Bangladesh is set to announce the verdict in the high-profile crimes against humanity trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 17, as confirmed by Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam on Thursday. The trial, conducted in absentia since June 1, has centered on allegations that Hasina ordered mass killings during a failed attempt to suppress a student-led uprising in 2024, which ultimately led to her removal from power. The United Nations estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed during the crackdown between July and August 2024. Hasina, now 78 and residing in India, has refused to return to Bangladesh to face the charges, dismissing the trial as a ‘jurisprudential joke.’ Prosecutors have filed five charges against her, including failure to prevent murder, which they argue constitute crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. They are seeking the death penalty if she is found guilty. The trial has also implicated former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who remains a fugitive, and former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who is in custody and has pleaded guilty. The verdict comes amid heightened political tensions as Bangladesh prepares for elections in February. Hasina’s outlawed Awami League called for a nationwide ‘lockdown’ on Thursday, and security forces have been heavily deployed around the court, with armored vehicles stationed at checkpoints. Recent weeks have seen a surge in violence, including crude bomb attacks targeting government-linked buildings, buses, and Christian sites. On November 11, a man was burned to death when his parked bus was set on fire. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has summoned India’s envoy to Dhaka, urging New Delhi to prevent Hasina from engaging with journalists, citing concerns over bilateral relations.
博客
-
2 Indian expats from Dubai win Dh5,000 each in diabetes challenge
Two Indian expatriates in Dubai, Karthik Anbazhagan and Syeda Huma Begum, have emerged as winners in the 2025 RAK Diabetes Challenge, each receiving Dh5,000 for their remarkable health transformations. The challenge, which concluded on November 13, 2025, at RAK Hospital, saw participants compete to improve their HbA1c levels over a 12-week period. Karthik, a Dubai resident, reduced his levels from 9.6 to 6.94, while Syeda, from Ajman, achieved a drop from 7.8 to 6.47. Both winners attributed their success to consistency, lifestyle changes, and family support. Karthik emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which provided real-time insights into his glucose levels. Syeda, a teacher, highlighted her daily walking routine, balanced diet, and positive mindset as key factors. The challenge, which attracted over 5,500 participants across the UAE, aimed to promote diabetes management and healthier living. Sana Abbasi, a Pakistani resident in Dubai, secured second place with a Dh3,000 prize, improving her blood sugar levels from 7.61 to 6.96. The event concluded just ahead of World Diabetes Day, underscoring the importance of awareness and proactive health management.
-
Kliff Kingsbury returns to Europe celebrating healthy Commanders offensive line
Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, is no stranger to Europe. Having vacationed in Spain and played for the Cologne Centurions in Germany, Kingsbury is back on the continent with a mission: to help the Commanders (3-7) break a five-game losing streak. This Sunday, they face the Miami Dolphins (3-7) in the NFL’s final international game of the season at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Kingsbury acknowledges the challenges posed by numerous injuries but remains optimistic about the team’s offensive line, which has shown improvement in recent weeks. Key players like Josh Conerly Jr., Laremy Tunsil, Tyler Biadasz, Chris Paul, and Sam Cosmi have been consistent, providing a glimmer of hope for the struggling team. Despite the absence of star players like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Austin Ekeler, Kingsbury praises the resilience of the squad. The Commanders are coming off a tough 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, but Kingsbury believes the European trip offers a fresh perspective and a chance to regroup. He is particularly excited about playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a venue he admires as a soccer fan. Reflecting on his past experiences in Europe, Kingsbury hopes the international setting will inspire his team to turn their season around.
