The Af-Pak De/Cypher
The Border Situation – Afghanistan & Iran
Lake Hamun is a series of lakes, shallow lagoons, and marshes, shared by three countries, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It is the major water source for the Sistan Basin in southwest Afghanistan and southeast Iran. It is Iran’s largest freshwater lake –important to the economy and the environment. It is mostly supplied by the Helmand River which originates in the Sanglakh range of the Hindu Kush mountains in Northeastern Afghanistan. Over the years Afghanistan has constructed a series of dams to control water flow from the Helmand River for irrigation and hydro-electric power. These dams have restricted the amount of water going to Iran, to Iran’s increasing consternation. The lake has no outlets, so the water that flows into the lake stays there (or evaporates). Lake Hamun is in the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchistan, the poorest province in Iran. A major issue of contention between Iran and Afghanistan is the construction of the Kamal Khan Dam in Afghanistan on the lower Helmand. In 1973 Iran and Afghanistan had signed a water sharing accord giving Iran the rights to 22 cubic meters per second of water with the option of an additional 4 cubic feet. Iran maintains that this is not an equitable agreement and that it should receive more water. On August 3, 2022, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Omar, Taliban deputy minister of energy and water, said that the Taliban government would not grant Iran additional water supply as was agreed upon in the treaty. Currently without diplomatic relations between the two countries (Iran does not recognize the Taliban government) and with no one in Kabul to discuss this issue with, there is little chance of reaching a more equitable agreement. Adding to the tension, Iran claims that Afghan farmers are digging additional water canals to capture even more water – and armed conflict between the Iranian military and Afghan farmers over these water rights has taken place.
Read More: Iran and Afghanistan: Growing Tensions after the Return of the Taliban
The Border Situation – Pakistan & Iran
On 16th September, hundreds of thousands of people, including workers and supporters of the National Party, Haq Do Tehreek, and other parties, participated in a protest rally and staged a sit-in in Turbat town in Baluchistan against the ban on trade activities at the Pak-Iran border areas which the government justified as a measure against smuggling. Party leaders, workers and supporters marched in the town, taking to various roads and streets while carrying placards and banners inscribed with their demands. After marching in the town, the protesters staged a sit-in on the main road of the town, where leaders from different political parties addressed the participants. They strongly condemned the ban on trade activities. A strongly worded resolution was adopted at the protest rally and public meeting. In the resolution, they referred to the ban as “a conspiracy against the people of Balochistan”. They demanded that Islamabad should review its decision and immediately restore border trade with Iran. The resolution said that terming the supply of Iranian oil from the Balochistan border ‘smuggling’ was not supported by facts. It added that people arranged thousands of vehicles after their registration because it was a legal trade. The leaders of the protesting parties deplored the sudden change in the government’s stance, declaring the ‘legal supply’ of Iranian oil and other items illegal. They demanded the government review its policy and allow border trade. Meanwhile, President of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Awami) Mir Asadullah Baloch, told a press conference that the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of families depended on border trade and its closure would not be accepted at any cost. He announced a strike in the entire Makran region on Sept 21 as a protest.
