AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres met Bangladesh’s UNGA 81 president-elect Khalilur Rahman in New York ahead of the 81st General Assembly opening. International Literacy Day: Bangladesh marked Sept 8 with programmes under the BNFE; officials said the literacy rate among people aged 7+ is 77.9%. Court Watch: Bangladesh High Court granted bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in two more cases, though release remains blocked by other proceedings. Bangladesh-India Connectivity: Railway officials began talks in Dhaka to resume suspended passenger train services, with decisions expected after the inter-governmental meeting. Energy & Industry: BPDB plans a 442 MW solar plant on unused Rampal-adjacent land; Walton and PRAN-RFL push local solar inverter and battery manufacturing to cut import dependence. Health Crisis: Bangladesh continues to battle measles and dengue pressures, with reports of rising child deaths and hospital strain. Sports: Bangladesh beat Uzbekistan 4-0 in Women’s Junior Asia Cup hockey; Pakistan qualified for Asia Cup semis after Nashra Sandhu’s six-wicket haul. Remittances: UNCTAD flags high remittance costs to Bangladesh (7–8%), urging cheaper transfers.

Dhaka-Italy ties: LGRD Minister Moyeen Khan urged deeper Bangladesh-Italy cooperation on jobs, skilled manpower, language education and safe migration after meeting the Italian ambassador. Energy & industry: Cabinet approved six-month customs/tax exemptions for solar plant equipment imports, while officials said gas supply should return to normal within days and the government is taking short- and medium-term steps to tackle the energy crisis. Capital market: DSE rebounded as bargain hunters returned, and the exchange plans to launch derivatives by January 2028. Trade & ports: BEPZA inaugurated two modern weighbridges at Dhaka EPZ to boost transparency, and the shipping minister said Chattogram port will be cleared of illegal occupation within two months. Remittances: In early September, remittance inflow rose 23.4% to $637m, supporting forex stability. Social issues: PM adviser Mahdi Amin backed the “Child, Not Bride” campaign, calling child marriage a barrier to women’s development. Justice & law: ACC received an FBI report on assets of former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and his wife; courts also ordered remands in separate violence cases and stressed appeal timelines in an ICT verdict. Health: Bangladesh reported a sharp dengue surge and continued measles-related deaths, with hospitals under strain.

Dengue Surge: Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak is worsening fast, with 42,590 hospitalised and 117 deaths this year; in the past 24 hours alone, 1,558 were admitted and four died, as hospitals feel the strain. Measles Crisis: The measles toll is nearing 1,000 children, with reports of 991 deaths and nearly 20,000 cases, pushing wards to breaking point. Weather Watch: Madaripur recorded the highest rainfall in 24 hours (74mm) as BMD forecasts light to moderate rain/thunder in several divisions. Religious Affairs: The government will provide monthly honorariums, festival allowances and skills training for workers at mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries and churches. Air Quality: Dhaka ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with AQI hitting 152 (“unhealthy”). Cricket (Women’s Asia Cup): Sri Lanka stormed into the Women’s Asia Cup semis after beating Bangladesh by four wickets, led by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 48. Sports (AFC U20): India beat Bangladesh 3-0 to keep AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification hopes alive after a 20-year wait. Crime & Safety: A man was stabbed to death in Dhaka’s Shah Ali area; police detained one suspect.

Junior Hockey: Malaysia beat Bangladesh 4-2 in the Junior Asia Cup in China, with Shafiq Ammar scoring two late goals to seal the win. Local Elections: EC Md Anwarul Islam Sarker says local govt polls will start with union parishad elections, with a roadmap and schedule expected within this month. Crime & Courts: In the Dhaka Elevated Expressway murder case, bus supervisor and assistant confessed and the driver was remanded; separately, the High Court upheld death penalties for two JMB militants over a shrine custodian’s murder. HSIA Gold Case: A Biman staffer was placed on five-day remand after nearly 14kg of gold was seized at the airport. Public Health: Dengue deaths rose to 117 with 1,558 hospitalised in a day; measles toll nears 1,000 as wards overflow. Health Services: 184 newly appointed BCS health officers will join posts tomorrow. Parliament & Health Tech: State minister Muhit told JS Bangladesh is set for full-fledged liver transplants next year. Economy & Finance: Per capita debt hit Tk 1.29 lakh; Bangladesh Bank raised annual travel FX entitlement to $18,000. Environment & Rivers: PM Tarique Rahman pushed stepped-up cleanliness and river protection efforts, urging public participation. Sports (U20): India qualified for the AFC U20 Asian Cup after a 3-0 win over Bangladesh, ending Bangladesh’s campaign.

