AGP Executive Report

Political Appointments: Md Rashed Khan has been appointed Political Assistant to the Prime Minister on a contractual basis, with the status of Secretary. Disaster Response: The government is continuing relief and awareness efforts in flood-hit Chattogram and other affected areas, including safety steps for HSC exams and public health. Foreign Policy & Regional Security: Bangladesh has asked India to return former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, sentenced to death by the ICT, and also urged BIMSTEC to press Myanmar for a sustainable Rohingya solution. Environment & Agriculture: Activists in Rajshahi formed a human chain demanding a phased ban on highly hazardous pesticides, citing harm to ecosystems and food safety. Aviation & Trade: CAAB says a Japanese consortium is likely to sign the HSIA Third Terminal deal by late August/early September, aiming for a December inauguration. Digital Finance: Bangladesh Bank distributed prizes for a Bangla QR reels campaign, as Bangla QR use became mandatory from July 1. Capital Market Regulation: BSEC invited public feedback on draft Margin Rules 2025, while also reporting 21,732 people trained in FY26 for investor education. Tax Administration: DCCI welcomed NBR’s source tax monitoring push but warned against harassment of compliant businesses. Public Administration: PM adviser Zabihullah urged officials to use every working hour and taxpayer money efficiently, linking spending to improved public services. Justice & Governance: CJ Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury urged lawyers to present cases properly in court. Border & Accountability: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Mozaffar Hossain in the Zia assassination case will be tried under military law via a general court-martial. Diplomacy & Business Links: A Thai trade exhibition “Top Thai Brands 2026” will run in Dhaka from July 23-25. Microfinance Support: PKSF signed credit guarantee deals with banks under its Credit Enhancement Scheme to expand microenterprise lending.

Human Rights Watch: HRW urged Bangladesh to probe the alleged enforced disappearance of Miraj Sheikh, last seen in Coast Guard custody, warning reforms to prevent such abuses must be restored. Minority Rights & Justice: Minorities protested in Dhaka against the arrest of a Hindu youth, alleging he was targeted over plans to erect a Lord Ram statue in Gaibandha. Health & Economy: A drug pricing deadlock is stalling new locally made medicines, delaying marketing approvals and price fixation for therapies patients need. Insurance Sector: Bangladesh’s new IDRA chief said settlement of unpaid insurance claims around Tk70bn will be her top priority to rebuild customer trust. Governance & Climate: Experts say Dhaka’s waterlogging is now more a governance failure than just rainfall, pointing to weak links between forecasts and timely action. Digital & Youth Services: JUCSU launched a live bus tracking system at Jahangirnagar University to cut commuting hassles. Policy & Finance: Bangladesh Bank will auction Tk25bn treasury bonds Tuesday as the economy faces weak demand and cautious business sentiment. Social Harm: A report warns online gambling is spreading fast despite the June 2026 Gambling Prevention Act, calling for stronger enforcement.

Garment Productivity & Worker Health: VisionSpring says many garment workers lack reading glasses; a pilot in Bangladesh shows faster needle threading and less eye strain, with one in three workers estimated to need glasses. Trade After LDC Graduation: Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan unveiled a new five-year trade capacity plan under the WTO’s EIF, focusing on cutting non-tariff barriers and improving the investment climate ahead of LDC graduation. Infrastructure Finance: AIIB met Bangladesh’s Bridges Division to explore long-term, environment-friendly funding for projects like elevated expressways, a subway and a second Jamuna Bridge. Public Administration Neutrality: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed urged a politically neutral civil service, transparency and accountability, while Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal sought UNDP support to modernise Parliament via an e-Parliament push. Banking & Remittances: BRAC Bank reported record $2.97bn remittances in FY26, while Bangladesh Bank outlined an 18-month plan to tackle non-performing loans with stricter resolution and an exit facility. Politics & Local Polls: BNP submitted its audited accounts to the EC (Tk 6.93 crore surplus) and said court/EC will decide who can contest local elections. Governance Watchdog: TIB criticised keeping Tk50,000 vehicle maintenance allowances, calling it a reversal of austerity. Heat Stress Costs: A global report warns extreme heat will cut working days and raise healthcare costs, deepening household hardship. Cross-border Security: India’s NIA opened a probe into a trafficking syndicate using Indo-Bangladesh border entry points, while Kolkata Police launched a unit to identify illegal foreign residents. Labour Reform: State Minister Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh is starting labour-sector reforms with ILO support to improve work conditions and protect rights.

