Who owns the land under the fountains near TSUM? The versions vary. Let's figure it out.
Politics

Who owns the land under the fountains near TSUM? The versions vary. Let's figure it out.

The construction in the center of the capital, located next to TSUM and GUM, has been causing heated discussions for almost a year. Closed roads, traffic jams, and difficulties for pedestrians — all these are consequences of the so-called renovation of Bishkek. On February 19, the mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, conducted an inspection at the construction site, where he issued a number of strict directives regarding the ongoing work.

20.02.2026, 19:04
Head of the GKNB Shabdanbekov: I am not an advocate of "mask shows"
Exclusive

Head of the GKNB Shabdanbekov: I am not an advocate of "mask shows"

In order to reform the national security system in the Kyrgyz Republic, structural and organizational changes are being implemented. Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov noted that these reforms are aimed at creating a mobile and effective structure that can adequately respond to changes in the international situation. Shabdanbekov emphasized that the reform includes not only structural changes but also optimization of staff numbers, redistribution of responsibilities, as well as strengthening analytical

20.02.2026, 18:55
Bishkek Events for the Weekend: Big Concert in the Square and Maslenitsa Celebration
Society

Bishkek Events for the Weekend: Big Concert in the Square and Maslenitsa Celebration

Theatrical Performances February 21. Ballet "Cholpon" This three-act performance, created by Mikhail Raukhverger, has undergone an update. "Cholpon" has become a symbol of Kyrgyz theater and a model of national ballet. The story of the pure love between Cholpon and Nurdin, as well as the evil sorceress Aydai, makes this ballet poetic and unforgettable. Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Abdylas Maldybaev, 17:00. February 21. Play "The

20.02.2026, 18:53
Myrlan Ryskeldiyev Appointed Head of the Internal Investigations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
Society

Myrlan Ryskeldiyev Appointed Head of the Internal Investigations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic

There has been an important personnel change in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to information from the department's press service, Police Colonel Myrlan Ryskeldiyev, who previously held the position of Deputy Head of the Service, has now been appointed as the Head of the Internal Investigations Service. Photo by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Myrlan Ryskeldiyev The new head of the service is expected to face important tasks related to ensuring

20.02.2026, 18:53
Society

Rita Karasartova filed a lawsuit against the leadership of the GSIN and SIZO-1

On her Facebook page, Karasartova announced the filing of a lawsuit based on a law established in 2006 that allows inmates in pre-trial detention to call their relatives for 15 minutes once a week. However, according to her, this right is not being upheld. The human rights activist regularly appealed to the administration of the pre-trial detention center with requests to be allowed to contact her family, but to no avail. "Today, February 20, I filed a lawsuit in the Bishkek Administrative

20.02.2026, 18:47
Economy

"Damage of 3.7 billion soms and the dismissal of 50 employees". How the GNS is combating fictitious EFS

In 2025, tax authorities identified about 270 individual entrepreneurs and organizations involved in schemes for issuing fictitious VAT invoices. These actions caused damage to the state amounting to 3 billion 744 million soms, as reported by the press service of the State Tax Service of the Kyrgyz Republic. Entrepreneurs engaged in such activities attempt to evade tax payments by creating fictitious expenses, which allows them to illegally reduce their tax liabilities.

20.02.2026, 18:46
In the city of Osh, phone scammers deceived people out of nearly 4.5 million soms
Incidents

In the city of Osh, phone scammers deceived people out of nearly 4.5 million soms

The employees of the Internal Affairs Department of the Osh region successfully thwarted a large-scale telephone fraud scheme. This was reported by the press service of the department. The investigative service of the Internal Affairs Department has initiated investigations into several criminal cases related to fraud in large and especially large amounts.

20.02.2026, 18:45
Impersonated an Interior Ministry employee and extorted money: suspect detained
Incidents

Impersonated an Interior Ministry employee and extorted money: suspect detained

In Kyrgyzstan, a man was detained for posing as a police officer and attempting to resolve an issue related to a criminal case for money. This was reported by the press service of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB). According to available information, the suspect, using fabricated connections with the leadership of the Interior Ministry, deceitfully obtained a sum of 500 dollars from citizen J.A.Z.

20.02.2026, 18:44
Society

The Ministry of Construction proposes to transfer the approval of the PDP of Bishkek and Osh to the Cabinet instead of the city councils.

