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Bangladesh Elections: A Surge of Violence, Religious Cards and Waves of Promises

After more than a decade, the electoral landscape in Bangladesh has become vibrant as the nation prepares for a highly competitive election. Against the backdrop of a transformed political reality following the 2024 mass uprising, the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary…

Bangladesh Scribes Attacked by Extortionists, PEC Demands Probe

Geneva (Switzerland): At least 12 Bangladeshi journalists were injured in an attack by extortionists and terrorists in the Narsingdi locality of the South Asian nation on 26 January 2026, as the media professionals were returning to Dhaka by bus after…

FDA-Flagged Cosmetics with Mercury Content Purchased in Naga City Despite the Ban

(Poseur-buyer offered to serve as reseller) 27 January 2026, Quezon City.  Imported skin-lightening products flagged by the national government for being sold without market authorization or for containing mercury are being sold in Naga City in blatant violation of the…

Bangladesh Opposition Leaders Stake Reputations on High-profile Dhaka Battles

by Asif Showkat Kallol  In the bustling constituencies of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, a new political drama is unfolding as top opposition figures break with tradition to contest seats in the urban heartland for the 13th national parliamentary elections. Amid festive…

Journalists’ Safety and Security Stressed Ahead of the Election  

By Maynul Hasan Sohel (Dhaka Bureau) Journalists and other stakeholders have stressed the need to ensure journalists’ safety and security, as well as responsible journalism, ahead of the upcoming election. They said that while field-level risks increase for journalists during…

Election Bells Ringing in Nepal: Can Ousted Premier Oli Return to Power?

Nepal prepares for the national election, which was necessitated following the collapse of KP Sharma Oli’s government in the height of Gen-Z rebellion (youth uprising) in September 2025, which is scheduled for 5 March. The Himalayan nation conducted the last…

Asia Pacific Experts Urge Caution on Bioplastics at Regional Panel Discussion

Environmental leaders, community advocates, and policy experts from across the Asia Pacific convened on January 22 for Fire or Ice: Growth of Bioplastics in the Asia Pacific, an online discussion examining the regulatory, policy, and investment trends driving the expansion…

Green Groups Rebut Manila’s Defense of Garbage Fee Hike, Cite Process and Legal Flaws

The Manila Anti-Incinerator Alliance (MAIA) said Manila City’s latest attempt to justify Ordinance No. 9151 fails to address its fundamental legal and policy defects. In responding to public criticism, the city framed the ordinance as cost-based and lawful. However, environmental…

NCCA Highlights the Filipino Identity of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through the 7 Arts

As February approaches, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) once again leads National Arts Month (NAM) 2026, rallying Filipinos under the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting.”* This year’s theme underscores the power of the arts…

Disheartening news came from Singapore: Will justice for Zubeen Garg prevail?

For millions of fans and followers of Zubeen Garg, who faced an unexplained death in Singapore on 19 September last year, unpleasant news broke out from the island nation, as its police department made it clear that the iconic Assamese…

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