AGP Executive Report

Measles Outbreak: Bangladesh’s measles crisis worsened as four more children died in 24 hours; DGHS reported 1,242 new suspected/confirmed cases, pushing the death toll to 1,114 this year. Dengue Surge: Dengue remains intense, with 1 death and 1,163 hospitalised reported in 24 hours; the death toll rose to 250 and 82,761 cases were recorded nationwide. Hospital Strain: In Narayanganj, dengue admissions are so high that patients are being treated on floors and verandas due to bed shortages. Food Prices Pressure: Dhaka shoppers faced fresh budget strain as packaged sugar and bottled soybean oil prices rose above fixed rates, while eggs, vegetables, and chicken also stayed high. Heat Stress Impact: A study warns severe heatwaves drive exhaustion among informal workers and can cost the economy nearly Tk 77,000 crore annually. Tobacco Health Burden: A Lancet Global Health study links chewing tobacco to about 251,000 deaths globally, with most burden concentrated in South Asia, including Bangladesh. Public Health Policy (Regional): Pakistan launched a national mental health policy to expand care through primary services as specialist shortages persist. Leadership Loss: Bangladesh mourns digital journalism pioneer Toufique Imrose Khalidi, who died in London at 59. Mosquito Control Push: Jamaat announced a nationwide dengue awareness week starting Oct 4.

Chewing Tobacco Toll: A new Lancet Global Health study using IHME data estimates chewing tobacco caused about 251,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with South Asia accounting for ~84% of the burden; Bangladesh is among the worst-hit countries. Cholera Watch: WHO reports Bangladesh had 22,709 cholera cases in 2025 (down 8.3% year-on-year), with over half among children under 5; Bangladesh also launched its first two-dose oral cholera vaccine campaign in August. Dengue Pressure: Reports say Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak is straining hospitals, with daily deaths and admissions rising in recent days. Primary Care Upgrade: Government plans a Tk11,993 crore project to improve union and ward health facilities—16,265 sites to be built, repaired or renovated by Nov 2029. Breast Cancer Awareness: Chattogram kicked off Pink October with a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign focused on early detection. Tobacco-Free Youth Push: University students called for a ban on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, citing rising youth use.

Dengue Watch: Bangladesh is entering October with a worsening dengue outbreak after its deadliest month in 2026, and experts warn changing weather and rainfall could keep transmission high—adding pressure to hospitals already battling a severe measles surge. Tobacco Health Burden: A new Lancet Global Health study estimates chewing tobacco caused about 251,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with roughly 84% concentrated in South Asia; Bangladesh is among the high-prevalence countries. Measles Strain: The measles outbreak continues to escalate, with reports of deaths crossing 1,100 and thousands of children falling ill, stretching care capacity. Elderly Care Gap: Bangladesh’s ageing population is outpacing services, with government-run elderly facilities still non-operational due to staff shortages. Health System Security: The Radda MCH-FP centre attack in Mirpur has triggered political and legal fallout, including calls for stronger action and accountability. Pharma & Access: US moves to waive tariffs on select specialty drugs could affect drug costs and supply chains, while Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical market remains highly concentrated.

Dengue Surge: Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak is worsening as October approaches, with experts warning rainfall and changing weather could fuel transmission and strain hospitals already battling the world’s worst measles situation; reports also say deaths rose to 245 and nearly 2,000 more patients were admitted in a day. Measles Pressure: Health services remain under heavy load as measles deaths in Bangladesh have crossed 1,100, adding to the risk of overwhelmed care during peak dengue season. Older Persons Care: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir urged Bangladesh to rethink healthcare, social security, housing and employment for the elderly, pointing to the old-age allowance allocation for 2026-27. Prison Health Risk: A prisoner, Shahin Alam, died while receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, renewing concerns about deaths of inmates on the way to hospitals and during treatment. Tobacco Harm: A global study links chewing tobacco to about 251,000 deaths in 2023, with South Asia—including Bangladesh—carrying most of the burden. Air Pollution Alert: Dhaka ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, with AQI readings in the “unhealthy” range, raising respiratory and heart-risk concerns. Healthcare Under Attack: PM Tarique Rahman ordered BNP reserved-seat MP Ferdousy Ahmed Mishti to resign after allegations tied to the demolition and looting of the Radda MCH-FP maternal-child health centre in Mirpur. Nutrition Opportunity: A workshop highlighted whey water from dairy processing as a potential new nutrition and food industry resource to reduce waste and support malnutrition.

