Asia Headlines: Quick Recap
South Korea to Ban Short Selling of Stocks Until June Next Year
South Korea bans stock short-selling until June 2024 for regulators to improve systems, the Financial Services Commission said on Sunday. The stock market jumped on the news on Monday, the biggest rally post 2021.
UAE Weighs Investment of US$ 50 Billion in India
India the second largest trading partner of the United Arab Emirates could get an investment of US$ 50 Billion. The worlds fastest growing economy is seen as a strategic bet by the Emirates.
AI Pioneer Kai-Fu Lee Builds a US$ 1 Billion Startup in 8 Months
The company 01.AI founded by Kai-Fu Lee has become a US$ 1 Billion company on the back of an open-source artificial-intelligence model that is reportedly better on certain metrics than the ones available from Silicon Valley. The latest round was led by Alibaba Cloud, and a new CEO has also been picked up. The company was put together in March, and started operations in June.
Australian PM Albanese to Meet Xi Jinping Today
Anthony Albanese will be the first Australian PM to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing in seven years. The Australian PM started his visit with CIIE (China International Import Expo) Shanghai, China yesterday. This is seen as an attempt by both the countries to de-escalate post a rise in tensions.
A 6.4 Richter Scale Quake Devastates Nepal
On Friday night a 6.4 magnitude quake devastated north-western Nepal, and till now reportedly around 143 people have been reported dead. This is the strongest quake on record post the calamitous 2015 quake which killed 9000 people. The Friday quake has had reportedly 159 aftershocks.
Pakistan To Have Elections on 8th February, 2024
Post discussion between President Arif Alvi, and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, the election was re-scheduled from November to January for redrawing constituencies post new census.
The Chinese and the United States Battle Out Resource Control in Africa
The United States is trying to catch up with the Chinese in the African region which is the world’s “Copperbelt”, Zambia, and Democratic Republic of Congo. The US is taking a leaf out of Chinese book by building a rail corridor known as the Lobito corridor. The Chinese built the first rail line in 1970’s heading out of the Copperbelt to the port of Dar es Salam in Tanzania, and recently the Chinese have rebuilt a key rail line in Angola at the cost of US$ 2 Billion. This area will be worth looking out for in the future.
Climate Negotiators Have Reached Framework to Aid Vulnerable Countries
The climate negotiations going on in advance of the COP 28 in December, 2023 have reached an agreement for framework to aid vulnerable countries, the fund will be a new Loss and Damage Fund for an interim basis of four years.
China Cautions Its Diplomats Against Foreign Influence, Graft
China’s anti graft agency has warned the country’s diplomats to be on guard against foreign influence, they have been asked to focus on ‘preventing and resolving major risks’, and they could be instigated into wrong doing. Zhnag Jiwen an official of CCDI (Central Commission for Discipline Inspection) wrote in a magazine article, this is a rare advice from CCDI, and marks focus on graft.
Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Maulana Tahir Ashraf says Pakistan Wants Independent Palestine
Maulana Tahir on Sunday made the remarks about Palestine and hoped the upcoming conference in Riyadh will bring them good news. This creates a problem for Arab countries that differ with this view and could spark a problem.
What is Hungary doing in Organisation for Turkic States?
In mid-November 2022, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan convened in Samarkand for a summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) -previously known as the Turkic Council. They were joined by Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary. The recent meeting of the OTS also saw him attend, why is Hungary part of this group.
Devin Haas, writes in Emerging Europe, the reasons for this:Hungary became an OTS observer state in 2018. Since his party, Fidesz, came to power in 2010, Orbán has pursued an “Eastern Opening” policy to promote trade and economic partnerships with Russia, Turkic nations, and South and East Asian countries. Orbán’s office says that annual trade between Hungary and OTS states doubled between 2010 and 2019 to four billion US dollars. According to the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó trade between Hungary and Uzbekistan amounted to 110 million US dollars in 2021 and increased 48 per cent in 2022. Bilateral trade with Kazakhstan has also drastically increased in recent years, and an intergovernmental partnership supports 1,000 Kazakh students studying in Hungary. Orbán subscribes to a pseudoscientific cultural movement – Hungarian Turanism – contending Hungarians are descended from Turkic Central Asians. He has called Hungarians “Kipchak Turks,” referring to a medieval confederation of Turkic nomads in the Eurasian Steppe. Hungary Today has reported Orbán as saying, “Hungarians consider themselves late descendants of Attila, of Hun-Turkic origin, and Hungarian is a relative of Turkic languages.” Read the incisisve comment here.
