AGP Executive Report

Football Leadership: Thomas Dooley, newly appointed Bangladesh national coach, says the realistic target is lifting the team from 181st to 150–160 in FIFA rankings—“it doesn’t come overnight.” Sports Recognition: Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury swept the BSPA Sports Award 2025, winning Sportsperson of the Year, Footballer of the Year, and Popular Choice. Cricket Context: Bangladesh wrapped a historic home Test whitewash over Pakistan, sealing the second Test by 78 runs in Sylhet. Public Safety & Justice: Rights groups renew calls to fix the justice system after a May 19 child rape-and-murder case, pointing to slow proceedings and weak investigations. Urban Governance: Dhaka police say AI CCTV and smarter traffic signals are starting to curb zebra-crossing and signal violations. Finance & SMEs: Bangladesh Bank-backed training and entrepreneurship programmes continue across banks, including money-laundering/terror-financing training and new refinance deals for cluster-based CMSMEs. Eid Travel & Connectivity: Central bank directives aim to keep digital transactions running during Eid, while new airline interline links via Dubai expand travel options.

Local Polls Under Pressure: Bangladesh’s CEC AMM Nasir Uddin says the Election Commission wants “bloodshed-free” local government polls and will run awareness drives, warning that violence has a history around such elections. Khulna Political Violence: Two Juba Dal activists were shot inside a BNP office in Khulna, with both injured and police investigating the attack. Child Protection Deal: SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh and BSRM Steels signed an MoU to fund family-based alternative care for vulnerable children in Chattogram. Nutrition Push: The Millers for Nutrition coalition held Country Conclave 2026 in Dhaka to push food fortification, safety compliance, and wider access to fortified foods. Weather Watch: BMD forecasts moderately heavy to heavy rain in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Sylhet over the next 24 hours, with a mild heatwave continuing in parts of Khulna and nearby districts. Regional Spotlight: Bangladesh is set to tour Zimbabwe in June-July for a full series (1 Test, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is).

WUF13 Housing Push: At WUF13’s One UN Roundtable, UN agencies and partners urged tighter coordination to make housing a cross-cutting SDG lever—linking homes with climate resilience, health, mobility and finance. Sylhet Venue Crunch: Sylhet’s cricket community is stuck without a usable international ground after the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was fully taken for the Bangladesh–Pakistan Test, while a looming NSC directive threatens to reserve the district stadium for football. Dark July Memory: Fresh coverage revisits Bangladesh’s “Dark July” as more than unrest—framing it as a warning about extremism and the erosion of democratic foundations. Economy Under Strain: Fitch’s downgrade and weak growth signals are feeding worries ahead of the next budget, with experts pointing to low private credit and fiscal stress. Power Tariff Fire: BERC’s retail electricity tariff adjustments face backlash as stakeholders argue consumers are already paying for excess capacity and system losses. Eid Digital Continuity: Bangladesh Bank ordered banks and MFS operators to keep ATMs and digital payments running smoothly through Eid-ul-Azha.

Border Crackdown: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari ordered police and RPF to skip courts for Bangladeshi “infiltrators” not covered by the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, sending them straight to BSF border outposts under a “detect, delete and deport” push—after earlier land handovers to BSF for fencing. Court & Rights: Bangladesh’s High Court dismissed a plea seeking a probe into the Yunus-led interim government’s 18-month tenure and a US trade deal, while the HC also cleared the way for BCB’s Tamim-led ad hoc committee to keep operating. Justice for Ramisa: Bangladesh’s law minister demanded a Ramisa Akter murder investigation report within a week, as protests continue after the 7-year-old’s killing in Pallabi. Crime & Detention: Ex-reserved seat MP Sabina Akter Tuhin was formally arrested in an attempted murder case tied to the July Uprising, with bail denied. Press Freedom Alarm: Police Special Branch officials were reported demanding journalists’ personal data and political leanings—SB HQ says it was unaware. Energy Pressure: Stakeholders opposed proposed power price hikes at a BERC hearing, urging cost cuts and anti-corruption instead of higher bills. Health Watch: UNICEF says it repeatedly warned the interim government about measles vaccine shortages; the outbreak has surged.

