Current Affairs — Recent Important Events (2024–2026)
The period from 2024 to 2026 has been one of the most politically transformative in Bangladesh’s post-independence history. A student appearing for the DU Admission examination must be aware of the major events of this period — from the political revolution of August 2024 to the Rohingya crisis, infrastructure milestones, and Bangladesh’s evolving foreign policy. This note covers the most significant events and developments of this period.
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Key Events (2024–2026):
| Event | Date | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Hasina’s Third Term | January 2024 | Won 3rd consecutive term in general election |
| August 2024 Revolution | 5 August 2024 | Mass uprising; Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India |
| Dr. Muhammad Yunus as Chief Adviser | August 2024 | Led interim government after Hasina’s fall |
| Padma Bridge Inauguration | June 2022 | Opened by PM Sheikh Hasina; but its impact and developments continue through 2024–26 |
| Rohingya Crisis | Ongoing | 1.3 million refugees in Cox’s Bazar; continued impasse |
| India-Bangladesh Relations | 2024–2025 | Tense after Hasina’s fall; new government seeking improved ties |
| GDP Growth | 2024–2025 | Bangladesh maintained ~6% growth despite political turmoil |
| Climate Events | 2024 | Severe floods in northern Bangladesh |
⚡ Exam Tip: The most important current affairs event is the 5 August 2024 student revolution that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize 2006) became Chief Adviser of the interim government. This is almost certainly going to be tested in the DU examination.
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1. The August 2024 Revolution — A Historic Turning Point
Background
By early 2024, Bangladesh was experiencing growing unrest driven by multiple factors:
- Economic pressures: Inflation had risen significantly; the cost of living was a major grievance
- Political repression: The Awami League government was accused of suppressing dissent, controlling the judiciary, and rigging elections
- Discrimination against minorities: Attacks on Hindu temples and minority communities in late 2024 increased tensions
- AQuota Reform Movement (2024): The initial protests that sparked the revolution were actually related to job reservation reforms — the Quota Reform Movement in June-July 2024 saw students demanding changes to government job quotas
The Quota Reform Movement (June–July 2024)
The Quota Reform Movement began in early June 2024 at Dhaka University, with students protesting the 30% quota reserved for freedom fighters’ descendants in government jobs. The movement spread rapidly across universities. On 15 July 2024, the High Court ruled against the quota system, prompting the government to impose a mass crackdown on student protesters. At least 200 people were killed in the ensuing violence, mostly in July 2024.
The Mass Uprising — 5 August 2024
The movement evolved into a broader anti-government revolution. On 5 August 2024:
- Thousands of student protesters and general citizens took to the streets across Dhaka and other major cities
- The protests turned violent as security forces attempted to suppress them
- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled by helicopter to India (she was ultimately granted asylum in the United Kingdom)
- The President of Bangladesh (Mohammad Shahabuddin) dissolved Parliament
- Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, returned to Bangladesh from abroad and was appointed Chief Adviser (Head of Government) of an interim government
The Interim Government
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, aged 84, was sworn in as Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh on 8 August 2024. The interim government included:
- Dr. Yunus as Chief Adviser (also serving as Governor of Bangladesh Bank in an acting capacity initially)
- Other advisers drawn from civil society, academia, and the student movement
- The students who led the revolution (notably the Students Against Discrimination movement) were given advisory roles
Aftermath and Developments
- State of emergency: An informal state of emergency was declared; basic rights were restored gradually
- Awami League crackdown: Many Awami League leaders were arrested or faced legal action. Several were charged with crimes against humanity for the July 2024 violence
- Trials and accountability: The interim government announced trials for those responsible for the killings during the quota movement
- University re-openings: Educational institutions were closed for several months and gradually reopened under new management
- Press freedom: Restrictions on media were significantly eased; several pro-government journalists faced legal action
2. Sheikh Hasina’s Government (Pre-August 2024)
The January 2024 General Election
On 7 January 2024, Bangladesh held its 12th general election. Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League won a third consecutive term, securing over 75% of parliamentary seats. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami boycotted the election, calling it a farce. The election was held under intense international scrutiny with widespread allegations of irregularities. Voter turnout was reported at approximately 40% — significantly lower than previous elections.
