Neighborhood News Digest - 24 March 2025

Afghanistan

Anas Haqqani Calls Lifted Bounty on MOI Chief 'Political Achievement'-Tolo News

Anas Haqqani, a senior member of the Islamic Emirate, welcomed the lifting of the bounty placed on Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting minister of interior. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he described this US move as a political achievement for the Islamic Emirate. Click here to read… [2]

Pak, Afghan officials discuss issues in bilateral ties-Hindustan Times

Officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan held talks in Kabul to improve ties strained due to differences over handling of militancy, transit trade, refugees and other bilateral issues, it emerged on Sunday. Click here to read… [3]

Sheberghan–Mazar Gas Pipeline Project Nears Completion-Tolo News

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum says that the Sheberghan–Mazar gas pipeline project has reached its final stages. According to Homayoun Afghan, the ministry’s spokesperson, final testing is currently underway. Upon completion, factories in Balkh and the city of Mazar will benefit from a steady supply of natural gas. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

Reform proposals: BNP opposes two-term cap on prime minister – The Daily Star

The BNP does not agree with the reform proposal that an individual cannot be the prime minister more than twice. In the comment section of the spreadsheet provided by the National Consensus Commission, the party wrote, "We disagree. Regarding the prime minister's tenure, it would be enough to have a rule stipulating that one person will not be deemed eligible to be the prime minister for three consecutive times. Click here to read… [5]

India knew of anti-Hasina wave but could not interfere – The Daily Star

India was aware of an anti-Hasina wave building up in Bangladesh ahead of the overthrow of her government on August 5, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Consultative Committee on External Affairs. But India was not in a position to do much as it lacked the necessary leverage over Hasina, who could only be "advised", he told members of parliament on Saturday, reports The Hindu. Click here to read… [6]

Dhaka eyes balance alongside bilateral ties with China – Dhaka Tribune

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is preparing for Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’ upcoming visit to China, emphasizing its significance in strengthening bilateral relations. At the same time, the interim government remains cautious about maintaining a balanced foreign policy among major global powers, ensuring that deepening ties with Beijing does not send the wrong signal to others. Click here to read… [7]

Refined Awami League: What Hasnat, Sarjis, and the Army reveal – Dhaka Tribune

Awami League’s political future has dominated discussions across the country in recent days, sparking allegations, denials, and protests among political stakeholders. The controversy began on Thursday when Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Younus said that the interim government had no plans to ban the Awami League during a meeting with the International Crisis Group delegation led by President Comfort Ero at the state guesthouse Jamuna. Click here to read… [8]

Bhutan

Bhutan moves towards 4G and 5G: 3G phase-out underway – Kuensel

To enhance user experience with faster and more reliable mobile services, Bhutan Telecom (BT) is phasing out its 3G network. As part of this transition, 58,000 BT users with 3G-only SIMs have been asked to upgrade to 4G, according to the Bhutan Information and Media Authority (BICMA). To enhance user experience with faster and more reliable mobile services, Bhutan Telecom (BT) is phasing out its 3G network. BICMA has reviewed the transition process and directed telecom operators to implement the 3G shutdown strategically. This move aims to improve service quality by reallocating resources to advanced technologies such as 4G LTE, Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and 5G. Users will benefit from better call quality with VoLTE and improved network coverage, as additional 2G sites are also being developed. Click here to read… [9]

Maldives

Efforts Underway to Establish Early Warning Systems Across Maldives – Adhadhu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that early weather warning systems are being established across the Maldives to enhance national resilience against climate change. The President made the statement in a social media post on the occasion of the World Meteorological Day. In his post, the President reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to closing the early warning gap. He said that through investments in advanced meteorological infrastructure, the government was working to ensure that every island and citizen has access to timely and accurate warnings to improve resilience in the face of climate change. Click here to read… [10]

Government seeks USD 15 million investment amid planned missiles purchase rumours – Adhadhu

The government, on March 21, announced to seek USD 15 million from investors for national security projects who will in return get lagoons and islands under the cross-subsidy principle. The government has not yet released any details of the projects. It was announced in the presidential decree issued on March 21 to raise funds for projects. The section 15 of the decree says projects will be focused on the entire country. It adds that the projects are planned to protect the country's independence and sovereignty and promote peace and security. Although no details of these projects were disclosed, the government's policy is to strengthen the army and coast guard. Click here to read… [11]