Read More: Dawn
The Border Situation – Pakistan & Afghanistan
Torkham crossing, a key Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossing was reopened after nine days on 15th September. It was closed after security forces from both sides exchanged fire, stranding thousands of travellers, and hundreds of trucks. Muhammad Anas, an official in Khyber district of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the Torkham border crossing is located, confirmed the development on Friday. Afghan officials in Nangarhar province on the other side of the border also confirmed the opening of the main crossing. Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain frosty. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghan officials of harboring fighters belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) armed group. Afghan authorities deny the charges, saying they do not allow any armed group to use their soil for launching attacks on neighboring countries. In recent months, the TTP, ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban, has drastically increased its attacks on Pakistani security forces. Earlier this month, on the day Torkham was closed, the group killed four Pakistani soldiers and lost 12 of its members in an attack in the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Read More: Al-Jazeera
China in Afghanistan
On 13th September 2023, China became the first country to formally name a new ambassador to Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover, after its envoy presented credentials at a ceremony in Kabul. The Taliban regime has not been officially recognized by any foreign government, and Beijing did not indicate whether Wednesday’s appointment signaled any wider steps towards formal recognition of the Taliban. “This is the normal rotation of China’s ambassador to Afghanistan and is intended to continue advancing dialogue and cooperation between China and Afghanistan. China’s policy towards Afghanistan is clear and consistent,” China’s foreign ministry said in a statement. There are other diplomats in Kabul with the title of ambassador, but all of them took up their posts before the Taliban takeover. China’s previous ambassador to Afghanistan, Wang Yu, took up the role in 2019 and finished his tenure last month. Other nations and international delegations, such as Pakistan and the European Union, have sent senior diplomats to lead diplomatic missions in Kabul but they have taken on a ‘chargee d’affaires’ title, usually meaning they are responsible for ambassadorial duties but do not formally hold the role of ambassador. China has multiple interests in Afghanistan, specifically in mining. When the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, most foreigners and multinational companies had already packed up and left Afghanistan. Going against the stream of foreigners fleeing the country was a group looking for “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities: Chinese entrepreneurs. Despite the ongoing unrest, an economic crisis and United Nations’ concerns over human rights, more Chinese citizens are joining are coming to Afghanistan in search for minerals and other business opportunities. Once a small minority, Chinese nationals now make up Afghanistan’s biggest group of expatriates.
Read More: Reuters, Dawn and See More: The Chinese entrepreneurs chasing an Afghan ‘gold rush’ by Aljazeera English
Security Report
On 11th September 2023, a bomb blast took place in Peshawar’s Warsak Road Area. At least one Frontier Corps (FC) official was killed and nine others, including six FC personnel, were injured. The bomb blast had targeted a vehicle of the security forces near a hospital complex. Two days before this incident a soldier of the Pakistan Army was killed in a gun battle with terrorists in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the fire exchange took place between security forces and terrorists in the general area Mir Ali. Khyber-Pakhtunwa has found itself grappling with an alarming surge in terrorism, yet it has failed to establish offices and headquarters for its Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) or provide it with modern vehicles and essential arms and ammunition. Despite receiving millions of rupees over the past nine years, the CTD lacks a dedicated headquarters building, which was supposed to have been completed years ago. Additionally, offices in the Malakand, Bannu, and Kohat regions remain unfinished, severely hampering the efficiency of this vital counter-terrorism unit. According to data available with The Express Tribune, the province received a substantial sum of Rs415 billion from 2010 to 2023 to address the losses inflicted by waves of terrorism.
Read More: The Express Tribune
At least 11 people, including Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah, were injured in a blast in Baluchistan’s Mastung district on 14th September 2023. While no group has taken responsibility for today’s blast, the JUI-F has been a target of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). In the past, the ISKP has targeted several local leaders of the JUI-F in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur, suspecting them of having close ties with the Taliban administration in neighbouring Afghanistan.
Read More: Dawn
Taliban
On 16th September, Taliban authorities in Afghanistan arrested at least 18 staff of an international NGO called International Assistance Mission (IAM), including an American woman, accusing them of carrying out Christian missionary work. IAM confirmed its staffers were picked up from its office in Ghor province, central Afghanistan, and taken to the capital Kabul. Abdul Wahid Hamas Ghori, a government spokesman for the province stated that security and intelligence forces had been observing the group for some time. IAM’s website says the organization is founded on Christian values, but that it does not provide aid according to political or religious belief. “We value and respect local customs and cultures,” the Swiss-registered group said in a statement on Saturday. IAM has operated in Afghanistan since 1966 — through previous royal, communist and Taliban governments — when it specialized in eye care, later branching out into other areas of health and education.