Ambassador Appointments Stalled: Bangladesh’s diplomatic posts remain vacant in 17 countries, including India and China, as questions grow over when ambassadorial appointments will finally start—after recent recalls left nearly a dozen-and-a-half missions without heads. Power Tariff Clash: The PDB proposed a 21% wholesale electricity price hike, but consumer groups and business leaders hit back at a public hearing, warning people already face heavy capacity charges. Measles Emergency: UNICEF says vaccine shortages were driven by procurement delays after process changes in 2024—not lack of funds—while DGHS reports 481 deaths and 65,923 infections since March. WASH Funding Cut: Civil society warns WASH allocations fell 40% (Tk 187.28bn to Tk 109.01bn), threatening SDG progress and climate resilience. Climate Research Push: A new National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute is being set up in Gazipur to build climate-disaster research and manpower. Economy Pressure Points: Private sector credit growth hit a record low 4.72% in March, and revenue collection is short by Tk 1.04 lakh crore in July–April. Jute Export Goal: Bangladesh targets $5bn–$7bn jute exports through modernisation and diversified products.

Cricket Shockwave: Taijul Islam’s 6-wicket haul powered Bangladesh to a 78-run win over Pakistan in Sylhet, sealing a historic 2-0 series sweep and lifting the Tigers to their highest-ever ICC Test ranking (7th) and 5th in the WTC. Tax Transparency Clash: NBR chief Abdur Rahman Khan warned that firms are hiding real sales/turnover in accounts, calling it the biggest “red flag” hurting revenue collection. Banking Crisis Alarm: Finance Minister Amir Khosru said years of plunder and weak discipline have pushed banks and the capital market to the brink, with “serious capital deficits” and collusion behind scams. Rohingya Funding Push: UN and partners appealed for $710.5m for Rohingyas and host communities as return hopes dim. Energy Price Fight: BERC hearing over a proposed bulk power tariff hike sparked a standoff between regulator and consumer groups. Local Life & Work: Garment workers blocked roads in Mohakhali over unpaid wages; Uber relaunched ridesharing in Chattogram.

Online Safety Push: A national seminar says 63.51% of Bangladeshi women have faced online harassment or tech-facilitated gender-based violence, with speakers urging stronger media and budget-backed prevention. Forex Watch: Bangladesh Bank’s dollar-buying spree continues, topping $6.07bn in FY26 so far, buying $85m more at Tk 122.75 to keep the exchange market stable. Mobile Money Crackdown: BB tightens card-to-MFS cash-in/cash-out rules from Aug 1, requiring a small Tk 500 token step and same-owner verification to curb fraud. Energy Pressure: Steel makers warn against further electricity tariff hikes, saying costs could force output cuts or shutdowns. Women’s Finance: Banking professionals highlight women’s growing roles in banks as a driver for deeper financial inclusion. Cricket Flashpoint: In Sylhet, Litton Das and Mohammad Rizwan traded heated words, with umpires stepping in as sledging escalated.

Bangladesh Bank Moves to Calm the Dollar Market: BB bought $100mn from six banks in a single day at Tk 122.75, adding to its May total and aiming to keep the exchange rate steady. Forex Rules Tightened: BB also told banks not to manipulate the US dollar market, warning against practices that can fuel volatility. Currency Update: A newly designed Tk 5 note—light pink, with “Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh” theme—has entered circulation, joining earlier redesigned higher denominations signed by the new governor. Jute Push for Big Exports: The textiles and jute minister says jute earnings could rise from about $1bn to $5–7bn through better seeds, diversification, and higher-value products. Trade and Ports: Singapore signaled up to $1bn interest in the Bay Terminal at Chittagong Port, while Bangladesh is also easing EU trade barriers. Justice and Health: A court recorded a confessional statement in the expatriate murder case in Dhaka, and the High Court asked for a report on measles and rabies vaccine supply after deaths.

