Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Calling South Asia “vitally important,” US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia S. Paul Kapur told lawmakers that India’s size and location make it the region’s anchor, arguing that a strong, independent New Delhi helps prevent any “single hegemon” from imposing “coercive leverage” over the Indo-Pacific.
United Nations, Feb 12 (IANS) As Bangladesh goes to the polls, the world organisation has expressed concern over the reports of violence against and harassment of women candidates and voters, especially those emanating digitally, and called for a "zero-tolerance approach".
Dhaka, Feb 12 (IANS) Bangladesh is set to hold its crucial parliamentary elections on Thursday, nearly 18 months after the collapse of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule following massive nationwide protests.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Nineteen Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace to Washington, drawing lawmakers, faith leaders, and thousands of supporters as they delivered a message of compassion in the heart of the American Capital.
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said he had a “very good meeting” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, as both leaders focused on negotiations with Iran and the situation in Gaza.
London, Feb 11 (IANS) Bangladesh’s national election on Thursday is unlikely to bring any significant change, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) possibly assuming power, the Jamaat-e-Islami gaining ground, and a few students entering parliament.
Washington, Feb 11 (IANS) The National Security Strategy (NSS) of US President Donald Trump's administration serves as a wake-up call for Southeast Asia, signalling that the US may no longer act as a counterbalance to China’s assertiveness in the region. The era of US security guarantees for parts in the region may also end sooner than anticipated, a report said on Wednesday.
Male, Feb 11 (IANS) Bangladesh’s radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statements and manifesto expose a striking contradiction, projecting an image of inclusivity and protection for women, while its longstanding regressive attitudes towards them remain unchanged. The promises of representation and safety by Jamaat are weakened by the exclusion of women from leadership roles, the absence of female candidates, and the continued rhetoric that confines women to the domestic sphere, a report said on Wednesday.
Wellington, Feb 11 (IANS) The recent appointment of New Zealand’s First Resident Defence Advisor to India underscores the growing bilateral partnership between the two nations.
Dhaka, Feb 11 (IANS) With Bangladesh heading for polls on Thursday, election rules strictly prohibit exploiting religious sentiments for gaining electoral advantage, yet the parties and candidates from across the political spectrum ran paid ads and unpaid social media content portraying the rival camps as “bad Muslims,” local media reported on Wednesday.