Dengue Surge: Bangladesh’s DGHS reports 6 more dengue deaths, taking the toll to 245, with 1,948 new hospital admissions in 24 hours and 79,620 cases since the start of 2026. Measles Alert: Health bulletins say 4 more people died with measles symptoms; 1,221 new suspected cases and 128 confirmed were recorded, with suspected cases since March 15 now at 191,731. World Heart Day: The National Heart Foundation held a seminar on CVD prevention, risk reduction, timely treatment and tobacco control under “Every Heartbeat Matters.” Health Service Access: The health minister said an additional evening shift for public hospitals is being considered to expand outpatient services and plans include an ENT cancer unit. Rohingya & China Ties: The President urged China to boost investment and cooperation for safe, dignified Rohingya repatriation, highlighting sectors from garments to solar power. Whey Water Potential: A Dhaka workshop highlighted how whey water could reduce dairy waste and support new nutrition products, from beverages to whey protein. Air Pollution Watch: Dhaka ranked 8th globally for air pollution with AQI 143, flagged as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Workplace Safety Abroad: A Bangladeshi worker was seriously injured in a Fincantieri shipyard fire in Italy, underscoring ongoing risks for overseas workers.

Air Quality & Health: Dhaka ranks joint seventh with New Delhi among the world’s most polluted cities, with AQI around 152 (“unhealthy”), raising risks for children, older people, and asthma patients. Maternal & Child Health: Bangladesh’s measles situation remains alarming, with death tolls reported above 1,000 and a push to vaccinate missed children (3.4m targeted). Rape Survivor Support: Rape response workers at One Stop Crisis Centres and related services have been unpaid since January, threatening continuity of legal, psychological and medical support. World Heart Day: Islami Bank Hospital & Cardiac Center held a rally and seminar urging heart-health awareness, regular check-ups, and lifestyle changes. Public Sanitation: A major public toilet gap in Dhaka is linked to dehydration, urinary infections, and unsafe conditions, with calls for business participation plus oversight. Injury & Safety: A schoolgirl in Pirojpur was found hanging; in Narayanganj, an electrocution incident killed one madrasa student and left four critically injured. Policy & Identity: Experts warn universal birth/death registration by 2030 is at risk without legal and implementation fixes. AI & Skills: Bangladesh plans first AI training centres in Sylhet to build IT and freelancing skills. Global Health Policy: The US waives 100% tariffs on select specialty drugs from Bangladesh and 19 other markets, though immediate pharma gains may be limited.