Life Expectancy at Birth: World
Af-Pak De/Cypher
6 Nov, 2023
Top Stories From The Week: Af-Pak
Monday
Two Pakistan Army soldiers martyred, as many militants killed in Balochistan gun battle: ISPR
Two Pakistan Army soldiers, Naib Subedar Asif Irfan and Sepoy Irfan Ali, were killed in a gun battle in Balochistan’s Awaran district while engaging terrorists. During the exchange of fire, two militants were killed and two others were injured. Read more: The Daily Pakistan
JI chief vows continuous support to Palestine
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq expressed strong support for Palestine, condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza. He announced a protest in front of the US embassy in Islamabad to protest Israel’s actions. Haq emphasised that Gaza’s people would be supported as long as the US supported Israel. Read more: The Daily Times PK
Justice Mansoor wants NAB law applicable on judges, generals
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah emphasised the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO)’s applicability to superior court judges and generals found guilty in departmental disciplinary proceedings. He dissented from a majority decision that overturned NAB law amendments. Read more: The Express Tribune PK
Pakistan keeps policy rate unchanged at 22pc
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 22%. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision after noting a rise in headline inflation in September but forecasting a decline in October and a continued downward trajectory, particularly in the second half of the fiscal year. Read more: The Pakistan Observer
Tuesday
Ceasefire fails to end Kurram clashes
A ceasefire mediated by local clerics and tribal elders in Kurram district failed to stop clashes between warring factions, resulting in an unknown number of casualties. The fighting has been going on for about a week, sparked by a controversial video and fuelled by a land dispute. The death toll ranges from nine to thirty people, with both sides employing heavy weaponry. Read more: Dawn
ECP satisfied with Punjab govt’s measures to hold elections
Sikander Sultan Raja, the Chief Election Commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the measures taken by the caretaker Punjab government to hold general elections in the province. CEC Raja assured the interim Punjab cabinet that the elections would take place as planned in the last week of January next year. Read more: The Pakistan Observer
Nawaz to chair party meeting today
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been living in self-imposed exile in London for the past four years, is set to preside over a high-level meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) at Jati Umrah. Key PML-N figures, including party president Shehbaz Sharif and Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, will attend the meeting to discuss the country’s political landscape, the upcoming general elections, and Nawaz Sharif’s return to active politics. Read more: The News International
Balochistan govt to launch health cards
The Balochistan government plans to launch a health card programme on November 1st, providing free medical treatment to approximately two million families. Asad Kakar, CEO of the Balochistan Health Card Programme, announced the initiative, which will allow families to receive treatment at 1,200 government-listed hospitals, including 17 in Balochistan, by showing their national identity card. Each family can receive up to Rs1 million in treatment per year, though psychiatric, dental, and cosmetic issues are not covered by the scheme. Read more: Dawn
Elahi sent on 14-day judicial remand
A local court in Lahore has placed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central President Parvez Elahi on judicial remand for 14 days in connection with illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly. Elahi, who was arrested on June 1 in a Rs70 million graft case, has been released and rearrested multiple times in different cases, with his lawyer claiming political victimisation by the interim government. Read more: The Express Tribune
Denmark’s help sought for boosting renewable energy
Pakistan has asked Denmark for assistance in boosting the share of renewable energy to 40% in the next two years under the National Electricity Plan 2023. Muhammad Ali, Interim Minister of Energy, met with Danish Ambassador Jacob Linulf to discuss the Danish Energy Transmission Initiative (DETI). Pakistan aims to have 40% renewable energy, including hydroelectric power, in its energy mix by 2025, and 60% by 2030. Read more: The Pakistan Daily
Wednesday
PTI not to be restricted from contesting Elections: All political parties to get level playing field: PM
Anwaarul Haq Kakar, the caretaker prime minister, has stated that there are no plans to bar the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from participating in the upcoming general elections. Kakar emphasises the importance of fair elections and states that the election commission is solely responsible for allocating election symbols. Read more: Daily Times PK
Nawaz to embark on country tour to revive party’s fortunes
The Islamabad High Court has revived former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s appeals in the Avenfield Apartments and Al-Azizia Steel Mills cases, with “all legal consequences,” and ratified the Punjab caretaker government’s decision to suspend his sentence in the Al-Azizia case. In response, the PML-N is planning a countrywide tour for Sharif in November in order to resurrect the party’s fortunes. Read more: Dawn
