Bangladesh-US Tariff Pact Falls Short: Only 1% Reduction After Months of Talks

After nine months of continuous negotiations, the signing of the “reciprocal tariff agreement” between Bangladesh and the United States has drawn mixed reactions from trade analysts. The agreement, signed in Washington on Monday, has reduced reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi products by only 1 percent, bringing them down to 19 percent a result many believe falls far short of expectations given the length and intensity of the discussions.

Only Participatory Elections Can Restore Public Trust, Says Sheikh Hasina

At a time when various discussions and expectations have emerged in Bangladesh’s political arena regarding the upcoming national election, Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has clearly outlined her position on the country’s democratic future. She stated that only a free, fair, and participatory election can ensure political stability and restore public confidence.

Election Process Violates Constitution: 707 Lawyers Call for Boycott

A total of 707 lawyers of the Supreme Court have called for a boycott of the upcoming 13th National Parliament election, describing it as directly unconstitutional and an illegal political event. In their words, this is not an election, but rather a staged drama designed to forcibly legitimize the government, where the people’s voting rights have been deliberately buried.

Police Cover Mouth of Former MP Tuhin as She Attempts to Speak

Former Member of Parliament (MP) Sabina Akhter Tuhin, who is currently in jail, was brought to court. After the hearing, she was being taken to the court lock-up. While being taken, the former MP wanted to speak to journalists present in the court premises. At that moment, a female police officer on duty covered her mouth.

Election Uncertainty Grows as IPI Calls for Media Freedom and Journalist Safety

International media watchdog organisation the International Press Institute (IPI) has called for ensuring media freedom and the safety of journalists ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national parliamentary election. The organisation has issued a warning to political parties, the interim government and election-related authorities to ensure an environment where journalists can work freely and safely. According to IPI, a free and impartial election is not possible without a free media.

Weak Regulation Fuels Election Violence: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday said that most political parties and candidates contesting the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election continue to practise traditional violent politics, raising serious concerns about the overall electoral environment.

Dhaka North City Administrator Mohammad Ejaz Removed Amid Corruption Probe

Amid the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) activities over allegations of corruption, the government has removed Mohammad Ejaz, the Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

Joint Forces Detain Over 600 Rohingyas Outside Camps in Ukhiya

Bangladesh Army led joint forces on Sunday detained more than 600 Rohingyas who were living outside the designated camps for forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Palongkhali Union of Ukhiya upazila in Cox’s Bazar district.

Civil Society Raises Alarm Over Minority Security and Voter Suppression

A press conference was held on Sunday morning at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity, demanding the assurance of life and property security and the unhindered exercise of voting rights for religious minorities and all marginalized communities in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Organized by Citizens for Human Rights, the press conference highlighted recent incidents of violence in minority-populated areas and shared experiences from field observations.

Sheikh Hasina Slams February 12 Polls as “Mockery of Democracy,” Warns of Minority Persecution

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised the February 12 elections in Bangladesh, warning that the polls, being held under an unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, threaten the country’s democratic foundations and endanger minorities.