Rohingya Repatriation Safety Concerns: Malaysia has started sending back 1,476 Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya, in the first phase of a plan for about 5,000 returns, using two naval warships and a hospital ship—despite UNHCR warnings that Myanmar remains unsafe and that returns must be voluntary, informed, and dignified. Myanmar Violence Alarm: The UN is also alarmed by reports that a Myanmar airstrike near the Bangladesh border killed 50 people and wounded dozens, underscoring risks for displaced communities. Cholera Watch (Global): WHO says cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to 7,870, with Africa driving most of the burden; Nigeria and six others account for about 90% of reported cases and deaths. Bangladesh Cholera Vaccination Update: Bangladesh’s first oral cholera vaccination round reached 82.6% coverage, but 8.52 lakh people missed the first dose, with Narayanganj the biggest gap. Dengue Surge: DGHS reports 6 more dengue deaths and 1,942 new hospitalisations in 24 hours, pushing the yearly death toll to 239. Measles Crisis: Measles-related deaths have crossed 1,100 (suspected plus confirmed), with 5 more deaths and 1,339 new suspected cases reported in 24 hours. Heart Health Reminder: On World Heart Day, the health minister urged people not to ignore heart-disease warning signs and seek care early. Eye Health for Preemies (ROP): A seminar highlighted the need for timely screening and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity to prevent childhood blindness. Health System Funding: ECNEC approved major health-related projects, including an integrated health system response for TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria, and a revised plan for Patuakhali Medical College and Hospital. Local Health Access Pressure: A Barishal survey says over 1,000 ponds have disappeared in a decade, raising concerns for waterlogging and groundwater decline. Health Care Under Threat: Reports continue on attacks and vandalism linked to Mirpur’s Radda health centre, raising questions about timely law enforcement response. US Pharma Tariff Relief (Bangladesh Angle): Bangladesh’s pharma sector may see limited near-term gains because it produces fewer highly specialised medicines covered by the US tariff exemptions. Universal Registration Push: Civil society warns Bangladesh’s birth and death registration coverage is too low to meet 2030 goals, urging legal and implementation fixes.

Healthcare Workforce: Bangladesh’s health ministry has ordered urgent recruitment as over 40% (about 35,000) field-level DGHS posts remain vacant, part of a plan to hire 1 lakh health workers nationwide in phases. Public Health—Measles: Bangladesh launched a nationwide measles vaccination drive targeting about 3.4 million children amid rising cases and deaths, with reports of measles-like symptoms continuing. Hospital Security & Accountability: Investigators linked the Mirpur Radda health centre demolition and looting to named BNP, Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal leaders; police have arrested 12 so far and courts sent more suspects to jail, while probes continue into planning and police response. Cardiovascular Awareness: On World Heart Day, experts warned that heart disease is increasingly affecting younger Bangladeshis, driven by smoking, poor diet, obesity, inactivity, stress and disrupted sleep. Food Prices: Malta prices jumped sharply in Chattogram to Tk550/kg as supply tightened despite higher imports, raising concerns for household nutrition. Global Pharma Trade: The US announced zero tariffs on select speciality drugs and ingredients from India and 19 other jurisdictions, including Bangladesh—potentially easing costs for rare disease and advanced therapies.

Dengue Surge: Bangladesh recorded 2,036 new dengue cases and at least 8 deaths in 24 hours, with Dhaka divisions and city corporations among the hardest hit, bringing the year’s totals to 75,730 cases and 233 deaths. Measles Warning: Doctors warn the measles outbreak could cause long-term harm for a generation, citing over 1,000 child deaths and fears of complications and immune damage; health authorities say vaccination gaps are a key driver. Health Facilities Under Attack: Mirpur’s Radda MCH-FP centre was vandalised and demolished amid allegations of looting and police inaction; Jamaat-e-Islami announced Tk 50 lakh to help restart services. Workplace Health Protection: BKMEA and Guardian Life Insurance launched an orientation on insurance and 24/7 telemedicine to expand healthcare access for apparel workers. Policy on Health Workers: Nepal’s parliament unanimously approved a bill proposal to strengthen security for health workers and institutions. Rohingya Justice Effort: A proposal in Cox’s Bazar calls for a “Rohingya Genocide Cell” inside camps to document atrocities and preserve survivors’ testimony. Prostate Cancer Awareness: A reminder for September on prostate cancer risk, symptoms, and the value of early screening.

