Asia

Can Tarique Rahman Deliver Change After Bangladesh Election Victory?

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Following a decisive election victory, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman now faces a crucial question — can he deliver meaningful change? The BNP’s return to power marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, ending over 15 years of dominance by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. 🔄 Power shift or real change?...

‘Star of Pure Land’ enters global record as world’s largest purple star sapphire

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, January 18, 2026 – A rare and enormous natural purple star sapphire called the “Star of Pure Land” has been formally entered into the global record books as the largest documented gemstone of its kind in the world. The gemstone weighs a remarkable 3,563 carats and displays a striking six-ray star pattern (asterism) —...

Agreement on Sinopec Hambantota oil refinery to be finalised in early 2026, says Foreign Minister

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, January 13, 2026 – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has announced that the long-delayed agreement with China’s state-owned energy company Sinopec for the proposed oil refinery project in Hambantota is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2026. The statement was issued by the Ministry...

South Asia Seeks Greater Regional Economic Integration

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

South Asian nations are exploring renewed economic cooperation to boost trade and growth.Featured Image Prompt: South Asia regional meeting Efforts to strengthen regional economic integration have gained renewed attention in South Asia. Policymakers argue that closer cooperation could enhance trade flows, reduce costs, and improve resilience against external shocks. Despite shared interests, progress has historically...

Southeast Asia Balances Growth and Environmental Concerns

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

Rapid development in Southeast Asia has intensified debates over sustainability.Featured Image Prompt: Southeast Asia city and forest contrast Southeast Asian economies continue to experience strong growth, but environmental concerns are increasingly shaping policy discussions. Governments face pressure to balance industrial expansion with conservation efforts. Infrastructure projects and urbanisation have raised concerns about deforestation and resource...

Asia’s Political Landscape Reflects Shifting Alliances

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

Political realignments across Asia are influencing regional diplomacy.Featured Image Prompt: Asian leaders summit Asia’s political landscape is undergoing subtle shifts, with evolving alliances and strategic partnerships shaping regional diplomacy. Observers note increased engagement among middle powers seeking greater autonomy in foreign policy. Economic cooperation, security dialogues, and multilateral engagement have all played roles in redefining...

Ferry Sinks off Basilan in Southern Philippines; Dozens Dead and Hundreds Rescued

Asian TribuneJanuary 26, 2026

A passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people sank early Monday morning off the coast of Basilan province in the southern Philippines, leaving at least 15 people dead, dozens missing, and hundreds rescued as authorities continue search and rescue operations. (CNA) The vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was en route from the port city of...

India Proposes Linking BRICS Digital Currencies to Ease Cross-Border Trade

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 21, 2026

NEW DELHI — India’s central bank has proposed that BRICS countries link their official digital currencies to simplify cross-border trade and tourism payments, Reuters reported, a move that could reduce reliance on the US dollar amid rising geopolitical tensions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recommended to the government that a proposal connecting the...

Sri Lanka Navy Arrests Indian Fishermen for Violating Maritime Boundary Near Delft Island

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested a group of Indian fishermen for illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in unauthorised fishing activities, naval sources said. The fishermen were apprehended in the early hours of Monday near the coastal waters off Delft Island during a routine naval patrol. According to officials, the group had...

Iran Ready for War if Provoked by US, Warns Foreign Minister Araghchi

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared for war if the United States chooses to “test” Iran, escalating rhetoric amid rising regional and global tensions. Speaking amid growing uncertainty over US-Iran relations, Araghchi said Iran does not seek conflict but will respond decisively to any military provocation or aggressive action....