AGP Executive Report

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.

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.