International
Bangladesh army announces interim govt after PM Hasina flees
Bangladesh army announces interim govt after PM Hasina flees
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country following weeks of deadly demonstrations against her government.
The removal of Hasina on Monday followed weeks of deadly protests and appears to have averted the threat of further bloodshed. The focus now moves to who will control the South Asian country.
In an address to the nation, army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government will now run Bangladesh and called for calm.
Hasina, who ruled the country for close to two decades, boarded a military helicopter on Monday, an aide told Al Jazeera, as huge crowds ignored a national curfew to storm her palace in Dhaka.
Media reports in India say an aircraft carrying Hasina landed at Hindon Air Base near New Delhi. She was on board a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft which landed at the base in Ghaziabad, India Today news channel reported.
Her resignation came after nearly 300 people died in weeks of protest that the authorities sought to crush. A night of deadly violence on Sunday killed close to 100 and a curfew was called.
On Monday, huge crowds stormed the prime minister’s palace, preventing Hasina from delivering a speech.
At least 20 more people were killed during violence in Dhaka as protesters stormed buildings, a police officer told the AFP news agency.
“We’ve got 20 bodies here,” said Bacchu Mia, a police inspector at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, without giving details of their deaths, although witnesses and other police officers reported mobs launching revenge attacks on rival groups.
Despite the violence, by early afternoon, the mood on the streets had turned to one of celebration after the news of the premier’s departure spread.
Jubilant crowds waved flags, some dancing on top of a tank in the streets, before thousands broke through the gates of Hasina’s official residence.
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Bangladesh’s Channel 24 broadcast images of crowds running into the compound, waving to the camera as they celebrated, looting furniture and books while others relaxed on beds.
Wary
Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury, reporting from Shahbagh Square – the epicentre of the student protests that began last month – said he has “never witnessed something like this” in the capital.
“Everybody is celebrating, not just students – people from all walks of life. They said this had to happen, there was nothing we could say, democracy was squeezed and now we are free,” Chowdhury said.
The message from the protesters is that whoever comes to power next “will now know that they won’t tolerate any kind of dictatorship or mismanagement and that the students will decide”, he added.
Bangladesh suffered many years of military rule in the 1970s and 80s following the war that secured its independence from Pakistan in 1971, and many are wary of the danger of a return.
Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman was eager to try to reassure the country. He urged citizens to keep trust in the army, which, he said, would return peace to the country.
“We will also ensure that justice is served for every death and crime that occurred during the protests,” he said, calling on the public to exercise patience and cease any acts of violence and vandalism.
“We have invited representatives from all major political parties, and they have accepted our invitation and committed to collaborating with us,” the general added.
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The military has a “very tough job ahead,” Irene Khan, a UN special rapporteur, said.
“We are all hoping that the transition would be peaceful and that there will be accountability for all the human rights violations that have taken place,” Khan told Al Jazeera.
Protests in the country started a month ago over a controversial government job quota scheme. The government responded by shutting down universities and using the police and military to crack down on protesters.
Hasina imposed a nationwide curfew and cut off access to phones and the internet. The protests continued, and the country’s top court ruled that the highly contested quotas should be scaled back from 30 percent to 5 percent, with 3 percent for relatives of veterans.
It came to no avail. The demonstration movement had morphed into an unprecedented and nationwide uprising demanding the resignation of Hasina and accountability for those killed.
“Bangladesh has, of course, an enormous task ahead,” said Khan. “It is not the poster child of sustainable development any more. The previous government had driven this country into despair, and there would be a lot of hard work to do to build it up but most of all I think it’s extremely important that the army respect human rights.”
Crisis Group’s expert on Bangladesh, Senior Consultant Thomas Kean, suggested to Al Jazeera that the army must now ensure security and stability, in order to allow the interim government the chance to start the task of rebuilding democracy.
“The current crisis presents an opportunity to put Bangladesh back on the path of genuine democracy and move beyond the hyper-partisan, winner-takes-all electoral dynamics that have caused so much damage over the past three decades,” he said.
