Bangladesh

Bangladesh is facing one of its worst dengue outbreaks in recent history, with fatalities continuing to climb and hospitals overwhelmed by a surge in patients. The mosquito-borne viral disease has claimed over 179 lives and infected tens of thousands across the country this year, according to official health data. Prolonged monsoons, unplanned urbanisation, and inadequate vector control have intensified the crisis.

The Adani Power supply agreement with Bangladesh has come under official scrutiny as Dhaka examines the financial implications of electricity imports from the company’s Jharkhand-based power plant. The review, initiated by Bangladesh’s Power Development Board (BPDB), follows concerns over escalating energy costs, currency pressures, and the need to ensure cost-efficient electricity procurement.

Bangladesh is grappling with an unprecedented surge in dengue cases, reporting its highest single-day fatalities of 2025. Health authorities have confirmed numerous deaths in urban and peri-urban areas, highlighting the severity of the outbreak. Contributing factors include unseasonal rains, mosquito breeding in stagnant water, and limited access to timely medical care in densely populated zones. Hospitals are experiencing increased patient loads, stretching resources and staff.

The Indian government has imposed a ban on the import of jute products from Bangladesh through land routes, aiming to protect domestic manufacturers from competitive pricing pressures and quality concerns. The decision, effective immediately, covers key products such as raw jute, jute twine, sacks, and hessian fabric. Officials cite the need to safeguard local farmers, bolster domestic processing units, and prevent under-invoicing practices that distort market dynamics.

In a move that strengthens bilateral trade and addresses regional food security concerns, India has agreed to export 9 lakh tonnes of rice to Bangladesh. The agreement, which comes at a time when global food supply chains are under pressure, reinforces India’s role as a stable and trusted agricultural partner in South Asia. The export consignment includes both parboiled and non-basmati rice and is aimed at meeting the consumption needs of Bangladesh during the lean season.

Amid shifting regional dynamics, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is engaged in critical discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding a proposed white-ball series scheduled for August. While the political climate casts doubt over the series' immediate viability, both cricketing bodies are reportedly in constructive dialogue.

Sri Lanka sealed a dominant victory over Bangladesh in the second Test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club, winning by an innings and 78 runs to secure a 1-0 series win. The hosts showcased their batting prowess, with Pathum Nissanka scoring a brilliant 158, followed by key contributions from Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis. In the second innings, Prabath Jayasuriya’s five-wicket haul played a central role in dismantling Bangladesh's batting line-up.

In a strategic move to deepen economic ties and enhance regional commerce, Bangladesh has relaxed its visa policies for Pakistani business leaders. The initiative, highlighted by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, aims to facilitate smoother trade delegations and strengthen cooperation between the two nations. With bilateral trade anticipated to surpass USD 1 billion this fiscal year, both countries are positioning themselves as pivotal players within the South Asian economic landscape.

In a significant policy shift aimed at safeguarding domestic textile manufacturers, India has restricted the import of ready-made garments (RMG) from Bangladesh to just two sea ports—Kolkata and Nhava Sheva. This move is expected to increase import costs and reduce the influx of low-priced garments via land routes through the Northeast. The measure is being hailed by industry leaders as a strategic counter to Bangladesh’s earlier restrictions on Indian cotton yarn exports and a broader effort to promote self-reliance in India’s apparel sector.

In a significant policy shift, India has imposed new port restrictions on specific imports from Bangladesh, including categories such as ready-made garments and processed food products. The move, enacted through a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), appears to be aimed at regulating the flow of certain goods while maintaining strategic transit commitments to neighboring nations. Notably, these restrictions will not apply to Bangladeshi consignments moving through India en route to Nepal or Bhutan.