The former president has asked the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling barring him from the Colorado ballot. Donald Trump has appealed to the US Supreme Court to enforce his participation in the primary election in the state of Colorado, the former president's campaign team announced on Wednesday. In December, a 4-3 ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court deemed that the 77-year-old would not be on the ballot paper in the state, making it the first time ever that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was used to bar a presidential contender. The court found that Trump's role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol disqualified him under the previously unused clause. Likely Republican nomination The frontrunner for the Republican 2024 nomination, Trump is pushing back against the Colorado court's decision that disqualified him under a constitutional provision preventing anyone who "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" from holding public office.   So far, Trump's opponents have only been successful in Colorado and the north-eastern state of Maine. Maine's top election official, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, ruled on December 29 that the Trump's primary nomination petition was "invalid."

A Dhaka court has sentenced Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, chairman of Grameen Telecom, and three others to six months in jail over labour law violations. Dhaka Labour Court 3 judge Sheikh Marina Sultana announced the verdict on Monday (January 1, 2024) and later granted them bail after they filed separate petitions. The court also fined them Tk5,000 under one section and Tk25,000 under another, in default of which they would have to spend an additional 10 and 15 days in prison. The labour court gave them one month to file an appeal in the High Court to challenge the judgement.    Dr Yunus and the three other accused in the case – Grameen Telecom CEO Md Ashraful Hassan, Managing Director M Shahjahan and Trustee Nurjahan Begum – appeared in court at 1:35pm. Dr Yunus was facing more than 100 other charges over labour law violations and alleged graft.  Last month, after one of the hearings, Yunus told reporters that he had not profited from any of the more than 50 social business firms he had set up in Bangladesh. "They were not for my personal benefit," he said. The department noticed several labour law violations during an inspection at Grameen Telecom, according to case files.  In August, 160 global figures, including former US president Barack Obama and ex-UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, published a joint letter denouncing "continuous judicial harassment" of Yunus. The signatories, including over 100 of his fellow Nobel laureates, said they feared for "his safety and freedom". A case was filed on September 9, 2021, by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment against Dr Muhammad Yunus and three others for violating labour laws. The violations include failing to permanent the jobs of 101 workers and employees, not forming a workers' participation fund and welfare fund, and failing to provide 5% of the company's dividend to workers.

Forty two aspirants, whose candidacy has been cancelled, have appealed to the Election Commission to get back their candidacy on the first day today for contesting the upcoming general elections slated for January 7. As per the EC schedule, applications were submitted from 10am to 4pm as the process will continue till December 9. Appeals will be disposed between December 10 and December 15. A total of 2,716 aspirants submitted nomination papers to vie for the elections. Of them, 1985 nomination papers have been accepted and 731 others have been cancelled. Source: BSS

There have been appeals for the the global community to help Afghanistan following Saturday's deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake which the Taliban government said killed more than 2,000 people in the west of the country. Aid group CARE USA — a member of CARE International umbrella  — said in a statement that the country was already in the grip of a humanitarian crisis when the latest earthquake struck and was desperately underfunded. "The current Humanitarian Response Plan that aims to support 23.7 million people in the country is only 33.9% funded, while needs are increasing rapidly," the organization said in a statement. OCHA frees up $5 million The Unins Officted Natioe for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that humanitarian partners "are ramping up response efforts" while search and rescue efforts continued. The agency said that $5 million (€4.74 million) had been approved in emergency funds and would be allocated and said further allocations "will be dependent upon additional donor resources being received, for which related advocacy and outreach is ongoing." Pakistan, Iran and China are among the countries that have pledged to send in food, blankets, medicines, tents and funds. According to an OCHA statement, 1,023 people were reported to have been killed and another 1,663 people injured across eleven villages In Herat province. Meanwhile, on Monday, Taliban officials were visiting Afghanistan's western province of Herat which was most affected by the quake. The Taliban said in a statement that the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, and his team would visit the quake-affected region to deliver "immediate relief assistance" and ensure "equitable and accurate distribution of aid." Hundreds of people are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed homes, and authorities were waiting for an update on the latest casualty figures. Another 4.9 magnitude earthquake reported At the same time, another 4.9 magnitude earthquake rattled western Afghanistan on Monday, with the latest tremors confirmed by the US Geological Survey and residents in the area. "It was quite intense," a doctor in the area told the German press agency, DPA. "People took shelter in parks, open spaces, and gardens." According to the health worker, the deadly earthquake on Saturday has negatively affected people's mental health. "Most of the patients are those who have mental shocks," he added. In June last year, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people in the province of Paktika. The Taliban's seizure of power in August 2021 worsened the country's humanitarian emergency. "The fast-approaching winter, combined with this new disaster, is likely to exacerbate the existing challenges," the organization stressed.

