Bangladesh has been ranked the fourth most peaceful country in South Asia in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026, published on June 9 by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The country is placed 117th globally among 163 nations and territories, with an overall score of 2.226 out of 5, categorized under the 'medium' level of peace. Bangladesh outperformed India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in the regional ranking.

The GPI evaluates peace using 23 indicators across three domains: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. Bangladesh scored 2.579 in safety and security, 2.237 in ongoing conflict, and 1.615 in militarization. Bhutan retained its position as South Asia’s most peaceful nation, ranking 16th globally, followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal. The report noted that South Asia experienced the largest regional decline in peace in 2026, with an average deterioration of 2.3 percent due to internal instability and border tensions.

The report also highlighted Bangladesh’s economic vulnerability to the Iran war, citing high LNG prices and reduced global demand as potential risks. It warned that prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could raise Bangladesh’s energy import costs by up to 2.5 percent of GDP.