AGP Executive Report

Smart Border Push: India’s “Smart Border” drive just got a tech boost as Zen Technologies launched its Integrated Smart Border Suite (ISBS), an AI-enabled 24/7 system aimed at tackling illegal infiltration, drone smuggling and other cross-border threats—sending Zen shares up nearly 4% to 7% in early trading. Bangladesh Eid Disruption: Heavy rain and accidents triggered a 45-km traffic gridlock on the Dhaka–Tangail–Jamuna Bridge highway, with toll operations temporarily adjusted while vehicles were cleared. Energy Security Plan: Bangladesh is moving to strengthen power and fuel supply with a Tk 3,600 crore investment package, including solar power for remote Chattogram Hill Tracts. Local Cleanup Operations: DNCC says it will remove sacrificial animal waste within 12 hours after Eid prayers, deploying 16,000 staff and 700 vehicles. Climate Risk Watch: New research highlights “lethal humidity” as a fast-growing threat that could drive displacement across the region.

Human Rights Push: Bangladesh rights groups mark the International Week of the Disappeared, urging the government to stop enforced disappearances, reveal truth, deliver justice and reparations, and prevent recurrence after a reported 1,600 cases were documented following the 2024 uprising. Eid Logistics & Public Services: Chattogram’s Shah Amanat Airport saw multiple flight delays and cancellations due to adverse weather, while DNCC plans to clear sacrificial waste within 12 hours using 16,000 workers and 750 vehicles, alongside hygiene supplies and public campaigns. Weather Disruption: Rainwater has flooded parts of BUET and Bakshibazar, raising health fears ahead of Eid, and a mild 3.4 quake was felt in Dhaka and Mymensingh. Regional Tech/Trade: China highlights CIIE’s “spillover” via year-round import trading at Shanghai’s Hongqiao hub, while Bangladesh’s Barind farmers are shifting from paddy to fruit and other lower-water crops as groundwater drops. Business & Policy: Malaysia’s tax rules are tightening scrutiny on related-party transfer pricing, and Bangladesh’s mobile tax reform debate is back in focus.

Eid Power Watch: Bangladesh’s Power Division says it has set up round-the-clock monitoring and standby repair teams to keep electricity steady during Eid-ul-Azha, with generation capacity readied for a peak demand of about 12,000–13,000MW. Padma Momentum: The Padma Bridge logged 43,351 vehicle crossings in 24 hours, bringing toll revenue above Tk 48.01m, helped by RFID-based electronic tolling. AI on the Streets (and the scams): Dhaka police say AI traffic enforcement is already changing driver behaviour, but scammers are exploiting the rollout with fake SMS “fine” links to steal card details. EVs in Focus: EV registrations have climbed to 669 by May 14, 2026, as green plates and rising fuel costs push more buyers to consider electric options. Health Alerts: Eid travel is raising measles risk as infections and child deaths keep climbing, while WHO has declared an Ebola emergency and Bangladesh is still criticised for weak testing and preparedness. Policy Update: The government plans to replace the 1867 Gambling Act to tighten the ban on betting and online gambling.

Ebola Preparedness Gap: WHO has declared a global public health emergency over Ebola, but Bangladesh still lacks practical readiness—no BSL-4 lab for testing and no passenger screening at ports tied to travel history—while authorities say they’re only now preparing port instructions. Measles Spike Ahead of Eid: Eid-ul-Azha travel is expected to boost measles spread; DGHS reports 17 child deaths and 1,224 new infections in a day, with total deaths now at 545 since mid-March. Law-and-Order Strain: Attacks on law enforcers are rising, with 213 incidents recorded Jan–Apr and a new case in Chattogram where an armed group vandalised a joint forces camp. AI Meets Traffic—and Scams: Bangladesh is using AI to tackle Dhaka traffic, but scammers are exploiting the rollout with fake “overspeeding” SMS links. Energy Pressure on Industry: Energy costs are climbing across factories and farms, driven by reliance on imported fuels and LNG volatility. Digital Divide: Mobile access is near universal, yet advanced digital participation remains uneven, with computers far less common than smartphones.

Cricket Rights Shock: JioStar chief Uday Shankar warns cricket boards are “pricing themselves out” as the buyer pool shrinks, saying matches like India–Afghanistan should not cost the same as India–England, and hinting at internal questions over how much more the platform can pay. Border Crackdown in Bengal: West Bengal is turning its “detect, delete and deport” line into policy by ordering district “holding centres” for suspected illegal foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation. Bangladesh Traffic Gets AI: Dhaka police say an AI-linked traffic enforcement system is already changing driver behavior, with automatic fines sent via text after camera-detected violations. EV Push: Japanese EV brand glafit plans an 800-bike pilot in Bangladesh, using charging and battery-swapping with PRAN-RFL’s retail network. Public Safety Gap: A study finds 60% of Bangladeshis lack first-aid knowledge for burn victims, with harmful home practices still common. Health & Security: Peacekeeping troop levels hit a 25-year low globally, while Bangladesh’s home minister inspected new forensic and counter-terror tech facilities.

