Bangladesh

Public security, rule of law and access to justice are some of the current challenges that Bangladesh faces. Concern has also grown about religious extremism in what is traditionally a moderate and tolerant country. Last but not least Bangladesh is currently viewed as one of the most vulnerable countries experiencing the some of the first serious effects of climate change.

These circumstances are exacerbated by the country's weak judicial institutions and law enforcement agencies, a situation that has fostered a culture of impunity.

The country is South Asia's poorest, with almost half of the population living on less than a dollar a day. However, according to the World Bank, per-capita GDP has more than doubled since 1975 and the poverty rate has been falling since the early 1990s. Onshore and offshore gas reserves hold out some chance of future prosperity. The provision of basic services has also improved in some areas, but persistently high levels of poverty, insecurity and illiteracy hamper development.

In January 2007, governmental elections had to be cancelled due to violent protests and strikes against the neutrality and legitimacy of a caretaker government. Due to political unrest and violence during November and December 2006, the military of Bangladesh extended its support to the interim government to take necessary steps to improve law and order in the country to create a suitable environment for general elections. Since then until the elections were held in December 2008, the country was subject to a state of emergency. The Awami league won the general elections in 2008.

Two months later 75 people, most of them army officers, were killed during a mutiny by the Bangladesh Rifles. This was one of the biggest challenges facing the new government. Bangladeshi people have proved their resilience despite volatile political situations and tensions and challenges posed by natural disasters.