AGP Executive Report

Bangladesh–Iran Solidarity: Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad met Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, condoling Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death and stressing centuries-old cultural ties. India Visa Push: India says it’s encouraged by a surge in Bangladeshi travel demand and will scale up visa services after resuming tourist visas from June 28, with applications handled across five centres. Education Comfort for Families: Dhaka Education Board ordered HSC centres to set up waiting sheds and seating for guardians, and deploy scouts/cadet groups to keep order. Exam Access Restored: After administrative failures, 9 HSC students in Natore and Bogura were allowed to resume exams following the education minister’s intervention. Market Monitoring with AI: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said an AI system will monitor 30 essential commodities to curb abnormal price hikes and shortages. Health Crisis: DGHS reported five more measles-symptom deaths in 24 hours, pushing suspected measles deaths higher. Culture & Craft Protection: Krishnagar clay dolls received GI registration, aiming to protect artisans in Ghurni from imitation. Agriculture Innovation: A Rajshahi fruit research centre is expanding high-value crops using modern varieties and tissue culture.

Education & Youth: Primary schools have been directed to run “Learning Through Play” activities—drawing, clay modelling and crafts—to boost attendance and curb dropout. Public Health: DGHS reported five more measles-symptom deaths and 965 new suspected cases, with confirmed cases rising to 154 in the latest count. Exams & Student Life: HSC and equivalent exams began peacefully with CCTV monitoring and, for the first time, uniform question papers across nine general education boards. Immigration & Mobility: A cabinet committee has been formed to amend Bangladesh’s Visa Policy 2006, aiming to attract investment and skilled professionals while keeping security and reciprocity in focus. Culture & Heritage: A programme to commemorate the July Uprising was unveiled by JCD, including memorial events at Dhaka University and rallies in Chattogram and Rangpur. Disability Inclusion: Government plans to coordinate disability services, make upazila facilities more accessible, and move toward one-stop support for persons with disabilities. Travel & Community: Etihad is expanding capacity on routes including Abu Dhabi–Dhaka (now year-round) and longer seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma. Arts: Veteran painter Atia Islam Anne has died at 64, remembered for feminist themes and social justice in her work.

Education & Youth: Bangladesh’s HSC and equivalent exams kicked off nationwide today with 1.27m examinees across 2,697 centres, using a single question paper for nine general boards, while 24,784 candidates were absent and seven expelled for unfair means. Health Crisis: Measles-like symptoms claimed five more children’s lives in 24 hours, pushing suspected measles deaths to 724 this year, as dengue cases rise alongside the outbreak and threaten an already strained system. Teachers & Schools: The government plans to recruit over 100,000 teachers, including 32,500 head teachers, after a Supreme Court deadlock cleared the way; it also floated rules to curb non-government teachers’ participation in local polls. Culture & Values: PM Tarique Rahman launched “Nazrul Year 2026-27” across districts, urging Nazrul’s humanistic ideals to guide youth and protect animals. Bangladesh–China Ties: China’s envoy called Tarique Rahman’s Beijing visit a “complete success,” highlighting a strategic dialogue and momentum on corridor and Teesta restoration plans. Religion & Public Life: A minister warned against “Kalema” flags being used in ways that could confuse society or be exploited for extremism. Arts & Media: Bangladesh Film Artistes Association election is set for Friday, with two panels and an independent candidate contesting key posts.

HSC Exams: Bangladesh’s HSC and equivalent exams kicked off today with full-syllabus papers, identical question sets across nine boards for the first time, and CCTV monitoring at 2,697 centres; 1.27 million candidates are taking part, with strict anti-cheating steps and restricted public access near exam halls. Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has surged past 100,000 suspected cases and 716 deaths, with coverage pointing to vaccine coverage gaps and system delays as key drivers. Cultural Spotlight: Ratoghar LitFest in Kathmandu wrapped up with poetry and heritage sessions, while Bangladesh’s Mustafa Monwar is remembered through reflections on his role in shaping TV-era cultural life. Workplace & Rights: A new focus on women’s right to a safe workplace highlights how harassment persists beyond physical assault, including in garment work. Finance & Learning: BSEC ran financial literacy training for students and investors, aiming to improve risk awareness and long-term investing habits. Security & Mobility: Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism was reiterated at the Holey Artisan anniversary event.

