AGP Executive Report

Bangladesh Budget Countdown: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury is set to place the 55th national budget for FY27 in parliament today, with the outlay projected at Tk 9.38 trillion, as the BNP government seeks to balance inflation control, development push and social safety nets. Banking Stability: Bangladesh Bank appointed an observer to Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC to restore discipline and protect depositors amid governance turmoil and ongoing protests. Digital Payments Push: BB chief launched a nationwide Bangla QR campaign to boost digital payments. Trade & Industry: The 20th Bangladesh Denim Expo opened in Dhaka under “Frontline to Future,” with EU and industry leaders urging decent jobs, skills and a clean-energy transition. Education for Hard-to-Reach Areas: Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha received the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 for its solar-powered floating schools in the Chalan Beel wetlands. Women & Children Safety: Govt plans One-Stop Crisis Centres at all public medical college hospitals to provide integrated medical, legal and psychosocial support for survivors of violence. Environment & Agriculture: Zubaida Rahman called for a green revolution via tree plantation; Agriculture Minister stressed soil fertility restoration as chemical overuse worsens acidity. Cricket Spotlight: Bangladesh’s Shanto is close to 2,000 ODI runs ahead of the 2nd ODI vs Australia in Dhaka. Sports Scheduling: Cricket Australia scrapped Bangladesh’s women’s T20 series after ICC moved the Women’s Champions Trophy, forcing a revised calendar.

Cricket Glory: Bangladesh stunned Australia in the 1st ODI in Dhaka, winning by 86 runs under DLS after Mosaddek’s unbeaten 86 and Nahid Rana’s 4-41. Health & Immunisation: Cabinet committee approved UNICEF-linked vaccine procurement worth Tk 412.71 crore for EPI in FY25-26, aiming uninterrupted child immunisation. Courts & Politics: ICT-2 concluded the trial of Awami League leader Mahbubul Alam Hanif and three others over July 2024 uprising crimes against humanity; verdict awaited. Banking Stability: Bangladesh Bank reappointed an observer at Islami Bank amid unrest, while ABB warned the crisis is spreading confidence damage across the sector. Dhaka Liveability: DSCC launched the “City Inspector” pilot to boost cleanliness and dengue prevention, and separate committees will demarcate Dhaka canal boundaries. Economy Snapshot: BBS said per capita GNI crossed $3,000 for the first time, reaching $3,020 in FY25-26. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh will be “Theme Country” at China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, with 175 firms seeking new buyers.

Budget Countdown: Finance Minister Amir Khosru says the Tk 9.38t budget due tomorrow will cover people from all sections despite limited resources, as inflation and weak revenue remain pressure points. Agri Finance Boost: Bangladesh Bank has set up a Tk 100b refinancing scheme for agricultural loans, with low-interest rates and priority for small/marginal and women farmers, using crop-based collateral rules. Japan Energy Relief: Japan will extend an emergency loan of about $312m (50bn yen) to support Bangladesh’s energy security and economic resilience, co-financed with ADB. Islami Bank Clash in Parliament: Jamaat and BNP lawmakers spar in Jatiya Sangsad over Islami Bank’s management and share ownership, with governance and investor confidence at the center. Measles Court Ruling: A Dhaka court dismissed a plea seeking to sue Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and others over alleged negligence tied to measles deaths. Border Security: BGB DGs are in Delhi for talks with India’s BSF amid Bangladesh’s “push-in” allegations. Cricket Moment: Bangladesh stunned Australia in the 1st ODI in Mirpur, winning by 86 runs (DLS) as Nahid Rana’s pace dismantled the chase. RMG Unrest: Garment workers blocked roads in Dhaka over factory closures and layoffs, demanding action on unpaid dues and shutdowns.

Bangladesh–Australia Cricket: Mosaddek Hossain returned to ODIs with an unbeaten 86 and Nahid Rana took 4-41 as Bangladesh beat Australia by 86 runs (DLS) in the 1st ODI in Dhaka, taking a 1-0 lead ahead of the next matches. Energy Subsidies Pressure: Finance Minister Amir Khosru warned West Asia tensions could add Tk 426bn to subsidy needs for fuel, gas, electricity and fertiliser. Japan Loan for Stability: Japan confirmed a $312m (about Tk 3,800 crore) soft loan for economic resilience and stable energy supply, with ERD and JICA signing documents. Banking Reform & Deposit Safety: The government outlined a banking resolution framework, including the Bank Resolution Act 2026 and expanded deposit protection to Tk 200,000, while CPD warned macroeconomic mismanagement could trigger more bank looting. Islami Bank Liquidity Stress: Islami Bank sought Tk 10,000 crore liquidity support from Bangladesh Bank amid deposit withdrawals and protests. Stock Market Crackdown: BSEC fines totalling Tk 14.96bn were disclosed in parliament over alleged stock market irregularities. ECNEC Approvals: ECNEC cleared eight projects worth Tk 2,266.41 crore, spanning irrigation, roads, health and education. Startup Push: ICT minister said the Startup Bangladesh fund will expand to Tk 1,000 crore, backing technology-driven startups. Tech for Consumers: TECNO is offering eligible users Google AI Plus free for three months in Bangladesh. Fisheries & Usury: The fisheries minister told parliament most fishers lack boats and nets and are trapped by the dadon (usury) system, with drives continuing against illegal jatka fishing. Diplomacy: Bangladesh marked BIMSTEC’s 29th anniversary, while Bangladesh–Germany and Bangladesh–Netherlands talks focused on trade, investment and cooperation.

Border Push-in & Deportations: Bangladesh again protested India’s BSF “push-in” attempts, with reports of people left for days in no-man’s-land without food or shelter, while West Bengal officials claimed nearly 5,000 Bangladeshis have been deported since the BJP’s West Bengal win. Water Security for Dhaka: Local government minister Mirza Fakhrul said the Gandharbapur water treatment plant will supply 50 crore litres of treated Meghna water to Dhaka daily once operational, with trial runs expected by December. Education Overhaul: Govt plans a new school curriculum from 2028 and revised textbooks for 2027, adding subjects like Sports and Culture and strengthening technical education. Banking & SME Credit: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 50b revolving refinance fund for CMSMEs, with refinance at 4% and lending capped at 9%. Remittance Watch: Remittance inflow stayed strong at $33.63b in FY to June 7, up 18.45%. Public Health & Industry: Drip by Drip launched a menstrual health program for garment workers, targeting safer workplace support. Sports & Research: Bangladeshi teen Niveer won double gold in Indonesia; IUB ranked top private university in Research.com’s Bangladesh list.

Parliament & Diplomacy: Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni said the government is focused on efficient budget use and improving living standards, during a courtesy call by a US Embassy political officer, with talks also touching a Bangladesh-US Parliamentary Caucus. UN Peacekeeping: Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam urged wider recognition of Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers’ sacrifices and honoured their families at a Dhaka seminar. Competition & Consumer Protection: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told Parliament the government is moving to strengthen the Competition Commission and DNCRP, including amendments to modernise the Competition Act and Consumers’ Right Protection Act. Bangladesh Bank Push for Industry: BB launched Tk 5,000cr revolving refinance for CMSMEs (max lending 9%), Tk 1,000cr revolving refinance for green industries (PFIs refinance 2%, lending capped 5%), and a Tk 10,000cr agriculture/rural refinance for food security and jobs. Markets: Dhaka stocks snapped a 10-day winning streak on profit-taking ahead of the budget; DSEX fell and turnover dropped. Trade & Halal: Indonesia’s envoy highlighted halal opportunities beyond meat, urging participation in D-8 Halal Expo 2026; US envoy also discussed bilateral trade and investment with ICC Bangladesh. Law & Order Debate: Police said TIB’s murder interpretation is flawed, while MPs like Rumeen Farhana demanded action over rising crime and violence figures. Sports: Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said Mosaddek’s role is different but both can play together as Australia’s ODI tour begins.

