AGP Executive Report

Ethanol Fuel Push: Mercedes-Benz says all cars sold in India since Jan 2026 are E25-compatible, positioning for higher ethanol blends beyond E20 as standards move toward E22–E30. Investment Pipeline Upgrade: BIDA converted over $400m from a $1.5bn foreign investment pipeline into decision/implementation stages, with a 15%+ conversion rate and projects expected to create ~25,000 jobs. Tourism Planning: Govt will prepare an integrated master plan for Cox’s Bazar tourism, including reviewing coastal development restrictions while balancing growth and environmental protection. Water & Pollution Control: Buriganga River cleanup gets a boost as industries’ ETP systems will be brought under online monitoring, with IP cameras and control rooms planned. Health Tech for Care: Rajshahi Medical College Hospital installed advanced diagnostic machines to cut waiting times and improve test accuracy. Eye Health Roadmap: Bangladesh targets eliminating cataract blindness in 4–5 years via a coordinated national programme, including AI-enabled services for remote areas. Agriculture Mechanisation: Onion farmers to receive 15,000 airflow machines for storage, while mechanised paddy transplantation is promoted to modernise farming. Digital Inclusion Gap: ITU data shows Bangladesh scores higher on network quality than on actual usage, highlighting a “usage gap” in the digital race. Rohingya Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman urges ASEAN Regional Forum members to strengthen cooperation for safe, voluntary repatriation, calling Rohingya statelessness “by design.”

Road Safety & Data-Driven Mobility: FIA’s SM4A4L Asia-Pacific edition mapped 17 road safety projects, from AI helmet checks and a central crash database to safer school commuting and training for heavy-vehicle drivers. Dutch Aquaculture Support: Netherlands reaffirmed backing for Bangladesh’s aquaculture via a Centre of Excellence under FoodTechBangladesh, pushing modern farming tech and investor confidence. RMG Exports: EPB data shows Bangladesh’s apparel exports dipped 0.63% to $19.34b in H1 2026, with woven up slightly and knitwear down. Electronics Manufacturing Push: Samsung resumed production in Bangladesh after 18 months, with smartphones planned for January and other appliances following. Digital Health & AI: Bangladesh plans a National Health Card to give doctors instant access to records nationwide, aiming to cut urban-rural healthcare gaps. Telecom QoS Upgrade: BTRC approved stricter drive-test methods to better measure mobile network quality at upazila level. Freelancer FX Rules: Bangladesh Bank eased foreign currency transactions for freelancers with digital documentation and new “Freelancer Cards.” Climate & Resilience Finance: Experts urged more equitable, locally led climate funding so vulnerable communities can lead adaptation. Cyclone Shelter Accessibility: A workshop highlighted making cyclone shelters safer and inclusive for people with disabilities. Higher Education Tech: UGC plans to bring Bangladeshi academics abroad into teaching and research via a virtual platform. BUET Leadership: Prof Dr Mohammad Shariful Islam appointed BUET Pro-VC.

Digital Cooperation: Bangladesh’s Faqir Mahbub Anam backed an inclusive “digital Silk Road” agenda at China’s World Internet Conference, pushing multilateral cyber governance, affordable connectivity and open digital public goods. Cyber Security & Policy: He also outlined a three-point proposal for building safer, non-discriminatory cyberspace and narrowing the digital divide. Energy Crunch: Bangladesh’s gas supply took a hit after a technical fault at the Moheshkhali floating LNG terminal partially shut operations, cutting about 450 mmcfd and risking deeper shortages. Transport & Infrastructure: ECNEC approved a second revision of the Dhaka–Ashulia elevated expressway, raising cost by 54% to Tk27,045.68 crore and extending the deadline to June 2030. Maritime Recycling: A single online platform is planned to simplify ship recycling approvals, with JICA support for guidelines, training and certification. Climate Impact: Extreme heat is worsening health and livelihoods for Dhaka’s informal workers, with a new study reporting widespread negative effects. IT Talent Linkages: Bangladesh and Japan discussed AI-driven development and demand for Bangladeshi IT professionals in Tokyo. Road Safety Policing: Highway Police chief vowed extortion-free highways within two months, backed by CCTV and AI-powered cameras. Textile Sector Push: PM Tarique Rahman formed a high-level committee to tackle textile industry problems and competitiveness. Public Health: Hepatitis screening and awareness were highlighted as preventable, treatable and in many cases eliminable.