Road Safety Tragedy: A passenger bus fell into a roadside ditch in Gopalganj’s Muksudpur on the Dhaka-Khulna highway, killing three and injuring at least 15 as rain left the road slippery. Justice Update: The High Court granted bail to Bidisha Ershad in a fraud case tied to a flat sale, with lawyers saying there’s no bar to her release. Crime Crackdown: Police arrested nine alleged Dhanmondi robbery gang members, including three retired army personnel, over an armed robbery involving Tk38 lakh. Violence in Dhaka: A woman was shot through an open window while watching TV in Darus Salam; in Savar, a Special Branch sub-inspector was beaten to death over a car parking dispute. Migrant Worker Return: The body of a Bangladeshi killed in an Israeli drone strike in Lebanon returned home to Satkhira after nearly four months. Public Health: Bangladesh reported measles-linked child deaths rising to 991, with thousands of new cases and wards under pressure. Environment & Health Services: Dhaka ranked 13th for worst air quality with AQI 107, while the government plans to recruit 5,000 doctors and 1 lakh health workers under a record health budget. Local Development: A PPP water-supply pilot is set to start in Chattogram with Chattogram WASA and Max Foundation to improve safe water in underserved wards.

Sports (Cricket): Bangladesh U23 thrashed U19 by 9 wickets in the GD Trophy, chasing 190 with only one wicket down, while Miraz left for the CPL with Guyana Amazon Warriors. Sports (Hockey): Bangladesh’s junior men’s hockey team is set for a key clash after Malaysia beat Kazakhstan 8-0 and will face Bangladesh next. Public Health (Dengue): Khulna authorities and volunteers stepped up mosquito-control, while health officials reported 988 fresh dengue cases and 2 deaths in 24 hours. Public Health (Measles): Measles deaths are nearing 1,000, with 4 more children dying in the last 24 hours and hospitals under pressure. Law & Order: Fake cigarette production was detected in Mirpur behind a seed processing centre; 59 people were held in Tejgaon anti-crime drives; a driver was arrested over a body found with a taped mouth on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway. Economy & Business: BRAC Bank launched the CORPnet mobile app for corporate approvals; Fresh LP Gas added a third LPG carrier; nearly half the industrial plots at Jashore EPZ are ready. International (Visas): The US Embassy reminded B1/B2 visa holders that birth tourism, paid work and degree-linked study are not allowed.

Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak is nearing a grim 1,000-child death toll, with suspected and confirmed cases topping 180,000 as hospitals struggle and wards overflow. Opposition Protest: A Jamaat-led 11-party alliance has started a 246-km Dhaka–Chattogram motor long march, demanding a “Gono Vote”/referendum implementation, justice for the July killings, and action on gas, electricity, fuel, fertiliser shortages, and rising prices. Energy Pressure: The government’s housing push at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar (Tk3,542.77cr for 1,512 flats) lands amid wider public anger over energy shortfalls and reliance on imports. Weather Watch: Rain or thunder showers are likely across Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet, with moderately heavy to heavy rainfall possible. Public Safety: Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested 434 in a 24-hour anti-crime drive, seizing yaba, heroin and cash. Border Incident: A farmer in Feni’s Chhagalnaiya was injured in an alleged BSF shooting. Sports: Bangladesh women’s U-20 hockey team opened the Asia Cup with a 7-0 win over Chinese Taipei.

River Erosion: Brahmaputra erosion in Kurigram has left 15 families homeless and threatens homes, cropland and schools along a 500-metre stretch. Agriculture Education: Bangladesh Agricultural University is set to get a $180m ADB-backed upgrade to modernise agricultural research and strengthen other agri universities. Nuclear Power Progress: Rooppur’s plant has been linked into the national grid control system via an agreement integrating key signals into the load dispatch centre, moving it closer to commercial operations. Justice for Narcotics: The government has formed 22 tribunals across districts and metro areas to speed up narcotics trials. Cyber Laws Consultations: ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub sought stakeholder input to finalise the Cyber Security, Personal Data Protection and National Data Management laws. Janmashtami Across Bangladesh: Hindu festivals were marked nationwide with major processions in Dhaka and Chattogram, alongside calls for non-communal harmony. Dhaka Gas-Power Protests: Jurain and Shyampur residents staged a protest over prolonged gas and electricity shortages, warning of tougher action if no plan is shown. Measles Update: Suspected measles deaths rose to 987 this year as one more child died; thousands of new suspected cases were reported. ACC Dubai Asset Probe: ACC is investigating allegations that 73 Bangladeshis acquired Dubai assets through money laundering, preparing a request to UAE authorities. Energy Policy: BERC urged renewable expansion to ease the power crisis and called for scrutiny of corruption allegations in quick rental power deals. Child Abduction Case: Police are searching after a 7-year-old girl was allegedly abducted from Dhaka’s Shewrapara, with CCTV footage prompting raids. Sports: India will host the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy in early 2027; UAE kept Asia Cup semi-final hopes alive with a win over Indonesia.

