Bangladesh announces election as country marks year since ex-PM fled
Bangladesh will hold elections in February 2026, interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced on the anniversary of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure, according to BBC.
Hasina fled in August 2024 following mass protests, ending her 15-year rule. Yunus, appointed as caretaker leader, pledged reforms and said the vote would take place before Ramadan.
He also introduced the “July Declaration,” promising justice and democratic renewal. Hasina, now on trial in absentia, denies wrongdoing and claims her removal was a “coup.”
The Awami League has been banned, with many of its members still detained, BBC reported.
BBC uncovers ruthless smuggling gang operating between France and UK
A BBC undercover investigation has exposed a violent and highly organised people-smuggling gang operating across northern France and the UK. The gang, led by Iraqi-Kurds Jabal, Aram, and al-Millah, is responsible for transporting migrants across the English Channel in small boats, often risking lives for profit, according to BBC.
Posing as a migrant, a BBC reporter accessed the gang’s hideout, revealing armed turf wars, hidden camps, and smugglers promising “safe” crossings despite deadly risks. In one failed launch in April 2024, five people died, including a 7-year-old girl.
The gang changes names and phone numbers to stay ahead of police, with key figures managing logistics from France, Belgium, and Iraq. Some members even claim asylum in the UK after escorting migrants.
Despite joint UK-French efforts and new border enforcement measures, including a “one-in, one-out” return policy, officials say smugglers remain a step ahead—fuelled by high profits and growing demand, BBC reported.
Trump says he 'does not know anything about' US imports of uranium, fertilizers from Russia
US President Donald Trump said he was unaware of American imports of uranium and fertilisers from Russia, a point India has used to defend its own trade ties with Moscow, Firstpost reported.
Asked about the imports, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about it. I have to check.”
Despite sanctions, US imports from Russia rose 23 percent between January and May this year, reaching $2.1bn, with notable increases in palladium, uranium, and fertilisers.
Though significantly down from pre-war levels, American trade with Russia has seen a partial rebound, even as Washington criticises other nations for maintaining economic ties with Moscow, according to Firstpost.
Texas governor seeks court order to fire top Democrat who fled in row over voting map
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has filed a lawsuit to remove Democratic lawmaker Gene Wu after more than 50 Democrats fled the state to block a vote on a Republican-led redistricting plan. Their absence denied the legislature the quorum needed to proceed, according to BBC.
The lawsuit, filed in the Texas Supreme Court, accuses Wu of abandoning his duties and calls for his removal through a rarely used legal process called quo warranto. The proposed redistricting would add five Republican-leaning seats to the US House of Representatives.
Democrats argue the walkout was a necessary move to defend democratic principles. Wu has not yet responded, BBC reported.