AGP Executive Report

UNGA Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman’s US visit for the 81st UN General Assembly was described by PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin as a “Bangladesh comes first” push to protect national interests and advance the country’s democratic journey. Local Governance: Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman said a DNCC footpath eviction drive in Mirpur was launched without consulting him, after clashes injured people and damaged vehicles. Regional Security: India hosted BIMSTEC talks in New Delhi on counter-terrorism and transnational crime, with Bangladesh among member delegations. Rohingya Repatriation: Malaysia began returning nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals, including Rohingyans, targeting up to 5,000 under a process Malaysia calls voluntary. Economy & Energy: Bangladesh Bank kept the policy rate at 9.5% for Oct-Dec, citing inflation risks and a weak economy; BERC set solar purchase prices up to Tk7.11 per unit and kept fuel prices unchanged for October. Business & Policy: Parliamentary committee urged boosting domestic fertiliser production; BSEC corporate governance rules are set for phased rollout; NBR tax on microsavings interest worries MFIs. Culture & Education: Ashmolean Museum and Samdani Art Foundation launched a Bangladesh contemporary art exchange; Confucius Institute began activities at Chittagong University.

Bangladesh Economy & Policy: Bangladesh Bank issued its first operational guidelines for Islamic credit cards, banning banks from making extra profit from customer debt or delayed payments and capping service charges to actual direct costs, while restricting use of Mudarabah funds for card operations. Finance & Business: Dhaka Bank and Mastercard launched a dual-currency SME business credit card to help small firms manage expenses and cash flow. Tech & Education: Bangladesh plans first AI training centres in Sylhet, with a plan to expand to other districts, aiming to build freelancing and IT skills. International Cooperation: A Bangladesh delegation met Silicon Valley giants including Cisco, Apple, Meta, NVIDIA and Plug and Play to discuss AI, cybersecurity, education and investment. Human Rights & Safety: A schoolgirl was found hanging in Pirojpur; police are investigating possible neglect and a recent relationship breakup. Justice & Governance: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the door is open for opposition talks on constitutional reform, including caretaker government and Election Commission independence. Law & Order: Four leaders and activists of the banned Awami Swechchhasebak League were remanded for three days in Bogura. Social Development: PKSF’s PPEPP-EU project says extreme poverty among 215,000 households fell sharply and child stunting dropped by more than half. Regional & Global: UN alarmed by reports of a Myanmar airstrike near the Bangladesh border killing about 50 civilians; Malaysia has begun repatriating 1,476 Myanmar nationals despite safety warnings. Sports: Asian Games men’s cricket semi-finals set after rain washed out quarter-finals, with Pakistan to face Bangladesh and India to play Sri Lanka.

Asian Games Update: Rain kept ruining play again, with all four men’s cricket quarter-finals washed out without a ball; India and Pakistan advance as higher seeds to face Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively in the semis on Oct 1 at Nisshin, with gold potentially shared if the final is washed out. Bangladesh-India Relations: Bangladesh’s new envoy to India is expected to take up talks amid uncertainty over Tarique Rahman’s visit and the stalled Ganges water treaty, as Dhaka also grapples with law-and-order and energy shortages. Energy & Policy: The government ordered urgent filling of about 35,000 vacant health posts to strengthen grassroots services, while Bangladesh’s nuclear cooperation deal with the US was said not to affect Rooppur. Economy & Tech: US tech firms discussed $1b-plus potential investment in Bangladesh, especially in AI and semiconductors, and Bangladesh Bank is set to push a Tk 12.76b banking reform project. Public Safety & Rights: Police recovered 920 bodies from rivers over 20 months to August, highlighting ongoing violence and disposal concerns. Society: UPL said “The Unfinished Memoirs” was not banned after its Banglabazar outlet was locked following objections. Regional Humanitarian: Malaysia began repatriating nearly 1,500 Rohingya to Myanmar despite UN and rights warnings.

