South Asian Correspondent

Author: Mahadi

Jaishankar’s message, calling Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor’s claim ‘ridiculous’

A few days ago, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with the Foreign Affairs Advisor of the Bangladeshi interim government, Towhid Hossain, in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Immediately after this meeting, he commented on some of the demands of the leaders of the Bangladeshi interim government as ‘ridiculous’.

He said these things about Bangladesh at a public meeting. NDTV reported.

S Jaishankar issued a warning, accusing Dhaka of continued unfriendly behavior towards New Delhi. He said, Dhaka must now decide what kind of relationship it wants with us.

Accusing Dhaka of duplicity, he further said, Bangladesh cannot blame India for its internal incidents and expect to have good relations with us at the same time.

The Indian Foreign Minister said, someone or the other in the Bangladeshi interim government is blaming India for all the incidents every day. Which is completely ridiculous. Again, they are talking about having good relations with India at the same time. So Dhaka will have to decide what it wants.

He further said that to move forward, they must decide what kind of relationship they want with New Delhi. Because we have a long history with Bangladesh. Which reminds us of the events of 1971.

Jaishankar said, ‘There are two aspects to the problem that our bilateral relations are facing. One of them is the communal attacks on minorities. Which is a very worrying issue for India. It is certainly affecting our thinking. We are always talking about this.

Earlier on Monday, Bangladesh will have to decide what kind of relationship it wants with India – in response to Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s statement, Md. Towhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the interim government, said, similarly, India will have to decide what kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh. Instead of paying attention to what two or four people from the surroundings said or did not say, we should try to improve our relations.

Towhid Hossain said, He (Jaishankar) said, what kind of relationship Bangladesh wants; Bangladesh will have to decide that. Of course, Bangladesh will decide what kind of relationship it wants with India. Similarly, India will also have to decide what kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh. There is nothing wrong in saying that this is a matter for both sides.

Regarding the government’s decision on relations with India, the advisor said, I think we have a clear decision on this. We want good working relations with India and there is a mutual respect and mutual interest. We have no ambiguity on this.

February 26, 2025
US sanctions four Indian companies

The United States has imposed sanctions on four Indian entities. The sanctions have been imposed for their alleged involvement in the sale and transportation of petroleum products to Iran. This information was given by the US government. News Indian Express.

According to information provided by the US government’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the State Department, the four Indian entities are Flux Maritime LLP, BSM Marine LLP, Austinship Management Private Limited and Cosmos Lines Inc.

Of these four entities, Cosmos Lines Inc. has been brought under sanctions for its alleged involvement in the transportation of Iranian petroleum products. The remaining three entities are accused of being involved in the commercial or technical management of various vessels transporting Iranian fuel oil and petroleum products.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said that Iran is relying on a secret network of vessels, transporters and intermediaries to increase its fuel oil sales and raise funds for its destabilizing activities.

Scott Besant also said that the United States will use all its tools to target all areas of Iran’s oil supply system. And those who work with Iranian oil will also face significant risks from sanctions. Because there are large-scale sanctions on Tehran. Many countries and institutions do not buy Iranian oil directly.

A statement from the US government yesterday said that despite the sanctions, the Iranian oil trade is continuing. Iranian oil tankers under sanctions are supplying oil to non-sanctioned vessels outside the port area. The oil is then delivered to foreign buyers. Tehran is using the money from the sale of this oil to support the Iranian military and various armed groups they support, which are involved in various activities that create regional instability.

The US Treasury Department said in a press release yesterday that in addition to four Indian institutions, various institutions in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and China have been sanctioned for their involvement in the sale and transportation of Iranian oil. In addition, the head of Iran’s state-owned energy company, the National Iranian Oil Company, and the Iranian Oil Terminals Company have been placed on the sanctions list.

Entities subject to US sanctions are subject to import or export bans, a ban on trade with them, the freezing of their assets, and restrictions on the use of the banking systems and currencies of one or more countries.

The country currently subject to the largest scale of US sanctions is Russia. Washington imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow after the invasion of Ukraine began three years ago. In addition, the US has sanctions on individuals and institutions from various countries, including Iran, North Korea, and China.

February 26, 2025
Bangladesh army chief warns country ‘at risk’ from infighting

Bangladesh’s army chief on Tuesday blamed infighting for deteriorating law and order, warning that the gains of the student-led revolution that toppled the government last August were at risk.

