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Three More Children Die as Bangladesh Measles Toll Reaches 840

Rama Bulbul
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Three More Children Die as Bangladesh Measles Toll Reaches 840

DHAKA — Three more children have died with measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh over the latest 24-hour reporting period, taking the number of child deaths associated with confirmed measles and suspected measles symptoms to 840 since March 15, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The latest deaths were reported in Sylhet, Mymensingh and Rangpur, with one child dying in each division, according to the DGHS’s regular measles situation report released on Wednesday.

The figures underscore the continuing severity of an outbreak that has spread widely across Bangladesh and placed particularly young and unvaccinated children at risk.

According to the DGHS data, 872 additional children were reported with confirmed measles or measles-like symptoms during the latest reporting period. Of them, measles was confirmed in 121 children, while another 751 developed symptoms consistent with the disease.

Since March 15, the cumulative number of children affected by confirmed measles or measles-like illness has reached 145,241. Of those, 16,180 children have been confirmed as measles cases, while 129,061 have been recorded as suspected cases based on symptoms.

The death toll has also continued to climb amid criticism of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over its decision to halt measles vaccinations for children in Bangladesh despite requests from UNICEF to continue the program. The DGHS has recorded 744 deaths among children with measles-like symptoms since March 15, while another 96 children died after measles was confirmed, bringing the combined death toll to 840.

More Than 111,000 Hospitalized

The scale of hospitalization has been particularly severe.

According to the DGHS report, 111,674 children with measles-like symptoms have been admitted to hospitals since March 15. During the same period, 107,397 have been discharged after receiving treatment.

The continuing rise in cases and deaths comes months after international health agencies warned that Bangladesh was experiencing widespread measles transmission.

On April 4, Bangladesh’s National International Health Regulations focal point formally notified the World Health Organization of a significant increase in measles cases driven by sustained domestic transmission. By mid-April, cases had already been reported in 58 of the country’s 64 districts.

At that stage, children under five accounted for the overwhelming majority of reported infections. WHO said 79 percent of cases were among children younger than five, while 66 percent involved children under two. Many of the deaths were occurring among unvaccinated children younger than two.

The latest DGHS figures show that the outbreak has grown dramatically since those early warnings.

Vaccination Gaps Left Young Children Vulnerable

Public health authorities have repeatedly emphasized that measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination.

WHO has linked the outbreak’s severity to gaps in immunization coverage, particularly among children who had received no measles vaccine or had not completed the recommended doses.

Speaking during WHO’s coverage of Bangladesh’s emergency response earlier this year, Dr. Jahangir Alam, WHO’s divisional coordinator for Dhaka, warned that even relatively small gaps in vaccination coverage could allow the virus to spread rapidly.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases,” Alam said while discussing the outbreak and emergency vaccination campaign. “Even small gaps in immunization coverage can trigger outbreaks. Every missed child increases the risk, but this is a disease we can prevent.”

UNICEF has similarly warned that at least 95 percent of children need to receive two doses of measles vaccine to achieve the level of population immunity required to stop sustained transmission. The agency said accumulated gaps in vaccination coverage, rather than a single event, can leave enough susceptible children for a major outbreak to develop.

An April UNICEF situation report found that 72 percent of children affected at that stage of the outbreak had received no measles vaccine, while another 16 percent were only partially vaccinated. Children under five accounted for 81 percent of cases in the early phase of the outbreak.

Outbreak Grew Rapidly From March

The scale of the current outbreak becomes clearer when the latest figures are compared with data from its early stages.

As of April 7, UNICEF recorded 9,883 suspected cases and 1,398 laboratory-confirmed infections nationwide, with at least 128 suspected deaths and 21 confirmed deaths.

By April 14, WHO reported 19,161 suspected cases, 2,973 laboratory-confirmed cases, 166 suspected measles-related deaths and 30 confirmed deaths. Cases had already been detected across all eight divisions and in 58 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts.

