In a dramatic turn of events, a prosecutor in Bangladesh’s special domestic tribunal has called for the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity during last year’s mass uprising. The violent protests in July and August 2024 resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including students, security officials, and political activists. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, presenting his closing arguments at the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka, also demanded the death sentence for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, citing the severity of his alleged crimes. The fate of former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has pleaded guilty and turned state witness, was left to the tribunal’s discretion. Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 5 last year, did not appoint legal representation, dismissing the trial as a “kangaroo court.” Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership of the interim government after Hasina’s ouster, has vowed to hold her accountable and banned her Awami League party’s activities. The United Nations estimates up to 1,400 deaths during the uprising, though Hasina’s party disputes these figures and calls for independent investigations. The case has further escalated political tensions in Bangladesh, with 25 former and serving military officials indicted for enforced disappearances during Hasina’s 15-year rule. Yunus has promised elections in February to transition power to a democratically elected government, though the Awami League remains barred from participation.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Last surviving member of first team to scale Everest dies aged 92
Kanchha Sherpa, the final surviving member of the pioneering 1953 Mount Everest expedition, has passed away at the age of 92 in Kathmandu, Nepal. His family confirmed that he had been unwell in recent times. Sherpa was just 19 years old when he joined the legendary team led by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, which achieved the first successful ascent of the world’s highest peak. Despite having no prior mountaineering experience, Sherpa served as a porter on the 35-member expedition, carrying essential supplies such as food, tents, and equipment to the base camp during the grueling two-week journey. Remarkably, he was one of only three Sherpas to surpass the 8,000-meter mark (26,247 feet) during the climb. Sherpa’s contributions to mountaineering earned him widespread admiration, with fellow Nepali guides hailing him as a legend and a source of inspiration. After the historic expedition, he continued working as a high-altitude porter in the Himalayas for two more decades before retiring at the request of his wife, who urged him to cease the perilous climbs. His legacy remains an enduring testament to the courage and resilience of the Sherpa community in the world of mountaineering.
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Kanchha Sherpa, last surviving member of 1953 Mount Everest expedition, dies at 92
Kanchha Sherpa, the sole surviving member of the historic 1953 expedition that first summited Mount Everest, passed away peacefully at his home in Kapan, Kathmandu, on Thursday. He was 92 years old. The Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed his death, with President Phur Gelje Sherpa describing it as the end of a significant chapter in mountaineering history. Kanchha had been unwell for some time before his passing. His last rites are scheduled for Monday. Born in 1933 in Namche Bazar, the gateway to Everest, Kanchha began his mountaineering career at 19 and remained active in the field until he was 50. He was one of three Sherpas who reached the final camp before Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made their historic ascent to the 8,849-meter peak on May 29, 1953. In a March 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Kanchha expressed concerns about overcrowding and environmental degradation on Everest, urging climbers to respect the mountain, which Sherpas revere as Qomolangma, or the goddess mother of the world. He is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters, and grandchildren.
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Death of kidnapped South Korean student spurs talks with Cambodia to tackle online scams
In a significant move to address the growing issue of online scams, South Korean and Cambodian officials convened in Phnom Penh on Thursday to discuss coordinated measures. This meeting follows the tragic death of Park Min-ho, a 22-year-old South Korean student who was reportedly trafficked and forced to work in a scam center in Cambodia. Park’s body was discovered in August in Cambodia’s Kampot province, with authorities attributing his death to cardiac arrest after enduring torture and beatings.
The South Korean delegation, led by National Security Director Wi Sung-lac, met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to address the repatriation of South Korean nationals involved in online scams and the return of Park’s remains. Wi emphasized the urgency of resolving these issues, noting that disputes over autopsy procedures had delayed the repatriation process. However, an agreement was reached, and the results of the talks were expected to be announced later on Thursday.
Cambodia’s online scam industry has drawn international attention, with an estimated 200,000 people, including around 1,000 South Koreans, working in scam centers across the country. Many victims are lured with promises of high-paying jobs, only to be forced into illegal activities. In the first eight months of 2023 alone, 330 South Koreans were reported detained in Cambodia, with 80% of these cases resolved.