Bangladesh has been struggling to stem a surge in violent crime, with the security forces arresting thousands this month targeting gangs allegedly connected to the party of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

“If you can’t move beyond your differences and continue meddling and fighting among yourselves, the independence and integrity of the country will be at risk — I warn you,” said General Wakeruz Zaman, without singling out any group by name.

“Since stakeholders are busy accusing each other, miscreants find the situation favourable. They believe they can get away with anything,” he said at an army memorial event.

Bangladesh has been riven by a surge of crime, as well as protests this month where crowds smashed buildings connected to Hasina’s family.

Last week, rival student factions clashed at a university campus, a sign of serious discord between groups instrumental in driving the uprising against Hasina.

Security forces have arrested more than 8,600 people since it launched “Operation Devil Hunt” on February 8, which the government has accused of being Hasina loyalists and of wanting to “destabilise” the country.

“The anarchy we have witnessed is manufactured by us,” Zaman said.

‘Trapped in the same cycle’

Bangladesh has a long history of military coups.

While it was Zaman who took charge after Hasina fled by helicopter to India on August 5, he had also urged the people to back Nobel Prize-winning microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus.

Yunus, 84, vows to institute far-reaching democratic reforms and hold general elections in late 2025 or in early 2026, and Waker had sworn in the interim government.

“At the beginning, I said it would take 18 months to hold an election,” Zaman said. “We are on that path. Professor Yunus is doing his best to keep us united. Let’s help him.”

Key student protest leader Nahid Islam resigned on Tuesday from the government cabinet — where he headed the telecoms ministry — ahead of the expected launch of a new political party on Friday.

Yunus has said he inherited a “completely broken down” system of public administration and justice that needs a comprehensive overhaul to prevent a future return to autocracy.

The army chief said security forces accused of a raft of allegations “of enforced disappearances, murder and torture must be investigated”.

“Punishment must be ensured,” he said. “Otherwise, we will be trapped in the same cycle.” The armed forces were granted judicial powers like the police — including making arrests — after the revolution.

But Zaman, a career infantry officer who has spent nearly four decades in the military, serving two tours as a UN peacekeeper, said he just wanted a break.

“I just want to bring the country and the nation to a stable point and then take a vacation,” he said.

“After that, we will return to our barracks. “

February 26, 2025
PM Shehbaz arrives in Uzbekistan on 2-day visit to boost bilateral ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Uzbekistan on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to enhance bilateral relations with the Central Asian country.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened ties through trade and economic cooperation. A $1 billion trade deal was signed in 2023, and plans for further collaboration, including a roadmap for industrial cooperation, show the two sides’ commitment to boosting regional connectivity.

Last month, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, had announced his government’s plan to introduce a new direct flight route between Tashkent and Karachi this year, describing it as a “significant step to foster closer ties between the two nations”.

Upon his arrival in the capital of Tashkent today, the prime minister was received by Uzbekistan’s PM Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent’s Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, Uzbek envoy Alisher Takhitayev and his Pakistani counterpart Ahmed Farooq, along with senior diplomatic and government officials, were also present at the Tashkent airport.

“Wheels down in Uzbekistan. Deeply touched by the grand reception at the airport and the warm welcome by my dear brother Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov.

“Uzbekistan being the crown of Central Asia, breathes history through the grandeur of its ancient cities, timeless art, and magnificent architecture. Looking forward to my engagements to enhance our common desire to strengthen these bonds of friendship through trade, investment and mutually advantageous cooperation,” the premier said in a post on X.

A smartly turned-out contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented a static salute to the prime minister.

Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov welcomes PM Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Feb 25, 2025. — PID
PM Shehbaz would hold a bilateral meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office yesterday.

They would “discuss all areas of bilateral cooperation including connectivity, economic, trade, investment, energy, defence and security, regional stability, and education”, it added.

The leaders would also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement said.

The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and other members of his cabinet.

During the visit, the premier would visit the Independence Monument in Tashkent, where he would lay a wreath to pay tribute to Uzbekistan’s great historical figures, APP said.

He would also be given a tour and briefing on the monument’s woodwork, depicting Uzbekistan’s 3,000-year history.

MoUs expected

Several activities on the economic side are also expected during PM Shehbaz’s visit.

According to the FO, “a number of” bilateral agreements/memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were expected to be signed between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The premier was also set to address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, where “leading businessmen from both sides” would participate and hold B2B meetings to further enhance bilateral trade.

The prime minister’s visit “underscores Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen its ties with Uzbekistan, through fostering greater economic collaboration and exploring new avenues of partnership, as part of the strategic vision for regional integration and economic prosperity”, the FO noted.

