AGP Executive Report

Measles Crisis: Bangladesh and Pakistan are battling a fast-growing measles outbreak, with vaccine shortages and refusals pushing child deaths past 170 in Bangladesh alone and the wider region nearing 30,000 cases. Road Safety: Eid-ul-Azha travel saw 281 deaths and 837 injuries in 292 crashes, with motorcycles and pedestrians taking the hardest hit. Child Justice: The Ramisa Akter rape-murder verdict is set for June 7, after closing arguments at the Dhaka Children Violence Suppression Tribunal. Electricity Costs: The Power Division asked BERC to revisit lifeline electricity tariffs after a hike raised bills for low-income households. Culture & Campus: DU’s Natmandal stages a musical adaptation of Laili-Majnu, bringing medieval Bengali romance to contemporary theatre. Public Health Capacity: DeyLight Health Foundation launched a train-the-trainer nursing program in Boston to strengthen maternal and newborn emergency care in Bangladesh. Local Tragedies: A Natore road crash killed two young siblings and injured three family members. Governance & Economy: CPD warns of mounting economic strain from weak revenue, inflation, banking fragility, and energy costs.

Education Policy: State minister Bobby Hajjaj says all English medium schools will be brought under a single uniform policy to improve quality, accountability, and equal access to national values and skills. Cultural Life: Swa-Udyogi Foundation held a harmony feast at Holy Child International School, bringing together students with disabilities, madrasa learners, orphanages, and the hijra community to promote brotherhood through sacrifice. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak keeps worsening, with deaths now surpassing 600 and health experts urging better micro-planning, isolation of cases, and stronger vaccination coverage. Healthcare Accountability: The Health Minister says no one behind the deaths of six newborns at Ad-din Hospital will escape punishment, while a committee report is submitted and more child hospitals are planned. Energy Costs: Electricity tariffs are hiked across the board, raising bulk and retail rates and adding pressure through subsidies. Climate & Livelihoods: A $70m GREEN project deal targets climate-resilient agriculture, eco-enterprises, and nutrition for about 260,000 people. Viral Zoo Moment: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” draws crowds at Dhaka’s national zoo after being spared from slaughter; the zoo curator was fired.

Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: A rare albino buffalo dubbed “Donald Trump” is drawing huge crowds at Dhaka’s national zoo after being spared from Eid al-Adha slaughter, turning social media hype into a real-life visitor rush. Public Health: Bangladesh’s measles crisis keeps worsening: seven more children died in 24 hours, pushing fatalities to 601, with suspected cases now at 74,572 and confirmed infections at 9,191. Environment & Heritage: In Bagerhat, authorities relocated a 45-year-old crocodile from the pond of the historic Khan Jahan Ali shrine to a wildlife rehab centre after an eight-year-old girl was killed in an attack. Sports & Youth: The national Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (boys and girls) kicks off June 4, with tens of thousands of government primary students having already competed at grassroots levels. Education Policy: The government is bringing English medium schools under a uniform policy to improve quality, safety, and accountability. Social Protection & Rights: A nationwide campaign against violence on women and children is set to roll out soon, pairing awareness with stricter enforcement. Diplomacy & Justice: Bangladesh says it’s working through diplomatic channels with India to bring back Osman Hadi’s killers for trial.

Measles Crisis: Bangladesh reports a fast-rising measles toll, with hundreds of children dying and suspected cases spreading—raising alarms about vaccination gaps and health-system response. Justice & Child Safety: The Ramisa Akter rape-murder case moves through witness depositions, with the tribunal set for self-defence statements—keeping public attention on how child-rape justice works in practice. Public Health Accountability: A probe into newborn deaths at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital faces major doubt after autopsies were skipped, leaving families and investigators without key forensic clarity. Wildlife & Public Safety: A crocodile attack at the Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali shrine in Bagerhat killed a 7-year-old, spotlighting long-running wildlife management failures around a crowded religious site. Local Governance: Bangladesh’s interim plan for autumn local elections is framed as a test for restoring grassroots democracy after administrative control replaced elected representatives. Culture & Arts: Avi Shankar Ain’s “Atmospheres of Time” continues at Platforms Gallery in Dhaka, exploring time and nature through abstract, textured painting. Economy & Daily Life: A new look at household budgeting shows how rising costs hit families all at once, while Dhaka leads online shopping adoption.

