Sep 29, 2026
Bangladesh is experiencing its worst measles outbreak on record, with over 1,000 children dead and more than 50,000 confirmed or suspected cases since March. The crisis stems from vaccination gaps that left millions of children unprotected, overwhelming hospitals with shortages and overcrowding.
Bangladesh is experiencing a severe dengue outbreak with 42,590 hospitalizations and 117 deaths recorded in 2026, with a sharp September surge straining hospitals. The country recorded its highest daily admission tally this year with 1,558 hospitalizations in the past 24 hours.
The U.S. State Department announced it will permanently implement a visa bond program requiring applicants from 50 countries—predominantly African nations, plus Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal—to post bonds of up to $20,000 when seeking B1/B2 visas. The program, which transitions from a pilot initiative, takes effect August 3, 2026.
QatarEnergy has bought 33 spot liquefied natural gas cargoes from the United States this year for delivery to South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, and Japan after Qatari gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz were halted, according to trade and industry sources.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin, 76, resigned halfway through his five-year term, citing deteriorating health and inability to perform constitutional duties. Shahabuddin was a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and one of her few remaining allies in power.