Stories about South Asia from February, 2015
Imported Bollywood Films Have Become Quite a Drama in Bangladesh
Popular Bangladeshi actor Shakib Khan joined protests against Indian movies being screened, arguing it would hurt the country's struggling film industry. Film distributors and cinema owners then banned his films.
The Political Violence in Bangladesh Is Claiming Too Many Lives
I close the windows of my car, and think of buying a fire extinguisher. [Then], if a bomb is thrown inside my car, I'd be able to douse the fire.
Bangladeshi-American Blogger Hacked to Death in Dhaka
Roy is the second Bangladeshi blogger killed since 2013. Horrifying photos of he and his wife, bloodied and injured on the street, were circulated on social media.
Disabilities Are No Obstacle to These Spirited Cricketers in Nepal
Be it spinal injury or visual impairment, these disabilities won't ever stop dozens of spirited hearts from relishing the fervour of the World Cup.
A Passenger Ferry Capsizes in Bangladesh. Again.
On Sunday noon a passenger ferry reportedly packed with more than 100 passengers was hit by a cargo vessel 40 kilometres northwest of Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital. It subsequently sank. A...
Afghanistan Makes History in Cricket World Cup, Despite Debut Loss to Bangladesh
Afghanistan competed in its first ever game in the Cricket World Cup against Bangladesh, also comparatively new to the international sporting competition.
Hindus Flock to Nepal's Ancient Pashupatinath Temple for Shivaratri Celebrations
The temple, located in the capital Kathmandu, buzzed with activity as pilgrims from India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Bhutan and Sri Lanka marked Lord Shiva's birthday.
Bangladeshi Publisher Faces Death Threats Over Translation of Controversial Iranian Writer's Book
Riaz Khan pulled the Bangla translation of "23 Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Muhammad" after its publication sparked outrage from hardline religious groups, but the threats continue.
Nepal Is Home to the World's Leading Tiger Conservation Park
Chitwan National Park has become the world's first tiger refuge to be accredited by the new Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) from the Tigers Alive Initiative.
Social Media Is Changing How Consumers in India Interact With Companies
Got a complaint? When consumers in India do, around 25% of them post their grievances online before lodging their complaint in court.
Australia and New Zealand Score Big Wins in ‘St Valentine’s Day Massacre’ at Cricket World Cup
Host countries for the Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand and Australia have had easy victories over Sri Lanka and England. Twitter hashtag #AUSvENG was hot during the game.
Some Right-Wing Groups in India Have No Love for Valentine's Day This Year
Hindu Mahasabha says it will force couples making public displays of affection on Valentine's Day to marry, while Kalinga Sena plans to film couples and send the videos to parents.
Nepalese Are Finding the Humor in Their Country's Gas Shortage
Liquefied petroleum gas is the second most popular source of energy for cooking and heating in Nepal, but it's hard to come by these days, much to the consumers' frustration.
Explore Bangladesh From Your Computer, Thanks to Google Street View
Bangladesh's Google Street View launched February 5. One Facebook user posted his amusement at seeing his lungi, a sarong-type cloth, appear in the image (it was hanging from his balcony).
Why Are So Many Environmental Activists Being Murdered?
In 2012, the globally reported murder rate approached three per week. Growing violence against environmental activists is leading to a search for solutions.
Gardeners Are Repurposing Coconut Waste as Eco-Friendly Plant Pots
Using coir pots that can be planted can save an estimated 100 million plastic pots from ending up in garbage cans.
Pakistani Lawmaker Offers Dubious Bounty for Charlie Hebdo Owner
Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said he'll $200,000 to anyone who killed the magazine's owner and $100,000 to the Charlie Hebdo attackers' heirs. Some are calling it a dangerous PR stunt.
With the Falling Price of Petrol, Pakistan Plunges Into a Deeper Fuel Crisis
People were seen pushing their cars to petrol stations and forming long queues. Some came with Coke bottles in hand to fill up on the limited supply of petrol.
Mumbai Newspaper Editor Fired, Arrested for Republishing Charlie Hebdo Cartoon
Shirin Dalvi is accused of hurting religious sentiments. She says printing the cartoon was an honest mistake, but that no one is listening to her side of the story.