Deepfake crackdown: The government will soon issue a notification to form a special lawyers’ panel to tackle deepfakes, disinformation and cyberbullying, with a zero-tolerance stance and faster legal action for victims. Trade push: Bangladesh plans to take part in 50 international trade fairs across 27 countries in FY27, highlighting leather, agro-processing and light engineering for double-digit export growth, while also setting the Dhaka International Trade Fair opening for Jan 1. Jute export drive: Foreign and textiles/jute ministries will create a joint working group and plan an International Jute Expo to expand jute exports and strengthen global market presence. Food safety rules: New Bangladesh Food Safety Authority regulations (gazette July 16) require registration or licensing for food businesses across the supply chain, including roadside vendors and restaurants, aiming to tighten oversight. Economy watch: Bangladesh’s GDP growth slowed to 2.22% in Q3 FY26 as industrial output contracted, raising pressure on recovery. Market update: CSE30 index was revised with 4 companies added and 4 dropped, effective July 30. Energy security: Government moves to build strategic energy reserves and expand LNG and gas-grid measures to reduce supply risks. Sector spotlight: Leather Working Group guidance is framed as aligning with Bangladesh’s own environmental compliance needs, supporting export readiness.
AGP Executive Report
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Maritime Security in Bay of Bengal: BIMSTEC’s 5th National Security Chiefs’ meeting in New Delhi adopted non-binding maritime guidelines for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, plus principles for maritime law enforcement—an effort to standardise cooperation as China’s regional footprint grows. RMG Tech Push: Industry leaders at BAYLA Future Summit 2026 urged Bangladesh’s apparel sector to scale AI, automation and Industry 4.0, shifting from low-cost production to higher value-added manufacturing for post-LDC competitiveness. Insurance Reform: IDRA moved to settle long-pending claims first, ordering auditor-supervised accounts for proceeds from asset sales and investments, with FIFO payment to restore policyholder trust. Energy Transition Pressure: The Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister warned gas pressure is declining and called for faster renewable energy adoption, urging NGOs to expand rural clean-energy work. Industrial Slowdown: Bangladesh’s industrial output contracted 0.28% in Q3 FY26 as gas/electricity shortages, weak export demand and high borrowing costs hit factories. Trade & Connectivity: A feasibility study for Jashore–Benapole double-tracking nears completion, aiming to cut delays and boost Bangladesh–India rail freight and passenger capacity. Flood Risks: Heavy rain and upstream flows are driving river levels above danger marks in parts of Rangpur and Sunamganj, with flash flooding warnings for low-lying areas. Construction Cooling: Bangladesh’s construction sector is losing steam as ADP implementation weakens, private investment slows, and financing costs rise.
Maritime Security: ReCAAP reports armed robbery against ships in Asia fell 64% in Jan–Jun 2026 (35 incidents vs 96 a year earlier), with notable drops including Bangladesh, while Philippine ports saw a surge. Aviation & Infrastructure: CAAB says a Japanese consortium is likely to sign the HSIA Third Terminal deal by late Aug/early Sept, targeting a Dec 16 inauguration. Trade & Investment Readiness: Commerce Secretary says Bangladesh will adopt a new five-year trade capacity plan ahead of LDC graduation, via the WTO-led EIF, to tackle non-tariff barriers and improve the investment climate. Tax Administration: DCCI urges NBR to strengthen source tax monitoring with automation and digital systems, but avoid harassment of already compliant businesses and give non-compliant firms time to adjust. Consumer Safety: BSTI ordered recall/withdrawal and bans on eight products from four companies over preservative, microbial and nutrient standard breaches. Renewables Push: Energy minister Iqbal Hassan calls on NGOs to invest in rural solar and rooftop systems to cut import costs. Industrial Research Link: RUET and Khwaja Yunus Ali University’s MTE departments sign an MoU to boost research and industry partnerships. Port Expansion: Saudi RSGT launches operations at Chattogram’s Patenga Container Terminal, doubling capacity to 600,000 TEUs and citing productivity gains. Health Access: PM directs improved, easier healthcare for marginalized people and stricter action against negligence, including expanding dialysis services. Environment & Agriculture: Farmers and activists in Rajshahi demand a phased ban on highly hazardous pesticides to protect ecosystems and food safety. Project Update: ECNEC to consider a second revised DPP for the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, with cost rising to Tk265.81bn and deadline extension to June 2030.
