Bangladesh's Political Shift: Interim Government Forms Amid Regional Tensions
Bangladesh undergoes major political changes as PM resigns and interim government forms. Meanwhile, U.S. election preparations and Middle East tensions continue, with North Korea escalating border activities.
In a significant political shift, Bangladesh has seen major changes in its leadership. The country's President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, dissolved parliament and released opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia from house arrest, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This development comes after mass protests over the country's job quota system, which had reserved 30% of government positions for those related to veterans of Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.
Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his pioneering work in microlending, has been selected to lead the interim government. Yunus, who founded the Grameen Bank that has helped millions of Bangladeshis escape poverty, called Hasina's departure Bangladesh's "second liberation day."
"India is our best friend. People are angry at India because you are supporting the person who destroyed our lives."
In the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the November 2024 election. Walz, a former National Guard member and congressman, is seen as an appeal to Midwestern voters and union workers.
Meanwhile, tensions persist in the Middle East. A rocket attack on Iraq's Ain al-Asad Airbase injured U.S. personnel, fitting a pattern of operations by Iranian-backed groups. The United Nations has also taken action, dismissing nine staff members from its Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) over alleged involvement in the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
In East Asia, North Korea has escalated tensions by moving 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to its southern border. Leader Kim Jong Un cited U.S. military cooperation with South Korea and Japan as justification for expanding North Korea's military strength.
Amidst these geopolitical developments, a moment of sportsmanship at the Olympics provided a brief respite. U.S. gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles honored Brazilian gold medalist Rebeca Andrade, demonstrating respect and camaraderie in international competition.
