AGP Executive Report

National Budget: Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the FY2026-27 budget in parliament—Tk 9.38 lakh crore, targeting 6.5% growth and 7.5% inflation, with a deficit around Tk 2.43 lakh crore and heavy debt-servicing costs. Air Pollution & Health: Dhaka was ranked the world’s 5th most polluted city with AQI 117 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”), renewing pressure for cleaner air policies. Budget Feasibility: CPD flagged ambitious revenue and inflation targets as the biggest implementation hurdles. Trade & Labour Rights: Bangladesh exporters face US Section 301 tariff risks over forced-labour allegations; exporters warn duties could hit competitiveness. Sundarbans Security: Coast Guard station Harbaria in the Sundarbans was attacked and vandalised, injuring personnel and disrupting anti-forest-piracy operations. Climate & Work: Experts warn climate crisis is already harming workers’ health and productivity, with major export and job risks for the garment sector. River & Water Management: The budget backs river dredging, flood control and restoration, with the Padma Barrage Project set for seven years. World Environment Day Action: BUFT wrapped a World Environment Day programme with tree planting and sustainability awareness.

Budget & Climate Finance: Bangladesh’s FY27 budget boosts climate-linked spending with Tk 100 crore for the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund and targets millions of saplings plus protected-area expansion and forest restoration. Air Pollution & Health: Dhaka hit AQI 167, ranking 2nd most polluted globally and flagged as “unhealthy,” with health risks tied to major pollutants. Water Management: The government unveiled an AI-powered real-time groundwater dashboard and a river/canal restoration push, including a Water Quality Index for Dhaka rivers and plans to excavate and re-excavate thousands of km of waterways. Agriculture Under Pressure: Agriculture gets Tk 46,821 crore, but its share falls to a decade low (5.0%), while growth remains sluggish—raising alarms for food inflation and climate-hit production. LDC Graduation Prep: Experts say the budget aligns with LDC transition steps but lacks a dedicated framework to offset potential export losses after graduation. Renewables Push: Solar power gets a 0% tax rate until 2035 and rebates on solar bills, aiming to expand clean energy. Circular Jute Innovation: Researchers turn jute waste into eco-friendly printing ink and graphene, aiming to cut import dependence and reduce hazardous emissions. Transport for Cleaner Cities: Budget plans expand Dhaka’s metro network (six MRT lines), electric buses, and integrated ticketing to cut air and noise pollution.

Urban Air Crisis: Dhaka is ranked 2nd among the world’s most polluted cities, with an AQI score of 167 (“unhealthy”)—a reminder that air quality risks spike in winter and ease during monsoon. Heat & Climate Risk: A new analysis warns “cooling poverty” is affecting over 2 billion people, leaving many without safe or affordable ways to cool during deadly heat waves. Monsoon Outlook: The Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is forecast to see below-average monsoon rainfall, but hazards remain high—short, intense downpours could still trigger floods and landslides. Water & Peace: A seminar highlights how politicising water can threaten regional peace and security, with renewed focus on South Asia’s water disputes. Greening Push: Zubaida Rahman and youth groups are driving tree-planting drives, including a month-long programme and a 45-day Earth Campaign that has planted over 10,000 trees. Soil Health for Food Security: The agriculture minister stressed soil fertility restoration as excessive chemical fertiliser use has increased soil acidity and degraded land. Clean City Pilot: DSCC launched “city inspectors” in Motijheel to curb waste dumping, waterlogging and dengue risk. Education in Wetlands: UNESCO-backed Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha received the Confucius Literacy Prize for solar-powered floating schools serving Chalan Beel communities. Policy & Finance: Bangladesh signed a $250m AIIB loan for economic governance support and a $404m World Bank deal for health and nutrition.

