OWSA Contributor

Since the military coup in February 2021, nearly 6,800 civilians have been killed and over 22,000 remain arbitrarily detained, he said. Humanitarian needs have soared, with nearly 22 million people in need of assistance and more than 3.5 million displaced by conflict.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) confirmed it transferred a record $437 million in June to settle mounting arrears with Adani Power Jharkhand Ltd (APJL), the Indian firm operating the 1,496-megawatt Godda Ultra Supercritical Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand.

President Paudel expressed concern over Nepal’s increasing reliance on imported rice and paddy. He underscored the importance of adopting climate-smart technologies and making use of domestic human resources to foster self-reliance in agriculture.

Reaffirming the United States’ commitment to fostering commercial ties, the U.S. Mission in Pakistan announced its continued support for American businesses interested in operating within the country.

With Bangladesh’s energy demand rising and domestic generation under pressure, the power from APL’s Godda plant plays a vital role, particularly in northern regions. Any disruption in this supply could significantly impact industrial and residential consumers.

Meanwhile, the de facto authorities have conveyed grievances around frozen assets, sanctions, non-recognition, the need for greater development assistance, and an end to aid dependency.

Many families, desperate for closure or suspicious of the remains' authenticity, choose to cut open the coffins themselves, sometimes in the presence of local morgue workers or relatives.

A core feature of the initiative includes $40 million in World Bank Group guarantees in the first phase. This will help reduce risks for private investors and energy producers.