09 JANUARY 2026, FRIDAY
NEPAL
Voter education campaigns launched as the elections come close
On 9 January, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, the Election Commission is launching an education campaign for voters in an attempt to decrease invalid votes before holding snap parliamentary elections. Model ballot papers consisting of a million copies with virtual and physical instructions have been set up for the purpose of this nationwide campaign. Citizens' messages will be disseminated through radio, TV, press, and online platforms. Volunteers will be present in every ward to guide voters on how to vote. Since there are 18.90 million registered voters, many of whom belong to the first-time-voter group, it is an important task to educate them appropriately in an effective way. Specialists have stated that it is necessary to inform voters on the importance of voting besides its technical aspects while considering whether to conduct or join efforts with civilian organizations to conduct an effective campaign. (“Nationwide voter education drive set to begin next month,”  The Kathmandu Post, 9 January, 2026)

Glimmer of hope for the Gaur incident victims
On 9 January, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, the Gaur incidents led to 27 deaths during political clashes between the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum and CPN (Maoist) in Madhesh. The investigation was halted for a long time due to political influence and fear of police personnel. Victims approached the Supreme Court in May 2023, resulting in a writ petitioning the police to investigate the incidents. By December 2025, Rautahat police had commenced investigations against 130 people, including politicians. It has created political tension between political parties, with allegations of political revenge. (“Glimmer of hope for 2007 Gaur massacre survivors,” The Kathmandu Post, 9 January, 2026)

BANGLADESH
Bangladesh EC rejects reports of election postponement in Pabna constituencies
On 9 January, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) dismissed media reports claiming that elections in the Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 constituencies had been postponed. In an official handout, the EC stated that the information attributed to it was incorrect and requested that broadcasters withdraw or stop circulating the reports. Earlier claims suggested the EC had suspended the election process following an Appellate Division order related to a constituency demarcation dispute. The EC clarified that the 13th national election and a referendum on the July National Charter Implementation Order will proceed as scheduled on 12 February 2026. It also outlined the broader electoral timeline, noting the completion of nomination scrutiny, ongoing appeals against nomination decisions, and the start of campaigning on 22 January. (“EC thrashes reports of election postponement in Pabna-1, Pabna-2,” Dhaka Tribune, 9 January, 2026)

Bangladesh EC completes postal ballot dispatch to expatriate voters
On 9 January, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has completed the dispatch of postal ballots to 767,028 expatriate voters across 121 countries for the upcoming 13th National Parliament election and the referendum. According to EC sources, the phased distribution began on 20 December and was finalized within three weeks. The Bangladesh Postal Department confirmed that ballots were sent via multiple international airlines, including Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Saudia Airlines, to ensure timely delivery. The operation was conducted under the EC’s large-scale “Out of Country Voting” initiative, involving coordination among several ministries, the postal department, civil aviation authorities, and airlines. The EC noted that Saudi Arabia received the highest number of ballots, followed by Malaysia, Qatar, and Oman, while cautioning voters to maintain ballot secrecy. (“EC completes postal ballot dispatch to expatriate voters,” Dhaka Tribune, 9 January, 2026)

ECONOMY: Meat and egg prices rise ahead of Ramadan 
On 9 January, Dhaka Tribune reported that prices of meat and eggs have begun rising in Dhaka markets ahead of Ramadan, while fish, vegetables, and most daily essentials remain stable. Market surveys showed egg prices increasing by BTK 10 per dozen within a week due to low supply, while farmed chicken prices rose by BTK 20–30. Beef prices climbed to around BTK 800 per kilogram, which traders attributed to reduced availability of Indian cattle and limited domestic supply. In contrast, fish prices have remained unchanged, with farmed fish even seeing slight declines, and vegetable prices staying steady due to abundant winter produce. Essential grocery items such as cooking oil, rice, pulses, sugar, and flour have also remained largely stable, according to traders and consumers. (“Meat, egg prices rise ahead of Ramadan,” Dhaka Tribune, 9 January, 2026)
 

MYANMAR
Myanmar junta releases Amyotha Hluttaw candidate lists for phase one elections
On 9 January, Mizzima reported that Myanmar’s junta-controlled Union Election Commission (UEC) released the candidate lists for the Amyotha Hluttaw (House of Nationalities) for Phase I of the 2025 multiparty general election, held on 28 December 2025 in military-controlled areas of Chin and Rakhine States. The voting used a mixed system of First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation. In Chin State, contests were concentrated in Tedim and Hakha townships, with candidates from the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Zomi National Party, People’s Pioneer Party, and New Chin Land Congress. In Rakhine State, multiple parties contested three constituencies, including the USDP, Arakan Front Party, Rakhine Nationalities Party, and smaller ethnic parties. Preliminary reports from state media indicate that the USDP has taken a significant lead, with prominent Rakhine leader Dr Aye Maung confirming his defeat to a USDP candidate. Final nationwide results are expected only after Phase III concludes later in January. (“Myanmar junta’s Union Election Commission details Amyotha Hluttaw candidate lists for Phase I in Chin and Rakhine States,” Mizzima, 9 January, 2026)

Over 300 arrested under Myanmar’s election protection law
On 9 January, Mizzima reported that Myanmar’s junta has arrested at least 335 people nationwide under the controversial Election Protection Law, according to an announcement made on 6 January by Lt Gen Tun Tun Naung, the junta’s Minister of Home Affairs. Military-controlled media said the detainees include 60 women and several minors, charged across 240 cases for allegedly obstructing the ongoing multi-phase general election. More than 100 arrests were reportedly carried out after mid-December as authorities intensified crackdowns ahead of voting. Tun Tun Naung stated that investigations would continue against individuals accused of “incitement and propaganda,” with enforcement extending to artists and filmmakers penalized for social media activity critical of the junta. Enacted in July 2025, the law carries penalties ranging from long prison terms to the death penalty. Human rights groups have condemned the legislation as a repressive tool designed to silence dissent and legitimize what they describe as a sham electoral process. (“Junta minister reports over 300 arrests under Myanmar’s repressive election protection law,” Mizzima, 9 January, 2026)

NUG warns against revival of Myitsone dam, citing environmental and sovereignty risks
On 9 January, Mizzima reported that Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) vowed to block any attempt by the military junta to revive the long-suspended Myitsone Dam project, warning that it would sacrifice the country’s “lifeblood” in exchange for Chinese backing. Speaking on 6 January, NUG spokesperson U Nay Phone Latt said all international agreements signed by the junta are legally void and that investors would bear full responsibility for any losses. He highlighted severe environmental risks, including disruption of silt flow affecting the Ayeyarwady Delta, seawater intrusion, and catastrophic danger due to the dam’s proximity to the Sagaing Fault. The NUG reiterated its commitment to work with ethnic allies to keep the Ayeyarwady River free-flowing, amid reports that the junta has threatened prosecution against opponents of state-backed projects widely seen as linked to Chinese strategic interests. (“NUG vows to block revived Myitsone Dam, warning project sacrifices Myanmar’s ‘lifeblood’ to China,” Mizzima, 9 January

SRI LANKA
Disaster alert 
On 9 January, as reported by Daily Mirror, the deep depression across the Bay of Bengal is crossing Sri Lanka. The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning on possible flash floods, crop damage, and disruptions to electricity supply. Strong winds will blow at 50-60 kmph, while heavy rain over 150mm is expected, particularly in the Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces. Authorities are prepared for evacuations and urge vigilance in landslide-prone areas.(“Deep depression crossing Sri Lanka, be vigilant for flash floods, landslides - Met. Dept,”  Daily Mirror, 9 January, 2026)