Fashion trends come and go, but there are certain wardrobe staples that stand the test of time. Among these, the classic striped shirt has remained a constant favorite for both men and women. Whether you prefer bold, contrasting stripes or more subtle pinstripes, owning at least one striped shirt is a must. In this blog, we will explore the timeless appeal of striped shirts and why they deserve a special place in everyone's wardrobe.   Versatility One of the greatest advantages of owning a striped shirt is its versatility. Stripes can effortlessly transition from casual to formal, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Pair a navy and white striped shirt with jeans for a relaxed weekend look, or tuck a black and white striped shirt into a pencil skirt for a chic office ensemble. The possibilities are endless, as stripes lend themselves well to various style combinations.   Classic Appeal Striped shirts have an inherent classic appeal that never goes out of style. This timeless pattern has been a favorite of fashion icons throughout history, from Coco Chanel to Audrey Hepburn. The clean lines and symmetry of stripes provide a polished and put-together look that is both elegant and eye-catching. By owning a striped shirt, you can tap into this timeless aesthetic and elevate your overall style.   Effortless Pattern Mixing If you're looking to experiment with patterns in your outfits, striped shirts are an excellent starting point. They effortlessly complement other prints and patterns, such as floral, polka dots, or even animal prints. The key to successful pattern mixing is to choose stripes that are of a similar color palette or scale. By incorporating a striped shirt into your wardrobe, you open up a world of possibilities for creating unique and stylish ensembles.   Flattering for All Body Types One of the remarkable aspects of striped shirts is their ability to flatter all body types. Contrary to the myth that stripes make you look wider, the right choice of stripes can actually accentuate your best features. Vertical stripes, for example, create an elongating effect, making you appear taller and slimmer. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can add curves to those with a more athletic build. With the wide range of stripe sizes and directions available, you can find a striped shirt that suits your body type and enhances your natural silhouette.   Effortless Casual Style For those days when you want a casual and laid-back look without compromising on style, a striped shirt is the perfect solution. It effortlessly exudes a relaxed yet put-together vibe. Pair it with your favorite jeans, shorts, or even a denim skirt, and you'll achieve a timeless and effortless look that is both comfortable and fashionable.   Conclusion From its versatility to its timeless appeal, owning at least one striped shirt is a fashion investment that pays off in countless ways. Whether you're aiming for a classic, sophisticated look or a more casual and relaxed style, the striped shirt effortlessly adapts to your needs. So, next time you're updating your wardrobe, be sure to include a striped shirt, and discover the endless possibilities it brings to your personal style.

A US jury ordered Donald Trump to pay $5 million to writer E. Jean Carroll for sexually abusing and defaming her, he is appealing. Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday filed a notice to appeal a New York jury's verdict that he sexually abused and defamed writer E. Jean Carroll. A jury in Manhattan federal court earlier this week ordered Trump to pay $5 million (€4.56 million) in compensation and fines in the civil lawsuit. They found him liable for abuse and defamation but not rape. Trump's appeal comes a day after after the former president labeled Carroll's sexual abuse claims as "fake" during a CNN town hall event. He also denied knowing her. "This woman, I don't know her. I never met her. I have no idea who she is," Trump said.  According to The New York Times, Carroll's attorney stated that she is contemplating filing another lawsuit against Trump for his remarks at the event.  What were the accusations against Trump? The jury's verdict on Tuesday marked the first time Trump — who is facing legal action over a string of sexual assault allegations dating back decades — was found legally responsible for assault. Carroll testified that Trump sexually attacked her at the Bergdorf Goodman department store almost 30 years ago. She first publicly disclosed her experience in a 2019 memoir while Trump was still president. At the time he called her allegation "a hoax and a lie." Legal experts have said the appeals process could take years. Trump's legal woes Trump, the front-runner to become the Republican party's presidential candidate in 2024, faces several other legal challenges. He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts in a criminal case that accuses him of falsifying business records as part of a scheme in 2016 to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels. A US Justice Department special counsel is investigating Trump's possible mishandling of classified documents and presidential records after he left office and his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. He also faces a criminal investigation by a county prosecutor in Georgia relating to his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in that state.