Bangladesh Diplomacy & Travel: Bangladesh Missions abroad faced a DIP server outage, delaying MRV/NVR processing and visa issuance; authorities asked applicants to wait longer. Rohingya Rights: A proposal in Cox’s Bazar calls for a “Rohingya Genocide Cell” inside camps to document atrocities and preserve survivors’ memories, with Rohingya urged to play a bigger role. Climate & Housing: ADB approved $100m concessional financing for climate-resilient housing for about 40,000 households by 2031, prioritising women and disaster-prone areas. Women’s Funding: The FON project ended with a push for continued flexible, trust-based feminist funding for grassroots groups. Trade & Economy: Govt plans separate export strategies for 18 destinations to cut reliance on garments; Bangladesh Bank expanded international card use for buying flight tickets from foreign airlines. Energy Crisis: LPG shortages persist as 12-kg cylinders sell Tk 300–500 above fixed rates. Regional Pressure: India imposed higher anti-dumping duties on Bangladeshi jute goods. Sports: Malaysia held Indonesia 0-0 in the ASEAN Cup; Bangladesh’s “Roid” selected as the country’s Oscar entry.

Cyber Rights: Human rights groups warn Bangladesh’s Draft Cyber Protection (Amendment) Act 2026 could curb freedom of expression, with vague terms like “misinformation” and “digital defamation” raising alarm. Air Quality: Dhaka ranks 4th among the world’s most polluted cities, recording an AQI of 160 (“unhealthy”) and renewing health concerns. Finance Watch: Bangladesh Bank data shows NBFIs’ classified loans hit Tk18,432.19 crore by June 2026—nearly a quarter of total loans—pushing calls for stronger discipline. Water & Rivers: Government plans to restore rivers and excavate 680 km of canals in 2026-27, using a water quality index and an AI-based groundwater monitoring dashboard. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh targets $2b in jute export earnings by 2031 as exports recover, while jute product demand grows. Education: Rangpur has 669 government primary schools without headteachers, disrupting administration and teaching. Politics & Law: A writ petition seeks to stop leasing BRTC buses to government offices, arguing they should serve public transport. Digital Investment: VEON and Banglalink host an NY investor symposium to back “Invest in Bangladesh NOW!” with a $250m anchor and a $1b digital-economy goal.

Digital Finance Push: Bangladesh Bank has cleared five proposed digital-only banks, a big move toward branchless banking via apps and websites, aiming to widen access through mobile financial services. Payment Rules: New Bangla QR dispute-resolution deadlines kick in from Dec 1, including auto-refunds within 30 minutes when transactions fail after debits. Energy & Solar: PKSF will finance Tk 7,245 crore for rooftop solar (Tk 500cr) and micro/cottage entrepreneurs (Tk 5,000cr), while govt sets Tk 10.50 per unit for rooftop solar power. Public Health: Measles cases and hospital admissions are surging in September, with the outbreak’s daily averages hitting the highest since May as authorities launch a fresh vaccination drive. Law & Order: Dhaka has seen multiple vandalism and looting incidents, including attacks on Radda MCH-FP and Salman Muqtadir’s studio, prompting warnings of firm action. Trade & Textiles: BKMEA and Pakistan’s High Commission plan stronger textile B2B ties and joint activities, including participation in a Dhaka exhibition in Jan 2027. Regional Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman’s UNGA trip is described as highly successful, with focus on energy security, Rohingya, climate and trade.

UNGA Return: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has returned to Dhaka after a five-day UN General Assembly trip in New York, where he delivered his maiden address and held 30 engagements with leaders and UN events. Islamic Finance: Bangladesh Bank has allowed IPDC Finance to launch shariah-based financing via a new Islamic Finance Wing, pending legal and governance changes. Digital Banking Push: VEON and Square Group’s joint venture has received Bangladesh Bank approval for a digital bank licence, with an initial $250m anchor investment and plans to expand mobile-linked financial services. Inflation Watch: An ADB-linked report warns Bangladesh faces prolonged high inflation driven by structural weaknesses, not just global price swings. Hilsa Trade Twist: Bangladesh has stopped Indian Hilsa exports ahead of Durga Puja, after reports of Hilsa moving from India into Bangladesh earlier. Public Order: PM adviser Mahdi Amin says anyone breaking the law or disrupting public order will face action, including cases tied to attacks in Dhaka. Health & Safety: A guide highlights Dhaka’s emergency ambulance system and hotlines, while separate coverage warns about rising dengue and anthrax risks. Local Economy: A Jhenaidah farmer’s Nandini (lisianthus) cultivation is turning into quick cash, with flowers sold in Dhaka markets.