Bangladesh army announces interim govt after PM Hasina flees
International
COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m
COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has committed a $10 million grant to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP), bolstering its mission to strengthen primary healthcare systems worldwide.
Announced on November 12, 2024, during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, the grant highlights IsDB’s dedication to enhancing health resilience and climate adaptation in low- and middle-income countries.
In a statement on Tuesday, IsDB described HIIP as a groundbreaking partnership among Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), WHO and nations seeking robust health and climate solutions.
“This initiative focuses on the investment in essential, climate and crisis-resilient primary health care services and systems,” the bank stated, emphasizing the aim to reinforce the health system, especially in low- and middle-income countries and in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to foster resilience against emerging health threats and climate challenges.
Fifteen countries are identified as part of phase one of the Health Impact Investment Platform: Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia Guinea Bissau .
Other countries included Jordan, Maldives Morocco, Senegal, South Sudan, The Gambia, Tunisia and Zambia.
Supporting WHO’s technical assistance goals
The $10 million grant will specifically support the technical assistance that WHO provides to countries around the world to assess investment needs and to design the most impactful health projects.
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“These projects will serve as the foundation for co-investment by the MDBs, ensuring that resources are directed toward areas with the greatest potential for positive health outcomes,”IsDB added.
Over the next four years, WHO aims to strengthen climate resilience as part of its Fourteenth General Programme of Work, which includes implementing national climate adaptation plans and making 10,000 health facilities fully operational, including solar-powered electrification.
Unlocking $500m in health investments across the region
In addition to the $10 million grant, IsDB’s contribution is projected to unlock at least $500 million in health investments across the region.
“This collective goal is part of a broader effort to mobilize a total of US$ 1.5 billion in concessional loans and grants, focusing on critical areas, this way addressing national health priorities.”
Advancing health resilience, leadership statements
IsDB President Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser said, the Islamic Development Bank is proud to support the Health Impact Investment Platform as part of our unwavering commitment to advancing universal health coverage and resilience in our Member Countries.
“These Multilateral Development Banks and WHO partnerships enable us to scale up primary health care where it is needed most, creating a stronger foundation to withstand future crises and addressing the pressing health challenges of today.”
“Together, we are fostering a healthier, more equitable future for communities across the globe,” he said.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that low- and middle-income countries need access to sustainable financing to strengthen their health systems through primary health care, to make them both more resilient to pandemics and more equitable in delivering essential health services.
“The Health Impact Investment Platform combines WHO’s public health expertise and on-the-ground presence with the resources and financing expertise of the Islamic Development Bank and other multilateral development banks. By working together, we can make a significant difference in improving health outcomes and creating a healthier future for all.”
The IsDB, along with its partners, remains committed to fostering partnerships that will advance healthcare and improve quality of life globally.
COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m
International
UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025
UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025
The UK government has announced plans to issue 45,000 seasonal worker visas in 2025.
This initiative aims to support the nation’s food production by ensuring sufficient workforce availability during peak demand periods hereby addressing labour shortages in its agricultural and poultry sectors,
The seasonal worker visa scheme is intended to provide a temporary labour force for essential roles in food production.
Additionally, 2,000 visas will be granted to poultry workers for processing tasks between October and December.
This allocation, reports inform, is part of a broader strategy to provide businesses with the workforce needed during peak seasons.
Eligibility criteria for seasonal worker visa applicants
Applicants for the Seasonal Worker visa must meet specific eligibility requirements. They must be; at least 18 years old, have a valid sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and meet the necessary health and safety standards for the job.
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Applicants must also provide evidence of sufficient funds for their stay and have valid health insurance coverage. Importantly, visa holders are required to leave the UK when their employment period ends and cannot change their visa type while in the country.