AI and Water Stress: A new UN report warns AI data centres could consume 9.3 trillion litres of water a year by 2030—on top of soaring electricity demand—pushing environmental costs beyond carbon alone. Climate-smart urban action: Dhaka is moving to restore waterways: two committees will demarcate canal boundaries for DNCC and DSCC, while DSCC’s “City Inspector” pilot targets cleanliness and dengue prevention in Motijheel. Flood-hit food security: CPD says haor boro losses are 1.25 lakh tonnes higher than the government estimate, blaming gaps in assessment timing and a too-short harvesting window before floods. Greening infrastructure: The Bangladesh Bridge Authority plans extensive tree planting around the Payra bridge project, aiming to support the wider national goal of planting 25 crore trees in five years. Soil health push: The agriculture minister says soil acidity is hurting yields and calls for raising average soil pH from about 4.5 to above 6.5, alongside cutting excessive fertiliser and pesticide use. Green industry recognition: BJRI won the National Environment Award 2025 for environmental research and technological innovation. Energy transition progress: The PM says 35 MW has been added to the grid via rooftop solar and net metering, as Bangladesh targets 20% renewables by 2030. Finance for resilience: Bangladesh signed a $250m AIIB budget-support loan for economic management and governance, and a separate World Bank package backs health, nutrition and climate-responsive reproductive health services.

Renewables at Padma Bridge: A 2.49MW solar plant at Padma Bridge’s Service Area-2 is cutting electricity bills via net metering, with June bills near zero except demand charges—an example of cleaner power for big infrastructure. Water security vs environment: The Padma Barrage is reviving hopes for river flow and irrigation, but experts warn large river projects can bring unintended ecological impacts if monitoring is weak. Health and environment link: Doctors are urging a tobacco tax hike in the FY2026-27 budget, citing tobacco’s role in NCD deaths and youth smoking. Budget pressure point: Bangladesh is set to present a Tk 9.38t budget with a big deficit, while education’s GDP share is expected to rise to 2%—both key for long-term resilience. Energy finance push: Japan is providing a $312m emergency loan (with ADB co-financing) to strengthen economic resilience and stable energy supply. Regional pollution concern: A new analysis highlights transboundary air pollution risks from India’s emissions for South Asia, including Bangladesh. Wildlife and biodiversity: Reports say 55 rare wildlife were rescued in Bangladesh after trafficking inaction, and turtles were rescued in Cox’s Bazar. Jobs and climate adaptation: A policy push stresses climate adaptation as essential for jobs and livelihoods, not just future planning.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Japan signed a concessional loan deal worth about $312m (Tk 3,800 crore) with Bangladesh to strengthen fiscal management and stable energy supply, with support co-financed by ADB—aimed at easing pressure from higher energy prices and Middle East-linked supply uncertainty. Wildlife Protection: Bangladesh’s Forest Department rescued 55 rare native animals and arrested two alleged traffickers in Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka, following recent reporting on enforcement gaps. Urban Environment & Health: Dhaka South City Corporation warned it will seal shops operating without trade licences in its markets, linking legal compliance with waste management and dengue control efforts. Water & Agriculture: The GK irrigation project is redesigning its pumping system to keep extracting Ganges water even during low-flow dry-season periods by lowering the intake threshold. Digital & Sustainability Risks: A UN University report warns AI’s environmental footprint goes beyond carbon, with major electricity and water demands by 2030. Tech & Jobs: Startup Bangladesh has invested about Tk 1.09b in 36 approved tech startups, with plans to scale funds toward Tk 1,000 crore. Governance & Markets: BSEC withdrew long-standing floor prices on Islami Bank and Beximco shares after DBA’s push, aiming to restore normal trading and price discovery.