Budget Push: Bangladesh’s upcoming FY27 budget is set to add tax breaks for renewables, SMEs and edible-oil producers, with solar investors eyeing income-tax exemptions up to 2035 and possible rebates for solar users; Capital Market Reform: The new BSEC leadership is promising full market digitisation, faster IPO processing and a push for direct listing of big firms, while DSE turnover jumped above Tk 15bn on optimism; Banking Overhaul: The government plans a reform commission for the banking sector to fix governance gaps; Energy & Gas: Bangladesh is preparing its first onshore oil-and-gas bidding round in 28 years to boost domestic gas output; Remittance Watch: Bangladesh Bank warns Middle East tensions could slow remittance growth, with early June inflows down sharply; Credit Slowdown: Private credit growth stayed at 4.75% in April as banks turn cautious amid NPL pressure and higher costs; Youth & Governance: Officials and analysts stress youth frustration and institutional crises need urgent attention, alongside calls for better execution of development plans.

BCB Leadership Shake-up: Tamim Iqbal elected BCB president after a vote marred by conflict-of-interest claims and accusations of political interference. Capital Market Reform Push: New BSEC chief Masud Khan vows IPO reform and full digitalisation; DSE backs the regulator as turnover hits a 22-month high. Banking & Fintech: AB Bank pilots AI-powered “AB e-Loan”, while Mutual Trust Bank launches “MTB Trade X” to digitise trade requests. Housing Finance Plan: Bangladesh Bank explores bond-based funding for housing loans to support long-term, lower-rate mortgages. Media & Governance: Cabinet approves BTV’s FIFA World Cup 2026 media rights (Tk 72.71cr); Press Council Act amendment proposal seeks journalist registration and penalties. Public Health & Cities: Govt ramps up dengue/chikungunya prevention; DSCC public hearing targets waste, roads, waterlogging and civic services. Economy Watch: Inflation rises to 9.42%; experts warn FY27 budget funding faces revenue shortfall and banking stress. Security & Accountability: TIB says 605 people were killed in the first 100 days, while also noting some governance steps.

Ramisa Verdict Today: A special tribunal in Dhaka will deliver its verdict in the rape-murder case of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, after a rare four-day trial; PM Tarique Rahman visited the victim’s family and pledged swift justice. Child Protection Push: Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal called for a national child safety task force, saying law alone can’t stop abuse. Power & Tariffs: Govt vows action against alleged power-sector oligarchs; meanwhile, capacity payments are projected to rise sharply in FY27, raising fears of further electricity price hikes. Budget Session Starts: The first budget session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad begins today, with the FY26-27 budget due June 11. Measles Crisis Costs Families: Reports highlight Bangladesh’s measles outbreak worsening, with families facing heavy treatment bills. Digital Risks & Fake News: Info Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon urges experts to draft a practical national action plan to tackle misinformation and digital threats. UNGA Milestone: Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency under FM Khalilur Rahman is framed as a diplomatic boost amid economic pressures like LDC graduation. Trade & Industry: Fruit exports hit a record $123m in FY26; RMG exports to major markets fell in July-May, while the 20th Denim Expo starts June 10. Sports: Bangladesh’s football team returns from Europe with a historic 2-1 win over San Marino; cricket: BCB election set amid controversy.

Student Politics Crackdown (Chattogram): Police arrested 13 Chhatra League and Jubo League activists after a procession in Barik Building area, seizing buses, white cloths, sticks and bricks, and filing a case. Port Lease Confusion (Chattogram): Conflicting shipping ministry letters on the NCT lease to DP World have revived debate; the shipping secretary says negotiations are still ongoing. Dengue Drive (Dhaka): State minister Dr. M A Muhith urged public awareness for dengue control as DNCC launches a three-month Aedes-eradication programme. Media Leadership (CJFD): Md. Shamim Jahangir and Touhidur Rahman elected CJFD president and general secretary for 2026–28. Education Reform (SSC/HSC): NCTB is preparing proposals to cut SSC/HSC subjects and exam days to reduce stress and disruption. Bangladesh–Turkey Ties: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan met PM Tarique Rahman; both agreed on annual foreign office consultations and annual 2+2 talks, plus defence cooperation committees. Climate-Health Funding: A study warns climate-health allocations fell to 1.97% of health services budget and calls for urgent financing reforms. Economy Goal: Govt outlines a plan targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2034, with industrial revival and job creation. RMG Exports: July–May FY26 RMG exports hit $35.31bn, down 3.41%, with EU still the biggest market. Digital Security: Information minister says digital security is now more critical than border security, urging action against fake news and misinformation. Transport Update (MRT): MRT-6 night service extended by 20 minutes from tomorrow. Sports (SAFF Women’s Final): Bangladesh and India tied 1-1 at halftime as Ritu Porna equalised; final set for 7:30pm Bangladesh time. Garment Workers’ Health: icddr,b study finds nearly 65% of female garment workers become pregnant before age 18.

