Bangladesh's interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of undermining the country's institutions in her bid to retain power. Yunus, who became Chief Adviser on August 8 following Hasina's resignation and departure to India on August 5, addressed foreign diplomats in Dhaka, promising to hold "free, fair, and participatory" elections after enacting critical reforms, reported PTI. According to the report, Yunus, 84, alleged that Hasina's government, which he termed a dictatorship, has weakened the country's courts and undermined democratic rights through a "brutal" crackdown over the last decade and a half. He indicated that his administration's priorities include modernising the Election Commission, judiciary, civil administration, security forces, and media to create a more transparent and democratic process. "In their efforts to stay in power, Sheikh Hasina's dictatorship destroyed every institution of the country. The judiciary was broken. Democratic rights were suppressed through a brutal decade-and-a-half-long crackdown," Yunus said. He also underlined Bangladesh's economic woes, proposing significant measures to restore stability, eradicate corruption, and enhance governance. Yunus stressed the significance of law and order, promising to ensure security with the continuous assistance of the military, the news agency report stated. "The top priority of the Interim Government would be to bring the law and order situation under control...The armed forces will continue to serve in aid of civil power as long as the situation warrants. We will be close to normalcy within a short period, with the unwavering support of our people and patriotic armed forces," Yunus was further quoted as saying. Following Hasina's resignation, Yunus emphasised that his government is committed to guaranteeing the safety of all religious and ethnic groups. He also committed to fulfilling international human rights duties and continuing Bangladesh's active participation in global peacekeeping efforts. "Our government remains pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups," he said. Reportedly, on the subject of Rohingya refugees, Yunus urged for continuing international humanitarian assistance and ultimate repatriation to Myanmar with dignity and full rights. Addressing the international community, Yunus urged their assistance as Bangladesh embarked on a new democratic road, hoping to fulfil its people's dreams of a prosperous and equitable nation, the PTI report stated. "Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of a new beginning. Our valiant students and people deserve a lasting transformation of our nation. It is a difficult journey and we need your help along the way. We need to fulfil their aspirations. The sooner the better," he said.
28 October,2024 04:03 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentDonald Trump's election campaign took a jibe at Vice-President Kamala Harris ahead of her first joint interview with Tim Walz, her running mate, and said that she is scared to interview on her own. Notably, Harris agreed to a joint interview with Walz, who is her running mate for the elections, The Hill reported. Harris and Minnesota Governor Walz will participate in their first joint interview with CNN on Thursday. CNN's Dana Bash will conduct the interview, which is set to air at 9 pm EDT. Sharing a post on X, the Trump War Room said, "It's no coincidence that Kamala's first interview is scheduled for the Thursday night before Labor Day weekend. They already hope it gets lost -- and it hasn't even aired yet." It further said that Harris is scared to do an interview. "Kamala is clearly scared to do an interview on her own and it's pre-taped so they can clean it up," the post added. In another post, the Trump War Room said that the Vice-President has finally found the courage to agree to a joint interview. "Last night, CNN announced that Kamala has mustered up the courage to sit for a *joint* interview -- after 39 days of hiding out from reporters," it said. In a series of posts, it urged Dana Bash, anchor of CNN, to ask 10 questions to Kamala Harris in the joint interview. These include, "If you (Kamala Harris) are capable of lowering prices for Americans, why haven't you done it in the 3 1/2 years you have been in office; You say housing affordability would be a "Day One priority" if you were elected. Why is it not a priority now; You co-sponsored Medicare-for-All and the Green New Deal. Do you still support these multi-trillion-dollar takeovers of the American economy; You talk a lot about "freedom." What about the freedoms of Laken Riley, Rachel Morin, and Jocelyn Nungaray? These women were killed by illegal immigrants who were let into the country under your watch; President Trump didn't need a "border bill" to secure the border. Why did you support executive actions like stopping construction of the border wall and halting deportations that intentionally unsecured the border; Trump was the first president in decades to start no new wars. Under your watch, wars are popping up in Europe and the Middle East. Why is that; Why did you conceal Joe Biden's cognitive decline from the American people; You supported the Defund the Police movement and have said more that police doesn't mean more safety. Why do you want fewer police officers; You've called for getting rid of cash bail and your campaign hasn't backed away from it. Why do you still support such a radical view; and You have sent anonymous aides out to claim you've abandoned the radically liberal positions that you've held for decades." Notably, Harris was nominated as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden quit the presidential race amid mounting concerns over his age, particularly after his poor show in the debate with Donald Trump in June. If elected president, the 59-year-old Harris would become the first woman in history to become the US president. The vice president is only the second woman ever nominated for the presidency by a major political party. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 October,2024 04:02 PM IST | Washington | ANIFormer American President Donald Trump said that he would like to keep Tesla's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elon Musk in his cabinet if he is elected for the top post, news agency ANI reported.In an interview with Shawn Ryan, the host of the United States-based 'The Shawn Ryan Show', Trump said that while he would like having Musk in his cabinet, he doubted if the Tesla CEO could join the cabinet as he already has a lot on his plate. In the interview, which is yet to be broadcasted, Ryan asked Trump if keeping Musk in the cabinet would require him to do something with artificial intelligence (AI)."He wants to be involved now. Look, he's running big businesses and all that, so he can't really. I don't think he'd be [able to handle the work of cabinet]. I'd put him in the cabinet, absolutely. But I don't know how he could do that with all the things he's got going," Trump said, adding that the Tesla CEO can consult with the country and produce ideas, especially on AI."But he can sort of, as the expression goes, consult with the country and give you some very good ideas, like on AI. There's nobody knows more about it than Elon. It's a big thing," he said.The former President added that if the US does not focus on AI, "somebody else, most likely China, will do it"."It's very important for the country. If we don't do it, China is going to do it or somebody else. But most likely China. And China is working right now to develop a massive flood of electricity. And we don't, because we have people that are not even thinking about that," he said.He also said that Musk is an "unusual character" and a genius and that "we must cherish him"."We have a great relationship. He's [Musk is] great. He is a totally unusual character. He's great, and he's smart, and we have to cherish our geniuses. You know, we don't have too many of them. He is a brilliant guy, and what he really would like to do is get involved in cutting some of the fat. And he does know how to do it, and he loves the country. You know, it's just an amazing thing." Trump said that the fact that his podcast with Musk on August 13 was viewed by millions was "crazy"."We had a conversation the other day... I hear it had hundreds of millions of people. I heard it had the biggest audience that there's ever been. I mean, would you say that's a correct statement? There's never been anything even close. I heard 750 million people. I mean, numbers that are crazy," he said. The former US President said that if the election does not go the "right way", the country will be "doomed"."We have to win this election. November 5 [election day] will be the most important day, in my opinion, in the history of our country, because if our country goes the wrong way with this election, I think this country is doomed," said the Republican candidate who will contest Vice-President Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party.(With ANI inputs)
28 October,2024 04:02 PM IST | Washington DC | mid-day online correspondentRepublican presidential nominee Donald Trump has launched a fresh personal attack on his Democratic rival Kamala Harris, calling her “defective”. His latest attacks come after Harris sat for her first major interview with CNN as her party’s presidential nominee on Thursday. Fifty-nine-year-old Harris, who is of Indian and African descent, is the Democratic Party candidate in the November 5 presidential election in which she will contest against Trump, 78. “I think she would’ve been better off if she just did interviews, even if they weren’t great it would have been better, because now everyone’s watching and now we see, she’s defective,” Trump said. “And we don’t need another defective person as President of the US,” Trump said, likely referring to President Joe Biden who dropped out of the race last month and endorsed Harris. He also said Biden was “sharp as a tack,” during the presidential debate in June and complained that it was “unfair” he had to spend millions going after the wrong person during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month. Trump has unleashed personal attacks on Vice President Harris as her political star has risen since she rose to the top of the Democratic ticket in recent weeks. Earlier, Trump disparaged Harris’ physical appearance and insisted that he was “much better looking than her”. Trump earlier this month said he was “entitled” to personally attack Harris because he doesn’t “have a lot of respect for her”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
28 October,2024 04:01 PM IST | Washington | AgenciesAn Israeli strike on an area in the Gaza Strip home to Palestinians displaced by the Israel-Hamas war killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others, authorities said Tuesday. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported the toll for the strike, citing medical officials, and suggested the figures could change. Details about the strike in the Mawasi coastal community just west of Khan Younis which the Israeli military has designated as a humanitarian zone remained unclear. The area is home to many Palestinians displaced by the Israel-Hamas war in which the Israeli military has devastated the wider Gaza Strip after Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. The Israeli military described the strike as hitting “significant Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command-and-control centre,” without immediately providing additional evidence. Hamas in a reported statement denied that, though Israel long has accused Hamas and other militants of hiding in civilian populations. Israel has launched strikes in and around Mawasi in the past, even as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians now live there. Footage circulating on social media showed deep craters at the site of the attack, the strewn ruins around it covered in shredded tents, a bicycle and other debris. Rescue workers used shovels to shift through the sand. Bystanders used their hands to dig, illuminated by mobile phone light. At least one crater at the site looked to be as deep as 10 metres. The Israeli military said it used “precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional means” it did not immediately describe to limit civilian casualties. Mawasi is an area 1 kilometre wide and 14 kilometres long. Palestinians who fled other areas have crowded into the sandy beach area against the Mediterranean Sea after Israel told them it would be safe. However, aid groups have struggled to provide care there among a sea of tents crowded with the belongings families were able to carry away with them when fleeing their homes. The war has caused vast destruction and displaced around 90 per cent of Gaza's population of 2.3 million, often multiple times. Gaza's Health Ministry says over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their October 7 attack. They abducted another 250 and are still holding around 100 after releasing most of the rest in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire last November. Around a third of the remaining hostages are believed to be dead. Meanwhile, the United Nations agency in charge of aid for displaced Palestinians said the Israeli military stopped a convoy for more than eight hours on Monday, despite it coordinating with the troops. The agency's head Philippe Lazzarini said the staffers who were held had been trying to work on a polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza and Gaza City. “The convoy was stopped at gunpoint just after the Wadi Gaza checkpoint with threats to detain UN staff,” he wrote on the social platform X. “Heavy damage was caused by bulldozers to the UN armoured vehicles.” He said the staff and the convoy later returned to a UN base but it was unclear if a polio vaccination campaign would take place Tuesday in northern Gaza. “UN Staff must be allowed to undertake their duties in safety + be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law, he wrote. “Gaza is no different.” The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The vaccination drive, launched after doctors discovered the first polio case in the Palestinian enclave in 25 years, aims to vaccinate 640,000 children during a war that has destroyed the healthcare system. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 09:17 AM IST | Jerusalem | PTIA South Korean commission found evidence that women were pressured into giving away their infants for foreign adoptions after giving birth at government-funded facilities where thousands were confined and enslaved from the 1960s to the 1980s. The report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Monday came years after The Associated Press revealed adoptions from the biggest facility for so-called vagrants, Brothers Home, which shipped children abroad as part of a huge, profit-seeking enterprise that exploited thousands of people trapped within the Busan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:35 AM IST | Seoul | AgenciesPope Francis received a raucous welcome Monday as he arrived in East Timor to celebrate its recovery from a bloody and traumatic independence battle, even as he indirectly acknowledged an abuse scandal involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning hero. Timorese jammed Francis’ motorcade route into town from the airport, waving Vatican and Timorese flags and toting yellow and white umbrellas—the colors of the Holy See—to shade themselves from the scorching midday sun. “Viva el Papa!” they shouted as he passed by. The 87-year-old Francis seemed to relish the greeting, smiling broadly. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:35 AM IST | Dili | AgenciesA bridge collapsed and a bus was swept away by flooding Monday as more rain fell following a typhoon Vietnam that has caused at least 59 deaths in the Southeast Asian country and disrupted businesses and factories in the export-focused northern industrial hubs, state media reported. Nine people died when Typhoon Yagi made landfall in Vietnam on Saturday before weakening to a tropical depression, and at least 50 others have died in the consequent floods and landslides, state media VN Express reported. The water levels of several rivers in northern Vietnam were dangerously high. A passenger bus carrying 20 people was swept into a flooded stream by a landslide in mountainous Cao Bang province Monday morning. Rescuers were deployed but landslides blocked their path. In Phu Tho province, rescue operations were continuing after a steel bridge over the engorged Red River collapsed Monday morning. Reports said 10 cars and trucks along with two motorbikes fell into the river. Three people were pulled out of the river, but 13 others were missing. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:33 AM IST | Hanoi | AgenciesDefence personnel and artillery of over thirty nations will partake in Australia’s biggest warfare exercise Kakadu. This year’s exercise incorporates warships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft from attending countries. Constantly growing in size since its introduction in 1993, Exercise Kakadu 2024 will witness more than three thousand personnel in action. Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO Royal Australian Navy, greeting the participants said camaraderie will be forged via the activity. “Kakadu is an important exercise hosted by RAN as it deepens relationships and interoperability between participating armed forces. Australia is a maritime nation which like its neighbours, derives prosperity from access to the sea - backed by a strong Navy and ties,” Vice Admiral Hammond said. “Kakadu provides an excellent opportunity for army men to exercise their professionalism in a range of tactical maritime activities. This year the focus would be on interoperability with greater integration of Australia’s international partners in all aspects of the exercise,” he added. 1993Year Exercise Kakadu was introduced This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:30 AM IST | Darwin | AgenciesThe number of people killed in overnight Israeli strikes in Syria has risen to 14 with more than 40 wounded, Syrian state media said Monday morning. Israeli strikes hit several areas in central Syria late Sunday, damaging a highway in Hama province and sparking fires, Syrian state news agency SANA said. The initial death count reported by the Masyaf National Hospital in western Hama province was four. SANA, citing hospital head Faysal Haydar, said 14 were killed and 43 wounded. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, said at least four of those killed were civilians. One of the strikes targeted a scientific research centre in Maysaf and others struck sites where “Iranian militias and experts are stationed to develop weapons in Syria,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Local media also reported strikes around the coastal city of Tartous. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years, but it rarely acknowledges or discusses the operations. The strikes often target Syrian forces or Iranian-backed groups. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:28 AM IST | Damascus | AgenciesA fuel tanker collided head-on with another truck in Nigeria on Sunday causing an explosion that killed at least 48 people, the country’s emergency response agency said. The fuel tanker was also carrying cattle in the Agaie area in north-central Niger state and at least 50 of them were burned alive, Abdullahi Baba-Arab, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, said. Search and rescue operations were underway at the scene of the accident, Baba-Arab said. Baba-Arab said initially that 30 bodies were found but in a later statement said an additional 18 bodies of victims who were burned to death in the collision were found. He said the dead had been given a mass burial. With the absence of an efficient railway system to transport cargo, fatal truck accidents are common along most of the major roads in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 September,2024 07:25 AM IST | Abuja | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