Urban Air & Heat: Dhaka’s air quality was “moderate” at AQI 86 this morning, after days of worse readings, while experts warn prolonged exposure can trigger respiratory illness. Water Security for Dhaka: The Gandharbapur Water Treatment Plant is set to supply 50 crore litres of treated Meghna river water daily once operational, with a second similar project planned to add another 50 crore litres. Climate-Health Research: BUET inaugurated “Exposing Hidden Heat,” a Wellcome Trust-funded project mapping heat-driven health gaps to guide climate-resilient urban planning in Dhaka. Monsoon Watch: Southwest monsoon has entered via Cox’s Bazar; 62mm rain fell in 24 hours, and heavy rainfall is expected over the next week. Environment in Culture: Dheki Projozona launched a One Minute Environmental Cinema Festival, screening 17 youth-made films on the environmental crisis. Renewables vs Fossil Fuel Policy: A CPD study says Bangladesh faces “fiscal discrimination” against renewables, with LNG and fossil power getting far more budget support and tax advantages. LDC Graduation Shock: Bangladesh may lose about $17.5bn in exports after LDC graduation due to reduced preferential market access, prompting trade diversification efforts. Menstrual Dignity in Fashion: Drip by Drip launched “Menstrual Dignity in Fashion” for garment workers, targeting safer sanitation and workplace support for thousands of women.

Monsoon Watch: Southwest monsoon has officially entered Bangladesh via Cox’s Bazar, with 62mm rain in 24 hours and more heavy showers expected over the next week, prompting warnings for maritime ports and fishing boats. Water & Health: Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged modern water management for Dhaka, including shifting from groundwater to more surface water to protect public health and the environment. Flood Risk: BWDB’s bulletin flags heavy to very heavy rainfall in the north and northeast, with rivers like Surma, Kushiyara, Teesta and others projected to rise and possible localised flooding. AI’s Resource Strain: A UN University report warns AI could consume 9.3tn litres of water and drive major electricity demand by 2030—raising concerns for water, land and climate pressures in Asia. Green Finance: Bangladesh Bank launched Tk 1,000cr revolving refinance for green industries and Tk 5,000cr for CMSMEs, alongside a Tk 10,000cr agriculture/rural fund to boost food security and jobs. Leather & Pollution Control: Commerce Minister Muktadir says leather exports could reach $10bn, but stresses CETP upgrades and compliance support as the sector rebuilds capacity after tannery relocation. Health Crisis: Measles deaths rose by eight more to 628 total, with thousands of suspected cases reported in the latest 24 hours.

Public Health Under Strain: Dengue cases are rising again as Bangladesh battles a major measles outbreak, with new dengue deaths and thousands of infections reported while hospitals remain overloaded. Energy Security Push: A parliamentary committee recommends a 3-month strategic fuel reserve, diversified import sources, and full digital monitoring of the fuel supply chain to prevent repeat crises. Green Finance & Industry: Bangladesh Bank launched Tk 30b refinance to expand non-RMG exports, while the government said it will promote reuse of industrial byproducts to support more sustainable industrialization. Capital Market Reform: Dhaka Stock Exchange turnover hit a near-2-year high on optimism around new BSEC leadership, including a digitisation drive to speed IPOs and improve transparency. Climate & Cities: Chattogram plans to plant 10 lakh trees for a greener, more climate-resilient city, and ports are being urged to move beyond “green” branding toward broader sustainability. Wildlife Protection: A study warns illegal wildlife trade in the Hindu Kush Himalaya has more than doubled since 2019, threatening biodiversity across the region. Weather Watch: The Met Office issued a Dhaka and 10-region warning for gusty winds and rain/thunderstorms this midday.

