AGP Executive Report

Border Security: BGB stopped a BSF “push-in” attempt at Meherpur’s Gangni border, with six people (including women and a child) kept on the Indian side; another standoff in Panchagarh left 10 people stranded at the zero line for over 36 hours after talks failed. Human Trafficking at Sea: Coast Guard rescued 50 people, including 11 Rohingya, from a Teknaf trawler allegedly bound for Malaysia and arrested nine suspected traffickers. Crime & Courts: Police arrested 13 Chhatra League/Jubo League activists in Chattogram over an alleged violence-linked procession; in Dhaka, CJFD elected Shamim Jahangir president and Touhidur Rahman GS. Health: Measles-like deaths rose again to 613 as five more children died in 24 hours; dengue control focus is on public awareness and city sanitation drives. Economy & Trade: RMG exports fell 3.41% to $35.31bn in July–May; debate resurfaced over Chattogram Port’s NCT lease to DP World after conflicting ministry letters. Diplomacy: FM Khalilur Rahman heads to Moscow for talks with Lavrov on June 8; Bangladesh and Türkiye plan defence/foreign minister joint mechanisms and annual 2+2 talks. Sports: Bangladesh’s SAFF Women’s title hopes ended with a 3-1 loss to India in the final.

UN Peacekeeping: Six Bangladeshi UNISFA peacekeepers killed in a 2025 drone strike in Kadugli, Sudan, were posthumously awarded the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at UN HQ in New York. Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles-like outbreak worsened again, with five more children dying in 24 hours; the death toll is now reported above 610 as suspected cases surge. Delhi Fire Tragedy: A Dhaka-to-Delhi family trip for a kidney transplant ended in a South Delhi B&B fire that killed 22 people, including a Bangladeshi man who came to support his sister’s husband. Border & Deportation Row: India says it has a mechanism with Bangladesh to verify nationality of suspected illegal migrants before deportation, while Bangladesh urges faster verifications amid ongoing border tensions. Smart Border Plans: India’s Amit Shah says “Smart Border” pilots will be rolled out to tackle new threats like drones, trafficking and illegal migration. Cost of Living Protests: Thousands in Dhaka rallied against repeated electricity and fuel price hikes, calling the burden “unbearable.” Drugs Seizure: Border guards in Bandarban recovered over 1 lakh yaba pills in a raid. Sports: Bangladesh made history beating San Marino 2-1 in a friendly in Europe.

Padma River Safety Probe: Bangladesh’s Ministry of Shipping formed an investigation committee after a bus fell into the Padma from the Daulatdia ferry pontoon; police had earlier made passengers disembark, and the probe will assign responsibility and suggest safeguards within seven working days. India–Bangladesh Border Tensions: BGB says it foiled BSF “push-in” attempts near Lalmonirhat, while India’s MEA says deportations rely on a bilateral nationality verification process and that pending requests with Dhaka should be expedited. Delhi Hotel Fire Fallout: India’s MEA confirmed 13 foreign nationals, including one Bangladeshi, among 21 deaths in Malviya Nagar; embassies are being contacted for paperwork and medical support. Diplomacy & Trade: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan met Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka, discussing raising trade to $2bn and signing a MoU to protect cultural heritage. Weather & Travel: BMD forecasts rain in all divisions for three days; Jamuna Bridge collected about Tk 29.76 crore toll from nearly 4 lakh vehicles during Eid travel. Sports: Bangladesh’s San Marino friendly is on the calendar, while Brothers Union conceded a walkover in the Dhaka Premier League over unpaid dues. Culture & Society: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” has become a zoo sensation in Dhaka.

Zoo Sensation: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” (golden hair, 700kg) has been moved from Eid-ul-Adha sacrifice plans to Dhaka’s National Zoo, drawing huge crowds despite extreme heat. Cricket Update: Former Australia pacer Shaun Tait has quit as Bangladesh fast bowling coach, ending a year-long stint. Border Tensions: Bangladesh says it foiled multiple attempts by India to force people into Bangladesh over the past 24 hours, with BGB reporting 10 attempted infringements. Heatwave Watch: A brutal heatwave continues across Bangladesh; 4 deaths linked to suspected heat stroke reported, with Dhaka hitting 36.8°C. Economy & Trade: Exports in the first 11 months fell 2.55% to nearly $44bn; remittances also dipped early June but remain up overall for FY. Capital Market: BSEC’s new chairman Masud Khan pledges a major overhaul, including ending the floor price regime and cracking down on manipulation. Power Costs: BERC restored previous electricity tariffs for lifeline and marginal consumers after government intervention. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman says his UNGA presidency reflects global confidence in Bangladesh. Sports (SAFF): Bangladesh women’s team booked the SAFF final after a semifinal win over Nepal, with Afeida Khandaker returning after losing captaincy.

