Bangladesh Opposition launches protest march over energy crisis
Opposition supporters in Bangladesh have launched a protest march to challenge the government over severe shortages of electricity, cooking gas, and fertilizer. The movement reflects growing public frustration with the administration's economic management.
Why it matters
The protests signal potential political instability in Bangladesh as the government faces its first major public challenge since taking office.
Thousands of Opposition supporters launched a long march across Bangladesh on Saturday (September 5, 2026), piling pressure on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government over acute shortages of cooking gas, electricity, and fertiliser.
The action marks the first major street mobilisation against the government, which came to power in the South Asian country of 170 million people six months ago.
Waving banners and chanting slogans, crowds gathered at a public square in Dhaka before setting off on the first leg of a march to the port city of Chittagong, with rallies planned along the route.
"This movement is aimed at ensuring cooking gas and lighting up every household with electricity," Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman told supporters.
Bangladesh has been reeling from acute shortages, partly caused by the war in West Asia, while questions have been raised over the government's handling of the crisis.
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