Read More: AFP, The Express Tribune
National Politics
Justice Qazi Faez Isa on 17th September took oath as the 29th chief justice of Pakistan, a day after his predecessor, Umar Ata Bandial, hanged up the robes. Military courts, general elections, practice and procedure law are among major challenges facing the new chief justice. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the President House in Islamabad, where President Arif Alvi administered oath to the new chief justice. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was also present on the occasion. Justice Isa has an association with law spanning 45 years. He practiced as a lawyer for about 27 years, before being appointed chief justice of the Balochistan High Court in August 2009. He took oath as a judge of the Supreme Court on September 5, 2014. Before leaving, former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial opened a can of worms in a parting shot by giving a judgement on 15thSeptember to restore corruption cases against public representatives as his judgement struck down some sections of the amendments made to the country’s accountability laws last year by the previous coalition government. The judgement restored all inquiries, investigations and references that were disposed of based on the now struck-down sections of National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) to their positions before the amendments, and thus deemed to be pending before relevant forums. Prominent politicians who allegedly benefited from the amendments and now may face cases again include former president Asif Ali Zardari, former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Faryal Talpur, Khawaja Asif, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Rana Sanaullah, Javed Latif, Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Amir Mehmood Kayani, Akram Durrani, and Saleem Mandviwalla.
On 16th September, a flurry of meetings took place at Stanhope House, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)’s de facto headquarters, where the party’s top leadership met key members of its legal team ahead of Nawaz Sharif’s planned return to Pakistan. After four years in self-imposed exile, a date for the return of former prime minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif has finally been set. The elder Sharif will return to his hometown of Lahore on October 2. His brother Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed the news. In the past four years, PML-N leaders have rushed to and from London to get the elder Sharif’s guidance on key political issues. As prime minister, his brother Shehbaz also made multiple trips to London to seek his counsel. Nawaz Sharif will challenge his lifetime disqualification in Pakistan’s courts. He may try to confront Pakistan’s former Chief of Army Staff Bajwa and ISI chief Faiz. In the past two years Nawaz Sharif has privately and publicly spoken against these two.
Read More: Dawn
Society
Pakistan still lags behind many Asian countries in terms of literacy rate. The Economic Survey of 2022-2023 stated that the literacy rate in Pakistan is 62.8% but according to Pakistan’s Education Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, the actual literary figure stood at 59.3%. He further stated that the rate mentioned in the Economic Survey was based on a projected figure in the absence of the latest census. Following the latest national census, the actual literary rate was calculated at 59.3 percent. Besides giving it the least priority, education sector also received the lowest funding from the government which was one of the main reasons for a decline in literacy rate. Pakistan is spending less than 2% of its GDP on education. The Economic Survey 2022-23 had pointed out that the cumulative education expenditure made by the federal and provincial governments in fiscal year 2022 was estimated at 1.7% of the GDP. Pakistan had the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with over 23 million children not attending schools. The survey had also said that there were 32% out-of-school children, with more girls than boys deprived of education. The survey stated that in Balochistan, 47% of children were out of school, followed by Sindh which had 44%, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 32% and Punjab had 24% out-of-school children.
Read More: Dawn
Tech and Startup
Global Startup Index 2023 Summary
Pakistani cities performed well in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023, with Karachi rising 56 places to 235th overall and maintaining its 10th place in South Asia. Lahore improved as well, rising 57 spots to 248th overall but falling one spot in South Asia. Pakistan remained 76th in the world, second in South Asia, and fourth in the CAREC business region. Despite challenges such as funding constraints and a lack of unicorns, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is showing promise as a result of improved digital infrastructure and government support.
Report available for download: Startup Blink
Pakistan’s startup ecosystem saw a 95% drop in funding during the second quarter of 2023, with investment falling to $5.2 million from $104.1 million the previous quarter. The number of transactions remained stable at 8. This sharp drop in funding can be attributed to Pakistan’s macroeconomic crisis, which has deterred investors. However, the recent completion of an IMF agreement provides some hope for economic stabilisation.
