AGP Executive Report

University Leadership: Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education reshuffled top posts with five new pro-vice chancellors across Chittagong University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, National University Bangladesh and Islamic Arabic University. Semiconductor Push: BSIA’s Silicon River USA Roadshow rolled into Phoenix, Arizona, gathering 80+ NRB semiconductor professionals to back Bangladesh’s semiconductor and advanced packaging ambitions. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Bangladesh reaffirmed its BIMSTEC commitment, stressing connectivity, trade, technology transfer and people-to-people links for a stronger Bay of Bengal ecosystem. Public Health & Research Capacity: Southeast University ran a workshop on genetic and clinical data management to strengthen biomedical research practices and ethical data handling. Finance for Exports: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 3,000cr Export Diversification Refinance Scheme to fund non-RMG exporters at low interest, aiming to reduce export concentration risk. Healthcare Cost Control: DGDA directed hospitals to enforce revised maximum retail prices for coronary stents, with cuts across multiple models. Migrant Work & AI Skills: Bangladesh and Russia discussed a tenfold jump in manpower exports to 100,000 and cooperation on AI applications in agriculture and healthcare. Space & STEM: Bangladesh’s UIU team placed third in the Mars rover challenge in Utah, highlighting growing local robotics talent. Tech for Learning: Xiaomi launched the Redmi Pad 2 (9.7-inch 2K, 120Hz) in Bangladesh, targeting students and online learners.

Migrant Worker Rights at OIC: Labour Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury urged the OIC Labour Centre in Geneva to strengthen workplace safety, social protection and dignified treatment for Bangladeshi workers across OIC states, while pushing skills support in science, technology and the digital economy. Startup Bangladesh Funding Boost: ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam told Parliament that Startup Bangladesh has invested about Tk 109 crore in 36 approved tech startups, with plans to expand the venture fund to Tk 1,000 crore and create thousands of jobs. Open Banking Push: A new push for open banking is gaining momentum as Bangladesh’s banking sector moves toward digital services, with regulators preparing guidelines to enable data sharing via secure APIs. Green Energy Incentives in Budget Talk: The government is considering tax breaks for solar power and EVs, including duty relief for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery imports until 2030, plus possible rebates on electricity bills for solar users. Power Tariff Debate: Bangladesh’s electricity tariffs were raised again for June billing, renewing calls to cut subsidy burdens through cost reduction rather than repeated hikes. Ocean Data for Research: Chittagong University inaugurated the country’s first satellite ocean observation and data innovation center to support marine resource management, climate research and disaster preparedness. Tech for Smart Borders: India’s Land Port Management System ‘Vinimay’ was launched to digitise land-port workflows—an example of how border tech can speed trade and improve security. Bangladesh-Russia Manpower Talks: Dhaka and Moscow discussed increasing Bangladeshi workers in Russia up to 100,000 within a year, alongside cooperation on AI for agriculture and health. Satellite Ocean Data Center Inaugurated at CU: Chittagong University inaugurated the Satellite Ocean Observation and Data Innovation Center to collect and manage ocean data locally for fisheries, shipping and climate research.

Bangladesh-Russia Tech & Jobs: Dhaka is pushing Moscow to recruit up to 100,000 Bangladeshi workers within a year, with talks also covering AI for agriculture and healthcare and support for Bangladesh’s national AI policy. Metro Rail Safety: A safety audit of Dhaka’s MRT Line-6 flagged design and certification gaps after incidents, raising questions about oversight since 2023. Ocean Tech at CU: Chittagong University inaugurated a China-Bangladesh satellite ocean observation ground station for faster real-time ocean and weather data to aid cyclone forecasting and fisheries. Heat Stress Warning: New analysis says unsafe heat days in Bangladesh have nearly tripled since 2000, with heatwaves hitting many districts—fueling calls for a national heat policy response. E-waste Crackdown Gap: Bangladesh remains a net e-waste importer as weak enforcement lets firms bring hazardous waste despite Basel rules. Education & Research: BUET launched a Wellcome Trust-funded “Exposing Hidden Heat” project; IUB topped private universities in Research.com rankings. Trade Pressure: The trade deficit widened to $22.21b in July–April, while govt plans to cut advance income tax on export incentives to support exporters. Women in Leadership: A conference urged more women in decision-making roles, spotlighting their role in the garment workforce. Local Security Infrastructure: Bangladesh Army began road construction in Jungle Salimpur to restore administrative control and mobility.

