AGP Executive Report

Local Polls Under Pressure: The CEC says it wants “bloodshed-free” local government elections and will push awareness campaigns, even as it flags a history of violence and the massive scale—4,581 union parishads, 495 upazilas, 61 district councils, 13 city corporations and 330 municipalities. Violence in Party Space: In Khulna, two Jubo Dal activists were shot inside a BNP office, with both injured and police investigating. Child Safety Demands: Students and parents protested in Dhanmondi over the Pallabi schoolgirl rape-murder, calling for swift trials and punishment. Health Crisis Escalates: Measles deaths climbed again—11 more fatalities to take the toll to 499 since March 15, with UNICEF warning about vaccine shortages. Eid Viral Culture: A rare albino “Donald Trump” buffalo is drawing crowds in Narayanganj ahead of Eid al-Adha. Regional Diplomacy: China’s rapid diplomatic outreach continues to shape a multipolar order narrative.

Housing + SDGs at WUF13: A UN roundtable in Dhaka’s wider region pushed “integration” as the missing link—housing tied to climate resilience, health, mobility and finance, with localization and multi-level coordination front and center. Eid security + border pressure: Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, BGB has been deployed across Dhaka and Gazipur to keep traffic moving and support mobile courts, while the government signals a tougher line on illegal infiltration. Pallabi child rape-murder backlash: Protests erupted over the killing of an eight-year-old in Pallabi; the Home Minister promised exemplary punishment fast, with police to submit a charge-sheet quickly and the law ministry to drive the trial. Power tariff fight: BERC’s retail tariff adjustment proposals (distribution costs cited around Tk 0.85–2.05 per unit) drew flak as groups argue consumers are already paying for excess capacity and losses. Economy under strain: Fitch’s downgrade and weak credit growth are adding pressure, while a World Bank study flags SOEs draining Tk 88,200 crore from the treasury in a year.

Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak worsened again, with seven more child deaths reported in 24 hours, pushing the toll to 488; DGHS says four deaths were suspected and three confirmed, while cases and hospitalisations continue to climb. Justice & Safety: After the Pallabi killing of 7-year-old Ramisa Akter sparked nationwide outrage, the law minister ordered DMP to submit the investigation report within a week, while protests and rights groups also highlighted a wider child-violence pattern. Border Crackdown: In West Bengal, CM Suvendu Adhikari doubled down on “detect, delete and deport,” saying detained Bangladeshi “infiltrators” will be handed straight to BSF for deportation instead of being produced in court. Rights & Governance: The High Court questioned long delays in appointing an ombudsman, and separately dismissed a plea challenging the Yunus interim government’s actions. Media Freedom: Special Branch officials were accused of collecting sensitive data from journalists, with SB HQ claiming it was “unaware.”

Ambassador Delay: Bangladesh’s diplomatic posts remain vacant in 17 countries—including India and China—while the new government has yet to start appointing ambassadors, leaving key initiatives and even the PM’s expected India visit hanging. Eid Buzz: An albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” is drawing crowds in Narayanganj ahead of Eid al-Adha, turning a rare animal into a viral local spectacle. Jute Push: The government wants to modernise jute to lift exports to $5bn–$7bn, betting on new products, technology and seed upgrades. Power Tariff Clash: The PDB proposes a 21% wholesale electricity hike, but consumer groups and businesses are pushing back hard at a public hearing. Health Crisis: UNICEF says Bangladesh’s measles vaccine shortage was driven by procurement delays, as deaths near 500 and a mass campaign reaches 18 million children. Rohingya Funding Gap: UN agencies warn of a $610m shortfall for lifesaving aid, even as they seek $710.5m for 1.56m people. Cricket Lift: Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 clean sweep over Pakistan sends them to a record seventh in ICC Test rankings.

