Bangladesh-India cooperation is necessary: PM
Bangladesh Post | 27thFebruary
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that cooperation between Bangladesh and India is necessary as they are close-door neighbours.
She said this when the visiting Chief of the Air Staff of India Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari called on her at her Sangsad Bhaban office in the capital city of Dhaka. Mentioning that poverty is the main enemy in this region, Sheikh Hasina said that maximum resources are being spent to alleviate poverty.
Oil refining sector sees $1 billion investment boost
The Express Tribune | 28thFebruary
Cnergyico Pk Limited, the country’s largest refiner, is eyeing more than $1 billion in investment following the introduction of a new government policy aimed at stimulating the industry.
Following its investment, Cnergyico plans to enhance its production of Euro-V compliant motor gasoline and high-speed diesel, simultaneously decreasing its furnace oil output in response to its declining and unpredictable demand.
Pakistan has faced several economic challenges in recent times, …
The UN Security Council urges the lifting of restrictions on Afghan women and girls
Afghanistan Times | 27thFebruary
More than two-thirds of the UN Security Council’s members demanded Monday that the Taliban rescind policies and decrees discriminating against women and girls, including banning girls education above the sixth grade and women’s right to work and move freely.
A statement by 11 of the 15 council members condemned the Afghan rulers repression of women and girls since they took power in August 2021, …
PAKISTAN
Coalition to hammer out govt formation issues today
Dawn | 28th February
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has convened a meeting of his party’s allies in the Centre to put the final touches to the formation of a new coalition government, on Wednesday.
In light of their recent agreement to support each other in the federal government, the PPP and PML-N were expected to decide the names of their candidates for the coveted slots of speaker and deputy speaker of the national and Balochistan assemblies by late Tuesday night. However, until the filing of this report, no decision had been announced in this regard.
Closing ceremony of Pakistan, Saudi forces ‘on job training’ held in Multan
The News | 27th February
Pakistan Army and Saudi forces conducted “on job training” from January 15 to February 26 a closing ceremony of which was held in Multan, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the training was conducted to foster joint employment and benefit from each other’s experiences, while further consolidating longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the communique added.
The military’s media wing said training, which encompassed conventional as well as sub-conventional operations, culminated with field manoeuver and battle inoculation exercises employing air and ground forces.
CPEC is a vehicle for human development: ITNE Chairman
The Nation | 28th February
The Implementation Tribunal for Newspaper Employees (ITNE), Chairman Shahid Mehmood Khokhar delivered a speech titled “Exploring Connectivity Initiatives between China, Pakistan, and BRI Countries through the Lens of Media” at the One Day International Conference on “The Role of Media in Advancing Global Connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative.”
During his speech, Mr. Khokhar highlighted the significant role of media in promoting connectivity between China, Pakistan, and other BRI countries.
SRI LANKA
US appreciates Sri Lanka’s role in Red Sea operations
Daily Mirror | 27th February
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma appreciates Sri Lanka’s involvement in the ongoing security operations in the Red Sea, and announces that a 4th Coast Guard Cutter will be gifted to the Sri Lankan Navy to further expand its naval operation capabilities.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe re-iterated the country’s commitment to the Freedom of Navigation in the Indian Ocean.
Romania to sign agreement with Lanka to avoid double taxation to boost bilateral trade
The Island | 28th February
Romanian Ambassador Doamna Arhire has informed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena that Romania would sign an agreement with Sri Lanka to avoid double taxation to boost the bilateral trade between the two countries.
Ambassador Arhire called on Prime Minister Gunawardena at Temple Trees on Monday (26).
PM Gunawardena and the Romanian envoy discussed the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries and the steps to be taken to enter into economic cooperation and investment in new spheres.
AFGHANISTAN
South Korea donates $4 million in Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
The Khaama Press | 27th February
The World Food Programme has announced that South Korea has contributed four million dollars to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
The World Food Programme stated on Monday, February 26th, through a statement, that these aids were provided to support emergency food assistance and prevent famine in Afghanistan.
According to the World Food Programme, these contributions have been allocated to this organization through the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kabir: Islamic Emirate Seeks Good Relations With Neighbors
TOLO News | 29th February
The Deputy PM for Political Affairs, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, in a meeting with Mawlana Hamid Ul Haq, one of the leaders of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan, said that the Islamic Emirate wants good relations with all its neighboring countries and that there is no threat to any country from Afghan soil.
According to the statement of the Arg, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir also said in this meeting that the Islamic Emirate does not allow anyone to engage in destructive activities in the country.
BANGLADESH
Power price to rise in phases from March
Prothom Alo | 28th February
The government has decided to increase the price of electricity saying price is being adjusted in a bid to tackle the pressure of subsidies.
The power price will go up from March in the first phase.
State minister for power, energy and minerals Nasrul Hamid told the newspersons that the price of power may increase by 34 to 70 paisas per unit in the first phase.
The price of electricity is lower than the production cost, he argued saying the price of power is being adjusted to meet the deficit.
Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia to sign deal on environmental protection
Dhaka Tribune | 28th February
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in protecting the environment and wildlife and combating climate change.
The decision came when Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s State Minister for Environment Dr Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha on the sidelines of the ongoing UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.
