The victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party marked the end of 15 years of Awami League rule. A PIME missionary spoke to AsiaNews about the vote, noting that it was more peaceful with less fraud, although there are concerns about internal tensions and the rise of Islamists. A desire for change and stability prevails among the population.

The province has expanded the "Dhi Rani" initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with shared ceremonies and contributions of up to 200,000 rupees. Support is also offered to Christian and Hindu couples. Families say they have received “dignity and hope”. But they are also calling for more investment in education and women's empowerment.

The emergency has been caused by a lack of adequate facilities and the extensive use of preventive detention pending trial. There are at least 40,000 prisoners on the island in facilities with a total capacity of only 10,500 places. In some prisons, the actual capacity is exceeded by 400%.

Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The referendum has not yet been decided, pending official results.

Ten mobile libraries have been delivered to the Western Province, part of a countrywide project supported by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. With an endowment of 9,300 books, the vehicles will serve municipal councils and rural areas. Officials and writers highlight the initiative's value for a better informed society.

After a year of diplomatic tensions, the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Kuala Lumpur on 7 and 8 February marked a rapprochement between India and Malaysia, with the signing of 11 agreements in various sectors. Modi also emphasised the importance of ties to Indo-Malaysians who represent the country’s third-largest ethnic group. Investment and technological cooperation have been revitalised.