The Ministry of Construction, Architecture, and Housing and Communal Services has presented a draft law proposed for public discussion. It suggests transferring the authority to approve detailed planning projects and land use regulations for Bishkek and Osh to the Cabinet of Ministers. In the Ministry, the importance of urban planning documentation has been emphasized, which includes a set of documents regulating the development and construction of territories at all levels, from national to

20.02.2026, 18:43
Nine Foreigners Fined in Batken Region as Part of Operation "Illegal"
Incidents

Nine Foreigners Fined in Batken Region as Part of Operation "Illegal"

As a result of the operation "Illegal," conducted from February 17 to 19, nine foreign citizens were held administratively liable in the Batken region. This was reported by the regional internal affairs department. Photo of the Batken Region Internal Affairs Department. Nine foreigners fined According to the police information, during the raid, foreigners engaged in labor activities were checked. They were informed about the rules of stay in Kyrgyzstan and the requirements of

20.02.2026, 18:41
Registration for the OGE has begun
Society

Registration for the OGE has begun

It is important to register online before the deadline The online registration for participation in the nationwide testing has started and will last until April 2. This was announced by representatives of the Ministry of Education.

20.02.2026, 18:40
Exclusive

Over 192 million soms in contributions: Who is shaping the leasing market in Kyrgyzstan?

- In the Kyrgyz Republic, leasing is an important financing mechanism that allows companies to acquire fixed assets, especially in sectors such as transportation, agricultural machinery, commercial equipment, and small businesses. This mechanism helps to distribute financial costs over time, reducing the need for large one-time investments. As a result, leasing becomes particularly attractive for various categories of businesses and individual entrepreneurs.

20.02.2026, 18:40
Society

The court kept Kadyrbek Atambaev in pre-trial detention.

Today, February 20, the Bishkek City Court confirmed the decision of the Pervomaisky District Court, keeping Kadyrbek Atambaev in custody at the pre-trial detention center. According to information from his associates, the next hearing in this case is scheduled for March.

20.02.2026, 18:39
Society

In Kyrgyzstan, fitr-sadaqah can be paid via QR code

In Kyrgyzstan, for the convenience of believers, the option to pay fitr-sadaqah using mobile technologies has been implemented. Those wishing to make a donation can do so through the "Finik" app or on the platform finik.kg. To do this, the user needs to find the card of the corresponding mosque and make the payment via QR code. The electronic payment system was launched by the Muftiyat back in 2025. Representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims reported that the testing

20.02.2026, 18:39
"The GKNB will continue to suppress the spread of destructive information online"
Politics

"The GKNB will continue to suppress the spread of destructive information online"

In an interview with the publication VB.KG, Jumgalbek Shabdanbekov, head of the State Committee for National Security (GKNB), commented on the current situation regarding the blocking of TikTok and the ongoing monitoring of social networks. He noted that no digital platform can prevail over the moral and psychological well-being of the youth.

20.02.2026, 18:38
The OTG is entering a new level of economic cooperation
Economy

The OTG is entering a new level of economic cooperation

The 14th meeting of the ministers of economy and trade of the Turkic States Organization (TSO) took place in Turkestan. Delegations from the participating countries, representing the ministers, gathered with the aim of strengthening economic interaction, developing trade relations, and promoting sustainable growth in the Turkic space, as reported by the organization's press service.

20.02.2026, 18:37
Economy

Imports of cheese and cottage cheese from Belarus increased fivefold in 2025

In 2025, Kyrgyzstan significantly increased its imports of cheese and cottage cheese from Belarus, as confirmed by data from the National Statistical Committee. From January to December of this year, the republic imported 8,000 tons of products worth $7.4 million. This represents a fivefold increase compared to 2024, when the volumes amounted to 1,600 tons worth $6 million. In addition to Belarus, supplies of cheese and cottage cheese to Kyrgyzstan are also sourced from other countries. The

20.02.2026, 18:36
Human rights activist appealed to the president regarding the rise in domestic violence levels
Politics

Human rights activist appealed to the president regarding the rise in domestic violence levels

A comprehensive support system is needed for victims of violence Nazgul Turdubekova, director of the Public Fund "League of Child Rights Defenders," has appealed to the head of state, the chairman of the cabinet of ministers, and the vice-speaker of parliament with an urgent call to pay attention to the ongoing rise in domestic violence. She wrote about this on her social media page. The human rights activist believes that the fight against domestic violence should become part of a

20.02.2026, 18:34
Economy

In 2025, there were 1,831 greenhouses operating in the republic, covering a total area of 298.1 hectares.

- According to information from the Ministry of Economy, in 2025, farmers in the republic were allocated equipment for drip and sprinkler irrigation amounting to 342 million soms. Of this amount, 139.6 million soms were spent on the purchase of 3,110.1 tons of tubing, while 202.4 million soms were used to acquire 32 sprinkler installations and drip irrigation systems covering an area of 324 hectares. On average, additional drip irrigation systems are installed annually in the country on areas

20.02.2026, 18:23
Society

In the Jalal-Abad region, more than 1000 hazardous areas have been identified: More than a thousand families live there

In the Jalal-Abad region, 1,020 hazardous sites have been identified, as reported by Turmush, citing the presidential envoy in the region. According to the agency's information, out of the total number of hazardous sites, 491 are prone to landslides, 471 are at risk of mudflows, floods, and coastal erosion, while 21 sites are dangerous due to rockfalls.

20.02.2026, 18:20