AGP Executive Report

Rohingya Crisis: Human Rights Watch warns monsoon landslides are killing Rohingya children and families in Cox’s Bazar as funding dries up for embankments, drainage and emergency relocation, with 286 weather incidents reported in camps over July 4-9. Disaster Response: Bangladesh’s disaster ministry says floods and landslides have killed 51 and affected about 1.02 crore people, with heavy rain expected to keep rising river levels dangerous. Local Politics & Mourning: BNP veteran Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar was laid to rest at Jatiya Sangsad after a namaz-e-janaza attended by top leaders, including PM Tarique Rahman. Urban Governance: PM Tarique Rahman met on Dhaka waste-to-energy projects (Aminbazar and Matuail) and ordered faster progress on city environment and water bodies. Security & Diplomacy: Bangladesh will send Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam to BIMSTEC NSA talks in New Delhi on July 16. Economy/Industry: BGMEA and HSBC signed a partnership to run an apparel roadshow in Hong Kong to expand RMG buyers; Teletalk privatization is ruled out in Parliament. Transport & Safety: DMP outlines major security for Rath Yatra and Ulto Rath Yatra; US-Bangla plans to add 21 Boeing aircraft in 2027.

Flood Crisis: Heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 51 people in southeastern Bangladesh over the past week, with 39 injured and more than 38,400 sheltering in 1,049 centres; Cox’s Bazar took the worst toll (28 deaths, including 13 Rohingya). Disaster Response: The PM ordered maximum vigilance and a joint response to protect lives and property amid waterlogging, while authorities keep rescue, relief and medical services running. Banking & Public Finance: Finance Minister Amir Khosru told Parliament default loans in nine state banks total Tk 188,701.75 crore (as of May 31), and outlined the government’s debt position and loan repayments. Cashless Policy: BMPCA urged scrapping the service charge on Bangla QR transactions, saying fees are discouraging small merchants and undermining cashless goals. Security & Elections: Bangladesh Police arrested seven people over an alleged extremist network operating as a “martial arts” group, sending them on remand. Parliament & Politics: Condolences and state honours marked the death of former acting President and Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar; BNP also announced nationwide mourning. Education: Work is underway for four new textbooks for 2027, and primary scholarship results were published for 79,246 students.

Sheikh Hasina’s December return: Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina told Reuters she will come back “around December” and surrender, even as she warns she could be arrested or killed, setting up a fresh legal and political shock for Bangladesh. Political violence persists: AFP reports killings continue six months into PM Tarique Rahman’s BNP-led government, with rights group ASK alleging dozens of politically related deaths and police-custody fatalities, while the government disputes the trend. Flood emergency: Monsoon floods and landslides in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban and nearby districts have killed at least 44 and left over a million stranded; power, roads and telecoms are hit, and the army/navy are delivering aid by boat. Rohingya aid: Qatar Charity says it has distributed cooking gas to thousands on Bhasan Char, while UN calls for more land for camps after deadly landslides. IMF talks: An IMF delegation is set to arrive in Dhaka for talks on a new loan programme and macro reforms. Cross-border energy: Myanmar and Bangladesh discussed a regional grid for cross-border electricity trade linking China-Myanmar-Bangladesh. BNP preparations: BNP eyes December council and local polls, while Jamaat warns of referendum demands if promises aren’t met. In memoriam: Former Speaker/acting President Jamir Uddin Sircar has died.

Disaster Response: Torrential monsoon rain has triggered floods and landslides across Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar and Habiganj, killing at least 44 and leaving over a million stranded; power outages, damaged roads and broken links are slowing rescue, with army and navy ferrying food, water and medicines. Healthcare & Governance: PM Tarique Rahman used DMC Day-2026 to press doctors to build public trust to curb the estimated $5bn annual outflow for overseas treatment, while DGHS issued emergency directives for flood-hit healthcare, including cancelling leave and forming medical teams. Flood Relief Coordination: PMO says a nationwide campaign is running under round-the-clock monitoring, with state ministers coordinating relief through local administrations and security forces. Economy & Policy: An IMF delegation is set to arrive in Dhaka for a five-day review of a new loan program and banking/FX reforms; Bangladesh Bank has also launched special inspections of select banks’ forex operations. Politics & Justice: Interim adviser Asif Nazrul urged Sheikh Hasina to return now rather than waiting for December, arguing she must face questions over past violence and rights issues. Tech & Education: Govt says it’s prioritising an AI-skilled workforce via university labs and monitoring systems for schools; DSHE plans central online CCTV monitoring. Sports: Tanzid’s 94 powered Bangladesh to a 7-wicket consolation win over Zimbabwe in the 3rd ODI.

Flood Response & Relief: PM Tarique Rahman ordered intensified rescue and relief for flood-hit districts, with State Minister Anindya Islam Amit assigned to coordinate Chattogram and hill areas; government also urged media to follow court directives on broadcasting Sheikh Hasina’s statements. Rohingya Crisis: Monsoon-triggered landslides and flash floods in Cox’s Bazar killed at least 14 Rohingya refugees, including schoolchildren and a teacher, as families were relocated and aid effectiveness concerns resurfaced; govt handed WFP 400 tonnes of rice for food support. Hasina Return Fallout: Sheikh Hasina told Reuters she plans to return around December to surrender, despite a death sentence, while BNP and allied voices demand execution; authorities say media must not air her speeches. Migration & Worker Safety: BMET clearance failures are linked to scams, trafficking and forced deployments, with new steps requiring full embassy verification before clearance for destinations like Cambodia, Laos and Brazil. Border Security: BGB recovered smuggled Indian goods worth Tk 1.57 crore in Feni. Economy & Jobs: PM called for harnessing demographic potential; separate coverage highlights AI talent and AI-economy ambitions, plus ongoing concerns about vacant govt posts. Governance & Education: DPE engineer suspended for uploading primary scholarship results early; ICSB and DU accounting signed an MoU to strengthen academia-industry links. Environment & Air Quality: Dhaka’s air quality improved to “moderate” after rainfall.

Sheikh Hasina’s December Return: Ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina says she will return to Bangladesh from exile in India around December and voluntarily surrender, even if she is arrested or killed, after a death sentence in absentia. Legal-Political Fallout: Opposition figures are pushing for execution of the verdict, while the plan is set to test Bangladesh’s handling of its most prominent political opponent. Bar Council Reform: Bangladesh Bar Council’s ad hoc committee has elected Senior Advocate Zainul Abedin as vice-chairman, alongside other committee chair appointments aimed at transparency and institutional changes. Cross-Border Security & Diplomacy: An Indian diplomat in Dhaka objected to an incorrect map at a BIISS seminar, with India reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is integral to India. Border Policing Pressure: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari ordered tighter BSF coordination and tougher action against alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators. Regional Energy Integration: The EU launched a €5m South Asia energy connectivity project covering Bangladesh and others to expand cross-border electricity trade. Public Order in Gazipur: Police detained activists linked to the banned BCL over an attempted flash procession. Human Trafficking Crackdown: A Lucknow NIA court convicted 13 Bangladeshis and 2 Rohingyas in an alleged trafficking and document-forgery network, sentencing them to five years.

Trade & Tariffs: The ADB warns proposed U.S. forced-labour tariffs under Section 301 could raise South Asia’s effective tariff rates and hit Bangladesh’s export competitiveness, adding uncertainty for RMG and other shipments. Regional Energy Diplomacy: The EU launched a €5m South Asia energy connectivity project to expand cross-border power trade, with Bangladesh among the partner countries. Security & Cybercrime: Pakistan and Bangladesh agreed to deepen cooperation on police training, security coordination and cybercrime in talks between interior ministers in New York. Disaster Response: Bangladesh Army rescued 150 tourists from Sajek after flash floods cut roads; in Cox’s Bazar, landslides in Rohingya camps killed at least 13, with community-led evacuations and rescues underway. Media & Governance: The government is preparing amendments to the Press Council Act to introduce journalist registration and strengthen accountability for false or unethical reporting. Investment Framework: Cabinet approved in principle the Invest Bangladesh Act, a renewable energy strategy, and an updated import policy to improve the investment climate. Economy Watch: ADB cut Bangladesh’s FY26 growth forecast to 3.7% while projecting 4.5% for FY27, citing weaker exports, sluggish investment, energy costs and inflation. Local Politics: The High Court upheld the nomination of BNP candidate Sarowar Alamgir for Chattogram-2.

