AGP Executive Report

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.

Stock Market Mood: Dhaka stocks kept the post-Eid climb for a 7th straight session, with DSEX ending up 33.6 points at 5,406 and turnover crossing Tk 10.8bn as investors returned to banking and NBFIs. Banking Stress: Bangladesh Bank data shows defaulted loans jumped Tk 31,488cr in three months, pushing NPLs to Tk 5.89 lakh crore and raising the NPL ratio to 32.26%. Smart Cards for Farmers: Bangladesh Bank ordered priority agro-loans for marginal and landless farmers holding “smart cards,” with banks also told not to block those without cards. LDC Graduation Relief: The UN backed Bangladesh’s plea to extend the LDC graduation preparatory period by three years to 2029, but urged major domestic reforms. UNGA Win: Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st UN General Assembly session. Power Tariffs: BERC is set to announce new electricity tariffs today after a hearing on proposed wholesale, transmission and retail hikes. Border Tensions: Border Guard Bangladesh reported foiling Indian push-in attempts at Benapole amid rising cross-border friction after West Bengal’s BJP win. Wildlife Safety: A crocodile attack at Bagerhat’s Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali shrine killed a 7-year-old, spotlighting long-running wildlife management failures. Science & Tech: UIU’s Mars Rover team won 3rd globally and 1st in Asia at URC 2026. Sports: Bangladesh women’s football face Nepal in the SAFF semis after a tough run-up.

UN Rohingya Funding: UNHCR warns declining humanitarian funding could worsen conditions for about 1.2 million Rohingya in Bangladesh, with the latest appeal only around 60% funded. LDC Graduation: The UN Committee for Development Policy has recommended delaying Bangladesh’s LDC graduation by three years to Nov 24, 2029, saying the country still meets thresholds but needs more time for reforms. Bangladesh Bank Directives: BB told banks to prioritize agricultural credit for farmers hit by heavy rainfall, including quick support for haor areas and Krishak Smart Card holders. Banking Unrest: Islami Bank customers have continued protests for a second day, demanding the resignation of the new chairman and board; police used water cannons and tear gas earlier. Port & Trade: Chattogram Customs will auction 102 uncleared containers via e-Auction to cut congestion, while Chattogram Port’s NCT set a new May record handling 126,496 TEUs. Budget Focus: Finance Minister Amir Khosru says the upcoming budget will prioritize poverty reduction and opportunities for marginalized groups, including homemakers. Energy & Prices: BERC is set to decide on electricity tariff proposals, and LPG prices were slightly reduced after recent hikes. Business Ties: Bangladesh discussed expanding trade and investment with the UK and Switzerland, aiming for a more enabling environment for investors. Tech & AI: Meta is rolling out subscription tiers including Meta One, with plans and testing that include Bangladesh for creator/business features.

Budget Watch: The Power Division has sought Tk 594.5b in the new budget as subsidy for power purchases from private plants and imports, citing higher gas and fuel-oil costs, taka depreciation and rising electricity imports. Transport & Infrastructure: Stalled Dhaka MRT projects are set to restart with Tk 126.49b in ADP allocations for FY27, including big jumps for MRT-1, MRT-5 and MRT-6, with JICA financing. Eid & Governance: PMO says Tarique Rahman’s 10 people-oriented Eid-ul-Azha directives brought “visible positive changes,” covering travel, wages, waste removal, power supply, safety and rawhide management. Banking Unrest: Protests over Islami Bank’s new chairman Khurshid Alam turned violent in Motijheel; Bangladesh Bank says the appointment won’t be changed due to street agitation. Tax & Trade: NBR is considering raising tax deducted at source on export incentives to 20% from 10%, while remittances hit $3.42b in May (+15.34%). Labour Rights: Bangladesh moved out of the world’s worst 10 for workers’ rights in 2026, though it remains rated “no guarantee of rights.” Sports: Bangladesh women’s Tigresses face growing World Cup worries after losing to Scotland and the Netherlands in a tri-nation series. Public Safety: A rights group reports mob violence and rape cases rising in May, despite repeated government promises.

