Bangladesh

A legislative amendment to the Bank Resolution Act, recently approved, may undo months of banking reform and adjustments: under the revised act, former owners of troubled banks, including those who mishandle, could re-own a bank by paying 7,5% of debt

A government proposal to introduce online classes amid the ongoing energy crisis has triggered widespread concern among parents, many of whom fear it could worsen learning gaps and increase children’s dependence on digital devices

13th Parliament was inaugurated and day 1 brought a number of notable episodes: noise before President Shahabuddin's speech and opposition MPs walking out during his address amid quiet exchanges and subtle smiles

A $370 million financing was granted by the World Bank for sanitation and solid waste management to reduce water pollution and restore rivers and canals; Metro Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Program impacts an area generating 1/3 of Bangladesh GDP

As campaigning began for general election on 12 February, Chief Advisor Yunus directed the armed forces to remain on high alert to help ensure free, fair, impartial results; Bangladesh is under interim administration following mass uprising in 2024

Air force chiefs held talks with those of Pakistan on a potential pact covering the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and expands ties with Bangladesh

A concert by legendary Bangladeshi rock musician James was called off following alleged attack by "outsiders", despite full preparations; the event was scheduled at the Faridpur District School premises to mark the school's 185th anniversary

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has urged stakeholders to halt the clearing of mangrove forests to make way for shrimp farms, warning that the destruction of these vital ecosystems would undermine coastal protection

Unclaimed attacks against Christians began with a bomb thrown at one of the Dhaka's oldest churches and two more attacks followed in 48 hours; no one was physically injured but fear has spread among the Christian minority, with many feeling "anxiety"

The 'July Joddha Sangsad', or July fighters, announced a highway blockade in every district across Bangladesh Sunday 19 October if their demands are not included in the July Charter: recognition as martyrs, rehabilitation of families, legal assistance

A 41% hike in service charges at Chattogram Port would make it the most expensive in the region and business leaders warn that this would erode Bangladesh's competitiveness at a time when the nation's vital export sector is already under strain