AI Safeguards: Nobel laureates and scientists urged strong global rules for AI, warning it’s being rapidly integrated into military systems, at an international conference in Italy featuring Bangladesh’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Cyber Safety: Bangladesh will form a special legal panel to tackle deepfakes, disinformation and cyberbullying, with a zero-tolerance approach and a notification expected within days. Digital Services: Dhaka’s district administration launched the “Hello DC” app as a one-stop platform for government services, applications and complaints. Education & Research Links: Pakistan’s High Commissioner met DU VC A B M Obaidul Islam to expand education cooperation, joint research and exchanges, and inaugurated a computer lab at DU’s Urdu Department. Health Tech in the North: A Chinese expert team joined Rajshahi’s National Heart Foundation to screen and treat children (ages 3–18) for congenital heart disease with free services. Trade & Industry Push: Bangladesh will take part in 50 international trade fairs in 27 countries in FY27, while the BFTI is set to become a stronger national think tank for trade research and policy. Finance Regulation: Bangladesh Bank issued new Internal Control Management System (ICMS) guidelines for banks, replacing the 2016 framework and aligning supervision with risk-based oversight. Energy Supply Disruption: A technical fault at the Moheskhali LNG terminal cut gas supply to the national grid by about 450 mmcfd, with restoration possibly taking up to two days. Aviation Expansion: Biman is moving toward a new Airbus deal for 10 aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2031 and interim leasing planned.

Trade & Industry: Bangladesh will join 50 international trade fairs across 27 countries in FY27, aiming to help SMEs from 12 priority sectors find buyers and cut red tape. Climate & Health: A new look at Dhaka’s informal workforce shows extreme heat is damaging health, productivity and incomes, with heat already costing millions of workdays. Road Safety & Rural Jobs: ECNEC is set to review a Tk 2,082.12 crore rural roads project to maintain 91,560 km and create jobs for 45,780 poor women, while the transport minister reiterates a 50% road-death cut target by 2030 using AI speed management and stronger post-crash response. Digital Inclusion & Compliance: Bangladesh’s next digital push is about getting more people online and building predictable policies, while garment makers struggle to generate life-cycle data for EU digital product passports. STEM & Research: A new aquaculture research centre in Mymensingh will expand RAS technology with disease diagnosis and water testing, and a BIMSTEC security meeting in New Delhi produced maritime disaster-relief and law-enforcement guidelines. Bangladesh Tech & Society: Govt pledges tougher action against online violence targeting women as digital safety becomes a budget priority. Infrastructure: The Jashore–Benapole double-track rail feasibility study is nearing completion, promising faster Bangladesh–India connectivity.

Sustainable Housing: Bangladesh is moving toward a national sustainable building labelling system, with a UN-backed stakeholder workshop on HBRI-DESH and its DESHboard platform. Apparel Tech Push: Industry leaders at BAYLA Future Summit 2026 urged faster adoption of AI, automation and Industry 4.0 to stay competitive after LDC graduation. STEM for Girls: Chevron Bangladesh and AUW launched a 4-week Math and Science Summer School for 104 female students, covering coding, physics, chemistry and public health. Energy Transition: The power minister warned gas pressure is steadily falling and called for a faster shift to renewables, with NGOs urged to help expand rural clean energy. Maritime Investment: Saudi-backed RSGT Bangladesh inaugurated a $170m port investment in Chattogram, boosting capacity and productivity ahead of schedule. Flood Watch: Sunamganj’s low-lying areas are flooding as rivers rise; in Rangpur, Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar may cross danger levels in 24–48 hours. RMG Crime Update: A bus helper was arrested in Ashulia over an attempted rape case involving a moving bus incident. Rail Connectivity: A feasibility study for Jashore–Benapole double-tracking is nearing completion, aiming to cut travel time and boost trade. Finance Rules: BSEC proposed easier margin loans for more B-category shares, while experts warn it could raise risk.