-
Deadly Rio police raid failed to loosen gang’s iron grip, residents say
In the wake of Brazil’s most lethal police operation, new revelations are casting doubt on whether the raid truly achieved its stated goal of dismantling one of the country’s most formidable criminal gangs. The operation, which took place on October 28 in Rio de Janeiro, resulted in the deaths of 121 individuals, including four police officers. Rio de Janeiro State Governor Claudio Castro hailed the operation as a ‘success,’ showcasing over 100 seized rifles. However, human rights organizations have condemned the security forces for the high death toll and the perceived brutality of their actions. The operation, which deployed 2,500 officers to the Alemão and Penha neighborhoods, targeted the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) gang, which dominates a vast area of nine million square meters. Despite the arrests of numerous suspects, the gang’s top leader, Edgar Alves de Andrade, known as Doca, remains at large. Local media and academic experts have questioned the operation’s effectiveness, noting that none of the deceased matched the list of suspects provided by prosecutors. Residents of the affected areas report that the gang’s control remains largely unshaken, with armed men seen patrolling the community the day after the raid. The Comando Vermelho’s influence extends beyond drug trafficking, monopolizing essential services such as gas, cable television, internet, and transport, and enforcing strict rules on residents’ daily lives. The gang’s harsh punishments for transgressions include severe physical mutilation and execution. Despite the police’s efforts, the gang’s grip on the favelas appears unyielding, raising concerns about the long-term impact of such operations on public safety and human rights.
-
Cleaning staff transform fallen ginkgo leaves into campus art sensation
In a remarkable display of creativity, the cleaning staff at Dalian University of Foreign Languages in Liaoning Province have transformed the seasonal litter of ginkgo leaves into stunning works of art. Utilizing everyday objects such as umbrellas, chairs, and tables, they have crafted intricate designs that have captivated students and become a viral sensation on social media. The vibrant crimson and gold hues of the leaves, typically associated with autumn’s poetic beauty, have now become the centerpiece of an unexpected artistic movement on campus. This initiative not only highlights the aesthetic potential of natural elements but also underscores the often-overlooked talents of the university’s support staff. Their innovative approach has sparked widespread admiration, drawing attention to the intersection of nature, art, and community engagement.
-
Dh50 million awarded to 100 UAE workers, companies at Emirates Labour Market Awards
The third edition of the Emirates Labour Market Award (ELMA), held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, recognized 100 exceptional workers and private companies for their outstanding contributions to the UAE labour market. Organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the event celebrated best practices and innovation in the sector, with a total prize pool of Dh50 million, up from Dh37 million in the previous edition. This year’s awards expanded to include 98 winners, compared to 84 in the second edition. Individual winners received cash prizes of Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh50,000 for first, second, and third places, respectively. Companies securing top positions were classified under MoHRE’s first category, benefiting from significant discounts on ministry services, with financial savings of up to Dh1.2 million. A new subcategory, ‘Labour Accommodations,’ was introduced to encourage sustainable and recreational initiatives for workers, particularly during national and Eid holidays. MoHRE emphasized that such activities enhance productivity, promote positive values, and foster a sense of belonging among workers, ensuring compliance with laws protecting their rights and well-being. The annual event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
-
Watch: Moment the last US penny is minted
In a historic move marking the end of a 230-year tradition, the United States has officially ceased the production of its one-cent coin, commonly known as the penny. The decision comes as the cost of minting each penny has surged to nearly four cents, rendering its production economically unsustainable. The penny, first introduced in 1793, has long been a symbol of American currency but has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years due to its declining purchasing power and rising production costs. Economists and policymakers have debated its relevance in modern commerce, with many arguing that its discontinuation could streamline transactions and reduce unnecessary expenses. While the penny will remain legal tender, its production halt signifies a significant shift in the nation’s monetary landscape. The final minting of the coin was captured in a poignant video, symbolizing the end of an era in US financial history.