Read more: The Express Tribune
Due to regulatory changes that allow residents and firms to make equity-based investments in foreign entities, Pakistani startups are incorporating holding companies (HoldCos) abroad. This policy change is intended to help export-oriented businesses and attract foreign investment. HoldCos in countries that allow profits to be repatriated to Pakistan can be established for less than $10,000 in the first year.
Read more: Pakistan Today
Foreign Affairs
Tokyo has hosted the ninth round of Pakistan-Japan Security Dialogue where the two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Pakistan’s delegation was led by Asia-Pacific Additional Foreign Secretary Ameer Khurram Rathore, while the Japanese side was headed by Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department Director General Ryo Nakamura. During the exchange of views on regional situation, the additional foreign secretary briefed the Japanese delegation on Pakistan’s policy on Afghanistan and India, and Kashmir. The next round will be held in Pakistan on mutually agreed dates.
Read More: APP, The Express Tribune
The Karatarpur Corridor is losing its hype. The placement of stringent entry requirements for Indian pilgrims arriving at the corridor has made it difficult for more people from India to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. According to the Project Management Unit at the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, 680,381 pilgrims visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur between November 17, 2021, and August 31, 2023, out of which only 152,577 were Indian nationals whereas almost 511,698 were Pakistani locals.
Read More: The Express Tribune
Views and Analysis
After Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Bandial took oath, Pakistan immediately went into crisis. The chief justice was obstructed or opposed by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) — before it was torpedoed from power — the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the establishment, the bureaucracy, the press, and a divided bench. In a sea of state failure, Justice Bandial stood for the right thing, and the difficult thing — when his moment came, as it does for everyone, he refused to plead necessity. Asad Rahim Khan give a detailed narration of battles that CJP Bandilal fought during his tenure in his article.
Read More: Justice under siege: The year of Umar Ata Bandial
The new Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa has courted both admiration and controversy throughout his illustrious legal career. From his early life to his ascent to the highest echelons of Pakistan’s judiciary, his journey has been marked by significant events and decisions that have left an indelible mark on the country’s legal landscape. His tenure as a jurist has been marked by a commitment to upholding democratic values, progressive Islamism and the rule of law. Usama Khawar writes a brief life story of Justice Isa in his piece.
Read More: Justice Qazi Faez Isa — Pakistan’s judicial maverick
On SpyTalk a podcast at the intersection of intelligence, foreign policy, national security and military operations, Jeff stein talks with retired former CIA Al Qaeda expert Cindy Storer. Cindy shares her experiences around Al-Qaeda 9/11 attacks, intelligence gathering and counterterrorism. She narrates the pre-9/11 investigations done by FBI and CIA on Al Qaeda and how the dysfunctional partnership between both agencies messed up intelligence operations.
You can listen to the SpyTalk podcast here on Apple Podcasts
InfoGraphic
Pakistan’s startup funding fell to just $15.15M in Q4-2022, the worst since the first quarter of 2020. This represents a steep decline of 79.24% YoY and 72.65% QoQ and is not even 10% of the amount recorded in Q1-2022. Meanwhile, the number of deals declined to eight and entered single digits for the first time since Q2-2020.
