POLITICAL & ECONOMIC TRENDS

National Socio-political environment:

Bangladesh has a multiparty parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, with a presidential head of state.

Parliamentary elections are held every 5 years. 

The local government system is weak. 

There is a pluralistic and free print media.  The state-owned and controlled broadcast media environment is undergoing change with the advent of several privately owned television channels under a government licensing system.

Strong national NGOs have significant socio-economic influence. 

International Relations: 

Bangladesh is a founding member of South Asian  Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC, 1985). 

It is also an active member in the Organisation of Islamic Conference, a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the  Asia Cooperation Dialogue and the Commonwealth. 

Bangladesh is one of the largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping Missions.

Bangladesh has duty-free and quota-free market access to Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Japan and  Australia. It also has strong trade relations with China,  Thailand and Indonesia. 

The Government's foreign policy is geared towards boosting its economic development, particularly with its  Asian neighbours. Its "Look East" strategy has strengthened relations with South-East and East  Asia.  The Foreign Policy also states Bangladesh's desire for strong relations with Muslim countries based on "Islamic solidarity". Ties with India and the US are sound. 

International Agreements:

Bangladesh ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child on September 2, 1990, and its two Optional Protocols (both on September 6, 2000).

It has also ratified the Convention on the Elimination of  All Forms of Discrimination against Women (which came into force on December 6, 1984) and other international agreements. 

Bangladesh is not party to the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, or its associated Protocol. 

The Government has set itself on course towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. 

Bangladesh's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) has been finalised.