Pharma pricing deadlock: A regulatory impasse over drug pricing is delaying marketing approvals for hundreds of locally made medicines, leaving patients without newer therapies and tying up manufacturers’ investment. Energy cost pressure: Bangladesh’s fuel import bill jumped 85% amid Middle East conflict, raising concerns for costs across industry and transport. Trade demand stays cautious: Bangladesh Bank data shows import settlements in FY26 rose only 0.09% to $70.4bn, even as import orders increased 7%, pointing to subdued industrial demand and weak business confidence. Banking cleanup: Bangladesh Bank has asked administrators of five merged banks to submit exit plans for Sammilito Islami Bank’s resolution process. Heat risk to livelihoods: A global report warns Bangladesh’s agriculture and construction workers could lose about 23.75 working days a year by 2030 due to heat stress, hitting incomes hard. Climate resilience works: Khulna City Corporation launched drain cleaning to cut waterlogging and disaster risks under the 3C project. Handloom revival push: The government plans new policies to revive handloom, prioritising artisans’ needs on credit, yarn prices and marketing. Rising rice prices: Fine rice prices increased in Dhaka and Chattogram amid flood damage, higher paddy costs and uncertainty over imports. Regional maritime cooperation: BIMSTEC security chiefs endorsed guiding principles for maritime law enforcement and HADR coordination. Air connectivity: US-Bangla plans to expand to 30 destinations in 20 countries by Dec 2027 and launch a second airline.
Trade & Investment Readiness: Bangladesh will roll out a new five-year trade capacity plan under the WTO’s Enhanced Integrated Framework to prepare for LDC graduation, focusing on cutting non-tariff barriers, meeting compliance demands, and improving the investment climate through a 12-activity Country Programme Document. RMG Productivity & Worker Support: A VisionSpring initiative is supplying low-cost reading glasses to garment workers, helping them thread needles faster and reduce errors—an immediate boost for Bangladesh’s export-heavy apparel workforce. Investment Promotion Overhaul: Parliament has passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill to merge BIDA, BEZA and PPPA into a single one-stop investment agency with integrated digital services and clearer approval timelines. Banking Cleanup: Bangladesh Bank is moving to resolve non-performing loans with an 18-month strategy, including annual NPL targets, a strict one-time exit facility, tighter classification rules, and a national asset management company. Aviation Expansion: Biman plans to lease up to 10 aircraft by 2027 (with transparency checks) to expand international routes ahead of new Boeing deliveries. Heat Impact on Labour: A new report warns extreme heat could cut working days for agriculture and construction workers and raise healthcare costs, deepening household financial stress. Textile & Jute Industry Signals: BTMA selected NITER textile students for a China study visit, while the Bangladesh Jute Association urged stopping jute sliver exports over incentive misuse.
BEPZA Investment: China’s Huarun Tex Co. Ltd. will invest $30m in the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, Chattogram, aiming to produce 24,000 tonnes of yarn and 20m metres of grey woven fabric annually and create about 580 jobs. RMG Recovery Push: LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam says Bangladesh’s economy can recover despite current challenges, with the garment sector as a key partner—backed by skills, innovation and a stronger workforce. Worker Safety & Skills: BGMEA joined a roundtable on “Beyond Wages” to improve safer jobs for RMG workers, highlighting health, social protection and skill programmes. Textile Sector Leadership: ITET officially handed over responsibilities to its newly elected 15th Council, pledging stronger professional excellence and closer industry collaboration. Sustainability Recognition: Evitex Dress Shirt Ltd (Evince Group) won “Most Sustainable Garments Factory of the Year” at the SDG Brand Champion Awards 2026. Cotton Drive: State Minister Mir Shahe Alam says government efforts will boost domestic cotton production to cut import dependence, with hybrid seed and inputs distributed to farmers and plans to bring them under the Farmer Card programme. Transport Electrification: Govt plans to introduce around 1,400 electric buses, expanding charging infrastructure and procurement packages. Capital Market Reform: BSEC plans to resume direct listing for big firms and MNCs, aiming to reduce delays and fees. Banking Costs: ABB proposed extra charges for 14 banking services, including limits on cash withdrawals, drawing criticism from customers and business groups. Energy Security Watch: IEA chief warns global energy security is at risk if the Strait of Hormuz doesn’t reopen soon as oil prices jump.