Cyber Governance: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed says Bangladesh will amend the Cyber Security Act to curb rumours, misinformation and AI-generated misleading content, and introduce a fixed-time takedown push for platforms like Meta. Education Reform: Technical and vocational education is set to become compulsory from Grade Six, with a skills-first curriculum; meanwhile a pilot free-uniform, shoes and bag programme for 350,000 primary students starts in July–August. Energy & Infrastructure: Power Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood orders working papers to make the grid safer and smarter ahead of the nuclear power era; Russia says Rooppur will supply up to 10% of Bangladesh’s electricity. Trade & Industry: Bangladesh’s trade deficit widened to $22.21b in July–April 2025-26; the budget proposal also plans to halve advance income tax on export cash incentives to 5%. Digital Environment Impact: A UN study warns AI could consume water and electricity at country-scale levels by 2030, straining Asia’s resources. Labour Mobility: Mauritius is set to reopen Bangladesh’s labour market after an MoU is drafted. Higher Education Leadership: New VCs appointed for four science and technology universities, including LSTU’s first VC. Creative Economy: Bangladesh’s piracy problem is framed as a direct threat to the country’s creative economy and IP value. Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh seeks Russia’s support to join BRICS and SCO.

Apple WWDC 2026: Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off in Cupertino tonight, with reports pointing to a major Siri overhaul that could act like a full AI chatbot, plus previews of iOS 27, macOS 27 and other OS updates. AI’s environmental bill: A new UN-backed report warns AI growth could sharply raise electricity, water and land use, with data-centre demand projected to surge by 2030. Bangladesh digital identity: A new analysis argues Bangladesh’s NID ecosystem is fragmented and calls for a more interoperable, secure digital identity framework. Bangladesh–Turkey ties: Bangladesh and Turkey plan a joint defence-and-foreign-affairs mechanism to institutionalise regular strategic coordination. Energy security push: A Bangladesh parliamentary committee recommends boosting strategic fuel reserves to at least three months, diversifying imports and adding full digital monitoring. Capital market tech drive: Bangladesh’s new BSEC leadership pledges digitisation to speed IPOs and curb manipulation, as DSE turnover hits a near-two-year high. Smart borders in India: India will launch a Land Port Management System (LPMS) to digitise cargo and passenger processing, linking land ports with national systems. Fashion sustainability awards: H&M Foundation’s Global Change Award 2026 highlights biobased materials and AI-enabled manufacturing efficiency, including Bangladesh’s threadBridge. Public health concern: Dhaka’s rat infestation is linked to poor waste management, with experts warning about disease spread.

