Stories from Bangladesh

The UNHCR reports over 900 accidents involving Rohingya refugees attempting to cross the sea to Bangladesh and other neighboring countries last year, the highest number on record. One recent incident left 250 people missing. The journey is perilous, with refugees often at sea for weeks in overcrowded boats, leading to a high mortality rate, described as the highest globally for refugee movements. These maritime journeys involve simple, unseaworthy vessels.

Mobile telephony and internet services in Bangladesh are under threat due to shortages of fuel and electricity. The instability poses a significant risk to the country's digital connectivity and communication infrastructure. This development follows ongoing resource constraints in the region. Continued conflict could lead to 45 million additional people facing severe hunger. The Financial Times reports Bangladesh faces risks from the triple pressure of fuel, food, and declining remittances. Foreign workers in the Gulf region remit over $100 billion annually to their home countries. Many workers are returning home due to uncertain economic recovery timelines, impacting South Asian nations particularly hard.