Health Crisis: Bangladesh reported 309 measles and measles-like deaths in May, with six more children dying in the 24 hours to Tuesday morning—pushing the toll to 594 since mid-March; suspected deaths now total 504 and suspected cases 73,362, with only 90 confirmed. Budget & Economy: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury says the upcoming budget aims to “democratize” the economy by prioritizing poor, low-income groups and homemakers, expanding the Family Card programme, and cutting bureaucratic hurdles for business. Rohingya Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR warns that declining funding could worsen conditions for about 1.2 million Rohingya in Bangladesh, as a $710.5m appeal is only around 60% funded. Culture & Media: BTV’s Ityadi returns with a Narsingdi-focused episode featuring local music, dance, and heritage segments, while human rights group ASK condemns the cancellation of a “Bonolota Express” screening and a Baul event in Brahmanbaria/Netrakona. Justice & Safety: The Ramisa Akter rape-murder trial continues as witnesses testify; separately, a deadly Faridpur expressway crash killed five and injured two children. Arts & Heritage: A feature spotlights Kusumba Mosque, a centuries-old architectural landmark in Naogaon.

Eid & everyday life: The PMO says Tarique Rahman’s 10 directives brought “visible positive changes” to Eid-ul-Azha management, from travel and wage payments to waste removal and cattle market protection. Power & commerce: The Power Division ordered markets and shopping malls to close by 7pm (billboard lights off by 8pm), with cultural events also ending by 7pm. Public health crisis: Measles-like symptoms keep worsening—three more children died in 24 hours, with suspected cases now at 72,070 since March 15. Culture & music: Italian vocal group Mezzotono wowed Dhaka at Shilpakala Academy, collaborating with Bangladeshi troupes on Lalon’s “Milon Hobe Koto Dine”; meanwhile, Gono Sangeet singer Kamruddin Absar was mourned at Central Shaheed Minar. Sports & youth: The environment minister backed sports and cultural activities as a way to curb drug abuse and juvenile gangs. Border & trade: Benapole land port resumed import-export after Eid vacation; Bhomra land port also reopened after a week-long holiday. Minority safety: Open Doors warns Christians report a growing sense of fear after attacks on churches and leaders. Politics & unrest: Protests erupted over Islami Bank’s new chair, with police using tear gas and sound grenades.

Electricity & Daily Life: Shops, malls and markets across Bangladesh must close again at 7pm, ending the Eid-ul-Azha 10pm relaxation, with extra lighting to be switched off by then. Cultural Rights Under Pressure: In Brahmanbaria, 10 cultural groups protested the suspension of the film Bonolota Express, saying religiously driven campaigns led to permission being withdrawn and screenings being stopped. Child Safety & Justice: The Ramisa rape and murder case moves forward as a tribunal frames charges against Sohel Rana and his wife; police also say Sohel tried to mislead the public by naming a third person. Health Crisis: Measles-like deaths keep rising: 3 more children died in 24 hours, taking suspected deaths to 498 and total suspected cases to 72,070. Border Tensions: BGB says it foiled a BSF “push-in” attempt at Benapole involving women and children, and talks are being arranged. Eid Economy: Remittances surged 15.34% in May, reaching $3.42b, boosted by Eid-ul-Azha seasonal flows. Mob Violence Watch: A rights group reports May saw 32 deaths from mob violence and 53 unidentified bodies recovered. Rural Women & Work: A feature highlights female farmers’ struggle for recognition and land rights, despite doing most farm labour.

Eid & community care: Social welfare minister AZM Zahid Hossain exchanged post-Eid greetings with underprivileged children at his Dhaka residence, sharing food and listening to their festival experiences. Public health crisis: Bangladesh’s measles-like outbreak remains severe, with reports of rising deaths and huge case numbers, keeping families anxious and health services under strain. Eid waste & civic cleanliness: Dhaka’s sacrificial waste cleanup faced delays after Eid-ul-Azha, with officials later attached over alleged negligence as sanitation efforts intensified. Festival hardship in the north: Eid-ul-Azha brought anxiety for char dwellers in Rangpur, where crop losses, debt and river erosion left many without sacrificial animals or meat. Safety & everyday violence: Two children were wounded after a bomb exploded in Jashore when they mistook it for a ball, highlighting risks from leftover explosives. Border movement: BGB detained 10 people, including women and children, for alleged illegal entry via Darshana, with identities under verification. Culture & remembrance: The sixth death anniversary of freedom fighter Imamul Kabir Shanto was observed with wreath-laying and tributes in Dhaka. Lifestyle & inclusion: A report on “Joyeeta” spotlights how the women entrepreneurs’ platform is helping marginal women reach wider markets and build livelihoods.

