Governance

Farmer organisations have indicated that the February 12 protest could mark the beginning of a sustained campaign if their demands are not met or if the trade agreement proceeds without further consultation.

As the countdown to February 12 continues, the question hanging over Bangladesh is whether the interim government can deliver the security and fairness it promised – or whether the country’s most vulnerable citizens will once again pay the price for political change.

Farm organisations have already begun voicing strong opposition. Some groups have called for nationwide protests.

Critics accuse the interim government of failing to protect minorities and civil rights, amid allegations of arbitrary arrests. The withdrawal of the CAT reservation is seen as a crucial reform, potentially aiding over 1,000 custody deaths and 677 disappearances reported during Hasina’s era.

Bangladesh's Economic Relations Division described the combined investments as a “strategic offensive” to support Bangladesh’s transition to upper-middle-income status.

Sri Lanka's “Policy for Digital Transformation of Education,” introduced in 2023, targets high-speed internet and devices in all schools by 2025. With international partnerships like UNESCO and Huawei, the nation aims for an inclusive digital economy, though balancing rapid change with safeguards remains key.

Sri Lanka is gearing up to apply for $25 million from the United Nations' Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD). The application is intended to support recovery efforts.

This latest edict from Akhundzada, who rarely appears in public and rules from Kandahar, reinforces his absolute authority.