AGP Executive Report

Public Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles-like outbreak worsened again, with four more child deaths reported in 24 hours and the suspected-linked toll rising to 788 as new cases keep flooding hospitals. Immigration & Exploitation: Malaysia’s immigration raid in Pudu detained 17 undocumented people, including an Indonesian couple suspected of facilitating prostitution, after phone records pointed to transactions. Governance & Civil Service: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed urged a politically neutral, citizen-friendly civil service, while the government also continued disaster response efforts in flood-hit districts. Parliament Modernisation: Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal asked UNDP for technical and financial support to modernise Parliament via an e-Parliament initiative and a fellowship for young graduates. Culture & Identity: Bangladesh reinstated “Except for Israel” on e-passports and updated watermarks with figures linked to the July 2024 uprising, alongside national symbols. Arts & Community: Afroza Khanam launched “One Child, One Tree” in Manikganj to build environmental responsibility among children. Sports Spectacle: FIFA’s World Cup 2026 closing ceremony lineup was announced, promising a music-and-culture celebration before the final.

International Education & Migration: Bangladesh Bank data shows overseas education spending more than doubled in five years, reaching Tk 109.33b (US$881.7m) in FY2025-26, as more families fund study abroad themselves. Diaspora Finance: The government will pilot the “Probashi Card” in the second week of August, with Janata Bank issuing the first phase and plans to scale to 200,000 cardholders by June next year. Culture & Music Diplomacy: India’s IGCC in Dhaka hosted “Shravan Sandhya,” featuring Hindustani classical and Rabindra Sangeet performances by Bangladeshi artists, celebrating shared monsoon heritage. Health & Care: A five-day international medical mission in Dhaka will provide free cleft lip and palate surgeries for about 100 children, supported by Dhaka Bank and SAJIDA Foundation. Public Health Warning: WHO and UNICEF report vaccination progress in 2025, but millions of children still miss full protection, keeping measles risks high. Governance & Services: PMO briefings highlight a push for grassroots information flow and governance reforms, alongside plans to expand upazila healthcare capacity. Local Skills & Livelihoods: A handloom training centre in Sirajganj aims to upgrade weavers’ skills and help them scale up businesses. Sports Culture: Argentina’s World Cup “villain” image continues to shape global fan rivalries, from Maradona to Messi.

Heritage & Soft Power: India’s “civilisational renaissance” story spotlights temple restoration abroad, with Prambanan conservation in Indonesia led by India’s ASI and framed as global cultural diplomacy. Bangladesh–Diaspora Finance: The government approved a pilot Probashi Card (and Expatriate Card) with a dual-currency debit card, fast-track airport services, hospital priority benefits, and support for returnee migrants. RMG Tech Upgrade: Ha-Meem Group signed an MoU with Robonauts to speed up Industry 4.0 in garments via robotics/AI, automation, and upskilling for workers and leaders. Halal Export Friction: Businesses say halal certification is costly, slow, and duplicative, pushing exporters to seek foreign certificates; they want a simpler, possibly single-window process. Youth, Skills & Jobs: A report links Bangladesh’s employment crisis to weak learning and job-ready skills; meanwhile, a deputy speaker backs technology-based training institutes. Public Health: Measles-like deaths rose again, with the combined toll reaching 784 and suspected cases climbing past 116,000. Education Calendar: SSC results are now expected after July 28, as boards miss the July 20 deadline. Culture & Community: “July Warriors Day” is marked with performances and discussions at the Bangladesh Film Archive. Sports Fandom: Bangladesh fans are again celebrating Argentina’s World Cup run ahead of the final.