The DGHS figures released Wednesday now put the cumulative burden since March 15 at 145,241 confirmed and suspected cases and 840 deaths, illustrating how extensively the disease continued to spread after the initial surge.

A Preventable Disease With Potentially Severe Consequences

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes and is among the world’s most contagious infectious diseases. Although many children recover, the disease can cause serious complications, particularly among infants, malnourished children and those who have not been vaccinated.

Complications can include pneumonia, severe diarrhea, dehydration, encephalitis and, in the most serious cases, death.

The disproportionate impact on young children has remained one of the defining features of Bangladesh’s outbreak. WHO’s early surveillance showed that infants and children younger than two accounted for a particularly large proportion of infections and deaths.

With hundreds of children already dead and more than 100,000 requiring hospitalization since mid-March, the continuing deaths highlight the challenge facing health authorities even after the rollout of emergency vaccination.

The immediate priority remains interrupting transmission, ensuring children who missed routine immunization are vaccinated and providing timely treatment to those who develop severe complications.

India Is My Home Now, I May Never Return to Bangladesh”: Taslima Nasrin

Our Correspondent
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India Is My Home Now, I May Never Return to Bangladesh”: Taslima Nasrin

KOLKATA, July 31: Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin has said that India is now her home and that she may never return to Bangladesh, expressing little hope of going back to her birthplace during her lifetime.

Speaking to India Today ahead of a literary event in Kolkata, Nasrin said she believes returning to Bangladesh is “almost impossible” and described any future return as nothing short of a miracle.

I don’t think I will ever be able to return to my home in Bangladesh. If it happens in my lifetime, it would be a miracle,” she said. “Kolkata is my home, and I am very happy to be back in this part of Bengal.”

Nasrin first took refuge in Kolkata after leaving Bangladesh in 1994. However, following protests over her autobiography Dwikhandito, she was forced to leave the city in 2007 and later settled in New Delhi.

The author returned to Kolkata on Friday for the first time in 19 years to attend a literary programme.

She also thanked India’s BJP-led government for allowing her to visit Kolkata again.
“I want to thank the government from the bottom of my heart. The doors of Kolkata, which had once been closed to me, have finally opened. I hope they remain open so that I can come here whenever I wish and breathe the free air of Bengal,” she said.

Nasrin further alleged that despite efforts to return during the Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee after 2011, she was not permitted to do so.

Taslima Nasrin has lived in exile since leaving Bangladesh in 1994 following controversy surrounding her writings on religion and women’s rights.

FIFA Scraps Controversial World Cup Rights Sale Plan Amid Global Backlash

Adity Mohajon
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FIFA Scraps Controversial World Cup Rights Sale Plan Amid Global Backlash

ZURICH, Aug. 1: FIFA has officially abandoned its controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup after mounting criticism from across the football world, threats of a European boycott, and growing opposition within its own administration.

In an emergency statement issued on Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposal had created deep divisions within global football and was no longer in the best interests of the sport. He confirmed that the plan had been formally withdrawn by consensus.

The proposal had reportedly sought to attract private investment by offering a share in the tournament’s commercial rights. According to reports, FIFA had also proposed a financial package worth $40 million for each of its 211 member associations in an effort to secure support.

However, UEFA, representing 55 European football associations, warned that it would boycott future FIFA World Cups if the proposal was approved. The opposition quickly expanded as both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf joined UEFA in rejecting the plan, effectively denying FIFA the votes required to pass the measure.

The controversy also exposed divisions within FIFA. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour acknowledged that senior officials had not been fully informed about the project. Meanwhile, Carlos Cordeiro, FIFA’s Senior Adviser on Global Strategy and Governance, resigned, describing the proposal as harmful to the future of football.

The political fallout also intensified, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly questioning Infantino’s suitability to lead FIFA.

The setback comes as the 56-year-old Swiss official prepares to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the FIFA Congress in March 2027. Analysts say the unprecedented unity among Europe, Asia and the Americas has cast uncertainty over his re-election prospects.

Infantino has now called for renewed dialogue among all football stakeholders to restore unity, but observers believe the episode has significantly weakened his authority within world football.

Abandoned SpaceX Rocket Stage Set to Crash Into the Moon

Adity Mohajon
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Abandoned SpaceX Rocket Stage Set to Crash Into the Moon

WASHINGTON: An abandoned upper stage of a SpaceX rocket is on course to crash into the Moon next week, more than a year after it launched two lunar landers into space, creating a rare scientific opportunity for researchers.

The rocket stage is expected to slam into the Moon near Einstein Crater on Wednesday at about 5,400 mph (8,690 km/h)—roughly seven times the speed of sound. Scientists believe the impact will generate a large crater and eject a massive cloud of dust and debris visible through telescopes for several minutes.

The impact is expected to be best observed from eastern regions of Canada and South America. Space-tracking expert Bill Gray, who plans to observe the event from New Brunswick, Canada, said the collision will release energy equivalent to about three tons of TNT, sending lunar dust several kilometres above the surface.

According to Benjamin Fernando of Los Alamos National Laboratory, the impact could leave a crater about 90 feet (27 metres) wide and 16 feet (5 metres) deep. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Danuri lunar orbiter are expected to capture images of the site before and after the collision.

The rocket stage was launched on January 15, 2025, carrying Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander and Japan’s ispace lander. After completing its mission, the upper stage was left drifting through space before its trajectory gradually led it toward the Moon.

Scientists say the incident highlights the growing challenge of space debris. In 2022, a discarded Chinese rocket stage also struck the Moon’s far side unexpectedly.

Retired astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell warned that such uncontrolled impacts could become a serious concern as countries and private companies plan permanent bases on the Moon. He stressed the need for better monitoring and management of discarded spacecraft to reduce future risks.
Source: AP

Sheikh Hasin’s Exclusive Interview with Indian Outlook

Our Correspondent
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Sheikh Hasin’s Exclusive Interview with Indian Outlook

New Delhi. India.

Saurabh Sharma: How do you assess the current political situation in Bangladesh?

Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh is passing through a profound political crisis. This is not simply a matter of one government replacing another. It is a question about the very character of the state itself. It is a question of democracy, the rule of law, and the ideals of our Liberation War.

When we were in government, we worked to build Bangladesh as a secular, democratic, development oriented, and secure nation. Today, that Bangladesh is being replaced by fear, mob violence, politics of vengeance, attacks on religious minorities, economic instability, and growing extremism.

A country that was steadily advancing toward prosperity, public confidence, and international respect has now been dragged into an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and darkness. This is not an accident. It is the direct consequence of the destructive politics pursued by Bangladesh’s former Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman.

Saurabh Sharma: Prime Minister Rahman chose China, rather than India, for his first major bilateral visit. How do you view that decision?

Sheikh Hasina: Every government has the sovereign right to determine its diplomatic priorities. However, in a normal state, those priorities should be guided by history, geography, national interest, and the welfare of its people.

Bangladesh’s foreign policy should never send the wrong message to its neighbors, particularly to our historic friend, India.

The relationship between Bangladesh and India is not merely one between two governments. It is founded upon our Liberation War, the blood sacrifice that united us, our shared geography, our common security interests, and the enduring bonds between our peoples.

Bangladesh should maintain balanced relations with all friendly nations. We should work closely with China, Japan, the United States, Europe, and others. But balance does not mean forgetting history. Nor does it mean creating uncertainty with a trusted and time tested friend.

Saurabh Sharma: How do you view the recent changes in Bangladesh’s relationship with Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade and defense?

Sheikh Hasina: Bangladesh was born through a bloody War of Liberation against Pakistan. The people of Bangladesh have never forgotten the genocide, mass rape, arson, and destruction carried out by the Pakistani military and its local collaborators.

Therefore, any relationship with Pakistan must be based upon an acknowledgment of historical truth.