Rohingya crisis: UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop warned that the Rohingya humanitarian emergency is worsening, with shrinking funding threatening food, healthcare and protection for women and girls in Bangladesh’s camps. Health system under pressure: Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) is pushing deeper China ties, including plans to introduce robotic surgery and expand training, research and specialised care. Measles surge: DGHS data shows September is Bangladesh’s worst month since May, with measles cases and hospital admissions hitting new highs and a nationwide catch-up vaccination drive targeting 3.4 million children. Dengue toll: Fresh reports say dengue has killed at least six more people in 24 hours, with 2,158 new cases and thousands hospitalised nationwide. Healthcare access disrupted: BLAST condemned the Mirpur Radda MCH-FP Centre attack, looting and demolition, saying it has cut essential maternal and child services for low-income communities. Safety and violence: DMP reshuffled police leadership after the Mirpur health centre attack; separate reports also describe assaults on journalists covering an anti-drug raid. Food prices: Commerce Minister urged egg traders to avoid artificial shortages and unjustified hikes to keep prices stable for low- and middle-income consumers.

Dengue Surge: Bangladesh reported a record 2,158 dengue cases in 24 hours, with six deaths; total infections now 73,694 and deaths 225, as hospitals remain under heavy strain. Measles Alarm: The measles situation worsened again, with nine more deaths linked to measles-like symptoms, bringing the combined toll to 1,096 this year; authorities also launched a nationwide measles vaccination push targeting 3.4 million missed children. Healthcare Under Attack: Legal aid group BLAST and rights groups condemned the Mirpur Radda MCH-FP centre looting, vandalism and demolition, calling for impartial probes; police negligence is also being investigated, and more suspects have been jailed. Accountability in Focus: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed withdrew the OC of Shah Ali Police Station over the Mirpur incident, while courts sent six more accused to jail. Public Health Workforce: IUB marked World Pharmacists Day 2026 with a seminar on empowering pharmacists and strengthening academia-industry links. Child Safety Tragedies: Twin siblings drowned in Munshiganj, and a toddler died after falling down stairs in Banani—renewing calls for tighter supervision at home. Protection for Girls: Save the Children urged stronger protection for girls in flood-affected areas after concerns over trafficking, violence and child marriage.

Dengue Update: A doctor, Dr Achol Roy, died of dengue at Mugda Medical College Hospital just a day before taking charge of the hospital’s dengue unit, as Bangladesh reports 71,536 dengue cases and 214 deaths (as of Sept 26), with September the worst month so far. Measles-Rubella Push: Bangladesh launched a nationwide measles-rubella campaign targeting 3.4 million missed and unvaccinated children amid the country’s worst-ever measles outbreak, with deaths reported above 1,000 and tens of thousands of suspected cases. Clinic Violence & Accountability: Nine people were arrested and looted medical supplies recovered after vandalism and demolition at Mirpur’s Radda MCH-FP Centre; the Shah Ali OC was withdrawn amid scrutiny over police response. Public Health Safety: Dhaka’s air quality was rated “Moderate” (AQI 72), but health risks remain for sensitive groups; meanwhile, an anthrax concern is raised in northern districts, with calls for stronger livestock vaccination safeguards. Emergency Care Access: A practical guide highlights Dhaka ambulance options and key numbers (999, 16263) as families struggle with delays and fragmented services during emergencies. Health Services & Prevention: A free medical camp offered diabetes and kidney tests for members of the Bangladesh Indenting Agents’ Association, stressing early detection. Workplace/School Injury: Five madrasa students in Narayanganj suffered serious burns after an alleged contact with a high-voltage power line while playing on a rooftop.

Measles Crisis Response: Bangladesh launched a nationwide measles-rubella catch-up drive targeting 3.4 million missed children as the outbreak worsens, with suspected cases now at 186,813 and suspected deaths at 1,087. Dengue Update: Dengue remains deadly, with 8 more deaths and 1,432 hospitalisations reported in 24 hours; 219 deaths and 71,536 cases recorded this year. Maternal & Child Health Under Threat: Opposition leaders condemned the overnight demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, calling it a serious law-and-order failure; four people were arrested and a police probe is underway. Diabetes & Kidney Awareness: The Bangladesh Indenting Agents’ Association held a free medical camp offering diabetes and kidney tests for about 100 people, urging early detection. Family Planning Guidance: WHO updated contraception recommendations, including more flexible pill use and longer implant options—potentially relevant for Bangladesh’s unmet contraception needs. Cancer & Diabetes Link: New research highlights higher cancer risk in people with type 2 diabetes, stressing broader prevention and screening. Hospital Innovation: Square Hospital launched robotic surgery, completing 8 procedures in two days after approval.