Fuel Prices & Inflation Pressure: PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin says Bangladesh’s fuel hikes are “limited,” with June retail changes of Tk 5/litre for petrol, octane and kerosene while diesel stays unchanged, arguing global oil shocks are driving the adjustment. Remittance Surge: Bangladesh Bank data shows May remittances rose 15.34% to $3.42bn, with July–May inflows at $32.75bn, boosted by Eid-ul-Azha seasonal transfers. Islami Bank Turmoil: Police dispersed Islami Bank customers protesting the appointment of new chairman Md Khurshid Alam; Bangladesh Bank says street protests won’t decide banking matters and decisions follow legal process. Political Mourning & Law Order: Seven people were detained after slogans during Tofail Ahmed’s funeral procession in Dhaka. Dairy & Food Security: Bangladesh lags peers in buffalo milk production, with buffalo milk only 5% of total milk, blamed on low productivity and limited investment. Sports Governance: ICC approved trial pink-ball use in Tests during bad light and other match-condition changes, while also overseeing Bangladesh Cricket Board election arrangements. Eid-Era Social Issues: Rumeen Farhana protested the suspension of a film in Brahmanbaria, linking it to concerns over child rape prevention and rising fundamentalism.

Digital Finance Upgrade: Bangladesh Bank is set to introduce an interoperable Bangla QR standard for peer-to-peer (P2P) fund transfers, aiming to make transfers as simple as scanning a beneficiary’s QR. Public Health & Accountability: Ad-din Hospital’s newborn deaths have triggered a probe into hospital monitoring and possible technical failures, with families alleging negligence and the health ministry forming an investigation committee. Environment & Wildlife: A three-month Sundarban entry ban (June 1–Aug 31) starts today to protect breeding of fish, wildlife and biodiversity, with no passes issued and legal action for violations. Urban Cleanliness: Dhaka city corporations found temporary cattle market waste not cleared on time after Eid-ul-Azha and plan to confiscate deposits and blacklist leaseholders. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh’s import policy is being questioned for clashing with new EU/US trade rules that demand higher local value addition for apparel incentives. Labour Rights: The Minimum Wages Board has identified 67 more sectors to bring under formal wage regulation, expanding labour protection. Sports (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s women’s team suffered a 3-0 loss to India in the SAFF Championship group match, with coach Peter Butler citing sloppy play and professionalism concerns.

Rohingya Aid Boost: Finland pledged €2.23m (about US$2.23m) to UNHCR for life-saving support in Cox’s Bazar as global funding cuts deepen camp pressures. BCB Election Timeline: Bangladesh Cricket Board says ICC Board and ICC Business Corporation Board representatives will be nominated after its election process ends June 7, with an ICC delegation expected to visit soon. Eid Return Rush: With the 7-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday ending, holidaymakers started heading back to Dhaka by trains, buses and launches; authorities reported no major highway gridlock. Mob Violence Warning: A rights group MSF says mob violence killed 32 people in May, the highest in six months, and also recorded a sharp rise in rape cases and rape-murders involving children. Hospital Fine After Infant Deaths: Ad-Din Medical College Hospital was fined Tk 3 lakh for hygiene and temperature-control lapses; a high-level probe is set to report by June 3. Identity Tech Concern: Tests found some AI tools could generate altered Bangladeshi NID images without clear warnings, raising risks for banking and SIM verification. Ziaur Rahman Marked: Multiple programmes across the country observed Zia’s 45th martyrdom anniversary, with political leaders renewing calls on youth and public safety.

Dhaka Cleanliness Drive: PM Tarique Rahman urged Dhaka residents to stop littering and join sacrificial waste removal efforts, saying cleanliness is a shared duty beyond city corporations. Zia Anniversary Relief: On Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary, Tarique Rahman led wreath-laying and distributed clothes and dry food to poor people, calling on BNP leaders to stand by the helpless and engage in nation-building. UN Peacekeeping Tribute: UN chief António Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5 after they were killed in a 2025 drone strike in Abyei. Fuel Security Warning: IMF, World Bank and IEA chiefs warned that if the Strait of Hormuz stays disrupted, summer fuel shortages could hit global markets and vulnerable economies. Farmers’ Seed Complaint: Farmers in Kulaura, Moulvibazar blamed poor DAE seed quality for watermelon and tomato crop failures and demanded investigation and compensation. Leather Price Pressure: Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid said leather prices are driven by international market conditions, not domestic demand. World No Tobacco Day: Bangladesh will observe World No Tobacco Day tomorrow, warning that gaps in the 2026 tobacco law could fuel youth nicotine addiction.

