In a symbolic move to restore public confidence, Bangladesh Police have introduced new uniforms, replacing their traditional turquoise-and-blue attire with iron-grey shirts and chocolate-brown trousers. This initiative comes as the nation of 170 million people prepares for critical elections in February 2026, where the role of security forces will be pivotal in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The decision follows years of turmoil and public distrust stemming from the 2024 uprising, which resulted in the overthrow of the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina. The unrest left at least 1,400 dead and thousands injured, many due to police actions. Police spokesman Sahadat Hossaine acknowledged the force’s ‘unprecedented crisis,’ stating that policymakers believe the new uniforms could signal reform and foster positive change. However, skepticism remains among citizens like Nazma Akhtar, whose 17-year-old son was killed during the uprising. ‘How can a new uniform change their attitude?’ she questioned, reflecting widespread anger. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has established a police reform commission, but progress has been slow. Allegations of excessive force persist, and public trust has eroded to the extent that mobs often take justice into their own hands. Meanwhile, around 1,500 police personnel face criminal charges, including murder, with dozens in detention. The former police chief, who pleaded guilty alongside Sheikh Hasina, was sentenced to five years. Despite these challenges, serving officers express their own grievances, noting that 44 officers were also killed during the unrest. The path to rebuilding trust remains fraught with obstacles, as the police force seeks to shed its image as a political tool and regain legitimacy.
作者： admin
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Auto Buzz: Honda unveils two motorcycles, Dubai gets a Škoda showroom
The automotive industry in the Middle East is witnessing a surge of activity, with significant developments from Honda, XPENG, and Škoda. Honda has marked the 50th anniversary of its iconic Gold Wing motorcycle by unveiling two new models in the MENA region. The 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour feature advanced technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced audio systems, alongside exclusive 50th Anniversary badging and Euro 5 compliance. These models continue the legacy of the Gold Wing, which has evolved over five decades to become a symbol of luxury and long-distance touring. Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG has opened a state-of-the-art spare parts warehouse in Dubai, developed in collaboration with JD Logistics. This facility aims to enhance customer service across the Middle East and Africa, leveraging advanced supply chain technology for efficient inventory management and rapid order fulfilment. The move aligns with the UAE’s growing electric vehicle market, projected to reach $16.3 billion by 2030, and supports national sustainability goals. Additionally, Škoda has inaugurated a flagship showroom on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, offering a modern, customer-centric experience. The 10,010-square-foot facility showcases Škoda’s latest models, a live car configurator, and a range of branded lifestyle merchandise, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and active living. These developments underscore the region’s dynamic automotive landscape and its alignment with global trends in mobility and sustainability.
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Dubai gears up for the 4th Annual Movember ride to champion men’s health awareness
Dubai is set to host the 4th Annual Movember Ride on November 23, 2025, a collaborative effort by STITCH and Enigmas Motorcycle Club to champion men’s health awareness. This year’s event, presented by L’Oréal Paris Men Expert, underscores the brand’s global dedication to men’s well-being. The initiative focuses on the critical importance of early detection for prostate cancer, one of the most treatable cancers when identified promptly. Prostate cancer screening, which begins with a simple PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, is widely accessible and can detect abnormalities before symptoms manifest. Movember encourages men to engage in open discussions with their physicians and understand when to start screening—typically between ages 45–50, or earlier for those with higher risk factors. Sara Sakaya of L’Oréal Paris Men Expert emphasized, ‘Movember is more than a campaign; it’s a reminder that men’s health deserves open discussion, early action, and sustained awareness.’ Participants will gather early morning for the convoy, led by Enigmas Motorcycle Club. Rony Metri, president of Enigmas MC, highlighted the event’s deeper purpose: ‘Movember isn’t just a ride; it’s a call to stand up, get checked, speak up, and watch out for our brothers.’ The ride will conclude at the Harley-Davidson Sheikh Zayed Road Showroom, where Allo Beirut will host the riders and guests. Paul O’Callaghan, General Manager of Harley-Davidson UAE, expressed pride in supporting the cause, stating, ‘Harley-Davidson stands for community and freedom—and there’s no better demonstration of that spirit than supporting a cause that empowers men to take control of their health.’ STITCH, a key organizer, continues to reinforce its commitment to health advocacy. Nael Basily, managing director of STITCH, noted, ‘The Movember Ride is a testament to what partners, brands, and communities can achieve when they unite for a cause.’