Rooftop Solar Push: The government will buy surplus power from eligible rooftop solar systems at Tk 10.50 per unit under net-metering, with incentives for qualifying setups until Feb 28, 2027 (valid for three years). UNGA Diplomacy: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wrapped up a five-day UNGA visit, meeting multiple world leaders, and is now en route home via Dubai. India Ties, People First: Outgoing Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah called India-Bangladesh relations “organic,” urging deeper engagement with society beyond state-to-state talks. Tourism Drive: On World Tourism Day, Bangladesh plans a week of events and says 30+ tourism clusters are being developed to boost jobs and foreign exchange. Finance & Banking: Bangladesh Bank-linked concerns grow as bankers and businesses demand wider consultation on a proposed special exit facility for classified loans; meanwhile, Dhaka Bank wins an ADB award for trade finance. Energy, Environment & Safety: EU warns of an energy price crisis; 23 environmental groups inspected Buriganga and Dhaleshwari demanding action against encroachers; and a Hindu jeweller’s body was found in a floating drum in Mymensingh, with police suspecting murder.

UN Diplomacy: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met leaders of Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Croatia, Haiti, Bhutan and Thailand during UNGA in New York, discussing trade, investment and regional issues, and also held talks with UN chief António Guterres and World Bank President Ajay Banga. Rohingya Crisis: At UNGA, Rahman urged sustained humanitarian support and said the only solution is the early safe return of Rohingyas to Myanmar, noting Bangladesh hosts over 1.2 million displaced people. Nuclear Cooperation: Bangladesh and the US signed MoUs on strategic civil nuclear cooperation and peaceful use of nuclear energy, stressing safety, security, safeguards and non-proliferation. Green Plan: The government unveiled a five-year climate action plan to plant 25 crore trees, expand mangroves, create green jobs and tighten pollution monitoring, with digital tracking and carbon-trading ideas. Business & Investment: Rahman told Wall Street Bangladesh is “open for business,” pitching opportunities in energy, logistics, tech and healthcare. Public Safety: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed warned police officials that failing to meet public expectations will bring consequences. Economy & Trade: USDA data shows the US regained a 6% share in Bangladesh’s corn imports after eight years. Health: Gold price cut by Tk 1,691 per bhori; cancer patients face long radiotherapy waits due to machine shortages. Sports: Bangladesh’s cricket and hockey/Asian Games action continued, while Malaysia’s Harimau Malaya pushed for results in ASEAN Cup.

FIFA ASEAN Cup: Malaysia’s Bergson da Silva marked his debut for Harimau Malaya with a goal as they beat Bangladesh 3-0 in Group A in Jakarta. UNGA Politics: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held multiple UNGA sideline meetings on trade, investment, skilled manpower, education, technology and health, while Sheikh Hasina released another recorded message attacking Dhaka and urging journalists to scrutinise her extradition case. Inflation & Economy: A new report says Bangladesh’s high inflation is driven by structural weaknesses and policy gaps—weak competition, market concentration, bottlenecks and delayed adjustments—pushing forecasts near 9%. Public Health: Dengue deaths rose to 211 this year as 2 more died; officials also discussed expanding treatment capacity and awareness drives. Cybercrime Fears: Bangladesh-linked cyber-scam trafficking concerns grew after a victim described torture and forced online fraud, with raids raising worries about gangs gaining footholds. Digital & AI: A piece on “digital sovereignty” argues Bangladesh’s AI potential is real but infrastructure, institutions and regulation gaps could deepen dependency. Infrastructure & Society: Baridhara Lakeside Park in Dhaka is set for major renovation with shore protection as the first priority. Sports/Health Tragedy: A 6-year-old died after an alleged rape in Brahmanbaria; a teen was detained. International Connectivity: flydubai launched daily Dubai–Pokhara flights, expanding Nepal links and boosting regional travel capacity.