Recognising the mutual commitment to environmental protection, both nations agreed to enhance cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
BHUTAN
Building strong agrifood systems with EU support
Kuensel | 29th February
In a bid to strengthen agrifood systems and alleviate poverty in Bhutan, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN Bhutan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), launched its European Union Technical Assistance for Agrifood Systems (EU-TAAS) project yesterday.
The EU-TAAS project, a joint measure between FAO and MoAL, aims to enhance Bhutan’s technical capacity in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient food systems. On September 20, 2022, the EU provided Euro 15 million to Bhutan for agricultural development in Bhutan.
2023 sees a dip in hydropower revenue
Business Bhutan | 26th February
The hydropower revenue generation from six hydropower plants, namely, Bassochhu Hydropower Plant (BHP), Chhukha Hydropower Plant (CHP), Dagachhu Hydropower Corporation (DHPC), Kurichhu Hydropower Plant (KHP), Tala Hydropower Plant (THP) and Mangdechhu Hydropower Plant (MHP) decreased by about Nu 3.24 billion (B) in 2023.
The year saw the generation of about Nu 23.82B including export sales as compared to power revenue generated of about Nu 27.06B from the export sales and domestic sales in the year 2022.
MALDIVES
National Air Ambulance services to be launched on Friday
The Edition | 29th February
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced on Wednesday that National Air Ambulance services will be launched on Friday.
Speaking to the residents of Noonu atoll Manadhoo last night, the President shared that a Dash 8 airplane of the national airline Maldivian has now been repurposed to be used in this service.
“We can carry patients and passengers even to Sri Lanka. If necessary, we can make a stop there, refuel, and go to a destination further away,” President Dr Muizzu said.
Parliamentary election moved to April 21st
Sun | 29th February
Elections Commission (EC), on Thursday night, has decided to hold the parliamentary elections delayed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ratification of the bill to amend the General Elections Act on April 21st.
The parliamentary elections was initially scheduled for March 17th – which falls within the first week of Ramadan.
President Muizzu, at the advice of the Attorney General, ratified the bill which bans holding national elections during Ramadan. The ratification of the bill means the election can only be held 10 days after Ramadan ends.
Maldives Economic Gateway Project will be the most significant economic project to date: Pres.
Raajje | 25th February
The Maldives Economic Gateway Integrated Project will be the most significant economic project to date, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The president said this while speaking to residents of Hoarafushi island of Haa Alif atoll.
Noting that his administration has initiated several efforts to develop the economic sector under its “Hafthaa 14” roadmap, the president stated that he aims to bring about economic development while concurrently reducing and repaying the existing debt.
The president also shared details of the debt the administration has inherited from the previous governments.
MYANMAR
Myanmar-Thai Border Trade Plummets Again as Fighting, Restrictions Take Toll
The Irrawaddy | 29th February
Myanmar’s border trade with Thailand has slumped further as years of fighting and junta restrictions continue to take their toll.
Border trade was worth US$ 4 billion in the 11 months from April 1 to Feb. 16, down from $4.6 billion in the same period for the 2022-23 fiscal year, according to data from the junta-controlled Commerce Ministry.
Frequent clashes between junta troops and Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA)-allied forces along the Asian Highway to the border-trade town of Myawaddy in Karen State have seriously disrupted the flow of goods.
Myanmar Junta Launches Campaign to Encourage Acceptance of Conscription
The Irrawaddy | 28th February
A conscription propaganda campaign – complete with posters, fliers, pep talks and threats – is unlikely to convince young people to serve in the military because so many of them are fleeing, or plan to flee, Myanmar to avoid mandatory military service.
“The most important thing right now is to leave the country,” said a 24-year-old employee of a private company in Yangon. “I don’t mind doing any job abroad. Two of my former colleagues recently arrived in Thailand,” he added.
NEPAL
Prime Minister Dahal admits government failed to deliver as per expectations
The Kathmandu Post | 1st March
After several ministries and government entities have failed to produce desired results, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has publicly expressed his “unease” over the state of public service delivery.
At a mid-term review meeting of the government’s policies and programmes and the annual budget at Singha Durbar on Thursday, Prime Minister Dahal said that the performance indicators of several ministries were bleak as they failed to meet the set targets and milestones.
Nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign begins, targeting 2.1M children
The Himalayan Times | 25th February
A nationwide vaccination campaign against measles-rubella is starting today. The vaccination campaign targeted on all children between nine months to 15 years of age will continue till March 20. The first phase will cover 24 districts including 21 highly infected districts bordering India and three districts of Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, children from nine months to five years of age in the remaining 53 districts will also be vaccinated. Vaccination will take place in schools and vaccination centers from 10 am to 4 pm every day.Around 2.1 million children between nine months to five years and 3.6 million between five years and 15 years will be vaccinated, said Chief of Department of Health Services, Child Health and Immunization Section, Dr Abhiyan Gautam.
Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat to visit USA in March
Onlinekhabar | 27th February
Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat will visit the USA in March.
On February 26, the Council of Ministers approved the attendance of a delegation, including the Minister of Finance and the Secretary, in forthcoming meetings.
One meeting is about preparing for the second session of the IDA 21 replacement in Nepal, while the other involves discussions on a new partnership between Nepal and the World Bank, set to take place in Washington DC from March 14 to March 22.
The meeting also approved the visit of Foreign Minister NP Saud and Secretary Sewa Lamsal to India.
