VIF Neighbourhood News Digest - December 02, 2022

Afghanistan

Dysfunctional Banking System Contributed to Crisis: Alakbarov: Tolo News

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, said that there are several factors that have contributed to the nation's economic decline-- “one of that is dysfunctionality of the banking system." Alakbarov said that there has been a 20 percent reduction in income in Afghanistan since August 2021. “Since last August, we have seen a 20 percent reduction in income and output; 65 percent reduction in public spending and 50 percent decline in households,” he said. Click here to read... [2]

US Representative to Undertake Regional Visit to Consult on Situation of Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

According to a press release from the US Department of State, and the US official’s Twitter handle, West will visit the regional countries from December 1- December 8 to consult with interlocutors. The US special representative for Afghanistan stated that during his visit, he will engage with US and Afghan partners to defend Afghans’ rights and address common security concerns. Click here to read... [3]

Resistance Front Commander Allegedly Surrenders to Authorities in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported on Thursday, December 1, citing security sources in Panjshir province of northern Afghanistan that a National Resistance Front (NRF) commander relinquished to the new government. “Twelve rebels led by commander Baz Mohammad and his brothers Mohammad Arez and Nek Mohammad joined the Islamic Emirate,” Bakhtar reported quoting security officials in Panjshir province. Click here to read... [4]

Bangladesh

50 model mosques to be inaugurated this month upon PM Hasina's approval – Dhaka Tribune

Fifty model mosques are scheduled to be inaugurated during the last week of this month if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approves. The information was revealed in the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs held at Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday. Besides, preparations are being made to inaugurate 50 more model mosques at the end of next February. Click here to read... [5]

Exploring new opportunities with Malaysia – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and Malaysia already enjoy a strong relationship, with thousands of migrant workers and expats from Bangladesh going to Malaysia on a yearly basis. However, as has been editorialized numerous times in this newspaper, we must look to build upon and expand our relationship with other nations, especially those with whom we already have a strong bond. Click here to read... [6]

Gaibandha by-election: Irregularities well-orchestrated – The Daily Star

The Election Commission recommended punishment for 134 officials involved in Gaibandha-5 by-polls after its probe found their involvement in irregularities and negligence in performing duties. Click here to read... [7]

Bhutan

ACC finds risks in dredging and surface collection– Kuensel Online

The 2021-2022 year was mired with controversies in the allotment of dredging sites and surface collection in Samtse and Phuentsholing. Some proponents even complained to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking investigation since they suspected possible policy corruption within the government agencies. In its annual report 2021-2022 released to the media on November 29, ACC highlighted some key findings from the system study conducted on the management of surface collection and dredging of RBM. Click here to read... [8]

Maldives

Maldives and Korea celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations - Raajje

Maldives and Korea have celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations A "cultural and sports" event was held on Wednesday night to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Korea. The ceremony featured various traditional Korean games and activities. Speaking at the ceremony, Korean Ambassador Jeong Woonjin said this is the first such event since the outbreak of the coronavirus. The 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Korea marks a new chapter in the relationship, he said. Click here to read... [9]

Foreign reserves decline by US$ 40 mln - Avas
The Maldives' official reserves fell by US$40.7 million in October. The central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)'s statistics show that the reserves have been declining month by month since April this year. The figures show that the government's official reserves stood at US$499.6 million as of October. Click here to read... [10]

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Sentences Seven Students to Death - the Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s junta on Wednesday handed down death sentences to seven Dagon University students in Yangon who took part in anti-regime protests. Dagon University Students’ Union confirmed that Ko Khant Zin Win, Ko Thura Maung Maung, Ko Zaw Lin Naing, Ko Thiha Htet Zaw, Ko Hein Htet, Ko Thet Paing Oo and Ko Khant Linn Maung Maung were sentenced in closed trials by a military tribunal. The seven were arrested in April for alleged involvement in the shooting of Global Treasure Bank branch manager Saw Moe Win, a former military officer. Click here to read... [11]

PH, Cambodia agree 'patience' is best way to deal with Myanmar - Philippine Information Agency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agreed that "patience" is key to dealing with the deepening crisis in Myanmar. The two leaders made this remark in a bilateral meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh. "So perhaps your advice Mr. Prime Minister as you have great experience in this matter, perhaps your advice to be patient, is the best that we can do right now. But we can still do more in terms of engagement in Myanmar. I'm in full agreement with you, Mr. Prime Minister, that that is the way forward," Marcos told the Cambodian leader in the meeting. Click here to read... [12]

