AGP Executive Report

Telecom Policy Shake-up: Bangladesh is mulling removal of SIM issuance tax and replacing it with a new charge, plus cutting taxes on SIM replacements and IoT/M2M SIMs—aimed at lowering the cost of adding subscribers. Public Finance Pressure: A World Bank study says state-owned enterprises drained about Tk 88,200 crore from the treasury in FY2024, worsening fiscal risk. Budget Warnings: Economists warn low ADP execution and weak private credit growth are deepening economic risks, urging productivity reforms and a more realistic, people-focused budget. Cabinet Moves: The cabinet approved ratifying a Japan defence equipment deal and signing the International Big Cat Alliance framework, alongside a Global Compact migration action plan. Health Alert: Experts fear immunisation gaps in Bangladesh could worsen antimicrobial resistance as measles deaths rise. Tech & Growth: Sorted Wallet raised Sh570 million to expand a feature-phone-friendly crypto wallet across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Food & Trade: Mango exports have started, with shipments already reaching 14 countries.

Aviation Disruption: easyJet and Jet2 moved to calm travellers after jet-fuel shortage fears linked to the Iran war, saying flights won’t be widely cancelled and no fuel surcharges are planned. Bangladesh Politics & Rights: ANFREL says Bangladesh’s election day was largely orderly, but flags integrity risks like candidate overspending and party-run voter desks. Health Crisis: UNICEF warns it alerted the interim government “at least 10 times” about measles vaccine shortages; deaths have climbed to 481 since March. Climate & Resilience: PM Tarique Rahman laid groundwork for a National Disaster Management Research and Training Institute in Gazipur, aiming to build disaster-ready manpower. Water Security Pressure: WASH groups urge higher budget allocations, citing a 40% drop in ADP WASH funding over three years. Tech & Economy: Economic Census 2024 finds fewer than 3% of manufacturing units use computers in production; Uber relaunches in Chattogram.

WFP Innovation: WFP is pushing “zero hunger” with tech-led pilots, including a Jordan programme where Syrian refugees pay for groceries via iris scans—over $64m already delivered. Bangladesh–US Strategic Ties: At US National Day events, Bangladesh’s finance minister flagged new energy cooperation MoUs and deeper links in digital, cyber security and manufacturing, while the US envoy called the reciprocal trade deal a joint investment. Health & Safety: Bangladesh plans centralized emergency alarms in hospitals after attacks on healthcare workers, and a fast-spreading measles outbreak has overwhelmed facilities. Digital Economy Gap: A new Economic Census finds under 3% of manufacturing units use computers in production. Finance Pressure: Private credit growth hit a record low 4.72% in March as banks stay cautious and investors hold back. Mobility Update: Uber has relaunched ridesharing in Chattogram. Water & Climate: Experts warn shrinking WASH funds could derail SDG targets, while the government reiterates Padma/Teesta barrage plans. Policy Watch: NBR is set to miss tax targets for a 10th straight year.

Brahmaputra Push: India’s Centre unveiled a Rs 4,800-crore plan to upgrade Northeast inland waterways over five years, including jetties, cargo vessels, dredgers and cruise terminals, while also moving the Brahmaputra Board toward a technology-driven river basin authority. Health Court Action: Bangladesh’s High Court asked the government for a report on measles and rabies vaccine storage, supply and adequacy, and sought possible compensation for measles deaths—amid a fast-growing outbreak. Online Safety: A seminar reported 63.51% of Bangladeshi women have faced online harassment or technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Insurance Trust: A new Bangladesh-focused analysis says insurers are failing claim settlement expectations, with very low payout rates in recent quarters. Energy & Industry: Garment factories are still far from renewable targets, and Bangladesh’s energy budget priorities are being debated ahead of FY27. Tech & Mobility: BYD launched three new energy vehicle models in Bangladesh, with pre-orders handed over.