Flood Response: Bangladesh keeps up relief and public awareness after flash floods, landslides and hill collapses in the southeast and northeast, with thousands of homes and schools damaged and shelters opened before evacuees returned. Debt & SDGs: Finance Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir urges the UN to set up a debt restructuring/relief mechanism so Bangladesh can keep investing in children, women, education, health and social protection. Rath Yatra Culture: ISKCON Bangladesh kicks off Jagannath Rath Yatra across Dhaka’s 128 locations, with lakh-plus devotees pulling chariots amid music, dance and tight security. Student Life Under Strain: Gen Z protests flare over HSC exam disruptions and demands for education reforms, as rain and waterlogging hit campuses and schedules. Public Health Push: DNCC and Gulshan Society launch a month-long dengue awareness drive, stressing year-round mosquito control. Migration Tragedy: UN agencies report two boats with 500+ Rohingya feared dead off Myanmar, highlighting the deadly sea route and Bangladesh’s refugee pressures. Regional Politics: Bangladesh “shelves” an India visit for now amid rising tensions and unresolved water-sharing deadlines. Security & Crime: Police arrest a youth over alleged hacking of the NBR customs system tied to smuggling attempts through Chattogram Port.

Heritage & Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s Ambassador to China, Md. Nazmul Islam, joined a week-long International Cultural Heritage Protection Week opening in Shanxi, with calls for deeper cross-border cooperation to safeguard cultural assets amid climate and urban pressures. Rohingya Crisis: Two boats carrying about 530 Rohingya asylum seekers vanished after leaving Rakhine State; researchers and rights groups fear capsizing with little chance of survival, with women and children among those onboard. Safe Migration for Women: Bangladesh and IOM pushed safe, orderly overseas employment, stressing protection, transparency, and new labour markets—especially for women in the Middle East and beyond. Sports & Culture: Bangladesh’s women’s kabaddi team kicked off the five-match series against Nepal with a 34-24 win, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s daughter cheering the players. Local Communal Harmony: State Minister Mir Helal said Bangladesh is set to be an example of communal harmony, highlighting Rath Yatra traditions and pledging protection of pond-bank land. Education & Exams: Flood-hit Chattogram boards suspended HSC/equivalent exams indefinitely, as students and families demand relief and clearer next steps. Youth, Faith & Public Life: BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul reiterated commitment to the July National Charter while accusing opponents of misleading the public ahead of contentious political debates. Migration Enforcement Abroad: UK immigration enforcement arrested Bangladeshi nationals in Shimla, Beauly, for suspected illegal working, with civil penalty steps underway.

Rohingya Tragedy: UNHCR and IOM report two boats capsized off Myanmar, with more than 500 feared dead; many passengers were Rohingya, some linked to camps in Bangladesh, underscoring how desperation keeps pushing families onto deadly seas. Education & Flood Relief: Chattogram Education Board postponed all remaining HSC and equivalent exams indefinitely due to flood damage, transport problems, and students’ mental strain, with revised schedules promised later. Cultural Life—Rath Yatra: Jagannath’s Rath Yatra drew thousands in Dhaka and across Bangladesh, including ISKCON’s procession under tight DMP security, while officials and party leaders reiterated a non-communal, peaceful festival message. July Martyrs’ Commemoration: Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and others marked July Martyrs’ Day, linking the sacrifices to a discrimination-free Bangladesh. Demography & Rights: UNFPA pledged to spotlight Bangladesh’s demographic resilience and women-focused social security priorities globally. Literary Politics: Taslima Nasrin’s return to Kolkata reignited debate over exile, free speech, and whether Bangladesh will ever allow her to come home. Inclusive Access: Prime Bank and BERDO distributed Braille learning materials to visually impaired students, boosting education and financial inclusion.

Rath Yatra & religious harmony: Thousands packed Dhaka for the start of the nine-day Ratha Yatra, with ministers calling for communal peace and unity across faiths. July Martyrs’ Day: The day was observed nationwide with tributes and prayers, including in Khulna, as leaders renewed pledges tied to the July Charter. Scholarship scam warning: The Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust cautioned students and schools about fraudsters seeking scholarship OTPs and passwords. Measles crisis: Bangladesh reported eight more measles-like child deaths, pushing the combined toll to 779, alongside rising suspected and confirmed cases. Rohingya tragedy at sea: UN agencies fear more than 500 deaths after two boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsized off Myanmar, underscoring the deadly monsoon route. Creative economy push: The government unveiled steps to grow Bangladesh’s creative economy, aiming for 500,000 new jobs and higher GDP contribution. BIMSTEC security cooperation: Ajit Doval chaired the 5th BIMSTEC National Security Advisers’ meeting, focusing on counter-terrorism, cyber and maritime disaster response. Ethnic communities & inclusion: PM Tarique Rahman met ethnic representatives, promising a discrimination-free Bangladesh and discussing demands like land dispute resolution and cultural recognition. Financial inclusion for disability: Prime Bank partnered with BERDO to distribute Braille learning materials for visually impaired students.

