Neighborhood News Digest- 27 March 2024

Afghanistan

Mujahid: 24 Islamic Emirate Officials on UN Blacklist-Tolo News

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLO news that the names of 24 officials of the Islamic Emirate are still on the United Nations and European Union blacklist. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate once again called for the removal of the names of the Islamic Emirate officials from the United Nations Security Council, the United States, and the European Union blacklist. Click here to read… [2]

Over 200 historical artifacts uncovered in Western Afghanistan in past 2 years-The Khama Press

Local government officials in the Western Province of Herat say that over the past two years, more than 200 historical artifacts have been discovered. The Bakhtar News Agency, a media outlet close to the Taliban administration, citing Abdul Jabbar Nowruzi, the director of museums and archives of the Information and Culture Directorate in Herat province, has reported that they have discovered 215 historical artifacts from this province in the past two years. Click here to read… [3]

Stoning Punishment Based on Sharia: Mujahid- Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate said that the United Nations' concern about the implementation of stoning sentences for women in the country is baseless. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that stoning is part of Sharia law and the world should not misinterpret it. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

President for Dhaka-Thimphu joint-work for regional development-Dhaka Tribune

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has emphasized the joint coordination and initiatives of Bangladesh and Bhutan for regional prosperity and development. The head of State made these remarks while visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgel Wangchuck at Bangabhaban. Click here to read… [5]

Bangladesh’s first locally-made aircraft-Dhaka Tribune

The development of BBT-1 and BBT-2 is a landmark for the country’s aviation industry because local designers, engineers and technicians of Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre (BAC) have built the aircraft using own technology in Lalmonirhat under the supervision of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU). Click here to read… [6]

Bhutan

Railway networks must come-Kuensel

The recent announcement by Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary of India, regarding the commencement of detailed project reports (DPRs) for two railway networks connecting Bhutan and India marks a significant step in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The proposed railway projects, spanning from Gelephu to Kokrajhar, covering 60 kilometres, and from Samtse to Banarhat, spanning 18 kilometres, are poised to bolster connectivity and foster economic growth in the region. Click here to read… [7]

Bhutan takes giant leap into space exploration-Bhutan Times

Bhutan has come forth and taken a giant leap towards the formation of the Bhutan Astronomical Society (BAS). Established under the guidance of the GovTech Agency, the BAS aims to ignite a passion for astronomy and space exploitation among the Bhutanese people. Click here to read… [8]

Maldives

Maldives, Japan sign four bilateral agreements - Raajje

The governments of the Republic of Maldives and Japan have signed four bilateral agreements. In a press release issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the four Exchange of Notes signed on Monday mark a significant step in enhancing the existing ties between the two countries. The four Exchange of Notes were signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Click here to read… [9]

Pres. confident Maldives-Bangladesh ties will continue to thrive - Raajje

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed confidence that the warm brotherly relations between the governments of Maldives and Bangladesh will continue to thrive. He said this in separate messages of felicitations extended to the President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, on the occasion of the 53rd Independence Day. In his messages, the Maldivian leader extended his heartfelt felicitations to the president, prime minister and the friendly people of Bangladesh, on the commemoration of their 53rd Independence Day. Click here to read… [10]

Myanmar

‘Day of Terror and Dishonor’ Sees More Than 100 Slain by Myanmar Military Regime - The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime marked its Armed Forces Day on Saturday by slaughtering more than 100 people across the country, making it the bloodiest single day since the generals seized power on Feb. 1. As of evening, The Irrawaddy has recorded at least 102 people, including at least four children ranging in age from 5 to 15, killed on Saturday in 41 locations in 10 out of Myanmar’s 14 states and regions. Click here to read… [11]

Bangladesh prepares to send home more Myanmar regime troops in April - TBS News

The Bangladeshi government is reportedly concluding a deal involving the repatriation of 179 regime troops from Myanmar who fled over the border after their defeat in the Rakhine state. The swap is scheduled for early April, when the junta hopes to return 200 Bangladeshis currently being in regime prisons. The swap will include a Border Guard Police (BGP) officer in his 40s who is accused of being involved in genocidal attacks on the Rohingya in 2017, reports the Irrawaddy. Click here to read… [12]