Textile Tech Push in Türkiye: Monforts is spotlighting its dyeing/finishing machines at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (June 9-13), pitching technical textiles as a fast-growing opportunity for Turkish manufacturers. Heat Safety Gap: A new look at Gulf and South Asia warns that wet-bulb heat limits are arriving earlier and lasting longer, raising the compliance question for outdoor work. Workplace Injury: Three technicians were burned in an AC compressor blast at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka. Jobs vs AI: Standard Chartered plans to cut over 7,000 jobs in four years, citing AI-driven efficiency and “reskilling” for affected staff. Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Rights groups urge a stronger, better-funded budget to tackle violence against women, including expanding One-Stop Crisis Centres. Garment Renewables Lag: A study finds garment factories are far from the 2035 renewable target—only about 3% of power is currently renewable. Local vs Foreign Investors: A roundtable calls for clearer rules on investor identity when strategic assets and privileges are at stake. DSCC on Stray Dogs: DSCC rejects rumours of inhumane dog removal, saying it uses scientific neutering and anti-rabies vaccination. New EVs in Bangladesh: BYD launched three NEV models—Seal 5, Seal 6 and Sealion 6 AWD—with vehicle handovers and set pricing.

US Visa Crackdown: US student visa rejection rates for Indian applicants jumped to 61% in 2025 as stricter screening and more scrutiny of applicants’ social media tighten the F/J/M process. Bangladesh–US Ties: Bangladesh and the US held talks on trade, energy, defence and the Rohingya crisis, with both sides saying relations are on an upward path. Energy Budget Warning: A new Bangladesh study says nearly 80% of the power-and-energy spending is still going to fossil fuels, while renewables get a small slice—raising pressure on clean-energy plans. Transport Push: Planners want the long-delayed Dhaka–Gazipur BRT to start within 6–12 months, arguing scrapping it would cost nearly as much as finishing it. Higher Education Tension: DUET students blocked the Dhaka–Gazipur highway and protested a new VC appointment after clashes left injuries. Tech/Auto: BYD launched three new models in Bangladesh—Seal 5, Seal 6 and Sealion 6 AWD—aiming to boost EV and plug-in hybrid options.

Bangladesh Economy Under Pressure: Inflation is easing but the World Bank says supply-chain and market inefficiencies are still squeezing growth, with poverty rising again and job creation lagging. ADP Boost: The NEC has approved a Tk 3 lakh crore ADP for FY27, a big jump meant to speed reforms and infrastructure—after weak ADP spending earlier. Women Left Behind in Work: A new economic census shows women’s share in economic units has barely moved over a decade, despite more people joining the workforce. Budget “Litmus Test”: CPD warns the FY27 revenue target is near-impossible, forcing tough choices between higher pay and protecting the poor. Transport Push: Planners and BIP back restarting the Dhaka–Gazipur BRT with dedicated lanes, saying scrapping would cost more than finishing. Campus Tension: DUET students keep protesting a new VC appointment after clashes. Fuel Costs Climb: Bangladesh’s fuel import bill jumped 54% in nine months, driven by prices and demand.

China Slowdown: April data shows China’s consumer spending and factory output growing at the slowest pace in years, with weak demand and supply imbalances still biting. Bangladesh Energy Pressure: Fuel import spending jumped 54% in the first nine months of FY2025-26, pushing the country deeper into cost stress. Market Mood: Dhaka stocks slid back into the red as selling pressure erased a brief recovery, with DSEX closing lower and turnover down. Tech & Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi‑Fi launched at HSIA for up to 37,000 passengers at once, while Bangla Phone got a nationwide NTTN licence for fibre-optic network rollout. Campus Tensions: Violence erupted at DUET over a new VC appointment, with students clashing and injuries reported. Industry Push: Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) was launched to make innovation repeatable across RMG and apparel. Policy & Trade: Bangladesh plans tariff rationalisation over 200 goods lines and a capital market reform commission to restore investor confidence.

