AGP Executive Report

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.

Bangladesh–China Pivot: PM Tarique Rahman met Chinese President Xi Jinping, pushing closer economic cooperation including a Teesta management feasibility study and plans for a special economic zone near Mongla Port, while India watches the growing Dhaka–Beijing ties closely. India–Bangladesh Border Tension: BGB says BSF tried to “push” 10 people into Bangladesh at Nazirakona in Meherpur; the attempt was resisted and people were taken back. Deportation/Returns: Fifty Bangladeshis were repatriated from India via Benapole after serving jail terms for illegal entry. Connectivity Boost: Direct Manchester–Sylhet flights resumed, easing travel for UK-based Bangladeshis and supporting remittance-linked mobility. Power Crisis: Frequent power cuts are hitting rural livelihoods hard—disrupting farms, poultry and fisheries, and forcing costly diesel generator use. Education Pressure: Secondary education quality concerns grow as teacher vacancies and weak classroom outcomes push students toward tutoring. Public Health: Measles deaths continue to rise, with reports pointing to incomplete immunisation. Governance & Economy: CAB alleges tax cuts on essentials haven’t lowered retail prices due to weak market oversight, while Bangladesh Bank data shows private credit growth staying sluggish. Police & Services: Central Police Hospital performed its first successful coronary angioplasty, expanding advanced cardiac care for police personnel.

Starlink Bandwidth Export: Bangladesh has approved Starlink to export unfiltered internet bandwidth via IPLC links to neighbouring countries, with BSCCL as the main supplier—an effort to turn Dhaka into a regional connectivity hub and open a new foreign-currency earning route. Private Investment in State Assets: The government is opening 44 loss-making or underused state-owned enterprises across 10,000 acres for private investment, offering ready industrial facilities through PPP and other models. Industrial Push: BEZA signed land lease deals with Golden Oil Mills and Delta API for new manufacturing units, while the Patuakhali EPZ project says 306 industrial plots are ready for allocation. Capital Market Woes: DSE data show beneficiary owner (BO) accounts nearly halved over a decade, and foreign trading rose but stayed net selling—raising fresh concerns about investor confidence. Cashless Drive: IFIC Bank and NRBC Bank launched awareness campaigns to expand Bangla QR and cashless payments. Public Health Alert: Measles deaths climbed to 738 as seven more children died in 24 hours, with suspected cases surpassing 105,000. Labour Welfare Legal Challenge: The High Court issued a rule asking why mandatory workers’ welfare fund contributions aren’t being enforced. Climate Action: PM directed an emissions-cut and carbon-credit action plan, including a coordination committee and a national database. Air Connectivity: Biman resumed Dhaka-Sylhet-Manchester flights after four months, restoring a key route for UK-based Bangladeshis.

Old Dhaka Makeover: Rajuk’s Old Dhaka Revitalisation plan aims to redevelop ageing areas and expand open space, preserving 60% of land while adding wider roads, green pockets and restored water bodies—success will hinge on legal and logistical hurdles. Primary Teachers Pay: Six months on, primary headmasters still report being denied 10th-grade salaries, with proposals for upgrading assistant teachers stuck in the system. Banking Push: Dhaka Bank marks its 31st year by shifting toward SME and retail lending through digital and AI-driven credit decisions; BRAC Bank also highlights governance and digital security as it celebrates 25 years. Markets Mood: Bangladesh’s capital market bounced back in H1 2026, with DSEX rising about 19% and turnover jumping as reforms and stability hopes drew investors. Air Quality Watch: Dhaka’s AQI sat in the “moderate” range on Sunday morning (71), ranking 25th among the worst-hit cities. Trade & Jobs: Bangladesh’s export future is framed as a “factory of the future” test—moving beyond cheap production toward faster, cleaner, tech-enabled manufacturing. Global Notes: Iran’s FM thanked 70+ countries for Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral attendance; India’s passport rank slipped to 125th in 2026.

Awami League Trial Push: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the banned Awami League will never return to politics and must face trial as a political party, citing legal amendments. July Justice Pledge: PM Tarique Rahman vowed justice for July uprising victims but warned that due process must be followed to avoid “injustice in the name of justice.” Bangladesh–US Trade Shift: US Ambassador Brent Christensen said Washington is moving from ineffective aid to fairer, reciprocal trade and investment with Bangladesh; PMO adviser Mahdi Amin urged US firms to invest with a level playing field. Digital Bangladesh Drive: Info Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon promoted cashless payments via Bangla QR, while BB chief stressed Shariah compliance to restore confidence in Islamic banking. Banking Growth Stories: BRAC Bank highlighted SME-led expansion; Dhaka Bank outlined a digital and AI push to reach top-tier status. Energy Security: Govt plans to import another 500,000 tonnes of fuel oil to keep a 90-day reserve. Food & Farming: Aman rice output hit a record 1.73 crore tonnes as farmers expanded HYV and hybrid cultivation. Weather Alert: BMD asked seaports to hoist warning signal 3 as a low-pressure system intensifies. Rohingya Aid Warning: Aid cuts could worsen the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, raising regional security risks.