Neighbourhood News Digest - 6 December 2024

Afghanistan

France condemns latest Taliban-imposed ban on Afghan women – UN Report

France has strongly condemned the Taliban's recent decision to ban Afghan women from working with the United Nations, describing it as a severe violation of fundamental freedoms and dignity. This move further restricts women's rights, already drastically curtailed under Taliban rule. France calls for the immediate reversal of these discriminatory policies and emphasizes its commitment to supporting Afghan women and girls. The statement underscores the importance of international solidarity in defending their rights, advocating for women's access to education, employment, and public life. France also urges the Taliban to comply with international obligations and respect basic human rights for all. Click here to read... [2]

Concerns Rise Over Execution of Afghan Citizens in Iran – Tolo News

The Iranian Human Rights Organization has reported the execution of 12 Afghan citizens over the past month in Iran. According to information from the organization, Afghan migrants were executed in various prisons across Iran. A section of the Iranian Human Rights Organization's report states: "In the past month, at least 144 people, including 12 Afghan citizens, 4 women, a Jewish-Iranian citizen, and a person with mental disabilities, were executed in different prisons across Iran." Meanwhile, some legal experts have stated that a comprehensive investigation should be conducted into how Afghan citizens are executed in Iran, ensuring their access to legal institutions. Click here to read... [3]

Bangladesh

Yunus consults political parties on India-Bangladesh relation, excludes Awami League and allies – The Hindu

Several political parties in Bangladesh on December 4, 2024 urged Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus to hold early election in the country. The discussion between delegations of leading political parties and the Chief Adviser took place during a meeting that. Prof Yunus had called to seek suggestion from political parties on how to counter what was described as “aggression against the nation”. The meeting however did not include the Awami League and its allies. Since taking power in August, Prof. Yunus has met with the political parties on multiple occasions but this is the first time that such a large meeting was held under the interim government. Prof. Yunus had promised to hold consultation with political parties for shaping the path ahead for election but it is not yet clear if a future election would include the Awami League and its allies who were in power till 5 August. Click here to read... [4]

27 envoys of EU countries to meet CA Yunus on Monday – Dhaka Tribune

The European Union (EU) Ambassadors from the 27 EU member states, including 20 non-resident ambassadors, as well as the EU ambassador in Dhaka will meet Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on December 9. This will be the first time all EU envoys meet collectively with the Head of Government, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, spokesperson of the foreign ministry told reporters on Thursday at the weekly briefing. The meeting is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and the EU, he said. Click here to read... [5]

Bangladesh does not expect any divergence in working with Trump: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed confidence in consistent relations with the U.S., citing a history of collaboration with both Democratic and Republican administrations. Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam emphasized shared strategic interests and consistent foreign policy alignment over five decades. Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the ministry highlighted the upcoming high-level conference as crucial for fostering political consensus on repatriation and addressing root causes, socio-economic challenges, and accountability measures. On visa issues, the ministry acknowledged difficulties faced by Bangladeshi students applying to European countries but noted ongoing discussions about establishing more European embassies in Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral relations. Click here to read... [6]

Bhutan

PM Modi reiterates commitment to Bhutan’s development, discusses key areas of cooperation – DD News

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing mutual regional and global interests during the King's official visit to India (December 5-6). The leaders reviewed progress in areas such as trade, energy, education, health, cultural heritage, infrastructure, and digital connectivity. They expressed satisfaction with the nearing completion of the Punatshangchhu-II hydropower project and advanced discussions on new hydropower initiatives. India pledged continued support for Bhutan’s socio-economic development, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. Both sides emphasized their enduring partnership, marked by mutual understanding, trust, and exceptional cooperation. Click here to read... [7]

