Neighborhood News Digest – 22 December 2023

Afghanistan

India calls for formation of an inclusive and representative government structure in Afghanistan- The Telegraph

Addressing a Security Council meeting on the topic of ‘Situation in Afghanistan’ on Wednesday, India’s Permanent Representative at the UN Ruchira Kamboj said the formation of an inclusive and representative government structure, combating terrorism, and preserving the rights of women, children, and minorities in Afghanistan is an “immediate priority”. Click here to read... [2]

Taliban imposes Hanafi-only policy in Afghan private University Libraries- The Khama Press

In a concerning move, the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education has issued a directive to private universities in Afghanistan to purge their libraries of non-Hanafi Islamic texts, including Shia and other minority religious books. This policy raises significant concerns about the suppression of religious diversity and academic freedom in Afghanistan. Click here to read... [3]

UN to investigate reports of girls studying in Taliban-controlled religious school in Afghanistan- The Khaama Press

The United Nations is actively investigating reports indicating that Afghanistan’s Taliban regime is permitting girls of all ages to attend Islamic religious schools, which have traditionally been exclusively for boys, according to the U.N.’s highest-ranking official in the country, as reported on Wednesday. Click here to read... [4]

Acting Interior Minister Meets With Russian Envoy Kabulov- Tolo News

In a meeting with Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan, the acting Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani discussed security issues, the development of trade relations between the two countries, and Russia's support for Afghanistan in regional and international forums. Click here to read... [5]

Bangladesh

Security beefed up across country to prevent sabotage before polls - The Daily Star

As a measure to prevent sabotage activities ahead of the national election, law enforcers have been instructed to beef up security measures across the country. The home ministry and the Police Headquarters (PHQ) have been instructed to increase security, especially on railway tracks and all Key-Point Installations (important establishments), after arsonists set fire to carriages of Mohanganj Express on Tuesday that killed four people. Click here to read... [6]

Sino-Bangla trade to rise after Jan 7 polls: Chinese envoy – The Daily Star

A lot of new opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China will emerge after the general election scheduled to take place on January 7, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka Yao Wen said today. Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCCI) and Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) in association with the Chinese embassy in Dhaka jointly organised the event titled, "China Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023". Click here to read... [7]

Sanctions threat looms over Bangladesh’s garment sector ahead of elections – Aljazeera

Weeks after turbulent wage-hike protests and subsequent factory closures, Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, a key revenue earner for the nation, is dealing with a new phase of anxiety: “possible” economic sanctions by the country’s Western partners. The United States and European Union collectively account for more than 80 percent of Bangladesh’s multibillion-dollar apparel sales, and any sanction on the RMG industry would put a severe dent in its already beleaguered economy, said analysts. Click here to read... [8]

Bhutan

Bhutan To Build Ecological 'Mindfulness City' – Ravali Republic

During his 116th National Day address to a 30,000-strong audience, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck unveiled plans for a new ‘Mindfulness City’ in his kingdom. Click here to read... [9]

Road to pave way for PDP’s success in 2023 Election – Kuensel

Continuing the campaign for 2023 General Election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) pledged a robust economy brought about by a highly developed transport and communication network among the Southern districts, and connected further with Eastern and Western dzongkhags. Speaking to the people of Sarpang, the PDP’s Party President, Tshering Tobgay said, the proposed road will link Sarpang with Jomotshangkha, Dewathang, Nganglam, and Panbang. Towards the west, the road will connect Phuentsholing, and Samtse. Click here to read... [10]

BTP commits to increase household income – Kuensel

The Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) is committing to bolster household income, increasing it sevenfold on an annual average in a bid to achieve national prosperity. The party aims to increase it from the current Nu 406,134 to Nu 3 million by the end of 2029. BTP President Pema Chewang, who is on campaign in the eastern dzongkhags, met with voters of Mongar yesterday. Click here to read... [11]

Maldives

Projects will be implemented without increasing state debt: Minister Saeed– The Edition

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has said that several important projects of the current government will be executed in a manner that does not increase state debt. In an exclusive interview with Mihaaru News, Minister Saeed emphasized that the government places significant importance on implementing important projects in the Maldives. However, these endeavours will be undertaken in a manner that avoids an increase in the debt burden, he said. Click here to read... [12]

Islamic Ministry signs MoU to digitize services- Avas

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited to digitize and further develop the ministry's services. At a ceremony held at the Islamic Ministry on Thursday, the MoU was signed on behalf of the Ministry by Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. Saeeda Umar, Managing Director, signed on behalf of TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited. Click here to read... [13]

Myanmar

Anti-junta forces claim attack on Myanmar’s central region military HQ – RFA

Anti-junta armies have attacked the headquarters of the Myanmar military's Central Region Command in an old palace compound in the center of the country's second-largest city, Mandalay, residents and fighters who conducted the attack told Radio Free Asia on Thursday. This attack was carried out by the Mandalay Security and Special Task Force, People’s Defense Group from Pyinoolwin District, No More Dictatorship and Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BWM), according to a BWM announcement. Click here to read... [14]

