Police have fired tear gas and used grenades and batons to disperse protesters gathered outside Bangladesh’s national Parliament complex to express dissatisfaction with the interim government’s new political charter.
The charter was drafted more than a year after Gen Z demonstrations that led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal.
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Bangladesh’s most powerful political parties signed the charter on Friday aimed at ensuring democratic reform after next year’s elections, but celebrations by the government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus were muted after one party refused to sign and by the clashes on the capital’s streets.
The clashes broke out after several hundred people, who described themselves as those whose protests toppled Hasina, started demonstrating on Friday. They were expressing anger that their concerns had not been addressed in the new charter, despite their loved ones dying during the mass uprisings against Hasina, who fled to exile in India.
Some protesters vandalised a police vehicle and makeshift tents, while others clashed with soldiers and security officials in the capital Dhaka. Witnesses said several people were injured.
The interim government, headed by Yunus, had invited the country’s main political parties to sign a new political charter to pave the way for a number of political reforms.
The “July National Charter”, named after the national uprisings that started last July, outlines a roadmap for constitutional amendments, legal changes and the enactment of new laws.
A National Consensus Commission formed by the Yunus government prepared the charter after a series of talks with the major political parties, except Hasina’s Awami League party.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, headed by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and eight like-minded parties said they would sign the charter.
Hasina’s rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.
Protests against Hasina’s rule began on July 1, 2024, with university students calling for changes to a quota system for public sector jobs. They culminated on August 5, 2024, when thousands of protesters stormed Hasina’s palace as she escaped by helicopter to India, where she remains in exile.
She has defied court orders to attend her ongoing trial on charges amounting to crimes against humanity. The United Nations has said up to 1,400 people may have been killed in the weeks-long uprising last year.
Yunus has promised to hold the next national election in February, before the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people celebrates the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. But questions remain whether the election would be inclusive without Hasina’s party and its allies in the race.
On Thursday, the United States military carried out its latest strike on an alleged Venezuela drug smuggling vessel, as the admiral overseeing the Trump administration’s controversial campaign in the Caribbean Sea announced his early departure.
Officials did not offer additional details about the incident, in which they said there were some survivors — unlike the previous boat bombings.
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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted on X that Admiral Alvin Holsey of the Southern Command would be retiring at the end of the year, less than a year into the post, which is usually three years long.
The latest attack on a boat came a day after United States President Donald Trump confirmed that he authorised the CIA to carry out secret operations in Venezuela and suggested that he was mulling a land attack, too.
Trump told a reporter that he authorised the CIA to go into Venezuela because there are “a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea, so you get to see that, but we’re going to stop them by land also”.
In a TV address on Wednesday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro cautioned against further escalation, objecting to “failed regime changes … carried out by the CIA”.
So, how many Venezuelan boats has the US struck so far, how deadly have they been, and what troops has the Trump administration sent to the Caribbean Sea as it threatens the Maduro government in Venezuela?
How many vessels have been attacked so far?
The US has carried out at least six strikes on boats in Venezuelan waters since the start of September, killing some 27 people, after allegations that they were carrying narcotics.
However, the Trump administration has failed to provide evidence that the targeted boats were carrying narcotics bound for the US.
(Al Jazeera)
September 2
The US military killed 11 people in a strike on a vessel from Venezuela allegedly carrying illegal narcotics, Trump said on September 2. It was the first known operation since the US’s deployment of warships to the southern Caribbean.
Trump shared aerial footage of the bombing on his Truth Social account, stating, “Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. TDA is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere.”
September 15
On September 15, Trump confirmed that three people had been killed by a US military strike on another Venezuelan vessel. He took to his Truth Social account to say that the operation had positively identified drug trafficking cartels. The post was accompanied by a video which appeared to show the boat exploding on the water.
September 19
This marked the third fatal attack on a vessel allegedly smuggling drugs. Trump posted on social media that the strike had killed three people who were affiliated with a designated terrorist organisation.
October 3
On October 3, the US government confirmed that four people had been killed when its forces destroyed a boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking on the high seas not far from Venezuela.
October 14
In its latest operation, the US killed six people on board a boat in international waters near the Venezuelan coast, Trump confirmed on social media on Tuesday.
In his post, he wrote, “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting along a known route for smuggling.”
October 16
In Thursday’s attack on the suspected drug vessel, there were survivors, unlike the previous strikes. Unlike previous attacks on boats, US officials have not posted photos of the attack.
It is unclear whether US forces offered medical help to the survivors, whether they were captured, or where they are now.
Is the US breaking international law?
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said the maritime strikes amount to “extrajudicial killings”.