Crackdown on financial misreporting: NBR chief Abdur Rahman Khan says firms are hiding real sales and turnover, calling it the biggest “red flag” hurting tax collection, while Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury warns banks and the capital market are near collapse after years of plunder, weak discipline, and collusion. Rohingya funding squeeze: UN and partners renewed a $710.5m appeal for Rohingyas and host communities as return hopes dim, pushing a scaled-down 2026 plan. Ansar-VDP discipline push: PM Tarique Rahman urged strict chain of command and discipline, pitching a future “tech-based humanitarian social force.” Cricket morale boost: Mushfiqur Rahim was named Player of the Series at 39 as Bangladesh completed a historic 2-0 Test sweep over Pakistan, with Taijul’s 6-wicket haul sealing the clean sweep. Public safety & health: UN-backed parenting programmes highlight better school readiness, while road-safety groups urge action ahead of Eid to curb crashes and unfit vehicles. Crime & enforcement: Kuwait police arrested suspects over suspected drug possession; in Dhaka, a missing policeman reappeared at a hospital after 20 days in hiding.

Online Safety Crisis: A national seminar says 63.51% of Bangladeshi women have faced online harassment or technology-facilitated gender-based violence at some point, with most cases involving obscene/sexual comments and fake or manipulated content. Forex Pressure: Bangladesh Bank’s dollar-buying spree continues—purchases have topped $6.07bn in FY26 so far, while the central bank also warned banks against manipulating the dollar rate. Law & Order: Police arrested “Picchi Raja,” a Mohammadpur drug trader, at Dhaka airport after he returned from Nepal; he faces dozens of cases. Measles Accountability: The High Court issued a rule seeking answers on measles deaths and vaccine lapses, including whether families should receive compensation. Politics & Compliance: The Election Commission listed 23 parties for failing to submit election expense accounts on time. Global Flashpoint: Foreign ministers including Bangladesh condemned Israel’s renewed attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Currency & Governance: Bangladesh Bank has started circulating a redesigned Tk 5 note with the new signature of Governor Mostaqur Rahman, while the Tk 1,000/Tk 500/Tk 100 notes already hit banks in phases; the new series keeps the same look and security setup but shifts the signature and theme to “Historical and Archaeological Architecture of Bangladesh.” Energy Costs: The regulator BERC hiked furnace oil again by Tk 18.85 per litre to Tk 113.54, the second jump in just over a month—raising pressure on power plants and industry. Health Crackdown: DGHS ordered public facilities to run measles care with twice-daily doctor rounds and dedicated isolation spaces; the outbreak toll is reported at 75 confirmed deaths since Mar 15. Local Politics & Polls: Local government elections are now mapped in five phases, likely starting after the monsoon in Sept/Oct, depending on budget. Diplomacy & Returns: 170 stranded Bangladeshis were repatriated from Libya, while Singapore signalled up to $1bn interest in Chittagong’s Bay Terminal. City Watch: DSCC denied rumours about “stray dog removal,” saying it uses scientific neutering and vaccination instead.

Violence and money pressure: RAB arrested a woman and her daughter over the dismemberment of a Saudi expatriate in Mugda, after a months-long web of romance, cash transfers and a rented-house meeting. Political heat: NCP’s Hasnat Abdullah says Awami League “has no right” to return to politics, while the wider debate keeps circling around who gets space in the post-2024 order. Economy watch: Fitch kept Bangladesh’s rating at B+ but cut the outlook to negative, warning that Middle East-linked energy and remittance shocks are back in play. Budget and banking: Government plans to curb bank borrowing in FY27 to protect private credit, while DSE launched the “Sajida Orange” orange bond for women-focused impact finance. Energy crunch: World Bank approved a $350m loan to steady LNG imports amid Hormuz-linked disruptions. Eid trade operations: NBR ordered customs to run on limited scale during Eid-ul-Azha to keep imports and exports moving. Humanitarian and health: Qatar Charity finished a cardiac camp treating 108 Palestinian children; meanwhile, a new report highlights how intimate partner violence can drive suicide risk across South Asia.