Saudi company eyes 77% stake in Shell Pakistan
WAFI Energy LLC, a Saudi company, has expressed interest in acquiring a 77.42 percent stake in Shell Pakistan Ltd. Shell Petroleum Co. announced in June that it would exit the Pakistani market as part of its global portfolio rationalisation strategy. WAFI Energy LLC intends to acquire control of Shell Pakistan Limited and has hired Pakistan-based Arif Habib Ltd. to manage the acquisition offer. Read more: Arab News
Imran’s lawyer terms cipher judge’s appointment ‘illegal’
The lawyer for PTI chief Imran Khan has challenged the appointment of an anti-terrorism court judge for the special court’s cypher case trial in jail under the Official Secrets Act. Barrister Salman Akram Raja argued before the Islamabad High Court that the appointment of Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain was unconstitutional because it was made without prior consultation with the chief justice of the IHC. The court issued a notice to the law ministry and postponed the hearing until Thursday. Read more: Dawn
Thousands of Afghan refugees, migrants exit Pakistan as deadline expires today
The Pakistani government set a November 1 deadline for all undocumented Afghan nationals to leave the country. As the deadline approached, thousands of Afghan refugees and migrants flocked to the Pakistan-Afghan border to return home. The repatriation campaign aimed to return Afghans who were involved in illegal activities in Pakistan. Detention centres were set up to house foreigners and facilitate their deportation. Read more: The Pakistan Daily
Thursday
General elections to be held in February next year, Election Commission tells Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Pakistan heard petitions for timely elections, and the Election Commission announced that the General Elections will be held on February 11, 2019. This decision follows the political upheaval caused by Imran Khan’s removal in April 2022, which resulted in the PDM alliance government taking control and dissolving the National Assembly in August 2023. Read more: The Pakistan Daily
Six terrorists killed in Zhob
Security forces killed six terrorists in Zhob, Balochistan, during an intelligence-based operation. The operation in the Sambaza area resulted in a fierce exchange of fire, which resulted in the terrorists’ deaths. Read more: The Pakistan Observer
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir visits Azerbaijan to strengthen defence ties
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, visited Azerbaijan to strengthen defence ties between the two countries. During his official visit, Gen Munir met with top Azerbaijani officials, including President Ilham Aliyev, the defence minister, and military leaders. The discussions centred on improving military-to-military cooperation, defence collaboration, and training. The visit highlighted Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s growing alliance, with agreements signed to foster military cooperation, joint exercises, and information sharing. Read more: The Pakistan Daily
IMF tells Pakistan no compromise on targets set under $3 billion loan agreement
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has informed Pakistan that no compromises will be made on the targets set out in the $3 billion Stand By Agreement prior to the release of the second tranche. During talks in Pakistan, the IMF mission led by Nathan Porter emphasised the importance of strict adherence to all targets. Read more: Start Up Pakistan
Pakistan Cracks Down on Power Theft to Rescue Debt-Laden Economy
The Pakistani government is cracking down on power theft, which is a widespread problem that costs the country nearly a billion dollars each year. Illegal connections exacerbate the country’s struggling power sector by impeding efforts to upgrade the ageing electricity grid and causing frequent blackouts. This necessary economic recovery crackdown aims to save Pakistan’s debt-laden economy, which is facing challenges such as inflation and a weakening currency. Reforming the power sector was critical to obtaining a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. However, the crackdown risks inciting unrest in the midst of rising inflation. Read more: Bloomberg
Smog emergency declared in Punjab
Smog has been declared a “calamity” in Punjab by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), with the government declaring an “emergency” in response to hazardous air quality. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore was 439, well above the safe level of 50. The PDMA prohibited the burning of crop residue, cracked down on vehicles that emit smoke, and directed action against polluting factories. Read more: Daily Times PK
Friday
Pakistan urges boost in funding for refugee-hosting countries
Pakistan called on the international community to rethink and implement development-financing instruments to assist refugee-hosting countries without increasing their debt burdens. Instead of concessional loans, Ambassador Usman Jadoon emphasises the importance of timely, predictable, and sector-specific funding. He emphasises the challenges posed by the Covid-19 triple crisis, climate change, and conflicts, which have resulted in an increase in refugees. Read more: Daily Times PK
