Author: Admin
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March 2019
Overview. The last month exposed some of Bangladesh’s traditional weaknesses as a fire broke out in a crowded market in Dhaka, and a hijack scare took place on a Dubai-bound Biman aircraft. The Chawkbazar Tragedy, as the fire incident is now known, was caused by the explosion of a (compressed natural gas) CNG cylinder…
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February 2019
Overview. The first month of 2019 proved to be vital for Pakistan on many fronts. There was a slight increase in terrorist activity by previously dormant or defunct organisations, coupled with various threat alerts issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Internationally, Pakistan played a key role in Afghan peace negotiations, whilst internally the…
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February 2019
Overview. As Iran marks the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that toppled the Shah, tension has mounted between it and its adversaries, with each ratcheting up rhetoric and actions.In the face of US hostility Iran should bedoing all it can to keep the EU close, but its ballistic missile tests and further allegations of…
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February 2019
Overview. The new Awami League government took office, and the Prime Minister has signalled that she wants a better performance from her ministers by making several changes to the cabinet. The Opposition has continued to protest the election outcome, but have received little traction. Law and order is under control, as the government has maintained…
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January 2019
Overview. During the reporting period Pakistan enjoyed a relative peace in security terms, yet the political atmosphere tensed as ex-PM Nawaz Sharif was found guilty of corruption and embezzlement in the Al Azizia case. The GoP continues to strive to improve the economy whilst also working to fulfil its general election promises.…… Read the rest
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January 2019
Overview. With no positive announcements on the European special purpose vehicle payments mechanism, Iran’s banks have still not overcome international payments problems, meaning difficulties in importing food, medicines and other essentials. The government continues to react to increasing economic hardship by bolstering the Rial, cracking down on ‘economics crimes’ and raising public sector wages.…… Read…
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January 2019
Overview. The Awami League emerged the winner in the 30th December general election. They look to occupy over 270 seats in the 300-strong national parliament. This is Sheikh Hasina’s third consecutive term as Prime Minister. The last few weeks saw a high-pitched campaign and a flurry of political violence, culminating in about 20 deaths on…
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December 2018
Overview. The general election will take place on 30th December. The month has seen candidates from all political parties jostling for nominations. On 15th December the army will be deployed across Bangladesh to ensure a safe election. Last month saw a largely conciliatory stance from the government. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with the joint…
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December 2018
Overview. The reporting period featured a slight increase in terrorist activities, but the country remained relatively politically stable. Significant events included the killing of senior politician Molana Sami-ul-Haq Haqqani, a court verdict ordering the release of Christian woman Asiya Bibi charged with blasphemy and subsequent countrywide protests, a terrorist attack on the Chinese Consulate in…
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December 2018
Overview. US sanctions return, increasing the economic pain to ordinary Iranians as food prices rise and foreign medicines become hard to obtain. Iranian banks scramble to reconfigure their international arrangements in the new sanctions landscape. Domestic politics, regional and international relations all become more heated. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran was…