Bangladesh

Hasina’s trip to the U.S. was limited to meeting officials at the World Bank and the IMF. No official meeting took place between her and the U.S. government.

While there has been progress over the past 10 years, much work remains to be done to ensure fair and respectful treatment of workers.

The geopolitical situation is bringing out the strategic aspects of Bangladesh-Japan relations, including a new focus on security cooperation. 

However, growing global scrutiny and an upcoming visit to the U.S. could be forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to go slow on cracking down on the media.

Like many preferential trade agreements, the one between Dhaka and Jakarta has involved a delicate balancing between promoting trade and protecting important industries.

With general elections due early next year, the ruling Awami League is intensifying its assault on what remains of the country's free media.

It may be tempting to read foreign policy choices as “embracing” the Indo-Pacific, but a closer look reveals Dhaka’s continued sense of hesitancy.

India is planning two additional canals that will draw water from the transboundary river, impacting water flows to Bangladesh.

A leaked email from the U.N. resident coordinator in Myanmar reveals that U.N. boats were used to transport junta officials to Bangladesh last week.

In the face of climate change and fossil fuel projects, Bangladeshi fishers and farmers worry that their livelihoods are at great risk.

Junta officials are visiting refugee camps in order to verify those who have been shortlisted for repatriation under a China-mediated pilot program.

It needs to convince voters that it is not an extension of the ruling Awami League and that it will provide all parties with a level playing field.