US envoy discusses bilateral ties with Ishaq Dar
US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, met with Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to discuss mutual interests, emphasising the US as Pakistan’s largest trade partner. They emphasised the importance of collaboration in order to strengthen economic ties. The talks included Afghan refugees, recognising Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace. Blome backed Pakistan’s right to handle illegal migrants in accordance with its laws and to strengthen its borders. Read more: Business Recorder
14 Pakistan Army soldiers martyred in ambush near Gwadar
Terrorists ambushed vehicles carrying Pakistan Army soldiers travelling from Pasni to Ormara in Gwadar district, Balochistan, killing 14 soldiers. According to Inter Services Public Relations, a sanitization operation is underway, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Read more: The Pakistan Daily
High wheat output yields Rs400bn benefit
According to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, a 4 million tonne increase in wheat production resulted in a Rs400 billion financial benefit for Pakistan in the fiscal year 2022-23. This increase was the result of a Rs30.45 billion national project aimed at increasing wheat productivity and closing the productivity gap. The federal government contributed Rs5.6 billion, with the remainder split among provincial governments, farmers, and service providers. Read more: Dawn
International Finance Corporation unveils $1.5bn investment plan for Pakistan
The Board of Investment (BoI) and the World Bank-affiliated International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a bold investment strategy, with IFC pledging to invest more than $1.5 billion in Pakistan’s economy over the short and long term. The investment strategy focuses on key areas such as improving access to finance, upgrading technical and digital infrastructure, bolstering the pharmaceutical sector, and assisting export-oriented industries. Read more: Business Recorder
Afghan diplomat meets Bugti over immigrants repatriation
The Afghan Charge d’Affaires met with Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti to discuss the repatriation of Afghan nationals from Pakistan, among other things. Bugti promised that returning immigrants would be treated with dignity and that no legal action would be taken against those who held Afghan citizenship cards. Read more: The Pakistan Observer
Saturday
Taliban minister threatens Pakistan of ‘consequences’
The Taliban’s Acting Defence Minister, Mullah Muhammad Yaqub Mujahid, issued a warning to Pakistan in the midst of their deportation efforts of Afghan nationals. In an audio clip, he urged Pakistan to think about the consequences of mistreating Afghan nationals, accusing them of seizing Afghan citizens’ personal property. Mujahid vowed to prevent such actions and urged the international community, the United Nations, and other organisations to put pressure on Pakistan to address the refugee crisis respectfully. Read more: The Pakistan Observer
Indonesia urges enhanced trade
The Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, emphasised the need to enhance trade and investment between Indonesia and Pakistan. The current trade volume between the two countries is $4.5 billion, accounting for 4.4% of Pakistan’s overall trade. Indonesia’s trade volume with Pakistan represents only 0.9% of its total global trade, indicating the potential for increased cooperation. Read more: The Express Tribune PK
UN agencies call for protection of children, families seeking safety in Pak
Three United Nations agencies, including UNHCR, IOM, and Unicef, have expressed grave concern about the safety of children and families affected by Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.” They emphasised the dangers that children face while travelling, in detention centres, and upon their return to Afghanistan, such as physical threats, family separation, distress, fear, abuse, and exploitation. The agencies requested international assistance to protect vulnerable children and families. Read more: Dawn
Imran moves SC for post-arrest bail in cypher case
Imran Khan has requested post-arrest bail in the cypher case. He appealed the Islamabad High Court’s decision to allow interrogation in the cypher case. The court ruled that the Official Secrets Act applied, and that Imran was not exempt from the process because he was a former prime minister and was not authorised to declassify the diplomatic cypher. Read more: The Pakistan Observer
Ethiopia, Pakistan on path to closer relationship: Jemal
At a reception hosted by COMSTECH, Ethiopian Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula was recognised for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan. The event highlighted the ambassador’s initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation, such as fostering connections through Ethiopian Airlines and organising business and trade delegations. The ambassador emphasised Ethiopia and Pakistan’s shared historical and religious ties, expressing confidence in the countries’ closer relationship. Read more: Daily Times PK
Sunday
Fawad Chaudhry remanded in police custody for two days
Former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry has been remanded in police custody for two days by an Islamabad court. He was arrested in connection with a case registered in August 2022, involving charges such as abetment, obstruction of public servant, disobedience, wrongful restraint, and criminal intimidation. Read more: Pakistan Today
