The year 2025 emerged as a defining and difficult chapter for Bangladesh, as political uncertainty, economic strain and climate-related disruptions converged to test the country’s resilience. From tense domestic politics to persistent cost-of-living pressures and mounting environmental risks, the year underscored the fragility of stability in one of South Asia’s most densely populated nations.
Politics remained at the centre of national attention throughout the year. In the wake of the general elections, Bangladesh saw prolonged political tension, with opposition parties raising questions over democratic space and governance. Protests, arrests of political activists and restrictions on dissent kept the political climate charged. Concerns expressed by international rights organisations over freedom of expression and civil liberties added to global scrutiny of Dhaka’s internal affairs.
Economic challenges deepened the sense of uncertainty. Inflation stayed high for much of 2025, pushing up food and fuel prices and straining household budgets. While the readymade garments sector continued to anchor exports, it faced headwinds from fluctuating global demand and rising production costs. Pressure on foreign exchange reserves forced the government to maintain import restrictions and engage with international lenders, measures that helped macroeconomic stability but offered limited relief to ordinary citizens grappling with rising daily expenses.
Climate stress once again left a strong imprint on the year. Severe floods affected large parts of the country, damaging crops, displacing families and exposing gaps in disaster preparedness. Coastal regions continued to battle cyclones, erosion and salinity intrusion, threatening agriculture and fisheries-based livelihoods. These recurring climate shocks reinforced Bangladesh’s position as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, even as long-term adaptation measures struggled to keep pace with the scale of risk.
On the diplomatic front, Bangladesh worked to balance regional and global relationships amid shifting geopolitical realities. Ties with India remained largely cooperative, especially in trade, connectivity and energy, though unresolved issues such as water-sharing periodically resurfaced. Engagement with China expanded through infrastructure and investment projects, while Dhaka sought to maintain strategic balance. The Rohingya refugee crisis continued to weigh heavily on Bangladesh’s diplomacy, with little movement on safe and voluntary repatriation from Myanmar.
Socially, 2025 reflected both pressure and perseverance. Labour unrest in the garments sector highlighted persistent concerns over wages and working conditions, while remittances from overseas workers remained a critical economic lifeline. At the same time, debates intensified over shrinking civic space, media freedom and digital regulation, signalling growing unease within civil society about the direction of democratic institutions.
Yet, amid the turbulence, signs of resilience were visible. Infrastructure development progressed, digital public services expanded, and local communities demonstrated remarkable solidarity during floods and emergencies. Youth groups, entrepreneurs and climate activists continued to push for reform and innovation, offering glimpses of hope in an otherwise challenging landscape.
As Bangladesh moves into 2026, the experiences of 2025 stand as a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of politics, the economy and the environment. The year revealed deep vulnerabilities but also the enduring strength of its people. How Bangladesh responds to these lessons will shape whether the coming years bring greater stability and inclusion—or prolonged uncertainty.