Neighborhood News Digest- 10 April 2024

Afghanistan

Strategic Meeting Held to Find Alternative Trade Avenues: Ministry-Tolo News

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said that in the first meeting to explore alternate trade routes for Afghanistan with its regional countries, chaired by the acting Minister, Nooruddin Azizi, the importance of optimizing the use of the Chabahar port was emphasized. According to the spokesperson of the ministry, the purpose of seeking an alternative route is not to block commercial paths and passageways but to provide more facilities for the private sector. Click here to read… [2]

Afghans with Documents Being Arrested in Pakistan: Consul-Tolo News

Concerns over the arrest of documented Afghan refugees in Pakistan have recently escalated. Abdul Jabbar Takhari, the consul of the Islamic Emirate in Karachi, told TOLO news that Pakistani police are arresting migrants who possess the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC). Click here to read… [3]

UN: Process underway to appoint special representative for Afghanistan-The Khama Press

The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General says that the process of appointing a special representative for Afghanistan is underway. The United Nations has been deliberating for months on the appointment of a special representative for Afghanistan. The Taliban regime opposes the appointment of a new special representative for Afghanistan and believes that with the presence of UNAMA, this is an unnecessary move. Click here to read… [4]

Media Group Speaks Out Against Plans to Limit Facebook Access-Tolo News

Following comments made by Najibullah Haqqani, the acting Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, in an exclusive interview with TOLO news regarding the policy of restricting Facebook in Afghanistan, there have been widespread reactions. The Committee to Protect Journalists has responded to this decision by calling for its cancellation, stating that it will impede the free flow of information. Click here to read… [5]

Officials Say Work on Wakhan Road Rapidly Progressing-Tolo News

The Acting Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development announced during a meeting with the Chinese ambassador in Kabul that the construction of the Wakhan road will soon be completed. The Acting minister referred to the significance of the Wakhan road in the economic development between China and Afghanistan, stating that the initial work on this road is progressing rapidly and will be completed in the near future. Click here to read… [6]

Helmand Farmers Seek Govt's Help to Grow Poppy Alternatives-Tolo News

Farmers in Helmand say that their economic problems have increased since the ban on poppy for opium cultivation. According to these farmers, not only have recent years brought severe drought, but the ban on opium cultivation has also exacerbated their economic difficulties. They are requesting the interim government provide a suitable alternative crop. Click here to read… [7]

Bangladesh

Economy grows by 3.78% in Oct-Dec, slowest in three quarters - The Daily Star

Bangladesh's economic growth just halved to 3.78 percent in the October-December period of 2023-24 fiscal year, which is the slowest at least in three quarters, as manufacturing output growth declined sharply owing to reduced domestic consumption and slow export. Click here to read… [8]

Urban areas hit harder as Bangladesh's inflation reaches 9.81% in March – Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported on Tuesday that the nation's inflation rate reached 9.81% in March, up from 9.67% in February. Click here to read… [9]

Bangladesh experiencing higher rise in summer temperatures than global average – Dhaka Tribune

In recent years (2018-2022), Bangladesh has experienced a 0.9℃ rise in its summer temperature relative to the 1986-2005 baseline. That’s 0.2℃ higher than the global average increase in summer temperatures. Click here to read… [10]

Bangladesh reclaims 91 bighas of land from India – Dhaka Tribune

In a landmark development, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has successfully reclaimed 91 bighas of land along the Jagdal and Beurajhari borders in Ranishankail upazila, Thakurgaon district, marking the end of 70 years under Indian control. Click here to read… [11]

Upazila polls: Nepotism by AL MPs, ministers irks high-ups - The Daily Star

The Awami League high command is annoyed with some ministers and party lawmakers for announcing the names of their close relatives as chairman candidates for the upcoming upazila polls. Click here to read… [12]

Import RMG items directly from us – The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged Brazil to directly import readymade garment products from Bangladesh. Click here to read… [13]

Bhutan

Gender disparity challenges agriculture sector in Bhutan-Kuensel

Lack of representation in decision-making, inadequacy in rural women-centric schemes worsened by low financial literacy and minimal reflection of gender-sensitive interventions in agri-food value chains are among the key challenges faced by women farmers in Bhutan. Agriculture sector in Bhutan for years has employed about 66,000 women in contrast to about 20,000 men, according to the Labour Force Survey Report of 2022. Click here to read… [14]

