The ready-made garment (RMG) sector – the pillar of Bangladesh’s economy accounting for over 80% of the country’s exports – faces unprecedented challenges. Rising production costs, global trade uncertainty, and the approaching departure from the Least Developed Country (LDC) group are forcing the industry into fundamental transformation.
Trade between Poland and Bangladesh has reached record levels – Polish imports from Bangladesh amounted to nearly $4 billion in 2024. Both countries are seeking opportunities to deepen cooperation, particularly in maritime, energy, and fish processing sectors.
The Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) published an analysis on February 18, 2026, dedicated to the historic elections in Bangladesh. Experts assess that the BNP victory and democratic transformation open new possibilities for strengthening EU–Bangladesh relations, from which Poland could benefit.
In July 2025, the Port of Gdańsk hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Bangladesh led by Ambassador Md Mainul Islam. Discussions focused on establishing direct maritime routes between Poland and Bangladesh, port cooperation, and partnership in LNG infrastructure.
The 2026 parliamentary elections were the first in Bangladesh’s history where AI-generated disinformation threats occurred on such a scale. The election commission detected tens of thousands of fake content pieces, a significant portion of which were violent in nature.
The situation of religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community comprising about 8% of Bangladesh’s population, remains one of the country’s most challenging political issues. Despite signals of inclusiveness from the new authorities, reports of attacks against minorities raise serious international concerns.
Alongside the parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026, an unprecedented referendum was held on the July National Charter – a document containing over 80 proposals for fundamental changes to Bangladesh’s governance system. The charter was endorsed by over 60% of voters.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) published its latest Asian Development Outlook report in April 2026, forecasting Bangladesh’s GDP growth at 4% in fiscal year 2026 and 4.7% in 2027. This signals a gradual exit from a three-year slowdown phase, although significant risks remain.
On February 12, 2026, the first democratic parliamentary elections since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s regime took place in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won an overwhelming majority, securing 209 out of 300 seats. On February 17, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister.
The latest World Bank report paints a challenging picture of the Bangladeshi economy. The institution forecasts GDP growth slowing to 3.9% in fiscal year 2026 – the third consecutive year of deteriorating indicators. The Middle East conflict further compounds macroeconomic challenges for this South Asian country.
