Government critics in Eritrea face prison camps, forced labour and other rights violations, and the situation is worsening, the UN special rapporteur on the country warned Friday, raising the spectre of ongoing crimes against humanity. Presenting a bleak report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker said he had determined that systematic and widespread abuses were taking place with impunity in Eritrea. From April 2025 to April 2026 — the period covered by the report — the human rights situation continued to deteriorate, “and remains dire and critical”, he said. “There remain reasonable grounds to believe…
Author: diplomaticjourna_diplomaticjourna
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for stronger global action to protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian law and ensure sustained international support for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. Speaking at a high-level panel discussion during the 2026 ECOSOC Humanitarian Affairs Segment at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Thursday, the state minister stressed the need for greater accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, according to a message received here today. She underscored the importance of increased investment in conflict prevention and stronger coordination among humanitarian, peace and development actors…
Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin today said the government plans to introduce two new subjects each in class IV and VI from the next academic year. Speaking at a press conference at the Education Ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat, he said the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to build a more holistic and skills-oriented education system. Under the plan, ‘Sports’ and ‘Culture’ will be introduced in class-IV at the primary level, while ‘Learning with Happiness’ and ‘Technical and Vocational Education’ will be added to the class-VI curriculum, he said. Mahdi Amin said the government has…
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin. At the beginning of the meeting, he said, the Chinese Ambassador congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 2026-2027 session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Shadhin said the meeting discussed further strengthening bilateral relations between China and Bangladesh. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing cooperation in trade and commerce, investment,…
The Cabinet today gave in-principle approval to the draft of the ‘Gambling Prevention Act, 2026’ at its 10th meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Cabinet meeting was held at the Cabinet Room in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here this evening. The draft of the law was placed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the summary of the proposed law, the expansion of modern technology has facilitated the spread of various forms of online and offline gambling activities. To maintain public order, reduce criminal tendencies, prevent socio-economic and psychological harm, and preserve the country’s overall moral and…
Co-hosts Canada moved to the brink of reaching the World Cup knockout phase for the first time as Jonathan David scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of nine-man Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday. Canada eased to a maiden World Cup win against a sorry Qatar side who had Homam Al-Amin sent off in the first half and then Assim Madibo dismissed for a tackle that caused a nasty injury to home midfielder Ismael Kone.
Switzerland reignited their World Cup challenge with a 4-1 thrashing of Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday as South Africa kept their tournament alive with a draw against the Czech Republic. With the opening round of group stage fixtures now complete, Thursday’s fixtures got under way with several teams looking to secure their qualification for the last 32. Switzerland, held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qatar in their opening Group B match, got their campaign back on track with a convincing defeat of the Bosnians at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Johan Manzambi scored twice while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka…
Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout round of the World Cup on Thursday after a 1-0 victory over South Korea while Canada edged closer to the last 32 after thrashing Qatar. A howler from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu gifted a goal to Mexico’s Luis Romo and proved decisive as ‘El Tri’ hung on to win a tense battle in Guadalajara. The victory means Mexico are guaranteed to finish in top spot in Group A with a game to spare following South Africa’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic earlier Thursday. Finishing top keeps Mexico at home…
US President Donald Trump and Iran’s president signed a deal Wednesday meant to end the Middle East war, with Tehran agreeing to dilute its enriched uranium in return for large-scale economic relief. Trump put his signature to the memorandum of understanding during a candlelit dinner at the Palace of Versailles following a G7 summit, as host French President Emmanuel Macron and other guests applauded, a video posted by a Trump aide showed. “Just signed it,” Trump told reporters as he emerged from the palace. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the document…
Ghana scored a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday. Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending thousands of Ghanaians in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy and settling an otherwise attritional battle. Both sides largely struggled to generate chances in the first half after Panama striker Cecilio Waterma’s second minute attempt was steered away by outstretched Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. The Black Stars didn’t attempt a shot on goal through the first half. The second half played out under steady…