JUI-F chief meets Hamas leaders in Qatar as latter call on Muslim world to ‘unite against Israeli injustices’
In Qatar, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman met with Hamas leaders Khaled Meshaal and Ismail Haniyeh. During the meeting, Hamas leaders emphasised the need for the Muslim world to unite against Israeli injustices, particularly in light of ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. Rehman expressed solidarity with Hamas, condemning Israeli atrocities and stating that it is time for the Muslim Ummah to support the Palestinians in their struggle for freedom. Read more: Dawn
Riyadh asks Islamabad to approach China’s Sinopec for $10bn green refinery project
Saudi Arabia has requested that Pakistan include China’s Sinopec in the $10 billion green refinery project. Riyadh wants Sinopec to be awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract. Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has gotten in contact with the Bank of China and Sinopec, per the request. The mega refinery, which will be built in Hub, Balochistan, will produce 8 million tonnes of diesel and 6 million tonnes of petrol annually. Read more: GeoTv
Afghan farmers lose income of more than $1 billion after the Taliban banned poppy cultivation
According to a United Nations drug agency report, Afghan farmers have lost more than $1 billion in income since the Taliban banned poppy cultivation. The ban, which went into effect in April 2022, resulted in a 95% reduction in opium cultivation. Previously, opium exports accounted for 9-14% of the country’s GDP. People have fallen into poverty, hunger, and addiction as a result of the ban’s impact, which has been exacerbated by drought and economic hardship. Read more: Voice of America
Pakistan’s cotton production increases by 82 pct
Cotton production in Pakistan has increased by 82 percent over the previous year, with approximately 6.8 million bales arriving at ginning factories by October 31, up from 3.7 million bales the previous year. The increase is attributed to improved conditions after floods and heavy rains previously damaged the crop. Despite the increase, Pakistan still requires cotton bale imports to meet the needs of the textile industry. Read more: Xinhua
Opinion
Pakistan’s long journey toward sustainable growth requires timely, free, and fair elections
The critical focus for Pakistan, currently experiencing economic and political instability, should be on conducting fair and timely elections to respond to these crises and achieve consistent growth. Reforms that enhance overall human development, rather than focusing exclusively on economic growth, are also vital. These could encompass education and health services, as well as market modifications to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. The increasing geopolitical uncertainty requires attention and resource allocation must be corrected. Investment in public transport infrastructure is also vital. Staying up-to-date with technological advancements and addressing the threat of climate change are equally important. The investment in human capital and support for innovative domestic companies could provide Pakistan with a competitive edge in forward-looking sectors. Adoption of environmentally friendly policies like expanding access to renewable energy and creating climate-resilient infrastructure are key to a sustainable future. Read more: Atlantic Council
Infographic
Pakistan’s stock benchmark achieved a new record high due to the nation’s improving economic conditions following an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prevent a sovereign default. The KSE-100 Index increased by 0.9% to reach 53,175.56, surpassing its previous all-time high from May 2017. Pakistan’s economy has been on the upswing as the IMF deal helped alleviate currency issues, with growth in manufacturing, expected economic growth of 2.5%, and actions against currency hoarding boosting the national currency. Read more: Bloomberg
Fact of the Week
Bangladesh De/Cypher
6 Nov, 2023
Top Stories From The Week: Bangladesh
Monday
BNP unleashed chaos to foil elections, foreign minister to foreign diplomats
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, AK Abdul Momen, claimed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) planned nationwide chaos on October 28 to disrupt parliamentary elections. Momen briefed foreign diplomats at the state guest house Jamuna on the violence and the BNP’s intention to obstruct free and fair elections. Diplomats from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, India, and others, were present. Read more: Prothom Alo
Jamaat shows solidarity with BNP, announces 3-day blockade
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami declared a three-day blockade from Tuesday to Thursday in solidarity with the BNP, accusing law enforcement of obstructing peaceful rallies. According to the party’s acting secretary general, Maulana ATM Masum, opposition parties such as the BNP and Jamaat have been arrested and attacked during rallies in Dhaka. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
‘BD to achieve access to water and sanitation by 2030’