More foreign workers raise local job opportunity concerns-Kuensel

The increase in approvals for foreign workers highlights a potential gap between labor supply and demand within Bhutan’s local job market. The majority of these approved individuals, who are foreign workers, were hired in three major sectors: construction, public administration and defense, compulsory social security, and manufacturing. Click here to read… [15]

Finance ministry projects 5.68 percent growth this year-Kuensel

The finance ministry projected Bhutan’s economy to grow at 5.68 percent this year, according to the ministry’s macroeconomic situation report for the second quarter for the fiscal year 2023-24. For 2025, the ministry forecasted the economy to expand by 8.97 percent and 3.16 percent growth for 2023. Click here to read… [16]

Maldives

USD 100,000 from Zakat fund for Gaza will be issued to Qatar Red Crescent – Adhadhu

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that USD 100,000 (MVR 1.5 million) from the Zakat Fund will be provided to the Qatar Red Crescent as a donation to the people of Gaza. Shaheem said the assistance is being provided "to spend on food aid for the people of Gaza" and the donation will be provided in two parts. He did not reveal how much would provide first. Click here to read… [17]

Maldives Ex-Minister's Apology After Post Linked to India Flag Sparks Row – NDTV

A suspended minister of the Maldives has apologised after her social media post against opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had a symbol resembling Ashok Chakra, sparked a row. "I would like to address a recent social media post of mine that has garnered attention and criticism. I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post," Mariyam Shiuna, who belongs to the same party as President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, posted on X. Click here to read… [18]

Econ Minister: Decline in Indian tourists ‘blown out of proportion’ – Sun Online International

Certain headlines regarding the decline in Indian tourist numbers in recent months have blown things out of proportion, says Maldives’ Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed. Saeed made the remark in an interview with Turkey-based news outlet TRT World. Tourist arrivals from India – once the top source market for visitors to Maldives – have dwindled in recent months. Meanwhile, China has regained its spot as the top source market for tourist arrivals to Maldives. Click here to read… [19]

Myanmar

Mizoram: Congress’ Lalbiakzama vows to restore border trade with Myanmar if elected - NorthEast Now

Congress nominee for Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha seat Lalbiakzama on Tuesday said that he would take steps to restore the border trade between Myanmar and Mizoram if he is elected to the Lok Sabha. Polling for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state will be held on April 19. Click here to read… [20]

Myanmar – Thai Border Still Open after Karen Resistance Took Control in Myawaddy - BNI Online

The capture of Junta military bases and surrender of three battalions on the outskirts of Myawaddy Township, situated in Karen State along the Thailand-Myanmar border, has sparked concern among Thai traders exporting goods to Myanmar. As of now, Myawaddy-Mae Sot Friendship Bridge No. 1 and 2 remains open. Despite rumours prompting temporary departures by some locals from Myawaddy, downtown areas appear unaffected, with normal conditions prevailing and traffic continuing as usual, according to locals. Click here to read… [21]

Myanmar: Military Forcibly Recruiting Rohingya - HRW

The Myanmar military has abducted and forcibly recruited more than 1,000 Rohingya Muslim men and boys from across Rakhine State since February 2024, Human Rights Watch said today. The junta is using a conscription law that only applies to Myanmar citizens, although the Rohingya have long been denied citizenship under the 1982 Citizenship Law. Click here to read… [22]

Chevron exits Myanmar’s Yadana natural gas field following amidst humanitarian crisis - World Oil

According to Reuters, Chevron has officially exited the Yadana natural has field in Myanmar. In stead of selling it’s 41.1% stake in the gas field, Chevron redistributed it’s stake in Yadana to the field’s remaining stakeholders, PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) and Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). Located offshore Myanmar, the Yadana natural gas field has produced roughly 6 Bcmg per year. 70% of the recovered resources are exported to Thailand. Click here to read… [23]

Thailand maintains neutral stand over conflict in Myanmar: Panpree - ASEAN Now

Thailand is committed to remaining neutral concerning, what is, in effect, a civil war in Myanmar, and will help as required restore peace in the country, said Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today. “We wish to see an end to the conflict and all conflicting parties start negotiations. Thailand, as a close neighbour, has previously shouldered the impacts of the domestic problems of Myanmar,” he said. Parnpree was speaking at a press conference after attending a special meeting, hosted by the prime minister, following the seizure of Myawaddy township by rebel forces. Click here to read… [24]

