Saarc Nations

Dhaka/The US DC: May 2026: Bangladesh and the United States are in the final stage of signing strategic defence agreements that would grant US military access to the country’s port and airfield infrastructure. US President Donald Trump, in a personal letter to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has linked further economic preferences to the completion of two defence agreements: the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The signing of the ACSA…

Kathmandu, May 2026 : A Nepali mountain guide died during an acclimatisation expedition in the Mount Qomolangma region, highlighting once again the extreme dangers associated with climbing the world’s highest peak during the ongoing spring mountaineering season. According to Nepal’s Department of Tourism, the deceased guide was identified as 35-year-old Bijay Ghimire, an experienced climber who had successfully summited the 8,848.86-metre Mount Everest three times previously — in 2016, 2019 and 2023. Government officials confirmed that Ghimire died on Sunday…

Dhaka; May 2026: Bangladesh’s cement industry faces challenges due to its reliance on imports for about 90% of its raw materials, including clinker, limestone, granulated slag, fly ash, and gypsum, which are primarily sourced from the Middle East. The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has disrupted supply routes, increasing production costs and affecting manufacturers and consumers. Domestic demand is weak, leaving producers struggling with rising costs that they cannot pass on to buyers. Production costs have…

May 2026 : In a significant step towards improving travel convenience, the government of Nepal has introduced a new digital system allowing foreign tourists entering via land routes to register their vehicles and pay necessary fees online. The initiative is expected to particularly benefit visitors travelling through India, who form a large share of Nepal’s inbound tourists. The system was officially launched on Tuesday by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and has been implemented by the Department of Customs. With this…

Kathmandu/New Delhi; May 2026: Nepal Government’s spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, has said that Nepal’s position on the border dispute is clear. India, has already rejected such claims with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stating that “such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable”. While making public the cabinet decisions yesterday, Minister Pokharel said the disputed area belongs to Nepal and that the government remains committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic means. “The…

Dhaka; May 2026: Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced today (01st May 2026) that the Bangladeshi National Carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernise its fleet. The new order includes: “The new fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft will modernise Biman’s fleet, sharpen operational performance, and extend its international route network — strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global aviation market”, said Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Biman…

Dhaka; May 2026: Bangladesh yesterday (30th April 2026) has summoned Acting Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pawan Badhe, to formally protest remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a development reported by the Dhaka Tribune. Dhaka described the comments as “inappropriate” and harmful to bilateral relations. According to officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the acting Indian envoy was called to the ministry yesterday, where concerns over the comments were officially conveyed. The development marks a…

New Delhi, April 2026 : Bangladesh is set to face a significant economic challenge over the next decade, as rising external debt obligations threaten to strain its financial stability. According to a recent report in local media, the country will need to allocate approximately $26 billion between fiscal years 2026 and 2030 to service its external debt, marking a sharp escalation in repayment commitments. The scale of this burden becomes more apparent when viewed in historical context. Since gaining independence…

Kathmandu, April 2026 : Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah has publicly disclosed his personal assets, revealing bank savings of NPR 14.6 million. The declaration, released on Sunday, was made alongside similar disclosures by members of his Cabinet, reflecting a continued emphasis on transparency in governance. Under Nepal’s Corruption Prevention Act, 2002, ministers and senior government officials are required to submit their property details to designated authorities within 60 days of assuming office. While the law mandates submission, it…

Jaipur, March 2026 : The 132nd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was broadcast on Sunday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the nation and highlighting key developments. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma joined members of the public at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in Jamwaramgarh to listen to the programme. During the broadcast, the Prime Minister cited the example of Jaipur farmer Muralidhar, who has benefited from adopting a solar pump. Earlier dependent on costly diesel pumps, he has…