Democracy & Rights in South Asia: A Brussels European Parliament dialogue on “Democratic Transition, Human Rights, and Geopolitics” brought together policymakers and civil society to discuss how the region can protect freedoms amid rising tensions. Literature Under Pressure: Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen is set to return to Kolkata on Aug 1 for an anti-fundamentalism event, reigniting debates on free speech and religious extremism. Urban Cleanliness & Governance: In Dhaka, leaders pushed citizen-led waste management and an integrated “City Government” model to tackle urban chaos. July Martyrs & Uprising Commemorations: The President urged unity to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh, while education authorities set programmes for July Martyrs Day (July 16) and July Uprising Day (Aug 5). HSC Exam Protests: Students continued road blockades and demanded optional retests after weather disruptions, with political pressure growing around the education minister. Floods & Health Strain: Flood damage hit traders and small businesses in Chattogram, while dengue and measles outbreaks complicate care. Rohingya Boat Tragedy: Reports of two capsized boats in the Bay of Bengal have left more than 500 feared dead, underscoring the risks faced by Rohingya refugees. Migration Crackdown: Tamil Nadu police detained 73 Bangladeshi nationals in Hosur, with deportation steps underway.

Education Protests: HSC examinees and students in Dhaka blocked major roads and intersections, demanding the education minister’s resignation over flood-hit exam handling; after talks, they lifted blockades but warned of a “Long March” to the Secretariat if demands aren’t met by 10pm. Floods & Safety: Monsoon rain and landslides have killed dozens and displaced over a million, with Rohingya camps facing deadly landslide risks as shelters and drainage need urgent upgrades. Health Alert: Bangladesh’s measles toll keeps rising, with suspected deaths pushing the combined total to 772 amid ongoing outbreaks and vaccination gaps. AI & Governance: PM adviser Mahdi Amin says a national AI policy is being considered to make public services faster, more transparent, and accountable. Sports for Kids: The PM announced a “Gold Cup” football tournament for primary students starting next year, with gradual expansion to secondary levels. Culture & Literature: Taslima Nasreen is set to return to Kolkata for a literary event, reigniting free-speech and religious-sensitivity debates. Religious Calendar: Rath Yatra begins tomorrow, with Dhaka’s rituals and processions planned across temples and ISKCON centres. Internet Crackdown: ISP groups warn of possible service disruption unless extortionists behind attacks on ISP offices are arrested within 24 hours. Business/Industry: RAK Ceramics Bangladesh appoints Khourshed Alam as CEO, signaling a push for growth and operational excellence.

Human-Centric Development: Bangladesh-born British scholar Prof. Tasleem Shakur argues cities should be shaped by lived experience, not just trendy academic theory. Skills & Jobs: A new push for a Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework highlights a skills gap where training doesn’t always match factory needs. Women’s Health Tech: State Minister Muhit backs a digital health app and better training for frontline workers to strengthen maternal and cancer care. Cancer Care Upgrade: INMP and NICRH sign an MoU to cut waiting times and expand radiation oncology and related services. Education & Exams: PM adviser Mahdi Amin says most HSC centres are ready except Chattogram board, while primary education’s medal ceremony spotlights student talent. Health Crisis: DGHS reports seven more child deaths from measles/measles-like symptoms in 24 hours. Culture & Community: DU plans July uprising anniversary events, including a July Monument and a July Memory Corner. Religious & Rights Tensions: A priest is acquitted in a rape case after six years, while separate coverage flags controversy around mosque access at Kolkata airport. Environment in Action: Engineer Tutul’s three-decade green mission has funded millions of saplings nationwide. Power Cuts Hit Industry: Frequent outages in Ilam are disrupting tea and dairy production. Sports Spotlight: Axar Patel’s elite ODI all-round record vs England makes headlines. Youth & Startups: PM announces collateral-free startup financing and a “second chance” for failed ventures. Immigration & Safety: Reports include Assam repatriations and a crackdown in Mangaluru targeting illegal Bangladeshi networks. Rohingya Urgency: UNHCR investigates reports of two boats capsizing with Rohingya refugees.