During the talks, both nations pledged to strengthen collaboration in combating transnational crimes, particularly online scams. Hun Manet emphasized that Cambodia and South Korea would work bilaterally to address the issue without third-party involvement. South Korea, meanwhile, is seeking the early repatriation of 60 nationals recently arrested in Cambodia on suspicion of scam involvement. Once repatriated, they will face investigations and potential legal consequences.
In response to the crisis, South Korea has implemented a travel ban for specific areas in Cambodia, including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, where Park was found dead, as well as border towns Bavet and Poipet. The United Nations has highlighted Southeast Asia, particularly the Mekong Region, as a global hub for scams and illegal online gaming, with criminal gangs earning billions annually through fraudulent schemes.
Jeremy Douglas, Chief of Staff for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, stressed the need for regional cooperation to tackle the issue, stating that the situation cannot be ignored. As both nations work towards a solution, the tragic case of Park Min-ho underscores the urgent need for international collaboration to combat human trafficking and online scams.
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Dubai’s new trackless tram to be connected to Metro, will ease road congestion
Dubai is poised to introduce a groundbreaking trackless tram system, designed to alleviate road congestion and enhance the city’s public transportation network. The project, spearheaded by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2026. This innovative system will integrate seamlessly with the existing Dubai Metro, marking a significant step towards Dubai’s ambitious goal of making 25% of its transportation smart and driverless by 2030. Dawood Alrais, Director of Rail Maintenance at RTA’s Rail Agency, emphasized the system’s potential to support the city’s growing population and reduce environmental impact. Unlike traditional trams, the trackless variant operates on rubber tires and utilizes advanced navigation technologies such as optical sensors, GPS, and LiDAR to follow virtual tracks. This eliminates the need for fixed rails, reducing both construction costs and environmental footprint. Each tram, capable of carrying up to 300 passengers across three carriages, will operate on dedicated lanes to ensure safety and efficiency. With a top speed of 70 km/h and a range of 100 km per charge, the trackless trams promise faster and more flexible travel compared to conventional trams. Initially planned for eight locations, the project may expand to additional areas, further enhancing Dubai’s public transport infrastructure.
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Ambassador urges healthier bilateral ties
In a pivotal address at the annual gala dinner of the National Committee on US-China Relations in New York, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng emphasized the critical need for a healthier and more cooperative bilateral relationship between the two global powers. Speaking on October 14, 2025, Ambassador Xie highlighted the profound impact of US-China relations on global stability and prosperity, urging both nations to move beyond trade wars and tariffs, which he described as detrimental to all parties involved. He stressed the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration as the foundation for resolving differences and fostering a constructive partnership. Xie underscored the shared responsibilities of China and the US as permanent members of the UN Security Council, major nuclear powers, and the world’s largest economies. He called for a focus on common interests rather than allowing historical and cultural differences to fuel suspicion and conflict. The ambassador also highlighted the strategic value of business collaboration between the two nations, encouraging more US businesses to invest in China, which offers vast opportunities in industrial transformation, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. Xie concluded by emphasizing the importance of people-to-people ties as the cornerstone of a strong bilateral relationship, asserting that the world has ‘a thousand reasons to get the China-US relationship right, and no single one to mess it up.’
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‘Large scale’ Chinese spying in UK, says witness in collapsed trial
The UK government is under intense scrutiny following the collapse of a high-profile espionage case involving two individuals accused of spying for China. Christopher Berry, an academic, and Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024. The case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) due to insufficient evidence that China posed a national security threat at the time of the alleged offenses. Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins, in his witness statements, asserted that China was engaged in ‘large-scale espionage’ against the UK, describing it as the ‘biggest state-based threat to the country’s economic security.’ However, the CPS determined that the evidence fell short of the threshold required for prosecution. The controversy has sparked accusations from the Conservative Party that the Labour government allowed the case to collapse to protect economic ties with China. The government denies these claims, attributing the case’s failure to the previous Conservative administration. MPs have questioned the CPS’s decision, with some suggesting there was enough evidence to proceed to trial. The case has reignited debates about the UK’s relationship with China and the adequacy of its national security measures.
