Bangladesh has capacity to be upper-middle-income country by 2031: ICCB
Bangladesh Post | 8th April
With targeted actions and appropriate policy followed by timely implementation to overcome the key challenges, Bangladesh has the capacity to become an upper-middle-income country by 2031, said International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) on Monday.
An editorial of the current News Bulletin (January-March 2024) of ICCB said Bangladesh has achieved today’s position by overcoming many obstacles and setbacks as Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable development progress in the last five decades.
Sri Lanka hard-pressed against time to conclude agreements for debt restructuring
Daily Mirror | 9th April
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.
Sri Lanka is expected to get the next tranche of US $ 337 million in June after the third review of the programme.
Before that, Sri Lanka has to sign the MoU with the Paris Club of Nations on restructuring bilateral debts while signing a separate agreement with China for the same purpose but on terms acceptable to all the bilateral creditors.
Zardari, Erdogan discuss matters of mutual interest, bilateral ties
The News | 7th April
President Asif Ali Zardari held a telephonic conversation on Sunday with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during which both leaders discussed strengthening the bilateral ties.
In a statement issued on X, formerly Twitter, President Zardari and Turkish President Erdogan spoke over the phone and talked about matters of mutual interest.
“The two called for further strengthening bilateral relations in various fields,” the statement added.
During their phone call, President Zardari felicitated the Turkish president on the forthcoming Eid-ul-Fitr — which is expected to fall on April 10 (Wednesday).
PAKISTAN
41 newly elected senators sworn in amid PTI protest
Dawn | 9th April
A session of the Senate was convened on Tuesday, where 41 newly elected Senators took oath as members of the House amid a protest by PTI lawmakers.
The PTI’s contention, as stated by Senator Ali Zafar on the floor of the House, was that the session, during which the chairperson and deputy chairperson would be elected, should be postponed until after the Senate elections are held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He then announced the PTI would not participate in electing the Senate chairperson and deputy chairperson.
Almost a month ago, the Upper House became dysfunctional following the retirement of half of its members.
Remittances soar to $2.95 billion
The Express Tribune | 9th April
The inflows of workers’ remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis hit a two-year high at $2.95 billion in March, taking the cumulative inflows to $21 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2024.
The remittances have risen to this level as non-resident Pakistanis sent higher funds to their family members in the homeland to meet increased expenditures during the holy month of Ramazan and the Eid festival falling this week.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that remittances grew by 31.1% in the month compared to the previous month of February and by 16.4% compared to March 2023.
Saudi Arabia agrees to fast-track $5b investment in Pakistan
The Nation | 9th April
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia called for efforts by the international community to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza and mitigate the humanitarian impact besides emphasising the need to advance the peace process.
The regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the worrying situation in Gaza were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Sunday as the former was on a three-day visit to the Kingdom.
SRI LANKA
Govt. in talks with UAE on extradition of SL drug barons
The Island | 9th April
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Sunday, said he would hold discussions with the government of the United Arab Emirates to have Sri Lankan drug barons who are residing there extradited.
Addressing a youth conference in Kandy, the President said that narcotics had become a serious issue and that many big-time drug dealers and fugitives, who fled the country, sought refuge in Dubai.
Wickremesinghe said that he was planning to intensify the anti-drug campaigns in the coming weeks.
Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali
Daily Mirror | 8th April
United Republican Front (URF) leader Patali Champika Ranawaka said Sri Lanka defaulted on a payment of USD 6 billion starting from April 2022 when the country announced bankruptcy.
He said this was the reality though the Central Bank data show the increase of foreign reserves to USD 5 billion.
“While CBSL data shows Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves reaching USD 5 billion, it is imperative to understand that from April 2022, the sum of defaulted debt is approximately USD 6 billion. The sum of loans obtained since the default from the World Bank, ADB, and IMF is USD 3 billion,” he posted on X.
