AGP Executive Report

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.

Eid Rush Hits Dhaka Hard: With the 7-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday underway, an estimated 10–13 million people are expected to leave the capital, but rain and transport delays are already disrupting travel. Cash Crunch at ATMs: Despite Bangladesh Bank orders for uninterrupted service, many booths ran dry or imposed withdrawal caps, forcing people to queue and switch cards. Security Concerns: Police report a spike in attacks on law enforcers, with morale blamed; an armed group also vandalised a joint forces camp in Chattogram. Banking Politics: Jamaat-e-Islami protested alleged government interference in Islami Bank management, after forced resignations and new appointments. Economy & Aid: ADB announced a $5.0b Bangladesh package over five years, while IMF talks are moving toward a fresh reform-focused programme. Rohingya Violence: New clashes and killings continue in Cox’s Bazar camps, tied to armed group rivalries. Tech in Traffic: Dhaka police say AI-based enforcement is changing driver behaviour.

Bangladesh Bank Stimulus: Bangladesh Bank unveiled a Tk 600-billion ($4.88bn) stimulus to revive the economy, with refinancing at 7% for private-sector borrowers and support for closed factories, agriculture, CMSMEs, exports and North Bengal. ADB Push for Resilience: ADB President Masato Kanda says Bangladesh is entering a “critical new phase,” pointing to $5bn over five years and new $1.4bn loan deals amid Middle East-linked cost pressures. Eid Travel Crunch: Eid-ul-Azha travel is in full swing, with heavy crowds at Dhaka terminals and delays on northern train routes due to rain. Digital Payments at Cattle Markets: IFIC Bank and BRAC Bank opened cashless Qurbani cattle-haat booths in Dhaka, adding QR/POS payments and fake-note detection. India Migration Crackdown: West Bengal’s BJP has operationalised “detect, delete and deport,” opening a holding centre in Malda for suspected Bangladeshis, raising rights fears. Cricket & Football: Australia’s Andrew McDonald backs Cameron Green for new ODI roles; Bangladesh named a 30-man preliminary squad for San Marino friendly.

Banking Shake-up: Bangladesh Bank has appointed former deputy governor Khurshid Alam as the new chairman of Islami Bank, triggering fresh governance backlash inside the lender after the previous chairman Zubaidur Rahman resigned. IMF Talks Loom: Bangladesh is bracing for $4.5b IMF credit negotiations, with the government signaling reforms will be phased and “realistic.” Credit Push for SMEs: BB has eased refinancing rules for state-owned banks to expand CMSME lending, and separately unveiled a Tk 60,000cr stimulus plan to revive growth and jobs. ADB Support: The Asian Development Bank will provide $1.4b for four projects spanning economic management, social resilience, and infrastructure. Eid & Safety: Bangladesh Bank extended banking hours near cattle markets; a study says 60% of people lack first-aid knowledge for burn victims. Education Violence: A case filed over an Ideal School assault on a student, including alleged machete attack. Tech & Mobility: Japanese EV brand glafit plans an 800-bike pilot with charging and battery-swap stations.

Eid Money Safety Push: Bangladesh Bank has ordered banks near approved cattle markets to stay open until 10pm from May 24 through the day before Eid-ul-Azha, aiming to cut risks from cash-heavy Qurbani trading and support deposits, withdrawals and even account openings. Health Emergency: Measles-like outbreak pressure keeps rising—16 more children died in 24 hours, bringing suspected deaths to 528 since mid-March, with thousands of suspected cases still flooding hospitals. Diplomacy: Outgoing Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma told PM Tarique Rahman Bangladesh and India need a future-oriented agenda for deeper regional integration. Regional Security Spillover: West Bengal, India, has directed districts to set up “holding centres” for suspected Bangladeshis and Rohingyas awaiting deportation, reflecting a tougher “detect, delete, deport” approach. Sports & Society: Railways announced a 25% metro rail fare discount for seniors and persons with disabilities, while Bangladesh’s Olympic football squad starts camp with no overseas-based players.

Bangladesh Bank Stimulus Push: Bangladesh Bank unveiled a Tk 60,000 crore package to revive slowing growth, restart closed units and create 2.5 million jobs, using refinancing plus central-bank support to cut eligible borrowing costs. Banking Rules Tighten: BB also barred cash dividends for banks with paid-up capital under Tk 20 billion and capped cash payouts at 50%, pushing many lenders toward stock/bonus dividends. Justice Under Spotlight: PM Tarique Rahman vowed the Ramisa Akter case will reach “highest punishment” within a month, while police are set to file the charge sheet soon after DNA/viscera reports. Trade Pressure on Industry: A study says EU buyers pay Bangladesh the lowest T-shirt prices, while leather leaders demand urgent policy rescue and a dedicated leather board. Energy Security Moves: Govt plans to buy seven spot LNG cargoes in June as demand rises. EU-Industry Link: EU diplomats visited Apex Footwear, praising sustainability steps, as German Amann Group eyes factory expansion. Regional Flashpoint: BGB again blocked BSF attempts to install border poles at Tin Bigha/Dahagram. Public Services & Health: ADR helped settle over 2 lakh cases at government expense; food safety officials urged more organic fertiliser and stricter control of hormones, fertilisers and insecticides.