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.

Rohingya women who spoke out about rape and murder by Myanmar security forces are being pursued by officials, forcing them to flee to Bangladesh. Despite international outcry and investigations by figures like Kofi Annan and Yanghee Lee, the Myanmar government denies the allegations and continues to intimidate those who speak out. The UN and local charities are involved, but the women remain unsupported due to their illegal entry into Bangladesh.

The article details harrowing accounts of violence and atrocities committed by the Burmese military against the Rohingya community in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Noor Ayesha, a Rohingya refugee, recounts the brutal killing of her family and the destruction of her village. The UN and Human Rights Watch have expressed concern over the situation, with satellite images showing widespread destruction. Despite government denials, reports of mass killings, rapes, and village clearings continue to emerge. The article highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the international community's response.

In West Bengal's 'arsenic belt', the Sulabh Safe Drinking Water Project (SSDWP) has provided significant relief by offering clean and affordable drinking water to villagers. The project, managed by a local cooperative and supported by NGOs, uses modern filtration technology to treat pond water, effectively mitigating arsenic contamination. The initiative has led to notable health improvements among residents, reducing the incidence of arsenicosis-related ailments. Experts and local leaders praise the project's success and plan to expand similar initiatives across the region.

The verdict sentencing two students to death and six others to prison for the murder of atheist blogger Rajib Haider in Bangladesh has been largely rejected by his relatives and the blogger community. The court sentenced Faisal bin Nayeem and Rezwanul Azad Rana to death, while others received varying prison terms. The cleric Jasimuddin Rahmani, who inspired the killers, received a five-year sentence, which has been criticized as too lenient. The blogger community and Haider's family plan to appeal the verdict, seeking stricter punishments. The case has highlighted concerns about the legal system and the government's commitment to punishing those responsible for attacks on freethinkers.

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.