32MW Yungichhu to be commissioned by September next year– Kuensel

With more than 71 percent of the project completed, the 32MW Yungichhu Hydropower Project in Lhuentse is on track to begin operations by September 2025. Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE), a subsidiary of Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), is developing the project. More than 83 percent of headworks components, encompassing construction of intake structure, main feeder tunnel, and desilting chamber complex, have been completed. The Head Race Tunnel (HRT) construction is 74.79 percent complete, while 58.38 percent of the powerhouse complex and 93 percent of the transmission line works have been completed. Project management officials said that despite challenges such as flash floods, logistical hurdles, and construction material shortages, the project is on schedule. In July 2023, a devastating flash flood claimed 23 lives and severely damaged the headworks site, a crucial part of the project that was executed with support from de-suups. Click here to read... [8]

Maldives

Maldivians involved in militant attack on Aleppo – Adhadhu

Maldivian nationals have worked with the armed rebel forces in Syria to capture the country's second-largest city Aleppo. Videos and photos that have been released show Maldivians were heavily involved in the attack on Aleppo. Some content shows Maldivians expressing their happiness before and after the attack while some Maldivians even spoke in some videos. International media reported on December 1 that the militants had taken control of Aleppo. But they had begun celebrating two days earlier. Syria's civil war has been stalled since 2020, but the sudden attacks by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and aligned groups have rocked the country again. Click here to read... [9]

Maldives' exports decline by 7.7 percent – Avas

The Maldives has seen a 7.7 percent decline in exports from January to the end of November this year compared to the same period last year. The central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) reported that goods worth US$ 309.4 million were exported by the Maldives from January to the end of November this year, a decrease from US$335.2 recorded during the same period last year. It is notable that the Maldives' primary exports, fish and fish products, have also seen a significant decrease compared to the previous year. While the value of fish products exported by the end of November last year stood at US$ 123 million, this value fell to US$ 68.7 million this year. Click here to read... [10]

Myanmar

KIA and allies launch attacks on bases near Myanmar junta stronghold of Bhamo – Myanmar Now

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied resistance forces have launched a new offensive aimed at the junta-controlled town of Bhamo in southern Kachin State, the group said on December 4. Fierce clashes began early morning of December 4, when the allied forces began attacking the Infantry Battalion 47 base south of the town, according to KIA spokesperson Col Naw Bu. “There is still fighting in the Bhamo area, but we can’t confirm whether the base has been captured yet. The fighting started at around 5am, and has been going on in many locations,” he told Myanmar Now on December 4. Click here to read... [11]

ASEAN ministers to discuss Myanmar at Thailand meeting, says Indonesia – Business Standard

Members of the Southeast Asian regional bloc Asean are planning to hold a ministerial meeting in Thailand later this month to discuss the crisis in member-nation Myanmar, Indonesia's foreign ministry spokesperson Roy Soemirat told reporters on December 5. At the invitation of current Asean host Laos, the meeting will talk about ways to approach the crisis which has gripped Myanmar since a 2021 military coup, including on the implementation of Asean's five-point consensus plan, he said. The consensus has made scant progress since its unveiling in April 2021, just months after Myanmar's military unseated the elected government. Click here to read... [12]

Indian Ambassador calls on DPM MoFA Union Minister – Global New Light of Myanmar

Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Than Swe received Mr Abhay Thakur, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nay Pyi Taw. They engaged in a cordial and constructive exchange of views on strengthening the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries through the existing bilateral mechanisms across various sectors of common interest, advancing cooperation on regional and international matters of mutual interest. Click here to read... [13]

Nepal

Differences in ruling Congress over new BRI framework deal – The Kathmandu Post

Some leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress have criticised the signing of the framework for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation between Nepal and China, which would allow Nepali projects under the Chinese initiative to be implemented under ‘aid assistance financing’. The Congress, the largest party in the ruling coalition, was firm on its stance that Nepal should not accept any loan to execute BRI projects. On December 4, the third day of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s China visit, Nepal and China agreed to take the BRI cooperation framework forward under aid assistance. A Congress leader said it would have been appropriate to define ‘aid assistance financing’. Click here to read... [14]