-
British commentator Sami Hamdi mulling possibility of taking legal action against US over detention
LONDON — British political analyst Sami Hamdi announced on Thursday that he is contemplating legal action against U.S. authorities following his detention in an immigration center, which he attributes to his outspoken views on the Gaza-Israel conflict. Hamdi, who recently returned to the U.K., described his detention as a “botched” operation by “extremists” within the U.S. government, though he praised federal judges for ultimately exonerating him. Speaking to reporters and supporters near London’s Heathrow Airport, Hamdi emphasized that his ordeal was not just a personal attack but a broader assault on global freedoms. Hamdi, a Muslim commentator, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 26 during a speaking tour in the U.S., shortly after addressing a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that his visa had been revoked, and he was placed in immigration proceedings, with accusations of supporting Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamdi denied these claims, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted and aimed at highlighting the consequences of Palestinian oppression. He maintained that his actions were legal and within the scope of his visa, which he believes was revoked due to his advocacy for Palestine. Hamdi’s detention is part of a broader U.S. effort to address foreign nationals accused of supporting protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a policy criticized by civil rights groups as infringing on free speech protections. While Hamdi is considering legal action, he expressed gratitude for the “cooler minds” in the U.S. State Department and judiciary that ultimately supported his case. He confirmed that his voluntary departure from the U.S. carries no restrictions, leaving the door open for future visa applications.
-
The illusion of access: 94% of stocks are missing from your app
The promise of global investing often falls short in reality, as most investment apps provide access to less than 10% of the world’s stock market. Despite the appearance of openness, investors are confined to a narrow selection of stocks. With over 50,000 listed companies across 78 stock exchanges, the average platform offers fewer than 5,000, leaving the majority of the global market inaccessible. Apps create an illusion of completeness by showcasing popular tickers and trending brands, even when many are ‘ghost listings’—visible but untradeable. This psychological trick fosters a sense of connection to the global economy, while actual ownership remains limited. The root of the issue lies in regulatory complexities. Platforms are typically licensed in a few jurisdictions, making cross-border investing slow, expensive, and legally challenging. Compliance with varying rules on KYC, taxation, and settlement further restricts access. As a result, trading is often limited to major markets like the U.S., the U.K., and select Asian exchanges, while regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia remain out of reach for retail investors. Geographic restrictions also play a role, with users often unaware of why certain stocks or exchanges are unavailable. The UK Financial Conduct Authority has warned that this lack of transparency risks misleading investors. For users, this lack of clarity erodes trust, as they assume stocks in search results are purchasable. Simple disclosures about live and restricted exchanges could restore honesty without requiring new features. As Tajinder Virk, co-founder of Finvasia, notes, true global investing is about discovering undervalued companies shaping the future, not just owning what’s already popular. Until platforms align their promises with actual access, global investing will remain an illusion—appearing limitless but feeling confined. The next generation of platforms must not only display the world but truly open it.
-
Starbucks union workers go on strike over pay and staffing
Starbucks employees at 65 unionized stores across the United States have initiated a strike, intensifying their campaign for improved wages and staffing levels. The action, organized by Starbucks Workers United, comes after prolonged negotiations with the coffee giant reached an impasse. The union is also demanding the resolution of hundreds of unfair labor practice charges. Talks for a contract agreement collapsed earlier this year, leaving both parties at odds over critical economic issues. Starbucks has downplayed the impact of the strike, stating that fewer than 1% of its stores will be affected, with the majority continuing normal operations. The union, established four years ago, has successfully organized elections at over 600 stores, representing approximately 5% of Starbucks’ company-owned U.S. locations. More than 1,000 baristas in over 40 cities are participating in the strike, strategically timed to coincide with Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, a major sales event. The union has warned that the strike could expand if negotiations remain unresolved. Baristas like Dachi Spoltore from Pittsburgh emphasized the personal stakes involved, stating, ‘Jobs, our livelihoods, our economic security—this might be a game to Starbucks, but this isn’t a game for us.’ The strike, though limited in scope, could draw unwanted attention to Starbucks during a challenging period marked by consumer boycotts, rising competition, and leadership turmoil. New CEO Brian Niccol, who joined last year, has implemented a ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy, including stricter policies and a $500 million investment in staffing and training. However, baristas argue that these changes have increased their workload without addressing staffing shortages. Union leaders acknowledge some progress in relations but highlight persistent disagreements over pay and unresolved labor charges. Starbucks has criticized the union for stalling talks, claiming that its demands would disrupt store operations. Despite the company’s assertions of offering competitive wages and benefits, baristas remain steadfast in their fight for fair treatment and livable wages.