Environment & Governance: PM Tarique Rahman urged tree planting as a daily habit, launching World Environment Day events and announcing an Environment Award for six recipients; the Cabinet Division also reiterated a directive to avoid using the PM’s personal photos in government event materials. Public Procurement & Institutions: Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury pushed BPPA to cut procurement lead time further (already down to 54 days) and the government reconstituted a selection committee to recommend Information Commission members; 179 deputy secretaries were promoted to joint secretary. Elections & Rights: The Election Commission set Aug 31 for publishing the final voter list for local polls, with claims/objections due by Aug 24. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: State Minister Shama Obaed said there’s no diplomatic deficiency in Hasina’s repatriation process, stressed merit-based diplomatic reshuffles, and said talks on renewing the Ganges water treaty with India are moving positively. Economy & Industry: ADB forecast Bangladesh GDP growth at 4.5% for FY26-27; Bangladesh is also moving toward an EV manufacturing push via a new industry policy, while Teletalk launched a “Professional Package” for eligible professionals. Regional Humanitarian Crisis: UNHCR renewed calls for more land in Rohingya camps after monsoon landslides killed at least 15 and displaced thousands.

ADB Outlook: Bangladesh’s economy is showing resilience as remittances stay strong and services expand, with ADB projecting 3.7% growth in FY26 and 4.5% in FY27, while urging reforms on macro stability, finance governance, and energy/infrastructure. Banking & Finance: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told parliament depositors of five troubled banks will get their full money back with interest—no “haircut”—as trade-finance NPLs remain a major worry, with a BIBM study flagging trade-related defaults hitting 80% in stressed banks. Capital Market Governance: PM Tarique Rahman said the government is working to restore investor confidence and outlined capital-market reform priorities. Public Procurement Overhaul: Cabinet reconstituted a high-level committee to make public procurement more effective, including reviewing the Public Procurement Act and Rules. Rohingya Crisis: PM Tarique Rahman reiterated the government’s commitment to a peaceful, swift Rohingya resolution through diplomacy. Justice Reform Support: Sweden and UNDP extended funding to back Bangladesh’s justice reforms, including capacity for the judiciary and the Attorney General’s Office. International & Security: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed urged stronger global cooperation on transnational crime at the UN Chiefs of Police Summit; Italy’s envoy met Bangladesh’s defence adviser to discuss military training and modernization. Economy & Investment: UNCTAD reports Bangladesh’s FDI rebounded sharply in 2025, and a likely World Bank alternate executive director appointment is in motion for Abdur Rahman Khan. Disaster Risk: Monsoon landslides in Rohingya camps killed children and adults, underscoring camp safety failures amid heavy rain.

Rohingya Crisis & Disaster Risk: Monsoon-triggered landslides in Cox’s Bazar have killed at least five children after a hillside collapse buried an Islamic school inside the Rohingya camp; rescuers are still searching as more rain is forecast, with authorities relocating over 1,000 people from high-risk slopes. Human Trafficking & Digital Inclusion: Banglalink partnered with Winrock to help trafficking survivors earn income via the Banglalink Power app, supported by the Swiss embassy, using digital recharge and related services. Justice & Accountability: The International Crimes Tribunal is expected to file formal charges on July 21 over the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown, with prosecutors saying killings were carried out on Sheikh Hasina’s instructions. Parliament & Oversight: Parliament formed a 15-member Public Accounts Committee, appointing opposition deputy leader Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher as chair, sharpening scrutiny of public spending. Visa Policy: A cabinet committee led by the finance minister has been set up to finalise Visa Policy 2026. Media Regulation: The government is considering amendments to the Press Council Act to set minimum education for journalists and introduce a Bar Council-style registration system. Foreign Service Shake-up: Irene Khan has been granted state minister status as Bangladesh’s UN permanent representative, and Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury is tipped for the next foreign secretary role. Economy & Markets: HSBC forecasts 4.4% growth for FY27, while the PM told parliament reforms are restoring capital-market stability and investor confidence.

