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Bangladesh

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Bangladesh. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Dhaka

Head of State

President Mohammed Shahabuddin

Head of Government

Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Muhammad Yunus

Muhammad Yunus has served as chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government since August, and is seen as seeking to bolster diplomatic support ahead of elections in December. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

Why China is likely to roll out the red carpet for Bangladeshi leader Yunus

Muhammad Yunus’ visit next week comes at a time of deteriorating Bangladesh-India ties as Beijing and New Delhi vie for regional influence.

19 Mar 2025 - 9:00AMvideocam

Asia elections

In a world of declining freedom, 1 South Asian nation stands out: report

3 Mar 2025 - 10:02AM

India

Are India-Bangladesh ties reaching ‘point of no return’?

26 Feb 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

Protests around the world

Bangladesh arrests thousands in crackdown dubbed ‘Operation Devil Hunt’

Police targeting criminals have arrested more than 8,600 people since February 8.

24 Feb 2025 - 3:14PM

Bangladesh police stand guard in front of the Supreme Court in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Photo: EPA-EFE

Diplomacy

Opinion | Why Pakistan’s strategic alliance with China will strengthen

Given the India-US bromance, Pakistan and China have little choice. Expect Afghanistan to remain a focus amid efforts to counter US-led narratives.

23 Feb 2025 - 9:43AMvideocam

Protests around the world

‘Critical juncture’: can Yunus overcome Hasina’s legacy and reform Bangladesh?

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, must rebuild the nation after Sheikh Hasina’s regime was overthrown, while dealing with resistance from her supporters.

19 Feb 2025 - 6:23PMvideocam

India

South Asia after USAID: can India rise to the challenge?

The sudden suspension of USAID funds has delivered a gut punch to Nepal and Bangladesh – but it could be an opportunity for India to step up.

16 Feb 2025 - 5:00PM

A USAID officer watches as a US military cargo plane taxis to a stop at an airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2015. Photo: AFP

Human rights

Rights group exposes 12 deaths in Bangladesh detention after PM Hasina ousted

A leading rights organisation reported 12 deaths of people in detention since last year’s student-led protests, alleging torture and extrajudicial killings by security forces.

12 Feb 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

India

Is India’s regional clout waning over Bangladesh cosying up to China?

Ties between India and Bangladesh have worsened in recent months over New Delhi’s decision to grant shelter to ex-PM Sheikh Hasina.

4 Feb 2025 - 7:56PM

United States

Letters | As Trump turns off the US aid tap, will Asia step up?

Readers discuss a possible outcome of the US president’s decision to freeze foreign aid, and the impact of tariffs on the world economy.

4 Feb 2025 - 11:30AM

A Rohingya child walks on the bridge made from bamboo at a refugee camp, in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, on September 30, 2024. The camp is just one that benefits greatly from global aid. Photo: Reuters

India

Opinion | South Asia’s geopolitical landscape is shifting, creating new alliances

From Bangladesh and Pakistan growing closer to Afghanistan’s courting of India, the region’s political calculus looks more complex than ever.

3 Feb 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

Protesters shout slogans as they take part in a demonstration at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on January 22. Photo: EPA-EFE

Asean

US aid freeze threatens Bangladesh’s fragile economy and political stability

The suspension of funds from USAID threatens to undermine vital social welfare and governance initiatives, analysts say.

28 Jan 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

War and conflict

Opinion | Crisis-hit supply chains must become stronger, greener and fairer

A fundamental rethink is needed as global supply chains flounder amid war and attacks, geopolitical tensions and climate shocks.

26 Jan 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

India

Bollywood star’s stabbing reignites India-Bangladesh border security debate

Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing has sparked political blame, with the ruling BJP accusing the AAP of illegal immigration and the AAP criticising the government’s border security.

24 Jan 2025 - 11:31PM

India

India’s bet on AI-enabled warships needs boost to counter China, experts say

While India’s first AI-enabled warship enhances its capabilities in the Indian Ocean, experts warn that more vessels are needed to counter China’s growing presence.

23 Jan 2025 - 10:54PM

Crew members onboard the naval combatant INS Surat, a stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. Photo: AFP

Crime in Hong Kong

Electric shocks, physical assault: inside Southeast Asia’s forced labour camps

Recent high-profile rescue of mainland actor Wang Xing has put the plight of thousands trapped in compounds in focus.

24 Jan 2025 - 3:53PM

Protests around the world

Bangladesh demands return of billions stolen under Sheikh Hasina

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday that the people of Bangladesh had been robbed and its future disrupted by the theft.

15 Jan 2025 - 1:40PM

Britain

UK anti-corruption minister resigns over ties to ousted Bangladesh PM

Siddiq’s aunt Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh since 2009, is being investigated there for alleged corruption and money laundering.

15 Jan 2025 - 3:55AMvideocam

British politician Tulip Siddiq stands outside 10 Downing Street in London in May 2022. Photo: PA via AP

Britain

UK’s Starmer urged to fire minister hit by Bangladesh corruption investigation

UK anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq has been dogged by claims about her links to Bangladesh’s ousted leader.

14 Jan 2025 - 10:38AM

India

India’s growing rift with Bangladesh echoes its Pakistan tensions

As New Delhi voices concerns for Hindu rights in Bangladesh while sheltering the ousted Sheikh Hasina, accusations of meddling run rife.

12 Jan 2025 - 3:30PM

Malaysia

Stateless no more? Rohingya in Malaysia turn to tech to fight erasure

The project aims to harness blockchain technology to create a ‘decentralised identity’ and preserve the Rohingya’s heritage and culture.

6 Jan 2025 - 8:09AMvideocam

Abu, a Rohingya refugee in Malaysia, organises activities to support young people who lack access to formal education. Photo: Steven Ooi/MSF

India

Why India is unlikely to extradite ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina

New Delhi’s muted response to a formal extradition request has sparked tensions as India weighs legal and diplomatic risks.

3 Jan 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina checks her watch as she waits for the official opening time to cast her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on January 7, 2024. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

Opinion | Dialogue can help China, India sidestep disputes over mega dam

To alleviate concerns and reduce tensions, greater transparency, consistent data sharing and diplomacy are essential.

2 Jan 2025 - 5:41AMvideocam

Climate change

Opinion | Asia must not let its appetite for sand consume its rivers and seas

The environmental consequences of sand mining are immense. Across Asia, rivers are shrinking, coastlines eroding and ecosystems unravelling.

31 Dec 2024 - 5:38AMvideocam

China-India relations

What will China’s new mega dam mean for India ties and Tibetan ecosystem?

Huge hydro project in Tibet could risk geological disasters and irk New Delhi as neighbours try to ease tensions, observers say.

28 Dec 2024 - 7:06PMvideocam

China plans to build a massive hydropower project in Tibet on a section of the Yarlung Tsangpo River known as the Grand Canyon, shown here near Nyingchi city. Photo: AFP

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

My Take | South Asia needs to get its political house in order to turn around its economy

Political violence and social unrest have dented support for South Asian countries from investors and multilateral institutions.

27 Dec 2024 - 10:30AM

A protest in Multan on Monday against US sanctions on some Pakistani companies allegedly involved in long-range missile technology. Photo: EPA-EFE

Singapore

Singaporean tycoon Alam investigated over financial crimes in Bangladesh

The billionaire’s lawyers called money-laundering allegations a targeted smear campaign against him and his family.

25 Dec 2024 - 3:10PM

North Korea

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

24 Dec 2024 - 9:30AMvideocam

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