BEPZA Investment: Chinese Huarun Tex will invest $30m in BEPZA EZ at Mirsharai, Chattogram, producing 24,000 tonnes of yarn and 20m metres of grey woven fabric yearly and creating about 580 jobs. RMG Recovery Outlook: LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul says Bangladesh’s economy can recover despite challenges, with the garment sector staying central to growth. Textile Sector Leadership: ITET formally handed over responsibilities to its newly elected 15th Council, aiming to strengthen professional excellence and industry collaboration. Probashi Card Pilot: Govt plans to launch the Probashi Card in the second week of August, starting with Janata Bank debit cards, targeting 50,000 cards by December and 200,000 by June next year. Public Transport Upgrade: Plans for about 1,400 electric buses include charging infrastructure and women-focused fleet expansion, with multiple procurement routes in progress. Flood Relief: Relief operations continue in 7 flood-hit districts, with cash, rice and shelter support reported. Capital Market Reform: BSEC chairman Masud Khan says the regulator is operating independently, pushing direct listing for strong firms and tighter oversight of brokerage irregularities. Health & Awareness: NICRH highlights cervical cancer prevention through vaccination and calls for wider screening and public awareness. Business & Tech: BCCCI seminar spotlights responsible AI and blockchain adoption for Bangladesh’s trade and competitiveness. Sports & Society: Online gambling tied to the FIFA World Cup is expanding via social media groups, raising concerns about harm and regulation.

Capital Market Reform: BSEC chair Masud Khan says big, well-established firms could go public via direct listing to cut delays, while regular audits and tighter oversight target stockbroker misconduct; he also criticized roadshows as unjustified spending. Banking Costs: The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh has proposed extra charges for 14 services, including fees on cash withdrawals beyond monthly limits, sparking backlash from customers and businesses. Probashi Card Pilot: The government will launch a pilot dual-currency expatriate debit card next month, offering airport lounge access, fast-track immigration, hospital priority services, and discounts for travel and hotels. Power & Energy Transition: A long-term roadmap backs mandatory industrial energy audits, faster renewables, and governance reforms to reduce fuel imports and electricity costs. RMG Industry 4.0: Ha-Meem Group signed an MoU with Robonauts to train workers and boost automation using robotics and AI. Halal Export Push: Businesses say BSTI/Islamic Foundation halal certification is costly and slow, urging a free, single-window process to improve export competitiveness. Flood Response: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed pledged comprehensive support for flood-affected families, farmers, fish farmers and livestock keepers. Local Governance & Info Access: PMO says district information officers will be empowered so journalists and the public can access information more easily. Security Cooperation: US Army and Bangladesh Armed Forces will kick off the Tiger Lightning bilateral exercise focusing on jungle operations, counter-terror and casualty care.

LDC Graduation Support: Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir urged stronger international backing and sought a three-year extension to the LDC graduation preparatory period, citing economic transition, energy and supply-chain shocks, and climate impacts; the EU and the G77+China also reaffirmed support for a smooth, irreversible graduation. Debt Relief Push: Finance Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir called for a UN-led mechanism for debt restructuring and relief so developing countries can keep investing in children, women, education, health and social protection while staying on SDG track. RMG and Jobs Pressure: A rights report warns garment factory closures and layoffs have escalated into a human rights crisis, with hundreds of thousands of workers affected; meanwhile, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul said RMG remains key to recovery. Hasina Extradition Talks: India says Bangladesh’s extradition request for Sheikh Hasina is under legal examination, while Dhaka reiterates she will be arrested if she returns. Regional Security/ED Probe: India’s ED recovered Rs 40 lakh cash and 180g gold from a madrasa in West Bengal in a terror-funding and infiltration-linked money laundering probe. Digital Push: Telecom/IT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam attended the World AI Conference in Shanghai, highlighting Bangladesh’s AI and digital transformation plans. Sports: Bangladesh levelled the Zimbabwe T20 series 1-1 with a 34-run win, as captain Towhid Hridoy praised execution.