Education & Exams: Bangladesh will hold the 2026 HSC and equivalent exams from tomorrow with 12.70 lakh candidates across 2,697 centres, and the government says CCTV and tighter monitoring will curb irregularities. Accountability in Marking: Education Minister Milon says examiners will face strict punishment under amended law if negligence or fraud is found in evaluating papers. Holistic Learning Push: PM adviser Mahdi Amin calls for mainstreaming culture and sports into education so students develop beyond rote learning. DU in Focus: Dhaka University marks its 106th founding anniversary, with leaders linking the campus to democratic movements and national rebuilding. Textile Skills Drive: The government plans to prioritise textile education and research, with BUTEX positioned as a pipeline for future engineers and innovation. Cultural Heritage Funding: British Council’s UK Cultural Protection Fund opens applications for heritage projects at risk, with grants up to £500,000. Security & Memory: State Minister Shama Obaed Islam reiterates zero tolerance against terrorism on the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan attack. Visa & Mobility: Japan tightens visa rules, affecting foreign residents; meanwhile India resumes tourist visas for Bangladeshis, easing travel hopes. Local Lifestyle Watch: Claims of free-roaming dog relocation restrictions and disappearances resurface in Dhaka’s Baridhara DOHS.

US Embassy Dhaka’s America Week 2026: The US Embassy has launched a seven-day, multi-city cultural programme in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rajshahi, featuring concerts, fairs and a Founders Museum exhibit tied to America’s 250th independence anniversary. State Funeral for Mustafa Monwar: Bangladesh’s celebrated artist and puppeteer Mustafa Monwar received a state guard of honour at Central Shaheed Minar, with thousands paying tributes before further ceremonies and burial at Banani. Toy Safety Standards: Bangladesh introduces mandatory toy safety regulations under BSTI, requiring testing and certification to protect children from hazardous chemicals. Bangladesh Bank Reform Support: Australia reiterates technical assistance for banking reforms, including support for digital payments like Bangla QR. Education & Campus Life: DU marks its 106th founding anniversary with a democracy-and-higher-education theme, while DSHE clarifies MPO-listed teachers can’t take both MPO benefits and union parishad honorarium simultaneously. Public Safety & Justice: Home Minister says recorded rape cases are rising mainly due to improved reporting and easier access to police procedures. Budget Passes in Parliament: JS passes the Tk 9.38 lakh crore FY27 budget with targets for growth and inflation control, alongside a “3R” economic strategy. Cultural-Policy Flashpoint: “Kalema” flags linked to extremist groups appear across Bangladesh during World Cup buzz, prompting heightened police attention.

Cultural Loss: Bangladesh’s celebrated artist and puppeteer Mustafa Monwar was laid to rest at Banani Graveyard after tributes at Channel i, Central Shaheed Minar and Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, remembered for his role in the Language Movement and decades of teaching. Education & Democracy: Dhaka University Day messages from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and President Mohammed Shahabuddin spotlight the university’s legacy in democratic movements and call for modern, AI-ready higher education. Inclusive Governance: UNOPS Bangladesh held an SDG localization session in Rajshahi on SDG 5 and SDG 16, focusing on women’s political leadership and inclusive local institutions. Arts & Public Space: British Council-backed “Dialogues in Coexistence” promotes inclusive public spaces through art, architecture and youth agency. Health & Childhood: Measles deaths in Bangladesh keep rising, with DGHS reporting more child deaths and a growing suspected case count. Economy & Daily Life: Nagad and Rupali Bank signed an agreement to speed up inward remittances into mobile wallets 24/7. Rights & Identity: A France-based rights group flags rising violence against LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh, while Shia communities mark Ashura across countries including Bangladesh.

Arts & Culture Loss: Ekushey Padak-winning painter and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar has died at 90, with Bangladesh’s top officials issuing tributes for his work in fine arts, puppetry, theatre and children’s television. Education & Youth: The government says it’s building an equitable, modern, skill-based education system, pairing tree-planting with a national startup/science/innovation showcase; meanwhile, Chittagong University VC Prof. Mohammad Al-Forkan reaffirmed support for independent journalism. Campus Life: Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS) elected Md Shazid Hasan as president and Miftahul Jannat Rifat as general secretary for 2026-27. Public Health Crisis: DGHS reports four more child deaths with measles symptoms, pushing confirmed+suspected totals to over 716, as vaccination gaps remain a concern. Rights & Law: The High Court issued a rule challenging limits on maternity leave and benefits, seeking a uniform non-discriminatory policy across public and private sectors. Community & Inclusion: A new partnership by Qatar Charity and IRC aims to expand Rohingya aid and attract fresh funding for Cox’s Bazar and host communities. Geopolitics & Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman’s China outreach is framed as a shift toward deeper cooperation on Teesta and broader strategic ties, with multiple MoUs reported.