Energy & Media Diplomacy: Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) and Bangladesh-China Apon Media Club signed an MoU to boost Bangladesh-China media cooperation and expand energy-sector information exchange. Sustainable Industry: Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government will push reuse of industrial byproducts by converting them into commercially viable products, citing sugar-mill molasses and press-mud bio-fertiliser plans. Education for Jobs: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged skills-and-technology-based, job-oriented education over certificate-centric learning, launching a National University training programme to build 12,000 college teachers. Power Reliability: A grid cable snap at Narayanganj’s Hasnabad 132KV substation triggered repeated outages and public anger, disrupting water supply and daily life. Energy Security Policy: A JS special committee recommended expanding strategic fuel reserves (at least three months), diversifying imports, and adding automation and digital monitoring across the energy supply chain. Green Energy Pushback: CPD warned Bangladesh’s tax system favors fossil fuels over renewables, urging fiscal reforms to speed the green transition. Inflation Watch: Bangladesh’s inflation hit a 16-month high at 9.42% in May, driven mainly by food prices, with analysts warning more pressure ahead. AI & Safety: Bangladesh reported a surge in AI-driven misinformation and deepfakes targeting prominent figures, while experts backed mandatory front-of-package warning labels to cut health risks from ultra-processed foods. Transport Safety: Eid-ul-Azha travel saw 402 road deaths and 1,294 injuries, with calls for structural reforms and better tech-based road management. Tech in Education/Research: Daffodil Polytechnic signed a China MoU with Sias University for exchanges and joint research, and UIU’s Mars Rover team secured 3rd globally and 1st in Asia at URC 2026. Finance & Industry Pressure: BGMEA plans an emergency meeting over a continued garment export slump, and banks/markets coverage highlighted budget funding stress and revenue shortfalls ahead of FY27. Earthquake Alert: A 5.6 quake struck Bhutan near Punakha, with tremors felt across Northeast India and Bangladesh.

Skills for jobs: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated a national training programme for 12,000 college teachers to embed skills-based, job-oriented education in the National University curriculum, stressing mandatory internships and stronger industry-academia linkage. Clean energy push: CPD warned Bangladesh’s fiscal system discriminates against renewables, calling for a symbolic 1% tax on renewable equipment and a Tk 25,000 crore green revolving finance facility; separate reporting also urged fiscal overhaul to end unequal burdens on clean tech. Digital safety & fake news: Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon urged ICT experts to draft a practical national action plan to tackle fake news, misinformation and cyber risks, saying digital security now matters as much as border security. AI misuse concerns: A report highlights rising AI-driven crimes and rumor spread, calling for urgent AI policy/regulation. Health tech supply: Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission held a meeting on cyclotron-based PET radiopharmaceutical demand and strengthening supply for PET-CT centres. Public health access: Experts called for separate budget allocation and stronger drug supply systems to ensure uninterrupted anti-hypertensive medicines for hypertension control. Trade ties: Dhaka and Ankara discussed FTA plans and more Turkish investment, especially in textiles and smart technologies. Regional cooperation: Nepal PM urged BIMSTEC to tackle climate change together and boost connectivity in transport, trade and digital networks. Environment & industry: Leather sector faces export pressure over slow CETP progress and compliance gaps; experts also warned about mounting structural challenges. Tech in the real world: Govt plans locally made electric ambulances in a pilot upazila, aiming to cut import dependence and improve emergency access.

ADP Accountability: BNP’s 2026-27 development blueprint is set at Tk 3 trillion, with a 50% jump and a shift toward transport, education, health, energy and housing—but experts warn debt risks and weak execution, citing only 41.41% implementation of the current ADP so far. Green Energy Push: Civil society and energy experts demand a 1% tax on renewable equipment and a Tk 25,000 crore revolving green finance fund via Bangladesh Bank, to speed clean energy and cut import dependence. Leather Export Bottleneck: Leather stakeholders blame years-long delays in making Savar’s CETP fully functional, saying incomplete compliance infrastructure is stalling exports. Electric Ambulances: Govt plans locally made electric ambulances with a pilot in one upazila, aiming to cut import reliance and improve emergency access through a tiered service model. Digital Economy Relief: Budget talks include exempting individual content creators and freelancers from 7.5% source tax, to boost online entrepreneurship. AI & Jobs: PwC finds over one-third of Bangladeshi CEOs expect AI to reduce junior jobs in the next three years, while adoption remains early. Health Tech & Policy: Scientists report progress toward a blood test for early Alzheimer’s risk; meanwhile, climate-health experts urge higher budget shares as allocations have fallen despite rising climate threats. Public Health Awareness: Authorities launch dengue control drives with sanitation and mosquito-eradication efforts, stressing citizen participation. Education Reform: NCTB is considering fewer SSC/HSC subjects and shorter exam schedules to reduce student stress and disruption. Science in Society: World Metrology Day coverage highlights BSTI’s role in trust-building through accurate measurement and quality testing.