Bangladesh-India Legal Row: India says Bangladesh’s extradition request for former PM Sheikh Hasina is under legal review and will follow due judicial process. Rohingya Crisis: Two boats carrying about 530 Rohingya asylum seekers vanished after leaving Myanmar’s coast; rights groups fear both sank, with women and children among those onboard. Bangladesh Economy & Trade: Bangladesh Bank issued a framework to ease import trade in free trade zones, while BEPZA reported $8.41bn exports in FY26 and resilience despite overall export softness. Urban & Climate Resilience: Bangladesh reaffirmed its push for inclusive, climate-resilient urban development at the UN, as officials also worked to identify causes of flooding and waterlogging in hill districts. RMG & Innovation: Bangladesh’s World Cup jerseys and sports apparel production highlights growing sportswear capability, and an ICT minister joined an AI conference in Shanghai to discuss AI governance. Law & Order: ED recovered Rs 40 lakh cash and gold from a West Bengal madrasa in a terror-funding and infiltration probe; separately, UK authorities jailed a British-Bangladeshi hacker over a £29m TfL cyberattack. Politics: BNP’s Fakhrul reiterated commitment to the July Charter and accused opposition of misleading the public.

IMF Outlook: The IMF projects Bangladesh growth to slow to 3.5% in FY27, warning risks could push it below 3% unless reforms move fast, as it flags fiscal stress, banking weakness and external pressures. Central Banking & Trade: Bangladesh Bank issued a new framework for import transactions into Free Trade Zones, setting rules for banks and FTZ operators to manage risk while keeping trade flowing. Energy Transition Push: The govt rolled out solar incentives in the July budget—tax and customs relief plus a rebate on electricity bills—to cut import dependence amid power shortages. Youth & Jobs: Service provider agreements were signed for the World Bank-backed EARN project, aiming to train and create jobs for NEET youth at the grassroots. Anti-Corruption & Governance: Bangladesh Bank and related agencies continue reform steps under the IMF process, while officials reiterate zero tolerance for corruption and misrule. Public Safety: A salt factory fire in Chattogram killed two workers and left six others in critical condition, with severe burns reported. Regional Security: India’s BIMSTEC security chiefs meeting stressed tighter cooperation on terrorism, cyber and maritime risks—relevant for Bangladesh’s neighborhood security agenda.

Youth Day Date Shift: The government revised the National Youth Day observance, restoring November 1 after an interim change to August 12, citing monsoon-linked inconvenience for rallies and youth fairs. Rath Yatra & Communal Harmony: Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated Rath Yatra in Dhaka, urging harmony and unity across faiths and reiterating the July Charter pledges. Hasina Return Fallout: Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam said Sheikh Hasina will be arrested immediately upon return, stressing Bangladesh seeks India’s diplomatic cooperation for extradition and trial. Health Oxygen Roadmap: A 27-member technical committee was formed to draft a Bangladesh National Medical Oxygen Roadmap (2026-2030). Bangladesh Bank Financial Cleanup: BB relaxed deposit caps for healthy NBFIs and introduced special exit/settlement and extended rescheduling facilities for finance-company bad loans, aiming to cut NPLs and improve liquidity. FTZ Trade Rules: BB unveiled a framework for import trade into Free Trade Zones, including consignment-based storage/warehousing and standard import compliance. Invest Bangladesh One-Stop: Parliament passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill to unify BIDA, BEZA and PPPA under an apex authority in the PM’s office. IMF Talks Continue: IMF acknowledged reform efforts and expects growth to moderate to about 3.5% in FY27, urging revenue and subsidy reforms. Digital Health Push: State Minister Muhit said an e-health card is near implementation, with AI and a digital roadmap for healthcare transformation. Creative Economy Jobs: Budget initiatives target creative hubs, product development and financing, aiming for 500,000 new jobs and 1.5% GDP contribution. Rohingya/Border Security: India’s ED carried out raids across multiple states over alleged terror-funding and illegal infiltration linked to Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals.