UNGA Diplomacy: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman used his maiden UN General Assembly speech to push a “3-R” plan—Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction—while calling for peace, Rohingya repatriation and stronger global cooperation. Healthcare Reform: Bangladesh and Sweden, with UNFPA, reaffirmed a push to integrate midwives into primary healthcare to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, as PM Rahman stressed prevention at the heart of reform. Rohingya Focus: Rahman again urged international action for the crisis, reiterating the need for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar. Bangladesh-Pakistan Ties: On UNGA sidelines, Tarique Rahman met Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people links. Digital Payments: Amaiz launched an international payments service using local banking networks across 96 countries, targeting small businesses and freelancers. Local Security: Airport APBn detained three people with 397.7g gold, phones and laptops over alleged smuggling. Sports (Regional): India’s hockey and kabaddi teams advanced in Asian Games action, while Japan’s hosting worries and a walkout during Netanyahu’s UNGA speech added to the week’s headlines.

UNGA Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s PM Tarique Rahman met Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif on UNGA sidelines, with both sides reaffirming momentum in bilateral ties. Climate & Sea-Level Threat: Rahman urged faster global emissions cuts and predictable climate finance, warning a 25cm sea-level rise could affect about 10 million people by 2050. Primary Healthcare Push: Rahman said “healthy Bangladesh” starts at home, unveiling plans to expand community primary care and scale up midwives and health workers. Sports (FIFA ASEAN Cup): Bangladesh open their campaign against Malaysia in Jakarta; coach Thomas Dooley called them underdogs but ready to fight for a positive result. Local Governance & Inclusion: A Dhamrai stakeholder meet stressed disability-inclusive development and stronger social accountability through better coordination. Leather Industry Roadmap: Commerce Ministry is drafting an action-oriented roadmap to move Bangladesh’s leather and footwear up the value chain and boost exports. Banking Watch: Reports say Standard Chartered may wind down Bangladesh retail and cards business, with BRAC Bank and City Bank among potential buyers. Public Health Policy: DGHS ordered tighter control on new clinics and private practice near government hospitals. Trade & Economy: NBR flagged a non-existent firm scheme risking Tk 2,450 crore in cigarette raw-material revenue, while Bangladesh approved salt imports amid producer concerns.

EU Digital ID rollout: The EU’s EUDI Wallet deadline is nearing, but readiness is uneven across member states—Italy, France and Finland are furthest along while others are still testing or targeting later launches, raising fears it could become a compliance exercise instead of delivering real value. Online scam crackdown: Cambodia and the UK signed an MoU to boost cooperation against online scams and transnational crime, including a new task force and continued deportations of people linked to scam operations. Bangladesh–Malaysia trade: Malaysia-Bangladesh FTA talks are set to begin in Dhaka by end-October, with the first round focused on market access and negotiation needs, aiming for a deal by 2027. Bangladesh–China ties: A Bangladesh minister said relations with China are set to expand further in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, technology and people-to-people links. Rohingya & climate at UNGA: PM Tarique Rahman called for five urgent global climate actions at UN Headquarters, while Bangladesh also pushed for collective action on the Rohingya crisis and just transition. Biman expands fleet: Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed an agreement to buy 11 more Boeing aircraft to grow routes and capacity. Human rights warning: HRW said new Bangladesh laws weaken human rights safeguards and reverse NHRC reform steps. Public health gap: A Barishal hospital’s MRI has reportedly been non-functional for nearly nine years, forcing patients to pay more at private facilities. Crime: Police arrested three men over an alleged schoolgirl kidnapping and gang-rape in Moulvibazar. Sports (Bangladesh-linked): Bangladesh’s Litton Das leads the cricket team at the Asian Games, while India’s kabaddi side advanced after beating Chinese Taipei and earlier routed Bangladesh.