Janmashtami Security: RAB has stepped up security nationwide for Janmashtami, deploying personnel at temples and processions, intensifying patrols and intelligence monitoring to prevent any disruption. Nepal Flood Aid: Bangladesh has sent US$1 million to Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for flood and landslide victims, with the embassy in Kathmandu receiving the letter from PM Tarique Rahman. Bangladesh–US/China Watch: A new analysis says Bangladesh’s China-US balancing act is getting tougher, especially as Dhaka weighs strategic autonomy against economic vulnerabilities. Dhaka Air Quality: Dhaka ranked among the world’s worst for air quality, recording an AQI of 132 (unhealthy for sensitive groups). Fertiliser Crackdown: In Kurigram, police and a mobile court seized 2,150kg of illegally stockpiled fertiliser and fined two people Tk 1 lakh. Politics at Home: Sheikh Hasina says she plans to return to Bangladesh around December, despite threats and a death sentence, setting up a major test for the BNP-led administration. Transport Safety: A Benapole land port worker died after a workplace accident involving a heavy bale of paper; another worker remains critically injured.

Education & Integrity: Online registration starts for SSC (Vocational) and Dakhil (Vocational) Class IX admissions (Sept 3-20), with institutions forming verification committees; meanwhile, the education ministry has filed a case and permanently barred a teacher for allegedly using students to evaluate Alim-2026 exam papers. Health Watch: Suspected measles deaths rose by three in 24 hours to 986 since March 15, while 55 dengue patients were hospitalised in Chattogram with no fresh deaths reported. Disaster Preparedness: Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu urged earthquake readiness and training of 100,000 volunteers for faster rescue and support. Public Services: Posts and IT minister Faqir Mahbub says the government will upgrade 9,000-plus post offices and expand e-commerce fulfilment centres. Economy & Markets: Bangladesh Bank widens hi-tech park firms’ access to foreign-payment remittances from taka accounts; remittances climbed 18.6% to $6.05b in FY27 (early period). Governance & Justice: ACC approved a case against Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and others over alleged Tk 276.30 crore CSR embezzlement; a court attached assets and froze accounts of ex-railway minister Mujibul Haque. Culture & Society: Shilpakala Academy launches an Artist Enlistment Programme; PM Tarique Rahman urges vigilance against rumours and communal provocation ahead of Janmashtami.

Asian Games Cricket: Bangladesh recalled Najmul Hossain Shanto and Hasan Mahmud to the T20I squad, with Litton Das returning as captain ahead of the Sept 28 quarter-final. Transport Safety: Dhaka-Jamalpur long-distance bus services were suspended after attacks on transport workers and vandalism following a deadly accident. Maritime Disruption: Over 250 passengers were stranded for more than seven hours on a Chattogram ferry due to low water levels; another ferry reached Banshberia after hours of delay. Nepal Flood Fallout: Nepal has halted electricity exports to Bangladesh after floods damaged hydropower plants; exports dropped to zero. Public Health: Dengue cases are surging, with experts warning the outbreak could worsen in September and October. Justice & Accountability: Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal leaders, including Hasanul Haq Inu and Dipu Moni, were produced before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 in the Shapla Chattar case. Economy & Prices: Gold prices rose again after recent cuts, while Bangladesh Bank and banking-sector updates continued amid pressure on bad loans.

Women’s Cricket: The ICC has moved the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy from Sri Lanka to India, with matches in Mumbai and Vadodara from Feb 14–28; Bangladesh is among the six teams. Bangladesh Cricket: Towhid Hridoy made history by scoring an unbeaten 350 for Bangladesh A against South Africa A in Potchefstroom, becoming the first Bangladeshi to hit a first-class triple century abroad. Energy & Cost of Living: Bangladesh cut LPG prices for September (12-kg cylinder now Tk 1,585) and rolled out rooftop solar incentives with battery storage to ease the power crunch. Power Crisis Response: Business leaders urged bringing idle coal/furnace oil/diesel plants back online to relieve gas pressure amid the LNG supply squeeze. Finance & Banking: BRAC Bank got a $50m IFC facility to expand MSME lending, especially women-led and agricultural businesses; Sammilito Islami Bank saw 18,000 customers seek Tk 1,300cr withdrawals on day one. Public Health: Dengue deaths rose by five in 24 hours to 107 total, with 1,110 new hospitalisations reported. Climate Governance: PM Tarique Rahman will chair a new National Committee on Climate Finance to coordinate climate funding and carbon credit activities.