See More Details at: https://insights.datadarbar.io/q4-2022-update-pakistans-startup-funding/
Bangladesh De/Cypher
Top Stories from this week
EP concerned over rights situation in Bangladesh
On Wednesday, the European Parliament expressed concern about Bangladesh’s deteriorating human rights situation. They were deeply concerned about the arrests of opposition leaders, the use of force against protesters, and the overall restrictions on free expression and workers’ rights. The resolution called for adherence to international standards, a safe working environment for NGOs, human rights activists, and religious minorities in 2024, and a safe working environment for religious minorities. Read more: New Age
Dengue: 18 die, record 3,122 hospitalised in a day
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh reported a record-breaking 3,122 new dengue cases in a single day on September 17, 2023, with 18 additional deaths due to the virus, bringing this year’s death toll to 822. The majority of the new patients, 849 in total, were admitted to Dhaka hospitals, while others sought treatment elsewhere. There are now 10,437 dengue patients receiving treatment across the country. Bangladesh has recorded 167,684 dengue cases and 156,425 recoveries this year. Read more: Bangla News 24
Bangladesh losing more than 40% export potential in EU: Study
According to a study conducted by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), Bangladesh loses more than 40% of its export potential in European markets due to a lack of diverse products and standard certification. According to the study, Bangladesh had a total export potential in the EU of $40 billion in 2021, of which only $23 billion was utilised. Notably, non-apparel items accounted for $2.5 billion of the untapped potential, highlighting the untapped opportunities in this sector. Read more: The Business Standard
International Outlook
On Sunday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left for New York for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). She will attend the high-level General Debate and speak at various side events on topics such as Rohingya refugees, climate change, sustainable development goals, universal health care, and finance during her visit, which runs from September 17 to September 22. Her trip is intended to include important discussions and diplomatic meetings about global issues. Read more: Rtv News
Relevant Stories
On Thursday, Bangladesh sent emergency relief supplies to flood victims in Libya as humanitarian aid. To assist those affected by Cyclone Daniel and flooding in Libya, the Bangladesh Air Force used a C-130J aircraft to transport relief supplies and medicines. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief provided the relief items, which included dry food, water purification tablets, and emergency life-saving medicines. Read more: Prothom Alo
Bangladesh has agreed to buy ten new Airbus A350 planes as part of a strategic partnership with France. On Monday, during a joint press conference in Dhaka, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the agreement. In addition, the two countries signed a letter of intent for a space partnership, which includes the purchase of the Bangabandhu-2 Earth Observation Satellite System, as well as a credit facility agreement for urban governance and infrastructure development. Read more: Asia News Network
US Ambassador Peter D Haas has noted a decline in the political interest of Bangladeshi youths, citing factors such as political violence on campuses, nepotism, corruption, a lack of trust in political leadership, cultural restrictions on voting, and limited freedom of speech. Speaking at the launch of the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign and National Youth Conference, Haas emphasised the importance of involving today’s youth in the democratic process and urged politicians to address their disillusionment by making youth voices heard. Read more: Bangi News
The US has expressed concern about what it sees as “systematic and pervasive oppression” of journalists and media figures in Bangladesh who seek to hold the government accountable. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasised the importance of journalists working without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation. This statement follows the convictions of senior journalists Shafik Rehman and Mahmudur Rahman, as well as the seizure of journalist Eleas Hossain’s property. Miller emphasised the importance of journalists in uncovering corruption and ensuring accountability in elected officials. Read more: Bangladesh Posts
In collaboration with CRDF Global and Thin Blue Line International, the US Department of State conducted a training program for Bangladesh Police officials to improve their investigative skills in countering chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) terrorism. From August 20 to August 28, 29 law enforcement counterterrorism investigators, forensic experts, and bomb disposal specialists participated in the training program. Read more: Weekly Blitz
National Politics
The Bangladesh Election Commission and the Awami League (AL) are working hard to prepare for the upcoming elections. While AL chief Sheikh Hasina has been campaigning since August 2, AL and the Jatiya Party (JP) are finalising their election manifestos and candidate lists. The main opposition in parliament, the JP, intends to vote independently rather than as part of an AL-led alliance. In its election preparations, the Election Commission has redrawn constituencies, registered new political parties, updated voter lists, and prepared a draft list of polling places. Read more: The Daily Star
