Bangladesh Roundup: US tariff talks, extreme heat crisis, protests

Heat crisis costs Bangladesh $1.7B, fuels health emergency

Bangladesh is losing at least $1.7 billion annually to extreme heat, according to a World Bank report warning of a growing public health and economic disaster. Between 1980 and 2023, maximum temperatures rose 1.1°C, but the “feels-like” heat index surged 4.5°C — making Dhaka one of the world’s hottest urban heat islands. Heat-related illnesses are spiking: diarrhoea cases nearly tripled in summer, depression rose 23.8% on days over 35°C, and heat exhaustion hits working adults and the elderly hardest. The report also warned Bangladesh could lose 4.9% of GDP to heat by 2030 without intervention.

Deeper trade ties, fewer US tariffs sought

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to stronger US ties in trade, investment, energy, and development as Dhaka and Washington near a bilateral trade deal. At a September 9 meeting with Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, Yunus welcomed the July decision to cut tariffs on Bangladeshi exports from 35% to 20% but urged further reductions. Talks also covered trade imbalance, US agricultural imports, energy cooperation, and aircraft purchases. Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s labour reforms and pledge to improve the investment climate, expecting more US investment and concessional credit. Lynch praised Bangladesh’s early, constructive engagement and stressed swift implementation of tariff agreements and purchase commitments.

Islamist parties launch 3-day protest for electoral reform

Islamist parties Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Khelafat Majlis will stage a three-day nationwide protest starting September 18 to press their five-point demand for electoral reform, including proportional representation and banning the ruling 14-party alliance and Jatiya Party. The parties will hold separate rallies in Dhaka on September 18, divisional processions on September 19, and district- and upazila-level demonstrations on September 26. Jamaat said the programme aims to ensure free, fair, and intimidation-free elections, while IAB announced simultaneous protests across the country. The groups also demand justice for killings and corruption under the previous government and insist on a level playing field before the next polls.

Journalist hacked in Bhanga protest

Violent protests in Bhanga escalated Monday as demonstrators vandalised and set fire to key government offices, including the Upazila Parishad and Highway Police Station. MyTV journalist Sarwar Hossain was brutally hacked while covering the unrest, and several other reporters were injured. Clashes erupted after a road blockade, forcing bloodied police officers to seek refuge in a mosque, where madrasa teachers and students shielded them from the mob. Protesters later attacked police stations and torched motorcycles. The unrest stems from an Election Commission decision merging Algi and Hamirdi unions with Faridpur-2, which has triggered blockades across South Bengal. Police have filed a case against 90 people as tensions remain high.

Youth urged to lead national development

Interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on September 15 said no national problem will remain unresolved if Bangladesh’s youth stay active and engaged. Speaking at the Youth Volunteer Award 2025, Yunus urged young people to use their talent and creativity not just for personal success but for social good, citing their historic role in the 1971 Liberation War. He praised their contributions to healthcare, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and social justice. Yunus stressed that future challenges, from health crises to educational gaps, must be confronted collectively, with youth leading the way. He congratulated award recipients and called youth the “driving force” of the nation’s progress.