https://www.scmp.com/rss/522199/feed The latest news and top stories on Sreeradha Datta. She is a distinguished academic and professor of International Affairs at O.P. Jindal Global University, also serving as a non-resident senior fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. With a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, her expertise spans India’s foreign policy, regionalism, cross-border issues and security studies, particularly concerning South and Southeast Asia. She has held directorships at... en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Rocking her baby to soothe his searing pain and gasping breaths, 18-year-old Rubia Akhtar Brishti recounts how her son nearly died in Bangladesh’s deadly measles outbreak. “The boy had [a] high fever and found it hard to breathe,” Brishti said, wiping the fevered brow of one-year-old Minhaz, cradled in her arms. “His whole body had rashes.” At least 143 people have died in the outbreak since March 15, the vast majority children, with more than 12,000 suspected cases – the worst in the South... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3349753/vaccine-coverage-gaps-spur-bangladeshs-deadly-measles-outbreak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3349753/vaccine-coverage-gaps-spur-bangladeshs-deadly-measles-outbreak?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:18:38 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Indian police have arrested two suspects in the killing of a prominent Bangladeshi student leader, a development analysts say could help ease strained ties between the neighbouring countries. The detention of the two men over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi – whose killing last year triggered anti-India protests in Bangladesh – may provide an early test of cooperation between New Delhi and Dhaka following Bangladesh’s recent political transition. Hadi was shot in the head last December during an... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3346125/hope-india-bangladesh-reset-after-arrests-student-leaders-killing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3346125/hope-india-bangladesh-reset-after-arrests-student-leaders-killing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:30:29 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Bangladesh began fuel rationing on Sunday as the war in the Middle East deepened an energy crunch, creating long queues at petrol stations and boiling over into anger. The country of 170 million people imports 95 per cent of its oil and gas needs. Following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes throughout the Gulf, the national oil company, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), restricted fuel sales for most vehicles. Authorities capped fuel purchases for several... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3345903/bangladesh-rations-fuel-us-iran-war-stresses-energy-supplies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3345903/bangladesh-rations-fuel-us-iran-war-stresses-energy-supplies?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:40:12 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji The biggest challenges that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has to tackle following its recent victory in the general election are the country’s sluggish economy, high inflation and unemployment. Speaking at a webinar, panellists said voters would judge the new government on its ability to create jobs, tame inflation and steady relations with key partners, even as they commended the peaceful election. Zafar Sobhan, editor of Counterpoint, said: “Let us not forget this was a key driver in... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3344168/bangladesh-faces-daunting-post-election-challenges-economy-garment-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3344168/bangladesh-faces-daunting-post-election-challenges-economy-garment-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:25:11 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Bangladesh has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in as the country’s next leader, a gesture analysts say could help steady relations after months of strain between the neighbours. Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured victory in last week’s national polls, paving the way for the long-time opposition leader to take office after years on the political sidelines. Modi will not attend Tuesday’s ceremony because of prior commitments, but... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343731/bangladeshs-outreach-india-good-beginning-easing-strained-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343731/bangladeshs-outreach-india-good-beginning-easing-strained-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:19 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is poised to recalibrate Dhaka’s ties with India, Pakistan and China, while also addressing US concerns over Beijing’s growing influence in South Asia, following its decisive victory in Thursday’s general election. Analysts said this foreign policy agenda aligned with the party’s focus on economic development, even as it aimed to restore law and order after months of political unrest. The BNP said on social media that it had won enough parliamentary seats... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343508/bangladeshs-bnp-set-balance-ties-regional-powers-us-avoid-crossing-red-line?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3343508/bangladeshs-bnp-set-balance-ties-regional-powers-us-avoid-crossing-red-line?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:08:15 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Controversial remarks in Bangladesh by a politician who questioned women’s ability to perform jobs because of their child-bearing role have caused an uproar ahead of the general election in a country where female workers form the spine of its mainstay garment sector. Shafiqur Rahman, the chief of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also ruled out the possibility of a woman assuming the Islamist party’s top post. In a TV interview, Rahman said women with babies should be given the option of fewer... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3342709/outcry-bangladesh-over-politicians-call-curb-women-workforce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3342709/outcry-bangladesh-over-politicians-call-curb-women-workforce?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 08:00:26 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Bangladesh’s recent pull-out over perceived security concerns for the showpiece T20 World Cup cricket hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month has underscored the unprecedented way regional political tensions have spilled over into sports. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the 20-team event on Saturday after the International Cricket Council rejected Dhaka’s request to move its matches to Sri Lanka, saying it was not feasible to change the schedule so close to the February 7 start. The... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3341669/bangladeshs-cricket-boycott-exposes-deepening-cracks-south-asian-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3341669/bangladeshs-cricket-boycott-exposes-deepening-cracks-south-asian-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:10 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Bangladesh’s student leaders, one of the main driving forces behind the mass protests that brought down former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, now face an uncertain political future. Despite their central role in the uprising, the youth movement has been granted only a small share of parliamentary seats under a new electoral alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami – an Islamist party that was long politically marginalised but has re-emerged as a central player. Under the agreement, the student-led... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3340471/bangladeshs-student-leaders-sidelined-islamist-allies-poll-pact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3340471/bangladeshs-student-leaders-sidelined-islamist-allies-poll-pact?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 04:00:11 +0000 Junaid Kathju Junaid Kathju India is facing multiple geopolitical challenges in the region as Bangladesh and Myanmar show signs of drifting away from New Delhi’s orbit amid its long-standing disputes with Pakistan and China. Dhaka has been drawing closer to Islamabad following the downfall in 2024 of its former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who had close ties with Delhi during her rule, while China has continued to maintain its influence in Myanmar since the junta in Naypyidaw ousted the elected government in a coup in... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3340184/why-india-losing-ground-over-bangladesh-and-myanmar-regional-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3340184/why-india-losing-ground-over-bangladesh-and-myanmar-regional-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 10:35:15 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji The death of Bangladesh’s three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia just days after her son Tarique Rahman returned from a 17-year exile has created a groundswell of sympathy for the family, with analysts saying Zia’s legacy may tilt the country’s February election in favour of her party. With the polls set to be the first since student-led protests toppled the government of Zia’s long-time rival, Sheikh Hasina, and the Awami League barred from contesting, analysts said Zia’s death on Tuesday... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338300/why-return-zias-son-may-influence-bangladeshs-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3338300/why-return-zias-son-may-influence-bangladeshs-election?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:57:02 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji The recent homecoming of Tarique Rahman, the de facto leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and heir to one of the country’s most powerful political families, is widely expected to reshape the political trajectory ahead of February’s national election. Analysts say his return after 17 years in exile could consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate unsettled by unrest and tensions with India following the overthrow of... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3338049/will-tarique-rahmans-return-bangladesh-ease-tensions-restore-stability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3338049/will-tarique-rahmans-return-bangladesh-ease-tensions-restore-stability?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:50:47 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji India’s decision to suspend visa services from Bangladesh’s port city of Chittagong after a fresh bout of political violence underscores how difficult it may be for bilateral ties to return to normal any time soon, analysts have said. The suspension, announced on Sunday, followed protests triggered by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, 32, a youth leader linked to last year’s student-led uprising, who was shot in Dhaka on December 12 and later died from his injuries at a hospital in Singapore after... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3337371/indias-partial-visa-suspension-signals-unease-over-bangladeshs-recent-unrest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3337371/indias-partial-visa-suspension-signals-unease-over-bangladeshs-recent-unrest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:06:01 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Dhaka’s already strained relationship with New Delhi has come under fresh pressure after a Bangladeshi opposition leader threatened to shelter separatists targeting India’s sensitive northeast region in retaliation for what he claimed to be election interference. Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), warned at a rally in Dhaka on Monday that he would carry out the move if Bangladesh believed India was trying to influence its election in February. “If... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3336823/bangladeshi-politicians-threat-targeting-indias-northeast-deepens-row?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3336823/bangladeshi-politicians-threat-targeting-indias-northeast-deepens-row?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:00:12 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Two months before Bangladesh heads to the polls for the first time since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the most established party still in the race, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is facing deep uncertainty as its two top figures are either gravely ill or stuck abroad. BNP chair Begum Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister, is battling serious complications involving her heart, liver and lungs and is expected to be flown to London from Dhaka for treatment, while her son Tarique... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3335640/why-a-leading-party-in-Bangladesh-is-facing-uncertainty-as-election-looms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3335640/why-a-leading-party-in-Bangladesh-is-facing-uncertainty-as-election-looms?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:00:32 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji India is unlikely to accept an extradition request for Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is facing the death penalty in her own country for crimes against humanity. Hasina, 78, has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August last year after the fall of her regime. She was sentenced to death on Monday after being found guilty by a tribunal of incitement, issuing kill orders and failing to stop atrocities linked to last year’s protests in which up to 1,400 people... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3333252/why-india-extraditing-hasina-bangladesh-face-death-penalty-unlikely?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3333252/why-india-extraditing-hasina-bangladesh-face-death-penalty-unlikely?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:30:21 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Bangladesh is navigating a morass of political hurdles in the lead-up to its election set for early next year, including conflicting demands over proportional representation in parliament. Both the country’s largest Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), which draws support from student leaders who toppled the previous regime of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, have demanded that the coming poll be conducted on the basis of the new... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3327386/bangladesh-grapples-political-fragmentation-ahead-key-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3327386/bangladesh-grapples-political-fragmentation-ahead-key-election?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:30:12 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji When a Bangladesh air force jet slammed into a school on July 21, killing 31 people, India was the first country to respond – dispatching a team of specialist doctors, nurses and emergency medical equipment. Their swift arrival earned public praise from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, and sparked cautious optimism that a thaw may be possible after months of strained ties between the neighbours. “These teams have come not just with their skills, but with their... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3320415/will-bangladesh-veer-its-india-china-middle-path?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3320415/will-bangladesh-veer-its-india-china-middle-path?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji A proposed 35 per cent US tariff on Bangladesh’s goods could devastate its garment industry and eliminate millions of jobs, observers say, as Dhaka scrambles to avert the looming trade blow. Experts warn the tariff could cripple Bangladesh’s export competitiveness and fuel social unrest just as its interim government prepares for a crucial general election. While Dhaka has made efforts to secure concessions from Washington, analysts are sceptical it can avoid the tariff. Bangladesh’s ready-made... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3319289/millions-jobs-risk-35-us-tariff-threatens-bangladeshs-garment-industry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3319289/millions-jobs-risk-35-us-tariff-threatens-bangladeshs-garment-industry?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:21:49 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji A violent clash in Bangladesh on Wednesday between a student-led political movement and supporters of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has exposed deep political fault lines, with analysts warning of further unrest. At least four people were killed and dozens injured when members of the National Citizen Party (NCP) – formed by student activists – marched on Gopalganj district, a traditional stronghold of Hasina’s Awami League and the site of a mausoleum dedicated to her father, independence... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3318745/has-bangladeshs-post-hasina-transition-hit-violent-roadblock?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3318745/has-bangladeshs-post-hasina-transition-hit-violent-roadblock?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Jul 2025 08:31:40 +0000