Tuesday, 21 February 2017

South Asia Weekly | Volume IX; Issue 5

Source: Digital Bangladesh/Faisal Akram/Flickr
Bangladesh: Government planning stricter cyber laws to check radicalisation and cyber crimes
Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Recently, the Bangladesh government announced its intent to amend the existing cyber law to deal with rising incidents of cybercrimes in the country.   The new law is expected to be stricter with punishment likely to be as stern as 14 years of imprisonment. Many have welcomed the measure but there are also apprehensions of misuse and consequent curtailment of freedom of expression. The challenge before the government is to ensure its just implementation and to deal with cybercrime.
The new law is in line with the government’s desire for a ‘Digital Bangladesh’, a major e-governance programme, and also check the rising tide of religious radicalisation, mainly through online campaigns. These kinds campaigns had come to light following investigations into the murder of a secular blogger, Abhijit Roy, in February 2015.  That year witnessed the killing of five such bloggers by radical groups.
The government was criticised for its inability to control the killings of the bloggers. This led to the need for closely monitoring the world of internet and its links with radicalisation in the country.  Internet penetration has grown from one percent in 2000 to five in 2012 in the country. Considering that the Bangladeshi population is 160-million strong, the number of internet users is substantial.
New chapter
Internet commands a substantial influence in the life of people today. This is better understood in Bangladesh. The ‘Shahbagh movement’ of 2013 speaks for its support. The movement was started by few bloggers seeking punishment for the war criminals of 1971. It turned into a mass movement, where thousands of people came out onto the roads in support of the demand. It was an eye-opener not only for Bangladesh for South Asia as a whole. It was a first of the kind that had its roots in the social media. It also highlighted the popularity of the bloggers, who contradicted the views of the religious radicals.
The movement opened a new chapter in the conflict between free-thinkers in the country and radical groups. Their conflict in the virtual world often led to violence in the real world.  It was the beginning of attack on the bloggers by the radicals.   The first victim was a blogger named Rajib Hyder, who was killed in 2013.
Inflicting terror
Today,   radicals are not only monitoring the debates and discussions against them in the virtual world, but also try to silence those voices through terror in the actual world. Besides, Bangladesh’s radical groups are themselves very active in the cyber world. They use the internet not only for propaganda and to garner support but also as a medium of communication so as to share news about their activities.
The Ansarullah Bangla Team, the group accused of attacking bloggers, used the popular micro-blogging site, Twitter, to take responsibility for the death of bloggers. These groups use various blogs disseminating radical content, like videos in Bengali, glorifying jihad.
Although opinions differ if the internet has helped accelerate radicalisation, it is commonly agreed that it encourages radicalisation.  There is no concrete estimate on the number of people influenced by the radical’s propaganda-content in the internet.  Studies across the globe suggest internet is providing a platform for like-minded people to meet, exchange ideas and establish offline contacts. There have been cases when radicals have used the social media to instigate real-time violence. For example, the attack on the minority community in Bangladesh in 2012 was planned on Facebook.
In spite of running a successful counter-terrorism programme, the government is facing criticism because of its inability to stop the attacks on the bloggers.  The government is also criticised for its inability to control the activities of the radicals in the virtual world.
To control the rising tide of radicalisation in the country, it is important to control their propaganda in the virtual world. The hope is that new law will help the government to maintain greater vigil in the cyber space and control cybercrimes in the country.
(The writer is a Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, Delhi)
Bhutan: Drawing the lots becomes tough business
Mihir Bhonsale
The lottery syndicate could play a dampener in special ties that Bhutan shares with India. A media investigation recently unearthed as many as 17 fraudulent entities disguising themselves as ‘Bhutan Lotteries’ conducting draws, many of them since 2011,  when the country closed down lottery. The investigation by The Bhutanese, a magazine published from Thimphu, comes at a time when the government is re-launching the ‘Bhutan Lottery’ as a State-owned enterprise in the first quarter of this year.