“Pakistan and Uzbekistan are bound together by common bonds of history, culture, religion, and their aspirations for peace and development,” it asserted.

Earlier this month, Ambassador Tukhtayev had met with the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he stressed that Uzbek investors were keen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly Balochistan.

In May last year, the foreign ministers of both countries met, underscoring their countries’ commitment to the swift completion of a planned railway link that would traverse Afghanistan.

The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has grown substantially over the last few years, from $27 million in 2019-20 to $126m in 2022-23.

PM Shehbaz was recently on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan, where he and President Ilham Aliyev finalised matters related to $2bn of investments by Baku in Pakistan.

February 26, 2025
29 dead due to hail, rain in Afghanistan: officials

Twenty-nine people died in two provinces in Afghanistan due to hail and heavy rain, officials said on Tuesday.

“Twenty-one people were killed and six others were injured” because of hail in western Farah province, said Mohammad Israel Sayar, head of the province’s Disaster Management Department.

The victims are members of two families who had gone for a picnic, he said.

In southern Kandahar, the local disaster management department said in a statement that eight people — including women and children — were killed in several locations due to heavy rain.

“Today, four women who were busy washing clothes were swept away by floodwaters … and only one woman survived,” the statement said.

It added that a child drowned in Kandahar while a roof collapsed on a family killing one woman and three children.

Among the poorest countries in the world after decades of war, Afghanistan is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, which scientists say is spurring extreme weather.

It is ranked as the country that is the sixth most vulnerable to climate change.

Drought, floods, land degradation and declining agricultural productivity are key threats, the UN development agency’s representative in Afghanistan, Stephen Rodriques, said in 2023.

Flash floods in May last year killed hundreds and swamped swathes of agricultural land in Afghanistan, where 80 per cent of people depend on farming to survive.

February 26, 2025
Islamic Emirate Officials Urge Investment for Economic Growth

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, has emphasized increasing investment for Afghanistan’s economic growth.

He stated that nationwide security is currently ensured and that Afghanistan’s trade and diplomatic relations with various countries are expanding.

“Security is ensured in the country, people’s wealth and honor are protected, large national projects are being implemented according to standards, and our diplomatic and trade relations are strengthening day by day,” he said in a meeting in Kabul.

Abdul Wasi Khadem, the chief of staff of the prime minister’s office, said that a country’s economy depends on investment in the private sector.

“Investors should play a role in establishing factories, expanding agriculture, boosting trade, and creating job opportunities for people,” he added.

Meanwhile, the acting minister of public health expressed concern over the increasing number of citizens suffering from cancer and said that Afghanistan currently lacks standard hospitals for treating such diseases.

“The people of Afghanistan suffer greatly from cancer and other diseases and are forced to travel abroad for treatment. However, unlike in the past, traveling to neighboring countries has become more difficult, and costs have increased, stated Noor Jalal Jalali, the acting minister of public health.

“We assure foreign investors that the investment law has been approved by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan are available,” said Ahmadullah Zahid, deputy minister of industry and commerce.

“Without the development of education, progress is impossible. Afghanistan needs to build its capacities and must focus on its growth,” stated Mohammad Yunus Momand, the first deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

The acting ministers of energy and water, urban development, and housing emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s support for investors.

Abdul Latif Mansoor, the acting minister of energy and water, described electricity as a fundamental necessity for industry and trade and stated that efforts are underway to make Afghanistan self-sufficient in energy production.

“Every individual should consider what duty their country has upon them and what they can do under these circumstances. We welcome investors,” he said.

“All people must cooperate for the country’s development. Foreigners cannot rescue us from crises. If they were going to build Afghanistan, they would have done so during the 20 years they were present in the country,” stated Hamdullah Nomani, the acting minister of urban development and housing.

Since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, interim government officials have consistently emphasized investment opportunities in Afghanistan and have urged both domestic and foreign businesspeople to invest in various sectors of the country.

February 26, 2025
Pres Muizzu expresses anger after PNC MPs violate whip

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reprimanded parliamentarians from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on Tuesday, after some of them failed to attend the vote on the government’s bill to reduce the Supreme Court bench from seven to five justices.

The amendment to the Judicature Act was submitted on Sunday night by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed – a member of PNC – who hold a supermajority at the legislative assembly. It was presented to the floor on Monday, and the preliminary debate took place on Tuesday.

The legislature was accepted for consideration with a majority vote of 64-12. The opposing votes all came from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) who hold just 12 seats in the Parliament.