Cyber & Misinformation: ICT Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon urged experts to draft a national action plan to tackle cyber risks and AI-driven fake news, pushing for faster policy and accountability. Healthcare Tech & Manufacturing: The government plans locally made electric ambulances using indigenous technology, starting with a pilot upazila and aiming for a three-tier service from village to capital to cut import dependence. Education Policy: A survey by the Education Rights Parliament found 62% of university students want education spending raised to at least 5% of GDP, prioritising primary education, research, teacher development and technical-vocational training. Climate & Water Security: A study warns Rajshahi monsoon rainfall has fallen about 34% over five decades, threatening water stress and agriculture through 2032. Public Health Research: New global estimates highlight slowed mortality decline for newborns, children and adolescents, with 4.9 million child deaths in 2024. AI’s Environmental Cost: A UN report says AI data centres could consume huge water by 2030, raising concerns for water, land and climate. Industry & Energy Readiness: Analysis flags Bangladesh’s growing gas gap and the need for “gas readiness” so factories can start operations on predictable timelines. Tech Business: Huawei is set to relaunch consumer operations in Bangladesh on June 8 via a local distributor, bringing smartphones, wearables and an AppGallery/HMS ecosystem. International Tech Diplomacy: Bangladesh is also pushing an education diplomacy drive to expand scholarships, research collaboration and technology partnerships worldwide.

Measles Response: Virologist Prof Albert Osterhaus urged Bangladesh to speed up mass measles-rubella vaccination, especially for children missing routine immunisation, and to build vaccine production and pandemic preparedness capacity. Agri Soil Boost: A rice-focused report highlights the post-boro fallow window as a low-cost chance to restore soil organic matter and cut reliance on chemical fertilisers. AI for Market Control: Trading Corporation Bangladesh is proposing an AI-driven system to monitor prices and supply of essentials and link farmers directly to buyers to curb hoarding and manipulation. Digital Fraud Fix: A Jahangirnagar University researcher called for a national SMS security framework to verify senders and authenticity as fake-text scams rise. Education & Skills: National University has started ICT training for 12,000 college teachers, making ICT courses compulsory to match labour-market needs. Budget Debate: The opposition NCP unveiled a Tk 8.52 lakh crore “shadow budget” for FY27, stressing reforms, jobs, revenue mobilisation and social protection. Bangladesh-Türkiye Tech Trade: Foreign ministers Khalilur Rahman and Hakan Fidan agreed to deepen cooperation in textiles, defence, shipbuilding, pharma, infrastructure, renewables, ICT and smart technologies. Local Tech & Business: Technocity won Lenovo’s Partner Excellence Award for distribution in Sri Lanka. Transport Safety: A ferry safety directive helped prevent casualties when a bus plunged into the Padma at Daulatdia after passengers were made to disembark.

World Environment Day & toxic chemicals: IPEN says lead chromates in lead paint should be controlled under the Rotterdam Convention, urging countries to back global action to cut child lead exposure. Bangladesh environmental leadership: Siddika Sultana, ESDO executive director, was elected to IPEN’s 2026–2029 Steering Committee, boosting Bangladesh’s voice on hazardous chemicals and pollution prevention. Climate risk & heat: A new Nature Sustainability analysis warns over 2 billion people face “cooling poverty,” with hotter spells becoming deadly where housing and cooling access are missing. AI’s environmental cost: A UN University study flags AI data centres’ growing electricity, water and land footprint, warning sustainability metrics miss major resource pressures. Bangladesh health debate: Measles outbreak figures are under dispute, with experts criticising the split between lab-confirmed and “suspected” deaths as confusing during outbreaks. Policy for investment & research: Cabinet approved an FDI Incentive Scheme Policy-2026 and a Bangladesh Medical University amendment to expand medical services, education and research. Capital market reform: Bangladesh’s BSEC leadership shake-up is credited with renewed investor confidence as DSEX extends gains and turnover rises. Tech & industry push: BSIA begins a US roadshow to strengthen Bangladesh’s semiconductor ecosystem, while Dhaka’s digital public procurement and postal digitisation move forward. Regional security tech: India’s Amit Shah backs a “smart border” plan using advanced surveillance tech along Bangladesh and Pakistan frontiers.

