The flood hit the Free Trade Zone area hard, where textile production for global markets is concentrated. Workers, who often live in dormitories without even being registered, have lost everything. The associations that are taking care of them have appealed to the government in Colombo: “Abandoned by everyone, they need ad hoc interventions.”
At least 33 people died and more than 80 were injured in the raid on December 10. Among the victims were patients, doctors, and even newborn babies. The United Nations and international groups believe it is impossible to hold elections amid growing tensions and hostilities. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis is also taking on ever greater proportions.
Today's headlines: three Filipino fishermen in action with Beijing Coast Guard water cannons in the South China Sea. Death toll from Storm Byron rises to 14 amid the ruins of the Gaza Strip. South Korea, Japan, and Singapore join Washington's “Pax Silica” for artificial intelligence supply chains. Lionel Messi's Indian tour begins amid chaos and angry fans at the stadium in Kolkata.
The Decembrist revolt on December 14, 1825 saw army officers and intellectuals in favor of liberal reforms attempt to seize power after the sudden death of Tsar Alexander I, only to be crushed by the repression of Nicholas I. An icon of the recurring alternation between “system” and “revolt,” regime and anarchy, in the parable of Russian history.
Retired General Faiz Hameed, former director of Pakistan's intelligence services, was court marshalled for abuse of power and conspiracy related to the May 2023 violence, when hundreds of people protested demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This is the first time a former intelligence chief was formally convicted. The sentence is part of a reorganisation of relations between the military and political leaders, following the recent strengthening of the military's role, raising concerns about the rule of law.
The chairman of the Bangladesh Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming parliamentary election. The deadline for nominations is 29 December with the final list published on 21 January. Excluded from the vote, the Awami League slams the commission as “illegal”. John Gomes (BNP) hopes the vote will be “free and fair”. The election is a test for the country's future.