Available roles and how to apply
The Seasonal Worker visa applies to a variety of roles within the horticulture and poultry sectors. In horticulture, workers may be tasked with duties such as planting, pruning, weeding, harvesting, and packing produce.
Poultry workers will typically be involved in tasks like feeding and caring for the birds, egg collection, processing, and other related duties.
To apply, candidates must secure a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer.
Once sponsored, applicants can submit their visa application through the UK government’s online immigration portal.
Applications for poultry roles must be submitted by November 15 each year, while horticulture roles have year-round application windows.
UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025
International
Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
The Science@Leuven Scholarship provides an opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a Master’s degree at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium.
The scholarship is available for various science-related programs and aims to support students who demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation to succeed in their studies.
According to the institution, the Science@Leuven Scholarship for 2025 is now open for applications, offering financial assistance to deserving students pursuing a Master’s degree in the Faculty of Science at KU Leuven. The scholarship can provide up to 12,000 Euros for one year, covering tuition fees, health insurance, and living expenses.
Eligible master’s programs
The Science@Leuven Scholarship is available for a selection of Master’s programs at KU Leuven. These include: Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
- Master of Biology
- Master of Chemistry
- Master of Geography
- Interuniversity Master of Geology (specific specializations only)
- Master of Mathematics
- Master of Physics
- Master of Statistics and Data Science
- Master of Sustainable Development (ICP)
Applicants who are interested in other programs outside this list will not be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship is specifically designed for students applying to these specific Master’s programs in science.
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Eligibility criteria for applicants
To be eligible for the Science@Leuven Scholarship, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a non-Belgian university that qualifies them for the master’s program they are applying for.
- Academic performance: Applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic results in their previous studies and must be capable of maintaining a high level of performance during their time at KU Leuven.
- Language proficiency: Strong English language skills are required, with minimum TOEFL scores of 94 (internet-based) or IELTS scores of 7.0 overall. Specific score requirements for reading, listening, speaking, and writing also apply.
- References: Applicants must submit two reference letters from internationally recognized professors.
- Motivation: Applicants should demonstrate strong motivation to study at KU Leuven’s Faculty of Science and have a clear vision for their academic future.
Applicants who meet these criteria can apply directly through the KU Leuven application portal.
Scholarship benefits and coverage
The Science@Leuven Scholarship covers various expenses for eligible students. The award amount can be up to 12,000 Euros for one year. This sum includes:
- Tuition fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for one year.
- Health insurance: Basic health insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the program.
- Living expenses: A portion of the scholarship is also allocated for living expenses, though the exact amount may vary.
The scholarship is renewable for the second year of a two-year Master’s program, provided the student achieves outstanding results in their first year.
Required documents for Application
Applicants interested in the Science@Leuven Scholarship must submit several important documents as part of the application process:
- Transcript of Records: A complete list of courses, including ECTS credits and grades, along with a description of relevant courses taken.
- Letter of Motivation: A short letter explaining why the applicant is motivated to study the chosen program at KU Leuven.
- Reference letters: Two reference letters from internationally recognized professors who can speak to the applicant’s academic potential.
These documents must be uploaded through the KU Leuven application portal. Applicants must also ensure they submit proof of their completed application via a screenshot, which is required for the scholarship registration.
How to apply
The application process for the Science@Leuven Scholarship involves two main steps:
1. Apply for the Master’s Program: First, applicants must apply for their chosen Master’s program via the KU Leuven application tool. Instructions for applying can be found on the KU Leuven website.
2. Apply for the Scholarship: After completing the application for the Master’s program, applicants must register separately for the Science@Leuven Scholarship. Registration is confirmed once applicants receive an email notification. Applicants must upload proof of their program application (a screenshot) to complete the scholarship registration.
Deadline for applications
The deadline for submitting applications for the Science@Leuven Scholarship is February 15, 2025. Interested candidates should ensure they complete both the Master’s program and scholarship applications by this date.
For further details, including full application guidelines, visit the KU Leuven website or contact the university’s admissions link
Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
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