National Budget: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle unveiled Nepal’s Rs 2.124 trillion budget for FY 2026/27, with a deficit of about Rs 657bn and heavy focus on recurrent spending, while concerns linger over debt reliance and development fund use. Eid & Economy: Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) launched a rawhide preservation drive for Eid-ul-Azha, training thousands of volunteers to help collect, salt and transport hides properly to protect the leather sector. Public Life & Politics: BNP marked the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with an eight-day programme, including wreath-laying and prayers. Education Row: State minister Bobby Hajjaj withdrew remarks comparing Dhaka University to a coaching centre after protests from DU teachers. Health Crisis: Reports say measles has surged in Bangladesh, with hundreds of child deaths and hospitals overwhelmed. Regional Pressure: West Bengal’s “detect, delete and deport” crackdown is driving hundreds of Bangladeshis to wait at Hakimpur border, fearing detention and fines. International: UN honoured over 50,000 peacekeepers worldwide, including more than 4,000 from Bangladesh.

Dhaka University Row: State minister Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn comments that sparked backlash over Dhaka University’s education and research quality, saying the remarks were informal and not a policy statement. Zia Anniversary & Politics: Ahead of Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary, Prof. Arif Moinuddin recalled Zia’s last words, while civic figures urged adding Zia’s “Birth of a Nation” to textbooks. University Appointments: Thakurgaon University staffing will be strictly merit-based, with no nepotism or political influence, says LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul. Eid Waste Monitoring: PM Tarique Rahman toured Dhaka routes to inspect sacrificial waste removal progress after Eid-ul-Azha. Fertilizer Price Pressure: A report links the Iran conflict and shipping disruptions to a wider fertilizer supply squeeze that could keep prices high into 2026, affecting Bangladesh and the region. Border & Migration: India says it has shared 2,680+ names with Bangladesh for nationality verification to enable deportations; meanwhile, Amit Shah discusses expanding India’s BSF “territorial security” mandate. Cricket & Trade: Pakistan-Australia ODI series preview and news that Indian Railways PSU RITES will deliver Bangladesh’s first 20-coach rake within two months.

Eid-ul-Azha Coverage: Bangladesh marked Eid-ul-Azha with prayers at Eidgahs and mosques nationwide, including the National Eidgah where President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined the jamaat and munajat for peace and prosperity. Rawhide & Leather Supply: Ahead of Eid processing, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir inspected hide management in Aminbazar, while authorities reported 341 trucks carrying 79,218 rawhides entering Savar’s leather estate by Eid day evening. Public Health Probe: A government committee has started investigating the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, with officials suspecting a technical fault and families alleging mismanagement. Road Safety: Nine people were killed and four injured in recent road crashes across Gopalganj, Patuakhali and Faridpur. Viral Animal Story: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was transferred to Dhaka’s National Zoo for public display and research after police custody over security concerns. Politics & Governance: Bangladesh’s President called for building a prosperous country in the spirit of sacrifice and equality as Eid messages continued.

Eid-ul-Azha Coverage: Bangladesh marked Holy Eid-ul-Azha today with the main jamaat at the National Eidgah in Dhaka, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined worshippers under tight security, while leaders across parties and districts exchanged greetings and offered prayers. Urban Services: Dhaka city corporations stepped up Eid preparations, with DSCC arrangements at Jatiya Eidgah and officials citing improved civic services under political administrators, including waste management and mosquito control. Road Safety: A deadly bus-motorcycle crash on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Gopalganj killed five people and injured 20 during Eid travel. Viral Livestock Story: Bangladesh’s viral albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was spared from Eid sacrifice and shifted to the national zoo after Home Ministry intervention due to public interest and security concerns. Economy & Trade: Fashion and footwear retailers reported weak Eid-ul-Azha sales, blaming inflation and reduced purchasing power. Tech & Media: Meta rolled out new paid “Plus” subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, while UNESCO held a South Asia-focused roundtable on 2026–27 priorities including AI ethics and climate action. Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh sought more “diplomatic room” with Pakistan outreach amid India concerns, as senior officials trained in Lahore. Public Health: Reports also point to a measles outbreak situation in the region, with Bangladesh seeing rising child deaths.

