The article discusses the political climate in Bangladesh ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for January 7. It highlights concerns from opposition parties, rights activists, and analysts about the lack of conditions for a free and fair election due to the government's crackdown on opposition members. Human Rights Watch has documented serious human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has faced mass arrests of its leaders and activists, with many being sentenced by courts. The U.S. has imposed visa restrictions on individuals undermining the democratic process in Bangladesh. Critics argue that the judiciary and law enforcement are being used to facilitate a 'sham' election, and the unilateral announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission is seen as biased. The article suggests that the upcoming election could be one-sided and not 'genuine,' potentially leading Bangladesh towards a de facto one-party state.

Kota, a city in Rajasthan, India, has become the epicenter for students preparing for competitive exams in medicine and engineering, with a rigorous schedule that often leads to high stress levels. The city's coaching industry is booming, with institutes like the Allen Career Institute offering intensive courses. However, the pressure to succeed has a dark side, with a record number of student suicides reported this year. The Rajasthan state government has introduced guidelines to address this issue, including removing ceiling fans from rooms. The pressure from families desiring a doctor or engineer in the family is immense, and students often link their self-worth to academic success. The article also touches on the sacrifices families from various economic backgrounds make to send their children to Kota for coaching, highlighting the societal value placed on educational achievement in India.

In Bangladesh, human rights activists Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan of the organization Odhikar were sentenced to two years in prison for a report on extrajudicial killings by government forces. Their trial has been criticized as politically motivated by international rights groups, including Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and Amnesty International. The Odhikar report contradicted the government's death toll in a 2013 protest, leading to criminal charges against Khan and Elan. Despite the prosecution's failure to prove charges, according to the defense, the activists were convicted and plan to appeal. The verdict comes amid a crackdown on opposition and political tensions ahead of the general election. Global rights organizations have condemned the ruling and called for the activists' release, highlighting the case as part of a broader pattern of repression in Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are resisting repatriation to Myanmar, citing unmet demands for citizenship rights and safety concerns. Myanmar's government plans to repatriate 7,000 Rohingya and build 20 villages for resettlement, but past efforts have failed due to the Rohingya's refusal to return without citizenship rights, which were revoked in 1982. The latest repatriation initiative is backed by China, but Rohingya community leaders and Human Rights Watch argue that without full rights and assurances, refugees will not agree to return. The Myanmar authorities have been slow in verifying refugees for repatriation and have been inconsistent in their stance on allowing the Rohingya to return to their original homes. Bangladesh asserts it is doing its best for a successful repatriation, but the Rohingya remain firm on their demands.

In India, only 40% of the population has access to modern medicine, largely due to affordability issues. One individual, referred to as 'Medicine Baba', is on a mission to deliver affordable medical care to the country's most impoverished citizens by distributing surplus medications.

A suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives during Friday prayers at an Ahmadiyya mosque in Bagmara, Bangladesh, killing himself and injuring about a dozen people. No group claimed responsibility, but the incident adds to concerns about rising Islamist violence against non-Sunni sects and non-Muslims in Bangladesh. Recent attacks have been claimed by the Islamic State and the local militant group Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh, despite government denials of IS presence. Security forces have arrested several JMB militants and recovered a suicide vest and grenades from a JMB hideout. Security has been increased for religious minority groups, and Ahmadiyya leaders plan to extend security to all their mosques in response to the violence.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Shi'ite mosque in Bangladesh's Bogra district, resulting in one death and three injuries. Gunmen opened fire during prayers, and the muezzin, Moazzem Hossain, was among the victims. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina condemned the attack, stating it does not align with Islamic values. The incident raises concerns about rising militancy in Bangladesh, where secular bloggers and foreigners have also been targeted. Authorities attribute the violence to local Islamist groups, including Ansarullah Bangla Team and Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh, rather than the Islamic State. The attacks have sparked fears of sectarian division in the region.

Bangladesh's home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, stated there was no evidence linking Islamic State (IS) to the assassination of Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella in Dhaka. Tavella, a project manager for Innovative Change Collaborative, was shot by unidentified gunmen. The SITE Intelligence Group reported an IS claim of responsibility, which Bangladesh officials are investigating. The attack did not appear to be a robbery, and concerns over security in Bangladesh have been rising, with recent warnings from Western nations and the postponement of Australia's cricket team's trip to Bangladesh.

Secular bloggers in Bangladesh are expressing fear of persecution from the state following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's warning against hurting religious sentiments. Bloggers, facing death threats from Islamists and now potential targeting by the government, are considering leaving the country. The use of Section 57 of the ICT Act to detain bloggers for up to 14 years is a particular concern, with activists fearing its misuse. International criticism has emerged, with Human Rights Watch and the Center for Inquiry calling for the protection of bloggers' rights to freedom of expression, criticizing the government's failure to safeguard human rights and secular values.

In Bangladesh, secular blogger Niloy Chakrabarti was murdered at his home by a group of men with machetes, marking the fourth such killing this year. Chakrabarti, known for his atheist views, had previously expressed fear for his life. The attack was claimed by a group purporting to be al-Qaida's Bangladesh wing. The government's failure to investigate previous blogger murders has been criticized by activists and organizations, with the Center for Inquiry condemning the government's inaction in protecting its citizens.

Indian special forces commandos attacked two insurgent camps along the India-Myanmar border, inflicting significant casualties. This action was in response to an ambush in Manipur by rebels that killed 18 soldiers. The operation was publicly detailed by Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, which some experts criticized. Myanmar officials and the NSCN-K rebel group denied that the operation occurred on Myanmar soil or that any rebels were killed.

In Bangladesh, the police are facing criticism for their slow progress in investigating the murders of three bloggers, Ananta Bijoy Das, Washiqur Rahman, and Avijit Roy, who were outspoken against religious fundamentalism. Human rights groups and activists express concern that the government's inaction may lead to further attacks. Despite arrests in some cases, the masterminds behind the killings remain at large, and there is skepticism about the police's willingness to act. The government's muted response to these targeted killings contrasts with its actions against opposition workers and leaders, raising questions about its commitment to protecting free speech.

The murder of atheist Bangladeshi blogger Washiqur Rahman Babu in Dhaka, following the killing of Bangladeshi-American author Avijit Roy, underscores the escalating danger to those opposing religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh. Babu was attacked by three men with meat cleavers, and despite two assailants being apprehended by the public, his death was confirmed at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The suspects, identified as students from religious schools, admitted to targeting Babu due to his anti-Islam writings, as instructed by their religious teacher. Babu's involvement in Facebook groups critical of religious extremism and his tributes to Roy, who was similarly murdered, may have contributed to his targeting. The attacks on secular bloggers are seen as part of a broader effort by militants to intimidate and silence critics amidst a backdrop of political unrest and violence in Bangladesh. Calls for justice from entities like Amnesty International highlight the government's failure to protect at-risk individuals and to prosecute those responsible for such attacks.

In Kharmadanga, India, claims of mass conversions to Hinduism by tribal people following a Hindu temple feast were reported nationally, but investigations revealed these were false. The conversions were purportedly part of a 'ghar wapsi' initiative by Hindu fundamentalist groups associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Sangh Parivar, aiming for a fully Hindu India. Despite the reports, the villagers, including Mangal Murmu, maintained their animist beliefs and denied converting. The incident, following President Obama's visit and comments on religious freedom, sparked controversy and highlighted tensions over religious identity in India.