What we are witnessing today, however, goes far beyond the restoration of normal diplomatic relations. Under the guise of diplomatic goodwill, there appears to be an attempt to weaken the ideals of our Liberation War.

We are seeing efforts to rehabilitate pro Pakistan forces, expand Pakistan’s influence within the military and administrative institutions, and steer the younger generation toward Pakistani institutions. These developments carry profound political implications.

Those who seek to draw Bangladesh back into Pakistan’s shadow are engaged in an extremely dangerous political project.

Saurabh Sharma: During your tenure, Bangladesh and India made remarkable progress in security cooperation, connectivity, and counterterrorism. Do you believe those achievements are now at risk?

Sheikh Hasina: There are political forces in Bangladesh that have consistently used India as a political weapon. Anti India rhetoric has always been one of their principal political tools. They employ it not in the national interest, but for narrow partisan gains.

Our government concluded a number of landmark agreements with India, including the Ganges Water Sharing Agreement, the Land Boundary Agreement, the settlement of maritime disputes, regional transit connectivity, cooperation in power and energy, refugee repatriation, and counterterrorism collaboration. These achievements did not occur by chance.

Yet during the eighteen months of the interim administration and throughout the tenure of the current government, they have failed to produce a single agreement of comparable significance. People are now beginning to understand the gap between their political rhetoric and actual performance.

If extremism continues to grow in Bangladesh, if religious minorities are forced to live in fear, and if anti India politics receives state patronage, then all these hard-won achievements will come under serious pressure.

Both New Delhi and Dhaka must look beyond short-term diplomatic calculations and focus instead on long term stability, democracy, security, and the confidence of their peoples.

Saurabh Sharma: It has been reported that the current government is discouraging the media from broadcasting your speeches and interviews.

Sheikh Hasina: It is not only my voice, nor only the Awami League, that is being silenced. Today, everyone in Bangladesh who speaks in favor of the Liberation War, secular politics, and progressive values is being pushed out of public life.

Freedom of expression has effectively been sent into exile. In its place, a culture of fear has taken root.

Teachers, journalists, intellectuals, artists, and performers are being arrested under fabricated charges or subjected to attacks by extremist groups.

Saurabh Sharma: You have repeatedly expressed your desire to return to Bangladesh. Under what circumstances do you believe that return will be possible?

Sheikh Hasina: As I have said before, I will return to Bangladesh this year. I want to return because Bangladesh is not doing well, and its people are suffering.

The unconstitutional interim administration that seized power through extra constitutional means, followed by the current BNP government formed through what I consider a staged election, is pushing the country toward destruction.

Today, there is no rule of law, no freedom of expression, and no meaningful space for democratic rights. A culture of fear has been imposed upon the people. At such a time, I cannot remain outside my country.

The people of Bangladesh want me to return. They believe I can help free them from their present hardships. Standing beside them is not merely a political responsibility; it is my duty.

Saurabh Sharma: How will your party rebuild itself under the current circumstances?

Sheikh Hasina: Every political party must, at some point in its history, undergo difficult trials. The Awami League is passing through such a period today. I regard it as a process of self-purification.

Those who joined the party because of its ideals are standing with it today with even greater determination. Those who entered for personal gain, power, or privilege have either abandoned the party or chosen silence, thereby revealing their true character.

This has not weakened the Awami League. On the contrary, it has made the party stronger and more resilient.

I have always encouraged young leadership. Today, many young leaders continue to carry the banner of the Awami League with courage despite state repression, persecution, and intimidation. They represent the future of our party.

Once a democratic environment is restored, the party will be reorganized through a fresh council. Talented, patriotic young leaders who believe in the ideals of the Liberation War will be brought into leadership positions. Preparations for that process have already begun.

Saurabh Sharma: You are currently staying in New Delhi. How has India treated you during this difficult period?

