Category: Bangladesh

Overview. Repatriation of Rohingya refugees continues to be a difficult issue, as attempts to start sending them back to the Rakhine state continue to hit bumps, with Myanmar blaming Bangladesh for the problems. The IMF has projected a 7.6% GDP growth for Bangladesh in this fiscal year, slightly less than the government’s projections, but still…

Overview. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited China and signed nine agreements during the trip. Remittances have been reported at record levels in the past fiscal year, with the depreciation of the Taka against the US dollar being one of the main reasons. ADB has projected Bangladesh to grow at 8 percent over the next couple…

Overview. The annual budget was announced this month, and dominated the news cycle. The political and security situation appear to be stable. The Rohingya refugee crisis remains in limbo. UN agencies insist that Bangladesh should not force refugees to relocate to Bhashan Char. Bangladesh is discontent at the lack of international pressure on Myanmar.…… Read…

Overview. The new government is heading into its first budget next month. The political and security situation appear to be stable. The Rohingya refugee crisis remains in limbo. There is no evidence that Myanmar will be willing to give the refugees safe passage back. At the same time, the tensions between host communities and refugees…

Overview. In the last month, security issues have come to the forefront, especially after the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka. A close relative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was killed in Colombo and other members of her family were seriously injured. The Prime Minister had directed the military forces to be on high alert.…… Read…

Overview. Tobacco looks to be attracting more attention from campaigners, but whether or not the state will accede to demands for taxation changes remains to be seen. In the run up to the production of a new budget various groups are voicing their ideas and demands for taxation or funding.…… Read the rest

Overview. The last month exposed some of Bangladesh’s traditional weaknesses as a fire broke out in a crowded market in Dhaka, and a hijack scare took place on a Dubai-bound Biman aircraft.   The Chawkbazar Tragedy, as the fire incident is now known, was caused by the explosion of a (compressed natural gas) CNG cylinder…

Overview. The new Awami League government took office, and the Prime Minister has signalled that she wants a better performance from her ministers by making several changes to the cabinet. The Opposition has continued to protest the election outcome, but have received little traction. Law and order is under control, as the government has maintained…

Overview. The general election will take place on 30th December. The month has seen candidates from all political parties jostling for nominations. On 15th December the army will be deployed across Bangladesh to ensure a safe election. Last month saw a largely conciliatory stance from the government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with the joint…