Bangladesh holds its first election since ousting its former leader Bangladeshis go to the polls for the first time since they overthrew their former autocratic leader. Will voters trust the results? Diaa Hadid
The U.S. claims China is conducting secret nuclear tests. Here's what that means The allegations were leveled by U.S. officials late last week. Arms control experts worry that norms against nuclear testing are unraveling. Geoff Brumfiel
Father of US-based Hong Kong activist convicted under national security law The father of a U.S.-based activist wanted by Hong Kong authorities was convicted of attempting to deal with an absconder's financial assets on Wednesday, in the first court case of its kind brought under a homegrown national security law. The Associated Press
Pakistan-Afghanistan border closures paralyze trade along a key route Trucks have been stuck at the closed border since October. Both countries are facing economic losses with no end in sight. The Taliban also banned all Pakistani pharmaceutical imports to Afghanistan. Betsy Joles
Thailand counts votes in early election with 3 main parties vying for power Vote counting was underway in Thailand's early general election on Sunday, seen as a three-way race among competing visions of progressive, populist and old-fashioned patronage politics. The Associated Press
Japan's first female prime minister stakes her future on snap elections Japan's first female premier has called snap elections for Sunday. She seeks a mandate for what could be sweeping changes and possibly a lurch to the political right. Anthony Kuhn
Suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque on Islamabad's outskirts kills at least 31 It was a rare attack in the capital of Pakistan as its Western-allied government struggles to rein in a surge in militant attacks across the country. The Associated Press
How the blockade between Afghanistan and Pakistan is affecting people on both sides Borders between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been closed since October, disrupting trade around the region. It's part of a broader dispute over how to handle increasingly active militant groups. Betsy Joles
Unmentioned but present, Trump is a common denominator in Asia-Europe ties Trump was not the only factor behind the agreements, but his shaking up of the global order is worrying friends and foes and driving them closer. The Associated Press
India and the EU clinch the 'mother of all deals' in a historic trade agreement India and the European Union have reached a free trade agreement, at a time when Washington targets them both with steep import tariffs, pushing major economies to seek alternate partnerships. The Associated Press