Sheikh Hasina: India has received me with the utmost respect, dignity, and courtesy. I remain in regular contact with my family, party leaders and activists, and my well-wishers.

I am grateful to both the Government and the people of India. They have stood by us during this difficult period, just as they stood with us in 1971.

Living in India has only deepened my appreciation of that shared history. Whenever Bangladesh has faced a crisis, the relationship between the peoples of Bangladesh and India has extended far beyond diplomacy. It has always been rooted in humanity and history.

As I have already said, I will return to Bangladesh this year because my country is not well, and its people are suffering. The current BNP government is driving the nation toward destruction.

Saurabh Sharma: Are you in contact with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or National Security Adviser Ajit Doval? How do you view India’s position regarding the current situation in Bangladesh?

Sheikh Hasina: Not every diplomatic or personal communication can be discussed publicly.

India is Bangladesh’s most important neighbor and a historic friend.

I believe India’s policymakers are observing developments in Bangladesh very closely.

I am also confident that they understand that Bangladesh’s stability, India’s security, and the broader interests of the region are deeply interconnected.

Saurabh Sharma: Looking back on your final years in office, is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Sheikh Hasina: During our time in government, criticism was everywhere. It appeared in newspapers, on television, across online platforms, in talk shows, and throughout social media.

People criticized me, my government, and my party every day. I listened to those criticisms. Wherever correction was necessary, we made those corrections.

No one was ever declared an enemy of the state simply for criticizing the government.

Saurabh Sharma: How essential do you believe Bangladesh India relations are for regional stability?

Sheikh Hasina: A stable, friendly, and mutually trusting relationship between Bangladesh and India is indispensable for the welfare of the people of both countries and for the security and stability of the entire region.

The foundation of trust that we built with India was based on border security, counterterrorism cooperation, energy and power partnerships, regional connectivity, the peaceful settlement of maritime and land boundary disputes, and stronger people to people ties.

This is precisely the kind of relationship that should exist between two neighboring countries.

Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu.

Trump’s Special Envoy in Bangladesh Signals a New Diplomatic Equation 

Aranya Neel
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Trump’s Special Envoy in Bangladesh Signals a New Diplomatic Equation 

Dhaka, 1 August. The visit of US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Sergio Gor, to Dhaka, following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s high profile visit to China, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s trip to Moscow, and the recent visit of Türkiye’s foreign minister to Bangladesh, has brought the country’s foreign policy into renewed international focus. Far from being a routine diplomatic engagement, analysts view the visit as a strategic mission reflecting Washington’s growing attention to Bangladesh amid an increasingly competitive geopolitical landscape in South Asia.

Diplomatic observers believe the United States has been closely monitoring Dhaka’s expanding engagement with Beijing, Moscow, and Ankara. While Bangladesh continues to pursue a multidimensional foreign policy aimed at diversifying its strategic partnerships, Washington appears keen to ensure that these expanding relationships do not dilute the long standing strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. There is also growing concern within American policy circles that any significant geopolitical drift by Dhaka could complicate regional security dynamics and undermine broader US Indo Pacific objectives.

On the first day of his three-day visit, Sergio Gor is scheduled to hold separate meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Diplomats and foreign policy analysts regard these discussions as particularly significant, coming immediately after the Prime Minister’s Beijing visit and against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s increasingly active engagement with major regional and global powers.

Gor is the third senior American official to visit Bangladesh since the BNP government assumed office in February. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur visited Dhaka in March, followed in May by Brendan Lynch, Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia. The succession of high level visits reflects Washington’s growing strategic interest in Bangladesh at a time when regional alignments are undergoing rapid transformation.

According to diplomatic sources, Gor’s itinerary includes eight publicly announced engagements alongside twelve undisclosed meetings. These private consultations are expected to bring together representatives of political parties, members of civil society, academics, journalists, business leaders, and other influential stakeholders. Analysts believe these meetings are intended to provide Washington with a comprehensive assessment of Bangladesh’s domestic political landscape, its evolving foreign policy priorities, and its future role within the Indo Pacific strategic architecture.

