Country restarts democratic course as Tarique Rahman sworn-in as PM
Bangladesh resumes its democratic journey today after a long 15 years of autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina as Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn-in as Prime Minister with its party’s landslide victory in 13th national polls. Tarique Rahman charismatically led his party to win in 211 seats in the parliamentary elections widely endorsed by the world, including the European Union (EU) election observers as they called the polls fair and credible saying no instance of fraudulence or vote rigging was found.
Climate change could cut fashion profits by 34pc
Despite the increasing political rhetoric surrounding global warming, the financial impact of climate change is becoming increasingly difficult for corporate executives to ignore, according to a recent report by the Apparel Impact Institute.
The report said that supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and rising raw material prices due to climate change are having a direct impact on company revenue and profits.
The report said that supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and rising raw material prices due to climate change are having a direct impact on company revenue and profits.
According to the report, if inaction on climate issues co...
Truth and healing commission pledged in BNP manifesto
Ahead of the 13th national election, the BNP today (6 February) unveiled its election manifesto, pledging to implement nine major commitments and a 51-point agenda to rebuild the country over the next five years.
The manifesto, announced under the banner "Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh" (We will work, we will build the nation), carries the slogan "Shobar Ageh Bangladesh" (Bangladesh First).
It is divided into five sections and outlines what the p...
Rights challenges continue in post-Hasina Bangladesh
Bangladesh remains under intense human rights scrutiny despite the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year fascist rule, with abuses continuing under the interim government formed after mass protests in 2024, according to the World Human Rights Report 2026 published by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday.
The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took office promising accountability and reform. While some of the fear and repression associated with the previous Awami League government have eased, Human Rights Watch said serious violations persisted throughout 2025. General elections are scheduled for February 2026.
Economy expected to recover gradually over medium term
-
-
-
Bangladesh’s GDP growth is expected to rebound to 4.7 per cent in FY26 and FY27
-
-
-
-
-
The economy continues to face mounting macro-financial challenges from weak tax revenue and financial sector vulnerabilities, with significant downside risks stemming from delays in the implementation of bold fiscal and financial reforms
-
-
-
-
-
Policies should focus on safeguardin...
-
-
Rights agenda gains ground ahead of polls
Bangladesh is entering a critical electoral period ahead of its national elections scheduled for February 2026, with human rights organisations calling on political parties and institutions to consolidate recent reforms and strengthen protections to ensure a credible and inclusive democratic process.
In a briefing published on Saturday, Amnesty International outlined a range of human rights priorities that it said should form part of the national agenda before, during and after the polls. The organisation stressed that safeguarding civil liberties and accountability would be essential to sustaining public confidence in the election environment and democratic institutions