Measles MR Push: Bangladesh has launched a nationwide intensified measles-rubella catch-up drive targeting about 3.4 million missed children (6 months to under 5), running until Oct 31, as the outbreak since March has reached 1,084 combined deaths (101 confirmed measles). Hospital Overcrowding: Khulna Medical College Hospital is operating at nearly four times capacity, with patients spilling into corridors—an acute strain highlighted in maternal care. Cancer Care Bottleneck: Children and adults are facing long waits for radiotherapy due to a shortage of radiotherapy machines, especially in public hospitals. Dengue Update: Dengue remains severe with the death toll rising to 211 and 70,104 cases; 955 more patients were hospitalised in a day, prompting renewed cleanliness and mosquito-control directives. Air Pollution Alert: Dhaka ranked 7th for worst air quality with an AQI of 137 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”). Heat on Workers: New reporting links rising heat stress to major risks for garment workers, urging stronger factory heat controls and medical monitoring. Green Plan: The government unveiled a five-year climate and environment action plan focused on tree planting, mangroves, and tighter pollution monitoring.

Midwifery-led primary care push: Bangladesh and Sweden, with UNFPA, reaffirmed plans to strengthen midwives in primary healthcare to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths, including Bangladesh’s move to create 25,000 midwifery posts and expand access to quality sexual and reproductive health. Dengue surge: DGHS reports two more dengue deaths and 955 new hospitalisations in 24 hours, taking deaths to 211 and total cases to 70,104, with 5,066 patients still in treatment. Measles-like outbreak: DGHS says three more deaths with measles-like symptoms bring the combined toll to 1,084 this year, alongside 1,201 new suspected cases in 24 hours. Health system access & safety: A vaccination centre in Dhaka was reportedly demolished overnight, raising concerns for immunisation continuity. Road safety with a health angle: DTCA and VisionSpring screened about 200 drivers and provided free glasses to support safer mobility. Workplace heat risk: A Cornell-led study links heat stress in Dhaka garment factories to a 4.1% productivity loss, highlighting urgent cooling and ventilation needs. Violence and child safety: A 6-year-old died after alleged rape in Brahmanbaria; a teen was detained.

Anthrax Alert in Rangpur: Sundarganj (Gaibandha) is being treated as a hotspot after at least 53 people across Rangpur, Dinajpur and Gaibandha received care for anthrax symptoms; 16 were confirmed and recovered, linked to meat from cattle slaughtered in Sundarganj. Maternal Health Push: At UNGA in New York, PM Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida Rahman stressed prevention-led primary healthcare, calling for professional midwives; Bangladesh says it plans 25,000 midwifery posts and wider health workforce recruitment. Measles Surge: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak is worsening, with reports of suspected cases and deaths rising as immunization gaps persist. Dengue Toll Rising: September dengue deaths and hospitalisations continue to climb, with multiple reports of fresh fatalities and heavy caseloads. Ambulance Regulation: Government moves to regulate ambulance services with fixed fares and restrictions on converted vehicles, aiming to curb unsafe, unregulated operations. Rohingya Pressure at UN: Bangladesh again urged safe, early Rohingya return to Myanmar, warning of mounting pressure on resources and communities. One Health / Animal Health: A global push backs eradication of PPR in Africa by 2040, alongside stronger foot-and-mouth disease control. Road Safety: A Dhaka-Bogura highway crash killed 2 and injured 7, highlighting ongoing traffic risks.