UNGA Spotlight: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has been elected President of the 81st UN General Assembly, winning a closely contested vote against Cyprus’ Andreas Kakouris, and the Cabinet has congratulated him while he says he’ll keep both roles with a leave for full-time UNGA duties. Cricket Update: Shaun Tait has resigned as Bangladesh’s fast-bowling coach, citing time for his family, as Bangladesh prepares for ODIs vs Australia and recalls Mosaddek Hossain and Nurul Hasan for the first two matches. Health Crisis: A DGHS probe into six newborn deaths at Dhaka’s Ad-din Hospital points to “extreme negligence” and poor ventilation, with the minister blaming suffocation risks after an air-conditioning unit was switched off. Energy & Cost of Living: BERC has withdrawn part of a residential electricity tariff hike for up to 75 units, keeping lifeline rates unchanged, while Jamaat warns of public backlash over power price increases. Capital Security: DMP says special drives during Eid holidays arrested 2,844 people and seized large quantities of drugs and weapons. Governance Watch: ICC delegates have visited Dhaka to review BCB governance and electoral developments ahead of the June 7 election. Road Safety: Two young siblings were killed in a Natore crash involving a speeding truck and a microbus. Media & Tech: Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon seeks Australian support to build an independent media commission and curb AI misuse. Diplomacy & Economy: PM Tarique Rahman met UNDP’s Stefan Liller, seeking continued development partner support, while Bangladesh also seeks foreign energy investment and fresh IMF support.

IMF Talks & Reform Shift: Bangladesh has asked the IMF for a new lending arrangement and plans to withdraw from its current $5.5b programme, aiming for a more realistic, phased reform plan. Electricity Tariff Shock: BERC approved across-the-board power tariff hikes effective June 1, raising retail prices by Tk 1.52 to Tk 10.63 per unit and bulk tariffs by Tk 1.39 to Tk 8.39, with subsidy pressure still looming. Education Policy: State minister Bobby Hajjaj said all English medium schools will come under a uniform national policy to improve quality, accountability and national values. Crime & Safety: Coast Guard arrested two Yaba drug peddlers with 15,000 pills in Teknaf; police also arrested two snatchers over the Mohammadpur sisters’ robbery. Health Watch: Probe reports on the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Hospital were submitted, while the health minister vowed strict action and announced new children’s hospitals. Weather Alert: BMD forecasts above-normal heat and slightly below-normal rainfall in June, with possible mild to moderate heatwaves. Regional Tragedy: Bangladesh’s High Commission in Delhi said five Bangladeshis were injured in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21, including foreign nationals. Sports: Mosaddek Hossain returns to Bangladesh’s ODI squad for Australia after nearly four years; Bangladesh women reached the SAFF final after beating Nepal.

Delhi Hotel Fire: At least 21 people were killed in a hotel blaze in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, including 18 foreign nationals; Bangladesh High Commission says five Bangladeshis were found among the injured and are being treated in Dhaka’s hospitals. Exports & Inflation: Bangladesh’s merchandise export earnings fell 7.07% in May to $4.40bn after a short April rebound, with garment exports down 8.29%; CAB warns the latest electricity tariff hike could worsen inflation and raise business costs. Power Tariff: BERC raised retail power tariff by Tk 1.52 per kWh (to Tk 10.63) and also increased bulk and wheeling charges. Finance & Banking: Govt moves to bring bank employees under the Progoti universal pension scheme; BRAC Bank targets becoming the country’s top remittance bank by 2028, while NCC Bank signed deals with Bangladesh Bank to expand MSME financing. Governance & Cities: PM chaired a meeting on fixing long-standing DND embankment waterlogging, with plans to hand over the project to city corporations and add 30km drainage; DNCC/DSCC ordered to run sanitation in two daytime shifts. UN & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s UNGA presidency win draws international congratulations, with Japan praising the election. Sports: Bangladesh booked the SAFF Women’s final after a late 2-1 win over Nepal.

UNGA Presidency: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected President of the 81st UN General Assembly, defeating Cyprus in a vote at UN headquarters in New York. LDC Graduation: The UN Committee for Development Policy backed Bangladesh’s plea to extend its LDC graduation preparatory period by three years to Nov 24, 2029, but urged major domestic reforms. Capital Market: Dhaka stocks extended the post-Eid rally for a 7th straight session; DSEX closed higher and turnover crossed Tk 10 billion. Agriculture Finance: Bangladesh Bank ordered banks to prioritise marginal and landless farmers with “smart cards” for agro-loans, and to protect those without cards from missing out. Power Tariffs: BERC said electricity tariffs for wholesale, transmission and retail will be announced today. Border Security: Border Guard Bangladesh foiled alleged BSF “push-in” attempts at Benapole, as tensions rise after West Bengal polls. Public Safety: A motorcyclist was jailed for concealing his number plate to evade AI traffic cameras; meanwhile, toxic liquor deaths in Rangpur rose to four. Sports: UIU’s Mars Rover team won third globally and first in Asia at URC 2026.