AI Traffic Control: Dhaka police say an AI camera system is already nudging drivers to obey rules, targeting red-light jumping, illegal parking and lane violations ahead of Eid rush. Public Health Shock: Measles is surging hard—test positivity hit 61% and deaths rose again in the past week, with experts warning Eid travel could spread transmission further. Tax Pressure: The NBR is preparing higher VAT and duties on dozens of items and services, while industry voices are urging the government to avoid new taxes on everyday food. Digital Finance & Inclusion: EBL Skybanking won an accessibility award for inclusive mobile banking features. Eid Tech in Livestock Markets: Prime Bank launched a Bangla QR cattle payment system to reduce cash hassles during Eid-ul-Adha. Industry & Exports: Commerce ministry pushes sector-based export plans for Saudi Arabia, while EU envoys visited Apex to praise sustainability practices. Markets: DSEX extended its rally to a fifth session, despite cautious trading.

AI Traffic Policing: Dhaka has rolled out its first AI-powered traffic enforcement, linking cameras to software that automatically detects violations and sends fines by text—drivers say it’s cutting the usual arguments and confrontations. Central Bank Push: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 600b refinancing and support package to revive private-sector activity and reopen closed factories, targeting 2.5m jobs. Industry Under Pressure: Leather stakeholders say Savar’s CETP is still incomplete, keeping rivers polluted and pushing renewed calls for a dedicated National Leather Board and easier compliance access. EU Sustainability Spotlight: EU diplomats visited Apex Footwear’s Gazipur plant, praising its LWG Gold-rated tannery and renewable energy integration. Policy & Health: Food safety officials plan stricter regulation on hormones, fertilisers and insecticides, while experts warn monsoon risks could rise even if rainfall is forecast to be below normal. Viral Culture Watch: In India, rapper Santy Sharma criticized the “Cockroach Janta Party” as internet drama, while the trend continues to spread online.

Bangladesh Bank Stimulus: Bangladesh Bank just rolled out a Tk 600b refinancing and support package to restart stalled factories and boost jobs—aiming to create 2.5m employment, with Tk 410b refinancing and Tk 190b central-bank support at subsidised rates. EU Industry Push: EU diplomats visited Apex Footwear’s Gazipur plant, praising LWG Gold sustainability steps and renewable energy use—another signal of Europe’s focus on greener supply chains in Bangladesh. Disability Inclusion by Data: BRAC Bank, BBDN and The Business Standard held a roundtable arguing disability policy must be built on solid numbers, not assumptions. Women at Work, Unequal Reality: A new report highlights women’s growing labour role but warns most are stuck in informal, low-protection jobs. Textile Skills & No New State Mills: Commerce minister Muktadir said private sector will lead industry growth, while textile education needs faster skills upgrades. Eid Logistics & Mosquito Control: Railway officials inspected Chattogram Eid travel readiness; DSCC says mosquito breeding can be cut up to 65% by tackling stagnant water. Crypto Crime Warning: Authorities renewed calls to tackle crypto-linked laundering and fraud.

EV Push: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman test-drove locally made electric vehicles at the PMO, promising support for manufacturers if quality and safety standards hold. Border Tech: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says a tech-enabled “smart border” will be rolled out next year to make the Pakistan-Bangladesh frontiers “impenetrable,” using drones, radars and smart cameras. Telecom & Taxes: A report warns telecom tax burdens are choking digital inclusion, with taxes taking a huge share of mobile revenue. Eid Countdown: Eid-ul-Azha travel fears are rising as road works, cattle markets and toll delays threaten gridlock. Crypto Laundering: Bangladesh’s CID says it has recovered only a small portion of $136m laundered via a crypto fraud case, citing limits in access to major exchanges. Environment: Locals allege the Korotoa River is being “dying” from encroachment and industrial pollution. Justice Alarm: Rights groups and families are again questioning the justice system after brutal child violence, citing weak safeguards and slow outcomes.

Smart Border Push: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah says a tech-enabled “smart border” will be rolled out by next year along the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers, using drones, radars and smart cameras to make the ~6,000-km borders “impenetrable” and to identify and deport “each and every infiltrator.” He also framed it as a bid to stop attempts at “artificial change” in India’s demography. Bangladesh Tech & Economy: A World Bank study warns Bangladesh state-owned enterprises cost the treasury about Tk 882 billion in a year, adding major fiscal risk. Health Supply Shock: Nepal’s cancer hospital reports a three-month halt in cisplatin supply, with patients facing acute shortages. Media Safety: A new multi-country study finds 69% of sexual harassment cases in media workplaces go unreported, with women hit hardest. Digital Inclusion Pressure: Bangladesh’s telecom sector faces heavy taxes that the report says are blocking digital connectivity and growth. Viral Politics: India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” satire keeps spreading online, even as its founder says he’s receiving threats.

Telecom Tax Shock: A new report says Bangladesh’s telecom sector is paying the price for heavy taxes—total taxes and fees take about 55% of mobile operators’ revenue, while consumer/operator turnover taxes add another 39%—hurting internet access and digital inclusion. SIM Cost Cut Talks: The government is considering reducing new SIM issuance tax and scrapping taxes on SIM replacements plus IoT/M2M SIMs, after BTRC flagged the current structure as a barrier to subscriber growth. Public Finance Pressure: World Bank research warns SOEs drained about Tk 88,200 crore in a year, deepening fiscal risk as revenue collection weakens. Health Crisis Loop: Measles deaths continue amid widening vaccine gaps, and rabies supplies remain a growing concern. Workplace Safety: A multi-country study finds 69% of media workplace sexual harassment cases go unreported, with women hit hardest.

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.