The media report says that at least “17 different Indian lottery companies doing billions’ worth of lottery business, all of whom are falsely claiming to either be the government of Bhutan lottery, or using Bhutan lottery tickets and names”.
It adds, “Most of these companies have started from 2011 onwards after the former government closed down the Bhutan Lottery business.” Bhutan had closed down the Lottery Directorate in August 2011 after a series of media expose.
The magazine also claimed that the fraudulent companies were conducting ‘Bhutan Lottery’ draws till date. Such companies are giving billons in prize money and much more in revenue. They run websites that are go with Royal Government of Bhutan logos, where results of the draw could be checked.
According to the magazine that did a similar expose in 2011, “the real Bhutan Lottery before being closed in 2011 used to enjoy good sales in Indian states like Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal and others. It was also sold illegally by the in Indian states that had banned lottery sales like in Tamil Nadu among others”.
Losing billions
The 2011 Royal Auditory Authority report said that in 2007 the actual legal Bhutan Lottery turn-over was Nu 263.6 b. Bhutan was getting only a fractional Nu 210 m of this from the Indian ‘lottery don’, Santiago Martin. In the process, the country was losing out billions in potential revenue.
Following the expose’, Bhutan terminated the contract with Santiago Martin, an Indian national known to have invented a “two-digit” lottery conducted several times in the day had caught the imagination of the poor people who dream of a windfall.
Tickets were sold in millions, netting in hundreds of crores as revenue on a single day in several Indian states, including those in the eastern and north-eastern region. This led to raids in West Bengal last September, where sleuths unearthed crores of rupees in illegal money.
Restarting as SOE
Bhutan is all set to restart the lottery, this time as a state-owned enterprise (SOE) in the first quarter of 2016. It is initially going to limit the Royal Bhutan Lottery to the national borders before expanding in the region and subsequently internationally. The government will provide the seed capital of Nu 100 million.
However, the existence of fake lotteries operating under the guise of Bhutan lottery is set to dampen the prospects of the SOE. It also threatens to dampen the relations with India, which is planning to send the LR. The Supreme Court in India in November last year upheld the ban on lottery in the state of Kerala, calling lottery a ‘pernicious vice’.
The Supreme Court also advised a blanket ban on online lotteries. The SC left it on the states to decide on lotteries. Lotteries are banned in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, in Kerala alone, till lottery was banned more than 35,000 agents were registered.
Lottery was banned in Kerala in 2013 for a period of two years. On the completion of the period, the state asked the court to extend the ban. The CBI investigation in the fake lotteries case has exposed the modus operandi of such companies, leading to hundreds of arrests and billions of cash unearthed.
Credibility questioned
Bhutan’s Finance minister Namgay Dorji responding to the magazine report has said that it will take up the issue with New Delhi. However, questions are being asked whether Bhutan was asleep all this while and has woken up suddenly. The expose also raises doubt on the credibility of the research that went into the forming of the SOE.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay had said thehis government was consulting international experts on lottery on the standards and procedures. The finance minister too has said that the support of World Lottery Association was being sought for expansion of business to other countries. Upon receiving the approval of the relevant governments, operational logistics would be finalised, and the required regulatory mechanisms would be put in place.
The tall claims by the Bhutan government to salvage its position and re-launch the lottery business alone are not enough to check against malpractices and to nip the problem in the bud. Joint efforts between India and Bhutan need to be made to curb the malaise.
(The writer is a Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata).
Country Reports
Afghanistan
New US commander
US President Barack Obama will choose Lt. Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr. to succeed Gen. John F. Campbell as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, possibly as soon as March 1. “For nearly 18 months Gel Campbell has given his all to the mission as our top commander in Afghanistan, and his personal sacrifices on behalf of his troops and the Afghan people will be remembered by us all,” US Defence Secretary Ash Carter was quoted as saying.