The UN is seeking to help provide food, water and shelter for millions of people affected by earthquakes. The death toll in Turkey and Syria continues to rise. The United Nations on Thursday launched an appeal for $1 billion (€0.94 billion) from member states to help relief efforts in Turkey following  devastating earthquakes. Rescue efforts are still ongoing as the death toll in Turkey and Syria exceeded 41,000 on Friday. What did the UN say? UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the funds would provide humanitarian aid for three months to 5.2 million people. The money would "allow aid organizations to rapidly scale up vital support," including in the areas of food security, protection, education, water and shelter, Guterres said. "The needs are enormous, people are suffering and there's no time to lose," he added. "I urge the international community to step up and fully fund this critical effort in response to one of the biggest natural disasters of our times." Earlier this week, the UN appealed for $400 million to help Syrian survivors across the border. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric was asked why the appeal for Turkey is 2.5 times more than the one for Syria to assist the same number of people. Part of the reason, Dujarric said, is that "there is already a well-established humanitarian community which has been working in Syria,'' and before the quake there was a $4.8-billion humanitarian appeal for Syria for 2023. "So there's already a humanitarian pot of money that exists for Syria, which did not exist for Turkey,'' he said. Guterres said in his statement that Turkey is home to the largest number of refugees in the world, and the country has shown "enormous generosity to its Syrian neighbors for years." "Now is the time for the world to support the people of Turkey — just as they have stood in solidarity with others seeking assistance," he said. Toll rises as hope for more survivors fades Meanwhile on Friday, officials and medics reported that 38,044 people had died in Turkey and 3,688 in Syria from the February 6 jolt, bringing the total death toll to 41,732. On Thursday, a 17-year-old girl and a woman in her 20s were pulled from under the rubble by rescuers in Turkey, almost 11 days after the 7.8 magnitude quake. But hopes of finding more survivors have been fading. Turkey has suspended rescue operations in some areas, and the Syrian government has done the same in regions under its control.

The High Court (HC) today scrapped an appeal of BNP lawmaker from Chapainawabganj-3 constituency Md Harunur Rashid, challenging a lower court judgement that convicted and sentenced him to five-year rigorous imprisonment in a graft case.   "All three appeals are dismissed. However, sentence is served out," said the order passed by the High Court division bench of Justice Md Salim.   Dhaka 4th Special Judge Court on October 21, 2019, sentenced the BNP leader to five-year rigorous imprisonment and fined him Taka 50 lakh in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for selling Hummer SUV brought in the country using tax-free facility in 2005.   The court had also sentenced co-accused Ishtiaq Sadek to three-year imprisonment and fined him Taka 40 lakh and handed down two-year imprisonment to another accused Md Enayetur Rahman (Bappy) and fined him Taka one lakh.   "The High Court today scrapped appeals of all the three convicts. But they don't have to go behind bars anymore as their sentences have been served out," ACC counsel Adv Khurshid Alam Khan told BSS.   According to the law, no vehicle brought under tax-free facility can be sold within three-years of import. But the BNP leader sold the vehicle to car trader Sadek, who later sold that to Enayetur.     Police on March 7 in 2007, filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station and charge-sheet was filed against the three on July 18, 2007. The court also framed charges against them on the same year. Source: BSS AH

While delivering speech over the matter of extending the tenure of release of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, Khaleda Zia’s brother Shamim Eskander handed over the letter of appeal to me on Tuesday. In the letter appeal was made to relax the conditions. We will inform about our decision after examining it. In this regard the government will inform about the decision after consulting the matter with law ministry. He said this while discussing the matter with the newsmen at his office at the secretariat on Wednesday. The Home Minister said, in the appeal it was said to take necessary initiatives for better treatment for her after cancelling the punishment. Responding to a question of newsmen Asaduzzaman also said, I received the letter just yesterday. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the mother of humanity. We hope that she would consider the matter positively. AH

The family members of Begum Khaleda Zia have appealed to extend the stay order of her jail term to the home ministry. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal confirmed the information to the news media on Saturday. He said that the letter was sent to the law ministry for further activities. It was known that appeal was also made for the overseas treatment of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. It is about one and half months remaining for the tenure of six months stay order of Begum Khaleda Zia’s jail term. AH