Asia

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser meets election observation delegations

Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, met with multiple election observation delegations as the country heads into the 13th national elections, scheduled for tomorrow, February 12, nearly two years after the 2024 July Uprising.

2026-02-11T12:47:42.674440+00:00 IST

UN calls for safe participation of women in Bangladesh elections

Ahead of the election, the United Nations notes concerns raised by women's groups and civil society organisations on violence and harassment of women candidates and voters, including digital violence.

2026-02-11T11:55:56.542991+00:00 IST

PM Modi expresses condoles on shooting incident in canada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his heartfelt condolences to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney following the mass shooting incident in the north american coinrty's Tumbler Ridge area in British Columbia that left 10 dead, including the suspect.

2026-02-11T10:54:46.048042+00:00 IST

US lawmakers warn China of steep costs over Taiwan

He likened the approach to punitive measures adopted after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, arguing that the global community must respond decisively when established norms are violated.

2026-02-11T10:11:57.279628+00:00 IST

Bangladesh gears up for election under heavy scrutiny

Officials said ballot papers, ballot boxes, seals, indelible ink, forms, and other essential election materials have been prepared and distributed in accordance with the Election Commission's guidelines. The distribution process was carried out in an organized and systematic manner from designated distribution centers.

2026-02-11T09:31:33.283650+00:00 IST

Security turmoil threatens foreign mining ambitions in Balochista

According to The Balochistan Post, interest from Washington in the province's vast underground wealth is part of a broader international push to widen supply chains for strategic minerals and reduce dependence on Beijing. Mega ventures such as Reko Diq and Saindak are frequently highlighted as cornerstones of that ambition. However, the prevailing insecurity threatens timelines, insurance costs and investor confidence.

2026-02-11T09:11:52.372304+00:00 IST

UN report highlights nutritional gaps in Pakistan’s food system

A UN assessment warns that although Pakistan has adequate calorie availability, diets remain unbalanced. Shortages of fruits, vegetables, pulses, and legumes contrast with excess cereals, sugars, and oils. Experts link this imbalance to rising chronic diseases and urge policy shifts to make nutritious foods more accessible, Dawn reported.

2026-02-11T09:07:57.829223+00:00 IST

First BRICS Sherpas’ Meeting Held During India’s Chairship

BRICS Sherpas and senior officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE participated in the meeting. The BRICS Sherpas and Country Representatives jointly called on the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on 10 February 2026.

2026-02-11T09:03:21.080495+00:00 IST

BGB Director General visits election base camp in Dhaka

Director General of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, reviewed election security in Dhaka ahead of the February 12 parliamentary polls. Authorities reported completed preparations, extensive security deployment, and a positive environment, though concerns remain in some areas. Results are expected on February 13.

2026-02-11T08:52:49.020424+00:00 IST

Oman positions itself as a gateway for India: Counsellor Yahya

The Sultanate of Oman continues to consolidate its position as one of India's closest partners in West Asia, with expanding political engagement and growing economic collaboration underscoring the strength of bilateral ties. Rooted in geography, history and centuries-old cultural exchanges, India-Oman relations have evolved into a robust strategic partnership since their formal upgrade in 2008.

2026-02-11T08:43:05.002080+00:00 IST

"Historic and important elections for Bangladesh": EU Observer Chief Ivars Ijabs

Bangladesh votes on February 12 amid tight security and finalised logistics. EU Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs called the elections historic, stressing a neutral, fact-based assessment. Over 12.77 crore voters will elect representatives, alongside a constitutional referendum, with authorities expressing confidence in law and order. Results are expected on February 13.

2026-02-11T08:16:45.773054+00:00 IST

Bangladesh prepares for 13th national election

Speaking about the upcoming polls, Tawohidul Haque, Associate Professor and Criminologist, University of Dhaka noted, "And in a new context, the 13 national elections is going to be held." According to him, the evolving political landscape has opened space for new thinking and engagement. "The participatory aspects from the political parties where the voters have made new arena were the new thinking aspects," he said.

2026-02-11T08:00:10.648830+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Pressure mounts for economic reset

According to The Express Tribune, participants in these discussions say the fundamental environment for doing business remains uncertain. They cite complicated procedures, frequent policy reversals and a chronically narrow tax base as enduring barriers that continue to sap confidence. While such constraints have existed for years, many believe their accumulated impact is now far more damaging.

2026-02-11T07:41:14.032907+00:00 IST

Lahore conference hears calls for action on Balochistan

Speakers at a rights gathering in Lahore raised allegations of repression in Balochistan, highlighting disappearances and shrinking civic space. Baloch leaders called for dialogue over coercion. The event ended in uproar over remarks linked to enforced disappearances, with activists walking out and protesters demanding Mahrang Baloch's release.

2026-02-11T07:09:29.602930+00:00 IST

394 observers, 197 journalists to monitor Bangladesh polls

Bangladesh will hold its 13th general election and a referendum on the July National Charter on February 12. A total of 394 international observers and 197 foreign journalists have arrived to monitor the polls. Authorities say preparations are complete, with over 2,000 candidates contesting.

2026-02-11T06:55:42.900959+00:00 IST

Dhaka streets turn black-and-white ahead of Feb 12 polls

Bangladesh will hold its 13th parliamentary elections and a national referendum on February 12. Schools and public buildings are serving as polling stations. Authorities say preparations and security arrangements are complete. Over 12.77 crore voters will cast ballots amid optimism from observers and concerns in some minority communities.

2026-02-11T06:33:21.103192+00:00 IST

World Bank helps reduce Dhaka’s water pollution

The Metro Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Program will strengthen local and national institutions' capacity to reduce water pollution in the greater Dhaka area, which generates about half of the country's formal employment and one-third of its GDP. The program introduces a results-based system to help city corporations and Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) deliver measurable improvements on the ground. It will provide safely managed sanitation services to 550,000 people and improved solid waste management services to 500,000 people, prioritizing communities most affected by pollution and service gaps.

2026-02-11T06:15:40.989123+00:00 IST

Pakistan: PTI lawyer meets Imran in Adiala after SC amicus role

PTI lawyer Salman Safdar met Imran Khan in Adiala jail after being appointed amicus curiae by the Supreme Court to review his living conditions. Safdar will submit a report to the court. The hearing was adjourned till February 12.

2026-02-11T05:04:16.719493+00:00 IST

Bangladesh braces for historic Feb 12 polls amid minority fears

Bangladesh holds crucial parliamentary polls and a referendum tomorrow after Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Over 12.77 crore voters will decide 299 seats amid high security and hopes for democratic reform. Minorities fear post-poll violence in some areas.

2026-02-11T04:40:44.577134+00:00 IST