UN Peacekeeping: Six Bangladeshi UNISFA peacekeepers killed in a 2025 drone strike in Kadugli, Sudan were posthumously awarded the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Medal in New York. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak worsened again, with deaths reported crossing 600 as confirmed and suspected cases climb. Cost of Living & Energy: Thousands rallied in Dhaka against repeated electricity and fuel price hikes, warning of unbearable pressure on households. Border Security: India’s Amit Shah said “Smart Border” pilots will tackle new threats, while Bangladesh authorities say they will not allow illegal push-ins and keep border areas on high alert. Opposition & Politics: The National Citizen Party unveiled a Tk 8.52 lakh crore “shadow budget” for FY27, targeting reforms, jobs and revenue. Economy & Industry: A new BSCIC industrial estate is planned in Pabna, with plot and infrastructure issues to be reviewed. Culture & Rights: Film-makers and activists protested a screening ban over “independent art practices” and cultural safety. Tech & Mobility: Uber officially launched in Nepal, expanding ride-hailing and testing new business models.

Diplomacy & Trade: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan met Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka, saying both sides are exploring ways to lift bilateral trade from $1.3bn to $2bn, and the two countries signed an MoU to protect cultural heritage. Foreign Policy: Khalilur Rahman reiterated the new “Bangladesh First” doctrine—diplomacy with friends, not masters. Security & Parliament: Dhaka Metropolitan Police imposed a ban on gatherings and processions around parliament during the upcoming budget session. Law & Order: CID acting chief Ali Akbar Khan applied for voluntary retirement after a promotion snub. Public Health: Experts warn the DRC Ebola outbreak may be larger than reported, with “unrecognized chains” of transmission a risk. Sports: Brothers Union conceded a walkover in the Dhaka Premier League after unpaid dues; in cricket, India start strong at the World Yogasana Championships, while SAFF Women’s final is set with India facing Bangladesh. Economy & Agriculture: Rajshahi expects about Tk 56 crore from litchi trade as Bombay variety floods markets. Culture & Community: Bangladesh started steps to open a diplomatic mission in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Capital Markets Overhaul: Masud Khan, newly appointed BSEC chairman, vowed a market reset—scrapping the floor price regime, phasing out existing floors, and stepping up real-time action against manipulation to rebuild investor trust. Central Bank Stimulus: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 20,000 crore pre-refinancing scheme at 7% interest to revive closed and partially operating large industries and service sectors, with banks drawing funds from a 4% repository. Power Tariff Relief: BERC rolled back electricity tariff hikes for lifeline and marginal consumers after government intervention, keeping earlier rates for the lowest slabs. FDI Push: Cabinet approved an FDI Incentive Scheme Policy (2026) to attract expatriate and citizen-led investment, alongside a Bangladesh Medical University amendment to expand services and research. Remittance Watch: Early June remittances dipped nearly 20% year-on-year in the first three days, but FY inflows remain strong with 18.25% growth so far. Labour Rights on Labour Day: A feature argues labour rights are both a legal duty and a moral test—calling for fairness and dignity for garment, construction, transport, migrant and informal workers. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Dilara Akter’s fastest T20I fifty powered Bangladesh to beat the Netherlands by 13 runs in a rain-affected match, setting up warm-ups ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Environment Day: World Environment Day coverage highlights nature-based solutions as the world nears the 1.5°C threshold.