 For more information, see: “Seasoned veteran of Afghan war picked for top command”, Associated Press, 27 January 2016
Taliban cuts electricity
Taliban insurgents destroyed one electricity transmission tower in the northern province of Baghlan and damaged two others on January 26, cutting a supply of electricity from Uzbekistan to Kabul, according to WahidullahTawhidi, a spokesman for the national power company Da Afghanistan BreshnaSherkatTawhidi said utility workers could not begin repairs until Afghan security forces dismantle mines left by insurgents and secure the area.
For more information, see: “Taliban Cuts Off Uzbekistan’s Electricity to Kabul”, TOLO News, 26 January 2016
UN appeals for aid
Mark Bowden, the United Nation’s humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, launched an appeal on January 27 for $393 million in humanitarian aid to to the country, to help internally-displaced persons (IDPs), from war zones. He put the figure at 300,000 last year, or 160 percent increase over the year before, and half a million this year.
For more information, see: “UN Launches Appeal for $393M Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan”, The New York Times, 27 January 2016
Bangladesh 
Sedition case against Khaleda
In a major development the home ministry has given its approval to bring sedition charges against Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia for expressing doubts about the number of Liberation War martyrs. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia got involved into a controversy after she questioned on the number of Liberation War martyrs.
For more information see: “Approval to file sedition charges against Khaleda”, ProthomAlo, 24 January 2016
‘Future together’ with China
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam opined that his country and China have moral obligation to build a glorious future together. He further added that China’s development serves as inspiration for Bangladesh. The minister also said that Bangladesh would take China’s lessons to be a developed country by 2041.
For more information see: “Bangladesh, China morally bound to build a glorious future together: Dhaka tells Beijing”, bdnews24.com, 26 January 2016
Bhutan
 12.5 b from hydropower
The hydropower plants in the country earned around Nu 12.5 billion in 2015, excluding Nu 1.47 b that was endowed as the royalty energy to the government for the year. This was an increase of about Nu 1.5 n from 2014 but still inferior to 2013 earnings of Nu 13.05 b.Export also increased by 6.2 percent in 2015.
For more information see: “Hydropower sales earn Nu 12.5B last year”, Kuensel, 29 January 2016
Drop in crime rate
There was a drop of 13 percent crime rate in the country in 2015 as compared to 2014. From 2,367 cases in 2014 the number decreased to 2,055, last year. Police chief, KipchuNamgyel said the police alone would not have been able to reduce the crime rate without the support from the general public.
For more information see: “Crime rate comes down by 13 percent”, Bhutan Broadcasting Service, 28 January 2016; “Crime rate drops by 13 percent in 2016”, Kuensel, 29 January 2016
Friendship Mela with India
The weeklong sixth Indo-Bhutan Friendship Mela (fair) began on January 27 in Subankhata, Assam, India to celebrate the close bond that India and Bhutan have fostered over the years.
For more information see: “Indo-Bhutan friendship mela, more than a fair” Kuensel, 29 January 2016
India
 Rafale deal signed
As expected, India and France have signed a MoU towards an Inter-governmental agreement (IGA) to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation during the visit of French President Francois Hollande. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris in April last year, India announced a plan to buy 36 Rafale fighters in a government-to-government deal. A few days later, Parrikar announced that the old 126 fighter deal was dead and the 36 fighter deal will be a fresh acquisition.
For more information see: “Overcoming chequered history, India and France finally sign Rafale agreement”, The Indian Express, 25 January 2016
20 ‘Smart Cities’, first                      
A new chapter in India’s urban history has started with the Smart Cities Mission finally taking some material shape. Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu announced the list of 20 cities that have qualified to build smart infrastructure with Rs. 200 crore each from the Central government’s first phase of funding.
