Bangladesh

Maldives Republic | 10 months, 3 weeks ago | concerned

How Governments Make Enforced Disappearances Appear To Be Legal

The article discusses enforced disappearances globally, focusing on Global South countries using legal cover. It mentions historical cases from Nazi Germany to Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Specifically, it details enforced disappearances in India (Punjab, Kashmir), Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina, and Pakistan. It cites numbers from various sources: 300,000–500,000 disappeared between 1970–2000 globally, 3,744 recognized by India from 2000–2003, 8,000–10,000 in Kashmir by APDP, over 8,000 in Punjab, 530 reported to UN from India, and 708 in Bangladesh by Odhikar. It notes the interim Bangladesh government committed to sign the International Convention on Enforced Disappearances but has not disbanded the RAB.

Maldives Republic | 11 months ago | concerned

Changing Geopolitics Puts India’s Foreign Policy at the Crossroads

India's foreign policy faces challenges from deteriorating regional relations and US pressure under President Trump. Recent events include the Pahalgam attack, a military conflict with Pakistan, and India's independent stance on global issues like Russian oil and Iran's Chabahar port. India's efforts to isolate Pakistan have had limited success.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 6 months ago | concerned

Bangladesh Still Struggling 100 Days After Hasina’s Ouster

The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, has completed 100 days but faces multiple challenges. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wants early elections, while others prioritize reforms. Relations with India are strained due to India's past support for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but Bangladesh needs Indian imports. The government has sought Hasina's extradition for trial. The BNP has issued a document addressing Indian concerns, stating it will not allow Bangladesh to be used for terrorism against India. The interim government has restored some normalcy but is criticized for slow progress.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 7 months ago | concerned

Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil: Why Constitutional Power Transfer Remains Elusive

Bangladesh has struggled with constitutional power transfer since independence in 1971. Early regimes were undemocratic, with Sheikh Mujib overthrown in 1975, followed by military coups. Ziaur Rahman took power in 1977, founded the BNP, and was assassinated in 1981. H.M. Ershad ruled until 1990. The 1991 elections saw BNP win under Khaleda Zia, leading to the Twelfth Constitutional Amendment restoring parliamentary system. Disputes over election neutrality led to the Thirteenth Amendment establishing Caretaker Governments. However, political violence persisted, culminating in the 2006 crisis over the caretaker head.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 9 months ago | concerned

Geopolitical Impact of Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster

The ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by a student-led movement on August 5 has upset South Asian geopolitics. India suffers a setback as Hasina was a close ally, while the US, China, and Pakistan see opportunities. India had provided $7.9 billion in lines of credit. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) could come to power, souring India-Bangladesh relations. The US had criticized Hasina's authoritarian rule and India's support for her. US envoy Eric Garcetti publicly cast doubt on the depth of India-US relations. Bangladesh's location is strategic for the Indo-Pacific.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 10 months ago | concerned

Foreign Ministry Cautions Maldivians Residing in Bangladesh

The Maldives Foreign Ministry advised Maldivians in Bangladesh to stay vigilant due to deadly student protests. Over 25 people have been killed in protests against a 30% job quota for families of 1971 war veterans. The ministry urged residents to stay home and follow instructions from the Bangladesh government and the Maldivian High Commission. Contact numbers were provided for assistance.

Maldives Republic | 1 year, 11 months ago | neutral

Government to Propose Lifting Cap on Migrant Workers to Meet Growing Labour Demands

The Mohamed Muizzu administration plans to propose lifting the legislative cap on migrant workers from a single country, specifically to allow more workers from Bangladesh. The current cap of 100,000 unskilled workers was set by the previous MDP government. Minister Ali Ihusaan announced the proposal during a parliamentary committee meeting, criticizing the cap as discriminatory. The government will implement biometric accountability and island-specific permits within three weeks before formally proposing the lift.

Maldives Republic | 2 years ago | neutral

Maldives-Based Bangladeshi Workers Sent Home US$31 Million Over Past 12 Months: Bangladesh Bank

Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Maldives remitted US$31 million to Bangladesh from July 2023 to April 2024, according to Bangladesh Bank. The Maldives ranks 24th in remittance inflows. The Bangladeshi migrant population in the Maldives is 139,220, with many undocumented. The government launched a nationwide operation to identify and regularize undocumented migrants, led by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Maldives Immigration, and the Police Service. Previous MDP-led administration suspended work permits for unskilled Bangladeshi labor, but the Mohamed Muizzu administration reversed that policy.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 3 months ago | positive

Expanded ‘Dosti’ Maritime Exercise Inaugurated Amid Enhanced US-Maldives Cooperation

The 16th 'Dosti' maritime exercise involving Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh as observer commenced in the Maldives. The US announced US$8 million for four patrol boats to enhance Maldives' maritime capabilities, following a meeting between Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and US Deputy Secretary Richard Verma. The exercise, inaugurated by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, focuses on search and rescue and counter-piracy. This occurs amid tensions after an unauthorized Indian naval intrusion and Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03's arrival near Male', raising security concerns.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 4 months ago | concerned

Parliamentary Filing Alleges Government’s Re-Opening of Unskilled Labour Recruitment From Bangladesh Illegal

A parliamentary motion filed by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Hisaan Hussain has alleged that the administration of President Mohamed Muizzu acted illegally in reopening the recruitment of unskilled workers from Bangladesh and splitting the employment mandate between two ministries. The motion claims that the number of Bangladeshi unskilled workers with active work permits is 139,220, exceeding the 100,000 limit set by the Employment Act. The government, however, cites immigration data showing 90,624 Bangladeshi workers. The filing also points to an estimated 63,000 illegal immigrants in the Maldives, with unofficial estimates as high as 100,000.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 5 months ago | tense

Government Faces Backlash Over Lifting Ban on Recruitment of Unskilled Bangladeshi Workers

The Maldivian government's decision to lift the ban on recruiting unskilled Bangladeshi workers has sparked public backlash. Fayyaz Ismail, chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), called the move unlawful and a threat to national security, citing Article 65(a) of the Employment Act which limits foreign workers from any country to 100,000. The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology defended the decision, stating the current number of Bangladeshi workers is 90,624, below the threshold. However, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade removed statistics showing 139,220 workers from its social media, prompting concerns. Minister Mohamed Saeed denied knowledge of the removal and called for an investigation. The previous Solih administration had banned unskilled Bangladeshi workers to curb human trafficking, which was a lucrative illegal business. The United Nations reports that Maldives has the largest proportional migrant population in South Asia, with many undocumented.

Maldives Republic | 2 years, 6 months ago | concerned

FAM Under Fire for Unpaid Hotel Bills in Excess of MVR 300,000

The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) owes Amari Dhaka hotel US$19,651.38 (MVR 303,000) for the national team's stay during a World Cup qualifier. The bill has been overdue since 15 October. The hotel imposed a 15% surcharge every 15 days. Maldives High Commissioner Shiruzimath Sameer confirmed nonpayment. Minister Ahmed Mahloof said his ministry would take responsibility. Police are investigating FAM for corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation.