Bangladesh is making waves in international media today, with significant attention on several critical developments.
National headlines highlight the government`s new directive on firearm regulation and the forthcoming changes to police uniforms and logos. Meanwhile, international media are focusing on ongoing political and social tensions within the country, including concerns about minority security, Rohingya refugee influx.
As global scrutiny intensifies, international outlets are analyzing the potential impact of these issues on Bangladesh`s domestic stability and international relations. Below are some of the key international coverage highlights on Bangladesh.
Associated Press (AP)
How a young generation in Bangladesh forced out the leader who ruled for much of their lives
Synopsis: Young protesters in Bangladesh, including student Jannatul Prome, have forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign after 15 years in power. They were frustrated by a job quota system that favored elite groups over merit. The protests, which began over perceived unfairness in government job allocations, have sparked hope for a more equitable future in the country. | AP
Bangladesh protests are not the first time student uprisings have helped bring about radical change
Synopsis: In Bangladesh, student-led protests against a biased government job quota system turned violent, leading to nearly 300 deaths and forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country. This uprising reflects the powerful role of youth in driving political change, echoing similar youth-driven movements in Sri Lanka that toppled its government in 2022. | AP
VIDEO: AP looks at situation in Bangladesh after mass uprising forced Prime Minister Hasina to resign
Agence France-Presse (AFP)
Altered footage does not show ‘news anchor crying about Bangladesh police brutality’
Synopsis: Amid deadly protests in Bangladesh in July 2024, a manipulated video falsely claimed to show a foreign journalist crying over the government’s crackdown. The video, shared widely online, actually depicts a Syrian broadcaster from 2019 reporting on the Syrian conflict. The original footage, featuring Daleen Mehrat of Orient TV, was misused to falsely represent events in Bangladesh during the unrest.
Bloomberg
Nobel Laureate Yunus Cleared in Graft Case After Becoming Bangladesh Leader
Synopsis: Muhammad Yunus, recently appointed as Bangladesh`s interim leader, was acquitted of graft and labor violation charges that could have led to life imprisonment. The cases were seen as politically motivated, possibly instigated by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As Yunus steps into his new role, he faces challenges including stabilizing the economy and addressing violence against minority communities. The situation remains tense, with ongoing attacks on minorities and a need for restored public order. | Bloomberg
Bangladesh Should Hold Elections Soon, Says Key Political Party
Synopsis: Bangladesh needs swift elections to ensure stability and address reforms, urged opposition leader Rumeen Farhana. With Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and a deadly crackdown on protesters, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now faces the challenge of restoring order and holding elections. Farhana emphasized that elections are crucial for reflecting the people`s will and stabilizing the economy amid ongoing unrest. | Bloomberg
Aljazeera
More injured Rohingya arriving in Bangladesh as Myanmar war intensifies
Synopsis: Rohingya fleeing escalating conflict in Myanmar are arriving in Bangladesh with severe injuries, including gunshot and mortar wounds, reports Doctors Without Borders (MSF). In early August, MSF treated 39 injured individuals. The violence between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army has intensified, forcing many Rohingya to undertake perilous journeys for safety. MSF urges urgent protection and medical access for civilians. | Aljazeera
CNN
This student was handing out bottles of water to protesters. Minutes later, he was dead
Synopsis: In the midst of heated protests against Bangladesh’s quota system, 25-year-old Mugdho Rahman, who was distributing water to fellow demonstrators, was fatally shot on July 18. His death, captured in a poignant video, became a rallying cry for the movement that ultimately led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As the country grapples with unrest and seeks justice, Mugdho’s twin brother and family mourn his loss and reflect on his impact. The protests, which have seen hundreds killed, have united diverse groups in a struggle for democracy, with many families, like Mubarak’s, seeking accountability for the violence that has claimed their loved ones. | CNN
Reuters
Bangladesh include five pacers for Pakistan test series
Synopsis: Bangladesh has announced a 16-man squad for their two-Test series in Pakistan, including five pacers. Taskin Ahmed, dealing with a shoulder injury and having focused on white-ball cricket, will join the team for the second Test after playing for Bangladesh A in Pakistan. Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim returns to the squad, replacing Shahadat Hossain. The first Test starts in Rawalpindi on August 21. | Reuters
Bangladesh power use grows as searing heat eclipses economic disruption
Synopsis: Bangladesh’s electricity demand increased by 7% during three weeks of intense protests, driven by higher residential use amid extreme heat. Despite economic disruptions and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure, daily power consumption averaged 316 million kilowatt-hours. This rise contrasts with slower growth in other sectors, highlighting the country’s increasing reliance on coal imports and shifting energy dynamics. | Reuters (Singapore)
Dawn
Bangladesh chief justice, central bank head quit amid protests
Synopsis: Bangladesh’s chief justice and central bank governor have resigned amid student-led protests that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s ouster. The protests, initially over job quotas, expanded to demand the removal of officials linked to Hasina. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called for religious unity and calm as the nation faces significant upheaval. | Dawn
Just Style
Week in review: Bangladesh’s BGMEA must be united on global apparel stage
Synopsis: From fashion buyers to end consumers, all eyes are on Bangladesh following last week`s historic developments. It is crucial for the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to maintain a global perspective and showcase the advantages of the `Made in Bangladesh` label. Highlighting the future prospects of the apparel manufacturing sector will be key in shaping expectations and reinforcing Bangladesh`s growing prominence in the industry. | Just Style
ESPNCricinfo
Bangladesh to approach UN about keeping hosting rights for Women`s T20 World Cup
Synopsis: Bangladesh is urgently negotiating with the UN to retain hosting rights for the Women`s T20 World Cup amid travel restrictions imposed by Australia, the UK, India, and New Zealand. With the ICC considering relocating the tournament, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) faces a crisis, compounded by missing leadership and calls for reform. Interim sports adviser Asif Mahmud hopes to resolve security and infrastructure concerns. | ESPNCricinfo
The Economist
Muhammad Yunus must try to rebuild democracy in Bangladesh
Synopsis: In this issue of `The Economist`, examine the future of Bangladesh following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Replaced by a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus and supported by the army, the country faces critical challenges. The article argues that alongside stabilizing the political landscape, Bangladesh must address deep-seated corruption within its political system to ensure a stable and democratic future. | The Economist
Nikkei Asia
After Hasina, Bangladesh needs a foreign policy reset
Synopsis: The opinion based article highlights Bangladesh’s challenges, including a potential extension of interim government chief Dr Yunus’s term to effect reforms and the need to rebuild democracy. The interim government’s success depends on balancing the interests of the BNP, the Awami League, and ensuring rule of law amid ongoing violence. Internationally, Bangladesh must navigate complex relationships, particularly with India and Myanmar, while seeking support from both Western and regional partners like China and Japan.
