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

Bangladesh: US pushes trade deal, deportation cooperation during Paul Kapur’s visit
On 06 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur concluded a two-day visit to Bangladesh, during which Washington highlighted priorities including expanding market access for American businesses, cooperation on curbing illegal immigration, and deeper engagement on regional security. US officials also urged Bangladesh to swiftly implement a recently signed bilateral trade agreement. Under the agreement, Bangladesh will face a 19 per cent tariff while committing to reducing the trade deficit with the US by increasing imports of American goods and services. This includes plans by Biman Bangladesh Airlines to purchase 14 aircraft from Boeing, with the option to acquire more in the future. Bangladesh has also agreed to expand imports of US liquefied natural gas over the next 15 years, potentially worth around USD 15 billion, as well as significantly increase purchases of American agricultural products such as wheat, soybeans, and cotton, estimated at roughly USD 3.5 billion. The agreement further outlines expanded defence trade cooperation between the two countries and indicates that Bangladesh will seek to increase acquisitions of US military equipment while limiting purchases from certain other countries, though these are not explicitly named. It also includes provisions allowing Washington to suspend the pact if Bangladesh enters new trade arrangements with non-market economies, including China, Russia, Vietnam, and Belarus, without considering the terms of the agreement.

Myanmar: Military regime launches IMEI-based mobile tracking system
On 06 March, Irrawaddy reported that Myanmar’s military regime has begun implementing a nationwide mobile-device registration system that requires every handset’s unique IMEI number to be registered before it can connect to a telecom network. The system, launched in early March, mandates that all phones be entered into a central equipment identity register (CEIR), shifting identification from SIM cards to the devices themselves. Under the new rules, phones currently operating with Myanmar SIM cards will automatically be added to a whitelist if active before 31 March. Devices not registered by the deadline will face a 30-day usage limit before being blocked from the network, with authorities also imposing taxes and penalties on unregistered handsets treated as newly imported devices. While the junta claims the system is intended to ensure tax compliance and the use of standard-approved devices, IT specialists and digital-rights advocates warn it will significantly expand state surveillance. By linking IMEI numbers with SIM-card registration, authorities could track individual devices regardless of SIM changes, enabling them to monitor user movements, communication patterns, and potentially intercept calls, making it harder for activists, resistance groups, and people in border areas to evade monitoring.

Sri Lanka: “No Blood for Oil” protests in Colombo
On March 06, the Daily Mirror reported that a protest under the slogan “No Blood for Oil” took place in Colombo, with activists and citizens expressing dissent and discontent over the recent military strikes in the Middle East. The protesters perceived these actions as attempts to control energy resources. The protest called on the Sri Lankan government to reiterate its historically non-aligned foreign policy stance and avoid any form of entanglement in overseas conflicts driven by interests in energy resources. The demonstration also signifies growing public anxiety over geopolitical spill-over effects on Sri Lanka. These include potential economic risks such as fuel price inflation and disruption to trade and travel. The Sri Lankan government is also concerned with its strategic position in the Indian Ocean region in the backdrop of the IRIS Dena, the Iranian naval warship being targeted in the Indian Ocean.

Afghanistan: UN reports wide-scale Afghan displacement
On 06 March, Reuters reported that while the Pakistani and Afghan troops continue to exchange border fire along the Durand Line, over 115,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan. The fight has involved widespread violence, with Pakistani forces succeeding in conducting air strikes on Taliban government installations, including the Bagram air base. Islamabad commented that their most recent strikes have targeted Kandahar, which is often considered a heartland for the Taliban group. Several families living at the border have stated that heavy firing post sunset has disturbed the peace that once existed during the breaking of fast, considering that this is the holy month of Ramadan. Towns like Torkham have ground to a halt with barely any movement among residents.

Iran: War drags on as US-Israel bombards newer locations
On 06 March, Al Jazeera reported that while the Iranian worshippers spent their Friday prayers mourning the recent death of their leader, the USA and Israel struck several locations with displacement warnings issued to the residents of Qom by the Israeli forces. The Tehran-based Foreign Ministry further noted that an elementary school was also one of the many targets. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei shared footage on X that depicts classrooms being destroyed by explosions, though a casualty count was not shared. On the other hand, a member of the Iranian Defence Council threatened attacks in Iraq after warning that any plot by US or Israeli-backed rebel groups to enter the nation would be met with serious consequences. Tehran also succeeded in targeting US-affiliated bases in Kuwait and stated that more such attacks would follow.

Pakistan: Middle East crisis disrupts industry, energy supply chains
On 05 March, Dawn reported that the ongoing Middle East crisis has begun affecting Pakistan’s industrial sector, with firms warning of supply chain and energy disruptions. Agritech Ltd announced the shutdown of its urea plant after Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd suspended RLNG supply from 04 March, citing a potential force majeure declared by its LNG supplier amid regional conflict. Separately, Indus Motor Company warned of delays in imported auto parts due to shipping congestion and rising freight costs. FPCCI leader Saquib Fayyaz Magoon cautioned that escalating Gulf tensions and any closure of the Strait of Hormuz threaten Pakistan’s economy, urging emergency energy measures and alternative supply routes.

Pakistan: Chinese aerospace firm eyes USD 10 billion investment
On 06 March, Dawn reported that the Chinese Aerospace Development Industry Investment Group expressed interest in investing up to USD 10 billion in Pakistan across mining and minerals, advanced technology industries and industrial development. A high-level delegation led by Party Secretary and Chairman Lu Jinhai met Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Minister for the Board of Investment. It highlighted plans to collaborate on skill development, emphasising a long-term commitment to Pakistan’s economic growth and technological progress. The delegation also conveyed support for enhancing regional connectivity under the One Belt One Road initiative. The minister briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s investment landscape, citing its strategic location linking South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, a consumer market of over 240 million people, a young workforce and investor-friendly incentives. The company also shared its global profile, noting its AAA credit rating and investments in aerospace, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, drone technologies and energy projects.