Even before arriving in Dhaka, Gor indicated the broader purpose of his mission. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he stated that one of his principal objectives was to reduce mistrust and diplomatic discomfort among Dhaka, New Delhi, and Washington. Chinese state affiliated media, however, have interpreted the visit through a different lens, portraying it as another manifestation of Washington’s increasingly assertive regional strategy aimed at counterbalancing China’s expanding influence in South Asia.

Regardless of these competing narratives, several former Bangladeshi diplomats argue that the visit should not automatically be interpreted as an unequivocally positive signal for the BNP led government. At the same time, political observers have begun questioning whether the visit carries any indirect implications for the future of the Awami League, which remains banned under an executive order. Although no official indication has emerged, the issue has become a subject of considerable political speculation.

Meanwhile, shortly after returning from Moscow, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman held a nearly two hour closed door meeting with the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. While neither side disclosed details of the discussion, officials familiar with the meeting suggested it focused on easing diplomatic tensions arising from several recent developments and exploring possible avenues for resolving outstanding bilateral issues. Some analysts also believe Sergio Gor’s visit could facilitate broader strategic dialogue among Bangladesh, India, and the United States, helping to reduce regional mistrust and improve policy coordination.

President Donald Trump appointed businessman, political figure, and former White House official Sergio Gor as the United States Special Envoy for South and Central Asia in August 2025. Since assuming the post, he has emerged as one of the principal architects of Washington’s regional diplomacy. Based in New Delhi since January, Gor oversees US strategic engagement not only with India but also with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. His earlier visits to Nepal and Sri Lanka formed part of this broader regional strategy, making his Dhaka mission another important step in Washington’s evolving South Asia policy.

Viewed in this broader context, Sergio Gor’s visit extends well beyond the scope of a bilateral diplomatic engagement. It reflects Washington’s effort to recalibrate its South Asia strategy at a time when Bangladesh is simultaneously deepening ties with China, Russia, Türkiye, and other regional partners. As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo Pacific, Dhaka finds itself navigating an increasingly delicate strategic balancing act. The significance of this visit will therefore lie not only in the official meetings held in Dhaka but also in the signals it sends about Bangladesh’s future foreign policy direction, its strategic autonomy, and its place within an increasingly contested regional order.

Nearly 3,000 Die in UK Heatwave Over Two Months

Hurayra Ahmed
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Nearly 3,000 Die in UK Heatwave Over Two Months

LONDON, July 31: Nearly 3,000 people died in the United Kingdom during the heatwaves that swept across the country in May and June 2026, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

In a statement released on Thursday, the agency said that 2,877 people died from heat-related illnesses during the two-month period, making it the second-highest heatwave death toll ever recorded in the UK.

The highest number of heat-related deaths occurred in 2022, when 2,985 people died during a similar period.

Most of those who died this year were elderly people or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions whose health deteriorated because of the extreme heat.

The unusually hot weather saw temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country during May, prompting the UK Meteorological Office to issue heat warnings across multiple regions.

Climate experts have attributed the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves to climate change. They also warned that the death toll could rise further, as August is typically the warmest month in the UK.

Health authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, and take extra precautions to protect vulnerable people.

Venezuela to Launch Power Transition Talks Without Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

Adity Mohajon
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Venezuela to Launch Power Transition Talks Without Opposition Leader María Corina Machado

Political talks on Venezuela’s transition of power are set to begin on Saturday, August 1, under a process backed by the United States. However, the absence of Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader María Corina Machado has raised concerns among her supporters and deepened skepticism across the country’s political spectrum.

Left-wing groups have also criticized the initiative, arguing that only representatives approved by Washington have been invited to participate. According to the US State Department, the negotiations will focus on rebuilding democratic institutions, improving the electoral system, and ensuring broader political participation.

The talks come as Venezuela continues to face political uncertainty following the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro by US forces in January. Since then, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been serving as interim president while remaining under close US scrutiny.