UN Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s FM Khalilur Rahman elected president of the 81st UNGA session, a fresh global spotlight for Dhaka. Rohingya Crisis: UNHCR warns that declining funding could worsen conditions for about 1.2 million Rohingya in Bangladesh, as a $710.5m appeal is only around 60% funded. Health Emergency: Measles remains Bangladesh’s deadliest outbreak—309 deaths in May alone, with the toll reaching 594 since mid-March; officials cite suspected measles-related fatalities and rising suspected cases. Economy & Markets: Dhaka stocks extend the post-Eid rally; DSE turnover crosses Tk 10bn as indices rise. Energy Costs: LPG price cut by Tk 55 for June—12kg cylinder now Tk 1,885—while electricity tariff decisions are expected Wednesday. Agriculture Support: Bangladesh Bank tells banks to prioritize credit for farmers hit by heavy rainfall, especially in haor and other affected districts. Trade & Ports: Chattogram Customs auctions goods from 102 abandoned containers online; NCT at Chattogram Port sets a new monthly container-handling record in May. Foreign Ties: Bangladesh and the UK discuss expanding trade and investment; Bangladesh and Switzerland reaffirm business cooperation and Rohingya-focused attention. Sports: India set as heavy favourites in the SAFF Women’s Championship semifinal against Bhutan after a dominant group stage.

Islami Bank turmoil: Bangladesh Bank says the newly appointed chairman Md Khorshid Alam will not be removed despite street protests and police action outside the Motijheel headquarters, as demonstrators demand cancellation of the appointment and reinstatement of the former MD. Budget & welfare push: The government plans to expand the social safety net in FY27, including distributing Family Cards to about 41 lakh families and Farmer Cards to 42 lakh beneficiaries, alongside more old-age allowances. Power costs pressure: The Power Division seeks Tk 594.5b in subsidy for FY27 to cover losses from buying power from private plants and imports amid higher fuel and gas costs. Dhaka metro revival: Stalled MRT projects get big ADP allocations—MRT-1, MRT-5 and MRT-6—under a broader Tk 3.0-trillion ADP. Remittances up: Inflows hit $3.42b in May, up 15.34%, keeping the sixth straight month above $3b. Health probe: Legal and health authorities are reviewing the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Hospital, with reports due soon. Eid order on energy: Markets and shopping malls must close by 7pm to cut electricity demand during the heat season. Workers’ rights update: Bangladesh exits the world’s worst 10 for workers’ rights in 2026, citing reforms since late 2025. Sports—women’s cricket: Bangladesh Tigresses face growing World Cup worries after back-to-back defeats in a tri-series in Scotland. Sports—domestic T20: Mohammedan strengthen their squad with pacer Nahid Rana as the Dhaka Premier League resumes after Eid.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Bangladesh raised octane, petrol and kerosene by Tk 5 per litre for June, while keeping diesel unchanged at Tk 115, with officials citing global market movement and limited adjustment. Electricity Rules: Shops, malls and markets must shut again at 7pm nationwide, ending the Eid relaxation to 10pm, as part of power-saving steps. Heat & Weather: A mild heatwave is set to continue across 34 districts, with some areas expecting rain or thunderstorms. Public Safety & Crime: A High Court staffer was found hanging inside the Supreme Court building; two women were robbed at machete-point outside a Mohammadpur home; and police detained seven people after slogans during Tofail Ahmed’s funeral. Governance: Two Dhaka city corporation officials were temporarily suspended over alleged negligence in sacrificial waste management. Health Alert: Suspected measles deaths rose again, taking the toll to 588 since March 15. Sports & Culture: ICC approved pink-ball trials in Tests and Pakistan won the right to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028; meanwhile, protests erupted over a suspended film screening in Brahmanbaria. Remittance Boost: Remittances jumped 15.3% in May, with receipts reaching $32.75b in FY26 so far.

Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles-like outbreak keeps worsening, with the suspected death toll rising to 585 as two more children die in 24 hours and suspected cases surpass 70,000, straining hospitals and response. Public Health Accountability: A probe into six newborn deaths at Ad-din Hospital continues after DGHS flagged irregularities and negligence, with families alleging technical failures and poor monitoring. Local Governance & Cleanliness: Dhaka city corporations say temporary cattle-market waste was not fully cleared after Eid-ul-Azha, warning leaseholders of deposit forfeiture and blacklisting. Border & Security: BGB detained 10 people, including women and children, for illegal entry via Darshana, while India-Bangladesh DG-level border talks are set for next week in Delhi. Economy & Trade: Bangladesh’s Padma barrage is explained as a major river engineering project aimed at water security and irrigation, amid wider debate over ecological impacts. Politics: Jamaat-e-Islami plans a shadow cabinet and an alternative budget proposal after the national budget announcement. Transport & Connectivity: A direct Biman flight between Sylhet and Guwahati is expected soon, with airport modernisation and air cargo plans.

Rohingya Aid Boost: Finland pledged EUR 2 million to UNHCR to plug gaps in life-saving support for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar as funding cuts worsen camp conditions. Public Health Crisis: Measles-like deaths rose again, with two more children dying in 24 hours to take the toll to 585 since March 15; suspected cases now stand at 70,936. Safety and Security: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said Jungle Salimpur will no longer be a safe haven for criminals and terrorists, after attacks on RAB and police camps; BGB also detained 10 people, including women and children, for alleged illegal border crossing at Darshana. Eid Aftermath in Dhaka: Holidaymakers started returning to the capital as offices reopen Monday; DSCC reported removing over 36,000 tonnes of sacrificial waste after Eid-ul-Azha. Hospital Accountability: Ad-Din Medical College Hospital was fined Tk 3 lakh over hygiene and temperature-control lapses, amid the ongoing probe into six newborn deaths. Sports & Culture: BCB said ICC representatives will be nominated after its June 7 election; Gono Sangeet singer-composer Kamruddin Absar died at 71.

Zia Anniversary & Relief Drive: PM Tarique Rahman urged Dhaka residents to keep the city clean and called on BNP leaders to stand by helpless people as the 45th death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman was marked with clothes and dry food distribution across the capital. Measles Crisis: DGHS reported eight more child deaths from measles-like symptoms in 24 hours, pushing the total to 583 since March 15, with suspected cases at 69,612 and confirmed cases at 8,996. Hospital Probe: A committee investigating the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Medical College Hospital will submit its report on June 3, after reviewing that AC was shut off for two hours in a post-operative ward. Farmers’ Anger: Kulaura farmers in Moulvibazar blamed poor seed quality for crop failures, demanding investigation and compensation. Local Violence: A teenage boy was killed and 15 injured in a clash over alleged drug dealing in Brahmanbaria, while 22 were hurt in a Sirajganj clash over a mosque committee. UN Peacekeeping: UN chief Antonio Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal on June 5. Fuel Security Warning: IMF, World Bank and IEA chiefs warned of possible summer fuel scarcity if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted.

Dhaka City Clean-up Crackdown: PM Tarique Rahman inspected Eid-ul-Azha waste removal and ordered punitive action within 48 hours against Dhaka North and South City Corporation officials for negligence, citing scattered sacrificial waste and poor drainage in areas like Hatirpool, Farmgate and Karwan Bazar. Eid Waste Operations: City corporations reported continued removal of tonnes of sacrificial animal waste, even as streets still showed lingering stench in some backstreets. Ziaur Rahman 45th Martyrdom: Bangladesh marked the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with BNP announcing an eight-day programme and wreath-laying and prayers at his grave. Leather Sector Push: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government will strengthen the leather industry into a more export-oriented sector by ensuring proper collection, salting and preservation of Eid hides, with a long-term plan due by July. Measles Crisis: Health reports say Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has killed 500+ children, with hospitals overwhelmed and Eid leave cancelled for medical staff. Border Tensions: At India’s Hakimpur border, hundreds of undocumented Bangladeshis gathered amid fears of crackdown and “detect, delete and deport” actions in West Bengal.

Dhaka University Row: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn comments that sparked backlash over the quality of education and research at DU, saying his remarks were informal and not a policy statement. Eid Cleanliness Drive: PM Tarique Rahman personally inspected sacrificial waste removal across Dhaka and ordered action after finding uncleared waste; two city corporation officials were withdrawn for negligence. Measles Crisis: Another 10 children died from measles or measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours, with DGHS reporting 732 infected patients and thousands of suspected cases since March. Eid Injury Toll: Dhaka Medical College Hospital treated 270 people over two days for Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice-related injuries, mostly cuts from knives. Leather Push: Commerce minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government plans a long-term plan to strengthen Bangladesh’s leather sector and make it more export-oriented using sacrificial hides. Zia Anniversary: Preparations are underway to observe Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary in Chattogram, with party programmes and wreath-laying. Border Tension: BSF plans to hand over 100 Bangladeshi nationals to Border Guard Bangladesh at Hakimpur after crowds gathered near the border.