Bangladesh

The recent release of the movie “Pathaan” in Bangladesh’s cinema theaters is the outcome of the lobbying of Bangladeshi film exhibitors.

Relations between the two countries are fraying. This will provide China with space to expand its influence in Bangladesh.

On January 18, prominent advocate Dil Mohammed was abducted from a Rohingya camp in No Man’s Land. He has not been heard from since.

A group of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh recently visited Myanmar’s Rakhine State to lay the groundwork for repatriation. Is Myanmar serious about the effort? 

Hasina’s trip to the U.S. was limited to meeting officials at the World Bank and the IMF. No official meeting took place between her and the U.S. government.

While there has been progress over the past 10 years, much work remains to be done to ensure fair and respectful treatment of workers.

The geopolitical situation is bringing out the strategic aspects of Bangladesh-Japan relations, including a new focus on security cooperation. 

However, growing global scrutiny and an upcoming visit to the U.S. could be forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to go slow on cracking down on the media.

Like many preferential trade agreements, the one between Dhaka and Jakarta has involved a delicate balancing between promoting trade and protecting important industries.

With general elections due early next year, the ruling Awami League is intensifying its assault on what remains of the country's free media.

It may be tempting to read foreign policy choices as “embracing” the Indo-Pacific, but a closer look reveals Dhaka’s continued sense of hesitancy.