India–UK Trade Deal: The India–UK CETA and social security pact (DCC) officially kick in from 15 July 2026, with tariffs set to fall—Scotch whisky duties drop from 150% to 75% immediately—promising cheaper British goods and new trade momentum for tech, services and innovation. Bangladesh Digital Consumer Protection: CAB and PowerIN AI sign an MoU to use AI for consumer capacity building, real-time market monitoring and a modernised complaint system. AI Streaming for Bangladesh: Tencent Cloud and Rockstreamer partner to bring cloud, AI and OTT streaming infrastructure to Bangladesh, highlighting Binge+ for Robi Axiata built on Tencent Cloud. Ports & Logistics: Saudi RSGT launches operations at Chattogram’s Patenga Container Terminal after a $170m investment, doubling capacity to 600,000 TEUs and boosting productivity. Family Card Rollout: PM Tarique Rahman pushes a phased nationwide expansion with a credible, transparent beneficiary database and better inter-ministry coordination. Climate & Health: A global review says climate change will shift waterborne disease risks—warming may boost some bacterial diarrhoeal threats while reducing some viral ones. Urban Waterlogging: Bangladesh’s waterlogging problem is framed as governance-driven, not just rainfall, with calls for better drainage response and accountability. Measles Alert: Bangladesh reports 337 measles deaths, with 91% among unvaccinated children, underlining the need for stronger immunisation coverage.

Climate & Health: A new global review says warming will reshuffle waterborne gut threats—some bacteria thrive in heat while several common stomach viruses may ease—highlighting a changing risk map for Bangladesh’s diarrhoea burden. Labour & Rights: Bangladesh’s Labour Minister met ILO DG Gilbert Houngbo, urging faster closure of the long-running Article 26 case and pointing to the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026 plus digital case management and dispute reforms. AI & Infrastructure: AIIB wants a bigger long-term role in Bangladesh’s transport and communication projects, including elevated expressways, toll modernization and a second Jamuna Bridge, with affordable, sustainable terms. Capital Market Tech: BSEC proposed easing margin loan rules (higher limits, lower minimum investment) to boost liquidity, but experts warn it could also raise leverage risks—insurance stocks already reacted sharply. Digital Payments: Eastern Bank and Visa launched Visa Payment Passkey, moving biometric/device-based authentication to replace OTPs for online card transactions. Campus Smart Mobility: JUCSU rolled out live bus tracking (“iTracker”) for real-time location and estimated arrivals for students. Climate Resilience in Cities: Khulna City Corporation started drain cleaning under the 3C project to cut waterlogging and reduce dengue and other waterborne disease risks. Public Health (Measles): BRAC University seminar urged stronger routine vaccination, better surveillance and faster outbreak response to tackle measles resurgence. Energy Costs: Fuel import spending jumped 85% in FY25-26 as Middle East conflict pushed up crude and petroleum product prices. Trade After LDC: Bangladesh plans a five-year trade capacity action plan ahead of LDC graduation, targeting non-tariff barriers and investment climate reforms.

World Cup Rights Row: Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon says Bangladesh’s 2026 FIFA World Cup media rights were bought directly from FIFA for $3.85m and nearly fully recovered via sub-licensing, cutting the alleged 2022 “inflated” cost and leaving only Tk 4–5 crore shortfall. Trade After LDC Graduation: Commerce officials unveiled a new five-year EIF/WTO-backed action plan with 12 priority activities to tackle non-tariff barriers, compliance demands and investment climate gaps ahead of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation. AI & Digital Sovereignty: Speakers urged Bangladesh to build AI talent, expand digital infrastructure and protect data privacy and digital sovereignty while pushing AI into high-impact sectors. Border Tech & Regional Security: Reports highlight India’s use of radio-based fence breach detection and other smart systems along the India-Bangladesh frontier, alongside new BSF infrastructure. Renewables for Industry: Solaric signed an EPC deal for a 438 kWp rooftop solar plant in Narayanganj to cut energy costs and emissions. Road Safety Data Push: FIA-backed projects include Bangladesh’s “Road Accident Central Database” to improve safety planning. Facebook Web Disruption: Users reported a worldwide “site issue” error on Facebook desktop access while mobile access was patchier. Education Access: Cluster university final admissions extended to July 21 due to heavy rain and travel disruptions. Textile Investment: Huarun Tex plans a $30m yarn and woven fabric unit in BEPZA EZ, creating 580 jobs. Waterlogging Cause Explained: A Dhaka waterlogging piece points to concrete expansion, canal loss and disrupted natural drainage as key drivers.