Sports Spotlight: Mushfiqur Rahim’s 137 and Litton Das’s 69 helped Bangladesh set Pakistan a daunting 427 to win in the 2nd Test at Sylhet; Pakistan ended day three at 0/0, keeping the chase alive. Energy & Finance: The World Bank approved a $350m loan to ease Bangladesh’s fuel import pressure and strengthen energy security amid Middle East-linked supply shocks. Parliament & Party Politics: PM Tarique Rahman told BNP women MPs to master parliamentary rules and speak responsibly, while warning against religious misinterpretation. Public Services: Bangladesh Bank set Eid-ul-Azha bank holidays for May 25-31, with limited operations on May 25-26 for garment workers’ payments. Governance & Reform: NEC approved a Tk 3 lakh crore ADP for FY27, framed as reform-led recovery. Urban Transport: Planners urged launching a basic Dhaka–Gazipur BRT within 6-12 months, arguing most work is already done. Media Freedom: ATCO withdrew a controversial NOC rule for TV journalists after backlash. Cricket Admin: Chittagong Chamber election voting is set for May 23.

Tax Net Push: NBR is weighing advance income tax on motorcycles and battery-run rickshaws in the 2026-27 budget, with proposed rates up to Tk 5,000 a year—sparking fresh pressure on commuters and small operators. Central Bank Watch: Bangladesh Bank launched a monthly performance review after finding efficiency gaps in nearly one-fifth of its units, with some offices lagging badly on service timelines. Market Signals: Rice prices rose in Naogaon even during peak Boro harvest, with consumers blaming manipulation and hoarding. Energy & Trade: Bangladesh Bank’s efficiency drive comes alongside broader economic moves—New Zealand says it wants duty-free access to continue after Bangladesh’s LDC graduation. Sports & Politics: BCB elections are set for June 7; the draft voter list is out, with several big names missing. Governance & Media: Editors’ Council leaders met the PM and backed a consultative committee to shape a “democratic media law” by July.

RMG After LDC Exit: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir met New Zealand’s non-resident envoy David Pine, pressing for continued duty-free and preferential access post-LDC graduation and exploring an FTA—while stressing jobs and competitiveness for apparel exports. Innovation Push in Textiles: Bangladesh launched the Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) to make factory-academia-tech collaboration “measurable and repeatable,” with the minister urging more research-driven manufacturing. Campus Flashpoint: DUET erupted in clashes over the appointment of VC Prof Mohammad Iqbal; students want an internal pick, while police moved in with tear gas as injuries were reported. Law & Order Updates: Mosleh Uddin was appointed Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief; CID busted an online gambling ring allegedly making nearly Tk 20m daily; and a court set Jun 7 for a supplementary report in the Hadi killing probe. Economy & Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi‑Fi went live at HSIA for up to 37,000 passengers at once. Sports: Bangladesh dominated Day 2 of the Sylhet Test, ending with a 156-run lead over Pakistan.

Farakka Diplomacy: BNP adviser and Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon says the government will resolve the long-running Farakka issue with help from domestic and international stakeholders, tying the push to Maulana Bhashani’s legacy at a rally in Dhaka. Press Freedom: BNN Asia reports a calmer March–April for media, with fewer harassment and surveillance fears, and points to Tarique Rahman’s pledge to protect journalists. Banking Pressure: Garment owners allege Premier Bank fraud and demand a high-level probe, while Bangladesh Bank’s governor says monetary policy will prioritise stability and inflation control. Mega Water Project: ECNEC approval of the Padma Barrage has reignited debate over environmental risks and dependence on upstream flows. Crime & Justice: Police arrest Begum Rokeya University ex-VC Hasibur Rashid in Dhaka over a student killing case. Sports: Litton Das’ century steadies Bangladesh on day one of the 2nd Test vs Pakistan in Sylhet. Economy & Trade: Bangladesh–China business talks continue, and gold prices fall again in local markets.