Environment & Justice: Bangladesh’s “polluter pays” principle is still mostly on paper, with regulators recovering only 47.52% of compensation imposed over 16 years, as legal delays, weak pollution assessment and slow case disposal keep offenders out of accountability. Capital Market Shake-up: Masud Khan has been appointed new BSEC chairman, with three commissioners named after the previous chairman and all four commissioners resigned; the DSE also hit the highest turnover of 2026 as investors reacted to the leadership change. Power Tariff Pressure: Jamaat warns of public backlash over the latest electricity tariff hike, while BERC’s decision to raise prices by about 16.7% is criticised for not assessing consumer impact amid ongoing power-sector inefficiencies. Economy Watch: CPD flags mounting strain from weak revenue collection, inflation, banking fragility and rising energy costs, saying meeting revenue targets now looks unrealistic. Business & Finance: Bangladesh Bank rejected MGI’s $80m IFC loan proposal for ship purchases, citing repayment risks tied to foreign-currency borrowing. Health & Safety: DSCC says 63 wards are at dengue risk, including 27 high-risk wards, based on pre-monsoon Aedes larva surveys. Sports: Bangladesh recalled Mosaddek Hossain and Nurul Hasan for the first two ODIs vs Australia. Cricket/Policy: Cabinet meeting is underway at the Secretariat, with policy and administrative issues expected to be discussed.

Education Policy: State minister Bobby Hajjaj says all English medium schools will come under a single uniform policy to boost quality, accountability and national values. Crime & Public Safety: Police arrested two suspected snatchers over the Mohammadpur “sisters” case, recovering a pickup and sharp weapon after CCTV and 999 reports. Energy Costs & Protests: Bangladesh Jamaat announced city rallies for Thursday against electricity tariff hikes, citing BERC’s higher wholesale and retail rates. Health Crisis: Measles deaths rose to 601 as authorities report thousands of new suspected cases; experts stress micro-planning to reach children outside vaccine coverage. Economy & IMF: Bangladesh has requested a new IMF loan arrangement and is seeking a more realistic, phased reform framework; reserves stand at $34.82b. Power Sector: BERC set across-the-board electricity tariff increases effective June 1, raising bulk and retail rates. Public Finance & Banking Stress: Bangladesh Bank data shows a Tk 2.05 lakh crore provisioning shortfall and defaulted loans at Tk 5.88 lakh crore. Digital Governance: Govt moves toward fully digital public procurement, banning new offline tenders from July 1, 2026. Climate & Agriculture: PKSF signed a $70m GREEN project deal to support climate-resilient farming, enterprises and nutrition nationwide (2026-2031). Diplomacy & Labour: US envoy met Bangladesh’s water minister; Shama urged Kosovo to recruit more Bangladeshi workers. Sports: Bangladesh U-18 men lost 5-2 to Pakistan; women were beaten 6-0 by China in Asia Cup pool matches.

Delhi Hotel Fire: At least 21 people died in a hotel blaze in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, including 18 foreign nationals; victims reportedly included Bangladeshis, and India’s MEA says it is coordinating with embassies and providing assistance. Bangladesh Exports: Export earnings slipped 7.07% in May to $4.40bn after an April rebound, with garment exports down 8.29% amid Eid-ul-Azha shutdowns. Electricity Tariff Shock: BERC raised retail power tariffs by Tk 1.52 per kWh (to Tk 10.63), warning of inflation and higher production costs, as CAB criticised the process. IMF Talks: Bangladesh has requested a new IMF financial arrangement as it exits the current $5.5bn programme; officials say reforms will be phased to match current realities. Forced Labour Tariffs: The US proposed extra duties on imports from 60 economies, including Bangladesh, citing failures to enforce forced-labour bans. Finance & Banking: Progoti pension coverage is being expanded to bank employees; BRAC Bank targets becoming the top remittance bank by 2028; NCC Bank signed Bangladesh Bank deals to finance CMSMEs. Markets & Media: Dhaka stocks extended gains with turnover hitting a nine-month high; CPJ urged steps to strengthen press freedom and stop criminal cases against journalists. Climate & Infrastructure: Contracts worth Tk 423cr approved for 53 school-cum-flood shelters; GREEN project funding agreement signed for $70m; DND embankment handover to city corporations planned to tackle waterlogging. Sports: Bangladesh reached the SAFF Women’s final; Mosaddek Hossain and Nurul Hasan recalled for ODIs vs Australia.