Arts & Culture: Ekushey Padak-winning painter and children’s TV pioneer Mustafa Monwar has died at 90, prompting condolences from the Information Minister, BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul, and President Shahabuddin. Education & Youth: PM Tarique Rahman told students they are “gamechangers,” urging sports and cultural activities alongside studies, while the Education Minister highlighted tech-driven skills and major funding for technical education. Primary Education Reform: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj said the government will partner with NGOs to lift primary learning outcomes, focusing on curriculum, teachers, administration, infrastructure and technology. Child Protection: Labor Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said child-labor elimination must start at home, as DGHS reported more measles deaths and ongoing suspected cases. Policy & Rights: The High Court issued a rule challenging limits on maternity leave and benefits for working women. Higher Education Governance: DU senate members protested centralising research funds through UGC, warning it threatens autonomy and academic freedom. Business & Tech: Parliament cut private university corporate tax to 5%, and VEON proposed $1b in investment to boost Bangladesh’s digital and financial transformation. Environment & Climate Culture: PM launched a nationwide tree-planting drive for secondary schools under “One Child, One Tree.”

Inclusive Urban Planning: Planning minister Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki urged public projects to be accessible and inclusive, and said Dhaka’s master plans will be shaped around rain, water and climate realities. SRHR Accountability: Transparency International Bangladesh launched a project to strengthen integrity and accountability in sexual and reproductive healthcare, with monitoring at union-level health centres in Lakshmipur and Nilphamari. Women Leading Water Solutions: On CharLata island, a six-month initiative trained 60 women to take leadership roles in water governance and disaster preparedness as saline intrusion worsens. Vitamin A Plus Drive: The government restarted the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign after a 15-month gap, targeting 24 million children aged 6–59 months to help prevent measles and other infections. Child Protection in Focus: Bangladesh missed child labour elimination targets, with over 10 lakh children still working in dangerous conditions and gaps in oversight. Parliament & Education Policy: Bills were tabled to amend Bangladesh Medical University law and Public Examinations rules, while PM Tarique Rahman directed nationalisation of Bandarban’s Tindu Junior Secondary School. ISKCON Disciplinary Move: ISKCON Kolkata relieved Radharaman Das from responsibilities and barred him from speaking publicly amid a wider controversy. Power Crisis Protests: Locals in Tangail blocked roads over frequent outages, demanding solutions after long hours of load-shedding. Bangladesh–China Link: UGC signed a MoU with Tianjin University for master’s and PhD opportunities for about 100 Bangladeshis, while 12 Chinese firms proposed $9.21b investments during Tarique Rahman’s China visit.

Bangladesh-China ties & investment: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s China visit drew 12 Chinese firms’ proposals worth about $9.21b, including Mongla Port Economic Zone expansion and Dhaka–Chattogram highway plans, with cooperation also framed as a “shared future” partnership. Public health crisis: Measles-like deaths keep climbing—four more children died in 24 hours, pushing the total to 712 (619 suspected, 93 lab-confirmed). Women’s rights on campus: Dhaka University female students demanded action after incidents they say show discrimination and harassment, including being asked to leave a hall because a woman was present and a secretly filmed episode. Climate-ready cities: An exhibition in Dhaka explores inclusive public spaces shaped for rain and climate realities, supported by British Council’s Women of the World grants. Healthcare accountability: The health minister slammed Ad-din Hospital over alleged negligence after six newborn deaths, calling for justice and rejecting political excuses. Indigenous community & tax: Hill communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts oppose a move to bring them under the income tax net, saying local livelihoods are limited. Education & skills push: The government announced a five-year tax outlook for businesses and reiterated plans to reform education toward vocational, skill-based learning. Vitamin A drive: The National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus campaign began nationwide, targeting about 2.4 crore children.

Bangladesh–China ties: PM Tarique Rahman’s Beijing visit helped push a “new era” partnership, with China pledging long-term support and agreeing to deepen cooperation across trade, infrastructure, connectivity, water management, defence, tech and regional diplomacy. Investment push: Eleven Chinese firms proposed about $9.21bn for Bangladesh, spanning gas, waste-to-energy, Mongla port expansion, smart meters and logistics. Education & youth: BTEB has started revoking approval for 621 student-free vocational institutions, with admissions likely suspended from 2026–27. Health: Measles deaths climbed to 709 as seven more children died in 24 hours; the National Vitamin A Plus campaign begins today targeting 2.4 crore children. Culture & lifestyle: A new study warns thousands of schools sit near toxic battery recycling sites, raising concerns about children’s learning conditions. Women’s empowerment: A symposium urged stronger party reforms and a women’s political empowerment charter to boost representation and leadership. RMG & skills: BGMEA and AUW hosted a talent development event focused on female leadership in the apparel sector.