Eid-ul-Azha: Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Azha across the country on Thursday, with Eid prayers at eidgahs and mosques, sermons on Qurbani, and special security around the National Eidgah in Dhaka. Public Health Crisis: A measles outbreak has killed over 500 children since March, with suspected cases crossing 60,000; hospitals are overwhelmed and a nationwide emergency vaccination drive is underway. Home Ministry Move: The viral albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was spared from Eid sacrifice after Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered a last-minute intervention; the buyer was refunded and the animal was moved to the National Zoo in Dhaka. Bangladesh-Belgium Ties: Bangladesh and Belgium discussed deepening cooperation, especially in research and innovation, following recent high-level visits. Digital Life & AI: Meta is rolling out new subscription add-ons for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, while a survey warns teens already use AI heavily but schools struggle to teach safe, critical use. Economy & Policy: The IMF confirmed Bangladesh’s request for a new programme amid energy-security concerns.

IMF Talks: The IMF says Bangladesh has requested a new IMF-supported programme, with staff in discussions on reforms and policy priorities as the country tackles pressure on reserves, inflation and the financial sector. Eid Preparations: Bangladesh readies for Eid-ul-Azha with tight security at the National Eidgah, while the PM urged people to share Qurbani meat and keep cleanliness. Health Crisis: A probe committee has been formed after six newborns died at a Dhaka hospital, with the Health Minister citing oxygen disruption linked to an air-conditioning system. Measles Fallout: Reports describe a fast-spreading measles outbreak killing hundreds of children, with UNICEF warning of a “perfect storm” of vaccination gaps and high population movement. Border Tensions: As people try to cross at Hakimpur, Bangladesh Border Guards raise objections and West Bengal continues holding suspected Bangladeshis. Governance Push: The government’s first 100 days claim progress on election manifesto pledges, including welfare cards and subsidised rice. Culture Loss: Bengali filmmaker Anik Dutta died after a terrace fall in Kolkata.

Health Emergency: Measles deaths in Bangladesh keep climbing, with 10 more children dying in 24 hours and the toll reaching 555 since March 15, as confirmed cases and suspected measles-like illnesses surge even after the May 20 vaccination deadline. Border Pressure: Bangladesh’s border guards have intensified patrols and launched loudspeaker campaigns after concerns that people are being pushed into Bangladesh from India, with officials warning of trafficking and smuggling attempts. Eid Economy: Garment factories report near-complete Eid payment clearance—BGMEA says over 99% of active factories have paid festival bonuses and April/May wages. Policy Shift: The government is preparing to rely more on foreign borrowing next fiscal year to cut domestic borrowing and ease inflation pressure. Regional Watch: In West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari’s new “holding centre” and deportation push is driving a fresh mass return attempt at Hakimpur border.

Eid Security Tightened: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed says Bangladesh is on “zero tolerance” mode for terrorism, drugs and extortion, with round-the-clock surveillance boosted around highways, cattle markets and major crossings as Eid approaches. Public Safety Alerts: He also warned of tough action after attacks on RAB personnel in Chattogram’s Jungle Salimpur, where authorities say a “state within a state” attempt was thwarted and weapons were recovered. Health Crisis Worsens: Measles deaths climbed again—10 more children died in 24 hours, pushing the toll to 555 since March 15; 53 new confirmed cases were reported. Weather Disruption: BMD forecasts heavy to moderately heavy rain in several divisions and a mild earthquake (3.4) was felt in Mymensingh and Dhaka. Eid Economy Pressure: Cash withdrawal problems hit Dhaka ATMs as banks close for the week, while cattle markets see brisk trade despite rain. Regional Ripple: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari urged faster deportations of alleged illegal Bangladeshis at Hakimpur.