Key Policies Before the Fall
Infrastructure:
- Padma Bridge (2022): The $3.5 billion bridge over the Padma River, opened in June 2022, remained the centerpiece of Sheikh Hasina’s infrastructure legacy. It connected Dhaka with the southwestern districts for the first time, dramatically reducing travel time.
- Metro Rail (Dhaka): The Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6) began full commercial operations in 2023, connecting Uttara to Motijheel — a major urban transportation milestone.
- Matarbari Deep Sea Port: Development continued on the Matarbari deep sea port in Cox’s Bazar, which would make Bangladesh a significant maritime hub in the Bay of Bengal.
- Payra Deep Sea Port: Construction of Bangladesh’s second deep sea port at Payra in Patuakhali.
Economy:
- Bangladesh’s GDP grew at approximately 6% in 2023–24 despite global headwinds
- Remittance inflows remained strong
- The garment (RMG) sector continued to dominate exports — Bangladesh was the world’s second-largest garment exporter after China
Rohingya Crisis: Sheikh Hasina’s government maintained Bangladesh’s stance of sheltering the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar while pressing for repatriation. No significant repatriation occurred during her tenure.
3. Foreign Policy — Bangladesh After August 2024
Relations with India
Bangladesh-India relations underwent significant strain after August 2024:
- Sheikh Hasina’s departure: India had been a close ally of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Her departure created diplomatic uncertainty.
- New government’s posture: The interim government signaled a desire to reduce what it perceived as excessive Indian influence in Bangladesh
- India-Bangladesh border: Tensions along the India-Bangladesh border continued; incidents of border killings by Indian BSF were a recurring issue
- Teesta River: The water-sharing dispute remained unresolved; the new government indicated it would push harder for a resolution
Relations with China
China remained Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment:
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continued to shape infrastructure cooperation
- The Padma Bridge was built with significant Chinese financing
- Bangladesh maintained a careful balance between China and India
Relations with the United States
The United States was Bangladesh’s largest export market:
- Bangladesh benefited from US GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) trade privileges
- US-Bangladesh relations were complicated by human rights concerns and democracy promotion
- The US supported the August 2024 revolution and expressed support for the interim government
Relations with Pakistan
Bangladesh-Pakistan relations remained strained (see GK-010 Foreign Policy), but no major new developments occurred in 2024–2026.
Bangladesh-Myanmar and the Rohingya Crisis
The Rohingya refugee situation remained a critical issue:
- Over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees continued to live in camps in Cox’s Bazar
- Bangladesh’s interim government indicated it would pursue stronger international legal action against Myanmar
- Repatriation efforts continued to fail — Myanmar was not willing to accept the Rohingya back under safe conditions
- Bangladesh sought third-country resettlement for the refugees; several countries (including Canada and the UK) accepted small numbers
4. The Economy — 2024–2026
GDP and Growth
Despite political upheaval in August 2024, Bangladesh’s economy showed remarkable resilience:
- GDP Growth 2024: Estimated at approximately 5.8–6.2% despite the August revolution
- GDP 2025: Bangladesh’s economy was projected to grow at approximately 6–6.5%
- GDP per capita: Bangladesh’s GDP per capita crossed $2,500 by 2024
Garment Industry (RMG)
The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector continued to be Bangladesh’s economic powerhouse:
- Bangladesh was the world’s second-largest garment exporter (after China)
- Annual export earnings from RMG exceeded $45 billion
- Major markets: United States (largest), European Union (largest by volume)
- Key challenge: LDC graduation from EU’s EBA scheme — Bangladesh’s preferential trade access would be affected
Remittances
Remittance inflows remained a critical source of foreign exchange:
- Bangladesh received over $20 billion annually in remittances, primarily from workers in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait) and Malaysia
- Remittances were a key factor in poverty reduction and foreign exchange stability
Banking and Financial Sector
The banking sector faced ongoing challenges:
- Non-performing loans (NPLs): A significant portion of bank loans were classified as NPLs, particularly in the state-owned banking sector
- Dollar crisis: Bangladesh faced foreign exchange pressure in 2022–2024, with the Taka depreciating against the dollar
5. Climate and Environment — Notable Events
2024 Floods in Northern Bangladesh
In June–August 2024, severe monsoon flooding affected northern Bangladesh, particularly the Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions. The floods:
- Affected over 5 million people
- Destroyed crops and infrastructure
- Highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing vulnerability to climate change
Cyclone Preparedness
Bangladesh maintained one of the world’s most sophisticated cyclone warning and shelter systems — a legacy of the 1970 Bhola Cyclone disaster. The 2024 cyclone season passed without a major disaster, though Cyclone Remal (May 2024) caused significant damage in coastal districts.