“US officials cannot summarily kill people they accuse of smuggling drugs,” said Sarah Yager, Washington director at HRW. “The problem of narcotics entering the United States is not an armed conflict, and US officials cannot circumvent their human rights obligations by pretending otherwise.”
The use of military force against foreign ships in international waters is considered unlawful unless a clear legal exception applies. In a letter to Congress on September 4 Trump cited the right to self-defence as justification for the US’s actions at sea.
Coastal countries like Venezuela control the waters within 12 nautical miles (22km) of their shores, known as territorial waters, where they have full sovereignty. Beyond that, they can claim up to 200 nautical miles (370km) as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), all states enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight on the high seas, which lie beyond any nation’s control. Ships there fall under the jurisdiction of the country whose flag they fly, except when involved in piracy or other illegal acts.
(Al Jazeera)
Where are US ships deployed?
In August, Washington started deploying warships just outside Venezuelan waters.
On August 14, the US Fleet Forces Command published a news release stating sailors and Marines assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group had departed from Norfolk, Virginia and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
According to the latest United States Southern Command – one of 11 unified combatant commands of the Department of Defense responsible for Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, and surrounding waters – various strike packages and naval assets are in proximity to Venezuela.
One way Brits are trying to save money this autumn is by keeping heating bills to a minimum – that’s where these inexpensive expert tips could be your new holy grail for keeping warm
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Expert reveals how to avoid turning heating on with five simple home changes(Image: Getty)
With temperatures already decreasing as we head deeper into autumn, and Ofgem increasing its price cap earlier this month, Brits across the UK are eagerly looking for ways to keep warm in the autumn and winter months without racking up their energy bills.
There are simple solutions, such as wearing more layers at home or investing in some hefty blankets that you can get cosy under on chilly evenings, but heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has also outlined some easy-to-make changes to your home that could help you save on heating bills through the colder months.
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1. Make Good Use of Your Curtains
Matthew suggests making the most of the free heat from sunlight. By opening your curtains and letting sunlight into your home during the day, you can delay the need to switch on your heating. As night falls, close your curtains. They act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to keep the warmth in the room.
Make sure there are no gaps or leaks to stop warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in. This can also help to minimise condensation.
During the winter months, it’s advisable to opt for thicker and longer curtains, such as velvet or even blackout options. These ensure less air can seep through the material or sneak around them, into your room.
2. Use Rugs
Your room might be losing a significant amount of heat right under your feet. Floorboards, vinyl, stone, and laminate floors can get extremely cold in the winter, and if your flooring is old or has numerous cracks or gaps, you could be losing a substantial amount of heat through the floor.
Adding a rug to any room can provide a cosy feel while helping to keep your feet warm. It will also help to reduce the amount of cold air creeping in and the amount of warm air escaping.
Depending on the size of the space, a thick rug is a fairly affordable addition to any home.
3. Hot Water Bottles
Hot water bottles are a cost-effective solution for staying warm in the winter. By simply refilling your hot water bottle with warm water throughout the day, you can stay cosy and comfortable.
Pairing a hot water bottle with a blanket creates an incredibly warming combination that keeps you toasty all day long. A fantastic way to cut down on heating at night is to pop a hot water bottle into your bed about 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime, ensuring your sheets are snug and inviting when it’s time to nod off.
If you’re a bit cautious about using water-filled hot water bottles, a microwavable warmer is a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative.
4. Move Your Furniture
A solution that doesn’t require any extra spending, just a bit of interior design know-how. It might seem like a good idea to place your sofa, bed, or desk in front of a radiator to feel the warmth, but this will only result in your furniture soaking up most of the heat from the radiator.
Shifting your furniture away from the radiator allows the warm air to circulate properly throughout the room. This also applies to any other items, such as your curtains, that may be covering your radiator.
Keeping items away from the radiators in the room can provide you with more warmth and allow you to make the most of the heat without waste.
5. Radiator Reflectors
Heat reflectors are a brilliant way to make your home feel cosier. You can pick up radiator reflectors at a bargain price; some options, like those available at Dunelm, go for around £20.
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Plus, they’re super easy to fit, meaning you can tackle this DIY task without any extra installation costs. Radiator heat reflectors work by bouncing the heat from your radiator back into the room when placed against the wall behind the radiator.
This stops heat from escaping through the wall and instead pushes the warmth forward into the room, creating a toastier space without the need to crank up the thermostat.
Paris Fury has opened up her handbag and shared its contents, and we spotted two iconic lip products that she always carries with her for make-up touch-ups
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Paris has shared the contents of her handbag with fans(Image: Instagram: @parisfury1)
Paris Fury, wife of boxing champ Tyson Fury, has given us a sneak peek into her handbag and revealed her must-have items.
