Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and opposition leader, is at imminent risk of death due to cirrhosis of the liver and other illnesses, according to her medical team. Despite her critical condition, the government has denied her permission to seek medical treatment abroad. Zia's party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has been protesting for a neutral caretaker government to oversee the next general election, alleging that the ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has manipulated past elections. A U.S. delegation is in Bangladesh to assess pre-election conditions amid concerns over the country's electoral climate and human rights record.

One person was killed and approximately 200 were injured in clashes between Bangladesh's ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP during anti-government protests across various cities. The violence, which is the worst in recent months, comes ahead of the general election expected at the end of 2023 or early 2024. The BNP accuses the Awami League of attacking its supporters and rigging polls, while the Awami League denies responsibility for the death and injuries. International bodies like the UN and the US State Department have expressed concern and called for free, fair elections and investigations into violence. A case was also filed over an attack on independent candidate Ashraful Alam, with several arrests made.

Following a warning from Washington about denying visas to Bangladeshis interfering with elections, a significant city poll in Gazipur, Bangladesh, occurred peacefully with nearly 50% voter turnout. The U.S. State Department's new visa policy aims to ensure fair elections ahead of Bangladesh's national polls. Bangladesh's government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League party, has been in power since 2009, with past elections marred by allegations of rigging. The peaceful Gazipur election contrasts with previous instances of violence and intimidation. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party welcomed the U.S. policy, seeing it as support for fair elections. The U.S. policy is seen as particularly influential among the affluent and powerful in Bangladesh.

The article discusses the political unrest in Bangladesh, highlighting the violence at opposition BNP's protests, the government's crackdown on political leaders, and the demands for a caretaker administration ahead of elections. It also covers the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, including their appeals for more food aid, prison-like conditions in camps, and the violence they face. The health crisis with deadly dengue outbreaks in Rohingya camps and Bangladeshi cities is mentioned. The article touches on the sentencing of human rights activists, the government's attempt to replace a controversial internet law, and allegations of political vendettas, such as the case against Nobel Laureate Yunus. Additionally, it reports on Bangladesh's drop in the World Press Freedom Index, contrasting with improvements in neighboring countries.

Bangladesh will repay a $318 million loan to Russian state-owned firm Rosatom for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant using the Chinese yuan, due to sanctions preventing dollar transactions. The decision, made in agreement with Moscow, allows construction to continue, with over 90% of the project completed. Despite challenges, including U.S. sanctions affecting Russian ship entries, Bangladesh maintains strong ties with Russia, dating back to its independence supported by the Soviet Union. The plant, expected to be ready in mid-2023, is the costliest infrastructure project in Bangladesh and symbolizes the enduring relationship between the two nations.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the United States in parliament, suggesting Washington aims to install an undemocratic government in Bangladesh and supports corrupt individuals. Her comments coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A. K. Abdul Momen, where Blinken emphasized the importance of free and fair elections. Hasina also targeted the national daily Prothom Alo, calling it an enemy of the people, and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, questioning his financial integrity. The article includes responses from Prothom Alo and mentions international support for Yunus.

The Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, is facing scrutiny for its members' involvement in violent incidents on university campuses. The High Court ordered the expulsion of five students accused of assault, highlighting a culture of impunity. Despite the Awami League's insistence on disciplining members, critics argue that the Chhatra League often targets dissenters with the government's tacit approval. Historical context is provided, showing the Chhatra League's role in the independence movement and its subsequent dominance in student politics. Recent violent events and the lack of accountability for past crimes are discussed, with calls for justice from academics.

Bangladesh's health department began shutting down over 700 unlicensed medical facilities following an order from the new health minister, Samanta Lal Sen, after a child's death during a medical procedure. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is executing the closures, with a High Court directive to list authorized facilities. As of January 31, numerous hospitals, diagnostic centers, and blood banks have been closed, particularly in the Khulna division. Stakeholders like the Bangladesh Health Rights Movement and the Bangladesh Private Clinic and Diagnostic Owners Association have called for regular monitoring instead of sporadic raids.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh camps find the UN's World Food Program's increase in monthly food provisions from $8 to $10 per person insufficient, failing to compensate for past cutbacks from $12 and not addressing the lack of protein and nutritious food. The WFP's funding shortfall, exacerbated by global attention shifts to the Russia-Ukraine war and Gaza, has led to severe consequences, including increased malnutrition and refugees seeking work outside the camps despite restrictions. The situation is driving some Rohingya to join gangs or undertake dangerous migrations, with fears that violence in the camps will escalate if food aid is not fully restored.

Bangladesh denied docking permission to the Russian ship Ursa Major, also known as Sparta III, which was sanctioned by the United States due to Russia's war in Ukraine. The ship, carrying cargo for Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant being built by Rosatom, was scheduled to arrive at Mongla port on December 24. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka had informed the Bangladeshi government of the sanctions, leading to the decision to block the ship. The cargo will be transferred to land via another vessel, and the Russian government has been informed of the error in using a sanctioned ship. Bangladesh's action represents its first direct response to Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine began.

Tensions between the U.S. and Bangladesh escalated after American ambassador Peter Haas's visit to the family of a missing opposition politician was cut short due to security concerns. The visit coincided with the 51st anniversary of Martyred Intellectuals Day, leading to criticism from the ruling Awami League party and pro-Awami organizations for not visiting a memorial site. The U.S. Embassy emphasized human rights as a central aspect of foreign policy. The incident follows U.S. sanctions imposed on leaders of Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion for alleged human rights abuses. Despite the controversy, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen downplayed the incident's impact on U.S.-Bangladesh relations.

Violence erupted in Dhaka as police clashed with Bangladesh Nationalist Party supporters, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The confrontation occurred ahead of a planned major rally by the BNP demanding a caretaker government for the next general election. The government has refused this demand, and police have suggested relocating the rally to a safer venue. The BNP has accused the ruling Awami League of vote tampering in the previous election. The US Embassy and UN have expressed concerns about the potential for violence and the political climate in Bangladesh.