President Muizzu Reaffirms Maldives-Pakistan Brotherhood in Pakistan Day Message – PSM News

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conveyed greetings and good wishes of the government and the people of the Maldives to Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government and the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day. In his letters to the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the longstanding, brotherly ties between the Maldives and Pakistan, and affirmed the Maldives’ commitment to fortifying partnerships across areas of mutual interest. He also extended his personal best wishes for their good health and happiness, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan. Click here to read… [12]

Myanmar

India, Myanmar bond over Buddhism – The Economic Times

India recognizes Pali as a classical language, leading to MoUs between the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and Myanmar institutions. The discussions included promoting and preserving Pali, mindful communication, and potential collaborations in Buddhism studies. The delegation met with Myanmar officials and visited key Buddhist universities and centers to strengthen cultural and academic ties. As a follow up to Government of India officially conferring to Pali as a classical Indian language in October 2024, a delegation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) led by IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden visited relevant government departments, academic, media and monastic institutions in Yangon and Naypyidaw for discussions and varied collaborations between 17 and 20 March. Click here to read… [13]

Sweden’s AP Pension fund exits Bharat Electronics Limited over Myanmar military sale reports – The Hindu

The Ethics Council of Sweden’s AP Pension Fund has recommended that Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector aerospace and defence company should be ‘excluded’ as it has sold weapons systems to the Myanmar junta that will help it oppress protesters in the conflict-torn country. In its annual report on 2024, the Pension Fund’s Ethics Council pointed out that the Myanmar military purchased “radar systems, air defence stations, radio systems, and equipment for military ships” both before and after the military coup in February 2021. Justice for Myanmar, an international advocacy group that champions democracy in Myanmar, has welcomed the move by the AP Pension Fund saying, “AP2’s July 2024 foreign equities disclosure showed that the fund held over 359 million Swedish kroner (US$33.8 million) in BEL, and has since divested.” Click here to read… [14]

Myanmar Junta Chief to Attend BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military junta boss Min Aung Hlaing will visit Bangkok on April 3-4 to attend the Bay of Bengal region summit, according to a highly placed source. The source confirmed that the military junta leader will participate in the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), which will be hosted by Thailand. It will be his first visit by the junta leader to Bangkok since the 2021 coup. Click here to read… [15]

Pakistan

IMF shoots down plan to cut power tariffs, for now-Dawn

A substantial reduction in electricity tariffs, promised by the government, could not get past the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is currently holding back a staff-level agreement (SLA) on the first biannual review of the $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF). It was widely reported in the media through official leaks that the prime minister would announce a Rs8 per unit reduction in electricity rates in his speech to the nation on March 23. The prime minister, however, did not announce any such relief package in his Pakistan Day speech. Click here to read… [16]

Mahrang, other BYC leaders face terror charges-Dawn

Police have registered an FIR against Dr Mahrang Baloch, chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), along with 150 others, on charges of forcibly taking away bodies from a morgue, incitement to violence and other alleged offences. Click here to read… [17]

Karachi, Dhaka to receive 5.4m climate migrants by 2050: UN-Dawn

Karachi and Dhaka will be the only two cities in Asia-Pacific region among the 10 cities of the Global South that will receive eight million climate mig¬rants by 2050 if the world warms by more than 1.5 centigrade above pre-industrial levels, a UN study finds. Click here to read… [18]

Sri Lanka

Starlink on hold until national security concerns are addressed – Daily Mirror

Elon Musk's Starlink satellite broadband services will be on hold in Sri Lanka until it guarantees the right for the government agencies to secure data or communication details in case of issues related to national security, Daily Mirror learns. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the telecommunications regulator. issued a licence to Elon Musk's Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, to provide the country with satellite broadband services, during the time of the last government in 2024. Click here to read… [19]

Sri Lanka, Thailand to hold bilateral political consultations in Bangkok – Daily Mirror

The 06th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Thailand will be held on 25 March 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in Bangkok. The consultations will be co-chaired by Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism and Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism said. Click here to read… [20]

PM Modi To Visit Sri Lanka On April 5 – NDTV

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Sri Lanka on April 5, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on Friday. Mr Dissanayake was delivering a statement in Parliament when he announced the date for PM Modi's visit, according to news portal Adaderana.lk. As announced by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath last week, PM Modi will arrive here to finalise agreements reached during President Dissanayake's visit to Delhi last year. Click here to read… [21]