Week-24. Corruption at the Border, and When the Orozco Begins

Владислав Вислоцкий Society
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Week-24. Corruption at the border, and when Ramadan begins
The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan has announced that in 2026, the month of Ramadan (Orozo ayi) will start on February 19. The first day of fasting will coincide with this date, and on the evening of February 18, taraweeh prayers will be held in all mosques across the country, traditionally preceding the holy month.

A campaign has started in Kyrgyzstan for the submission of tax declarations for the year 2025. The procedure will take place in two phases: legal entities, as well as state and municipal employees, must submit their declarations by April 1, while individuals and individual entrepreneurs must do so by May 1. Declarations are submitted electronically through the "taxpayer's cabinet" on the website Cabinet.salyk.kg.

The State Committee for National Security (GKNB) has detained the head of the "Dostuk-automobile" checkpoint located in the Osh region. The investigation revealed that this officer had created a system for extorting bribes from foreign citizens. To achieve this, queues were deliberately created at the checkpoint, and money was demanded for unhindered passage through intermediaries. Additionally, the detainee provided support to individuals engaged in illegal activities at the border. The special service continues to identify other officials involved in this scheme.

The Ministry of Construction has begun the implementation of a large-scale project to build 20 educational institutions in Bishkek. New schools and buildings will be established in all districts of the city: 6 facilities will be built in the Oktyabrsky and Leninsky districts, 5 in the Pervomaisky district, and 3 in the Sverdlovsky district. The project is financed from the republican budget, which will help relieve overcrowded educational institutions in the capital.

The projected revenues of the Bishkek budget will amount to 32 billion 873 million 616.8 thousand soms. The main part of the revenues will be formed from taxes — nearly 24 billion. Expenses will be fully covered by revenues, with a significant amount allocated for the salary fund for educators. In the long term, the municipality plans to increase the city budget to 40.4 billion soms by 2028.
Photo 24.kg. Parking in Bishkek
In Bishkek, payment at all parking lots will be introduced only through QR codes. This was announced by the director of the municipal enterprise "City Road Transport Infrastructure," Bakai Asylbek uulu. According to him, there are 3,221 parking spaces in the capital, and a pilot project for implementing QR payment for parking is currently underway, which will eliminate the need for parking attendants.
The volume of remittances from Russia to Kyrgyzstan reached a record $2.99 billion, with a growth of 16.7 percent over the 11 months of 2025.
The Cabinet of Ministers is implementing strict standards for pawnshops. The new resolution provides for a phased increase in the minimum charter capital: from 3 million soms in 2025 to 20 million soms by July 2028. It is expected that this will help clean the market of small players and protect citizens' property. The reform will also strengthen control over reporting and combat money laundering. Pawnshops have been given 6 months to adapt, while the GKNB is already conducting a full inspection of them.

The Ministry of Education has clarified the rules for enrolling children as part of the educational reform. In the new academic year 2026/2027, all children who reach the age of six will go to the first grade of a 12-year school. The department has denied rumors about "skipping" seven-year-old children directly to the second grade. Specialists have developed a unified curriculum, and a working group is creating a concept for specialized training for senior classes.

Other interesting and important events are covered by journalists of 24.kg in the review "Week-24".

Taxi License: How and Where to Obtain It, What Is Needed


Photo from the internet. The start of taxi license checks has been postponed from February 2 to July 1
Mandatory licensing of taxi drivers in Kyrgyzstan has been extended until July 1, 2026. Authorities warn that new rules will eventually come into effect, and the process of obtaining a license takes time and requires passing official procedures. Initially, it was planned that checks would start on February 2, but by that time, only about 8,000 individuals and 300 legal entities had received licenses.

Vendors at the Osh Market and the Fear of Relocation


For the authorities, this is a project to relieve Bishkek, for tourists — an exotic experience, and for thousands of vendors — the only way to provide for their families. While the relocation of the Osh market from the city center generates numerous rumors, journalists from 24.kg spoke with vendors who do not understand where they will go tomorrow. Why are some ready to relocate while others fear closure? And how do rent and trust in the authorities influence their decisions?