Energy Security: The IEA warned that if US-Iran oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz don’t improve soon, global energy security will worsen, as hostilities keep shipping risk elevated and oil prices jump. Capital Markets: Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) chief Masud Khan said large firms could be brought to the stock market via direct listing to cut delays, while also pushing stronger audits and broker oversight. Banking Costs: The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh proposed extra charges for 14 banking services, including fees for cash withdrawals beyond limits and higher account maintenance—sparking backlash from businesses and customers. RMG Industry 4.0: Ha-Meem Group signed an MoU with Robonauts to speed up Industry 4.0 adoption in ready-made garments, focusing on robotics/AI training and smart factory automation. Textile Investment: Huarun Tex will invest $30m in BEPZA (Mirsharai, Chattogram) to produce yarn and grey woven fabric, creating 580 jobs. Halal Exports: Exporters say halal certification via BSTI/Islamic Foundation is costly, slow and sometimes lacks needed lab tests, urging a free, single-window national process. Power Transition: Government unveiled a long-term power-sector roadmap with mandatory industrial energy audits, renewables incentives, and governance reforms to cut fuel imports and improve reliability. Environment & Transport: PM Tarique Rahman urged eco-friendly brick tech and AI-based horn monitoring; separate reports say roads damaged by floods will be repaired swiftly. Skills & Jobs: A report links weak learning outcomes to Bangladesh’s youth employment crisis, while a new Skill IT institute in Bagerhat highlights technology-based training.
Flood Response & Industry Disruption: Bangladesh continues relief and awareness after flash floods, landslides and hill collapses, with Chattogram reporting 16 deaths, thousands of damaged homes and major road/bridge impacts; heavy rain is forecast again, while garment exporters are pushing for an emergency support package after Chattogram Port flooding snarled shipments and threatens export competitiveness. LDC Graduation & Trade Readiness: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir seeks a three-year extension to Bangladesh’s LDC graduation preparatory period, citing transition, energy and supply-chain shocks; the EU and G77/China reaffirm support for smooth, irreversible graduation. Debt Relief for Social Spending: Finance Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir urged the UN to set up a debt restructuring/relief mechanism so fiscal space can protect investment in children and women and keep SDG progress on track. RMG Labour & Human Rights Pressure: A rights group warns garment closures and layoffs are escalating into a human rights crisis, with delayed wages and weak dispute systems cited as key triggers. Maritime Security & Logistics: Coast Guard dismantles a firearms-manufacturing syndicate in Moheshkhali; separate reports flag robberies at Chattogram Port outer anchorage, raising safety concerns for shipping crews. Regional Security Cooperation: India hosted BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs’ meeting, focusing on counter-terrorism, cyber, maritime and energy security, disaster management and connectivity. Food Safety & Agri Exports: BFSA orders withdrawal of three pitha/slice bread products over excess preservatives; Gazipur jackfruit growers are upbeat about planned exports to China. Energy/Infrastructure Note: Petrobangla says 2026 LNG imports from QatarEnergy will fall by 50%.
