Bangladesh, Israel-Palestine, Nigeria.

Today's three stories you should know.

Aug 06, 2024

Bangladesh

Things are moving fast in Bangladesh after yesterday’s stunning developments. In case you missed it, the country’s longtime leader, Sheikh Hasina, fled the country after weeks of student-led protests calling for her to step down. Parliament has been dissolved, opposition figures have been freed from prison and the military says it is installing an interim government. But student leaders appear determined to remain the power brokers, demanding that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, known as the “banker to the poor,” head the interim administration. Context today published an interesting piece talking to some young people on the streets of the capital Dhaka as the new reality set in.

Israel-Palestine

Israel has set up a dozen prison camps “dedicated to the abuse of” Palestinians, according to a new report from Israeli human rights group B’Tselem. The report - titled “Welcome to Hell” - says the abuse includes: “frequent acts of severe, arbitrary violence; sexual assault; humiliation and degradation; deliberate starvation; forced unhygienic conditions; sleep deprivation; prohibition on, and punitive measures for, religious worship; confiscation of all communal and personal belongings; and denial of adequate medical treatment.” B’Tselem said at least 60 Palestinians have died in Israeli detention since October 7th.

Nigeria

About 40 people have been arrested in northern Nigeria for waving Russian flags at a protest over the high cost of living, with army chief Christopher Musa saying it was a “treasonable offence” to fly foreign flags. A small number of protesters called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to “rescue” them, according to local reports. Nigeria is a close Western ally in a region that has seen several nations turn their backs on the West and pivot towards Russia after military coups. It is in its sixth day of nationwide protests over spiralling fuel and food costs.