M. A. Mannan MP, Bangladesh’s Planning Minister, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) by 2030, ensuring universal access to safe and affordable water and sanitation. He released the ‘National WASH Accounts 2020’ report, which shows that the country will spend 2.18 percent of its total GDP on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in 2020. Read more: The Daily Observer
Foreign debt repayment surges 65pc in Q1
Bangladesh’s external debt servicing increased by more than 65% year on year in the first quarter of fiscal year 2023-24, totalling $870.5 million. The repayment consisted of $492 million in principal and $378.5 million in interest payments. The increase in debt servicing is due to the maturity of foreign-funded projects that require repayment. Read more: The Financial Express
Tuesday
OHCHR calls govt to show greatest restraint, uphold human rights
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has urged the Bangladeshi government to exercise maximum restraint in the face of the country’s ongoing political unrest. The statement condemned the violence, emphasising how such actions are unacceptable, and urged political actors to refrain from making statements or taking actions that could incite violence. Read more: Prothom Alo
US envoy stresses unconditional dialogue for peaceful JS polls in Bangladesh
Peter Haas, the United States’ Ambassador to Dhaka, emphasised the importance of unconditional dialogue among all parties involved in Bangladesh’s democratic elections. Haas paid a visit to the election commission building and met with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in carrying out the commission’s constitutional responsibilities. Read more: The Daily Sun
US to take actions to support democracy in Bangladesh
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Millar stated that, if necessary, the US would take action to support democracy in Bangladesh. Millar condemned the political violence that occurred on October 28. He urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents and hold those responsible accountable, emphasising that everyone, including voters, political parties, and the government, bears responsibility for free and fair elections. Read more: New Age
Senior BNP leaders Mirza Abbas, Alal arrested
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders Mirza Abbas and Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal were arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch in connection with a case involving the death of a police officer. The arrests took place at a house near the Shahidbagh Mosque in Shahjahanpur, Dhaka. Read more: The Business Standard
BNP’s 3-day countrywide blockade begins
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other opposition parties have launched a three-day nationwide road, rail, and waterway blockade to put pressure on the Awami League government to resign and hold the next election under a non-partisan neutral administration. The blockade is also a protest against the assassination of opposition workers, attacks on the BNP’s Nayapaltan grand rally, and the arrest of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other party leaders and activists. Read more: Jago News 24
Wednesday
Bangladesh and India friendly relations instance for world: Hasina
During the joint inauguration of three Indian-assisted development schemes, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised the country’s strong friendship and mutual cooperation with India. These projects, which include rail links and a thermal power plant, represent the two countries’ growing relationship. Hasina expressed hope for further improvements in their ties, emphasising that such cordial relations serve as a model for the rest of the world. Read more: The Daily Observer
PM unveils first ever local currency card
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina introduced “TakaPay,” Bangladesh’s first local currency card, in an effort to reduce reliance on international cards such as Visa and Mastercard and save foreign currency. The national card scheme, which was launched at a ceremony, is a step towards a cashless society in Bangladesh, encouraging electronic payments and transactions throughout the country. Read more: Rising BD
Bangladesh garment workers continue street protests to demand wage hike
RMG workers demonstrated in Mirpur, Dhaka, demanding a wage increase and protesting the death of a fellow worker during an attack on their gathering. Workers have been protesting for nine days in a row, demanding a minimum wage of Tk 23,000 and have blocked roads to press their case. Read more: BD News 24
WB grants $210m for early childhood development
The World Bank has approved $210 million for the Bangladesh Enhancing Investments and Benefits for Early Years (BEIBEY) Project, which aims to provide cash transfers and counselling services to vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of four. The project addresses poor nutrition and learning poverty issues in Bangladesh, which were exacerbated during COVID lockdowns, with a focus on early childhood development, while also supporting the government’s Mother and Child Benefit Programme’s expansion. Read more: The Business Standard
Myanmar team in BD for Rohingya repatriation talks
A Myanmar government delegation arrived in Teknaf, Bangladesh, to discuss the repatriation of Rohingya refugees and to confirm their identities. Myanmar intends to accept approximately 3,000 refugees as part of a pilot repatriation scheme discussed in a three-party meeting involving Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. The discussions aim to make it easier for Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar. Read more: The Daily Observer
