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

Bangladesh: 13th Parliament holds inaugural session
On 12 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that the first sitting of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began in Dhaka, marking the start of the new legislative term. During the sitting, lawmakers elected Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed as Speaker and Barrister Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker. Both later took the oath administered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. In his remarks, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called for a “meaningful, effective and vibrant” parliament through constructive debate and cooperation among lawmakers, stressing the need for collective efforts to build a self-reliant Bangladesh. The session formally launched the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, formed after the February elections in which the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a parliamentary majority.

Myanmar: Institute of Chin Affairs report details fighting and airstrikes in Falam Township
On 12 March, Mizzima reported that the Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) released a report detailing four months of intense fighting in Falam Township, during which Chin resistance forces reportedly killed over 200 military junta troops and captured 40 between November 2025 and February 2026. The report also stated that the junta conducted more than 2,500 airstrikes during the period, while drone strikes and artillery fire killed at least 15 civilians and injured 30 others, destroying more than 60 buildings, including schools, churches, and hospitals. According to ICA Information Officer Salai Van Sui San, the junta’s tactics have escalated since late February, with increased airstrikes targeting civilians and more frequent burning of homes. Chin resistance forces believe the intensified attacks reflect the military’s difficulties in reinforcing and supplying its troops and are linked to efforts to secure access to Surbung Airport for logistical operations in northern Chin State. The report added that ongoing fighting has displaced around 85 per cent of residents from nine villages in Tedim Township and 27 villages in Falam Township, leaving children, pregnant women, and elderly people facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical care.

Maldives: Government revenue drops sharply in February
On 12 March, The Sun reported that tax revenue collected by the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) had fallen substantially. This decline in February also includes a fall in revenue collected in US dollars compared to previous months. The MIRA figures show that overall state revenue fell by roughly 30 per cent, reflecting weaker inflows from key sectors. A significant portion of Maldivian revenue is generated in foreign currency through tourism-related taxes, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in tourist arrivals and global economic flows.

Sri Lanka: Colombo in talks with India and China for emergency oil supplies
On 12 March, the Daily Mirror reported that the Sri Lankan government had begun talks with India and China to secure emergency oil purchases in case the crisis in the Middle East disrupts global fuel supply. Authorities are working to ensure adequate reserves to avoid shortages similar to those experienced during the country’s 2022 economic crisis. Authorities warned that if the crisis persisted, Sri Lanka may only be able to guarantee stable energy supplies for a limited period. 

Iran: Tehran warns against the usage of the Strait of Hormuz for oil transport
On 12 March, Al Jazeera reported that, as per Iran, not a ‘litre of oil’ must pass the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows the International Energy Agency's announcement of 400 million barrels of oil reserves, made as part of a decision taken by its 32 member countries. The spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran stated that one must expect oil at USD 200 per barrel, as no artificial changes to pricing or sourcing can be undertaken. On 11 March, three ships attempting to pass the strait were hit by projectiles and were prevented from leaving the region.

Pakistan: TTAP seeks parliamentary consensus on defence policy amid regional tensions
On 11 March, Dawn reported that the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TPAP) had urged the government to take parliament and the opposition into confidence regarding defence agreements and national security decisions, saying the situation in the region required careful consideration. A resolution adopted in a parliamentary meeting in Islamabad on 11 March by the alliance of opposition parties - Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TPAP) - condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, urging diplomacy and restraint in the Middle East as well as in Afghanistan, while calling upon Muslim countries “not to allow their lands to be used against other countries and to resolve all issues through diplomacy to decrease tensions.” The alliance expressed concern about Imran Khan's health and called for his release.