DUET VC Clash: Protests over the appointment of DUET’s new vice chancellor turned violent again, with at least 25 people (including five policemen) injured as students clashed on campus and locked the main gate. AI for Traffic: Dhaka’s road chaos is getting a tech push, with AI-driven traffic signal systems being tested as authorities look for a governance fix beyond flyovers and widening roads. Connectivity Boost: HSIA launched free high-speed Wi‑Fi for up to 37,000 passengers at once, adding 250 access points and fibre-backed coverage across terminals. Capital Markets: The government is set to form a capital market reform commission to restore investor confidence after DSE’s market value fell and the DSEX slid. Energy & Budget Reality: CPD says renewables got only 4.6% in the latest budget while fossil fuels still dominate, and officials also renewed calls to dismantle “poisonous” oligarchic control in energy deals. Telco Expansion: Bangla Phone received government nod for an NTTN licence, enabling nationwide fibre-optic network build-out. RMG Innovation: Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) was launched to make innovation measurable across factories, academia and tech partners.

Finance & Policy: Bangladesh Bank says it’s prioritising stability and inflation control while keeping credit flowing to production and jobs, as stakeholders feed into the first-half monetary policy for FY26-27. Tax Reform Push: Economists warn the country is stuck in a “low-level equilibrium trap” and urge broadening the tax base, cutting leakages, and improving transparency—rather than just raising rates. Real Estate & Revenue: The government is considering bringing back a “whitening” facility for undisclosed money, but sources say it would be limited to the real-estate sector, with conditions still under review for the Finance Bill 2026. Industry & Innovation: Commerce leaders launch a Textile Innovation Exchange, pushing sustainability, circular production, and product diversification to keep RMG competitive. Digital & Regional Tech: Smart Lab expands IT and cloud services into Nepal via a new MoU. Health Spotlight: A Commonwealth report highlights progress toward cervical cancer elimination, including Bangladesh’s large-scale single-dose HPV vaccination campaign. Infrastructure Debate: The Padma Barrage gets ECNEC approval after decades, but critics are watching upstream water-flow risks closely.

Bangladesh Economy & Policy: Bangladesh Bank says it’s prioritising financial stability while keeping credit flowing to production and jobs, as the government prepares the FY26-27 monetary policy. Tax & Banking Crisis: Economists warn the country is stuck in a “low-level equilibrium trap” and urge structural tax reform, while Hossain Zillur Rahman says the economy can’t recover without fixing the banking sector. RMG & Innovation Push: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir launched the Textile Innovation Exchange, calling for sustainability, research, and product diversification beyond a narrow export basket. Circular Economy: SACIN officially began its journey in Dhaka to spread circular solutions across Asia, starting with textiles. Digital & AI Plans: Telecom officials say AI and freelancing training centres will be set up at upazila level, alongside expanding 5G and high-speed internet. Public Health Alert: Dengue cases are rising early, while measles pressure continues—experts fear back-to-back outbreaks. Regional Tech Expansion: Smart Lab expands into Nepal with IT and cloud services. Trade Update: India’s exports jumped 13.6% in April to about $80.8bn, with the trade deficit narrowing. Security & Society: Israeli strikes continue to hit civilians in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire extension.

Counter-terror & narcotics talks: Pakistan and Egypt are pushing deeper cooperation on counter-terrorism and drug control after interior officials met, signaling tighter regional security coordination. Local accountability: In Bangladesh, Moulvibazar’s SP was withdrawn just days after a Facebook storm over alleged misconduct, adding pressure on posting decisions. Digital identity debate: Bangladesh is weighing social-media age assurance rules tied to a new digital ID-connected wallet system—raising privacy and enforcement concerns. Trade update: Exports hit a 5-month high in April, growing about 13.5%, but the trade deficit widened to around $28.4bn as imports rose faster. Tech & security: Suprema launched BioStation 3 Max, an AI biometric terminal aimed at enterprise-grade access control. Regional climate risk: A new HKH study says 2025 saw over 10 major disasters across several countries, with water-related hazards driving heavy losses.