Myanmar junta arms convoy from Indian border attacked

According to the Kalay People’s Defence Force (PDF) the Myanmar junta has been getting arms from India and transporting them from the border through Sagaing Region. According to the PDF, on 25 November a junta convoy carrying weapons from India travelled from Tamu Town, on the border with India in Sagaing Region, to Kalay, also in Sagaing. The arms convoy stayed overnight at the Ra-1 Prison Camp in Kalay City before continuing the next morning. They were attacked at 10:20 a.m. on 26 November, by Kalay PDF between 56 Mai Village and Mya Lay Mountain where the Kalay PDF mine squad had set mines. Click here to read... [13]

Nepal

Dahal wants to be prime minister. Does he stand a chance? – The Kathmandu Post

Maoist chair Dahal, and Deuba reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement to lead the next government by turns; Maoist Centre insiders say Dahal wants to become prime minister for the first two and a half years. But Deuba is quietly making his own preparations to head the new government and is working to bring the Janamat Party and the Nagarik Unmukti Party, besides the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, on board. On Thursday Deuba separately met Janamat Party chief CK Raut and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party chair Mahantha Thakur. Raut also met Dahal on Thursday evening and discussed the possibility of joining the government. Click here to read... [14]

Utility seeks bids to supply solar power to grid – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal Electricity Authority has invited proposals from developers for setting up solar plants connected to the grid so they can sell power through competitive bidding. The NEA plans to buy a maximum 100MW of power from such solar plants proposed to be developed by the private sector at 16 locations across the country. Up to 230MW of solar power plants could be developed in those locations. This is for the first time that the state-owned power utility sought to buy solar power through bids. Click here to read... [15]

Re-polling underway in 10 polling centres of Dolakha – The Kathmandu Post

A meeting held by the Election Commission on November 27 had decided to conduct re-polling, citing unfair play and absence of a free and fearless environment at the polling centres on November 20. According to the district’s Chief Election Officer Dilliratna Shrestha, re-polling began at 7:00 am on Thursday. Click here to read... [16]

Nepal election: Sher Bahadur Deuba as PM may make US and India feel more comfortable — but that doesn’t mean stability – Indian Express

In a strategically located country, the fact that both the US and India will feel more comfortable working with Deuba, given their past experience of his help in reducing China’s influence, which grew during Oli’s tenure. But that does not guarantee a stable government. The Opposition — UML and others — will be far stronger after the elections and hold the government to account. The era of imposed consensus and “fast-track” methods, which allowed governments to circumvent rules and procedures is likely to end. Click here to read... [17]

Pakistan

No formal talks or agreement with TTP, says Rana Sanaullah: Dawn

A day after an attack claimed by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) took the lives of four people in Quetta, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah denied the initiation of formal talks with the terror outfit and vowed a crushing response by security forces to nip the terror threat in the bud. Click here to read... [18]

No criticism of new chief and army, Imran Khan directs PTI leaders: The News

PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan has directed his party leaders and social media team to ensure that there is no criticism of the army and the new COAS General Asim Munir. According to a PTI source, Imran Khan in a Whatsapp group of party leaders and PTI social media managers directed, “Please ensure there is no criticism of the new Chief and Army Staff.” Click here to read... [19]

November inflation eases to 23.8pc: The News

Pakistan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to 23.8 percent in November 2022 from 26.6 percent in October, mainly due to a slowdown in house-rent, utility charges, food and transportation expenses, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Thursday. Click here to read... [20]

‘$4b’ flood aid received so far: The Express Tribune

The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development was informed on Thursday that Pakistan had so far received financial foreign assistance worth over $4 billion to support flood relief activities in the country. Officials from Economic Affairs Division informed the committee that out of the total financial assistance, the international development partners had extended an amount of $3.64 billion in the form of loans and $435.03 million in the form of grants. Click here to read... [21]

Sri Lanka

President: Sri Lanka can be converted to a ‘Regional Hub’ of education in Asia – Daily News

We annually spend US$ 3 billion when our students go abroad for higher education. Developing the education sector is a step taken for the betterment of the future generations. We can earn US$ 10 billion if we develop the education sector as a Regional Hub. Click here to read... [22]

Debate stresses need for Foreign Service Reforms – Daily News

Some attempts were made to divert the focus on Foreign Policy and Foreign Service earlier this week during the debate on the votes for the ministry in the Budget 2023. The diversionary tactics included the focus to shift towards recent malpractices of a third secretary in Sri Lanka Embassy in Oman and on the efforts to solve the ethnic issue and devolution of power. Click here to read... [23]