In 2024, with our attention taken up by the presidential race and by futile culture-war battles, following the news has seemingly become more fruitless than ever, especially for a religious person who feels obligated to respond to societal ills. When members of my Jewish community tell me they face this problem, I say that being God-conscious individuals requires us to see beyond the news of the day and focus on our most pressing moral concerns. In many respects, I am inspired by the Catholic Church, which, at its best, holds true to its values—whether I agree with its conclusions or not—without overly prioritizing political point-scoring. What matters is not landing on the left or right side of an issue, but seeking to carry out the will of God in the world. More and more, I have been saying there is one issue where all people, particularly all religious people, can present a unified front, across partisan lines and across faith traditions. That issue is what can be called the genocide of the Uyghurs in China. There seems to be no end in sight regarding disagreements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, abortion, same-sex marriage and the like. But Christians, Jews and Muslims, as well as Democrats, Republicans and independents, can all agree that the Uyghur genocide, in which the Chinese Uyghur population (who are predominantly Muslim) has endured imprisonment, forced labor, religious persecution and much else, is an affront to human dignity and religious freedom. As one example of how we can respond, as Jews, a coalition of us led by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity are pressing Jewish C.E.O.s to provide documentation that they are not using Uyghur forced labor. If Christian organizations take similar steps, the impact can multiply. In recent history, Christians and Jews have come together to support the U.S. civil rights movement, religious freedom for minorities and the end of apartheid in South Africa. But when I look around at the world today, I see a startling lack of moral clarity. Part of this, I have to think, stems from the decline of religion, particularly in the United States. This decline was illustrated by a headline in USA Today in January: “More ‘nones’ than Catholics: Non-religious Americans near 30% in latest survey.” Despite the many societal improvements we have made in recent decades, I worry that we will no longer see mass movements for the betterment of the world if every individual is made into their own freelance arbiter of moral justice. That USA Today article confirmed my suspicions, saying: “Nones” are less likely to volunteer or vote in elections. Of the U.S. adults surveyed, 17 percent of religious “nones” volunteered in the last year compared to 27 percent of religiously affiliated adults, and 39 percent of “nones” voted in the 2022 election compared to 51 percent of religiously affiliated adults. They also showed slightly lower rates of civic engagement, and were less likely to have contacted officials or attended a government meeting in the last year. One explanation for these differences: Religious people feel responsible for the collective, whether it is made up of fellow synagogue-goers or parishioners, our co-religionists around the world, or all other human beings, made in the image of God. But we cannot afford to waste that blessing. We must use it to overcome the moral catastrophes of our time, understanding that religion is not just about carrying on the traditions of the past but also about shaping a brighter future. When we see the injustices of the world, we are called to actualize the words of Psalm 69: The lowly will see and rejoice; you who are mindful of God, take heart! For God listens to the needy, and does not spurn those held captive. If you are a Christian who wants to be a partner in our work toward ending the repression of the Uyghurs, join our coalition in a two-day conference, led by the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, on April 17 and 18 in New York City. If you cannot join, you can still get involved by researching and avoiding brands that use forced labor, pressuring politicians to act at the state and national levels, and petitioning governments and companies. Bans on products from Uyghur forced labor have been put in place, but they have not effectively been enforced and need reinforcements. I don’t want to take the view that religious people are the only ones who can lead on this issue. But I feel deeply compelled to act because of a deeply held belief that every human being is created in the image of God.   Source: America Magazine

Three people were arrested in Argentina for threatening Argentine footballer Ángel Di María and his family, Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich said. One of the suspects, who was under investigation for drug trafficking when he was arrested, confessed that he and two accomplices had made the threats against Di María’s family. On Monday, Di María’s family home in Rosario, northeastern Argentina, was shot at by a car driving by and had a written message left there warning the World Cup winner against returning to his hometown team. The attack happened after Di María, currently under contract with Portuguese club Benfica until June, said he would like to finish his professional career at Rosario Central, where he started his career. Following the death threats, Di María said he followed the incident closely, telling a sports broadcaster: “I have my family and what was happening affects me.” On Instagram Stories, the soccer star posted a picture of the Rosario flag with the caption: “We ask for peace.” Rosario Central condemned the attack on March 25, saying in a statement: “We cannot let [someone] frighten footballers or attack them or their relatives.”   Source: CNN  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said today (March 4) that the local people of Cox's Bazar have now become a minority by sheltering the forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar. She also said that a large number of Rohingyas have now become a threat to the environment of Bangladesh. Professor Payam Akhavan who is the appointed lawyer of Bangladesh in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bhaban office on Monday (March 4). Sheikh Hasina reiterated the importance of ensuring the return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland. At the same time, the prime minister said a part of the Rohingya people has already been involved in criminal activities like smuggling arms, women and drugs. This is a matter of great concern for Bangladesh.  

