Bangladesh protesters demand action over rising costs

Thousands of Opposition supporters launched a long march across Bangladesh on September 5, 2026, to protest the government's handling of an energy crisis, which has led to acute shortages of cooking gas, electricity, and fertiliser. The march, which marks the first major street mobilisation against the government since it took power six months ago, aims to "ensure cooking gas and lighting up every household with electricity," according to Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman. The protesters are demanding that the government take action to address the shortages, which have been exacerbated by the war in West Asia. The march began in Dhaka and is expected to end in Chittagong, with rallies planned along the way. This protest comes a day after the arrest of a college student who was accused of insulting senior government officials while expressing frustration over high electricity bills.