Author: Admin
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December 2019
Overview. A fractious month in political terms with a rarely united opposition forming a coalition and holding sustained protests against the government. Whilst the protests largely failed in their purpose, the unity of the opposition, the timing of the release on bail of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and a challenge to the extension of…
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December 2019
Overview. Iran re-joined the long list of countries suffering civil unrest this month. Security forces reacted brutally to general discontent over removal of fuel subsidies as violence quickly spread to all major cities and lasted 11 days. Although its survival never looked in doubt – and the reforms will strengthen Iran’s economic resiliency in the…
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December 2019
Overview. Seven militants were sentenced to death for their involvement in the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack. A USD9.5 million taka-denominated bond made its debut on the London Stock Exchange on 11th November. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received two ITU Telecom World awards in recognition of Bangladesh’s success in telecommunications and digitization.…… Read the rest
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November 2019
Overview. The majority of terrorist incidents in October occurred in Balochistan and were predominantly targeted at security forces or rival groups. The country has seen widespread protest demonstrations against inflation, unemployment, and Indian activities in Kashmir. Relief was found in the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and international cricket matches between Pakistan…
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November 2018
Overview. Iran continues to be high on the international agenda as the US applies pressure in Europe and Asia to support its sanctions, coming in the next few days. The Khashoggi case, FATF, and ICJ delivered Iran some good news this month, although the domestic economic and political scenes remain fraught, with rising inflation, a…
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November 2019
Overview. Another tanker attack, this time an Iranian target, kept tensions high in the Gulf through October. International mediation sought to reduce the risk of conflict in the region. The US piled on further designations and sanctions continuing its ‘maximum pressure’ strategy, while FATF compliance remains a controversial topic in Iran and unresolved.…… Read the…
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November 2019
Overview. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made an official visit to India, where she signed bilateral agreements that included an MoU regards the Feni river. The World Bank has forecast GDP growth of 7% for Bangladesh for the 2019-20 fiscal year. On the security front, the murder of student Abrar Fahad by Chatra League members sparked…
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October 2019
Overview. Whilst Pakistan Defence Day celebrations and country-wide Shia religious processions by passed without incident, there were a number of terrorist attacks in Balochistan throughout the month. PM Khan remained focused on Kashmir and spoke on the topic at UN General Assembly session in the New York. Kashmir. Kashmir Solidarity rallies continue to be…
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October 2019
Overview. The desire for a bilateral meeting at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Trump’s part was said to be a factor in the sacking of the stridently anti-Iran US National Security Advisor this month. While John Bolton’s departure may be positive for US-Iran relations in the medium term, serious attacks on Saudi oil targets,…
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October 2019
Overview. The Prime Minister’s statement regarding the Rohingyas at the 74th UN General Assembly in New York is the main political story of the month. The Asian Development Bank has projected Bangladesh’s growth to be the fastest in Asia in the coming year. The crackdown on casinos and illegal gambling has seen police and security…