Neighborhood News Digest - 27 September 2024

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Reshuffles Interim Cabinet-Tolo News

According to the decree of the leader of the Islamic Emirate, new appointments have been made in the interim government cabinet. The spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate said that based on this decree, several figures, including deputies, governors, police chiefs, and heads of departments in some provinces and ministries, have been appointed. Click here to read… [2]

Russia: Removing Taliban from banned groups list will be a slow process-The Khaama Press

Andrey Rudenko, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, announced that removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist groups “will not be a quick process.” He explained that it requires changes in Russian law. In an interview with the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Rudenko emphasized that this process is slow due to the necessary legal amendments in Russia. Click here to read… [3]

Islamic Emirate Responds to European Accusations on Human Rights Violations-Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate, in response to the joint statement of four European countries regarding human rights violations in Afghanistan, said that the rights of all citizens of the country are ensured. Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said that such remarks by Western countries against the Islamic Emirate are "strange and accusatory" at best. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

Forging unity with islamist parties: Jamaat eyes large electoral alliance - The Daily Star

The uprising that toppled the Hasina-led government on August 5, also appears to have cracked the decades old BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami alliance. The Jamaat is attempting to rally all Islamist parties under one umbrella. The move came at a time when BNP and Jamaat leaders have differed in private and in public on various issues, including reforms and when the polls should be held. The taunts and barbs leave little room for doubt that the 33-year-old relationship has soured after the fall of the Hasina-led government. Click here to read… [5]

US to back interim govt in holding free, fair polls – The Daily Star

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has indicated that Bangladesh will have US support for a free and fair election, which will chart an inclusive, democratic, and equitable future for the people. He also underscored US support and assistance for the interim government of Bangladesh as it guides the country towards economic stability and highlighted the importance of reforms to ensure continued foreign direct investment, according to US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. Click here to read… [6]

UN chief reaffirms support for Bangladesh reforms – Dhaka Tribune

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its ongoing transition and reform processes. The pledge came when the UN chief met with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus in New York on Thursday. Click here to read… [7]

Hasina should be extradited, brought to justice, says Dr Yunus-Prothom Alo

Chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event. Click here to read… [8]

China keen to take strategic relations ahead – Prothom Alo

China has expressed its interest to take ahead the bilateral strategic relations with Bangladesh by strengthening commercial and economic relations. The country also wants to invest in the solar panel sector in Bangladesh. Click here to read… [9]

Bhutan

Strengthening hydromet services for disaster risk reduction-Kuensel

To strengthen the provision of high-quality weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate services through resilient development, and climate adaptation actions, Bhutan will receive a funding assistance of USD 4.6 million. This was shared during the “Regional Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) Workshop in South Asia”. Click here to read… [10]

Maldives

Maldives sends proposal to develop 50 council offices to China– PSM News

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has stated that the government has sent a proposal related to the development of 50 councils administrative offices, to China. The proposal was sent under the government's initiative to rebuild the oldest administrative offices of local councils. Speaking to PSM News, Minister Adam Shareef revealed that this initiative was undertaken by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, after observing the standards of the offices first hand, during his official visit to the islands. The minister noted that most councils are still working in the administrative offices, which were developed during the tenure of Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives and Indonesia discuss strengthening trade and economic ties– PSM News

Maldives and Indonesia have held extensive discussions, aiming to strengthen trade and economic ties. The discussions were held between the Ambassador of Indonesia to the Maldives Dewi Gustina Tobing and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed. Speaking to PSM News, Minister Saeed revealed that the discussions focused on expanding trade and economic activities between the two nations. This minister stated that this initiative aims to boost trade and investment between the two nations. Highlighting that, Indonesia is one of the countries which is frequently visited by Maldivian businessmen, and also significantly contributes to Maldivian imports. He disclosed that the trade between the two countries are worth USD 62 million. Click here to read… [12]

Pakistan

Imran closes door on talks as indictment looms-Dawn

PTI founding chairman Imran Khan on Thursday ruled out any further talks with the military establishment, calling it a “futile exercise”. The declaration followed an announcement by Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand that the PTI chief and his spouse Bushra Bibi would be indicted in the new Toshakhana case on Oct 2. Click here to read… [13]

Azerbaijan to buy JF-17 fighter jets-The Express Tribune

As part of Pakistan's efforts to enhance defence cooperation with friendly countries, a contract for the sale of JF-17 Block-III fighter aircraft to bolster airpower capabilities of Azerbaijan was signed recently, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement on Thursday. Click here to read… [14]

Pakistan looks to IMF again, seeking climate cash-The Express Tribune

Pakistan has requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review the possibility of extending another $1 billion to $1.5 billion programme to meet the financing requirements for long-term reforms for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Click here to read… [15]

Sri Lanka

World Bank pledges support to President Anura Dissanayake - Daily Mirror

The World Bank Group has expressed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic recovery and development. In an official letter, Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region of the World Bank, and Riccardo Puliti, Vice President for the Asia and Pacific Region of the International Finance Corporation, extended warm congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his election as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. Click here to read… [16]

August consumer confidence down marginally in lead up to Presidential election – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s Consumer confidence dropped marginally in August 2024 in lead-up to Presidential election, the Institute for Health Policy (IHP) survey showed. As per the latest report, all three indices remained at pessimistic levels and dropped marginally in August 2024 compared to the previous month. Click here to read… [17]

Issuing of visa now available under previous system – Daily Mirror

The government has taken action to resume the issuing of visas under the previous system, beginning from 12.00 midnight today (26). Minister of Public Security, Vijitha Herath said all foreigners will now be able to apply for visas under the previous system. Click here to read… [18]

SJB denies social media claim on Sajith’s offer to resign from party leadership – Daily Mirror

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara denied the claims made on social media that party leader Sajith Premadasa has offered to resign. Click here to read… [19]