Hasina Asset Seizure: Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit says it has confiscated Tk 760bn (about $6.2bn) tied to ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, her family and 10 business groups—Tk 570bn in Bangladesh and Tk 190bn overseas—under 98 cases, with more recovery efforts ongoing. UN Appointment: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres named Bangladesh diplomat Rabab Fatima as the new head of UNAMA in Afghanistan, taking over from an acting official. Food Policy Push: Dhaka Ahsania Mission and media advocates urged fast rollout of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to help consumers spot unhealthy foods and cut non-communicable disease risks. Workers’ Rights: A report highlights how private-sector employees still lack real benefits like provident funds and gratuity despite labour rules, with new service rules stalled. Flood Relief: Disaster management updates cover cash and rice support for flood-hit districts, with shelter centres opened and assistance continuing. Trade & Investment: Bangladesh seeks stronger Canada ties on livestock and food safety; Saudi firms also eye up to $1bn in ports, rail and logistics. Cricket Finance & Formats: ICC approved a $12.82m loan for Cricket West Indies and unveiled revamped World Cup formats, including Super 7 (ODI) and Super 10 with eliminators (T20). Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies fear 500+ deaths after two refugee boats sank off Myanmar, with many passengers reportedly Rohingya. Sports Leadership: Tamim Iqbal appointed chair of ICC’s Franchise League Committee. Democracy & Unity: PM Tarique Rahman and opposition leaders renewed calls for unity, anti-corruption and protecting democratic gains ahead of July Martyrs Day.

Invest Bangladesh Bill: Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill 2026, setting up a single Invest Bangladesh Authority by merging Bida, Beza, BHTPA and the PPP Authority—aiming for a true one-window push for investors, despite opposition objections. Bangladesh Bank rules: The central bank eased foreign borrowing rules for fully foreign-owned firms, letting eligible companies access low-cost parent/affiliate loans with clearer limits for working capital and capital expenditure. Hasina asset seizure: Bangladesh confiscated Tk 760bn (about $6.2bn) linked to ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, her family and 10 business groups, with BFIU saying Tk 570bn seized domestically and Tk 190bn overseas. AI for services: The PM’s adviser said a national AI policy is being considered to make public services faster, more transparent and accountable. RMG and finance pressure: The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce urged Bangladesh Bank not to raise banking service fees, warning higher costs could hit SMEs and consumers. Food security risk: A report highlights haor boro rice vulnerability to flash floods, with large areas at risk during the narrow harvest window. Cricket governance: ICC named BCCI’s Devajit Saikia to chair a new Governance Review Committee and introduced revamped World Cup formats. Sports safety: FIFA World Cup 2026-related incidents in Bangladesh have killed at least 11 people, including stabbings and electrocutions.

Digital Payments Push: Bangladesh rolled out a nationwide interoperable Bangla QR system so customers can pay any merchant with one code, aiming to cut cash use and boost financial inclusion. Trade Integrity & Compliance: The World Bank debarred Beximco Computers for 10 months over alleged collusive bidding tied to a Bangladesh digital government project. Startup Finance: PM Tarique Rahman announced collateral-free grants/loans for first-time startups from Tk 5 lakh up to Tk 5 crore, with a new independent evaluation committee and a promise of a “second chance” for viable ventures that fail. Women’s Health & Cancer Care: A digital health app push for women’s healthcare was highlighted, and INMP and NICRH signed an MoU to expand cancer treatment and reduce patient waiting. Flood Response & Education: Authorities were urged to prevent hunger in flood-hit areas, while HSC exam centres (except Chattogram board) were declared ready despite weather disruptions. Rohingya: Bangladesh formed a security-heavy committee to tackle Rohingya repatriation within 90 days. Justice Debate: Bangladesh’s public debate continues over Sheikh Hasina’s reported return and whether legal action will be applied consistently.

Economic Push to $1tn: Bangladesh is aiming to reach a $1 trillion economy by 2034, with the budget theme “Economic Democratisation and Decentralisation” pointing to FDI, digital transformation and deeper financial inclusion. Red Tape Crackdown: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury says the government is working “like the private sector” to speed deregulation, including a task force and a complaint website tied to port efficiency via RSGT Bangladesh at Chattogram. Hasina Return, Justice Focus: Bangladesh “welcomes” Sheikh Hasina’s reported plan to return in December, saying she must face the legal process and death sentence, with scope for defence and possible court outcomes. Flood Response for Farmers: Agriculture Minister Rashid announces emergency support—seedbeds, paddy seedlings, cattle feed and foot-and-mouth vaccination—while monitoring flood damage. Youth Policy Update: A national inception workshop begins revising the National Youth Policy 2017, supported by UNFPA, with plans for a Youth Council and skills/jobs focus. Bangladesh Bank Move: BB exempts Shinepukur Ceramics from LC restrictions until Dec 31, 2027 to keep production running, under strict conditions. Business & Finance: NCC Bank signs an MoU with Akij Resource Group for cash management via apps and virtual accounts; Prime Bank partners with Structural Engineers for housing discounts; BSEC approves Royal Footwear’s IQIO to raise Tk 12 crore. Sports Support: Rajshahi Zila Parishad funds karate student Atikul Hasan for Dhaka-level competition.

