Security flashpoint: Hours after Hasina’s press appearance, a petrol bomb was reportedly thrown at Shakib Al Hasan’s ancestral home in Magura.

July Uprising Commemoration: PM Tarique Rahman inaugurated the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum and vowed transparent, impartial trials for killings, urging the museum not to push any party narrative. Security & Order: Ahead of Aug 5 events, BGB deployed five platoons in Gopalganj and extra police patrols will run until Aug 15. Digital Trafficking Crackdown: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said tougher action is coming against cyber-enabled human trafficking, with a new tech-focused initiative to detect online recruitment. Energy & Industry Pressure: Garment layoffs continue as exports slow and factories cut jobs, with workers in Gazipur reporting sudden redundancies. Trade & Growth: Korea and Bangladesh reached an agreement in principle on CEPA, aiming to expand market access and boost trade. Governance & Tech: World Bank urged developing countries to embrace AI for better governance, using lower-cost tools in health, education, justice and agriculture. Local Health System: Experts called for stronger public-private partnership to fully integrate nutrition services into primary healthcare. Media & Hasina Row: Bangladesh asked media not to broadcast Sheikh Hasina’s planned Delhi virtual remarks, citing court restrictions, while India distanced itself from the event. Cyber/Services Glitch: gov.bd websites briefly went down with an Error 503 before services were restored.

July Uprising Anniversary & Politics: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged people to move from protests to rebuilding, saying the July-August movement succeeded because citizens wanted change, while Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram called for a discrimination-free, democratic Bangladesh in the spirit of the uprising. Energy & Investment: Tarique Rahman sought more Saudi investment, especially in solar, and the US Embassy’s political and economic counsellor met Bangladesh’s energy minister to discuss deeper energy cooperation including LNG/LPG. Garment & Trade: BGMEA and BTMA signed MoUs to jointly organise BITMA in Dhaka to push automation and eco-friendly tech and target $100bn garment exports; BGMEA also teamed with OCAIB to attract Chinese investment for stronger RMG backward linkages. Economy & Finance: Bangladesh Bank launched new cyber security platforms and lifted loan ceilings for key Sonali Bank branches; BB data also showed private sector credit growth hitting a 33-year low, with inflation still eroding purchasing power. Public Health & Safety: Bangladesh’s Department of Jute plans to make all its offices 100% tobacco-free, and a measles outbreak report highlighted families falling into debt over treatment costs. Society & Governance: A vessel census awareness meeting was held in Khulna ahead of the nationwide census (Aug 20-29), and the government urged media not to broadcast Sheikh Hasina’s planned Aug 5 address from India.

Bangladesh–South Korea Trade Boost: Bangladesh and South Korea signed the CEPA in Dhaka, giving preferential access to 97% of Bangladeshi goods and 87% of Korean goods, aiming to lift trade and investment after exports to South Korea fell in FY2025-26. India Ties Under Strain: Bangladesh asked India to clarify its stance on Sheikh Hasina’s planned Aug 5 virtual address in New Delhi, warning that political activity by a fugitive could harm improving bilateral relations. Garment Sector Under Tariff Pressure: Bangladesh’s RMG faces continued strain from new and possible U.S. tariffs under forced-labour-related rules, with relief likely limited unless productivity, energy reliability and product diversification improve. Energy & Industry Watch: BGMEA denied reports of garment factory closures due to gas and power shortages, saying production continues at 60–70% capacity and some shutdowns are routine holiday adjustments. Rooftop Solar Push: IEEFA says Bangladesh’s rooftop solar has reached about 667MW across 239 industrial facilities, with higher grid tariffs nudging factories toward self-generation. Public Health Crisis: A severe measles outbreak has killed hundreds of children and pushed families into debt, with most households forced to borrow for treatment. Local Safety & Trade Logistics: A container vessel was refloated after a steering failure near the Karnaphuli channel; Chattogram Port operations stayed normal. Community & Culture: The U.S. Embassy Dhaka and CodersTrust launched the “Great American Treasure Hunt” in Dhaka as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Rohingya Aid: Australia pledged AUD 25.25m for Rohingyas and host communities in Bangladesh through UNHCR, funding protection, skills and disaster-risk work. Security Alert: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said nationwide security has been heightened ahead of August 5, with police told to stay vigilant and vehicles not left unattended. Bangladesh-India Tensions: Bangladesh sought clarification from India over deposed PM Sheikh Hasina’s reported August 5 New Delhi press event, warning that political activities from Indian soil could harm bilateral ties; India said it will consider the matter. Energy & Industry: Economists urged faster domestic gas exploration as shortages keep factories and exports under pressure; BGMEA also denied claims of garment shutdowns, saying many plants run at reduced capacity. Renewables Push: Cabinet approved a solar land lease for 55 MW at Jamuna Bridge site, while experts flagged Padma Barrage as key to water security and climate resilience. Economy & Trade: Bangladesh and South Korea are set to sign CEPA today, aiming to deepen trade and investment ahead of LDC graduation; exports dipped 0.9% in July. Governance & Rights: Cabinet cleared a draft enforced disappearance law with life imprisonment; a National cybersecurity rating system is set for launch. Local Life: Green chilli imports resumed via Hili Land Port, quickly easing prices in wholesale markets.