For more information see: “Centre hand-picks 20 smart cities for first phase of plan”The Hindu, 29 January 2016
 Probe against Army officers
Taking note of allegations of wrongdoing, the Ministry of Defence has ordered a CBI probe into disproportionate assets of two serving Major Generals of the Indian Army. The name of one of the officers had surfaced last September when it was alleged that bribes were being paid for promotions. Although the Army had then denied the allegations, sources said Defence Minister ManoharParrikar took personal interest in the matter and a civilian staffer of the Ministry was shunted out about two months ago, suggesting that a probe had been underway within the Ministry.
For more information see: “CBI probe ordered into allegations against two Major Generals”, The Indian Express, 29 January 2016
Oil infrastructure with Africa
India can partner with African nations to set up entire supply chain in the hydrocarbon sector beginning from exploration to strategic storage, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said. “India can partner in establishing the entire supply chain in the hydrocarbon sector beginning from exploration, production, refining, distribution, infrastructure and strategic storage,” Swaraj said while addressing the India-Africa Hydrocarbon Conference.
For more information see: “India-Africa can join hands to create oil infrastructure”, The Economic Times, 22 January 2015
TDS relief likely
The government is considering rationalising tax deducted at source, according to recommendations made by the R V Easwar Committee. Officials said the changes in tax-deducted at source (TDS) rates and thresholds would not have a significant revenue impact.
For more information see: “Budget may offer TDS relief to taxpayers” Business Standard, 29 January 2016
 Pranab’s memoirs
The second volume of President Pranab Mukherjee’s memoirs The Turbulent Years (1980-1996) was released on Thursday even as the author said that “some facts are to be buried with me” at the event at RashtrapatiBhavan.
For more information see: “Some facts are to be buried along with me, says Pranab”, The Hindu, 29 January, 2016
 Maldives
Nasheed meets Cameron
In London on ‘medical leave’, Maldives’ jailed ex-President, Mohammed Nasheed, met British Prime Minister, David Cameron, and later indicated that he would weigh possibilities before deciding to return home, and be able to contest the 2018 presidential polls. Cameron later said that his Government was considering selective sanctions on Maldivian individuals, and that Sri Lanka was keeping a watch on the Maldivian neighbour.
For more information, see: “Jailed Maldives ex-pres meets UK premier”, Haveeru Online, 24 January 2016; “UK says will put more pressure on Maldives for political reform”, Haveeru Online, 24 January 2016; “Nasheed would return with ‘cure’ for Maldives, says party”, Haveeru Online, 23 January 2016
Yameen awaiting ‘return’
President Abdulla Yameen has declared that he was awaiting the return of jailed former President Mohammed Nasheed, now on ‘medical leave’ in the UK, to return home, to initiate political reforms. At the same time, his government dubbed Nasheed’s overseas trip as ‘media leave’, and said he would still have to face his appeal in the Maldivian Supreme Court.
For more information, see: “Maldives downplays Commonwealth oversight body visit”, Haveeru Online, 24 January 2016
Myanmar
 Row over NLD nominations
The National League for Democracy (NLD) confirmed the nominations for Speaker and Deputy Speaker in houses of the parliament, U T Khun Myat has been named as the deputy speaker of the lower house. Myat’s nomination is being speculated as controversial owing to his alleged involvement in a drug -related issue.
Thein Sein to lead USDP
Outgoing President TheinSein will lead the Union Solidarity Development Party (USDP) once his term comes to an end in March. U Thein Sein, the nominal USDP chair, was barred by the constitution from party activities during his term as president.
For more information see: “President bids farewell, will lead USDP again”, Myanmar Times, 29 January 2016
Military expansion nixed
The outgoing parliament in the last major decision rejected President Thein Sein’s proposal to bring immigration under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The President had written to house speaker Thura U Shwe Mann, proposing that the Ministry of Home Affairs, one of the three ministries for which the military is responsible under the constitution, assume control of the immigration department.
For more information see: “Parliament rejects military expansion”, Myanmar Times, 29 January 2016
Nepal
Oli to visit India
The government of India has said that it is working out the date for Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India through diplomatic channels. Asked for a response about Prime Minister Oli’s remarks that he wouldn’t visit India till the ongoing unofficial blockade is in place, spokesman of India’s Ministry of External Affairs VikasSwarup said no such views from Nepal’s prime minister have been communicated through a formal channel.