Climate Finance and COP
Bangladesh continued to be a leading voice in international climate negotiations:
- Bangladesh was a key advocate for Loss and Damage financing at COP27 (2022) and COP28 (2023)
- Bangladesh was preparing for COP30 (Brazil, 2025) where it would push for greater climate ambition from developed nations
6. Major Infrastructure Projects
Completed Projects
Padma Bridge (2022): The 6.15-kilometre Padma Bridge opened on 25 June 2022. Built at a cost of $3.5 billion (with Chinese financing), it was Bangladesh’s largest infrastructure project. It connected Dhaka with 21 southwestern districts, reducing travel time by hours and transforming regional trade.
Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT Line 6): Full commercial operation began in 2023, connecting Uttara North to Motijheel. The metro carried over 100 million passengers in its first year of full operation.
Ongoing Projects
Matarbari Deep Sea Port: Construction of Bangladesh’s first deep sea port in Cox’s Bazar district. Phase 1 was expected to be operational by 2026. The port would allow Bangladesh to accommodate larger vessels and increase maritime trade capacity.
Rampal Coal Power Plant: A major coal-fired power plant near the Sundarbans (Rampal, Bagerhat). The project was controversial due to its proximity to the Sundarbans World Heritage site and faced environmental criticism from international groups.
7. Social and Development Indicators
Education
Bangladesh had achieved remarkable progress in primary and secondary education enrollment, particularly for girls. Key features:
- Primary school enrollment: Nearly 100% for both boys and girls
- Gender parity: Achieved at primary and secondary levels
- University enrollment: Growing rapidly; Bangladesh had over 50 public universities and hundreds of private institutions
Health
Bangladesh’s health indicators continued to improve:
- Life expectancy: Approximately 73 years
- Infant mortality rate: Declining significantly
- COVID-19: Bangladesh’s COVID-19 response was managed through a mass vaccination programme. By 2024, over 80% of the eligible population had received at least two vaccine doses.
8. Regional and International Developments (2024–2026)
Bangladesh-India Relations — A New Chapter?
The fall of Sheikh Hasina marked a significant shift:
- India had been Sheikh Hasina’s closest ally and had provided tacit support during her tenure
- The interim government under Yunus signaled a more balanced foreign policy
- Teesta River water sharing remained a top priority for Bangladesh
- Bangladesh’s exports to India remained small compared to imports from India
South Asia
SAARC: The regional organization remained paralyzed. There were no signs of SAARC being revived given ongoing India-Pakistan tensions.
BIMSTEC: Bangladesh continued to view BIMSTEC as the more functional regional forum. Bangladesh hosted the BIMSTEC Summit in 2016 and remained an active member. The organization was seen as an alternative to the stalled SAARC.
Global Positioning
UN Peacekeeping: Bangladesh continued to be one of the top contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, maintaining its ranking among the top 3 globally.
Rohingya and International Court: Bangladesh continued to pursue international legal action against Myanmar over the Rohingya crisis at the ICJ and ICC.
Exam Watch: The August 2024 revolution and the subsequent interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus are the most important current affairs topics for the DU exam. Key facts to remember: Sheikh Hasina resigned on 5 August 2024; Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize 2006) became Chief Adviser on 8 August 2024; the Awami League government fell; the student movement was called “Students Against Discrimination.” Also know that the January 2024 election was boycotted by the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The Padma Bridge was opened in June 2022. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment exporter. Bangladesh has over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.
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