On Tuesday, Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, revealed that Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom. This information was revealed during the fifth UK-Bangladesh Strategic Dialogue. While discussing extradition issues, officials from both countries looked into legal mechanisms for the transfer of convicts. Read more: New Age
On Sunday, a Dhaka court granted the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) permission to call an FBI official, Debra LaPrevotte Griffith, and two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers, Kelvin Duggan and Lloyd Schoepp, as witnesses in the Niko graft case. The case, filed in December 2007, claims that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and others abused their positions of power to award a gas exploration and extraction contract to the Canadian company Niko from 2001 to 2006, resulting in a significant loss to the state exchequer. Read more: The Daily Sun
On Sunday, Bangladesh’s parliamentary standing committee on the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry requested that the ministry investigate why the same contractors are consistently awarded government contracts. The committee expressed concern about the repeated selection of the same contractor firms in tender processes and requested that an investigation report be submitted at the next meeting. Read more: The Daily Observer
Quotes of the week
Statements from Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the BNP speaking at a programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on Tuesday,
“What has happened? It’s said that 10 Airbus aircraft will be procured. Their (govt’s) real goal is to get kickbacks on this Airbus. Do you understand the kickbacks? It means commission,” Read more: The Daily Asian Age
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the BNP speaking at a party rally on Sunday:
“The party leader [Khaleda Zia] is facing death at a hospital after being convicted in a false case. No arrangements have been made for her treatment. Doctors have said she urgently needs a liver transplant which is not possible without sending her abroad.” Read more: The Daily Star
Statements from Awami League (AL)
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen speaking at a press conference on US- Bangladesh relations on Monday:
“It has taken many steps to end terrorism. In Bangladesh, due to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism, there have not been any bomb blasts, grenade attacks, and fear of deaths due to terrorist attacks.” Read more: The Daily Observer
Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the ruling Bangladesh AL, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday:
“BNP has been carrying out a deep-rooted conspiracy to isolate Bangladesh from the international community through continuous slander and lies against the country by appointing lobbyist firms for millions of dollars.” Read more: The Daily Sun
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaking in a parliament session on Wednesday:
“When we are holding elections in a fair way, why questions are being raised about the election? What does it mean? Why are questions raised about the election when Bangladesh is marching forward, in terms of economic progress?” Read more: Bangladesh Posts
Business and Economy
In July FY24, Bangladesh had a positive current account balance of $537 million, compared to a negative $449 million in the same month the previous year. However, due to low growth in new aid, investments, and foreign loans, as well as increased repayment of such liabilities, the country’s overall balance of payments was negative $1.06 billion during the period.
Read more: The Business Post
Relevant Stories
Bangladesh’s government will import three lakh tonnes of wheat from Russia at a cost of Tk 1,032.90 crore. Additionally, two proposals to purchase 3.80 lakh litres of soybean oil in the fiscal year 2023-2024 have been approved. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will purchase 3.30 crore litres of edible oil from Malaysia’s Brizo Marine SDN BHD and 50 lakh litres from Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Multi Food Products Ltd. Read more: The Business Standard
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) in Bangladesh has approved 19 development projects worth a total estimated cost of Tk 180.67 billion. These projects cover a range of areas including port development, infrastructure, and disaster recovery. The government plans to fund Tk 120.6 billion of the projects, while the rest will come from external sources and the own funds of the departments involved. Read more: Daily Bangladesh
The “Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2023” drew approximately 3,000 visitors, including government officials and business leaders. The event highlighted the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Bangladesh, with participation from numerous Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises, banks, and government agencies. Visitors expressed their enthusiasm for Chinese technology and products, emphasising Bangladesh’s familiarity with and appreciation for Chinese high-tech offerings. Read more: The Financial Express
Consumers in Bangladesh are reportedly paying approximately 44% more for goods and products than global market rates due to higher protective tariffs, which are typically imposed to protect domestic industry. However, such protectionist measures are viewed as a barrier to export diversification and impose a financial burden on consumers. Read more: The Business Post
