Photographers in Munshiganj

Bangladesh Moves Toward the 15-Nation RCEP: Opportunities and Risks

Reporting style, Interpretive: Advocates Bangladesh joining RCEP, while arguing for preparation and safeguards against economic risks.

Bangladesh has advanced toward joining the 15-country RCEP, with ministers approving an accession working group in September 2026. Membership could expand access to Asian markets, support garment exports, attract investment, and connect Bangladesh more closely to regional supply chains as it prepares for post-LDC trade conditions. It could also intensify competition for local manufacturers and farmers and put some jobs under pressure. The article recommends joining only after strengthening domestic industries, supporting farmers, improving skills and infrastructure, diversifying exports, and establishing appropriate safeguards.

The Houthis and the First Test of the Makkah Pact

Reporting style, Informative: Primarily factual geopolitical analysis, with recommendations for using the pact to deter attacks while containing escalation.

Political context, Centre: Analyzes competing security interests and escalation risks without expressing a clear partisan political position.

The Houthi warning against Pakistani and Turkish intervention highlights the first major test for the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. The pact could support Saudi security through measures such as air defence, intelligence-sharing and technical assistance, without requiring its members to send troops into Yemen. Houthi attacks and advances near Mocha and Bab al-Mandab raise risks for Red Sea shipping, trade and energy security. The article argues that Saudi Arabia and its partners must deter further aggression while avoiding actions that broaden the Yemen conflict into a regional war; the pact’s success will depend on containing the battlefield as well as protecting Saudi Arabia.