On today’s episode of the Bangladesh Frequency Podcast, we begin with a major transformation project at Dhaka University, as the government launches a significant infrastructure overhaul aimed at modernizing the historic campus. In political developments, a rare agreement has emerged among parties to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years and form an independent police commission. However, underlying disagreements on the foundational principles of the state continue to divide key factions. Economically, Bangladesh has seen a welcome rise in remittance inflows, offering some relief amid financial pressures, though Singer Bangladesh has posted large losses due to soaring production costs. Meanwhile, Bangladesh plans to buy 25 Boeing aircraft from the United States, marking a key step in expanding its aviation capabilities and strengthening trade relations.

Social tensions also make headlines as police file a case against 1,200 people after a violent protest at the Secretariat. In a separate incident, Milestone College remains closed to the public following a nearby jet crash, heightening safety concerns. Looking beyond Bangladesh, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to let Malaysia mediate in their ongoing border conflict, signaling a shift toward regional diplomacy. Meanwhile, a UK opposition party is pushing for a vote to officially recognize Palestine, further stirring international political debate. And in sports, Bangladesh has appointed a new futsal coach in hopes of growing the indoor football scene, despite ongoing infrastructure hurdles. Stay tuned as we unpack these stories and what they mean for Bangladesh and the region.

On today’s episode of the Bangladesh Frequency Podcast, we cover a series of major developments from across the country. A tragic military jet crash in Dhaka has left the nation in mourning, as the aircraft struck a school, killing at least 34 people—mostly students—and injuring many more. The government has launched a full investigation while offering medical and logistical support to the victims and their families.

In the north, a violent land dispute in Kurigram has escalated into deadly conflict, leaving three dead and more than twenty injured. Long-standing tensions between groups have been reignited, raising concerns over rural land governance and local security.

We also look at growing economic tensions as Bangladesh prepares for a virtual meeting with the United States to negotiate a proposed 35% reciprocal tariff on exports. Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Commission has flagged irregularities in plot allocations involving drivers connected to the former Prime Minister’s office, sparking renewed scrutiny of past government practices.

In other headlines, Bangladesh Bank has retracted its controversial dress code advisory for employees after public backlash. And the Chief Advisor has ordered an official list of victims killed in political violence prior to the recent uprising, aiming to deliver justice and promote national healing.

Stay tuned as we unpack these stories and more, right here on the Bangladesh Frequency.

On today’s episode of the Bangladesh Frequency Podcast, we cover the devastating military jet crash in Dhaka that struck a local school, resulting in a rising death toll—most of the victims being children. The nation is in mourning as families reel from the tragedy, with widespread grief and calls for accountability dominating the national discourse. Questions are being raised about the age and safety of the aircraft involved, as well as the protocols surrounding urban flight operations.

Authorities have launched an official investigation and are urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading misinformation. In response to the scale of the tragedy, the government is mobilizing both national and international medical teams, including burn specialists, and initiating DNA testing to identify the victims. Political leaders across the spectrum have expressed condolences while facing increasing pressure to provide clear answers. The incident has sparked broader discussions about governance, military oversight, and public trust in state institutions.

Stay with us as we break down the latest updates, examine the public reaction, and explore the deeper implications of this national tragedy.

A shadow war turns red hot. In this episode of The Bangladesh Frequency, we unpack the explosive escalation between Israel and Iran. With surprise airstrikes, missile retaliation, and rising U.S. involvement, the region is closer than ever to a broader war. What triggered this shift? Who stands to lose — or gain? And how could this impact the rest of the world, including Bangladesh? Tune in as we break it all down.

Join us for an in-depth look at Bangladesh's significant strides towards national improvement in 2024 and 2025. Aspiring to achieve middle-income country status and enhance citizens' quality of life, the government has launched numerous projects across vital sectors. This episode delves into the comprehensive analysis of initiatives in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, energy, and social welfare.

In this episode of The Bangladesh Frequency, we cover the major news from May 15th, 2025. Malaysia has agreed in principle to recruit a large number of Bangladeshi workers with promises of fair wages, safety, and welfare. However, concerns remain over syndication, corruption, and exploitation in the recruitment process. Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul, currently in Malaysia, met with affected workers and is pushing for transparency and regularization of undocumented migrants.

At the border, India’s BSF pushed back at least 60 Bangladeshis through Sylhet and Moulvibazar. This follows a similar event earlier this month involving 280 people, including Rohingyas.

Domestically, the interim government plans to transform Chattogram Port into a world-class facility with global partnerships. Chattogram also launched an online GD filing service today. Meanwhile, police cracked down on Jagannath University students' "Long March to Jamuna" protest, injuring at least 25. At Rooppur Nuclear Plant, 8 more staff have been suspended following recent unrest.

Internationally, Trump hinted at a strong US-China trade deal and possible talks with Iran and Russia. In sports, Miraz wins ICC Men's Player of the Month, and Mustafizur joins Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

This episode of The Bangladesh Frequency covers India's reaction to the ban on the Awami League, where New Delhi termed it a "concerning development" imposed "without the due process" and expressed concern at the curtailment of democratic freedom and shrinking political space in Bangladesh. India also strongly supports early free, fair and inclusive elections. We also delve into Bangladesh's call for India to immediately halt the recent push-in of people across the border, citing security risks and potential harm to mutual understanding. This follows reports of India's BSF pushing in approximately 300 people, including Rohingyas, through remote border points between May 7 and 9. Bangladesh reiterated it would only accept individuals confirmed as citizens through proper channels and that Rohingyas should be returned to Myanmar. Plus, updates on the India-Pakistan conflict, where Pakistan announced a new death toll of 40 civilians and 11 soldiers killed last week in the worst confrontation in decades. We also look at Bangladesh nearing the release of a significant $1.3 billion IMF loan tranche after assuring a more flexible exchange rate regime, Bepza securing $480 million in investments this fiscal year, the High Court commuting sentences in the Ramna Batamul bomb blast case, rickshaws being banned from Dhaka's main roads, and tragic news from Notre Dame College9.

In this episode of The Bangladesh Frequency, we dive into the escalating South Asian tensions as India and Pakistan edge closer to conflict with blasts in Jammu and Amritsar, military maneuvers, airspace restrictions, and Meghalaya’s border curfew with Bangladesh. On the home front, Bangladesh sees a political flashpoint as protests in Savar and Shahbagh call for a ban on the Awami League, with groups like the NCP and Students Against Discrimination leading the charge amidst highway blockades and growing public unrest. We also examine the interim government's strained response, mounting criticism, and the ongoing heatwave and mosquito crisis in Dhaka. Finally, we round up global tech headlines—from Google’s privacy settlement and Spotify’s legal win over Apple, to Trump’s controversial energy and immigration policies, and Apple’s central role in Google’s antitrust battle.

Welcome back to The Bangladesh Frequency Podcast. Today, we're unpacking the key events shaping May 9th, 2025.