Electric Mobility Push: Bangladesh plans to add about 1,400 electric buses, backed by charging infrastructure and procurement packages, aiming to cut fossil fuel dependence and modernise public transport. Cancer Prevention: NICRH says cervical cancer can be prevented via vaccination, urging wider awareness, timely Hepatitis B shots, and a nationwide screening push. AI for Industry: A BCCCI seminar spotlights responsible AI and blockchain for business transformation, while experts also stress people-centred AI adoption for Bangladesh’s workforce. Power Sector Roadmap: The government unveils a long-term plan for industrial energy audits, renewables expansion, and governance reforms to reduce fuel imports and electricity costs. RMG Automation: Ha-Meem Group signs an MoU with Robonauts to accelerate Industry 4.0 in garments through robotics, AI, and upskilling. Halal Export Bottleneck: Businesses complain halal certification is costly, slow, and not internationally recognised, calling for a single authority and free, streamlined certification. Public Tech & Services: Citizens Bank partners with DESCO to collect electricity bills via branches and digital channels, while Dhaka’s footbridges face neglect and illegal occupation. Governance & Skills: Police leadership urges modern, adaptive policing as cybercrime and misinformation grow, and the education ministry reiterates plans to build Bangladesh into an international education hub.

AI Governance & Skills: Bangladesh is drafting a human-centric national AI Policy, with a focus on rights, ethics, data protection and cyber security, while a Dhaka roundtable warns most youth use AI mainly for entertainment—pushing for AI-ready skills and updated education. Environment Tech & Urban Control: PM Tarique Rahman ordered tougher action on air and noise pollution, including eco-friendly brick production and AI-based horn monitoring, plus faster removal of unfit vehicles and more automatic traffic lights. Public Transport Electrification: Govt plans to modernise transport with about 1,400 electric buses, charging infrastructure and options like monorail. Cyber & Digital Fraud: CID arrested a Facebook group admin over alleged ticket scam and cyber extortion tied to Atif Aslam’s concert; separate reports highlight Meta copyright loopholes used to suspend creator accounts. Industry & Investment: Huarun Tex will invest $30m in BEPZA to produce yarn and grey woven fabric; Ha-Meem signed an MoU with Robonauts Ltd. on robotics, AI and automation for RMG. STEM for Jobs: Deputy Speaker stressed technology-based training, inaugurating a Skill IT institute in Bagerhat. Local Tech & Safety: Police arrested alleged extortionist “Bappi” in Motijheel after a WhatsApp-linked shooting; embankment weakness in Khulna’s Atai River area raises flood fears for 10 villages. Trade & Innovation Showcase: Bharat Tex 2026 in New Delhi drew 6,000+ buyers from 130+ countries, spotlighting textiles from handlooms to advanced tech.

El Niño Preparedness: Climate experts warn El Niño is strengthening fast, raising risks of heatwaves, floods and droughts across Bangladesh and South Asia, urging early action to protect food security and health. Rohingya Crisis at Sea: UN-linked reporting says two boats carrying about 530 Rohingya asylum seekers vanished off Myanmar, with fears of mass deaths as families wait in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar camps. Garment Workers Under Pressure: A rights report says hundreds of Bangladesh factories have shut since 2024, leaving about 240,000 workers jobless and triggering wage and benefits disputes. Cybercrime Crackdown: Chattogram police arrested a youth accused of hacking the NBR customs system to help smuggle foreign liquor and cigarettes, alleging revenue loss of Tk 10–12 crore. AI & Digital Push: Bangladesh’s telecom/IT minister is attending WAIC 2026 in Shanghai, highlighting AI-driven governance and seeking tech cooperation. Naval Leadership: Rear Admiral Khondkar Misbah-ul-Azim appointed Bangladesh Navy Chief, taking office July 23 for a three-year term. Monsoon Watch: Heavy rain is forecast in multiple districts, with flood concerns in parts of the north and rising Jamuna levels. Urban Safety Science: Mumbai’s BMC proposes a city-wide scientific survey to classify hazardous trees after monsoon tree falls. Trade & Industry: India-UK CETA is set to make about 99% of Indian exports tariff-free, boosting labour-intensive sectors like textiles—relevant for regional competitiveness.

Safe Migration for Women: Bangladesh and the IOM urged safer, orderly and dignified overseas migration to expand women’s employment, with talks on better protection, transparent processes and skills aligned to global labour demand. Urban Climate Resilience: Bangladesh reaffirmed at the UN that planned urbanisation and affordable housing are key to inclusive, climate-resilient cities, calling for stronger partnerships, technology transfer and better urban financing. AI Policy Push: ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam joined the World AI Conference in Shanghai, signalling Bangladesh’s roadmap for responsible AI governance and global cooperation. BIMSTEC Security Cooperation: BIMSTEC national security chiefs, including Bangladesh’s representative, endorsed maritime law-enforcement and disaster-relief guiding principles while prioritising action on terrorism, cyber threats and organised crime. Climate and Environment: COP31 co-host Türkiye highlighted D-8’s role in the global climate agenda, while RUET planted 24 tree species in a July spirit drive for a greener Bangladesh. Cyber Threat Watch: Kaspersky reported a new GoSerpent malware used in Southeast Asia for long-term access and intelligence theft targeting governments and diplomats. Flood Risk Alert: Brahmaputra embankment erosion in Chilmari, Kurigram, is putting communities at renewed risk, with residents demanding urgent BWDB action. World Cup Tech Spotlight: Bangladesh’s RMG sector is supplying official World Cup jerseys and sports apparel, showing growing manufacturing capability for global sportswear.