Myanmar’s military marks Armed Forces Day amid continued violence - Channel News Asia

Myanmar is saddled with multiple challenges as it marks Armed Forces Day on Wednesday (Mar 27), from fending off rebels' drone strikes to the need to refresh its weaponry and boost troop numbers. This comes as the military starts recruiting civilians next month, after recently rolling out a dormant enlistment law. Click here to read… [13]

'Trust deficit' between China and Myanmar's military, report says - Nikkei Asia

China, which has shielded Myanmar's regime from United Nations Security Council sanctions, has nevertheless refused to provide significant diplomatic backing and full recognition of the Burmese generals, according to a new International Crisis Group report. Click here to read… [14]

Nepal

Chinese FM holds talks with Nepalese counterpart - China.org

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Nepal's deputy prime minister and foreign minister in Beijing on Tuesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said as a friendly neighbor and strategic partner, China has always placed Nepal in an important direction of the neighboring diplomacy. Click here to read… [15]

Nepal requests China-backed AIIB for soft loans - Kathmandu Post

Nepal’s apex private sector body on Tuesday requested the visiting board officials of the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to invest in Nepal. According to the statement issued by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Tuesday’s meeting specifically dealt with exploring potential investment opportunities in Nepal across various sectors. Click here to read… [16]

Indian Ambassador, Nepal's HM Lamichhane discuss security, border crimes - Business Standard

India's Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava on Tuesday discussed with Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane security mechanisms between the two countries and the need for strengthening border management to check small crimes as well as human trafficking. Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Lamichhane at the Home Ministry in Singhdurbar here and the two sides during the meeting discussed the "efforts needed to further consolidate deep, wide and diversified people to people relations between the two countries based on historical ties and geographical proximity, according to the Home Minister secretariat. Click here to read… [17]

Pakistan

China demands justice over Besham attack-The Express Tribune

In a statement issued after the Besham suicide bombing that killed six people, including five Chinese nationals in the Upper Kohistan district, the Chinese embassy said that its diplomatic mission in the country had launched an emergency plan, taking all necessary measures to their protection. Click here to read… [18]

US ‘doesn’t support’ Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline-Dawn

The US said on Tuesday it does not support a Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project from going forward and cautioned about the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran. Click here to read… [19]

PTI plans nationwide campaign for Imran’s release-The Express Tribune

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has unveiled plans for a nationwide campaign advocating for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, whom they claim is facing political persecution. Speaking outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan asserted that the ongoing legal proceedings against Imran Khan, particularly in the Al- Qadir Trust Case, are part of a concerted effort to detain him. Click here to read… [20]

Govt 'mapping' Afghans ahead of eviction push after Eid-The Express Tribune

Data is being gathered on Afghan migrants – including those legally resident in the country – ahead of a renewed eviction push slated to start after Eid, official sources told AFP on Tuesday. Click here to read… [21]

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka does not look at real effective exchange rate: CB Governor - Economy Next

Sri Lanka does not look at the real effective exchange rate, but allows the rupee to move on demand and supply, based on the flexible inflation targeting framework, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said. Sri Lanka’s rupee had been allowed to appreciate from March 2023, amid deflationary monetary policy, in contrast to earlier stabilization programs, where the depreciated rupee has been prevented from strengthening despite and reserves were collected only at the depreciated rate. Click here to read… [22]

China assures continuous support to debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka - Daily News

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang assured Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that China would assist Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process continuously and help Sri Lanka to develop its economy. During the high level bilateral talks held today in Beijing, the Chinese Prime Minister praised Sri Lanka’s economic progress after a period of economic downside. Click here to read… [23]

Tamil Nadu To Deport 3 Rajiv Gandhi Killers To Sri Lanka - MENA FN

The Tamil Nadu Government is to deport three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case to Sri Lanka. The Madras High Court was informed that the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission has issued temporary travel documents to three convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case – Sriharan alias Murugan, Robert Payas & Jayakumar. Click here to read… [24]