Food Safety: Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) ordered the immediate withdrawal of three packaged food items after finding excess preservatives, asking consumers not to buy or consume them. Agri-Exports: Gazipur jackfruit growers and traders are upbeat after the government’s plan to export Bangladesh’s GI jackfruit to China, supported by a bilateral MoU and value-added processing push. Garments Productivity: A simple pair of reading glasses is helping garment workers boost speed and reduce eye strain, with VisionSpring and BGMEA-backed efforts aiming to close the access gap. Trade & Finance: Bangladesh Bank unveiled a framework to ease import trade in free trade zones (FTZs), setting rules for authorised dealers and offshore banking units and clarifying how consignment imports are treated for risk and financing. Export Performance: BEPZA reported FY26 exports of $8.41bn, up 2.2%, contributing 17.51% to national exports, alongside new investment proposals and jobs. Energy Risk: Petrobangla said QatarEnergy LNG deliveries for 2026 may be cut by about half due to force majeure tied to the Middle East conflict. Climate & Farming Impact: El Niño warnings point to extreme weather risks, while Chapainawabganj Fazli mango harvest is hit by fruit fly outbreaks after prolonged rain. Regional Security: BIMSTEC national security chiefs endorsed guiding principles for maritime law enforcement and disaster relief, with NSA Ajit Doval calling for deeper cooperation on terrorism, cyber threats and maritime security.
Garment Productivity Boost: AP reports that a simple pair of reading glasses is helping garment workers in Gazipur thread needles faster and reduce headaches, supporting steadier output in high-speed production. EU Market Rules: The EU adopted new GSP rules for 2027-2036 with tougher sustainability and transparency, while noting clothing remains the biggest share of GSP trade—important for Bangladesh’s apparel exporters. Bangladesh Bank FTZ Import Rules: Bangladesh Bank issued a framework for import transactions into Free Trade Zones, defining eligible importers/logistics players and how banks should treat goods for financing and exposure. Energy Transition Incentives: Bangladesh rolled out solar tax breaks and rebates from the July 1 budget to cut import dependence amid power stress linked to Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Energy Security Warning: IEA chief Fatih Birol warned global energy security is at risk unless oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz improve within weeks—directly relevant to Bangladesh’s fuel import costs. RMG Export Pressure: Eurostat-based analysis says Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell 18.89% in Jan-May 2026, with both volume and unit prices dropping. Urban Budget: DNCC announced a Tk 4,527.74 crore budget for 2026-27 prioritising drainage, waste management and dengue control. Safety Incident: A salt factory fire in Chattogram’s Boalkhali killed two workers and left six in critical condition. Finance Sector Cleanup: Bangladesh Bank extended a one-time exit settlement facility for distressed NBFI borrowers until Dec 31, 2026. Regional Security: BIMSTEC national security chiefs met in New Delhi and endorsed maritime law enforcement and disaster relief guidelines to tackle terrorism and organised crime.
Bangladesh Investment Push: Parliament has passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill to unify BIDA, BEZA and PPPA into a single apex investment agency under the PM’s Office, aiming for true one-stop investor services. Banking & Trade Facilitation: Bangladesh Bank rolled out a framework for FTZ import trade, clarifying how banks should handle FTZ-related imports and consignment arrangements, while also introducing a special one-time exit policy for finance companies to settle bad/loss loans (principal not waived; interest may be waived after checks). Industry Data & Investor Support: BIDA, ADB and SANEM held a Khulna workshop to launch the Survey of Industries in Bangladesh, targeting a unified database and faster problem-solving for investors. RMG & Jobs Signals: Flood disruption and sector pressure continue to hit operations, while Bangladesh’s RMG job shedding and export competitiveness remain key concerns. Aviation Expansion: Biman invited global bids to dry-lease three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for six years to expand its fleet by early 2027. Energy & Macro Watch: IMF discussions point to slower growth ahead, while Bangladesh’s broader energy and trade planning stays in focus.