Thursday
CPJ demands impartial investigation into attacks on journos
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has demanded that an immediate and impartial investigation into the attacks on 27 journalists covering political rallies in Dhaka, Bangladesh, be launched. During clashes on October 28, supporters of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the ruling Awami League, and the police assaulted journalists. The CPJ demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable and urged both political parties and the police to respect journalists’ freedom of expression. Read more: Prothom Alo
EC invites BNP for dialogue, delivers letter to locked office
An election official attempted to deliver a letter to the locked BNP office, inviting the party to participate in a dialogue with the Election Commission before the election schedule was announced. The BNP office has been closed since October 28 due to clashes with police during the party’s big rally. The official waited for hours without finding anyone in the office. Read more: The Daily Star
Exports fall by 13.64pc in October
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh’s export earnings fell 13.64% in October due to the ongoing dollar crisis. Export earnings for the month were $3.76 billion, a decrease from the previous year. Despite this decline, the country earned $17.45 billion in exports during the first four months of the current fiscal year (July-October), a 3.52% increase over the same period last year. Read more: New Age
77 tonnes of potato imported in 3 days: Ministry
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that 77 tonnes of potatoes have been imported into the country in the last three days, following the government’s decision to allow imports to stabilise local market prices. The government had granted permission to import 1.07 lakh tonnes of potatoes. Despite government price controls, potatoes are being sold in the capital’s kitchen market for Tk 60-70 per kg, a Tk 10 increase from the previous week. Read more: The Daily Observer
Friday
Govt sends letters to missions to invite foreign observers to the elections
The Bangladesh government has invited international observers and journalists to observe the 12th National Parliament election, which is set to take place in mid-January 2024. The Election Commission has provided guidelines and forms for interested participants, with a November 21 deadline for applications. Read more: Prothom Alo
4 Rohingya held with 6,275 yaba pills inside stomach
Three Rohingya family members, including two women and a teenager, were apprehended at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for attempting to smuggle 6,275 yaba pills into their stomachs. The family was detained by the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) intelligence team after arriving in Dhaka from Cox’s Bazar. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
UK, Unilever BD tie up to address climate challenges
Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) has launched the TRANSFORM Climate Challenge in collaboration with the UK Government, and other organisations. In Bangladesh, this collaboration aims to promote climate resilience and plastic circularity. The initiative will provide financial assistance to social entrepreneurs working in regenerative agriculture, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WSH), and plastic circularity. Read more: The Daily Observer
BNP leaders Khasru, Swapan placed on six-day remand
The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka has placed BNP leaders Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Zahir Uddin Swapon on remand for six days each in connection with a murder case filed over the death of police constable Amirul Haque. The case was filed following a clash between law enforcement and de facto opposition leaders and activists at a mass rally in Naya Paltan on October 28. Read more: The Daily Star
67 eminent citizens demand Mirza Fakhrul’s immediate release
Sixty-seven prominent citizens have called for the immediate release of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, claiming that his detention jeopardises Bangladesh’s peaceful, fair, and participatory election process. They believe Fakhrul is a supporter of peaceful political activities and believe his release could help avoid political conflicts and restore democratic norms. Read more: The Business Standard
Saturday
BNP leader Emran Saleh Prince ‘picked up’ from Badda
BNP organising secretary Syed Emran Saleh Prince was arrested by the detective branch of police from his sister’s house in the capital’s Badda area. Individuals identifying themselves as DB men made the arrest. The arrest was unknown to the Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
Awami League will surely win: PM
PM Sheikh Hasina expressed confidence in her party’s victory in the upcoming general election, urging citizens to vote for the ‘boat’ symbol to ensure the country’s continued development and well-being. She warned arsonists and vowed to punish those responsible for violence and vandalism during a rally in Dhaka. The Prime Minister also addressed recent garment sector protests, blaming the BNP for provocation and promising punishment for instigators, whether domestic or foreign. Read more: Somoy News
