Afghanistan
Afghanistan among Countries in Proposed US Visa Ban-Tolo News
The administration of Donald Trump is considering imposing extensive travel restrictions on citizens of 41 countries, including Afghanistan, for entry into the United States. According to sources cited by Reuters, these restrictions are categorized into three levels: 1. a complete visa suspension for 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea. Click here to read…
Afghanistan Conducts $295M in Trade via Air Corridors in 1403-Tolo News
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce stated that in the current solar year of 1403, Afghanistan conducted trade worth $295 million with global markets through its air corridors. According to Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, exports accounted for $128 million of this total. Click here to read…
UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Mission Extension Tomorrow-Tolo News
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to vote tomorrow (17 March) on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2026. According to a report from the council, the draft resolution for UNAMA’s mandate has been presented without any changes to its duties and priorities. Click here to read…
$10 Million allocated for Afghanistan’s Climate Change efforts-The Khaama Press
The Taliban has announced receiving a $10 million grant from the Global Environmental Facility to combat climate change in Afghanistan. This grant is aimed at implementing projects that address climate change challenges in the country. On Sunday, March 16, Rohullah Amin, the head of climate change at the Taliban’s National Environment Administration, informed the media that the money would be allocated for a project focused on fighting climate change. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
Govt seeks to withdraw over 6,000 ‘political’ cases – The Daily Star
The interim government has recommended withdrawal of 6,202 "politically motivated" cases filed to harass opposition leaders and activists during the Awami League government. The home ministry disclosed the updates in a press release yesterday. Click here to read…
Independence Day: Parades to be held in 63 dists except Dhaka – The Daily Star
The interim government has announced that Independence Day parades will be held in 63 districts on March 26, excluding Dhaka, due to ongoing renovation work at the National Stadium. A statement from the Chief Adviser's Press Wing yesterday evening dismissed reports claiming the parade would be cancelled this year, clarifying that while the capital will not host the event, all deputy commissioners have been instructed to organise the parades and ensure due honour for freedom fighters across the country. Click here to read…
Tulsi Gabbard in Delhi for key talks, Bangladesh expected on agenda – Dhaka Tribune
US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard arrived in Delhi on Sunday for a crucial three-day visit, where she is set to meet Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, with Bangladesh expected to be a key topic of discussion. Click here to read…
Chief Adviser to go to China 26 Mar, meeting with President Xi 28 Mar: Press Secretary – Prothom Alo
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is set to visit China on 26 March and his visit will take Bangladesh-China relations to a new height, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Sunday. “On 27 March, professor Yunus will address the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference focusing on the changing role of Asia in the world,” he told a press briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the city this afternoon. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Donald Trump to ban people from Bhutan, touted as one of the happiest countries in the world, from entering U.S; citizens in Buddhist nation in shock as reasons not clear-The Economic Times
United States has added Bhutan to its travel ban list, raising concerns about diplomatic relations and the implications for Bhutanese travelers. This decision has sparked debates, as Bhutan, known for its peaceful policies and strong ties with international allies, finds itself facing new travel restrictions. Click here to read…
Bhutan takes sustainability to new levels, plans first carbon-negative city-The Nation
Bhutan is embarking on a transformative journey with the development of "Gelephu Mindfulness City" (GMC), a visionary project designed to harmonise economic growth with spiritual well-being. This ambitious endeavour, spearheaded byKing Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, aims to establish the world's first carbon-negative city. Click here to read…
Pakistan
Pakistan may face travel ban by US if govt doesn’t address ‘deficiencies within 60 days’-Dawn
Donald Trump’s administration in Washington is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban and Pakistan has been placed in a group that would be considered for a partial suspension of visa issuance if their governments “do not make efforts to address deficiencies within 60 days”, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen byReuters. Click here to read…
Govt to develop national policy, strengthen NAP to combat terrorism-The Express Tribune
The federal government has decided to formulate a national policy to address the growing incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while also enhancing the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat terrorism more effectively. Click here to read…
Pakistan's untapped blue economy-The Express Tribune
With Pakistan's struggling economy, stagnated and narrow export base for products and markets, it is imperative to move towards diversification and domestic economic activity to harness untapped economic potential. In this context, one of the most underutilised economic opportunities in Pakistan is the blue economy. Click here to read…
KP will decide whether to expel Afghans after March 31-Dawn
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Sunday said his government would decide whether to follow the Centre’s directives to expel Afghans residing in the province after March 31. The federal government has asked Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave Pakistan voluntarily by March end, after which they’d be deported from the country. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka seeks JV investments in Bangladesh – Daily Mirror
Sri Lanka has expressed its willingness to invest in joint ventures in Bangladesh, particularly in synthetic fabric manufacturing, which holds significant potential for investors from both nations, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody said today. Click here to read…
Uncertainty still prevails on Adani’s exit from Sri Lanka RE project – Daily Mirror
“Adani’s have replied to our letter within two weeks. The project is still alive,” a senior official with the Sri Lankan government said when asked now that Gautum Adani led entity has expressed its desire to exit the project, whether the project will be offered to other players. “Also, the Ministry of Energy is waiting for the Court decisions and AGs clearance for starting the negotiations. Until we get the court clearance we cannot take any decision,” the official told businessline. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka’s tourism income hits US$768 mn in first two months of 2025 – Daily Mirror
Earnings from Sri Lanka’s tourism trade has continued to remain robust during the height of the seasonal peak as arrivals have been stronger. This is while the country is being recognised and featured by global publications as one of the most preferred destinations for travel in 2025. Sri Lanka earned US$ 367.6 million from the trade in February 2025, which is the third biggest foreign income generator for the country after remittances and garments, taking the total income for the first two months of the year to US$ 768.2 million. Click here to read…