Nepal and Bangladesh commence CBET via India’s grid – Power Line

In a key development for South Asia’s power markets, the landmark tripartite cross-border energy trade (CBET) agreement between Nepal, India and Bangladesh came into effect in November 2024. The agreement, which was previously signed by the three countries, enables Nepal to export surplus hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India’s power transmission infrastructure. The first transaction with Nepal, with the export of around 40 MW of power to Bangladesh, was carried out on November 15, 2024, formally marking the first time Nepal sold electricity to Bangladesh and the first step towards creating a South Asian power grid. Click here to read... [15]

Rs300 million granulated organic fertiliser plant opens in western Nepal – The Kathmandu Post

During Covid, many farmers in western Nepal suffered a severe fertiliser shortage, and crossing to India over porous border points to bring them was fully restricted. A couple in Rupandehi made up their minds—to open an organic fertiliser plant. Months after the plan, Siddhartha Agrawal and Poonam Kumari opened a Grow More Fertiliser and Chemical plant in Kothawa of Rohini rural municipality-4. The company has invested Rs300 million in the plant spread over five bighas. The company aims to supply fertiliser to farmers' doorsteps. Click here to read... [16]

Pakistan

Counterterrorism remains central to talks with Afghanistan: FO – The Dawn

The Foreign Office said on December 5 that counterterrorism remains a central focus of Pakistan’s discussions with Afghanistan, but it refrained from commenting on the outcome of the talks that have been held so far. “For Pakistan, the issues relating to terrorism are high on the agenda of Pakistan-Afghanistan exchan­ges. Pakistan and Afghanistan have been discussing aspects of combating the threat that Pakistan faces from the terror elements, which have found hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said during the weekly media briefing. Pakistan’s relationship with the Taliban administration has been st­r­ained due to attacks by the ban­ned Afghanistan-based Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants against targets within Pakistan. Click here to read... [17]

Slippages to be covered, new IMF representative assured– The Dawn

Pakistan on December 5 reassured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would make up for some earlier slippages before the first biannual review due in February and stay steadfast to subsequent targets for ensuring a smooth and successful completion of the 37-month $7bn programme. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb extended the assurance to the IMF’s new resident representative in Islamabad, Mahir Binici, on December 5. The minister also assured Mr Binici of “a smooth day-to-day consultation”. Click here to read... [18]

Saudi Arabia extends $3bn deposit in Pakistan for another year– The Dawn

Saudi Arabia has extended a $3 billion deposit placed with Pakistan for another year to continue bolstering the economy, the State Bank of Pakistan announced in a press release on December 5. In November 2021, the State Bank signed an agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to receive $3bn, which would be placed in the SBP’s account to improve its foreign exchange reserves. The agreement was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer Sultan Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Marshad and then-SBP Governor Dr Reza Baqir at the State Bank in Karachi, according to a statement issued by the SBP. Click here to read... [19]

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka to develop new nation branding tourism strategy – Adaderana

The World Bank has pledged support for Sri Lanka's "Clean Sri Lanka" programme, as announced during a meeting between World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The initiative focuses on rural poverty alleviation, economic digitalization, and resolving housing issues in the North and East. Key sectors targeted for development include agriculture, fisheries, tourism, education, and health. The World Bank plans to establish an advisory group to assist in implementing these priorities. Click here to read... [20]

Opposition flays Govt. over large budgetary allocation to Presidential Secretariat – The Daiky Mirror

The opposition flayed the government yesterday saying that a large budgetary allocation had been made to the Presidential Secretariat for the first quarter of next year despite pious pronouncements in the pre-election period to prune expenditure. Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kabir Hasheem took the matter up in the House during the debate. He said the NPP as a party was critical of the expenditures incurred by then President Ranil Wickremesinghe in terms of helicopter rides and luxury vehicles involved in his convoy. A total sum of Rs 2.6 billion (Rs 2,644,940, 000) has been allocated for the expenditure of the President. A sum of Rs 1.3 billion has been allocated for development activities that will come under the President. However, the sum allocated for the Prime Minister is on the low side as only Rs 378 million is set aside for her expenditure during the first four months in 2025. A sum of Rs 2.2 billion has been allocated for expenditure connected with Parliament for the first four months of 2024. Click here to read... [21]