03 MARCH, TUESDAY
Aishal Yousuf, Akshath K, Kirsten Coelho, Sreemaya Nair, Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha, and Vishal Manish M

Nepal: Media to observe “Silence Period” ahead of the elections
On 03 March, the Himalayan reported that media houses and journalists are to observe a Silence Period ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for 5 March, following the announcement issued by the Press Council Nepal, the country’s statutory media regulatory body. The Silence Period began at 00:00 hrs on Monday and prohibits the dissemination of advertisements in favour of or against political parties or candidates, as well as the broadcast or publication of talk shows, commentaries, analyses, questionnaires, or any content that supports or opposes political parties or candidates. Any violations are punishable under the Journalist Code of Conduct-2073 BS and the Election Code of Conduct.

Bangladesh: High Court seeks explanation on the July National Charter, Referendum Ordinance
On 03 March, the Dhaka Tribune reported that the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh issued a rule asking why the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order and parts of the Referendum Ordinance should not be declared unconstitutional. The bench of Justices Razik-Al-Jalil and Md Anwarul Islam Shaheen passed the order following writ petitions challenging the legality of the implementation order, Section 3, and the Schedule of the ordinance. The court directed the respondents to explain why these provisions should not be struck down. Last month, Supreme Court lawyers Chowdhury Md Redwan-e-Khoda and Gazi Md Mahbub Alam filed separate petitions seeking rulings declaring the measures void and contrary to the constitution, along with interim stays on their operation pending disposal of the rule.

Bangladesh: Home Minister seeks Japan’s support for police reform on 10th Holey Artisan Anniversary
On 03 March, the Dhaka Tribune reported that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed sought Japan’s cooperation in reforming and restructuring the Bangladesh Police during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi at the Secretariat. Describing Japan as a trusted friend and key development partner, the minister highlighted its support for major projects, including Metrorail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. He said Japan had previously supported traffic safety initiatives for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and could extend assistance to broader police reforms, adding that formal proposals would be submitted. Earlier, discussions also covered law and order, security, trade, and investment. Marking the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, the ambassador called for enhanced security for Japanese nationals. The minister assured full protection for Japanese citizens, investors, and businesses, pledging top priority to any requests from Japan.

Bangladesh: Japan grants USD 3.2 million to UNFPA for Rohingya response
On 03 March, the Dhaka Tribune reported that the Government of Japan approved  USD 3.2 million in funding to the United Nations Population Fund to support the Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh. The two-year project will protect the health and rights of displaced women and adolescents in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, sustaining sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence (GBV) support for refugees and host communities. With over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and a recent influx of around 150,000 people since 2024, funding shortages have strained services under the Joint Response Plan for 2025–2026. Japan’s contribution will help maintain 24-hour emergency obstetric care, GBV case management, and mental health support for about 180,000 beneficiaries. Since 2017, Japan has provided more than USD 250 million to the Rohingya response through UN agencies and NGOs, remaining a key partner in addressing the protracted crisis.

Myanmar: EU reaffirms support for Myanmar at Pre-Thingyan event in Brussels
On 03 March, Mizzima reported on the Myanmar Pre-Thingyan series, held on 2 March in Brussels, which brought together EU officials, academics, artists, and members of the Burmese diaspora to mark five years since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. Organised under the European Union’s Myanmar Pre-Thingyan Food and Culture Week, the event highlighted the need to keep international attention on Myanmar’s ongoing crisis. Peteris Ustubs of the European Commission said the EU does not consider the recent elections in Myanmar to be free, fair or credible and reaffirmed continued humanitarian and development support, totalling EUR 710 million since 2021. He stressed the importance of defending human rights, supporting education and livelihoods, and strengthening civil society resilience. Erik Kurzweil of the European External Action Service echoed concerns over the military-led polls, saying the EU would not recognise or legitimise a process lacking democratic legitimacy. He underscored the need for unity among democratic forces and praised the Myanmar diaspora and independent media for keeping global attention on the crisis, calling for sustained solidarity, dialogue and engagement.

Maldives: Confrontation in the People’s Majlis over government accountability
On 03 March, The Sun reported that tensions escalated in the People’s Majlis, the Maldivian legislature, as opposition MPs called for greater transparency. This was regarding recent executive decisions. The debate centred on the procedural handling of the motions on the floor. Government-aligned MPs defended the administration's approach. The heated exchange comes at a time when tensions remain high, due to the recent debates and disagreements over election synchronisation.

Sri Lanka: Surge in queues at fuel stations, as public anxiety increases amidst tensions in the Middle East
On 03 March, the Daily Mirror reported a nationwide surge in queues at fuel stations, as the public became increasingly concerned about potential fuel shortages amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Motorists were reportedly lining up at petrol pumps, despite government reassurances that national stocks are ample until May 2026. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation ( CPC) banned filling fuel into bottles and cans to prevent hoarding. The situation largely reflects apprehensions rooted in the 2022 fuel crisis which triggered mass protests and political upheaval.

Pakistan and Afghanistan: Cross-border fighting persists for a fifth straight day
On 03 March, Reuters reported that the ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan had entered its fifth day with no signs of either side withdrawing from the conflict. Though the intensity of the exchange has decreased compared to the initial days, both sides have added to the existing instability in the Middle East, especially amid the conflict with Iran. This exchange marks the most violent conflict between the two that share a 2,600-kilometre-long border with each other. Despite cordial ties in the past, neither Islamabad nor Kabul have retreated from the exchange, while both sides accuse the other of killing civilians in alleged military attacks.

Pakistan: Hundreds of flights to and from Pakistan cancelled following airspace closure in West Asia
On 03 March, The Express Tribune reported that as the regional security crisis intensified, hundreds of flights were cancelled in Pakistan, hurting the overall economy. Thousands of passengers remain stranded, as more than 500 domestic and international flights have been cancelled over the past three days. In particular, the suspension of air cargo services halted the transport of various goods, including food items and other supplies.

Pakistan: Shehbaz urges de-escalation in the Gulf, presses Oman-led diplomacy and speaks to Kuwait and Syria
On 03 March, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and asked them to display restraint and revive the diplomatic process. He praised the role of Oman in the talks between the United States and Iran, and stated that the attack “brought to an end the on-going peace process, which was at a very critical stage, and he wished that there would be scope for dialogue in days to come.” He extended sympathies to Kuwait on reports of heavy losses to the economy as a result of the attack and stated that the operation was contrary to the sovereignty of the Gulf states. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been working on diplomatic efforts and was ready to help in any manner to restore peace in the region.