Ahead of the negotiations, both pro-government and opposition groups staged demonstrations. In eastern Caracas, around 300 supporters of Machado called for the country’s future to be decided through free and democratic elections.

Former lawmaker Williams Dávila, 74, expressed optimism, saying Venezuelans hope the process will lead to fair and democratic elections.

Machado, a key ally of exiled opposition leader González Urrutia, has pledged to return to Venezuela but was not invited to join the upcoming talks. While she said she does not oppose the negotiations, she confirmed that she would not participate.

Her recent decision to present her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump has not eased her path back to Venezuela. Some analysts believe Washington has complicated her return, although the Trump administration has denied those claims.

President Trump has repeatedly expressed satisfaction with the interim leadership of Delcy Rodríguez and has continued to view Venezuela as a country within the sphere of US strategic influence.

Bangladesh’s Gas Crisis Disrupts Hundreds of Factories, Garment Sector Faces Export Risks

Hurayra Ahmed
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Bangladesh’s Gas Crisis Disrupts Hundreds of Factories, Garment Sector Faces Export Risks

Dhaka, July 31: A prolonged gas supply crisis has severely disrupted production at hundreds of garment factories in Ashulia, one of Bangladesh’s largest industrial hubs, putting export shipments and the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector under growing pressure.

Factory owners say critically low gas pressure has made it impossible to operate boilers efficiently, halting key production processes such as dyeing, finishing, ironing and packaging. Although many factories have completed most of the manufacturing work, the final stages required before shipment remain delayed.

The disruption has affected factories across Jamgora, Kathgara, Zirabo, Narsinghpur, Beron, Shimultala, Palashbari, Nishchintapur, Baipail and Zirani, where workers have been forced to wait for gas supply or continue production on a limited scale using alternative arrangements.

Industry representatives warned that delayed deliveries could result in financial penalties from international buyers and jeopardize future export orders, particularly in competitive markets across Europe and North America.

Workers also reported frequent interruptions to their daily operations, saying they often arrive at work on time but are unable to begin production because of the gas shortage.

Industry stakeholders noted that the problem of low gas pressure is not new, but described the current crisis as one of the most severe in recent years. They urged the authorities to restore a stable gas supply to prevent further disruption to production and exports.

Officials from Titas Gas said efforts are underway to identify the cause of the supply disruption and normalize the situation, although they could not specify when full service would be restored.

Business leaders warned that every additional day of disruption increases pressure on production schedules, export shipments and Bangladesh’s foreign exchange earnings from its vital garment industry.

Nine Killed as Thousands Attempt to Cross from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta

Adity Mohajon
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Nine Killed as Thousands Attempt to Cross from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta

Ceuta, Spain, July 31: At least nine people were killed after thousands of migrants attempted to enter Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco by swimming across the sea and breaching border fences, prompting Spain to deploy its military to restore order.

The regional government of Ceuta requested emergency assistance from Madrid as the situation escalated. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Interior Minister were scheduled to visit the enclave on Friday to assess the crisis.

Rashid Sebihi, head of the Spanish Civil Guard Association in Ceuta, described the situation as “completely chaotic,” saying the border security system had effectively collapsed.

Videos circulating on social media showed large groups of migrants, including women and children, reaching Ceuta through the Tarajal beach area.

Ceuta authorities confirmed that at least nine people died during the crossing, with several bodies reportedly recovered from the water.

Spain’s Interior Ministry said Moroccan police were also working to stop further crossings, and both countries had agreed to accelerate the return of migrants who entered illegally.

The surge in crossings is believed to have been encouraged by a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that could limit the immediate return of migrants arriving by sea. Many migrants traveled about five kilometers from Morocco’s Fnideq to Ceuta in hopes of reaching Europe.

Ceuta experienced a similar migration crisis in 2021, when around 8,000 migrants entered the enclave within two days during a period of diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco.

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