BIMSTEC Security: Ajit Doval chaired the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi, pushing stronger regional cooperation against terrorism, cyber threats, organised crime and maritime risks, and endorsing new guiding principles for maritime humanitarian relief and law-enforcement coordination. AI in Procurement: Bangladesh’s Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) plans AI-driven market analysis and wider digitisation of public procurement to make cost estimates more realistic, boost tender competition and improve transparency. Urban Tech & Health: DNCC unveiled a Tk 4,527.74 crore budget for 2026-27 prioritising drainage, waste management and dengue control, while a 27-member committee was formed to draft a Bangladesh National Medical Oxygen Roadmap (2026-2030). Education Pressure: HSC examinee protests continue as students raise new demands on how CQ/MCQ passing should work and call for special arrangements for those affected by severe weather and exam issues. Workforce for the Future: CPD experts urged labour policy reforms to help Bangladesh prepare for job shifts driven by technology and digitalisation. Semiconductor Ambition: ULKASEMI CEO said Bangladesh can grow into a semiconductor design and engineering hub if policy incentives are matched with long-term industry support. UN Appointment: Bangladesh’s Rabab Fatima was appointed UN Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

AI for Bangladesh: Experts urged faster investment in AI talent, digital infrastructure and research, warning about data privacy, IP and surveillance risks while pushing AI into agriculture, healthcare and education. Digital Payments: Bangladesh Bank’s Bangla QR push is expanding cash-lite payments nationwide, with early transaction growth but renewed debate over merchant discount fees for small businesses. Air Quality: A Jahangirnagar University study links PM2.5 pollution to about 242 deaths daily and ~$23b annual economic losses, spotlighting urgent public health action. Flood & Water Management: Bangladesh seeks Dutch expertise for long-term flood control, while preparedness includes stockpiling geobags for embankment repairs. Regional Security: Ajit Doval chaired BIMSTEC security chiefs’ talks in New Delhi, focusing on counterterrorism, cybersecurity and maritime cooperation. Trade & Investment: Saudi Arabia signalled interest in expanding investment in Bangladesh, especially transport, logistics and maritime, while Bangladesh also looks to restore investor confidence. Rohingya Tragedy: UN agencies fear 500+ deaths after two boats capsized in the Bay of Bengal, underscoring the risks of monsoon sea crossings. STEM & Skills: CPD called for labour policy reforms to close skills mismatch as technology reshapes jobs.

Trade & Industry: India–UK CETA took effect, promising zero-duty access to nearly 99% of India’s exports and tariff cuts that could lift sectors like textiles, engineering, pharma and marine products. Digital Finance: Bangladesh’s BOC marked a new era in contactless payments with BOC Flex Tap & Pay, aiming for secure, seamless wallet-based transactions. Ports & Infrastructure: Saudi Arabia signalled major investment interest in Bangladesh, including up to $1bn for ports, railways and logistics, with a Bay Terminal proposal worth $180m. Energy & Climate Tech: Dhaka is moving ahead with a waste-to-energy plant at Aminbazar to supply 42.5MW by Aug 2028, turning 3,000 tonnes of municipal waste daily into power. AI for Development: Speakers pushed Bangladesh to integrate AI into agriculture, healthcare and education while building an AI ecosystem that protects data privacy and IP. Governance & Compliance: Bangladesh passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill to merge four agencies into a single investment promotion authority, while Bangladesh Bank eased external borrowing rules for fully foreign-owned firms. Environment Regulation: The environment minister said no wood can be used as fuel in brick kilns, urging pollution cuts through new technologies. Business & Exports: BEPZA reported 2.2% export growth to $8.41bn in FY26 and record $718m investment proposals, while BFIU flagged suspicious transactions rising 74% in FY25. Education Protests: HSC examinees continued protests over exam retests after adverse weather, with fresh “Long March” threats if demands aren’t met.