Neighborhood News Digest- 31 January 2025

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate: Military Equipment ‘Seriously Protected’-Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate has rejected the remarks of Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson, who claimed that US military equipment in Afghanistan is being used against Pakistan. The Islamic Emirate said that these military assets are well-protected. Click here to read… [2]

Afghanistan Embassy in Oslo entrusted to Taliban-appointed individual-The Khaama Press

Following the closure of the Afghanistan’s Embassy in Oslo, a reliable source in Norway has revealed that the host country has handed over the care of the embassy building to someone approved by the Taliban. Norway closed the Afghanistan’s Embassy in September of last year at the request of the Taliban. For the past three years, the embassy had been managed by diplomats loyal to the former Afghanistan’s government. Click here to read… [3]

$1.5 Million Contract Signed to Build 14 Telecom Sites in Provinces-Tolo News

The Afghanistan Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (ATRA) has signed a $1.5 million contract for the establishment of 14 telecommunication sites in several provinces. According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology, this contract has been signed between ATRA and several companies, under which 14 telecommunication sites will be built in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, and other provinces. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

People deserve a fair election – The Daily Star

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said his party is expecting a credible national election in Bangladesh through which people can decide who should look after them for the next five years. Speaking virtually at four workshops, he also said the problems of the country and its people cannot be resolved without a proper electoral system and elected representatives who are accountable to the public. Click here to read… [5]

‘No decision yet on us joining political party’ – The Daily Star

Information Adviser Nahid Islam said yesterday that there has been no decision about student representatives resigning from the interim government to join a political party. "No such decision [to resign] has been made yet. If and when it happens, we will announce it ourselves. If we decide to join a political party or quit the government, we will announce it officially." Click here to read… [6]

Students to form political party, Yunus tells FT – Dhaka Tribune

Students are preparing to form a political party and are organizing people across Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has told the Financial Times in an interview. During his recent visit to Davos, Switzerland, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, Yunus spoke on a podcast hosted by Gideon Rachman, the British daily’s chief foreign affairs commentator. The conversation, which took place in the Rachman Review podcast, was published in written form on Thursday. Click here to read… [7]

Chhatra Shibir’s publishing house withdraws controversial article on Liberation War – Prothom Alo

Chhatra Sangbad, a publication of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Wednesday cordially regretted a controversial article on the liberation war and took down it from its online page and withdrew all the printed copies of December-2024 volume that contained the article. “Chhatra Sangbad regrets publishing an unwarranted article that created controversy about the Liberation War, and removes this controversial article from online. At the same time, it is withdrawing all the printed copies of December-2024 volume,” Chhatra Sangbad announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Click here to read… [8]

Bhutan

ORO Bank to reinvent banking in Gelephu Mindfulness City – Kuensel

ORO Bank, Asia’s first full-reserve bank, is positioning itself as a pillar of trust and transparency in the country’s ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), according to its Chief Executive Officer, Mike Kayamori. Speaking at the Loden Foundation’s 67th Bhutan Dialogues on January 28, Kayamori shared ORO Bank’s transformative vision in a conversation with Phub Dorji, CEO of Nyingnor and a trustee of the Loden Foundation. Mike Kayamori emphasised that the bank’s model, which rejects the traditional fractional reserve system, offers unparalleled financial stability and aligns with GMC’s principles of sustainability and mindfulness. Click here to read… [9]

Maldives

India reconsiders financial assistance due to Maldives FTA with China – PSM News

The government will introduce marine refuelling and reexport services under the first phase of the Maldives Economic Gateway (MEG) Project, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed revealed January 30, 2025. In an exclusive interview with PSM News, on the sidelines of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing tour of several islands of Haa Alifu Atoll, Minister Saeed said the feasibility study of the landmark project is underway through international consultants and project management. Click here to read… [10]

Maldives-India Core Group meets for talks on implementation of vision document – Adhadhu

