Bangladesh

Bangladesh Customs has seized nearly 25 tons of banned poppy seeds hidden in bird feed containers imported from Pakistan, marking one of the country’s biggest smuggling busts.

Bangladesh has floated another international tender for 50,000 tonnes of rice as domestic prices climb 15% despite a strong harvest.

An IRI assessment warns Bangladesh’s 2026 vote must be inclusive, transparent, and civilian-led—turning ambitious reforms into enforceable rules and restoring broad democratic participation.

A BNP candidate was wounded and a supporter killed in a gun attack in Chattogram, exposing deep-rooted criminal rivalries ahead of the national election.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus faces mounting criticism for excluding political parties and tilting toward China, prompting calls for Western intervention to restore democracy.