Folk Music Loss: Renowned Gono Sangeet singer-composer Kamruddin Absar (71) died in Dhaka after long illness; his body will lie in tribute at Central Shaheed Minar before funeral prayers at DU’s Central Mosque. Eid Return & Travel: Holidaymakers began returning to Dhaka on Sunday via trains, buses and launches; officials reported heavy bridge crossings during the Eid holiday stretch. Public Health Crisis: Measles-like deaths rose again—two more children died in 24 hours, pushing the toll to 585; suspected cases and confirmed infections continue climbing. Gender & Child Safety: Rights groups reported rising rape cases in May and demanded a fair probe into the Narayanganj case involving a six-year-old, after the accused died following mob assault. Justice & Accountability: A legal notice seeks an independent judicial inquiry into deaths of six children at Ad-Din Hospital, calling for mobile courts to check emergency care and irregularities. Border & Human Stories: BGB detained 10 people, including women and children, at Darshana for alleged illegal border crossing; identities and cases are underway. Culture & Society: A piece on why cricket culture is taking root among South Asian communities abroad, alongside reflections on how films become emotional inheritance. Immigration Update: The US Embassy in Dhaka will process immigrant visas in two days starting June 1.

LGBTQ+ Rights in the Commonwealth: Sir Ian McKellen joined London’s “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” march, urging repeal of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in 29 countries where same-sex relations remain illegal, including places with life imprisonment and the death penalty. Ziaur Rahman Anniversary & Community Aid: BNP leaders and Tarique Rahman marked Zia’s 45th death anniversary with wreaths, prayers, and food/clothing distribution for poor and destitute people, calling on activists to “stand by the helpless.” Public Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak remains severe: eight more children died in 24 hours, pushing deaths linked to suspected cases to 583 (90 confirmed measles, 493 suspected). UN Peacekeeping Tribute: UN chief António Guterres will honour six Bangladeshi peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on June 5, killed in a 2025 drone strike in Abyei. Culture & Education Spotlight: Shanto-Mariam University founder Imamul Kabir Shanto is observed on his 6th death anniversary, with programmes highlighting his push for vocational education and social work.

Martyrdom Commemoration: Bangladesh marks the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman today, with BNP announcing an eight-day programme of black badges, half-mast flags, wreath-laying and doa mahfils across the country. Education & Culture Debate: State minister Bobby Hajjaj has withdrawn his controversial remarks comparing Dhaka University to a “coaching centre” after protests from teachers and students, reigniting debate over research culture in public universities. Public Health Crisis: Measles continues to hit children hard, with reports of additional deaths and thousands of suspected cases since March, as hospitals struggle and Eid leave is disrupted. Cross-Border Human Stories: At India’s Hakimpur border, hundreds of Bangladeshis wait to return amid West Bengal’s “detect, delete and deport” crackdown, while India seeks Bangladesh’s nationality verification to enable deportations. Eid Aftermath in Dhaka: Despite cleanup claims, sacrificial waste still lingers in multiple Dhaka neighbourhoods and lanes, raising fresh questions about enforcement and sanitation. Diplomacy & Rights Dialogue: Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus met France’s equality minister in Paris, focusing on discrimination-free futures and women’s empowerment.

Education & Public Trust: Bangladesh’s state minister for primary education Bobby Hajjaj withdrew controversial remarks about Dhaka University after backlash, saying the comments were informal and not a policy statement. Health Crisis: Measles continues to hit children hard, with 10 more deaths reported in 24 hours and the wider outbreak toll climbing as hospitals report thousands of suspected cases. Liberation War Memory & Textbooks: Civil society figures urged adding Ziaur Rahman’s “Birth of a Nation” to school textbooks to preserve 1971 history. Eid & City Cleanliness: Despite cleanup promises, sacrificial waste still lingers across parts of Dhaka, with animal remains found in multiple neighborhoods. Eid Culture Spotlight: A rare albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was spared from Eid-ul-Azha slaughter after government intervention and returned to its farm. Diaspora & Migration Pressure: Bangladeshis in India’s West Bengal face growing anxiety as holding centres expand under “detect, delete and deport” enforcement, with families waiting at border posts. Regional Security: Odisha stepped up coastal surveillance amid fears of sea-route infiltration attempts. Politics & Commemoration: Preparations are underway in Chattogram for Ziaur Rahman’s 45th death anniversary, with party programmes and memorial events.

Eid-ul-Azha in Bangladesh: President Mohammed Shahabuddin and PM Tarique Rahman joined Eid prayers at the National Eidgah, with munajat for peace and prosperity, while Sholakia in Kishoreganj drew nearly one lakh devotees despite heavy rain and tight security. Public health: Bangladesh’s measles crisis worsened as five more children died in 24 hours, pushing the toll to 565 since mid-March; confirmed cases rose to 8,885 amid hospital strain. Culture & society: A viral “Donald Trump” albino buffalo was spared from Eid sacrifice and sent to a Dhaka zoo after authorities cited security concerns over massive public interest. Child safety & justice: A former supply teacher in the UK pleaded guilty to taking 100+ upskirt photos of pupils and faces sentencing in September. Lifestyle & economy: Eid-ul-Azha shopping was hit hard—fashion and footwear retailers reported weak sales, blaming inflation and reduced consumer spending. Community care: Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain visited Tejgaon children’s home to check food, medical care and living conditions for Eid.

