In the year following the ousting of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, nearly 300 people have lost their lives due to political violence, according to a report by the Dhaka-based human rights organization Odhikar. The report, released on Sunday, highlights the ongoing turmoil in the country since Hasina’s 15-year autocratic rule ended in August 2024, when she fled to India. The violence, which has primarily involved political parties, has resulted in at least 281 deaths from August 2024 to September 2025. Additionally, the report documented 40 extrajudicial killings and 153 cases of lynching during the same period. Odhikar’s director, ASM Nasiruddin Elan, noted that while human rights abuses have decreased since Hasina’s departure, issues such as deaths in custody, bribery, and harassment persist. Elan emphasized that many innocent individuals continue to suffer due to their alleged affiliations with Hasina’s now-banned political party, the Awami League. The report also revealed that extortion by political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, has affected people across all social strata. Furthermore, inefficient policing has led to frequent mob attacks, with law enforcement agencies being accused of serving party interests and operating with impunity. As of now, neither Bangladesh’s interim government nor any political parties have responded to Odhikar’s findings.
分类： politics
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AU congratulates Hassan on winning Tanzania’s presidential election
The African Union (AU) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Samia Suluhu Hassan on her resounding victory in Tanzania’s presidential election. The announcement was made by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who lauded Hassan’s triumph as a significant milestone for the nation. The Tanzanian Independent National Electoral Commission declared on Saturday that Hassan, representing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, secured an overwhelming 97.66 percent of the vote in the general elections held on Wednesday. However, the electoral process was overshadowed by violent protests, prompting Youssouf to express profound sorrow over the loss of lives and extend condolences to the bereaved families. In his statement, Youssouf emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, including peaceful assembly and expression, and urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold these principles within the legal framework. He also called on citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in maintaining peace, national unity, and democratic governance. Hassan, who previously served as vice-president from 2015 to 2021, assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the demise of President John Magufuli, becoming Tanzania’s first female head of state. Her election marks a historic achievement, further solidifying her role as a trailblazer in Tanzanian politics.
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Trump says China’s Xi has assured him that he won’t take action on Taiwan during Republican’s term
In a recent interview with CBS’s ’60 Minutes,’ President Donald Trump revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that Beijing will not pursue its long-standing goal of unifying Taiwan with mainland China during Trump’s presidency. This assurance came despite the issue of Taiwan not being a primary topic in their recent discussions in South Korea, which largely centered on U.S.-China trade tensions. Trump expressed confidence in Xi’s commitment, stating, ‘He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, ‘We would never do anything while President Trump is president,’ because they know the consequences.’
The U.S. has long been wary of China’s potential military actions against Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as part of its territory. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act governs U.S. relations with Taiwan, emphasizing the provision of resources for Taiwan’s self-defense and the prevention of any unilateral changes to its status by Beijing. However, the Act does not mandate U.S. military intervention in the event of a Chinese invasion.
When questioned about whether he would deploy U.S. forces to defend Taiwan if attacked, Trump remained noncommittal, adhering to the U.S. policy of ‘strategic ambiguity.’ This policy, maintained by both Republican and Democratic administrations, avoids clear indications of whether the U.S. would intervene militarily in such a scenario. ‘You’ll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that,’ Trump remarked regarding Xi.
The Chinese embassy in Washington has yet to comment on Trump’s statements, and the White House has not provided additional details on when Xi or Chinese officials communicated this assurance to Trump. The ’60 Minutes’ interview, recorded at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, is part of a broader segment scheduled to air later Sunday.
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Three killed in latest US strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean
In a recent development, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that three individuals were killed in a US military strike targeting an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, is part of a broader campaign initiated by the Trump administration to combat drug trafficking into the United States. Since September, these strikes have sparked significant controversy, with experts questioning their legality under international law and Latin American leaders condemning the actions as violations of human rights.
Hegseth claimed the targeted boat was operated by a designated terrorist organization and was navigating international waters along a known drug-smuggling route. However, he provided no concrete evidence to substantiate these allegations. The announcement was accompanied by a video purportedly showing the vessel being struck, though the footage was grainy and lacked clarity.
The Trump administration has defended the strikes as necessary measures against ‘narco-terrorists,’ particularly those linked to Venezuela. Critics, however, argue that the operations are politically motivated, aimed at exerting pressure on governments in the region, such as those of Colombia and Venezuela, which have been at odds with US policies. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has labeled the attacks as ‘murder,’ while Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro accused the US of fabricating a war.
The US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying warships, fighter jets, and drones, ostensibly to curb drug trafficking. However, military analysts suggest the scale of the deployment exceeds what is necessary for such operations. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, has condemned the strikes, stating they violate international human rights law and result in an unacceptable loss of life.
Domestically, the legality of the strikes has also been questioned, with some US lawmakers arguing that congressional approval is required. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has maintained its stance, threatening further military action in the region.