Flood Resilience: Experts warn Bangladesh’s flood damage is worsening as wetlands shrink, rivers get encroached and climate change boosts extreme rainfall and sea-level risks. Capital Market Tech: Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission’s new leadership and commission reforms lifted DSEX for a 9th straight session, with turnover crossing Tk 13bn. Semiconductor Push: BSIA kicks off a 9-day US roadshow (June 5-13) under Silicon River and BRAINGAIN to link local talent, universities and investors with global chip players. Central Bank Liquidity: Bangladesh Bank launched a Tk 20,000cr pre-finance scheme to revive closed or under-capacity industries, capping loans to a single group at Tk 200cr. FDI & Medical Research Policy: Cabinet approved an FDI Incentive Scheme Policy-2026 and a Bangladesh Medical University amendment enabling profit and non-profit entities for expanded services and research. Postal Digital Tracking: The Department of Posts rolled out Domestic Mail Monitoring Software plus new mail processing centres, letting citizens track letters and parcels online. Measles Numbers Dispute: A growing row continues over measles deaths, with experts saying “suspected” cases should be counted during outbreaks. Environment Day Reality Check: Commentaries call out greenwashing and weak enforcement, urging real protection for rivers, wetlands and forests. Education Budget: Education spending for FY26-27 set at 2% of GDP, with a promise to gradually raise it later. World Environment Day: Bangladesh marks the day with calls for public-private-research action against pollution and climate impacts.

Forced-Labour Trade Pressure: The US has proposed new tariffs (up to 12.5%) on Bangladesh and 59 other economies under Section 301, arguing they failed to stop forced-labour imports—raising fresh export-risk questions for Bangladesh’s garment-heavy supply chains. Cotton Demand Push: USDA announced the “Great American Cotton Plan” and will elevate “Plant Not Plastic” to boost demand for natural cotton over synthetics, aiming to revive US textile manufacturing and farm returns. Digital Public Procurement: Bangladesh is moving to fully e-GP from July 1, 2026, banning new offline tendering and ending waivers after June 30. Measles Surge: Bangladesh reported seven more measles deaths, pushing the toll to 601, with health experts urging better micro-planning to reach every child and improve vaccination coverage. SIM Fraud Crackdown: A report highlights how anonymous SIMs and biometric gaps are fueling a digital crime wave, with calls for stronger telecom controls and tighter SIM limits. Education Policy: The government says all English medium schools will come under a single uniform policy to standardize quality, accountability, and skills. Finance & Governance: DFCC Bank appointed Shamindra Marcelline to its board as Executive Director, while the Dhaka stock market hit a three-month high as investors stayed optimistic. Local Safety & Care: Separate cases in Dhaka spotlight elderly neglect concerns and the need for trained caregivers, as authorities and courts respond.