Labour Rights: Bangladesh’s Malaysia migration corridor is set to reopen, but rights groups warn workers could face debt bondage and unpaid wages unless a legally binding bilateral labour deal and transparent recruitment system are in place. Ports & Logistics Investment: Saudi Arabia’s transport delegation met Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman, with Red Sea Gateway Terminal International signaling a USD 180m Bay Terminal plan and up to USD 1bn port-sector investment. FDI & Investment Climate: JS passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill, merging BEZA, PPP Authority and BIDA into a single Invest Bangladesh Authority to create a true one-stop investment push. Banking & Industry Finance: Bangladesh Bank eased external borrowing rules for fully foreign-owned industrial firms, while BTMA urged faster stimulus access, LC payment settlement and sector-focused interest-rate support. Textile Exports: BEPZA reported FY26 exports of $8.41bn (+2.2%) and record $718m investment proposals. Food Policy: Dhaka Ahsania Mission and media advocates pushed for Front-of-Pack Labelling on packaged foods to help curb NCD risks. Energy & Urban Waste: Govt briefed a Dhaka waste-to-energy plant targeting 42.5MW by Aug 2028. Flood & Environment: Relief efforts continue for flood victims; environment minister also said no wood can be used as fuel in brick kilns, urging cleaner tech.
Invest Bangladesh Push: Parliament passed the Invest Bangladesh Bill, 2026, setting up a single Invest Bangladesh Authority by merging BIDA, BEZA, BHTPA and the PPP Authority—aiming for a true one-stop investor service and fewer delays, despite opposition objections over rushed scrutiny. Banking Costs Under Watch: The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged Bangladesh Bank to reject new or higher banking service fees (including LC and cash withdrawal charges), warning SMEs and consumers will face added costs. Green Finance for SMEs: BRAC Bank signed an MoU with OneTrueValue/Truvalu Bangladesh to expand access to green financing for SMEs under a Switzerland-supported programme, targeting renewable energy, efficiency, waste and circular economy projects. Foreign Borrowing Eased: Bangladesh Bank relaxed foreign borrowing rules for fully foreign-owned firms in EPZs/EZs/hi-tech and other specialised areas, allowing low-cost short-term loans without prior approval and capped interest rates for longer tenors. Trade & Logistics Momentum: Bangladesh’s port capacity upgrade continues with Chittagong Port growth and Bay Terminal plans, while Saudi Arabia signalled interest in investing in Bangladesh’s transport and logistics, especially maritime operations. Energy Risk Backdrop: Oil prices rose on renewed US-Iran tensions and blockade threats around key shipping corridors, a reminder of cost pressures for regional trade. Industry & Infrastructure Security: ISPs warned of possible service disruption if extortionists behind attacks on ISP offices aren’t arrested within 24 hours.
Startup Finance Push: PM Tarique Rahman announced collateral-free grants for first-time startup entrepreneurs, with support from Tk 5 lakh up to Tk 5 crore, plus a “second chance” for viable startups that initially fail. Waste-to-Energy & Urban Services: Dhaka’s waste-to-energy plan targets 42.5MW by Aug 2028 using 3,000 tonnes of daily municipal waste, while DNCC rolls out a digital waste app to speed up complaints and response. Industrial Credit & Imports: Bangladesh Bank exempted Shinepukur Ceramics from a restrictive LC margin rule until Dec 31, 2027, to keep essential raw-material imports flowing and protect jobs, under strict account-tracking conditions. RMG & Trade Ecosystem: PDS Limited and Indonesia’s Busana Apparel Group signed a strategic partnership to strengthen multi-country apparel manufacturing, as Bangladesh pushes for faster trade deals ahead of LDC graduation. Skills for Industry: A policy focus on aligning the skills system with real factory needs highlights the BNQF-style “common language” problem—training enrolment isn’t the same as employability. Power Reliability Hits Production: Frequent power cuts in Ilam are disrupting tea, dairy, chilling, and poultry operations, damaging machinery and product quality. Maritime Security: Asia sees a sharp drop in piracy and armed robbery incidents in H1 2026, down 64% year-on-year, easing pressure on shipping routes. Cyber Fraud Warning for MSMEs: Bangladesh Bank and SME experts stress that most financial fraud stems from basic mistakes like password/OTP sharing, urging safer habits and tighter access controls. Flood Relief & Food Security: Flood-hit areas face hunger risks as authorities are urged to ensure staples delivery and prevent waterborne disease spread.
