Category: Bangladesh

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…