Banking Expansion: Dhaka Bank opened its 118th branch at Gulshan Avenue, pushing a “people, process, technology” upgrade to stay more agile and customer-led. Social Impact & Recognition: Abul Khair Group handed out the ‘M-Rise Hero’ awards to six changemakers, with actor Shakib Khan at the ceremony. Right to Know Under Pressure: Citizens and media voices are again criticising Bangladesh’s stalled RTI system, blaming long-vacant information commissioner posts for weakening public accountability. Publishing Sector Friction: A Bangla Academy seminar flagged a shortage of skilled editors and urged higher budgets and better support for state libraries to grow children’s publishing. Diplomacy & Global South: Brazil pledged support for Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency bid and signalled openness on BRICS and a Dhaka-based development bank idea. Supply Chain Risk: A new report says cargo theft jumped 56% in 2025, with cyberattacks and geopolitical shocks making risks harder to manage. Health Update: Experts say measles patients recover fully in 99% of cases with prompt treatment, while warning against misinformation. Dhaka Water Worry: Studies point to shrinking surface water and heavy groundwater dependence, raising fears of an acute water crisis.

Medical Education Boost: Bangladesh has approved a public medical college in Thakurgaon, bringing the total number of government medical colleges to 38. University Shake-up: The government appointed new vice-chancellors at 10 public universities, including Professor Dr. Motinur Rahman at Islamic University, Kushtia. Governance & Accounts: The CAG inspected special citizen service activities at accounts offices nationwide, pushing faster support for pensioners and service recipients. Public Health Warning: Experts say ultra-processed foods and packaged snacks are driving high salt intake, linked to about 24,000 deaths annually in Bangladesh. Energy & Investment: The government is considering a five-year tax holiday and duty cuts to spur private solar investment, with a policy framework expected by June. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh and China renewed focus on green textiles and technology-driven apparel growth as the Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo 2026 begins. Digital & Society: Dhaka children are reportedly spending 5+ hours daily on screens, raising concerns over sleep, mental health and eye problems.

Digital Health Watch: A new icddr,b study says Dhaka children are on screens about 4.6 hours a day, with 83% exceeding the 2-hour limit—linked to sleep loss, headaches, eye problems, obesity and mental health risks. Policy Execution: Bangladesh is trying to beat “June syndrome,” where spending spikes and projects stall—plans now push year-round monitoring and tighter project management. Banking Relief: Bangladesh Bank eased large-borrower lending rules and trade-finance exposure limits, aiming to support business credit—while critics warn it could further concentrate risk. AI in Media: A government workshop urges ethical AI use in film and ads to curb rumors and misinformation. Cybercrime Crackdown: Dhaka police arrested a nine-member online gambling and fraud syndicate, including six Chinese nationals, accused of laundering money abroad via MFS. Energy Push: Govt mulls a five-year solar tax holiday and lower import duties to speed private investment. Regional Tech Commerce: Nigeria’s Jiji acquired Bikroy.com, signaling more cross-border classifieds competition in Bangladesh.

Fuel Jitters, But Airlines Say “No Shortage Yet”: With the Strait of Hormuz still under pressure, European carriers are publicly downplaying jet-fuel shortage fears ahead of summer, though some regions report near-record low stocks and analysts warn margins could get squeezed. Capital Crunch for Clean Energy: A new climate report says South and Southeast Asia’s renewable push is colliding with capital scarcity, higher financing costs, and fossil-fuel import dependence—despite a surge in project pipelines. Indian Ocean Rivalry Watch: China’s expanding naval and port moves are drawing fresh attention in the Indian Ocean, with regional dialogues in Colombo highlighting security-development tensions. Bangladesh Health & Food Security: Urea supply worries are rising for the Aman season as BCIC reserves look thin and gas shortages keep some factories shut; meanwhile, experts warn excessive salt intake is linked to about 24,000 deaths yearly and call for stronger prevention funding. Digital & Society: Bangladesh’s “digital navigators” story reframes women’s Facebook use as strategic identity-building, while Police Week ends with a push toward tech-driven, pro-people policing. Business Updates: Walton launches AI-powered premium washing machines; BSEC fines Fortune Shoes over unpaid dividends and listing fees.