Port & Red Tape Reform: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government is working “like the private sector” to cut bureaucracy, including a task force and a complaint website to speed deregulation, as Saudi RSGT Bangladesh prepares to run Patenga Container Terminal and improve Chattogram port turnaround. Banking for Industry: NCC Bank signed an MoU with Akij Resource Group to modernize cash management for dealers via app, virtual accounts and ERP-linked notifications. RMG & Trade Links: BKMEA and India’s TEXPROCIL inked an MoU at Bharat Tex 2026 to deepen Indo-Bangla textile trade, while DCCI pushed faster trade deals ahead of Bangladesh’s LDC exit. Textile Export Push: Govt targets 40 markets for textile export diversification amid global uncertainty; BSEC also approved Royal Footwear’s IQIO to raise Tk 12 crore. Energy & Logistics Risk: Renewed Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten LNG supply; Wood Mackenzie warns South Asia could face curtailments and industrial fuel switching, with Bangladesh among the exposed. Agriculture Resilience: Bank Asia handed over a solar-powered irrigation project in Bogura; Agriculture Minister Rashid announced emergency support for flood-hit farmers including seedbeds, seedlings and foot-and-mouth vaccination. Capital Market Momentum: Dhaka stocks extended gains for a fourth straight session as investors bet on margin-rule revisions and liquidity improvements.
Primary Education Upgrade: State Minister Bobby Hajjaj says Bangladesh will roll out play-based and STEM labs in primary schools to build early scientific thinking. Maritime Trade Push: Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam says initiatives are underway to cut port logistics costs and speed cargo clearance as the Matarbari deep-sea port targets operations in 2029 with mother-vessel calls. Economic Zones Investment: BEZA signed a $13.7m land lease for Jenson & Nicholson Packaging in the National Special Economic Zone, aiming to create about 600 jobs and support Berger’s backward integration. RMG Export Pressure: WTO data shows Bangladesh remained the world’s No.2 apparel exporter in 2025, but growth slowed to 0.89%, with Vietnam closing the gap fast. SME & Finance Support: Bangladesh Bank expanded FC-Taka swap access for exporters in specialized zones, while Al-Arafah Islami Bank launched a month-long entrepreneurship training for CMSMEs. Policy for Competitiveness: UGC chair Mamun Ahmed welcomed private-university tax cuts as an opportunity to boost research and quality. Humanitarian Risk in Camps: HRW urges urgent action after monsoon landslides killed Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps, highlighting deforestation and underfunded camp safety.
Industrial Investment: Berger Paints Bangladesh affiliate Jenson & Nicholson Packaging will invest $13.7m in the National Special Economic Zone, building a rigid plastic pails and paint-container plant on 6.34 acres and creating about 600 jobs, with Beza urging faster, investor-friendly zone services. Digital Finance: City Bank-bKash nano loans crossed Tk 10,000 crore, reaching 3.5m users via 3.19 crore loan accounts; the bank says small-ticket digital lending is holding strong portfolio quality. RMG & Trade: BGMEA and HSBC signed up for joint market-expansion, including a Hong Kong apparel roadshow, while BGMEA and OCAIB discussed Chinese investment, tech transfer and sustainable upgrades for Bangladesh’s garment sector. Shipping & Ports: Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the Laldia Container Terminal deal at Chittagong will not be cancelled or renegotiated, and the Matarbari deep-sea port is set to start operations by 2029 to cut transhipment dependence. Energy & Utilities: Power Division opened a flood-ready electricity control room in Dhaka to keep supply stable, and Bangladesh Bank extended foreign currency-taka swaps for SEZ exporters to ease short-term liquidity. Food Safety & Jobs: Rajshahi will get a modern meat processing centre with halal procedures, lab testing and waste-to-biogas plans. Labour & Compliance: Police in Mangaluru detained 11 Bangladeshi nationals working illegally at construction sites, with deportation steps underway. Social Risk: HRW warned monsoon landslides are becoming more deadly for Rohingya refugees as camp funding for embankments and drainage dries up.