BNP in the spotlight: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told a Chandpur rally the government will “implement all electoral pledges one by one,” warning people to foil “troublemakers” as canal re-excavation work begins. Cricket as politics’ soundtrack: In Sylhet’s 2nd Test, Litton Das smashed 126 to drag Bangladesh to 278, while Pakistan ended day one 21/0; Hasan Ali’s head-injury scare briefly paused play but he returned. BCB elections: The Bangladesh Cricket Board election is set for June 7, with voting 10am-4pm and lists and nominations scheduled through May. Press freedom row: CPJ urged Bangladesh to release journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu, saying the ICT is being used to target media. Public health pressure: Experts warn dengue may surge again while measles deaths keep climbing; Bangladesh is also described as unprepared for a deadly dengue season. Tax crackdown: NBR says it will start a tax-evasion drive with the tobacco sector, using production-stage controls. Security: Anti-terror police are interrogating an ex-soldier arrested near the Indian border over an alleged attack plot.

Energy Diplomacy: Bangladesh has invited an Angolan technical team to Dhaka to negotiate a long-term G2G energy cooperation MoU, aiming to diversify crude and gas imports beyond the Middle East. Trade & Growth: Exports hit a 5-month high in April, rising 13.48% (to $43.56bn), but the trade deficit widened to a 3-month high as imports climbed. Fuel Security: 14 oil ships have arrived at Chattogram so far in May, with five more expected to anchor soon. Eid Pressure on Industry: The government ordered factories to pay Eid-ul-Adha allowances and May wages by May 21, with phased holidays to reduce travel chaos. Public Health Alarm: Measles continues to surge, with a new 20-bed field ward planned at Dhaka Medical College Hospital as vaccination efforts expand. Legal Profession Under Scrutiny: Bangladesh bar association elections face allegations of political obstruction, drawing concern from international legal bodies. Sports Watch: Bangladesh and Pakistan begin the 2nd Test in Sylhet today, with rain likely to shape the match.

Bangladesh–US Energy Pivot: Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a strategic energy cooperation MoU in Washington, aiming to diversify Bangladesh’s energy sources and expand joint work on oil, gas, geothermal and bioenergy—plus capacity building and studies. Border & Regional Tensions: Bangladesh also reiterated that Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar is the only viable long-term solution, while Dhaka pushed back on claims of atrocities against Muslims in West Bengal and Assam, saying it has seen no official reports. Capital Markets Watch: Speculation is rising over a new BSEC chairman after parliament cleared the age-limit change, with Masud Khan emerging as a frontrunner. Security & Law: Police arrested a dismissed soldier in Moulvibazar over alleged extremist links, and a shrine in Mirpur was vandalised during an Urs amid competing claims about who was behind it. Public Services: Bogura was granted city corporation status, and Thakurgaon got approval for a new public medical college. Health Update: Measles messaging continues—officials say 99% of patients recover with prompt treatment as the toll climbs.

Higher-Education Shake-up: The government appointed new vice-chancellors for 10 public universities in one day, including Prof. Dr. Motinur Rahman at Islamic University, with more reshuffles reportedly in the pipeline. Renewables Push: BEZA plans a 130–140MW grid-tied solar project with battery storage in Sonagazi under PPP, with a possible investment-friendly policy package expected by June. Public Service Scrutiny: The CAG inspected special citizen service activities at accounts offices nationwide, targeting faster pension and salary-related support. RMG-Textile Diplomacy: Commerce minister Muktadir urged deeper Bangladesh–China cooperation for green textiles as the 2nd Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo opened in Dhaka. Finance & Trade Relief: Bangladesh Bank eased single-borrower and large-loan exposure limits to boost trade finance, while net FDI jumped 39.36% to $1.77bn in 2025. Rohingya Pressure: UNHCR says nearly 150,000 Rohingya entered Bangladesh between Dec 2024 and Mar 31, 2026, as fighting in Rakhine continues.