Monsoon Disaster: Heavy rains triggered deadly landslides in Cox’s Bazar, killing at least nine people including eight Rohingya refugees, as shelters were buried and rescue teams recovered bodies. Disaster Preparedness: Chattogram authorities put eight emergency shelters on standby amid waterlogging and landslide risk, urging readiness for evacuations. Foreign Policy Shake-up: Bangladesh’s BNP government is making major changes at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a new Foreign Secretary and reshuffling key diplomatic posts. Asylum Rights: Bangladesh’s regional legal spotlight grows as a constitutional court ruling bars deportation of asylum seekers before they access the asylum system. Economy Watch: Bangladesh PMI stayed in expansion at 52.9 in June, while RMG exports to the US, UK and Canada posted growth in FY26. Energy & Finance: Govt approved a $1.0b hard-term IsDB loan for Eastern Refinery expansion, while reserves held above $31b after ACU payments. Labour Migration: Malaysia reopened its labour market for Bangladeshis with a new recruitment arrangement aimed at reducing fees and improving transparency. Governance & Delivery: A fresh critique flags project delays and cost overruns in the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara lake development work, pointing to weak feasibility planning. Tech & Payments: Commentary argues Bangladesh’s cashless push is constrained less by technology and more by incentives and transaction costs.

Monsoon Disaster: Heavy rains triggered deadly landslides across Bangladesh and southern India, killing at least 13, with the worst toll in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps where UNHCR reported deaths, injuries, and thousands displaced. PM & Security Posture: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made surprise visits to Bangladesh Army summer exercises in Manikganj, personally touring drills and meeting soldiers. Governance & Elections: The government reaffirmed mandatory e-GP for all public procurement and pushed e-GP upgrades; UK officials pledged continued support for Bangladesh’s democracy, including local government elections. Education Crackdown: Parliament passed amendments to toughen penalties for public examination offences, including question paper leaks and digital manipulation. Economy & Finance: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 20,000 crore pre-finance scheme to revive closed industries; net forex reserves rose to $27.92b; UNCTAD said FDI grew about 45% in 2025. Health & Food Safety: Finance Minister Amir Khosru stressed public-private health entrepreneurship; experts urged opaque, food-grade packaging for fortified edible oil; dengue NS1 tests were made free at public hospitals until Dec 31. Foreign & Trade: Bangladesh is ready to host BIMSTEC sectoral meetings; Shama Obaid urged stronger Bangladesh-CIS trade; Malaysia reopened its labour market for Bangladesh after the PM’s visit. Social Justice: July martyr’s mother met the PM and received a job assurance for her cancer-stricken son.

Student Politics Under Strain: A bomb blast hit a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Savar near Dhaka, injuring at least three people; NCP leaders blamed “terrorists” linked to the government and the Awami League, as authorities investigate. Public Order & Media: In Old Dhaka, a clash involving Jagannath University students and police left 13 injured, including two journalists, after allegations of a theft sparked a crowd confrontation. Rohingya Crisis: Monsoon landslides in Cox’s Bazar camps killed at least eight Rohingya refugees (including women and children) and injured others, renewing calls for safer camp planning and faster rescue capacity. Health Governance: DGHS ordered all private hospitals and clinics to set up labour/delivery rooms by July 11, warning of legal action and licence cancellations; the move aims to improve childbirth safety and reduce unnecessary C-sections. Diplomacy & Security: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed sought stronger UN support for Bangladeshi peacekeepers and police deployments, including Rapid Deployment Level verification and more leadership roles. Central Banking: Bangladesh Bank appointed Md. Anis Ur Rahman as Deputy Governor for three years on contractual terms. Trade & Connectivity: Bangladesh approved Starlink to export unfiltered international bandwidth to neighbouring countries, positioning the country as a regional digital connectivity hub. Economy Watch: Foreign exchange reserves stand at $37.85b, while banks increasingly lean on government securities as private credit demand stays weak. Regional Human Rights: The OIC welcomed a UN Human Rights Council resolution on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, calling for independent investigations and accountability.