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Iranian press review: Mohammed bin Salman seen as possible bridge between US and Iran
The recent meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump has sparked significant interest, particularly regarding discussions on the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets and nuclear technology sharing with Riyadh. However, within Iran, the focus shifted to a written message sent by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian to the Saudi leader just before his departure. While Iranian government officials downplayed the message as a simple note of gratitude for Saudi assistance with Iranian Hajj pilgrims, media outlets close to the government hinted at deeper implications. These sources suggested that Mohammed bin Salman could emerge as a new mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington, potentially revitalizing stalled nuclear negotiations. Pro-Pezeshkian newspapers prominently featured the story, with headlines like ‘News Bombshell of Messaging to Riyadh’ and ‘A Message Just Before Boarding,’ while hard-line publications ignored it entirely. The Sharq daily emphasized the Crown Prince’s potential role in facilitating indirect talks, while Arman Emroz speculated on Riyadh’s involvement in resolving disputes over Iran’s enriched uranium and the possibility of a regional nuclear consortium. Meanwhile, Tehran residents faced alarming news of a looming water crisis, with experts criticizing the government’s mismanagement of resources. In a separate development, the suicide of journalist Fowad Shams highlighted the immense pressures faced by Iranian society, particularly journalists. Additionally, Iranian students protested outside European embassies in Tehran, frustrated by visa delays despite their university acceptances. The Turin court condemned the treatment of Iranian students as ‘discriminatory,’ yet no progress has been made.
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New guidelines safeguard seniors’ prepaid care fees
In a landmark effort to safeguard the financial assets of elderly citizens, China has unveiled comprehensive new regulations governing the management of prepaid fees by nursing homes. The Ministry of Civil Affairs, in collaboration with the National Financial Regulatory Administration, introduced these measures as part of a broader initiative to combat illegal fundraising and financial fraud targeting seniors. The guidelines, titled ‘Guidance on the Custody and Management of Prepaid Fees for Nursing Institutions,’ mandate that all prepaid funds be deposited into a dedicated, monitored bank account to address longstanding concerns over misuse. Nursing homes are required to open these accounts at approved banks, and any withdrawals must be justified with supporting documents, except in cases of emergency medical expenses. Custodian banks are tasked with refusing suspicious transactions and reporting them to regulatory authorities. Additionally, the guidelines ensure prompt refunds, requiring banks to process repayments within one day of receiving a valid request. To enhance transparency, custodian banks must develop specialized account management systems that interface with civil affairs departments, providing real-time data on fund flows. Online banking for these accounts is prohibited, and all transactions must be processed over the counter or through a dedicated platform, with balance checks to maintain a required safety margin.
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Colombian scientists recover cannon, coins and porcelain cup from 300-year-old Spanish shipwreck
Colombian authorities announced on Thursday the recovery of several artifacts from the legendary Spanish galleon San José, which sank in the Caribbean Sea in 1708 after an attack by an English fleet. Among the retrieved items are a cannon, three coins, and a porcelain cup, marking the first tangible findings from the historic shipwreck. The recovery is part of a government-authorized scientific investigation initiated last year to study the wreckage and determine the causes of its sinking. The galleon, located in 2015 by Colombian researchers, remains a subject of legal and diplomatic disputes, with its exact location classified as a state secret. The San José is believed to carry a treasure trove of 11 million gold and silver coins, emeralds, and other precious cargo from Spanish-controlled colonies, potentially worth billions of dollars. President Gustavo Petro’s administration emphasized that the expedition’s primary goal is research, not treasure recovery. The artifacts will undergo conservation at a specialized lab dedicated to the project. The wreckage lies 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet) deep in the Caribbean Sea. While the prevailing theory suggests an explosion caused the ship’s sinking, the Colombian government has proposed alternative explanations, including hull damage. The San José has also sparked a legal battle involving Colombia, Spain, and the U.S.-based Sea Search Armada, which claims a $10 billion share of the treasure, alleging its discovery in 1982.
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Italian prosecutors investigate luxury group Tod’s for labor abuses, seek ad ban
Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into luxury group Tod’s and three of its executives over allegations of labor exploitation and abuse, according to judicial documents revealed on Thursday. The Milan prosecutor, Paolo Storari, has also sought a six-month ban on the company’s advertising, with a hearing scheduled for December 3. The documents, obtained by The Associated Press, accuse Tod’s — renowned for its premium loafers and bags — of being complicit in the exploitation of Chinese workers at subcontracted workshops in Milan and the Marche region. Prosecutors allege that Tod’s was fully aware of the workers’ dire conditions, including excessive working hours, inadequate pay, workplace safety violations, and substandard housing. Despite conducting third-party audits on these workshops, Tod’s allegedly failed to address the issues uncovered, a behavior described as “intentional blindness” by Storari. In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Tod’s denied any wrongdoing and pledged to defend itself in court. This investigation is part of a broader crackdown on labor abuses by high-end brands in Italy. Earlier this year, Italian police revealed that Chinese workers employed by an unauthorized subcontractor had produced handbags and accessories for Giorgio Armani, highlighting systemic issues in the luxury fashion industry.
