Bangladesh, June 12 -- Rare earth elements (REEs) have emerged as one of the most strategically important resources of the 21st century. Once viewed primarily as geological commodities with limited public visibility, these critical minerals are now at the center of global economic competition, technological innovation, energy transitions, and national security strategies. As nations race to secure supply chains for advanced industries, the ability to access, process, and refine rare earth elements has become a decisive factor in determining economic resilience and geopolitical influence. For regional states, particularly those seeking economic diversification and greater strategic autonomy, prioritizing rare earth development is no longe...