Extension of Profsoyuznaya Street through the Cemetery in Novopavlovka


Photo 24.kg. The cemetery through which they want to lay the road
The recently annexed village of Novopavlovka may lose part of its cemetery due to the extension of Profsoyuznaya Street. This is expected to ease traffic to the new Osh market, the Western bus station, and Manas Airport. Currently, the street is being widened by demolishing illegal structures along the new route, but the cemetery, where the relatives and loved ones of villagers rest, has become an obstacle.

Wintering of a Homeless Brit in Bishkek


A 62-year-old homeless Brit named Scott Friday has been living in a small garage in the center of Bishkek for several months. He has been taken in by kind people. However, living conditions are extremely harsh: there is no electricity in the garage, and it is very cold. Nevertheless, the man does not lose hope and hopes to survive the winter period. A young man named Ulan has helped him minimally furnish his dwelling.

Edil Baisalov "Without Filter": Discussion on Freedom of Speech and Social Issues


Photo from the Cabinet of Ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Edil Baisalov
In the studio of 24.kg, Edil Baisalov, Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan overseeing the social block, gave a candid interview. The questions were not pre-approved, leading to a discussion of many pressing topics — from human rights claims regarding his political career to housing prices, issues in healthcare, and school reform.

Sadik Sher-Niyaz on the Importance of UNESCO for Kyrgyzstan


Sadik Sher-Niyaz, Kyrgyzstan's ambassador to France and permanent representative to UNESCO, is a unique figure in domestic diplomacy. He confidently discusses topics of cultural policy, architecture, and green economy. In an interview with 24.kg, he explained why the Executive Council of UNESCO is important for Kyrgyzstan, how a yurt can become the basis for modern homes, and how Bishkek is building dialogue with the West in a complex geopolitical situation.

Kyrill Khomyakov: The Potential of Kyrgyzstan as a Crypto Hub


Photo 24.kg. Kyrill Khomyakov (left) and Maxim Poletayev
Kyrill Khomyakov, regional director of Binance for Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, in an exclusive interview with 24.kg, explained why Kyrgyzstan has become a priority for the company, what cryptocurrency is in simple terms, how to avoid fraudsters, and why the country needs a digital som.

Personnel Changes in the Chinese Army: Opinions of World Experts


In recent weeks, there has been a serious personnel and political drama within the army and elite in China. Experts believe that such "cleansings" could affect not only regional security but also global geopolitics. How this is covered by the world media and what the potential consequences are, is discussed by columnists from leading publications in the material 24.kg.

Ballerina Polina Kamysheva and Her Choice of Stage in Bishkek


Photo from the interviewee's archive. Polina Kamysheva
Polina Kamysheva, born in Bishkek in 2004, moved with her family to Russia at the age of five. Initially, it was planned that they would stay there forever, but a few years ago, due to the unstable situation, they returned to their homeland. Today, Polina is a ballerina at the Abdylas Maldybaev National Opera and Ballet Theater of Kyrgyzstan and is making plans related to Kyrgyzstan after studying abroad.

Increase in Musicians' Fees in Kyrgyzstan


The modern music scene in Kyrgyzstan is actively developing, and along with it, the royalties for the use of songs on radio stations, in restaurants, and other public places are increasing. As reported by 24.kg from the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovations, payments to Kyrgyz authors have significantly increased over the past three years.

Fear of HPV Vaccination Among Mothers


Photo from personal archive. Cholpon Abdilova
Every year, the same discussion flares up in WhatsApp groups of parents. A teacher announces the vaccination of girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV), and the chat fills with doubts. Many mothers perceive the vaccine with distrust, considering it a "Western conspiracy." To understand the validity of parents' fears, we spoke with gynecologist and endocrinologist Cholpon Abdilova.

Series for Next Week: From Detectives to Surrealism


Next week (from February 9 to 15), viewers can expect a variety of genres: the return of iconic detectives, ecological dramas based on real events, and comedic thrillers. We have gathered the most intriguing premieres and continuations of beloved shows, from the dusty roads of the American Southwest in the 70s to futuristic multiverses.
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