The first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the Maldives and India to implement ‘A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, signed during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's state visit in October, took place on January 29. According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, the meeting was held at the Foreign Ministry building in Male'. The Maldives delegation was led by Ambassador to India Aishath Azeema. The Core Group also includes President's Office Chief of Staff Abdulla Fayaz and senior officials of various ministries. The discussions focused on a wide range of issues, including development cooperation, trade and commerce, digital financing, health cooperation, people to people linkages, defence and maritime security cooperation. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives and Saudi Arabia Discuss Strengthening Trade and Investment Ties – PSM News

Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi to discuss expanding trade relations and increasing Saudi investments in the Maldives. The meeting was held as part of the Minster’s ongoing official visit to Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for cooperation in key economic sectors. Discussions centred on ways to strengthen trade relations between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia and increase Saudi investments in the Maldives. Before commencing discussions, Foreign Minister Khaleel conveyed his condolences to the Saudi royal family on the passing of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd al-Saud. Click here to read… [12]

Myanmar

Trump Funding Pause Severely Disrupts Aid to Border Areas – Burma News International

President Donald Trump's order to halt US funding for international development programs has sent shockwaves globally, leading to the suspension of US government-funded humanitarian operations along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Several US Government and USAID backed organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing education, healthcare, and aid to Myanmar refugees sheltering in the areas of Thailand bordering Myanmar have been forced to suspend operations due to Trump’s order to pause aid funding. Click here to read… [13]

Myanmar junta likely to extend emergency – The Tribune

Myanmar’s military junta is expected to announce another extension of the State of Emergency after joining in a security council meeting chaired by military appointed President Myint Swe and junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing. The current State of Emergency imposed in Myanmar since the 2021 coup is due to end on January 31. In the last two months, the junta has outlined plans to neighbours for an election in 2025 and released the results of a census conducted to prepare voters lists. Click here to read… [14]

Pakistan

Petrol, diesel prices expected to go up again-The Express Tribune

The federal government is expected to raise petroleum prices for the upcoming fortnight due to a rise in global market rates, Express News reported on Thursday citing sources. According to sources, petrol price could increase by Rs1.24 per liter, while diesel is projected to rise by Rs 4. Similarly, light diesel oil may see a hike of Rs5.93, and kerosene oil could increase by up to Rs 5 per liter. Click here to read… [15]

PM offers to resume talks with PTI, form committee-The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed readiness to resume talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and proposed the formation of a parliamentary committee to address ongoing issues. In a federal cabinet meeting, PM Sharif recalled the earlier talks with PTI, which began with the formation of a committee after PTI’s offer. Click here to read… [16]

Pakistan achieves 99% reduction in polio cases-The Express Tribune

The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Pakistan on Thursday for reducing polio cases by over 99% since 1994, reaffirming its commitment to assist the country in completing the final phase of eradication. The WHO, acknowledging Pakistan's efforts, emphasized that it would continue to support the country in “running the last mile” to end the crippling disease. Click here to read… [17]

Sri Lanka

An opportunity to settle Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem – The Hindu

India’s move to name the Jaffna Cultural Centre after the Tamil poet-philosopher, Thiruvalluvar, is a symbolic gesture by New Delhi to reinforce the unbreakable bond with Sri Lanka. When sections of Sri Lankan Tamils were agitated originally over the omission of ‘Jaffna’ in the Centre’s nomenclature, the Indian authorities were swift in their course correction. It is now called the “Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre”, a recent landmark, built by the Indian government. No one needs to emphasise the significance of bilateral ties between the two south Asian neighbours, which have a shared history and culture. Click here to read… [18]

Rising demand for newer imports may boost Japan's auction prices: Importers – Daily Mirror

Other than importing vehicles that are between five and seven years old from their manufacturing dates, importing vehicles under three years old will increase auction values in Japan due to their effect on import costs, the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Council Chairman Jagath Ramanayaka said. Addressing the media, he said that even though the government imports brand-new or used vehicles, the Customs duty imposed on them remains the same. Click here to read… [19]