Armed Groups in Myanmar’s Shan State Accused of Forced Recruitment - The Irrawaddy

The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) is forcibly recruiting ethnic Shan and Lisu villagers in Nawnghkio Township, northern Shan State, according to residents. Headquartered at Wanhai in Kyethi Township, the rebel group boasts eight brigades and over 30 battalions in Mong Hsu, Kyethi, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mongyai, Tangyan, Namtu, Namkham, Momauk, Panglong and Lawksawk townships. Click here to read... [15]

More clashes in Myanmar's Rakhine state – WioNews

Myanmar's military has called in air strikes and naval bombardments against an ethnic minority armed group on an island hosting a planned billion-dollar China-backed deep sea port, the group and local media said. Clashes have rocked Rakhine state since last month after the Arakan Army (AA) launched attacks on security forces, ending a shaky ceasefire that had largely held since the military seized power in a coup in 2021. The attacks in the western state opened another front for the military as it battles the so-called "Three Brotherhood Alliance" alliance of ethnic minority fighters, which includes the AA, in the north of the country. Click here to read... [16]

Nepal

Nepal, Sri Lanka discuss Saarc, Bimstec, and ties - Kathmandu Post

Nepal and Sri Lanka on Thursday discussed strengthening bilateral ties as well regional forums like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec). These discussions were held at the first meeting of the Nepal-Sri Lanka joint commission meeting that concluded in Kathmandu on Thursday. Click here to read... [17]

Decline in Foreign Direct Investment: Nepal’s Economic Conundrum - BNN Breaking

The economic landscape of Nepal has been marred by a significant decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the current fiscal year. Despite substantial commitments, the actual inflow of funds has been markedly lower than anticipated. This troubling trend raises questions about the country’s investment climate and the effectiveness of the government’s policies aimed at attracting FDI. Click here to read... [18]

Nepal calls for bid to auction 5 defunct Chinese aircraft - The Print

Dubbed “White Elephant,” Nepal Airlines Corporation, the national flag carrier of Nepal, has called for a bid to auction five Chinese aircraft that have remained off the air for three years. Issuing a notice Thursday morning, the Nepal Airlines Corporation called on the bidders on the basis of “As is Where is Basis” to sell it’s two MA-60 and three Y-12 E aircraft. Click here to read... [19]

Pakistan

Energy imports drop 13% to $1.42 billion in Nov – The Express Tribune

Pakistan experienced a 13% decline in overall energy imports, reaching $1.42 billion in November 2023, shedding light on subdued demand for petroleum, oil, and gas products. Economic activities remained lacklustre due to sluggish growth, and the recent surge in product prices has hampered purchasing power across various sectors. Click here to read... [20]

Foreign Office downplays Taliban’s invitation to Fazl, denies talks with TTP – Dawn

The Foreign Office on Thursday downpla­yed the Afghan Taliban admi­nistration’s invitation to Mau­lana Fazlur Rehman, leader of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), in a bid to reduce tensions with Pakistan, characterising the gesture as a personal visit and emphasising lack of official knowledge about the initiative. Click here to read... [21]

Baloch women not permitted to protest in Pakistan? Experts share insights – India Today

Baloch women in Pakistan are leading an unprecedented protest in Pakistan against extra-judicial killings, and are reportedly being locked up and separated from their families in the country. Many Baloch women and children were arrested during the police crackdown against Baloch protestors in Islamabad. Pakistani analyst Abdul Samad Yaqoob and Senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation Sushant Sareen spoke to India Today on the subject. Click here to read... [22]

Pakistan: Imran Khan barred from contesting elections after conviction appeal fails – Firstpost

In another setback to Imran Khan, former prime minister of Pakistan remained disqualified from contesting elections after a court rejected his plea to suspend an earlier conviction on Thursday. “Imran Khan’s request to suspend the decision in the Tosha Khana criminal case was rejected so that the disqualification would remain,” Khan’s lawyer and spokesman on legal affairs, Naeem Haider Panjutha, said on X. Click here to read... [23]

Sri Lanka

Customs exceed expected revenues: Siyambalapitiya – Daily Mirror Online

Sri Lanka Customs has the potential to exceed the expected revenue targets for this year and reach an income of Rs. 950 billion, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. While attending the opening ceremony of the Christmas carol concert organized by the Customs Department, the Minister pointed out that the Customs Department has already worked to exceed Rs. 940 billion. Click here to read... [24]

NPP says no to grand alliance – Daily Mirror Online

The move to form a grand opposition alliance to contest future elections seemed to be becoming a stalemate with National People’s Power (NPP) having informed the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and others that they are not prepared to contest future elections together. Click here to read... [25]