Formally approached embassy for rail, road links between Bangladesh-China via Myanmar: Shahriar Alam

Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said that he looks forward to establishing direct road and rail links with China via Myanmar.
31 October 2020

Pompeo says China ‘gravest threat’ to religious freedom

China is the “gravest threat” to the future of religious freedom, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said yesterday, in his latest verbal assault on Beijing during a whirlwind Asian tour.
29 October 2020

Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by Covid-19 curbs

Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast her ballot today in advance voting for general elections that are taking place during a surge of coronavirus illnesses.
29 October 2020

Millions queue to vote in Bihar under Covid gloom

Millions of Indians turned out to cast ballots in a state election in the world’s biggest vote since the coronavirus emerged, with booths packed out and many ignoring government advice on wearing masks and social distancing.
28 October 2020

US Under Secretary of State asks Myanmar to ensure safe return of Rohingyas

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale has pressed Myanmar to end conflicts and secure return of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh.
28 October 2020

Suicide bombing at Kabul education centre kills 24, students among the victims

A suicide bombing at an education centre in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul killed 24 people including teenage students and wounded dozens more on Saturday, officials said.
25 October 2020

Myanmar vote ban extinguishes hope for ethnic minorities

For many marginalised ethnic minority groups in conflict-plagued regions of Myanmar, next month's national elections had at least offered a glimmer of hope for empowerment.
24 October 2020

Asia becomes second region to exceed 10 million coronavirus cases

Asia surpassed 10 million infections of the new coronavirus on Saturday, the second-heaviest regional toll in the world, according to a Reuters tally, as cases continue to mount in India despite a slowdown and sharp declines elsewhere.
24 October 2020

US State Department approves $1.8 bln in potential arms sales to Taiwan: Pentagon

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of three weapons systems to Taiwan, including sensors, missiles and artillery that could have a total value of $1.8 billion, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.
22 October 2020

Thailand lifts emergency measures aimed at stopping protests

Thailand’s government on Thursday ordered the removal of emergency measures imposed a week earlier to try to end months of protests against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and the monarchy, a statement said.
22 October 2020

Indo-Pacific Business Forum on October 28-29

The Indo-Pacific Business Forum will be held on October 28-29 featuring leaders who will determine the strategic direction of the Indo-Pacific through a robust agenda.
22 October 2020

Thai PM says preparing to lift emergency amid protests

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Wednesday he was preparing to lift emergency measures imposed last week to stop protests in Bangkok and that disputes should be settled in parliament.
21 October 2020

93 dead, 30 missing in Vietnam floods, landslides

Vietnamese soldiers with heavy machinery and rescue dogs continue search for bodies buried under a mudslide, after the deadly landslides and floods caused by unrelenting rains left at least 93 dead and 30 missing.
19 October 2020

Thousands gather in Karachi, call for Imran Khan to quit

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters have rallied in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi as part of a campaign to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan, who they accuse of being installed by the military in a rigged election two years ago.
19 October 2020

Kyrgyzstan acting president seeks constitution change to run for full term

Kyrgyzstan’s new acting president Sadyr Japarov, who came to power in a popular uprising, has said he plans to run for a full term if the country amends its constitution to allow it.
19 October 2020

Israel sends treaty delegation to Bahrain with Trump aides

An Israeli delegation accompanied by the US treasury secretary has arrived in Bahrain to formalise nascent relations and broaden Gulf cooperation that Washington has promoted as an anti-Iran bulwark and potential economic bonanza.
18 October 2020

Major parties in J&K unite

Kashmir’s main political parties announced a grand alliance on Thursday to seek a peaceful restoration of its autonomy after India’s release of the last major Kashmiri political leader from lengthy detention.
16 October 2020

Pakistan opposition starts countrywide protests to oust government

Supporters of Pakistan opposition parties have converged on a stadium in the city of Gujwanwala to begin a countrywide protest campaign to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan, who they accuse of being installed by the military in a rigged 2018 election.
16 October 2020

US moves on Tibet, Taiwan anger China

China yesterday accused the United States of seeking to destabilise Tibet, after the Trump administration appointed a senior human rights official as special coordinator for Tibetan issues.
15 October 2020

Hyderabad flood toll hits 30

At least 30 people have been killed because of sudden torrential rains and flooding in southern India, officials said yesterday. In Hyderabad city, home to top IT companies, nine people were killed when a wall collapsed on them and 10 others died from electrocution and drowning, a local official told AFP.
15 October 2020