Education & Student Protests: HSC examinees and students returned to Dhaka’s Science Lab and Parliament area, blocking roads and demanding the education minister’s resignation over exams held amid floods, rain, and alleged question-paper errors; the minister later said some papers may be rescheduled and expressed regret for remarks calling candidates “farm chickens,” while teachers in Sylhet received show-cause notices over Physics question inconsistencies. Flood Response & Health: With over 1.1 million people affected by monsoon floods and landslides, the PM ordered maximum preparedness, including emergency antivenom and supplies; Oxfam warned of cascading damage in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camps. Public Health & Vaccines: Bangladesh will add the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine to routine EPI from Aug 1 for 15-month-olds. Culture & Language: The education minister said mother-tongue education for ethnic communities is expanding via indigenous-language textbooks and teacher training. Sports Development: The BCB begins a Level 2 coaching course at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium tomorrow. International Spotlight: Sheikh Hasina’s reported December return sparked political debate, with Bangladesh saying it wants her to face legal process.

Primary Education Reform: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj says Bangladesh will introduce play-based learning and STEM labs in primary schools, aiming to build scientific thinking from day one. Inclusive Tech Learning: Korea Education and Research Information Service and Bangladesh’s education ministry set up a feedback advisory group of 60 migrant-background students to improve the AI Korean platform “Korean for Everyone.” Health & Childhood Safety: Bangladesh adds the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine to the routine EPI from Aug 1 for children aged 15 months, and pushes mandatory toy safety standards to better protect kids from hazardous chemicals. Flood Response: Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain cancels leave for health workers in flood-hit districts and keeps medicines, saline and anti-snake venom ready; BCB pledges support for flood victims. Culture & Heritage: US Ambassador Brent Christensen says the US has invested over $1m via the AFCP for Bangladesh heritage preservation, including Mughal-era Musa Khan Mosque restoration. Education Leadership: International School Dhaka appoints Dr Mike Miller as its new director. Rohingya Monsoon Risks: Weather disasters in Rohingya camps have killed at least 15 and affected about 43,000 refugees, with landslides and drowning among the worst hazards.

Dhaka’s cultural calendar: DSCC will host “Hridoye Dhaka” to mark Dhaka Day (Aug 1) with a weeklong heritage push from July 31–Aug 7, including a heritage cycle rally, marathon, and a “Clean City, Green City” campaign. Rath Yatra in Dhaka: ISKCON Bangladesh will stage the nine-day Rath Yatra starting July 16 from Swamibagh to Dhakeshwari, with a route through major city landmarks and a message of harmony and anti-discrimination. Digital finance milestone: City Bank-bKash nano loans have crossed Tk 10,000 crore, reaching 3.5 million users via the bKash app—small-ticket credit for daily needs, emergencies, and education. Floods and displacement: Heavy monsoon rains have pushed Bangladesh’s death toll to 51, with over a million marooned and widespread damage across multiple districts. Rohingya camp risks: Human Rights Watch warns monsoon disasters are becoming predictable as landslides and overcrowding intensify, urging urgent camp safety and aid. Mental health gap: The health minister says 92% of people with mental health conditions receive no treatment, citing a severe shortage of professionals. Education for skills: Govt plans Play and STEM labs in primary schools, starting with hundreds and potentially scaling to all 65,000 govt primary schools. Disability inclusion: A “Shishuswarga Model” pilot aims to build district centres for long-term support, rehab, and vocational pathways for people with disabilities. Religious heritage and policy: A 136-year-old Kolkata airport mosque has seen access and prayers suspended amid security concerns—sparking debate over religion vs airport operations. Money laundering cases: Bangladesh police arrested a man linked to an 81-foot Lord Ram statue proposal in Gaibandha, and another money-laundering arrest was reported in the same case cluster.

