Bangladesh votes amid BNP lead, Islamist youth surge
Bangladesh heads to the polls on Wednesday in its most consequential election in decades, with voters choosing a new government in the first nationwide ballot since mass protests forced longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power in August 2024.
Around...
Asia faces high stakes in key 2026 elections
By Mizanur Rahman
DHAKA, Feb 03,2026 -Asia is heading into a watershed electoral year in 2026, with pivotal polls in Thailand, Japan and Bangladesh that could reshape political landscapes and challenge long‑standing power structures.
In Thailand, a general election on Feb. 8...
Pakistan‑India women’s T20 set as men’s boycott standoff looms
BANGKOK, Thailand, Feb. 3, 2026 (Agencies) — Pakistan’s Women’s A cricket team is set to face India Women’s A in the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Bangkok on Feb. 15 despite escalating tensions between the two countries and a...
Bangladesh vote showdown after Hasina’s party excluded
DHAKA/NEW DELHI, Jan 29 (GDM) — Exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has denounced Bangladesh’s Feb. 12 general election and the interim government’s decision to bar her Awami League from participating, a move that critics say could deepen political divisions...
Survey urges ban on ultra‑processed food ads 6am–11pm
NEW DELHI, Jan 29 (GDM) — India’s Economic Survey has recommended exploring a ban on advertising ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. to counter rising consumption of products high in fat, sugar and salt that contribute to non‑communicable...
Ayush Ministry, Zepto ink digital access pact
NEW DELHI, Jan 28 (GDM) — India’s Ministry of Ayush signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with quick‑commerce platform Zepto Limited on Wednesday to boost online access to Ayush medicines and wellness products nationwide.
The agreement, executed by the Ayush...
India’s economy seen growing 6.8–7.2% in FY27: Survey
NEW DELHI, Jan 29 (GDM) — India’s economy is projected to grow between 6.8 and 7.2 percent in the 2026–27 financial year, slightly slower than the 7.4 percent estimated for the current fiscal, according to the government’s Economic Survey...