Bangladesh Rifles went on alert 21 November and called on Indian Border Security Forces to reduce troops. At least 3 killed and 50 injured in clash between Muslim Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and police in southeast refugee camp. More than 15,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar's western Arakan state over 2 weeks from late October. Anti-government movement planned further demonstrations against ruling BNP-Jaamat coalition.

Internal situation remained fragile, while tensions with India increased over rebel groups and border incursions. Bangladeshi and Indian border troops exchanged fire 26 October after Indian attempt to force Bangla-speakers into Bangladesh. Border police detained 18 suspected Indian rebels 12 October in response to Indian accusations of Bangladesh refuge for northeastern separatists. Two senior opposition politicians attacked in northern Rangpur town 19 October; assault blamed on ruling BNP party. Petition filed in High Court challenging formation of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), seeking injunction on activities of elite anti-crime unit. Rights groups claim RAB responsible for extra-judicial killings. For 4th year running Bangladesh came bottom of Transparency International’s global corruption ranking.

Anti-government protests continued in wake of 21 August grenade attack on opposition Awami League (AL) rally. Opposition movement for national unity gained momentum with 23 September peaceful Dhaka protests. At least 2,000 reportedly arrested since September 22 ahead of 3 October AL rally; High Court passed injunction against mass arrests 29 September. PM Khaleda Zia’s coalition government accused by opposition of incompetence and support for Islamic extremists.

Political violence escalated: grenade attack at opposition Awami League (AL) rally in Dhaka 21 August killed 19, including senior AL politician. Little-known organisation, Hikmatul Zihad, claimed responsibility. Violent and widespread protests and strikes followed. AL leader, Sheikh Hasina, accused government of links with militant Islamic groups and agreed with opposition leaders to launch united movement against Islamic radicals and government. Earlier bombing in Sylhet 7 August killed 1 AL supporter. More than 4 million people homeless after July flooding.

Two general strikes called in reaction to 21 June explosion at opposition Awami League rally caused disruption throughout Dhaka. Reportedly 24 killed in multiple shooting incidents of Indian northeast separatists in Dhaka 17 July. Monsoon floods engulfed two thirds of country.

Report from Bureau of Human Rights Bangladesh 29 June indicates increased political killings and violence. Fifty wounded in 21 June explosion at opposition Awami League (AL) rally in northeastern district of Sunamganj. AL members returned to parliament 15 June, year after it declared boycott of parliamentary sessions.

Senior member of opposition Awami League (AL) party shot dead 7 May. Widespread protests and violence followed in Dhaka and Tongi, killing 2. Concerns raised by emergence of Islamist militant vigilante groups in north Bangladesh. AL blamed Islamist militants for bomb blast in northeast Muslim shrine that killed 3, injured 70, including British envoy Anwar Chowdhury.

Opposition Awami League backed down from pledge to unseat government by 30 April. Police arrested thousands of protesters amidst violent clashes in capital; PM Khaleda Zia halfway through 5-year term. Her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) claimed to have details of 'Awami conspiracy to destabilise the country'. Unrest by citizens seen as backlash against widespread corruption and extortion.