2025 in review: Events that shaped Bangladesh
As the year drew to a close, however, Bangladesh found itself grappling with political retribution, economic contraction, rising intolerance, and fractured foreign relations—threatening the fragile promise of transition
2025 unfolded as a year of intense political turbulence, economic strain, social upheaval, and diplomatic realignment for Bangladesh.
Following the seismic student-led uprising of 2024 that ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year authoritarian rule, the country entered a historic transition under an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Expectations were high for democratic renewal and institutional reform.
As the year drew to a close, however, Bangladesh found itself grappling with political retribution, economic contraction, rising intolerance, and fractured foreign relations—threatening the fragile promise of transition.
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Below is a chronological overview of key events that shaped public life in 2025.
'Bulldozer procession' to Dhanmondi-32
On 5 February, a mob vandalised Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic Dhanmondi-32 residence, marking six months since the July–August uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina's regime. The attack followed news of a planned speech by Hasina from exile in India, where she fled after the deadly protests last year.
NCP formed by July uprising leaders
On 28 February, student leaders who spearheaded the 2024 uprising launched the National Citizen Party (NCP) at Manik Mia Avenue. The party pledged structural reforms and a break from traditional political culture as it prepared to contest upcoming elections.
A colourful Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with renewed festivity as the government organised nationwide programmes. Eid prayers at the Dhaka International Trade Fair grounds drew thousands, followed by an Eid procession through Begum Rokeya Avenue and Manik Mia Avenue, culminating in cultural performances and public gatherings.
Ishraque Hossain's prolonged mayoral standoff
On 27 March, a court declared BNP leader Ishraque Hossain mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, overturning the 2020 election result.
Legal challenges delayed his swearing-in, prompting weeks-long protests and a sit-in at Nagar Bhaban. Despite threats of a "public oath-taking," the movement lost momentum after Eid-ul-Adha. On 22 June, his supporters eventually allowed the administrator to resume duties, ending a 43-day standoff.
March for Gaza
On 12 April, hundreds of thousands gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel's war on Gaza. Speakers urged Muslim-majority countries to sever ties with Israel and cancel existing agreements.
Awami League banned
After weeks of protests by BNP, NCP, and others, the interim government banned the Awami League and its affiliates on 12 May under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban will remain until trials against AL leaders are concluded, according to a gazette notification.
July Martyrs' Day
On 16 July, the country observed July Martyrs' Day, with flags flown at half-mast nationwide. Chief Adviser Yunus said at least six people were killed in police firing and attacks during the quota reform protests, calling their sacrifice a catalyst for the mass uprising.
July uprising anniversary
The government declared 5 August as Student–People Uprising Day and observed it as a public holiday. A 26-day memorial programme ran from 1 July to 5 August, culminating in Yunus reading the July Declaration at parliament, seeking constitutional recognition of the 2024 uprising.
Shibir's landslide in Ducsu polls
On 10 September, Islami Chhatra Shibir swept the Dhaka University Central Students' Union elections, winning 23 of 28 posts, including vice-president and general secretary—marking a dramatic shift in campus politics.
July National Charter signed
On 17 October, 22 political parties signed the July National Charter 2025 at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, proposing sweeping constitutional reforms, including a bicameral parliament and term limits for the prime minister. The NCP boycotted the signing, while BNP later protested alleged changes to the document. On 13 November, Yunus announced that both the 13th national election and a referendum on the charter would be held in February 2026.
Gallows for Hasina, Kamal
On 17 November, Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown, which the UN said killed at least 1,400 people. On 1 December, Hasina's niece and British MP Tulip Siddiq was sentenced to two years in prison in absentia in a Rajuk plot allocation case.
Earthquake jolts country
On 21 November, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake hit several parts of Bangladesh, leaving at least 10 people dead and dozens injured.
Two mild aftershocks also struck parts of the country the next day, spreading panic among people. Multiple earthquakes hit the country in the next few days with a number of their epicentre being in Ghorashal of Narsingdi as the epicentre.
Election date announced
On 11 December, the Election Commission announced that the 13th national election and constitutional referendum would be held on 12 February.
Nationwide unrest after Sharif Osman Hadi's death
The killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who died on 18 December after being shot days earlier, triggered violent protests across the country. Mobs attacked media houses including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, while cultural institutions such as Chhayanaut were vandalised—highlighting rising intolerance and mob violence.
Economic aspirations meet harsh reality
The economic optimism that initially greeted the post-Hasina era has soured into deep concern. While international bodies like the World Bank started the year with projections of rebounding growth, the reality on the ground has been one of sharp contraction.
Inflation
Bangladesh's inflation rose to 8.29% in November despite a year of monetary tightening, driven mainly by higher food prices in both rural and urban areas.
GDP
The economy grew by 3.35% in Q4 of FY2024–25, up from 2.14% a year earlier, reflecting improved industrial output and partial stabilisation.
However, growth remained modest amid high inflation, weak investment, and falling exports.
Export
Export earnings declined for four consecutive months from August, with November shipments falling 5.54% year-on-year to $3.89 billion, according to EPB.
Despite this, exports for July–November edged up 0.62%, helped by strong performance in July.
A diplomatic nexus fractured
Relations with India deteriorated sharply due to Hasina's continued stay there and rising anti-India rhetoric, alongside attacks on Indian missions and Hindu communities.
The relationship, once termed a "golden chapter" under Hasina, has deteriorated into open hostility. Hasina's continued refuge in India, coupled with rising anti-India rhetoric from some Bangladeshi leaders and protesters, has created a deep diplomatic rift.
The year witnessed attacks on Indian diplomatic missions and Hindu minority communities.
In a clear bid to recalibrate its foreign policy and reduce dependence on India, the Yunus administration has actively pursued diversified ties. Dhaka has courted engagement with China, signing major cooperation agreements, and has reached out to Pakistan, Turkey, and the US.
The government is also seeking a greater regional role, chairing the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) and pushing for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) membership.