According to a global study conducted by Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute and Schroders, extreme heatwaves and flooding could pose a significant threat to the apparel export earnings of several Asian countries, including Bangladesh. According to the study, climate-related disruptions could cost Bangladesh $27 billion in apparel exports and 250,000 jobs by 2030. Heat and flooding could cause significant production losses and slower industry growth, resulting in a 22% drop in apparel exports between 2025 and 2030. Read more: The Financial Express
Rohingya Refugee Situation
Due to concerns about their citizenship rights and safety in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have expressed opposition to repatriation efforts. Myanmar’s government has not met their demands for citizenship restoration, and many refugees fear returning without these guarantees. Efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees have previously failed, and the latest initiative is supported by China. Before repatriation can take place, Rohingya community leaders emphasise that Myanmar must ensure the restoration of citizenship rights, freedom of movement, religious freedom, education, and equal rights. Read more: Voice of America
Relevant Stories
On Monday, a delegation led by UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Kanni Vignarazar, visited the Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. During the trip, the delegation witnessed various activities of the donor organisation, visited the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre, and learned about the Rohingyas’ history and traditions. The committee also enquired about Rohingya food ration collection via smart cards and met with some Rohingyas. Read more: Prothom Alo
On Thursday, two Rohingya men were killed and numerous others were injured in a “gunfight” at Madhurchara in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya between two rival factions, reportedly the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation. Shamsul Alam and Noor Mohammad were identified as the deceased, and the struggle was thought to have been over establishing authority among the gangs. Read more: The Daily Star
Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has announced £3 million (approximately Tk 42 crore) in new funding to support Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. The funds will be distributed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist refugees in obtaining healthcare, clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, and cooking fuel. Read more: Andalu Ajnasi
Latest in Society
As the number of dengue patients in Bangladesh grows, so does the demand for fluid saline, particularly IV saline, which is essential for dengue patient treatment. Because of the rising demand, the country is experiencing a saline scarcity. In Bangladesh, several pharmaceutical businesses manufacture saline, however corporations like Orion Pharma and Popular Pharma predominantly supply government institutions, leaving private hospitals and pharmacies scrambling for appropriate supplies. Read more: Jago News 24
Bangladesh is dealing with worsening mental health issues as a result of climate change, which includes droughts, floods, sea-level rise, and storms. Extreme weather and climate disasters can cause or exacerbate anxiety and depression, especially in rural areas where access to mental health services is limited. According to a survey, nearly one-fifth of adults in Bangladesh have mental health issues. The country has only a few hundred mental health practitioners, with limited access to care outside of major cities. Read more: Prevention Web (UNDRR)
According to a survey conducted by the Open Society Foundations, 91% of Bangladeshis believe that living in a democratically controlled country is important. Furthermore, 63% of respondents in Bangladesh believe that China’s rise will benefit the country’s economy. According to the survey, younger people are less likely to trust in democracy than older respondents, and while 86% of respondents wish to live in a democracy, only 20% feel authoritarian countries can provide what citizens want. Read more: Prothom Alo
Views and Analysis
Politics
The European Parliament and Bangladesh: A media misrepresentation
The European Parliament has recently received a lot of attention because of a “resolution against Bangladesh.” It is important to note, however, that the resolution has not yet been passed by the European Parliament; voting is scheduled for later. This emphasises the importance of accurate reporting, particularly when it comes to international relations and a country’s global reputation. Bangladesh’s international media presence is perceived to be lacking in comparison to other nations, and there is concern that a final resolution could result in EU sanctions and global isolation for the country. Read more: Weekly Blitz
Economy
The Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum: Boosting Bangladesh’s Economy and Diplomacy – Analysis
The Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum (CTIF) in Bangladesh was a landmark event, bringing together over 500 delegates from 30 Commonwealth countries to promote innovation and long-term economic development. Bangladesh’s accomplishments in innovation and digital transformation have been highlighted, but there is still room for improvement. The purpose of the forum was to attract foreign investment and trade partners, diversify exports beyond the textile industry, and address challenges associated with transitioning from LDC status. Read more: Eurasia Review
Climate
As democracies weaken, who gets a say in South Asia’s climate future?