For more information, see: “India finalizing date for Oli’s visit”, Republica, 29 January 2016;
Maoists’ unhappy
 With serious complaints against the prime minister’s working style and the performance of the government, major ruling coalition partner UCPN (Maoist) has decided to talk to Prime Minister K P Oli Sharma about this. Following a review of the honeymoon period of the government, a joint meeting of the UCPN (Maoist) standing committee members and ministers from the party also instructed the ministers to improve their work performance at the earliest.
For more information, see: “UCPN (Maoist) brass accuse PM, ministers of poor performance”, Republica, 29 January 2016; “Ruling UCPN (M) dissatisfied with government’s performance” The Kathmandu Post, 28 January 2016
Trucks enter Nepal
Five cargo trucks entered Nepal through the Birgunj customs on January 29 since the agitating SamyuktaLoktantrikMadhesiMorcha supporters began their sit-in protest at the border entry point on September 24, 2015.The Indian side sent the freight carriers early morning at 6 am when the border point was less active. Likewise, five empty cargo trucks along with two jeeps that were stranded in the Nepali side have also crossed over to the Indian side.
For more information, see: “5 cargo trucks enter Nepal via Birgunj after 4 months of obstruction” The Kathmandu Post, 29 January 2016; “Tents pitched by protesters at border removed”, Republica, 29 January 2016; “Five cargo trucks enter Nepal via Birgunj-Raxaul border point”Republica, 29 January 2016
Pakistan
Re-look at blasphemy law
On January 28, Muhammad Khan Sherrani, the head of the Council on Islamic Ideology (CII) – an advisory body that gives advice to the government on whether the laws confine to Islam – said that he is willing to review whether Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are in accordance with Islam.”The government of Pakistan should officially, at the government level, refer the law on committing blasphemy to the Council of Islamic Ideology. There is a lot of difference of opinion among the clergy on this issue,” Sherani said.
 For more information, see: “Willing to review blasphemy laws, says CII chief”, Dawn, 28 January 2016
Varsity closed still
Bacha Khan University, the site of the January 20 terror-attack carried out by four members of the Pakistani Taliban, will remain closed after briefly reopening on January 25. “We decided to keep the university closed for some time so we can repair the damaged building and further improve the security situation,” Fazal Rahim Marwat, a professor at the university, told Reuters. He also expressed the desire of other professors to have weapons for self-defense, a highly contested issue among the faculty.
For more information, see: “Pakistan campus to stay shut as teachers demand security after attack”, Reuters, 26 January 2016
Held for backing India
Umar Draz, a 21-year-old Pakistani, faces up to 10 years in prison for flying an Indian flag on top of his home in the city of Okara, 200 miles south of Islamabad, after an India-Australia cricket match on January 26. According to Pakistani Penal Code, the act represents a crime against Pakistan’s sovereignty. “It’s illegal to hoist the flag of another country,” police officer Ismail Khan said. “Yesterday he was presented before a local court and sent to jail” before his trial occurs. The man appears to be a genuine fan of India’s cricket team, as his home was decorated with photos of Indian cricketer Viral Kohli.
For more information, see: “Simply not cricket: Pakistan man faces jail for flying India flag”, Reuters, 27 January 2016
Sri Lanka
Prez, PM differ
On a crucial issue like international participation in war-time accountability commitments, based on Sri Lanka’s co-sponsoring of UNHRC resolution last year, President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, continued to air differing views – this time, with the latter denying he has mentioned anything favourable in a media interview.