Rohingya Crisis & Climate Risk: Human Rights Watch warns monsoon-linked landslides are becoming predictable killers in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps, urging urgent action to cut overcrowding and restore embankments, drainage and safe relocation sites. Floods & Public Safety: Bangladesh reports 44 flood- and landslide-related deaths in a week, with over 2.5 lakh families affected and Dhaka hit by heavy rain and waterlogging that paralysed daily life. Measles Alarm: DGHS says five more children died in the last 24 hours, pushing the measles death toll to 758 as cases keep rising and vaccination gaps remain a concern. Education & Skills: The government plans to move beyond textbooks with guides, workbooks and video lessons for 2027 classes, aiming for more practical, skills-based learning. Culture & Arts: Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury calls to extend Nazrul Year programmes to grassroots to inspire youth with Nazrul’s secular humanism. Telecom & Competition: ICT Minister says there’s no plan to privatise Teletalk and upgrades are underway to improve coverage and service quality. Women’s Empowerment: Bangladesh’s participation in the OIC women’s forum in Islamabad spotlights regional efforts to expand women’s education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Scholarships: Primary scholarship results show 79,246 class V students awarded, with girls making up nearly 55%. Lifestyle Spotlight: Samanzar Sayeed crowned Miss World Bangladesh 2026, set to represent the country at Miss World in Vietnam.

Flood Response & Education Disruption: Heavy rain and waterlogging have left at least 44 dead and over 2.5 lakh families displaced, with Dhaka hit hard and authorities pushing rescue, relief and healthcare coordination. Schools and exams are also affected: HSC and equivalent tests are postponed under the Chattogram Board, while many institutions face flood-linked disruptions. Measles Crisis: Bangladesh reported five more child deaths from measles-like symptoms, bringing the total to 758, as hospitals remain overwhelmed and dengue risk threatens to strain care further. Primary Education Milestone: Primary scholarship results are out, with 79,246 students awarded nationwide (girls 43,354). Textbook Reform Push: The government is finalising four new primary and secondary textbooks for 2027, aiming for error-free, more engaging learning. Digital Payments Policy: BMPCA demands scrapping Bangla QR service charges, arguing fees discourage small merchants and undermine cashless goals. Extremism Crackdown: Police arrested seven people accused of running an extremist network under the cover of martial arts training. Health Infrastructure: Cath labs are planned for every upazila hospital this year, alongside broader efforts to improve diagnostic quality. Cultural Spotlight: Filmmaker Borhan Khan won the AJFB Star Award for best short film director for “Blind Road.”

Flood Relief: Monsoon floods and landslides in southeastern Bangladesh have killed at least 44 people and left over a million stranded across seven districts, with power cuts and damaged roads slowing aid; army and navy teams are delivering food, water and medicines by boat, while Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar also saw landslide deaths. Education Disruption: Chattogram Education Board postponed HSC and equivalent exams until July 16 due to floods, while other boards’ exams proceed as scheduled. Mental Health Push: The government plans to introduce mental health screening nationwide through primary health care units, aiming to shift care toward prevention. Women’s Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s delegation led by AZM Zahid Hossain arrived in Islamabad for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women (July 12-13). Healthcare Trust & DMC Day: PM Tarique Rahman urged doctors to build public trust through compassionate care, linking it to reducing costly overseas treatment. Political Violence Watch: Rights groups say political killings and deaths in custody continue six months into the new BNP-led government, despite official claims of improvement. Local Party Prep: BNP is gearing up for local polls and its December national council, focusing on grassroots restructuring and election pledges. Cultural/Lifestyle: Prime Bank partnered with the British Council to expand employee learning and leadership training.