However, 10 PNC members did not attend the voting.

In a message to a WhatsApp group of PNC PG members shortly after the vote, President Muizzu said that violating a three-line whip is something that “cannot be done by anyone, not even once”.

The message followed one by PNC’s parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah, warning disciplinary action against parliamentarians who deliberately violated the three-line whip.

One PNC parliamentarian told Sun that the 10 who did not join the vote include those who are currently out of Male’. But some of the parliamentarians did not join the vote despite attending the sitting.

The amendment to the Judicature Act is designed to downsize the Supreme Court’s bench from seven to five justices – meaning that two incumbent justices will need to be removed.

The proposed bill states that the removal of Supreme Court justices will require the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to submit a motion for dismissal to the Parliament if they deem a justice to be incompetent, and will require a two-thirds vote of parliamentarians present.

The JSC will be required to submit the names of the justices they want removed to the Parliament within five days the amendment takes effect, and the Parliament must make a decision within seven days once it is submitted.

The Supreme Court bench is currently composed of:

Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan
Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir
Justice Aisha Shujoon Mohamed
Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir
Justice Husnu Al-Suood
Justice Ali Rasheed Hussain
Justice Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim
The move to submit a bill to reduce the Supreme Court bench followed weekslong allegations by the MDP that the government is seeking to dismiss some of the members of the top court’s bench to influence a case challenging a contentious amendment to add anti-defection provisions to the Constitution.

The constitutional amendment in question was submitted, passed and ratified in quick succession on November 20. The controversial amendment added three more circumstances where parliamentarians will lose their seat, including if they are expelled from their political party.

Former Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain, an attorney-at-law, filed a constitutional case with the top court on November 24, arguing that the amendment violates key provisions of the Constitution, as well as the basic structure doctrine.

Hearings in the case began on February 17 – nearly three months after the case was filed. The state filed a motion to have the case tossed out, arguing that the Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear it. But the bench decided on February 18 to proceed with the case, and gave the state 10 days to build their case.

Opposition parties, including the MDP and the Democrats have questioned the timing of the bill, and accused the government of attempting attemting to influence the country’s highest judicial authority and subvert judicial independence.

During a parliamentary group held on Monday afternoon, many PNC parliamentarians said they had reservations about the bill, with some taking an open stand against it.

Falah later sent a late-night text urging all PNC parliamentarians to back the bill. This is what appears to be being treated as a three-line whip.

The number of justices in the Supreme Court bench have been changed twice in the last decade. In 2014, during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, the ruling party passed legislature reducing the bench from seven to five justices.

This was reversed in 2019 during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.

February 26, 2025
CA Yunus urges Maldives to regularise undocumented Bangladeshi workers

Welcoming the High Commissioner, who is serving in her first ambassadorial role in Bangladesh, Yunus expressed hope that her tenure would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged the Maldivian government to consider regularising undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates and to recruit more workers from Bangladesh.

He made the request during a meeting with Maldives’ High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today (25 February), according to a press release from CA Press Wing.

Bangladeshi workers are mainly employed in the Maldivian tourism and fishing industries, while a significant number of Bangladeshi physicians also work in the country.

During the meeting, High Commissioner Shiuneen Rasheed expressed gratitude to the Chief Adviser, noting that many Maldivian students are currently studying in Bangladesh, particularly in medical institutions. In response, Yunus said Bangladesh was ready to welcome more students from the Maldives.

Welcoming the High Commissioner, who is serving in her first ambassadorial role in Bangladesh, Yunus expressed hope that her tenure would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

The Maldivian envoy highlighted the growing trade ties between the two countries.

“Our imports from Bangladesh have increased, including pharmaceuticals,” she said, adding that the Maldives’ development plans would create more opportunities for cooperation.

She also noted that some Bangladeshi businesses had established operations in the Maldives and that the number of Bangladeshi tourists visiting the island nation had grown by 17.5% in the past year.

The High Commissioner also thanked Yunus for his role in advocating for climate change mitigation.

“We are really encouraged by your commitment to climate action, and Maldives wants to continue collaboration with Bangladesh on the issue of climate change,” she said.

February 26, 2025
USAID has not officially informed of aid cuts to Sri Lanka: Deputy Minister

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has not officially informed the govenment on any aid cut to date, Deputy Minister of Finance Harshana Sooriyaperuma told Parliament today.

He said the USAID is bound to officially inform the Sri Lankan government of any aid cuts as per the agreements it has reached with Sri Lanka.