Eid-ul-Azha Spotlight: Bangladesh’s Eid messages from President Mohammed Shahabuddin and PM Tarique Rahman pushed themes of sacrifice, equality and social harmony, with the main Dhaka Eid congregation held at the National Eidgah amid heightened security. National Zoo Moment: The viral albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was spared from Eid sacrifice and moved to the National Zoo after government intervention, after crowds flocked to see its rare hair look. Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak keeps worsening: five more children died in 24 hours, with suspected cases surging past 60,000 and hospitals strained amid vaccine gaps. Cross-border Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi sent Eid greetings to Tarique Rahman, reaffirming cooperation, while Bangladesh seeks more “diplomatic room” in outreach amid regional concerns. Education & Safety: A supply teacher in the UK of Bangladeshi origin pleaded guilty to taking 100+ upskirt photos of pupils, highlighting ongoing child protection and online abuse risks. Retail & Lifestyle: Eid-ul-Azha shopping fell sharply as inflation and weaker demand hit fashion and footwear sales, with retailers reporting steep drops versus expectations. Regional Migration Pressure: West Bengal’s “detect, delete and deport” crackdown continues to shape lives at the border, with holding-centre plans and deportation processes affecting people moving between India and Bangladesh.

Eid-ul-Azha Across Bangladesh: Bangladesh will mark Eid-ul-Azha on Thursday with prayers at Eidgahs and mosques, sermons on Qurbani, and Eid greetings nationwide; the main Dhaka congregation is set for the National Eidgah with heightened security. Measles Emergency: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak is worsening fast—health authorities report death tolls crossing 500, with suspected cases surging past 60,000 and hospitals under strain; a nationwide emergency vaccination push is underway and Eid leave for frontline staff has been cancelled. Hospital Response: United Medical College Hospital has launched a dedicated measles management system, including an isolation wing, strict infection control, and subsidised care for children, with early discharges reported. Public Health Accountability: The health minister says strict action will follow the deaths of six newborns at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, citing possible technical and oxygen-related failures, with an investigation committee formed. Viral Eid Animal Story: Bangladesh’s “Donald Trump” albino buffalo has been spared from Eid sacrifice at the last moment and moved to the National Zoo after a Home Ministry order, with quarantine and a caregiver arranged. City Life & Culture: DSCC has revived designated sacrifice spots in Dhaka South to cut waste and pollution, though residents question whether people will shift from home-based Qurbani. Cross-Border Human Stories: Reports from India’s border region describe fear and movement of undocumented migrants amid “detect, delete and deport” policies, with families gathering to return to Bangladesh.

Measles Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak keeps worsening, with five more children dying in 24 hours to push the toll to 560 since March 15; confirmed deaths are 88 and suspected deaths 472, as cases surge past 67,000 suspected and 8,800 confirmed. Maternal & Child Health: Health officials launched an investigation after six newborns died at Dhaka’s Ad-Din hospital; the Health Minister says oxygen support was disrupted due to an AC system shutdown, and an inquiry committee has been formed with punishment promised. Eid & Public Safety: Dhaka Metropolitan Police rolled out a layered, tech-driven security plan for Eid-ul-Adha at major congregations like the National Eidgah Ground, including CCTV monitoring, metal detectors, and K-9 sweeps. Eid Culture Moment: A viral albino buffalo nicknamed “Donald Trump” was stopped from being sacrificed and sent back to its farm after officials intervened, turning a Qurbani story into a national talking point. Border & Migration: As West Bengal’s “detect, delete and deport” drive expands, hundreds gather at Hakimpur and holding centres are reported in multiple districts, with Bangladesh Border Guards raising objections to entry. Rural Livelihoods: In Habiganj’s haor areas, farmers face “no harvest, no Eid” after floodwaters submerged boro paddy, with damage estimated at Tk 35–40 crore. Heritage & Learning: Cumilla’s century-old Rammala Library is deteriorating, with rare punthi manuscripts and old books at risk due to neglect and lack of preservation. Education & Youth: Western Carolina University celebrated a Bangladesh student as its first physics-focused graduate in 25 years, highlighting hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning. Government Promises: Bangladesh’s first 100 days in office are being framed around election-manifesto pledges, including social protection steps like Family Cards and subsidised rice.