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Flying cars and AI dazzle at Dubai expo
China’s cutting-edge low-altitude technology and innovative flying vehicles took center stage at the 45th edition of GITEX Global in Dubai, one of the world’s most influential technology and AI exhibitions. Over 300 Chinese enterprises showcased their latest advancements in AI robotics, intelligent solutions, flying cars, and 5G technologies at the event, which ran from October 13 to 17 and attracted 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries and regions. Among the highlights was Xpeng AeroHT’s two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, part of the world’s first mass-produced modular flying car, the ‘Land Aircraft Carrier.’ The aircraft completed its first overseas manned flight in Dubai, securing 600 orders across the Middle East, marking the largest overseas order volume for a Chinese eVTOL manufacturer. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027. GOVY, a flying vehicle brand under Chinese automaker GAC Group, also made its Middle East debut with the Govy AirCar, featuring aviation-grade carbon fiber composites and gull-wing doors for vertical takeoff and landing. The event underscored China’s efforts to build a low-altitude economy ecosystem, utilizing airspace below 3,000 meters for applications in manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, and emergency services. Ou Boqian, China’s consul-general in Dubai, emphasized the significance of this progress, calling it a crucial step in the internationalization of China’s low-altitude electric manned flight technology. The Boston Consulting Group forecasts that China’s eVTOL market will be worth $41 billion by 2040, with the Middle East market expected to reach $11 billion. As the UAE and Saudi Arabia pivot toward technology-driven economies, low-altitude transportation has emerged as a key sector, with Chinese solutions poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of air commuting in the region.
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Australia reaches semifinals after thrashing Bangladesh in Women’s Cricket World Cup
In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Australia secured their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup with a resounding 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Thursday. The match, held in Visakhapatnam, India, saw Australia effortlessly chase down Bangladesh’s total of 198-9 in just 24.5 overs, finishing at 202 without loss. Captain Alyssa Healy led the charge with an unbeaten 113 off 77 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield contributed a solid 84 not out off 72 deliveries. Healy’s innings, marked by 20 boundaries, was the fastest century of the tournament, showcasing her exceptional form following her 142-run performance against India earlier in the week. Litchfield also impressed with 12 fours and a six. The Australian spinners, particularly Alana King who took 2-18 in 10 overs, played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh’s batting lineup. King’s performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Despite a steady start by Bangladesh’s opener Rubya Haider, who scored 44, and Sobhana Mostary’s resilient 66 not out, the team struggled to build momentum, with none of the last six batters reaching double figures. Australia’s victory extends their unbeaten streak in the World Cup to 13 consecutive games, solidifying their status as seven-time champions. The team now looks ahead to their next match against England in Indore, while Bangladesh prepares to face Sri Lanka in Navi Mumbai.
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Israel asked to smoothen aid flow amid fraught ceasefire
Amid a fragile ceasefire, Israel has been called upon to ensure the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, as Hamas faces significant challenges in retrieving the bodies of deceased hostages due to widespread destruction and the presence of Israeli forces across half of the territory. Reports indicate that Israel has delayed the reopening of the Rafah border crossing and drastically reduced aid deliveries, citing the slow return of approximately 20 additional hostage bodies held by Hamas. On Tuesday, Hamas transferred four more bodies, believed to be Israeli hostages, to the International Committee of the Red Cross, bringing the total to eight. However, Israel suspects one of the bodies may belong to a Palestinian. Ismail al-Thawabta, Director General of Gaza’s Government Media Office, has urged Israel to open the crossings and allow immediate aid into the enclave, emphasizing the dire need for water and other essentials. The United Nations has reiterated the necessity of opening more crossings, ensuring the sustained entry of fuel and cooking gas, and providing security guarantees for convoys. UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq highlighted the ongoing efforts to scale up operations under a 60-day response plan. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have stated preparations are underway to open Rafah to Gazan citizens, with plans to send in 600 aid trucks. The ceasefire remains precarious, with both Hamas and Israel accusing each other of violations. The Red Cross has warned that recovery teams may struggle to locate some bodies due to the extensive destruction. The World Health Organization has deployed emergency medical teams and delivered essential medical supplies, while the World Food Programme has facilitated the entry of 137 trucks carrying food aid. However, tensions persist, with reports of Israeli forces allegedly killing a man in the West Bank and abducting four citizens.