Measles Outbreak: Bangladesh reported 7 more measles deaths, taking confirmed and suspected fatalities to 601 since mid-March, with 1,250 new suspected infections in 24 hours and 83,763 total suspected cases; health officials warn testing kit shortages are slowing confirmation while UNICEF points to weak vaccine coverage and malnutrition. Smart Port 5G Trial: Chittagong Port Authority got temporary 20 MHz spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band for a three-month private 5G smart-port trial, targeting automation, remote crane control, IoT logistics and real-time monitoring. DND Waterlogging Fix: PM-chaired meeting ordered faster completion and quality checks for Dhaka-Narayanganj-Demra embankment drainage work, with plans to modernise drainage and coordinate city corporations. Cyber Scam Alert: Authorities warn of fake “AI traffic fine” phishing texts that mimic BRTA payment portals and trick vehicle owners into sharing bank/mobile wallet details. Exports Slip: May export earnings fell 7.09% year-on-year to $4.40bn as RMG demand stayed weak; apparel exports dropped 8.29%. UN Tech Governance: Bangladesh’s FM Khalilur Rahman elected UNGA 81st session president, pledging focus including governance of emerging technologies like AI. Health Budget Debate: Commentaries argue Bangladesh needs a more transformative health budget vision to support development and productivity. Climate-Resilient Schools: CCGP approved Tk423.4cr for 53 primary schools-cum-flood shelters under the World Bank RIVER project. AI’s Resource Cost: UN University warns AI/data centres could massively strain water, land and electricity by 2030, pushing calls for urgent multi-stakeholder action.

Health Infrastructure: Bangladesh plans to build five specialised 200-bed children’s hospitals in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Cumilla, with ICU and air-conditioning, aiming to inaugurate within six months. Public Administration: The Ministry of Public Administration is reviewing possible action after the body of Joint Secretary AKM Anisur Rahman’s mother was recovered from a Mirpur flat, with steps to follow the Parents’ Support Act. AI & Telecom: VEON says telecom is the cheapest distribution network for AI, pushing AI into everyday services and even for small businesses via agents. Urban Environment: Tangail residents fear waterlogging after allegations that a key Kagmara–Beradoma drainage canal is being partially filled for a road project, narrowing the waterway. UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman elected President of the UNGA 81st session, pledging trust-building, consensus and reforms. Energy Policy: Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission will announce wholesale, transmission and retail electricity tariffs today after a hearing on proposed hikes. Research Rankings: IUB tops private universities in Nature Index institutional rankings, while JU leads nationally in chemistry. STEM Challenge: UIU’s Mars Rover team secured third globally and first in Asia at URC 2026. Digital Media: The Daily Star won WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards 2026 for its Rampura investigation video and Keeron earned silver. Climate Outlook: Bangladesh may face up to 10 heatwaves as El Niño intensifies, but scientists expect a moderate impact on monsoon. Border Tech & Security: Officials seek France training for energy-efficient street-lighting tech, while border surveillance debates highlight the need for technology and faster land acquisition.

Offshore Energy: Bangladesh still can’t start commercial offshore gas despite settling maritime disputes years ago; a revised 2026 Production Sharing Contract and a new bidding round aim to lure firms, but analysts warn delays could deepen LNG import dependence. EV Industry: Asia’s EV race is accelerating as China’s makers and rivals to Tesla push ahead, with policy shifts and slower charging build-out shaping adoption. Local Democracy: Bangladesh’s planned autumn local elections face a trust test as grassroots bodies remain run by administrators, leaving services stalled. Research Spotlight: Jahangirnagar University tops Bangladesh in Chemistry in the Nature Index ranking, signaling stronger international research output. Space & Robotics: MIST’s “Team Mongol Barota” places 11th globally at the University Rover Challenge 2026, boosting Bangladesh’s space-tech visibility. Digital Inclusion: Chandpur’s “Bijoyi” network is helping women entrepreneurs scale through digital literacy. Trade & Investment: Bangladesh meets the UK and Switzerland to expand investment and trade, including tech and ICT cooperation. Energy Prices: BERC will decide on electricity wholesale, transmission and retail price revisions on June 3 after public hearings. Port Tech & Logistics: Chattogram Port’s NCT sets a new monthly container-handling record in May, reflecting faster operations. Admin Shake-up: PMO officials head to China for training, while Bangladesh continues a round of senior administrative reshuffles.