Education Reform: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj says Bangladesh will roll out play-based and STEM labs in primary schools to build scientific thinking from the earliest grades. AI & Inclusion: Korea Education and Research Information Service and Bangladesh-linked migrant-background students’ advisory group will feed feedback into an AI Korean learning platform used by thousands of learners and teachers. Rohingya Security Plan: A new 11-member national committee led by PM Tarique Rahman will draft a Rohingya repatriation strategy and action plan within 90 days, with a security-heavy lineup. Politics & Local Polls: Tarique Rahman urges BNP leaders to stay united ahead of local body elections, warning against “hybrids” and infiltrators. Energy Pricing Transparency: Bangladesh’s policy discussions echo regional moves as IMF-backed reforms progress; meanwhile, the government signals phased changes rather than sudden shifts. Health Crisis: Measles deaths rise to 758 as dengue threat deepens, while flood-linked disease risks continue. Economy & Trade: WTO data shows Bangladesh remains the world’s second-largest apparel exporter in 2025, but growth slows sharply. Banking Watch: Rupali Bank auditor flags a Tk 14,014cr provision shortfall and compliance gaps.

IMF Talks & Reform Roadmap: Bangladesh and the IMF have agreed on the broad framework for a new lending programme, with reforms to be rolled out in phases while protecting public welfare; the IMF also said it is satisfied with progress in financial sector reforms, revenue collection and capital market development in the first four months. Rohingya Repatriation Strategy: A national committee headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been formed to draft a swift and sustainable Rohingya repatriation strategy, with a 90-day timeline. Flood Disaster Update: Heavy monsoon rains have pushed Bangladesh’s flood toll to 51 dead, with over a million people marooned across multiple districts, as waterlogging and disruption continue. Digital Lending Milestone: City Bank-bKash nano loan disbursement has crossed Tk 10,000 crore, reaching 3.5 million bKash users through 3.19 crore loan accounts, with nearly 100,000 customers receiving loans daily. RMG Export Push: BGMEA and HSBC have signed a partnership to expand Bangladesh’s apparel exports, including a Hong Kong roadshow to connect local exporters with global buyers. Money Laundering Cases: Bangladesh Police/CID have arrested men linked to alleged money laundering, including a Gaibandha case involving Tk 93.5 million deposits despite no legitimate income. Rohingya Strategy Committee: The government also moved to set up a Rohingya affairs strategy structure under the PM’s leadership. Cashless Drive in Rajshahi: Pubali Bank held “Cashless Rajshahi” to promote Bangla QR and digital payments under Bangladesh Bank’s cashless push. Border Security & Migrants: Assam says it repatriated 1,679 illegal Bangladeshis from July 2024 to June 2026, citing appeals safeguards.

RMG Exports Boost: BGMEA and HSBC signed a partnership to expand Bangladesh’s apparel reach, starting with an apparel roadshow in Hong Kong and using BATEXPO to attract new global buyers. Flood Response: OBHIZATRIK launched emergency relief in Chattogram’s Banshkhali, reaching 400 families with food, safe water and medicines, while heavy rain has affected 28,610 hectares across 12 districts. Health Warning: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak continues to surge, with UN experts also raising concerns about SIR and AI-driven exclusion of minorities. Telecom Policy: ICT Minister said the government has no plan to privatise Teletalk and is working to upgrade services and network coverage. Banking Reform: Bangladesh Bank plans NPL resolution guidelines by December under an IMF-linked reform push, aiming to curb bad loans. Education & Research: Finance Minister urged private universities to reinvest tax savings into quality education and research. Politics & Loss: Former Acting President and Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar was laid to rest at Jatiya Sangsad premises amid tributes from top leaders.