February 26, 2025
Gelephu Mindfulness City: Bhutan’s experimental economic hub of the future

Bhutan, the country that introduced the world to the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), has long prioritised well-being over sheer economic growth.

Now, in a bold move, the Himalayan kingdom is launching the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), an ambitious project that aims to serve as an interconnected bridge of sustainable development between South and Southeast Asia.

The city will also serve as the epicentre for testing and implementing new policies, technologies and governance models, functioning as a model for reform, where progressive ideas and systems will be piloted before scaling them nationwide.

According to the World Bank, trade between South Asia and Southeast Asia grew ninefold between 2000 and 2018, rising from $38 billion to $349 billion.

Bhutan’s government hopes to capitalise on this growth by using Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar as key trade corridors, linking India to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Their King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced plans for the city on National Day, 17 December 2023, describing it as a historic turning point. “Gelephu will become a gateway connecting Bhutan to the world and the future — a gateway to markets, capital, new ideas, knowledge, and technology,” he declared.

They will establish a Special Administrative Region (SAR) to grant Gelephu executive autonomy and legal independence, setting it apart from conventional Special Economic Zones (SEZs). That means it will have its own legal and financial system.

However, unlike SEZs in many countries that attract businesses indiscriminately, Bhutan plans to carefully screen and invite companies aligned with its values of sustainable and equitable development.

The city will be spread over an area of more than 2,500 sq km (965 sq miles) on the border with neighbouring India and offer space to businesses working on finance, tourism, green energy, technology, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, logistics, education and spirituality.

The GMC project is structured around three key pillars: energy, connectivity and skill development.

Bhutan’s small economy faces the challenge of attracting foreign investment while protecting its sovereignty and sustainability. But will global investors adapt to its unique regulations?

Bhutan plans to attract investments by offering competitive regional hydropower pricing while also tapping into alternative sources like solar, wind and thermal energy. Gelephu’s international airport and digital infrastructure investments will enhance global access. The initiative aims to equip their workers with skills for a modern economy.

The Mindfulness City will be home to one to two million people. How will their daily lives be?

As Bhutan is a carbon-negative country, GMC will operate on 100% renewable energy. The city will promote walking and cycling to reduce emissions, green spaces for meditation and relaxation, mindfulness-based education, public community activities, healthcare and wellness centres, and eco-tourism.

It incorporates Bhutanese culture into architecture, the protection of farmlands, wildlife sanctuaries, and heritage. The environment-friendly city will have no structure taller than the trees, with minimal, mostly residential structures near the sanctuaries and farmlands, and most structures concentrated towards the centres.

Gelephu, a vast flatland, will be even more accessible once the envisaged transportation infrastructure is completed. The government of India has committed to connecting border towns with railway lines and developing and improving major roads leading to Bhutan.

How the city could benefit India

Gelephu is strategically situated on the Assam border, offering convenient access to other districts within Bhutan as well. It has long been a passage between Bhutan and India, serving as an important trading post and transit point for monks and traders moving between the Indian plains and Bhutanese highlands.

The Mindfulness City will be spread over an area of more than 2,500 square kilometres (965 sq miles) on the border with neighbouring India. It offers space to businesses that work on finance, tourism, green energy, technology, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, logistics, education, and spirituality.

“It is designed for Bhutan. But it is not just for Bhutan. It is going to benefit Assam and all of India,” Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay told The Week. “We see it as an economic gateway for the world to India and through India to Southeast Asia.”

Gelephu, a town at the moment, has significantly benefited from Bhutan’s flourishing tourism industry, attracting a substantial number of visitors from Assam. The outreach will only get bigger with the GMC being centred around Gelephu, giving the landlocked country access to global markets.

India is also playing a pivotal role in the creation of the city. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Bhutan last December, bringing further excitement to the plans of building the first India-Bhutan rail link connecting Kokrajhar and Gelephu, where they also plan to build an international airport.

Gelephu’s location on the Indian border provides strategic advantages, but also complexities, such as its relationship with China. But Bhutan understands very well the importance of balancing relations with its two big neighbours. Thus the city aims to bring India and Bhutan closer without disturbing the former’s comfortable relationship with China.

With the GMC project, it aims to keep up with the demographic advantages and the rapid economic growth of the neighbours.

The project’s timeline is 21 years, but the expansion of infrastructure would be an ongoing process. Similar large-scale initiatives have faced delays worldwide. Whether Bhutan will be able to maintain momentum and political will over such an extended timeline remains to be seen.

February 26, 2025