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.
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.
1675 Prominent Citizens Call for Boycott of Upcoming February 12 National Election and Referendum
A total of 1675 prominent citizens, both from within the country and abroad, have called for a boycott of the upcoming National Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12. Among them are doctors, engineers, poets, writers, journalists, and others.
135 Journalists Call for Immediate Suspension of One-Sided Parliamentary Election
A group of 135 journalists working across national and international media outlets has expressed serious concern over the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary election in Bangladesh, saying it risks being one-sided due to the absence of major political parties, including the Awami League. They warned that the results may not be fully accepted domestically or internationally.
Political Violence Claims 328 Lives Under Interim Government
At least 328 people have lost their lives in political violence in Bangladesh from August 9, 2024, to December 31, 2025, according to a report released Wednesday by human rights organization Odhikar. The report, compiled using data from human rights defenders affiliated with Odhikar and verified media sources, shows that 238 people were killed and 6,704 injured in such violence in 2025 alone.
501 Engineers Question Interim Government’s Legitimacy, Call for Election Boycott
A total of 501 engineers, based both in Bangladesh and abroad and identifying themselves as believers in the ideals of the Great Liberation War, have rejected the upcoming national election, describing it as a “sham vote,” and have called for its boycott.
‘Bangladesh on the Brink’ Unveiled at Queen Mary University of London
The book Bangladesh on the Brink was unveiled at a program held at the seminar hall of Queen Mary University of London in East London on Tuesday evening. The event took place at 7:00 pm (London time) and was organized by BridgeBangla24.
Washington Post: Rising Attacks on Hindu Minorities in Bangladesh Ahead of Election
As the national election draws closer, attacks, killings, and vandalism of places of worship targeting the Hindu minority in Bangladesh have increased at an alarming rate, according to a report by the U.S. newspaper The Washington Post. The report states that political instability, polarization, the resurgence of Islamist groups, and a culture of impunity are deepening fear and uncertainty among minority communities.
Political Violence Intensifies Ahead of Bangladesh Election: 11 Killed, 616 Injured
Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) says that incidents of political violence increased alarmingly in January, reaching a severe level. In just one month, at least 11 people were killed and 616 injured in 75 clashes across the country, directly calling into question the environment for a free and fair election.
Extremist Influence, Foreign Pressure Threaten Bangladesh’s Democracy: Sajeeb Wazed Joy
Speaking at a book launch in Kolkata, Sajeeb Wazed Joy warned that Bangladesh is facing extremist influence and foreign pressure, saying the upcoming election will not be free or fair and could push the country into deeper instability.