Myanmar junta slams UN's 'one-sided' claims on human rights - Hindustan Times

Myanmar's junta on Tuesday slammed the UN's "one-sided allegations" about its human rights record and said it had received no official communication regarding the recent appointment of a new special envoy to the conflict-torn country. The Southeast Asian nation has been in turmoil since the military seized power in February 2021, ending a brief democratic experiment and sparking clashes with ethnic rebel groups and anti-coup fighters. Click here to read… [25]

Nepal

Acting on its threat, Nepali Congress obstructs House of Representatives - Kathmandu Post

The House of Representatives meeting was obstructed on Tuesday as the ruling and opposition parties remained divided over the formation of a parliamentary panel to probe the fraud charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane. Last week, the Nepali Congress had demanded the government and ruling parties constitute the probe panel by Tuesday; otherwise, the main opposition said, it would obstruct House proceedings. Click here to read… [26]

Cops use force on pro-monarchy protesters, RPP wants minister to quit - Indian Express

Hundreds of protesters demanding the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal clashed with police in Kathmandu on Tuesday. The Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the fifth largest in Parliament, which organised the protest, demanded resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane for the police action. Click here to read… [27]

Role of diplomatic missions and development partners crucial in positioning Nepal as investment hub: PM Dahal - Khabar hub

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged diplomatic missions in Nepal and development partners to play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Nepal Investment Summit 2024, scheduled for the 28th and 29th of this month. Addressing a gathering of diplomatic missions and development partners at Singha Durbar today, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of their involvement in establishing Nepal as an attractive investment destination. Click here to read… [28]

Pakistan

PPP's Gillani secures Senate chairman slot uncontested-The Express Tribune

PPP's Yousuf Raza Gilani was elected unopposed to the coveted slot of Senate chairman on Tuesday after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) boycotted the elections for top positions. With PTI's boycott, Gilani, the joint candidate of the ruling coalition, finds himself with a clear path to the Senate throne. This victory would mark Gilani's ascent to a historic trifecta, having previously held the positions of National Assembly speaker and prime minister, now poised to add Senate chairman to his list of accolades. Click here to read… [29]

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi set to launch new party-The Express Tribune

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister and prominent figure in the PML-N, has approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to register a new political party. Abbasi visited the ECP office in Islamabad on Monday, where he submitted an application for the registration of the new political entity. Click here to read… [30]

Islamabad Bar Council slams move against Justice Kayani-Dawn

The Islamabad Bar Council (IBC) on Tuesday condemned and denounced a “baseless” and “frivolous reference” against Islamabad High Court senior judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani. Justice Kayani is among the six judges who recently wrote a letter to the SJC detailing alleged harassment at the hands of state institutions. Click here to read… [31]

Events may lead to another ‘Dhaka tragedy’, PTI warns-Dawn

Drawing a parallel between current developments in Pakistan with the circumstances leading to the 1971 Dhaka tragedy, PTI founding chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday warned that the present situation could result in economic collapse, reminding the powers that be that countries and institutions could not survive without stable economy. Click here to read… [32]

PM Shehbaz announces expansion of Daanish Schools-The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that the federal government would establish Daanish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and remote areas of Balochistan and Sindh to deliver quality education to children coming from economically disadvantaged families. Click here to read… [33]

Sri Lanka

President restricts foreign travel for Govt. members as party gears up for presidential polls – Daily Mirror

Ahead of the presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the government members to restrict foreign travel as much as possible because their presence is required to undertake political work, an informed source said. Click here to read… [34]

Ranil likely to contest presidential election under new symbol: Presidential advisor – Daily Mirror

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to contest the Presidential election under an entirely new symbol other than the elephant or flower bud, Senior Presidential Advisor and UNP senior Ashu Marasinghe said. Click here to read… [35]

Sri Lanka’s labour force participation rate hits new low in 2023 – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s labour force participation rate hit a new low in 2023, the recently published Labour Force Survey (LFS) annual bulletin highlighted. Click here to read… [36]

Sri Lanka hard-pressed against time to conclude agreements for debt restructuring – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka is hard-pressed against time to reach agreements with creditors including bondholders before June, when the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended fund facility is expected, Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read… [37]

Plans underway to aid war heroes’ families in multiple sectors: Premitha Bandara – Daily Mirror

Plans are underway to launch a programme aimed at providing preferential assistance to the families of war heroes across various sectors such as health, public administration, banking and other services in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, Tri Forces and the Ranaviru Seva Authority, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said. Click here to read… [38]