AFGHANISTAN
Women’s economic participation in Afghanistan ranks 178th in World Bank report
The Khaama Press | 9th April
The World Bank, in its latest report on the status of women in the economy and business, has declared that women’s economic participation in Afghanistan ranks higher than in countries such as Iran, Yemen, and Palestine, placing at 178th position.
The 182-page report recently published by the World Bank assesses women’s economic participation in 190 countries.
The World Bank has not provided clarity on the methodology used in their survey or how they arrived at their conclusion. This is particularly concerning given that women in Afghanistan face numerous oppressive policies, with over 90 restrictions that deprive them of opportunities for employment, education, and free movement.
Six months after major earthquake, Afghan children attend temporary schools
Afghanistan Times | 6th April
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in western Afghanistan, children gather in crowded shipping containers, makeshift classrooms since their school remains unrepaired six months later. Despite challenges, including damaged schools and uncertain educational prospects under the current rule, students express their determination to pursue learning.
The October earthquake in Herat province claimed over 1,500 lives and left more than 63,000 homes damaged or destroyed, as reported by the United Nations, the European Union, and the Asian Development Bank in February.
Work Begins on Chinese-Funded Nilabagh Project in Kabul
TOLO News | 7th April
The start of a residential project called Nilabagh, for which $71 million has been invested by a Chinese company, was celebrated in Kabul on Sunday.
According to officials at the Ministry of Urban Development and Land, this project will include 1,400 residential apartments across 56 blocks, and is planned to be completed under the supervision of this ministry within 3 years.
“In the Nilabagh township, 1,400 residential homes will be built in 56 blocks, and surrounding them commercial buildings will be constructed where Afghan investors can invest,” said Hamdullah Nomani, the acting Minister of Urban Development and Land.
BANGLADESH
Brazil can import RMG directly from Bangladesh: PM Hasina
Prothom Alo | 8th April
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called upon Brazil to import directly readymade garment (RMG) products from Bangladesh.
“RMG goods from Bangladesh have been being exported to Brazil on a limited scale through the third party. It will be more affordable for Brazil if the country directly imports RMG items from Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister came up with the remarks while a delegation of Brazil led by its Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira paid a courtesy call on her at her office in the morning.
No improvement in Dhaka’s air quality, still unhealthy
Dhaka Tribune | 9th April
Dhaka’s air quality has been identified as “unhealthy” on Tuesday morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 172 at 10:21am, Dhaka ranked 6th on the list of cities around the world with the worst air quality.
Kuwait’s Kuwait City, Nepal’s Kathmandu and Thailand’s Chiang Mai occupied the first three spots, with AQI scores of 223, 214 and 208, respectively.
When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered “unhealthy for sensitive groups”, between 151 and 200 is “unhealthy”, between 201 and 300
BHUTAN
Finance ministry projects 5.68 percent growth this year
Kuensel | 9th April
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.
The economy is expected to show a strong growth trajectory because of the anticipated commissioning of the mega hydropower projects and heightened government spending in the 13th Plan.
This year, the earnings from the electricity sales are estimated at Nu 29.69 billion because of an additional energy generation of 491 million units from the commissioning of the Nikachhu.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Visited Singapore And Shared About Gelephu Mindfulness City
Daily Bhutan | 9th April
Opera Gallery network has now grown worldwide. Fine contemporary art and curated modern art from all over the world has been their signature since the beginning of their operations.
Jean-Pierre Roc-Roussey, a French Postwar & Contemporary Painter holds an ongoing exhibition at the Opera Gallery in Singapore in honour of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Various artworks depicting the unique Bhutanese culture are on display.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was present at the event, where His Majesty shared his vision about The Gelephu Mindfulness City to the attendees.
CPI Rises by 4.53% in February
Business Bhutan | 10th April
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February 2024 showed a notable increase of 4.53% compared to the same month in the previous year. This surge in the CPI primarily stems from a 6.08% rise in the food index and a 3.22% increase in the non-food index.