Bangladesh–China ties: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman says PM Tarique Rahman’s China visit lifted relations to the highest level, “Bangladesh-China Community with a Shared Future,” with a new foreign-minister “2+2” diplomacy-defence dialogue and 17 MoUs. Parliament & diplomacy: Jatiya Sangsad unanimously thanks the PM for Malaysia-China trips, calling it a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. Health crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak keeps worsening—seven more children died in 24 hours, pushing confirmed and suspected deaths to 709, with thousands of new suspected cases reported. Local life & culture: Dhaka’s Olympic Day celebrations urged people to move and spread Olympic values through sport. Education & rights: Rights campaigners demand independent probes into torture and custodial deaths, saying police can’t investigate themselves. Justice system: A look at death-penalty cases shows fast trials but slow High Court appeals. Sports & society: Sana Mir condemns sexist attacks and AI-mocking of women cricketers after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup run. Community & inclusion: Asian Community Day in Port Moresby spotlights cultural performances and food, including Bangladesh representation.

Vitamin A Plus Campaign: Bangladesh is set to resume its nationwide Vitamin A Plus drive on June 28 after a 14-month gap, targeting 24.0 crore children aged 6–59 months to boost immunity and prevent childhood blindness. Measles Crisis: The outbreak remains severe, with measles deaths crossing 700 as hospitals report hundreds of suspected cases and ongoing admissions across divisions. Ashura & Tazia Culture: Holy Ashura is being observed across Dhaka with tightly secured Tazia processions, music and religious gatherings, as authorities deploy special security units amid heat and crowd management. India-Bangladesh People-to-People Link: India announced tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals will resume from June 28 through five visa centres, a move framed as easing travel ties. Bangladesh–China Partnership: PM Tarique Rahman’s China visit highlights a push for deeper cooperation, including a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future and support for connectivity and Teesta-related plans. Cyber & Digital Trust: A Bangladesh government push calls cybersecurity and digital trust “national priorities” as the country accelerates digital transformation. Education & Culture Memory: Shikkhalok’s CDIP education bulletin marks 12 years, celebrating past education writing and honouring contributors at a Dhaka get-together. RSP Leadership Update: Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party elects new leadership after a convention marked by delays and factional shifts.

China-Bangladesh Connectivity Push: PM Tarique Rahman’s Beijing talks with Xi Jinping included a proposal for a China–Myanmar–Bangladesh economic corridor, plus plans to modernize Chattogram and Mongla ports and deepen Belt and Road cooperation. Anti-Drug Drive: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed reiterated “zero tolerance” on drugs and gambling, while the Land Minister urged society to hate and boycott drug dealers. Youth, Sports & Culture: Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal backed sports and cultural activities as a practical shield against drug abuse, spotlighting an indigenous football tournament. Education Focus: Education Minister Milon said the government aims for quality education and warned of strict action over cheating at upcoming HSC exams. Rights & Accountability: Kayser Kamal called for a parliamentary taskforce to ensure compensation and rehabilitation for torture victims and enforced-disappearance cases. Public Health Alert: Measles deaths rose to 702 as confirmed and suspected cases continue climbing nationwide. Ashura in Dhaka: Tajia processions began from Husseini Dalan with heightened security across key routes. International Spotlight: Bangladesh also announced a national commitment to end violence against children at a SAARC/UN/WHO conference.

Diplomacy & Regional Power: India elevated Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi to a Union-cabinet-equivalent rank, a rare protocol move read as New Delhi’s push to protect strategic ground in Dhaka amid China’s growing pull. Water & Climate Resilience: China signaled strong interest in Bangladesh’s Teesta River management, backing technical assistance and a joint feasibility study from planning through execution. Health & Childhood Nutrition: The National Vitamin A Plus campaign is set for June 28, with capsules delivered via 1,905 DNCC centres and nationwide targets for millions of children. Education & Youth: UGC will raise merit scholarships and educational assistance for children of its officers and employees, while the minimum admission age for Class IX in technical education drops to 12. Culture & Campus Life: Scholastica wraps its A-level graduation and BUFT holds a farewell for Batch 222, blending academics with fashion, music and cultural performances. Public Services & Accountability: Education Minister warns of strict action over spoiled food in primary schools as the mid-day meal programme rolls out. Governance & Daily Life: Transparency International Bangladesh reports bribery rose 15.9% in 2025, with passport services flagged as the most corruption-prone. Religion & Community: Ashura is observed nationwide with messages urging peace, justice and harmony.