Budget & Banking Shift: The government is preparing FY27 to cut internal borrowing from banks by about Tk 18,000cr, aiming for more foreign funding to protect private credit and ease inflation pressure. Eid Trade Continuity: NBR has ordered customs houses to run limited operations from May 25-31 (except Eid day) and asked banks to stay open as needed for import-export payments. Capital Markets Innovation: DSE and BRAC EPL launched Bangladesh’s first “Orange Bond” via the DSE e-subscription system, targeting women’s empowerment and inclusive finance. Energy Pressure: The World Bank approved a $350m loan to manage LNG and fuel import stress tied to Middle East disruptions. Rural Finance Growth: Agent banking deposits crossed Tk 50,000cr and loans rose strongly, with most outlets in rural areas. Sports Spotlight: Mushfiqur Rahim’s 137 powered Bangladesh’s grip on Pakistan in the 2nd Test, setting a huge chase. Aid & Education: Islami Bank signed a MoU with Dhaka University and Palestine’s embassy to fund 12 Palestinian female students for five years.

World Bank Fuel Lifeline: The World Bank approved a $350m loan to help Bangladesh manage rising fuel import pressure and protect LNG-based power supply amid Middle East-linked volatility. Energy & Money Pressure: Bangladesh’s fuel import bill jumped 54% in nine months, squeezing the import basket as LNG and oil costs rise. ADP Push: The NEC has approved a Tk 3 lakh crore FY27 ADP, with the finance minister calling it reform-driven and election-pledge aligned. Banking During Eid: Banks will shut for seven straight days from May 25-31, with limited services on May 25-26 for garment wages and key trade hubs. Governance & Oversight: ACC seized BSEC documents in a Tk 2.57bn stock manipulation probe involving Shakib Al Hasan and 14 others. Transport Plan: Planners and BIP urged launching a basic Dhaka–Gazipur BRT within 6-12 months, warning against scrapping the nearly finished project. Sports: In Sylhet, Mushfiqur’s 137 powered Bangladesh to set Pakistan a 427 chase in the 2nd Test.

Markets Slip: Dhaka stocks slid back into the red as selling pressure erased a brief recovery; DSEX fell to 5,226 and turnover dropped to Tk 8.7bn. Leather Push: The government says it will modernise the leather sector and stop “no hide goes to waste,” with training for religious institutions ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. SME Capital-Market Boost: DSE and Swisscontact signed an MoU to help SMEs meet compliance and access equity financing. LDC Transition Trade: New Zealand signalled it wants Bangladesh’s duty-free access to continue after LDC graduation and discussed a possible wider trade deal. Central Bank Checks: Bangladesh Bank found efficiency gaps in nearly one-fifth of its units under service timelines, and launched a monthly performance review. Tax Net Tightening: NBR is considering advance income tax on motorcycles and battery-run rickshaws in the 2026-27 budget. Payments Get Interoperable: Pathao Pay joined the Bangla QR and NPSB interoperability network to expand cashless payments. Eid Logistics Watch: Urea stock is at risk ahead of Aman unless fresh imports are secured soon. Sports Spotlight: Bangladesh kept a strong grip in the Sylhet Test, holding a 156-run lead over Pakistan.

RMG After LDC Exit: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir says Bangladesh must protect garment competitiveness and secure duty-free, preferential market access as the country graduates from LDC status, with New Zealand signaling it wants to keep access and explore an FTA. Innovation Push in Textiles: Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) was launched to make innovation “measurable and repeatable,” while EO Bangladesh and RTEC events spotlight AI and research-driven apparel upgrades. Crime Crackdown: CID busted an online gambling ring allegedly making nearly Tk 20mn daily, with money reportedly laundered abroad via hundi and crypto. Aviation Watch: Airbus submitted a fresh 10-jet proposal to Biman even as the airline evaluates fleet expansion plans. Water Security Demand: A UN-WB supervised regional Ganges river commission was demanded to secure fair Ganges flows. Campus Tension: 25 students and police were injured in DUET clashes over a new VC appointment. Remittance Pulse: Bangladesh Bank data shows Dhaka received about half of March remittances. Sports: Bangladesh extended its lead over Pakistan in the Sylhet Test, with Litton and the bowlers driving the momentum.