Air Pollution Watch: Dhaka’s air hit an AQI of 178 (unhealthy) with particle pollution driving the risk for sensitive groups. Energy Security: A parliamentary committee urged at least three months of strategic fuel reserves, diversified import sources, and full digital monitoring of the fuel supply chain. Power Demand: The peak summer and irrigation load is around 18,000MW; officials say there’s no overall shortage, but disruptions can spike during peak hours due to fuel, grid limits, maintenance and weather. Urban Waterlogging & Cleanliness: DSCC’s public hearing in Dhanmondi focused on waste, roads, sanitation and waterlogging; the minister also said Dhanmondi Lake won’t be used for commercial purposes and cited a Tk 350 crore waterlogging project. Food Safety: Experts backed mandatory front-of-package warning labels for ultra-processed foods to cut health risks from high sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. Wildlife Protection: The High Court ordered action against illegal horse slaughter and the horse meat trade, and asked for a national action plan within 90 days. Green Transition Policy: CPD called for ending fiscal discrimination against renewables, saying fossil-fuel projects dominate budgets. Regional Climate Cooperation: Nepal’s PM urged BIMSTEC to tackle climate change and natural disasters while improving connectivity. Coastal Livelihoods: Al-Arafah Islami Bank provided Tk 79 lakh in CSR support to 784 fishermen families during the sea fishing ban.

Monsoon Watch: Bangladesh Meteorological Department says the wet spell will persist as monsoon advances from the Chattogram coast, spreading rain and thundershowers across Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet over the next days. Renewables Push: Civil society and energy experts demand cutting renewable energy equipment taxes to a symbolic 1% for a decade and creating a Tk 25,000 crore green revolving finance facility to speed clean energy and energy security. Plastic Cleanup: Forest Department launches a clean-up drive in Lawachhara National Park to tackle rising plastic pollution, citing weak staffing and poor shopkeeper compliance inside the forest. Leather & Pollution Control: Leather industry leaders warn export stagnation continues as the Savar CETP remains non-functional years after tannery relocation, urging professional management for compliance. World Environment Day Action: Groups mark the day with rooftop gardening and heat-stroke awareness workshops, pushing climate adaptation at community level. Wildlife Safety: Forest Department and wildlife centres relocate a 600-kg marsh crocodile from a shrine pond in Bagerhat after a fatal attack, highlighting ecological and safety tensions. Trade & Environment Link: WTO says LDC transition extensions should be used to build productive capacity and competitiveness—relevant for Bangladesh’s shift under global rules.

Urban Livability Crisis: BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul says Dhaka no longer feels livable as pollution worsens, civic services deteriorate, and rivers like the Buriganga remain uncleaned despite big projects. Water & Waste Compliance: Bangladesh’s leather sector is urging the government to hand over Savar’s CETP to a competent professional operator, warning that weak treatment management could hurt global export compliance. Climate-Health Funding: Experts warn climate-related health allocations have fallen sharply, with health’s share of the climate budget dropping even as climate risks rise. AI’s Environmental Thirst: A UN report flags that AI data centres could consume water on a massive scale by 2030, shifting the debate beyond carbon to water and land impacts. Noise Pollution Control: Dhaka’s Shahjalal Airport area is declared a silent zone, with strict action promised against noise violations. World Environment Day Push: EBL marks the day with sustainability dialogue, while Lawachara’s Forest Department launches a plastic clean-up drive. Policy & Planning: Government outlines a path to a $1tn economy by 2034, alongside budget-linked plans that include rural support like a Tk 10,000 agro loan waiver.

World Environment Day: Bangladesh marked World Environment Day with tree-planting at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, pushing “Inspired by Nature, for the Climate, for our Future” and nature-based solutions. Urban Health & Environment: A Dhaka South City pre-monsoon survey found Aedes breeding risks across most wards, with a five-day crash programme planned from June 7—highlighting how weak sanitation enforcement fuels dengue. Public Health Crisis: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak worsened, with five more child deaths reported and totals climbing past 610, as vaccination and health-system pressure remain urgent. Climate & Food Systems: A feature on rice farming stresses soil health after boro harvest, warning that repeated intensive cultivation and heavy chemical fertiliser use are degrading fertility. AI’s Environmental Footprint: A UN-linked report warns AI data centres could massively raise electricity demand and water use by 2030, turning “green AI” into a resource-stress risk. Energy Costs & Protests: Thousands rallied in Dhaka against electricity and fuel tariff hikes, saying living costs are becoming unbearable. Wildlife: A rescued tigress is fully recovered, but experts disagree on whether to release her into the Sundarbans, including whether satellite tracking is needed.