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What to know as Nigeria rejects US military threat over alleged Christian killings
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of potential military intervention in the country over claims of Christian persecution. Daniel Bwala, a spokesman for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, stated that such unilateral action by the U.S. is unacceptable, emphasizing Nigeria’s sovereignty and the need for bilateral agreement on any military operations. Bwala dismissed Trump’s allegations as misleading, suggesting they are part of his confrontational approach to force dialogue. Trump’s comments, made on social media, threatened to halt U.S. aid and potentially launch military action against Nigeria, citing alleged atrocities against Christians. He also designated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ for religious freedom violations. However, Nigerian officials and experts argue that the violence in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but stems from complex security crises affecting both Christians and Muslims. Boko Haram insurgents and armed gangs are the primary perpetrators, with victims often determined by geography rather than faith. President Tinubu has pledged to enhance cooperation with international partners to protect all communities, while critics highlight the government’s failure to address insecurity decisively, creating opportunities for external interference.
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Xi extends congratulations to Egyptian president on Grand Egyptian Museum opening
In a significant gesture of international goodwill, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his heartfelt congratulations to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The message, sent on Saturday, underscores the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental addition to Egypt’s cultural landscape, is set to become a global hub for ancient history and heritage. President Xi’s congratulatory note highlights China’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and collaboration in cultural preservation and international diplomacy. This event marks another milestone in the strengthening relationship between China and Egypt, reflecting shared values and a mutual appreciation for historical legacy.
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Chinese defense minister attends ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus in Malaysia
The 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 1, 2025, with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in attendance. Speaking at the event, Dong emphasized the significance of the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus mechanism, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness of regional nations and the growing demand for peace and development amidst emerging threats. Dong underscored the importance of the Global Governance Initiative, which aligns with the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, offering Chinese solutions to global challenges. He called for countries to remain committed to peace and cooperation, seek common ground, and work together for shared development and stability. Dong reaffirmed China’s support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture and expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with regional countries to maintain peace, resolve differences through dialogue, and enhance open cooperation. He also pledged China’s continued contribution to ADMM-Plus security cooperation and the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Additionally, Dong held discussions with defense leaders from South Korea, Japan, and Australia during the event.
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North Macedonia votes in second round of local election with ruling conservatives leading
In a decisive political showdown, North Macedonia held local election runoffs on Sunday, reinforcing the ruling conservative party’s overwhelming triumph from the first round. The VMRO-DPMNE party secured 33 out of 44 mayoral seats in the initial round on October 19, along with a majority of city council positions, leaving the opposition Social Democrats trailing significantly. This outcome has quashed any hopes of an early general election for the opposition. The runoffs, taking place in 37 of the country’s 81 municipalities, including the capital Skopje, saw conservative candidates leading in nearly all contests. While candidates had campaigned on promises addressing the economy, jobs, and education, the spotlight shifted to Skopje’s pressing garbage collection crisis. For weeks, trash had piled up due to operational and financial issues at the waste management company, leading to infestations of rats, flies, and stray animals. A recent incident involved a child being bitten by a rat, necessitating medical treatment. However, on election day, Skopje’s streets were unexpectedly clean, surprising residents. Over 1 million voters were eligible to participate in the runoffs, with the first round witnessing a turnout of 46.48%.
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UAE welcomes UN resolution on Western Sahara autonomy based on Morocco plan
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong support for a recent United Nations resolution advocating for genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty. This resolution, drafted by the United States and adopted by the UN Security Council, aims to address the decades-long territorial dispute between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Western Sahara, a vast desert region comparable in size to Britain, has been a contentious issue since Spain’s withdrawal in 1975. Morocco claims the territory as its own, while the Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent Sahrawi Republic. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mofa) hailed the resolution as a significant step toward achieving a lasting political solution, aligning with the principles of the UN Charter. Mofa also commended US diplomatic efforts in advancing the resolution and reaffirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Morocco, emphasizing the importance of peaceful negotiations and Morocco’s legitimate rights over the territory. The UAE’s support underscores its commitment to regional stability, sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity.
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Trump orders military to prepare plans for ‘action’ in Nigeria
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to potentially deploy military forces to Nigeria, citing concerns over the alleged persecution of Christians by Islamist militant groups. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to address the violence adequately and declared that all U.S. aid to the country would be severed. He described Nigeria as a “now disgraced country” and warned of a swift and forceful military intervention if necessary. Trump also designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the U.S. State Department’s framework for severe violations of religious freedom, though he provided no concrete evidence to support his claims of widespread Christian killings. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu countered these allegations, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to religious tolerance and collaboration with international partners to address security challenges. Monitoring groups, such as Acled, have noted that the violence in Nigeria has affected both Christians and Muslims, with no evidence suggesting disproportionate targeting of Christians. The situation has sparked debate in U.S. political circles, with some right-wing voices urging action. However, critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric risks escalating tensions without addressing the complex root causes of the conflict.