Farakka Push: BNP adviser and Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon says the “Sheaf of Paddy” mandate will help resolve the long-running Farakka issue with support from domestic and international stakeholders, reviving the debate on Ganges water fairness. Press Freedom: BNN Asia reports a calmer March–April for journalists, with fewer surveillance and harassment concerns, while officials point to a draft “Journalists’ Rights Protection Ordinance 2025” and promised welfare steps. Banking Shock: 26 export garment owners allege Premier Bank’s Narayanganj branch created fake back-to-back LC liabilities and converted them into loans, demanding a high-level probe as factories face closure risk. Sports & Spotlight: Litton Das’ 126 rescues Bangladesh on day one of the 2nd Test vs Pakistan, while Prime Bank top the Dhaka Premier League after a win over Mohammedan. Industry & Trade: Commerce minister launches the Textile Innovation Exchange, urging sustainability and product diversification; Bangladesh–China business talks also move forward. Health & Safety: Bangladesh Bank governor says monetary policy talks will prioritize inflation control and credit to production sectors.

Bangladesh–Pakistan Test: Litton Das smashed a century to pull Bangladesh back to 278 all out on Day 1 in Sylhet, but Pakistan finished stumps at 21/0, setting up a tense fightback. Public Health: Dengue is creeping toward another deadly season while measles deaths keep rising, with hospitals already stretched. Tax & Industry: NBR says a tobacco-sector crackdown on tax evasion will start with counting tools, QR codes and revenue stamps, aiming to make tax collection “faceless.” Finance & Accountability: Export firms accuse Premier Bank officials of running “fake accounts” behind a major embezzlement case, demanding a neutral probe. Economy Watch: A report warns the economy remains fragile and uneven in Q1, with inflation and weak investment still biting. Tech & Skills: Government plans AI and freelancing training centres at upazila level and targets top-20 telecom service quality in five years. Sports & Politics: PM Tarique Rahman vows to implement election pledges and inaugurates canal re-excavation in Chandpur.

Measles Emergency: Bangladesh is racing to contain a fast-spreading measles outbreak, with a 20-bed field ward set up at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (not yet admitting patients) as officials report about 55,000 cases and nearly 18 million children reached with at least one vaccine dose. Border Reality Check: Despite repeated BSF promises to reduce lethal force, rights groups say border killings along the Bangladesh-India frontier continue, with gunfire still reported. Economy & Policy Push: The BNP-led government is drafting a five-year strategic framework for 2026-30 and preparing budget moves around deregulation and trade liberalisation. Banking Watch: Bangladesh Bank has relaxed single-borrower and large-loan exposure limits, drawing sharp criticism over risk at a time when non-performing loans remain high. Sports—Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Bangladesh take a 1-0 series lead into the second Test in Sylhet, but rain could shape the match. Local Business: Dhaka Bank opened its 118th branch at Gulshan Avenue, expanding its network.

Bangladesh–Pakistan Test: Babar Azam is back for the 2nd and final Test in Sylhet after missing the opener, while Bangladesh also faces fitness worries for Shadman and Mahmudul Hasan Joy as rain looms. Cricket Discipline: Pakistan were docked 40% of match fee and 8 WTC points for a slow over-rate in the first Test. BSEC Leadership: Speculation is rising over a new BSEC chairman, with Masud Khan emerging as the frontrunner after the age-limit change. Measles Update: Experts say 99% of measles patients recover with prompt treatment, as cases keep climbing. Padma Barrage: Bangladesh approved the $2.8bn Padma Barrage mega project, reviving the long-running water-security debate. EU Migration: Irregular entries into the EU fell 40% in early 2026, though smuggling networks remain active. Sports & Culture: Bashundhara Kings reclaimed the BFL title; meanwhile, Bangladesh’s film “Master” won a major European award, signaling a “new wave” of filmmakers.