As the effects of climate change worsen, the role of the state in shaping climate policies becomes more important. However, in many South Asian countries, climate-related decisions are frequently made by a small group of politicians and bureaucrats rather than through democratic processes, limiting the input of those most impacted by climate change. This trend is especially noticeable in countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, where decision-making can be opaque and unaccountable. Read more: The Third Pole
Tech and Startup
Global Startup Index 2023 Summary
Bangladesh has risen four places to 89th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2023. Given the country’s large population, this improvement is significant. Bangladesh has also advanced to a higher category, creating a gap between its score and that of countries ranked lower than 94th. Although it ranks 4th in South Asia, it is only 0.08% behind Sri Lanka, giving it a chance to challenge Sri Lanka’s position next year. Dhaka, the capital, jumped 115 places to 211th in the world and is now one of the top 100 cities in the Transportation industry.
Report available for download: Startup Blink
Relevant Stories
MedEasy, a Bangladeshi startup that provides doctor video consultations and medication home delivery, has received $750,000 in seed funding from investors including Seedstars International Ventures, Doha Tech Angels, and others. MedEasy, which aims to improve healthcare services for underserved patients in Bangladesh, has attracted over 150,000 users since its launch in 2020. When compared to competitors, the company’s inventory management system and decentralised distribution network have significantly reduced delivery times, and the investment will be used to further enhance its supply chain, technology, and data capabilities while focusing on patients with chronic illnesses. Read more: Tech In Asia
Mostafiz Uddin and Tawhida Shiropa, both from Bangladesh, have been named Vogue Business 100 Innovators for 2023. Mostafiz Uddin, the founder of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), has been named one of the ‘Sustainability Thought Leaders’ for his work in promoting ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Tawhida Shiropa, founder of the Bangladeshi startup Moner Bondhu, is also included in the ‘Sustainability Thought Leaders’ category. Read more: Bangla news 24
Infographic
Video
South Asia’s first underwater tunnel to be completed in October in Bangladesh
The first underwater tunnel in South Asia, built by China in Bangladesh, is scheduled to open in October. This project is expected to benefit the local population significantly, and CGTN reporter Wu Bin investigates the tunnel’s progress and potential impact through interviews with Chinese and Bangladeshi workers.
Watch Video: https://youtu.be/9B79xR70Uyc?si=OtTKx4IlDy2WUZot
Rest of Asia
Sri Lanka’s economy shrank by 3.1% in the second quarter of 2023, as the country grappled with a severe financial crisis characterised by high inflation, a depreciating currency, and diminished purchasing power. While agriculture grew by 3.6%, industries contracted by 11.5%, and services fell by 0.8%. Sri Lanka’s central bank forecasts a 2% GDP contraction this year, following a 7.8% contraction in 2022. An IMF delegation is currently in Sri Lanka for the initial review of an Extended Fund Facility program designed to address the country’s debt problems. Read more: The Business Standard
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded his week-long visit to Russia with a final stop in Vladivostok, where he visited various military, economic, science, education, and cultural facilities. Kim’s visit aimed to strengthen North Korea-Russia cooperation, particularly in light of international scrutiny and concerns about weapons trade and military cooperation. He visited a university, an aquarium, and an animal food plant in Vladivostok, as well as met with Russian officials and North Korean students studying in Russia. Read more: The Jerusalem Post
Iran is dealing with economic challenges such as persistently high inflation rates, a depreciating currency, and declining purchasing power, all of which have contributed to public discontent. As the one-year anniversary of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests approaches, economic indicators point to renewed unrest in the country. Since 2018, annual inflation has remained above 30%, with an annualised rate of 46.7% in August 2023. Unemployment, particularly among young people, remains a concern. Economic problems, as well as disillusionment with the government and opposition leaders abroad, are fuelling unrest in Iran. Read more: Al-Monitor
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This newsletter is a product of ASIA chaired by Prof. Najeeb Jung.