RMG Export Push: BGMEA and HSBC signed a partnership to expand Bangladesh’s apparel reach, starting with an apparel roadshow in Hong Kong and leveraging BATEXPO to attract new global buyers. Textile Incentives: Bangladesh Bank raised the cash incentive for export-oriented garment makers using locally sourced yarn/fabric to 5% for FY27, aiming to revive spinning and cut import dependence. Jewellery Price Discipline: Bajus warned against unauthorised gold price lists and threatened action against district/upazila units or societies circulating rates outside the official committee list. Telecom Policy: ICT Minister said there’s no plan to privatise Teletalk; upgrades are underway and the state operator must stay to protect competition and prevent tariff hikes. Waste-to-Energy for Dhaka: PM held talks on two waste-to-energy projects—Aminbazar (42.5MW, grid by Aug 2028) and Matuail (methane-to-power, ~221MWh/yr). Biomedical Waste Facility: Sirajganj launched a UNIDO-supported biomedical waste common treatment facility to manage 950 tonnes annually. Flood Impact & Relief: Floods and landslides have killed 51 so far, affecting about 1.02m people; heavy rain also damaged crops across multiple districts. Power Reliability: Rain eased national load-shedding, but outages persist in pockets due to weather-related damage to grid infrastructure. Aviation Expansion: US-Bangla plans to add 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft in 2027 in a $1.11b fleet expansion to grow regional routes. Market Oversight: BSEC imposed Tk 1,497cr fines in a stock market crackdown over irregularities and alleged looting.
RMG Market Push: BGMEA and HSBC teamed up for a Hong Kong apparel roadshow to open new export markets, while BGMEA also met OCAIB to expand Chinese investment, technology transfer, automation/AI and circular/green initiatives for Bangladesh’s garment sector. Textile Export Support: Bangladesh Bank raised cash incentives for local textile exporters to 5% for FY27 to encourage use of domestically sourced yarn and fabrics. Customs & Trade Friction: DCCI urged NBR to simplify customs, saying inspections, lab tests and verification delay cargo clearance by up to a week, raising costs. Cashless Payment Cost Fight: BMPCA demanded scrapping Bangla QR service charges, arguing MDR fees discourage small merchants and undermine cashless goals. Urban Environment & Waste-to-Energy: PM Tarique Rahman ordered faster waste-to-energy projects for Dhaka (Aminbazar and Matuail) and approved shutting illegal waste-discharge lines into Gulshan/Baridhara lakes within six months. Flood-Resilient Planning: Experts called for resilient urban planning, restored waterways and better drainage to reduce flood and waterlogging impacts. Energy/Geology Risk Watch: A Chinese study flagged fault risk around China’s Brahmaputra mega-dam, raising concerns for downstream India and Bangladesh.
Cross-border Energy Trade: Myanmar and Bangladesh discussed expanding energy cooperation, including a bilateral cross-border transmission line and a China–Myanmar–Bangladesh regional grid for electricity trading. Capital Markets & Reforms: The DSE rebounded, reclaiming the 5,800-mark after a reform push and investor optimism, while BSEC moved to permanently halt trading of closed companies and flagged non-operational firms like AFC Agro. Port & Logistics Disruption: Heavy rain and rough seas disrupted Chattogram Port services, with cargo handling below normal and waterlogging damaging imports at terminals and ICDs—importers are seeking compensation. Flood Response & Agriculture: Floods hit multiple districts with deaths rising and over 10 lakh affected; the government is mapping farmer losses for rehabilitation and pushing mini-cold storage plans to cut post-harvest losses. Business Climate for SMEs: DCCI entrepreneurs demanded longer trade licence validity, lower costs, simplified LC processes, and fewer tax/administrative hurdles. Finance for CMSMEs: Al-Arafah Islami Bank launched shariah-compliant CMSME investment products to support small business expansion and jobs. Healthcare Trust & Waste: PM urged doctors to build public trust to curb overseas treatment outflows, while a separate report highlighted unsafe medical waste disposal risks. Energy Transition & Industry: EU launched a South Asia energy connectivity project to improve cross-border power markets, and Bangladesh’s nuclear plant plans were framed as a potential shift for reliable, low-carbon power.
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