Despite Being Key Voters, Women Barely Lead in Bangladesh Election
Female candidates remain significantly underrepresented in Bangladesh’s 2026 election, with only 85 women contesting out of 1,981 candidates. Despite women being a key voter group, their low presence in leadership and campaign activities highlights ongoing gender gaps in politics, say activists and candidates.
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.
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.
Jamaat a ‘Deceptive Party’, Does Not Believe in Independence: Salahuddin Ahmed
Calling Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami a “deceptive party,” BNP Standing Committee member and Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria–Pekua) constituency candidate Salahuddin Ahmed said that the party does not believe in the country’s independence. Those who do not believe in independence will not speak the correct history either.
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.
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.
Human Chain Calls for Protection of Minority, Indigenous and Women Voters Ahead of Election
With only three days remaining before the 13th National Parliamentary Election, civil society organisations have expressed serious concern over the safety and voting rights of minority, indigenous and women voters across the country.
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).
Economy at Risk: Foreign Debt Surges Despite Lack of Focus on Development
Despite lower spending on development projects, foreign debt in Bangladesh is increasing rapidly. To meet the budget deficit and protect foreign exchange reserves, the government is relying on quickly disbursable budget support loans instead of project loans. The depreciation of the taka has further compounded the situation. As a result, the country’s foreign debt has nearly doubled in just three years.
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.