Digital ID Push: Bangladesh is moving toward a single digital identity as a gateway to public services, with an 18–24 month timetable and plans to use Estonia’s X-Road model for secure government data exchange. Identity Security & Fraud: Global identity firms are stepping up defenses against deepfakes and biometric injection attacks, while the UK plans a National Centre for Information Defence to tackle AI-enabled disinformation. Trade & Economy: Bangladesh Bank has allowed “Taka Vostro” accounts to expand local-currency settlement in trade, and BGMEA launched a Japan Desk to boost apparel orders and investment. Power & Infrastructure: ADB approved a $200m loan to modernise Dhaka’s power distribution, and Cox’s Bazar International Airport is set for an October launch. Tax & Enforcement: NBR flagged VAT evasion by Korean Mart Bangladesh, while it also warned of revenue risk from imports tied to non-existent firms. Sports: Litton Das says Bangladesh cricket’s Asian Games campaign is about chasing gold and building toward the 2028 Olympics. Human Rights & Health: Rights groups marked World Contraception and Safe Abortion Day, calling for accessible, stigma-free care.

Transport & Cost of Living: The government gazette raises diesel bus and minibus fares by Tk 0.17 per km from Sept 22, but passengers at Dhaka terminals report being charged extra beyond the approved hike. Energy & Infrastructure: Cabinet approves a Tk 1,946.22cr deal with Indonesia’s Pertamina Trans Kontinental to operate and maintain Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar SPM facility after long delays. Disaster Watch: Maritime ports were advised to hoist cautionary signal No 3 as a deep depression moves west-northwest, bringing rough seas and squally weather; fishing boats were told to stay close to the coast. Digital Bangladesh: Bangladesh plans a single digital ID and AI-enabled digital public infrastructure within 18–24 months to act as a gateway to public services. UNGA Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman’s first UNGA day focused on Bangladesh’s diplomatic, regional, humanitarian and economic priorities, including meetings with Bhutan, Maldives, Haiti and Turkey. Human Rights: HRW says three new laws passed in September weaken Bangladesh’s human rights safeguards, including NHRC independence and protections around enforced disappearances. Sports (Regional): Asian Games updates include Mirabai Chanu’s 49kg silver and India’s skeet bronzes, while Bangladesh’s athletes face tough group results.

UNGA AI Debate: UN chief Antonio Guterres warned against “killer robots” and urged safeguards as world leaders clash over the promise and threat of AI at the 81st UN General Assembly. UNGA Diplomacy: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman joined the high-level general debate in New York, with Rohingya, climate and peacekeeping expected to feature in his maiden UN speech on Sept 24. Bangladesh-India Ties: India says it wants “positive, constructive and forward-looking” relations with Bangladesh and is ready to discuss issues through existing mechanisms as Asad Alam Siam moves to Delhi as high commissioner. Fuel Shock at Home: Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation says it paid an extra Tk 23,000 crore for fuel imports in six months due to Middle East-linked price and freight spikes; diesel and other fuel prices were adjusted, raising transport and farming costs. One Health Push: Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo urged “One Health” to shift from policy to action, linking human, animal and ecosystem health for resilient agrifood systems. Rohingya Under Pressure: Rohingya volunteers in Arakan Army-controlled areas report pay disparity and limited formal roles, while other reports highlight fears over what awaits returnees in Rakhine. Tech & Connectivity: Private submarine cable plans could cut Bangladesh internet bandwidth prices by 40–50%, boosting competition and capacity. Banking Governance: Bangladesh Bank found recruitment irregularities at Islami Bank during the S Alam era, and a new CEO KPI framework aims to tie leadership to bank health, not just growth. Sports & Culture: India won women’s cricket gold at Asian Games 2026; meanwhile, a Bangladeshi musical night is set for New York, and an international film camp selected a Bangladesh short-film project for funding.