Neighborhood News Digest - 21 November 2024

Afghanistan

Mullah Baradar Meets Indian, Bangladeshi Scholars, Speaks of Intl Relations-Tolo News

The Deputy Prime Minister for economic affairs of the Islamic Emirate, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, during a meeting with a delegation of scholars from India and Bangladesh, stated that the Islamic Emirate seeks political and economic relations with the world. During this meeting, discussions were held on strengthening madrasas (religious schools), establishing new academic institutions, reforming educational curricula, launching infrastructure projects, and enhancing trade and industry relations in Afghanistan. Click here to read... [2]

Afghanistan-Turkey Trade Reaches $94 Million in 2024-Tolo News

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that Afghanistan has conducted worth $94 million trade with Türkiye in the first ten months of 2024. According to the ministry, $21 million of the total amount was exports while $73 million was imports between the two countries. Click here to read... [3]

Pakistan provides China with fresh information on TTP activities in Afghanistan-The Khaama Press

Pakistani media reported that Islamabad shared “compelling evidence” with China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Yu Xiaoyong, regarding the presence of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups operating from Afghan territory. According to The Express Tribune, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented this evidence during Yu Xiaoyong’s visit to Islamabad on Monday, November 18. Click here to read... [4]

Bangladesh

We are only facilitators, not rulers, says Yunus - The Daily Star

The interim government that took the helm of Bangladesh amid high expectations completed its 100 days in office recently. These few months have been fraught with challenges for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam sat down with the Nobel peace laureate for an exclusive interview where he spoke about issues ranging from reforms and election to media and foreign policy. Click here to read... [5]

Yunus invites GOP leaders to witness Bangladesh's democratic reforms – The Daily Star

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday urged top Republican Party leaders to visit Bangladesh to observe the interim government's efforts to restore democracy in the country. He made the call when senior officials of the International Republican Institute (IRI) met him at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, according to the press wing of the CA. Click here to read... [6]

Advisory Council approves ICT amendment without provision to ban political parties – Dhaka Tribune

The Advisory Council has approved the draft of the International Crimes Tribunal (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, which includes a provision that allows the tribunal to recommend punitive measures against political parties involved in criminal activities, but it does not permit the banning of political parties. Click here to read... [7]

People to decide on AL's participation in polls: Fakhrul – Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mira Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the people of the country will decide whether they will allow the Awami League to take part in the polls or not. “The Awami League is a political party. The people of the country will decide whether the Awami League will be allowed to take part in the polls or not. However, the people who were involved in mass killing, torture and money laundering must be brought to book and punished," the BNP leader added. Click here to read... [8]

Bhutan

Bhutan eyes carbon markets at COP29 to fund sustainable development– Kuensel

As negotiators at the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) continue discussions on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Bhutan is looking to tap into carbon markets to generate debt-free funds for renewable energy projects, climate adaptation, and its broader sustainable development goals. Already a carbon-negative and committed to maintaining carbon neutrality, Bhutan has long championed environmental conservation. However, the country has been increasingly impacted by climate change, including extreme weather events and climate-induced disasters, while receiving few incentives for its environmental leadership. Click here to read... [9]

Tata Power, Druk Green ink pact to develop 5,000 MW clean energy in Bhutan– ET Energy World

In a significant step towards regional energy security and clean energy collaboration, Tata Power Company Limited and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) have entered into a strategic partnership to develop at least 5,000 MW of renewable energy capacity in Bhutan. The agreement marks one of the largest partnerships in Asia's clean energy sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Thimphu in the presence of Bhutan's Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, and senior officials from the Indian and Bhutanese governments. The partnership is backed by the governments of both nations and aligns with Bhutan’s vision to scale its energy generation to 25,000 MW by 2040. Click here to read... [10]

Maldives

Chinese embassy officials meet Vice President Hussain at his official residence– Adhadhu