Sheikh Hasina’s India media return: Exiled former PM Sheikh Hasina is set for her first live virtual Q&A with the press in New Delhi on Aug 5, expected to outline “homecoming” plans and her vision for Bangladesh, in a move likely to heighten tensions with the BNP-led government that has sought her extradition. Politics & rights debate: Exiled author Taslima Nasreen renewed her call to lift the ban on Bangladesh’s Awami League, calling it “a move against democracy,” while also reiterating support for a Uniform Civil Code across Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Cross-border crime & health: West Bengal police in Malda busted a cough syrup smuggling racket into Bangladesh, seizing Rs 2.40 crore cash and gold, and also recovered 9,000 bottles of banned syrup. Public safety & governance: Bangladesh’s law enforcement faces more mob-style attacks during arrests, with police reporting hundreds of incidents this year. Climate-smart education: A Dhaka workshop highlighted how floods and river erosion disrupt schooling in places like Sirajganj and char areas, pushing for stronger climate-resilient education planning. Energy transition: Experts urged Bangladesh to build a predictable policy and financing framework for distributed renewables, noting many stranded solar home system units remain non-functional.

Energy & Trade: Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar via a cross-border pipeline to boost energy security, with Myanmar also open to LNG talks; the two sides also discussed reviving long-suspended border trade in agriculture, rice, pharma and fisheries. RMG & Payments: Polish fashion giant LPP SA has suspended Bangladesh sourcing over about $40m in payment disputes, dealing a fresh blow to the garment sector. Politics & Diplomacy: Former PM Sheikh Hasina is set for her first public appearance from India on August 5, expected to speak virtually at FCC South Asia; meanwhile, the US says it holds PM Tarique Rahman in “the highest regard” as ties deepen. Migration & Rights: Bangladesh launched a national action plan to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration, calling for stronger cooperation to curb irregular migration and protect workers. Public Safety: Police issued a nationwide alert over possible terror attacks targeting law-enforcement vehicles. Economy & Society: Foreign aid disbursements fell while debt servicing rose; remittances hit $2.85bn in July; green chilli imports were approved to cool prices. Education & Institutions: DU undergraduate admissions open Nov 11 for 2026-27, and BUET professor Sabbir Mostafa was appointed WASA board chair.

Padma Char Connectivity Crisis: Residents of Kushtia’s char areas say the lack of just two bridges at Bhagjot and Sukharghat keeps nearly 1,00,000 people cut off every monsoon, forcing risky boat crossings and long detours in dry months that disrupt schooling, healthcare and markets. Energy Security Push: A seminar urged Bangladesh to prioritise distributed renewable energy—rooftop solar and battery storage—to cut fuel imports and strengthen grid resilience. Trade & Rohingya Talks: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir met Myanmar’s envoy to discuss boosting bilateral trade, shipping links, LNG imports and safe Rohingya return through inter-ministerial coordination. Consumer Protection Update: Bangladesh’s Consumers’ Right Protection Act framework was highlighted, including penalties for adulteration and fraud and a 25% share of realised fines for proven complainants. Capital Market Oversight: The draft Bangladesh Capital Market Stabilization Fund Act is under verification by the Ministry of Finance to make CMSF more transparent and investor-friendly. Islamic Finance Expansion: IPDC Finance plans a Shariah-compliant “Islamic finance window,” pending regulatory approval, alongside reported profit growth. Heritage Under Threat: A protected Shiva temple in Kurigram is reportedly losing centuries-old terracotta artwork due to unapproved local renovation. US Visa Bond Goes Permanent: The US will require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B-1/B-2 applicants from 50 countries, including Bangladesh, starting Aug 3. Local Governance & Rights: A state minister reiterated that serving citizens and protecting rights are the government’s top duties, stressing non-discrimination in relief and public services.

Mediation & Justice: Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said effective mediation can cut the backlog of about 45 lakh pending cases, urging legal professionals to build a humane, negotiation-based dispute culture. US-Bangladesh Economic Ties: US Special Envoy Sergio Gor wrapped up a three-day visit, pledging deeper strategic and economic cooperation and support on the Rohingya issue. Tech & Skills Push: Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon stressed technical education as key to a developed Bangladesh, while the government also backed IT access for youth with disabilities through a national competition. Women & Development: Disaster Management Minister Dulu highlighted women’s education and empowerment via ADP support, and Bangladesh Bank data showed women lead sustainable finance borrowing. RMG & Industry Moves: BGMEA appointed Major General (Retd) Shahedul Islam as new Secretary General, and Bangladesh Honda exported NX200 motorcycles to Mexico. Economy Watch: The taka kept weakening against the dollar as import pressure rose, while S Alam shut 11 Karnaphuli factories amid raw-material shortages. Transport Bottleneck: Locomotive shortage is crippling rail freight, choking container movement between Chattogram port and Dhaka. Regional/Global: The US made visa bonds permanent for citizens of 50 countries, including Bangladesh, up to $20,000.