In a video with OK! Magazine, the mum-of-seven explains that she carries around a massive Chanel black quilted bag filled with essentials a busy mum could need, such as nappies, wipes and a hair clip.
But it’s not all practicality – Paris also carries her two favourite lip products that she swears by for naturally enhancing and defining her lips.
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She pulls out two Charlotte Tilbury products: the Lip Cheat pencil, £22, and Hyaluronic Happikiss lip balm, £27, both seemingly in the iconic neutral-pink shade Pillow Talk.
Discussing them, Paris reveals, “I love to have a lipstick and lip liner. This is Pillow Talk Charlotte Tilbury lip balm, I use it on my cheeks, I use it on my lips, and with a bit of darker liner, it always freshens you up, even if you’ve got no make-up on,” reports OK!.
Hyaluronic Happikiss is the perfect choice if you’re not a fan of heavy or matte lipsticks, as it delivers lightweight colour with a hydrating sheen, with 92% of users agreeing that lips feel kissably soft and smooth after using it. Paired with Lip Cheat, it gives definition and shape with a comfortable feel – perfect for busy mums on the go.
While you’re having a look at the Charlotte Tilbury website, it’s worth taking a peek at the brand’s massive array of Christmas gifts, with something to suit all budgets for every make-up fan in your life. Our top picks include the Pillow Talk Iconic Lip and Cheek Kit, £29, the Charlotte’s Iconic Magic Mini Skin Set, £48, and, of course, the much-coveted Charlotte’s Beauty Advent Calendar, £175 and worth £264.
If you’re on the hunt for a smaller Christmas gift, popular monthly subscription service OK! Beauty Box has revealed four limited-edition beauty Christmas crackers, each centred around a different theme, and each packed with not one but five products from top brands such as Rodial, Bioderma and Aromatherapy Associates. They’re priced at £29.99 each, but the value of the goodies inside is significantly higher – worth up to a whopping £100.
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Next’s Prep to Party Beauty Cracker also includes brands like This Works, Dermalogica and Philip Kingsley and is priced at £22 but worth £64, while Lookfantastic is flogging The White Company Winter Mini Cracker, which contains a hand care duo, for £22.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that captain Martin Odegaard could be missing until after the November international break due to the Norwegian’s latest injury setback.
Odegaard set an unwanted record by becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts when he came off with a knee injury against West Ham on October 3.
The 26-year-old had previously struggled with a recurring shoulder problem this season.
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Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 22, 2025. West Ham won the match 1-0. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)
“It will be weeks. No definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. Very unlucky, what’s happening with him and his injuries this season,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on Saturday.
“It could be (after the next international break), but we’ll have to see how he progresses, how the knee’s healing, how he manages after the next steps in his rehab, so too early to give an answer,” he added.
Despite Odegaard’s disrupted start to the season and other injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba and Noni Madueke, Arsenal have stormed to the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners lead title rivals Liverpool by one point after seven games as they seek to go one better after finishing third for three consecutive seasons.
Viktor Gyokeres was signed to end Arsenal’s need for a prolific striker.
The Swede, though, has so far scored just three times in 10 appearances and has not netted in his last eight matches for club and country.
Arteta backed the 27-year-old to come good and claimed to have been pleased with Gyokeres’ all-round performances so far.
Arsenal’s Swedish striker #14 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring the team’s fifth goal from the penalty spot with Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 23, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
“He brings so much to the team and watching the games back, I’m very pleased with what he’s given to the team,” added Arteta.
“I told him before the first meeting, ‘the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the pressure, the expectation is going to be there.’
“If you put the number nine shirt on for Arsenal, you have to be able to say: ‘six games I don’t score, am I different player? Do I act in a different way?’
The EFL says “approximately 900 individual players were subjected to online abuse” at some point during the 2024-25 season.
According to figures released by the EFL for the last campaign, there were also 141 incidents of racist abuse at grounds and more than 5,000 incidents of online abuse.
The EFL estimates that 17 fans were banned from their clubs and a further 24 faced police convictions for racist abuse at EFL stadiums. Another 26 were referred for restorative justice and there are more than 80 cases still under investigation, the league added.
Last week the League One game between Exeter City and Reading was stopped for a short time in the 74th-minute after a report of a racist comment towards an Exeter player by a visiting supporter.
The EFL is hoping to show fans that reporting abuse can have an impact with its Together Against Racism, which runs from 17-27 October.
The week aims to highlight the work the league and its 72 member clubs deliver all season long to combat racism.
“Positive action is being taken, including issuing stadium bans to individuals who engage in discriminatory behaviour, referring cases of online abuse to the relevant authorities, and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders so they can understand the real-life consequences of their actions,” EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said.
“This is a multi-faceted approach – and crucially, the work does not stop here.”
