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.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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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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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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Netanyahu’s son slashes asking price for Oxford flat after it fails to sell
Avner Netanyahu, the youngest son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has significantly reduced the asking price of his three-bedroom flat in Oxford, UK, after failing to sell it for nine months. The property, initially listed for £620,000 in February, has now been marked down to £500,000, representing a nearly 20% reduction and a potential loss of £2,500 for Netanyahu’s son.
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Look: How will air taxis look like? 3 models put on display at Dubai Airshow
The Dubai Airshow 2025 has unveiled a glimpse into the future of urban mobility, showcasing three cutting-edge air taxi models that could revolutionize transportation in the UAE by the end of the decade. These models, ranging from fully electric city hoppers to hybrid long-range concepts, highlight the region’s ambitious plans to integrate air taxis into everyday travel. Dubai is set to launch its first air taxi routes in 2026, while Abu Dhabi is concurrently developing its own point-to-point air mobility strategies. For many attendees, this marks their first encounter with the aircraft that may soon replace short car journeys in the region. Among the standout models is Archer Aviation’s Midnight, an electric commuter aircraft designed for urban trips. Capable of carrying four passengers and a pilot, the Midnight boasts speeds of up to 240 km/h, operates emission-free, and features multiple redundant safety systems. Archer has already confirmed its UAE operations will commence next year, with expansion plans into Saudi Arabia. The E20 Plus, developed by UAE-based Autocraft, is another highlight. Built to withstand the region’s harsh weather conditions, this four-passenger aircraft offers a 200 km range and rapid recharging times. Autocraft has partnered with Abu Dhabi Aviation to integrate the E20 Plus into the emirate’s flight ecosystem by late 2026. Honda R&D also presented a one-third scale model of its hybrid air taxi, which combines electric flight with a Formula One-inspired range extender, targeting a range of over 400 km. Although still in the research phase, Honda envisions future autonomous capabilities, with full certification expected in the early 2030s. These innovations underscore the UAE’s commitment to pioneering advanced transportation solutions.
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ADB approves $330m loan to upgrade Pakistan power grid
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $330 million loan to Pakistan aimed at upgrading its outdated power grid. This initiative is expected to enhance the transmission of hydropower from northern regions to major urban centers, addressing chronic energy shortages and inefficiencies. Pakistan, home to 250 million people, has been grappling with frequent power outages, escalating electricity costs, and a burgeoning circular debt in the power sector, which has reached 1.7 trillion rupees ($5.9 billion). The ADB stated that the investment will facilitate the transfer of up to 3,200 megawatts of clean energy from hydropower plants in the north, thereby reducing reliance on imported fuels and improving energy security. Emma Fan, ADB’s Pakistan director, emphasized the project’s role in accelerating the country’s transition to a more affordable and sustainable energy mix. This loan follows a $250 million disbursement in November 2023 for expanding the high-voltage transmission network in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Additionally, the ADB approved a $410 million package in August for the development of Pakistan’s Reko Diq copper and gold mine. Pakistan’s heavy dependence on external borrowing was evident in 2023 when it narrowly avoided default, thanks to a $7 billion IMF bailout that unlocked further loans from friendly nations.
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US clears $93 million sale of Javelin anti-tank system, Excalibur projectiles to India
The United States has greenlit a significant defense deal with India, approving the sale of Javelin anti-tank missile systems and Excalibur guided artillery munitions worth $93 million. This decision, announced by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Wednesday, marks India’s first acquisition under the US foreign military sales program since bilateral relations faced strain in August. The friction arose when former President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff hike on Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s procurement of Russian oil. The latest sale underscores Washington’s commitment to fortifying its strategic alliance with India, a key player in maintaining regional stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. India has requested 216 Excalibur projectiles and 100 Javelin systems, with RTX Corp and its joint venture with Lockheed Martin serving as the principal contractors. This deal follows India’s recent reorder of General Electric fighter jet engines for its domestically produced Tejas combat aircraft.
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Pakistan army kills 23 militants near Afghan border
In a decisive response to escalating violence, Pakistan’s security forces have neutralized 23 militants in targeted operations near the Afghan border. The raids, conducted in the volatile Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, come just a week after a devastating suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad claimed 12 lives and left dozens injured. The Pakistani military has identified the militants as members of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) or its affiliated groups, further accusing India of providing support to these insurgents. The statement from the army emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating foreign-sponsored terrorism, which it claims is orchestrated from neighboring Afghanistan. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of harboring militant groups, particularly the TTP, which has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan. The recent surge in cross-border violence has exacerbated tensions between the two nations, with last month’s clashes marking the most severe conflict in years. Despite a fragile ceasefire agreement, negotiations to finalize its terms have stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock. The border remains closed, and the region continues to grapple with instability as both nations trade accusations and brace for further unrest.
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Philippines: Woman who faked nationality to become mayor jailed for trafficking
In a landmark ruling, Alice Guo, a Chinese national who fraudulently assumed Philippine citizenship to become a town mayor, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for her involvement in human trafficking and overseeing a transnational scam operation. The Manila Regional Court delivered the verdict on Thursday, marking a significant victory in the fight against corruption and organized crime in the Philippines. Guo, 35, was found guilty of managing a sprawling Chinese-operated online gambling center in Bamban town, where hundreds of individuals from various countries were coerced into running scams under the threat of torture. The complex, which included office buildings, luxury villas, and a swimming pool, was raided in March 2024 after a Vietnamese worker escaped and alerted authorities. Over 700 victims from the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Rwanda were rescued during the operation. Documents seized at the site confirmed Guo’s role as the president of the company owning the compound. Despite her election as mayor, a court ruling in June 2024 declared her ineligible for the position, citing her undisputed Chinese citizenship. Guo, who fled to Indonesia in September 2024, was arrested and extradited to face trial. She and seven co-defendants, including Jaimielyn Santos Cruz and Walter Wong Rong, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. State prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas hailed the verdict as a triumph against human trafficking, cybercrime, and corruption. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who spearheaded the Senate investigation into Guo, praised the decision and vowed to continue probing Chinese intelligence operations in the Philippines. The case has shed light on the rampant transnational scam industry in Southeast Asia, which reportedly defrauded victims of up to $37 billion in 2023. The Philippines, under former President Rodrigo Duterte, became a hub for such operations due to lax licensing regulations. However, in 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos imposed a nationwide ban on offshore gambling in response to public outrage over the Guo case, expelling foreign nationals involved in the industry.