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New Nafis award announced in UAE: Emiratisation to shift focus from numbers to quality of jobs
The UAE has unveiled significant updates to the Nafis Award for 2025-2026, marking a pivotal shift in the Emiratisation strategy. Announced at a recent press conference, the fourth cycle of the award, part of the Dh24-billion Nafis programme, will now prioritize the quality and sustainability of employment for UAE nationals in the private sector. This strategic move aims to deepen the impact of Emiratisation by focusing on long-term career growth and professional development rather than merely increasing the number of Emirati employees. The award introduces a new sub-category specifically for professionals in the education sector, including teachers, assistant teachers, and educational supervisors in private institutions. This addition recognizes the growing demand for Emirati talent in this critical field. The evaluation criteria for the Establishments category have also been refined, with companies now assessed on their ability to retain Emirati talent, their commitment to training, and their use of the Nafis platform for recruitment. The Individuals category, which includes 11 sub-categories, now features the new education track, allowing Emirati professionals to self-nominate for recognition. The award operates under a robust governance structure, chaired by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is organized by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. The timeline for the award includes awareness workshops until January, with evaluations beginning in February. The results will be reviewed by an arbitration committee before final approval. Since its launch in September 2021, the Nafis programme has seen a 437 per cent increase in Emirati employment in the private sector, with over 157,000 nationals now employed by more than 30,000 companies. The programme has also shifted career aspirations, with nearly six out of ten Emirati graduates now starting their careers in the private sector, up from 15 per cent previously.
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Young Nepalis drive a new wave of voters and candidates
In the wake of a transformative uprising, Nepal is witnessing a remarkable surge in political engagement, particularly among its youth. This newfound enthusiasm is not limited to voting but extends to active participation as candidates in the upcoming March 2026 elections. The movement, initially sparked by a government-imposed social media ban, has evolved into a broader demand for systemic change, fueled by years of economic stagnation and entrenched corruption. Young Nepalis, who played a pivotal role in the protests that ousted the previous government, are now stepping forward to ensure their voices are heard in the political arena. Kishori Karki, a 25-year-old law graduate, epitomizes this shift. A first-time voter, Karki has also applied to register a new political party, driven by the desire to bring fresh perspectives to Nepal’s political landscape. Her actions during the protests, including transporting an injured demonstrator to hospital, have made her a symbol of the movement’s spirit. The September 8-9 demonstrations, which saw the deaths of at least 76 people and the destruction of key government buildings, were a turning point. The subsequent appointment of former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim leader marked a significant step towards political reform. The youth-led movement has also embraced technology, with thousands of activists using the group-chat app Discord to coordinate their efforts. The introduction of an online voter registration system has further facilitated participation, with nearly 675,000 new voters already registered. This surge in political interest is not confined to the youth; older citizens like Sunita Tamang, 40, who registered to vote for the first time, are also motivated by the promise of change. Despite the challenges ahead, including a volatile political landscape and deep public distrust in established parties, the momentum for reform is undeniable. As Uparjun Chamling, a 25-year-old activist, aptly put it, ‘In the spirit of the Gen Z movement, we need new faces. But, more importantly, we need new thinking.’
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Ex-federal worker accused of staging own attack with slashes, political slurs on body
A shocking case has emerged in New Jersey, where a former congressional staffer stands accused of orchestrating a fabricated violent political attack. Natalie Greene, 26, allegedly conspired with an accomplice to stage the incident on a nature trail in Egg Harbor Township. According to prosecutors, Greene claimed that three gunmen attacked her, tied her up, and inscribed derogatory messages on her body, including ‘Trump whore’ on her stomach. She also alleged that the attackers referenced her employment with New Jersey Republican Representative Jefferson Van Drew, though he was not named in the indictment. Greene has been charged with conspiracy to falsely report a violent attack and providing false statements to law enforcement. The incident occurred on July 23, when Greene and her co-conspirator called 911, reporting an ambush by three men. Police found Greene bound with zip ties, her shirt pulled over her head, and multiple lacerations on her body. However, inconsistencies in their stories and evidence, including a receipt for a $500 payment to a body modification artist, led investigators to conclude the attack was staged. Greene faces up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted. A spokesperson for Rep. Van Drew expressed sadness over the news and wished Greene well. Greene was released on a $200,000 bond, and her lawyers have yet to comment.