Anti-Corruption & Migration: ACC is scrutinising recruiting-agency owners’ assets in Malaysia over alleged overcharging of Bangladeshi workers (2021-24), with cases filed against 232 people linked to 100 agencies. Central Bank Appointments: Bangladesh Bank has appointed Anisur Rahman as deputy governor for three years, replacing Zakir Hossain Chowdhury after his remaining tenure was cancelled. Local Elections Roadmap: The Election Commission plans phased local polls from October, with UP and municipality elections likely first, followed by upazila polls. Health Policy: The health minister ordered all private clinics/hospitals to set up delivery rooms by July 11, warning of licence cancellations; a separate master plan targets free/affordable cataract surgeries for 1 million people. Justice & Rights Lawmaking: The chief whip says access to justice and rule of law are priorities as parliament consults on enforced disappearance prevention and NHRC acts. Rural Development Push: National Rural Development Day events highlight Family and Farmer Cards and rural prosperity plans. Environment & Public Safety: PM directs action to protect the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara lake from pollution; Chattogram urges evacuation from nine landslide-prone hills amid heavy monsoon rain. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh Bank keeps export cash incentives unchanged for FY27 (43 sectors). Energy Governance: Energy minister alleges corruption in Dhaka ground cabling and smart meter projects, while power officials discuss urban-rural supply disparity.

Bangladesh–India Border Tensions: Bangladesh’s BGB says BSF tried to forcibly push 10 people into Bangladesh at Nazirakona in Meherpur, but was resisted and withdrew—reported as the sixth such attempt in June. Repatriation & Migration: 50 Bangladeshis (including six women) were returned via Benapole after serving jail terms in India for illegal entry, with handover coordinated by both home ministries. Foreign Policy Tilt to China: BBC coverage highlights PM Tarique Rahman’s early China push—special economic zone near Mongla and a Teesta management study—while India watches closely as Dhaka also seeks to normalize ties with New Delhi. Rural Economy Under Strain: Power cuts are hitting farms, poultry, fisheries and small industries, forcing costly diesel dependence and raising losses in summer, especially in the south. National Rural Development Day: Bangladesh marks its first-ever National Rural Development Day with messages from the President and PM and a commemorative stamp unveiling. Health Governance: The health minister warns of dismissal for negligence or corruption and outlines plans like dialysis centres at medical colleges and upgrades to clinics. Police Administration: Six DIGs were reshuffled across units, including postings to Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Industrial Police. Education & Quality: A report flags teacher shortages and weak English/math outcomes in secondary schools, with tutoring demand rising as classroom teaching lags.

Security & Governance: PM Tarique Rahman urged the President Guard Regiment to balance his security with public access, stressing arrangements shouldn’t detach the head of government from people. Health Infrastructure: PM will inaugurate the second unit of the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital on 15 August, adding a 500-bed facility, alongside a push to decentralise quality care. Capital Market Watch: DSE turnover rose 55% in FY26 and the DSEX gained ~20%, but foreign investors still ran net selling despite higher trading; meanwhile the DSE mobile app saw a user drop even as trading value surged, as investors shifted to broker apps. Migration & Rights: State Minister Shama Obaed called for stronger IOM support to make migration skills-based and rights-based, while Dhaka reiterated commitment to safe, orderly migration. Law & Courts: High Court issued a rule asking why companies’ mandatory profit contributions to the Workers’ Welfare Foundation Fund weren’t enforced. Police & Public Order: Home Ministry transferred nine DIG/SP-rank officers; RAB arrested a second suspect in the Adabar murder of BNP leader Abul Bashar Badsha. Economy & Trade: Bangladesh kept export cash incentives unchanged for 43 sectors in FY27. Tech & Digital Law: Info Minister said laws will be updated for digital realities. Environment & Transport: PM ordered an action plan to cut emissions and boost carbon credits; RSF reported 438 deaths in 472 road crashes in June. International: France signalled interest in expanding support and new financing instruments; Bangladesh and Iran reaffirmed diplomacy for Middle East peace.