Bangladesh

Trump’s message also came with a warning: any retaliatory tariff by Bangladesh would be matched with further US tariff increases. “Whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 35 per cent that we charge,” he stated.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) confirmed it transferred a record $437 million in June to settle mounting arrears with Adani Power Jharkhand Ltd (APJL), the Indian firm operating the 1,496-megawatt Godda Ultra Supercritical Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand.

With Bangladesh’s energy demand rising and domestic generation under pressure, the power from APL’s Godda plant plays a vital role, particularly in northern regions. Any disruption in this supply could significantly impact industrial and residential consumers.

The massive profits coupled with a weak legal framework have drawn influential individuals with political connections into the sand mining business, making it dangerous for environmental activists and journalists to speak out.

The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.

The army, which played a key role in ushering in the interim setup, has grown wary of Yunus's intentions.

China has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most significant economic partners. In FY 2023–24, Bangladesh imported goods worth $16.637 billion from China, accounting for 26.4 per cent of the country’s total imports, indicating the growing demand for Chinese products.

Adding to the complexity, the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh has yet to complete six substations critical for evacuating electricity generated at the Meghnaghat hub. Sources say these substations are unlikely to be ready before August.