Thu Sep 12 00:00:47 UTC 2024: ## Rohingya Crisis, Sri Lankan Election, and Pakistan Tensions Dominate South Asia

**By Michael Kugelman**

This week’s South Asia Brief focuses on the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka’s upcoming presidential election, and escalating political tensions in Pakistan.

**Rohingya Crisis: Yunus Calls for Resettlement**

Bangladesh, currently home to nearly a million Rohingya refugees, is facing a growing crisis as conflict in Myanmar pushes thousands more across the border. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has called for the expedited resettlement of Rohingya refugees to third countries. Yunus, known for his international connections, plans to leverage his influence at the upcoming UN General Assembly to garner support for increased humanitarian aid and resettlement efforts.

**Sri Lanka Gears Up for Presidential Election**

Sri Lanka is set to hold a presidential election on September 21st, with three main contenders: current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former ally Sajith Premadasa, and Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The election will be a referendum on Wickremesinghe’s handling of the economy, which has rebounded from a 2022 debt default but remains fragile. Many voters are also seeking a departure from the Rajapaksa family dynasty that previously dominated Sri Lankan politics.

**Political Tensions Rise in Pakistan**

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in political tensions as supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan continue to demand his release. Large protests have been met with arrests of opposition leaders and a crackdown on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers. The ongoing confrontation between PTI and the government threatens to further destabilize the country.

**Manipur Violence Continues**

Violence in the Indian state of Manipur, ongoing for over a year, has escalated again. Clashes between Meitei and Kuki ethnic groups have prompted curfews and internet shutdowns. The violence poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

**India-Pakistan Relations Remain Strained**

Despite Pakistan’s invitation to Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in October, India’s recent pronouncements suggest a lack of willingness to engage with Pakistan, even on a multilateral level. However, India’s trade minister is expected to attend a Pakistan-hosted SCO meeting virtually, suggesting some potential for future dialogue.

**South Asia Brief Offers Insights on Regional Dynamics**

This week’s South Asia Brief provides a comprehensive overview of the key developments in the region, offering analysis and context on critical issues facing Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India. Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, continues to provide expert commentary on these crucial events.

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