02 MARCH 2026, FRIDAY
Aishal Yousuf, Akshath K, Kirsten Wilfred Coelho, Sreemaya Nair, Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha, and Vishal Manish M

Nepal: Home Minister urges confident voting ahead of Elections
On 01 March, The Himalayan reported that Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal urged voters to confidently exercise their democratic right in the House of Representatives elections on 5 March, saying law and order arrangements have been significantly strengthened. During visits to several districts to review security preparations, he stressed that unlawful activities would be firmly dealt with and directed officials to prioritise candidate security and maintain social harmony, expressing confidence that the polls would be free, fair and peaceful.

Bangladesh: Dhaka seeks Beijing’s expanded support for the health sector
On 02 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has sought enhanced cooperation from China to strengthen Bangladesh’s health sector, praising Beijing’s continued support and urging further collaboration in key areas. Speaking at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, the minister requested assistance in supplying diagnostic kits and medical equipment, and accommodation facilities at the Bangladesh Medical University. He also expressed hope that China would fulfil its commitment to help construct a proposed 1,000-bed hospital in the country. Ambassador Yao assured that China stands ready to assist in building the hospital, whether as a general or specialised facility.

Bangladesh: Security tightened in diplomatic area amid global concerns
On 02 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said security has been strengthened in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, including the United States Embassy in Dhaka, in view of the global situation. Speaking during a meeting with US Ambassador Brent T Christensen, he said additional forces, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed and law enforcers placed on high alert. The two sides discussed security cooperation, counterterrorism, illegal migration, and implementation of the SPEAR and Electronic Nationality Verification ENV programs, with both expressing commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Myanmar: Mass amnesty announced, Aung San Suu Kyi excluded
On 02 March, Mizzima reported that Acting President Min Aung Hlaing authorised a sweeping amnesty to mark the Full Moon Day of Tabaung and Peasants’ Day, granting clemency to 10,162 prisoners and clearing thousands of pending criminal cases. According to state media, the National Defence and Security Council pardoned 7,337 individuals convicted under the Counter Terrorism Law and dropped 9,532 ongoing cases involving 12,487 people, including those tried in absentia. A further 2,825 prisoners were released from various detention facilities, while 10 foreign nationals were pardoned and deported. Despite the large-scale releases, seen by some as an effort to project stability ahead of parliament’s upcoming session, detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was excluded from the amnesty and continues to serve a 27-year sentence. Rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says more than 22,800 political prisoners remain in custody.

Myanmar: Dhaka signs MoU with Beijing to host eems exhibition
On 02 March, The Irrawaddy reported that Myanmar’s junta has signed a MoU with China to jointly organise a gems exhibition in northern Shan State, highlighting the regime’s growing reliance on Beijing to sustain its troubled gemstone industry. The agreement, signed on 24 February, aims to expand cooperation in the gemstone trade, curb smuggling, and strengthen environmental coordination. China has long been the primary buyer of Myanmar’s jadeite, with stones flowing across the Muse Ruili border into major processing hubs in Yunnan and Guangdong.

Maldives: Government establishes Special Cabinet Committee amid tensions in the Middle East
On 02 March, The Sun reported that President Mohamed Muizzu, moved to create a Special Cabinet Committee on Middle East tensions. This was formed to coordinate and plan a national response to the escalating instability. The committee aims to monitor and respond to the crisis as required by developments. The committee comprises key ministries including foreign affairs, finance, economic development, defence and homeland security and transport. It seeks to implement joint measures to protect the interests of Maldivian citizens, overseas workers and also economic interests. The Maldivian economy relies on tourism, global trade routes, fuel prices and remittances.

Afghanistan: Drone attacks on Nur Khan and other key Pakistani bases
On 02 March, France 24 reported that the Afghan Air Force launched drone attacks on several key Pakistani air bases, especially in Rawalpindi. The 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta, Khowizoo Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ghulni military bases and the Nur Khan airbase were some of the primary targets. The Taliban led Afghan government commented on social media via its defence ministry, stating that based on “preliminary assessments,” strikes on Pakistani bases have been largely successful and have caused “significant damage.” These developments follow up on the Pakistani Defence Minister claiming an “open war” between the two rival states.

Iran: Supreme Leader crisis persists as the fight continues
On 02 March, Al Jazeera reported that Iran has claimed to continue its attacks on US assets across the Middle East. Members of the government have denied any attempts at fresh nuclear talks with the US. According to reports, the conflict saw a dramatic “overnight shift” with the UK granting permission to the US to use its airbases, possibly owing to the crashing of an Iranian drone in the RAF air base located in Cyprus.

Pakistan: Islamabad urges calm in the Middle East
On 02 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan spoke to the rulers of Jordan and Bahrain to offer support and urge restraint and dialogue as the violence across the Middle East entered its third day. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II to exchange views on the regional developments and recent escalations, which included attacks on Jordan and other regional countries. The PM expressed deep concern, urged restraint, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Jordan. The PM said he also spoke with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to convey Pakistan’s support and solidarity with the people of Bahrain. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke to his Omani and Iraqi counterparts and stressed the need for sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region.