Bangladesh election impasse heightens amid geo-political tensions
The political crisis in Bangladesh has only intensified following the farce of the January 5 national election, which was boycotted by Bangladesh National Party (BNP)-led opposition alliance.
The result was a foregone conclusion, with the ruling Awami League (AL)-led alliance securing 153 uncontested seats in the 300-seat parliament. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed a new government on January 12, but the political impasse remains. (See: “Sham election deepens Bangladesh political crisis”)
India-US chasm opens over Bangladesh
The 10th parliamentary election took place in Bangladesh on January 5 amid widespread boycotts, violence, vote rigging and without much fanfare. While the ruling Awami League claimed victory, it is hard to imagine a scenario where this election - where the fate of 154 parliament seats out of 300 were decided before a single vote was cast - could bring stability to this increasingly important country.
The Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, came to power in 2008 with a two-thirds majority. While opportunities abounded for the Awami League to start a new era of politics in Bangladesh, it willfully wasted every chance to do so. The Awami League’s fall from grace over ...
India initiates border survey to end row with Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh have initiated the process to end a five-decade row over a river island in south Tripura. Surveyors of both countries are engaged in demarcating the boundary at Muhurichar, the disputed 66-acre piece of land for which border forces on both sides have fought on numerous occasions in the past five decades.
The surveyors assisted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) are marking the border for the past couple of days. “Temporary pillars are b...
The surveyors assisted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) are marking the border for the past couple of days. “Temporary pillars are b...
Devon MP calls for dialogue, reconciliation in Bangladesh
Tiverton and Honiton MP Neil Parish, who was an election monitor in Bangladesh for the 2008 General Election, has called for political dialogue and reconciliation following widespread election violence in Bangladesh.
He was speaking during a backbench business debate on the current situation in Bangladesh held in the House of Commons.
[caption id="attachment_2808" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Neil Parish, right, was an election observer in Bangladesh in 2008[/caption]
Mr Parish previously acted as...
Neil Parish, right, was an election observer in Bangladesh in 2008[/caption]
Mr Parish previously acted as...
Bangladesh outshines India in prosperity rankings
Bangladesh ranked 103rd out of 142 countries on the 2013 Legatum Prosperity Index, while India fell five notches to 106.
On his old income as a day-labourer, Nur Islam could barely support his wife and six-year-old son. Three years ago in desperation, he moved 200km away to Dhaka from his hometown of Mymensingh. [caption id="attachment_2752" align="alignleft" width="300"]
WB provides $ 410m to improve Bangladesh basic urban services
The World Bank (WB) has approved $410 million to improve municipal governance and basic urban services in district towns and municipalities in Bangladesh and benefit 3.4 million people in around 100 urban communities across the country.
The Municipal Governance and Service Project will provide financial support to 26 urban government bodies with high economic growth and job creation potential, located along growth corridors leading from Dhaka towards Chittagong, Rangpur, Sylhet, Mymensingh. It will also cover three district towns in the south.
“Bangladesh experienced some of the most rapid urbanization in South Asia. Yet, the cities offer inadequate infrastructure and low levels of urban services, particularly in district towns and municipa...