Officials from the Chinese Embassy in Maldives have met with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef. The meeting took place at the Vice President's official residence Hilaaleege early this evening. Chinese officials left the residence at 5:30 pm. Adhadhu journalists saw their diplomatic car in the parking zone for Hilaaleege. However, it is unclear whether Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin attended the meeting. Click here to read... [11]

Defence minister highlights redeployment of foreign troops as major milestone– PSM News

Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has highlighted the redeployment of foreign military personnel from the Maldives—ensuring no foreign troops remain stationed in the country—as one of the administration’s greatest achievements. In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Minister Ghassan discussed the significant strides made by the current administration to bolster the Maldives’ military capabilities. He noted that, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment, Indian military personnel previously stationed at three key locations across the Maldives had been redeployed. The minister confirmed that no foreign troops are currently present in the country, expressing confidence that under President Muizzu’s leadership, the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives would remain uncompromised. Click here to read... [12]

Majlis approves constitutional amendment that will cause MPs to lose their seats– Adhadhu

Maldives' Parliament passed a constitutional amendment enabling MPs to lose their seats if they switch parties or are expelled. Passed with 78 votes, the bill introduced stricter conditions, expanded presidential powers, required parliamentary approval for foreign military presence, and mandated referendums for critical constitutional changes. It also clarified that altering Maldives' territory requires a three-quarters majority. These changes aim to enhance political accountability and tighten procedural requirements for key decisions, reflecting significant shifts in the country's governance structure. Click here to read... [13]

Pakistan

Govt calls in big guns to deal with PTI-The Express Tribune

In a bid to keep a tight leash on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) November 24 "final push", the federal government on Wednesday called in the big guns, granting special powers to both Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel in Islamabad. In an all-hands-on-deck approach to stave off the potential influx of opposition supporters, the additional force will "handle" the law-and-order situation starting November 22 (Friday). Click here to read... [14]

JWG formed on security of Chinese, NA panel told-The Express Tribune

Pakistan and China formed a joint working group (JWG) on the security for the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning and Development was informed on Wednesday. During a committee meeting, with its chairman Abdul Qadir Gilani in the chair, the planning secretary admitted that China had expressed concern regarding the security of its citizens in Pakistan. The committee summoned the interior secretary on China's concerns. Click here to read... [15]

Imran okays talks with establishment ‘on PTI’s terms’-Dawn

After his sister confirmed that Imran Khan had authorised top leaders to hold talks with the establishment, the former prime minister called on PTI leaders and ticket holders on Tuesday to “disassociate themselves from the party” if they could not participate in the power show, scheduled for Nov 24. Click here to read... [16]

Sri Lanka

10th parliament session commences – Daily Mirror

The ceremonial opening of the tenth Parliament commenced a short while ago marking a significant change after more than half a century. The tenth Parliament will see 160 new MPs who will be entering the House for the first time. It will also go down in history as the legislature with highest number of female MPs. The New Parliament comprises 22 female members. Click here to read... [17]

Appointment of PM and Cabinet before Parliament meets is constitutional- Saliya Pieris PC – Daily Mirror

Former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), Saliya Pieris, PC, stated that there is no basis for claims made by certain factions that the Prime Minister and Cabinet could not have been sworn in prior to the meeting of Parliament, rendering their appointments legally invalid. In a Facebook post, Pieris addressed the misconception, asserting that the view that the Prime Minister and Cabinet must wait until after the first meeting of Parliament to be sworn in is incorrect. Click here to read... [18]

SL targets US $ 36bn in annual exports by 2029 - Daily Mirror

The government has set its sights on an ambitious annual export revenue target of US $ 36 billion to be achieved by 2029, according to the Export Development Board (EDB). The plan, as outlined by EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, aims to nearly double the merchandise export revenue by increasing it from the current average of US $ 12 billion to US $ 25 billion, while increasing service exports from US $ 3.6 billion to US $ 11 billion in the next five years. Click here to read... [19]