17 parties including BNP stay away from EC’s dialogue
Seventeen registered political parties, including the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), abstained from participating in the discussions organized by the Election Commission regarding preparations for the 12th parliamentary election. The Election Commission held two sessions with 22 parties each, but BNP and other parties like Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal chose not to engage. Read more: The Daily Observer
Sunday
Nat’l election likely between January 6, 9
The country’s Election Commission is planning to hold a national election between January 6 and 9, with the final decision depending on the political situation. Officials intend to announce the election schedule by November 14, and candidates will have approximately three weeks to campaign. Read more: The Daily Star
Govt plans harsher clampdown on BNP
In the face of escalating street protests, the country’s government is preparing a harsher crackdown on opposition activists, particularly those affiliated with the BNP. Police are compiling a list of BNP members to arrest, and numerous cases have been filed after a BNP rally turned violent. In the run-up to national elections, the ruling Awami League hopes to maintain control through increased street vigilance and peace rallies. Read more: The Daily Star
Dengue death toll crosses 1400-mark
With 11 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the death toll from Bangladesh’s ongoing dengue outbreak has surpassed 1,400, bringing the total number of cases to 2,79,904. Read more: The Business Standard
Micro Essay
Enforcement of Food Safety Policies and Coordinated Efforts in Bangladesh in Reducing Lead Chromate Adulteration in Turmeric.
Millions of South Asians who regularly consume turmeric might not be aware that its vibrant yellow color can be misleading and deadly due to lead chromate adulteration. Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause premature deaths and lifelong negative effects. The metal causes brain damage, resulting in a permanent reduction in IQ. It also raises the danger of heart disease and strokes and has links to conditions such as depression, panic disorders, and challenges in regulating mood. This issue has had significant economic consequences, lowering South Asian productivity by an estimated 9% of GDP. Between 2008 and 2017, researchers from New York City’s Health Department discovered that spices, especially turmeric, were a previously overlooked source of lead exposure. Over 70% of turmeric samples from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Morocco contained elevated lead levels, making it a primary source of lead exposure in Bangladesh. Lead poses significant risks to the cognitive development of children and results in an economic loss of approximately $6 billion annually for the country. However, a multi-faceted interventions between 2017 and 2021 in Bangladesh aimed to reduce lead-tainted turmeric lead by Government of Bangladesh and King Centre on Global Development, Stranford.
The study shows Turmeric significantly contributes to elevated lead levels in the blood of rural Bangladeshis. The issue arises when certain processors, unaware of the health risks involved, incorporate an industrial pigment to enhance the colour of their product and make it more appealing to potential buyers. However, intervention involved studying turmeric levels sold in wholesale markets, lead in turmeric polishing mills, and blood levels of mill workers. The findings led to extensive media campaigns, outreach programs targeting turmeric business people, traders and policy enforcement. Public notices were widely distributed, leading to increased awareness among traders and polishers about the health risks associated with lead chromate. Fines imposed under the Safe Food Act served as incentives to cease selling lead chromate-adulterated turmeric. Consequently, the proportion of turmeric with detectable lead decreased from 47% in 2019 to 5% within a few months and eventually disappeared entirely after 18 months.
Opinion
Why Bangladeshi women should invest in the capital market
Why Bangladeshi women should invest in the capital market
Over five years, Bangladesh saw a 35% decrease in female beneficiary owner (BO) account holders, dropping to 4.73 lakh in March 2023 from 7.33 lakh in 2018. Regulatory directives from the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), which aimed to eliminate multiple BO accounts tied to a single identity, may have contributed to this decline. Promoting gender-sensitive financial education and offering women-friendly investment options could help narrow this gender gap and boost economic development. Studies indicate that women are often more successful investors, underscoring the importance of empowering Bangladeshi women to participate in the stock market for potential long-term socio-economic gains.
Read more: Business Standard
Infographic
Female Labour Force Participation in South Asia
In Bangladesh, notable shifts in the labour force have occurred in recent years. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that female labour force participation in Bangladesh is at 38%, making it the second-highest in South Asia after Bhutan. These shifts include a decrease in female labour participation in urban areas and an increase in rural areas.
Read more: World Bank
Fact of the Week
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