In its most significant political move since the August 2024 transition, the Bangladesh Awami League has released a 12-point list of demands. The manifesto calls for the unconditional withdrawal of all international and domestic cases against former PM Sheikh Hasina, the reinstatement of dismissed government officials, and urgent state intervention to stabilize the costs of essential goods and electricity.
In a rare move, the Indian government has nominated former Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi as the next High Commissioner to Dhaka. Replacing career diplomat Pranay Verma, Trivedi’s appointment marks a "Washington-style" political deployment to Bangladesh, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to stabilize relations amid Dhaka’s requests for the extradition of former leaders and increased energy support.
In a significant development for regional diplomacy, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed it is formally examining a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina. While the legal review continues, New Delhi is signaling a "business-as-usual" approach toward the new BNP-led administration in Dhaka, insisting that the strategic partnership will not be "held hostage" by the fate of a single individual.
A harrowing report from the UNHCR reveals that 2025 saw a record number of Rohingya fatalities at sea. With nearly 15% of those attempting the journey either missing or dead, and over 2,800 more taking to the sea in early 2026, humanitarian agencies are warning of a total system collapse without urgent funding.
Release of the US–Bangladesh trade deal text has triggered scrutiny over tariffs, sovereignty, and policy risks, as former officials and economists voice growing concern.
