Bangladesh has secured the third position in the South Asia region on the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI), according to the latest report by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).  Bangladesh ranks 93rd globally with an overall score of 2.126, reflecting a slight deterioration in peacefulness from the previous year. South Asia is the third least peaceful region globally, ahead of only the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and sub-Saharan Africa. The region experienced a minor decline in peacefulness over the past year, with four of the seven countries recording deteriorations in their overall scores. The primary driver of this decline was an increase in military expenditure as a percentage of GDP and a reduction in payments for UN peacekeeping funding since 2012. Despite these challenges, there were improvements in the Ongoing Conflict and Safety and Security domains across the region.  Read more: Bangladesh ranks 141 out of 164 on the Freedom Index Bhutan emerged as the most peaceful country in South Asia, maintaining its top position since 2011 and ranking 21st globally. Bhutan also recorded the largest increase in peacefulness in the region, improving its overall score by 2.6 percent. In contrast, Afghanistan remains the least peaceful country in the region, ranked 160th globally. Afghanistan's peacefulness deteriorated due to increases in militarization and safety and security concerns, although some indicators have shown significant improvements in recent years. India, the largest country in South Asia, improved its overall peacefulness by 1.6 percent over the past year, achieving its highest level of peacefulness since the inception of the index. The improvement was mainly due to a reduction in the intensity of internal conflicts, particularly in the border regions. The 2024 GPI, now in its 18th edition, ranks 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness, covering 99.7 percent of the world's population. The index is widely regarded as the leading measure of global peacefulness, offering a comprehensive analysis of trends in peace, its economic value, and strategies for developing peaceful societies. Read more: US says it will remain Bangladesh’s steadfast partner in Rohingya refugee response