For more information, see: “PM denies saying ‘Int’l involvement not ruled out’”, Daily Mirror Online, 28 January 2016; “Int’l involvement not ruled out: PM”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 January 2016; “Govt: Foreign judges won’t be used in War Crimes investigation”,  The Island, 28 January 2016; “Credibility of accountability mechnism depends on foreign` judges – US”, The Island, 27 January 2016; “UN urged to ensure foreign judges’ participation in war crimes investigation: President’s position on UNHRC resolution”, The Island, 27 January 2016; “Geneva Resolution: Prez not properly briefed, alleges GL”, The Island, 28 January 2016; “Ranil tears into media: “Journalists’ hands aren’t clean””, The Island, 28 January 2016; “Joint Opposition criticizes PM’s statement”,  Daily Mirror Online, 29 January 2016
 Primary Documentation
Bhutan
Press Releases
Lyonchhen visits WandueDzong Re-construction site, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 January 2016
Myanmar
Press Releases
Nepal
Press Releases
“Press Release issued by Embassy of Nepal, Doha (26 Jan 2016)”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 26 January 2016
Bibliography
Afghanistan
Opinion pieces
Happymon Jacob, “Negotiating with the Taliban”, The Hindu, 29 January 2016
David Jolly and JawadSukhanyar, “Afghan Official, Voicing Security Fears on Facebook, Are Fired for Their Trouble”,The New York Times, 23 January 2016
Greg Jaffe and Missy Ryan, “The US was supposed to leave Afghanistan by 2017. Now it might take decades”, The Washington Post, 26 January 2016
Bangladesh
Opinion Pieces
Bhutan
Opinion PiecesKuensel, “Saving the government coffer”, Kuensel, 29 January 2016
Kuensel, “Learning from Thoromde elections” Kuensel, 26 January 2016
India
Opinion Pieces
C. Raja Mohan, “Raja-Mandala: A most exceptional friendship”, The Indian Express, 26 January 2016
Nitin Desai, “Budget  choices”, Business Standard, 29 January 2016
Bhupesh Bhandari, “Reining in celebs”, Business Standard, 29 January 2016
A V Rajwade, “China’s impact on global markets”, Business Standard, 29 January 2016
Feroze Varun Gandhi, “The age of big government”, Indian Express, 29 January 2016
Maldives
Opinion Pieces
 N Sathiya Moorthy, “Maldives and India in 2015: Spoilt and restored”, South Asia Monitor, 29 January 2016
Dr Abdulla Khaleel, “A trial by media: misinterpretations, contradictions and half-truths in the case of Mohamed Nasheed”, Maldives Independent, 26 January 2016
Myanmar
Opinion Pieces
Khu Oo Reh, “Maintaining Arms Embargo is Crucial to Peace Process”, The Irrawaddy, 26 January 2016
Nicholas Farrelly, “Misjudging the ethnic vote”, Myanmar Times, 25 January 2016
Nepal
Editorial
“Corrupt to the core”, The Kathmandu Post, 29 January 2016
“Still waiting” Republica, 27 January 2016
Opinion Pieces
Swagat Raj Pandey, “Illusion of change”, Republica, 26 January 2016
Prakash Chandra Lohani, “Flawed agency relationship”,The Kathmandu Post, 29 January 2016
Pakistan
Opinion Pieces
Mahir Ali, “More pain, no gain”, Dawn, 27 January 2016
Imtiaz Gul, “Pakistan taking off?”, The Express Tribune, 28 January 2016
Asha’ar Rehman, “Suspicion is in the air”, Dawn, 29 January 2016
Sri Lanka
Opinion Pieces
Kelum Bandara, “Bickering over SLFP split keeps everybody on their toes”, Daily Mirror Online, 28 January 2016
Somapala Gunadeera, “The constitutional imbroglio”, Daily Mirror Online, 27 January 2016
Jehan Perera, “Transitional justice needs to become more inclusive”, The Island, 26 January 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Ethnicities should talk to themselves first”, The Sunday Leader, 24 January 2016
 Contributors: 
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Shubh Soni & Pushan Das
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury & Sreeparna Banerjee
Coordinator : Praratnashree Basu
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