Climate Finance for Nepal Floods: Nepal has asked the UN Loss and Damage Fund for help after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi flash flood, saying the disaster caused mass deaths, displacement and damage to homes and services. Power & Energy: Bangladesh launched rooftop solar incentives with battery storage, paying 10.50 taka per kWh for surplus power fed to the grid for three years, aiming to cut fuel imports amid severe shortages. Air Quality in Dhaka: Dhaka ranked 11th globally for poor air, with AQI 105 (“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”). Urban Policing: Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested 438 people in 24 hours in anti-crime drives and filed 86 cases, seizing yaba, heroin, cash and phones. Gold Update: Bajus cut local gold prices by Tk 4,374 per bhori; 22-carat now Tk 2,31,880. Weather Outlook: September may see fewer rains but 1–3 monsoon low-pressure systems and possible heatwaves. Sports & Governance: BCB charged three over alleged BPL corruption breaches; separately, online Class XI admissions begin with merit-based selection. Border Security: BGB inaugurated a drone warfare and surveillance school in Sylhet.

Mecca Pact Watch: Bangladesh says it is “open” to joining the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca Joint Defense Agreement if invited, while India flags national security concerns—analysts warn it could complicate Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi. BCB Corruption Probe: The BCB integrity unit has charged three people, including former board director Mukhlesur Rahman, over alleged breaches of the ICC anti-corruption code linked to past BPL seasons. Trade & Markets: Bangladesh’s exports rose 13.14% year-on-year in August, led by a garment rebound; the BSEC also approved draft rules for direct listing without IPO for eligible firms, including those with Tk 500cr turnover. Energy & Power: ADB approved a $175m loan to upgrade electricity in the Chattogram Hill Tracts; meanwhile, gas supply is expected to normalise by early September amid ongoing shortages. Digital & Consumer Finance: BTRC raised the mobile-balance spending cap under Direct Operator Billing by 150% to Tk 5,000, enabling more smartphone purchases via phone balance. Health & Agriculture: Dengue deaths and cases continue to rise, while shrimp farms in Khulna’s Batiaghata report heavy losses after disease wiped out stock. Climate & Disaster: Bangladesh faces below-normal rainfall and possible cyclones in Sep-Nov, as UN warns rising seas are already threatening homes in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Disaster Response: Nepal’s catastrophic flash floods and Tibet-linked flooding have killed over 1,000 people, with about 4,200 still missing, as rescue teams race to reach people trapped in hydropower tunnels. Power & Development: The ADB approved a $175m concessional loan to modernise electricity in Bangladesh’s Chattogram Hill Tracts, aiming to raise grid access and support nearly 88,000 more households. Dhaka Mobility: Traffic crawled in parts of Dhaka, especially around Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and Farmgate, as BNP leaders and activists moved in processions for the party’s 48th founding anniversary. Aviation: SalamAir launched its first direct Muscat–Sylhet service, becoming the first foreign airline to operate scheduled flights to Sylhet. Health & Safety: Dhaka’s air quality hit 11th worst globally, with an AQI of 105 classed “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” Criminal Justice: A case was filed over alleged sexual abuse of a 7-year-old in a Savar madrasa, naming four teachers and six students. Sports (Bangladesh-India): BCB chief Tamim Iqbal said discussions with BCCI are ongoing to find a window for the delayed India home white-ball series in 2026-27.

Women’s Asia Cup: Bangladesh beat Indonesia by 71 runs in Dubai, posting 129/8 and then bowling out Indonesia for 58; Nahida Akter took 3 wickets and Marufa Akter 2 as Bangladesh started their campaign on a strong note. BCB-India Cricket: BCB chief Tamim Iqbal says the proposed Bangladesh-India home white-ball series is not scrapped and both boards are seeking a new window, with hopes for early next year. Nepal Flood Rescue: Catastrophic Nepal-China floods have killed hundreds and pushed deaths past 950, with thousands missing; rescuers are racing to free workers feared trapped in hydropower tunnels where survival chances are fading without clean water. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak worsened, with six more children dying in 24 hours and the toll nearing 1,000 as suspected cases surge. Capital Markets: BSEC plans to make listing mandatory for “public interest companies,” aiming to speed up direct listing and reform the IPO process. Banking & Economy: Standard Chartered Bangladesh appointed Enamul Huque as CEO from Sept 1; meanwhile, government bank borrowing in FY26 overshot targets by over Tk 47,500cr. Dhaka Civic Drive: DSCC and Bidyanondo launched “Food for Waste,” letting residents exchange plastic and other waste for daily essentials. Sports-Politics: Tamim urged separating sports from politics after Bangladesh’s World Cup withdrawal.