Released by the National Statistics Bureau (NSB), the CPI Bulletin for February 2024 indicates a widespread uptick in indices across major divisions, with exceptions in transport and communication. Transport index decreased by 0.98%, while the communication index saw a notable decline of 7.08%. Conversely, indices for food, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, and betel nuts all experienced notable increases.
MALDIVES
Aim is to work fast and achieve results: President
The Edition | 10th April
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the aim is to speed up work and swiftly achieve good results, and that for that, it is essential to have a parliament that will cooperate with the Executive.
The President made these remarks while speaking at a campaign event of Maldives National Party (MNP) leader and candidate for North Maafannu constituency Mohamed Nazim on Tuesday night.
He appealed to the public to opt for parliamentarians in all constituencies who will be sincere towards and extend cooperation to the government.
Chinese arrivals exceed 71k, Maldives welcomes over 650k tourists
Sun | 10th April
Maldives has welcomed over 650,000 tourists by April 08th, 2024, reports the Ministry of Tourism.
According to the ministry in its latest report, tourist arrivals by the review date reached a total of 650,404, registering a 13.6% increase compared to the corresponding period last year, during which arrivals stood at 572,748.
As for arrivals exclusively in April, from April 01st to 08th, Maldives has welcomed 46,400 travelers, which is a 5% decline compared to the same period last year, during which arrivals stood at 48,820.
Maldives actively participates at 55th HRC Session
Raajje | 7th April
The delegation of Maldives actively participated in the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva, Switzerland.
It wrapped up on April 5.
The Human Rights Council passed 34 resolutions and appointed 14 special procedures mandate holders during the session.
The delegation of Maldives contributed actively during the session, and delivered 30 national statements.
MYANMAR
Myanmar Junta Slams UN Criticism of Human Rights Record
The Irrawaddy | 10th April
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.
The junta has reacted with fury to attempts by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc to establish dialogue between it and its opponents, whom it has vowed to “annihilate”.
Myanmar’s Extreme Heat Threatens Lives
The Irrawaddy | 9th April
Extreme heat has killed at least one person in Myanmar as hot-season temperatures climb because of El Nino.
A Yangon charity said it treated more than 100 people who lost consciousness during the first week of April. Males in their 40s were disproportionally affected.
A man in his 50s died near Shwedagon Pagoda on Sunday morning while cycling, according to the charity.
“He had heart problems. He cycled in the scorching sun and fell off his bike after sweating heavily. We sent him to hospital but he was dead on arrival,” a charitable worker said.
NEPAL
Esclating air pollution puts citizens’ right to life in jeopardy
The Himalayan Times | 10th April
The National Human Rights Commission has drawn the attention of the government to the need to ensure the fundamental right of citizens to live in a clean and healthy environment, in the context of worsening air pollution. Nepal has been among the top of the world’s list of most air polluted countries for several years, and this year’s list has highlighted a myriad of serious health consequences for its citizens, despite constitutional provisions to the contrary. Article 30 of the Constitution of Nepal provisions the Right to Clean Environment. “However, the country has been afflicted due to poor implementation of the policies and plans.” Article 30(1) stipulates,
Inflation at 30-month low. Yet food prices refuse to come down
Kathmandu Post | 8th April
Nepal’s official consumer inflation data show price hikes have moderated across the economy, dropping sharply to a 30-month low, but food prices remain persistently high.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank, the country’s central bank, the year-on-year consumer price inflation moderated to 4.82 percent in mid-March 2024, compared to 7.44 percent a year ago. Food and beverage inflation stood at 5.94 percent while the same for the non-food and service category was 3.95 percent in the review month.
Under the food and beverage category, the price index of the spices sub-category increased by 28.17 percent, vegetables by 14.07 percent, pulses and legumes by 11.22 percent, cereal grains and their products by 7.35 percent and milk products and eggs by 7.11 percent in the review month.
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