Bangladesh–Türkiye ties: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Turkish FM Hakan Fidan agreed to deepen strategic cooperation and push trade and investment, including exploring a free trade arrangement as both sides target $2bn in bilateral trade. World Environment Day: Bangladesh marked the day with rallies, tree planting and film-festival calls for stronger climate action, while Environment State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam urged coordinated pollution cuts and highlighted plans like 25 crore trees, river re-excavation and solar and waste-to-power. Air quality in Dhaka: AQI hit 107, “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” renewing pressure to curb pollution. Monsoon outlook: BMD expects rainfall and thunderstorms to increase over the next five days as the southwest monsoon advances, easing heat in many areas. Nature & waste: A report on Lawachara National Park shows plastic and chips littering and declining wildlife tied to tourism pressure. Biodiversity risk to finance: A Reuters-cited study warns biodiversity loss could raise sovereign borrowing costs and trigger debt stress. Local environment leadership: Siddika Sultana elected to IPEN’s Steering Committee, boosting Bangladesh’s role in hazardous chemicals and pollution prevention. Heat and climate: UN-linked coverage flags AI’s growing water and energy footprint and warns Bangladesh could face multiple heatwaves as El Niño develops. Rajshahi litchi trade: A bumper harvest is driving about Tk 56 crore in expected Bombay litchi sales.

Heatwave Watch: Bangladesh is still baking under an intense heatwave, with BMD warning discomfort will persist as humidity rises; Dinajpur and Jashore hit 38.6°C and several deaths linked to heat stress were reported. World Environment Day: Ahead of June 5, Switzerland pledged climate-resilient tree planting in Satkhira and Naogaon, while experts pushed nature-based solutions and urged stronger action beyond “one-day” events. Renewables Push: Energy experts and activists demanded renewable energy be a top budget priority, calling for solar incentives and limits on new coal/oil/LNG projects. AI’s Environmental Cost: A new UN University study warns AI’s footprint goes beyond emissions—data centres could massively raise electricity use, water demand, and land impacts. Water Protection & Biodiversity: Waterkeepers Bangladesh elected Sharif Jamil to the Waterkeeper Alliance global board for Asia, aiming to link river conservation with international policy. Local Climate Resilience: Bangladesh’s UN-backed LDC graduation deferral decision is expected by September, potentially extending transition time as reforms continue. Sundarbans Security: Coast Guard arrested a suspected Karim Sharif gang member during anti-piracy operations, seizing firearms and items allegedly used in illegal wildlife hunting. Transport & Pollution: A Dhaka mass-transit report highlights how better connectivity could cut congestion and emissions—if funding and integration improve.

Heatwave & monsoon outlook: Bangladesh is seeing mild to moderate heatwaves across many districts, with humidity making life harder for outdoor workers; BMD says southwest monsoon could start in the first half of June, with below-normal rainfall overall but possible thunderstorms and temporary river rises. Electricity costs: BERC raised electricity tariffs by about 16.7% on average (retail, wholesale and transmission), pushing up monthly bills just as summer heat increases power demand. Pollution accountability: Bangladesh’s “polluter pays” principle is still weak in practice, with experts pointing to legal delays and loopholes that leave most compensation unrecovered. AI’s environmental footprint: A UN report warns AI data centres could drive huge water, energy and land use—by 2030, water demand could rival the needs of 1.3 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa. Biodiversity & wildlife safety: After a child’s death, a crocodile was relocated from the Khan Jahan Ali shrine pond, sparking local anger over protection and long-delayed safeguards. Public health pressure: Measles deaths in Bangladesh have climbed to nearly 600 as the outbreak strains hospitals. Energy investment push: Bangladesh seeks foreign investment for energy security, including renewables and offshore bidding rounds, as part of a “Bangladesh First” approach.