New data from The Lancet shows fewer people are starving across the globe. But it also shows an explosive growth of another type of malnourishment: obesity. The global rate of obesity has quadrupled in children and doubled in adults since 1990, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet, a medical journal, March 1, 2024. About one billion people in the world — that's 1 in 8 of the global population — are obese: They have a body mass index (BMI) over 30. The World Health Organization describes the BMI as "a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults." It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2). Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO's Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, said the organization had previously estimated that the global rate of obesity would hit a billion people in 2030. But that marker was hit eight years early — in 2022. Speaking at a press conference about the new Lancet study, its co-author and professor of public health at Imperial College London, Majid Ezzati, said they were "taken aback" by how fast obesity rates had developed. But this increase in obesity is not happening where you might expect — in rich countries. The new data shows that while obesity rates are generally starting to plateau in many rich countries, they are growing rapidly among both adults and children in low-to-middle income countries, such as Egypt, Iraq, Libya, South Africa and Chile, with Syria, Turkey and Mexico not far behind. "None of the traditional industrialized world or wealthy nations, except for the United States, appear in the top group [of the most obese nations]. It's almost exclusively covered by low-to-middle-income countries," said Ezzati. Number of people starving is falling The new data shows some progress in reducing the number of people who are starving across the globe. Over the past 30 years, the global proportion of underweight adults has halved. It fell by a fifth in girls and a third in boys under the age of 18 years. However, the study shows that in some countries the situation has not improved. The proportion of underweight adults in countries like Ethiopia and Uganda, for example, has barely changed. Other countries, such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, have seen the proportion of underweight adults decline sharply. But Pakistan appears to have traded one form of malnourishment for another. While the proportion of underweight adults has dropped from 27% to 7% since 1990, the proportion of obese adults has risen from 3% to 24% in the same period. That's a higher rate of obesity than most countries in the European Union. Some sub-Saharan African countries have seen the same sort of swap, particularly among women. Where the number of people underweight has gone down, the number of those with obesity has gone up. Why are obesity rates rising in low-to-middle income countries? Branca said the increase in obesity has been so sharp in low-to-middle income countries compared to wealthier countries for a few reasons: There's been a transformation in food production, then there's "the biology of the double burden", and finally a lack of public health policies. We explain the impact of each of these below: First, the past 30 years have been marked by rapid industrialization in countries like Egypt and Mexico. They have transformed their food systems, especially in urban areas, Branca said. "The sales of processed food or drinks or the number of supermarkets and outlets — that's where the largest increase is," said Branca. "[It's a] very rapid transformation of that food system and not towards the better." Second, the biology of the double burden, said Branca, refers to people who had a low birth weight or did not get enough food to eat as children. They are often more prone to becoming overweight or obese as adults. This could potentially help explain the changes seen in sub-Saharan Africa. And third, there's the lack of government policy and, as a result, a lack action by health departments to improve people's access to healthy food choices.  Unlike wealthier countries, said Branca, many low-to-middle income countries have very few or zero policies in place to curb the "enormous" pressure created by marketing that pushes foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. "The important story here is that in the past we [thought] of obesity as a problem of the rich," said Branca — but obesity is a problem for the whole world.  

The ferry carrying daily wage laborers sank in the River Nile near Cairo. Rescue teams searched for hours to recover the bodies. The five who survived the accident were taken to hospital before later being discharged. A ferry carrying 15 people sank in the Nile river near Cairo on Sunday, killing at least 10 of them, authorities said Monday. All the passengers on board were day laborers who were on their way to work at a local construction company. Search operation lasted hours Rescue teams had to search for hours to recover bodies, according to local media. The rescue operation was live-streamed on social media as the villagers stood on the banks of Nile and watched. The five who survived the accident were taken to hospital and were later discharged, the Ministry of Manpower said in a statement. Egypt's Labor Ministry has announced a compensation of 200,000 Egyptian pounds ($6,462, €5,957) to each of the family of the deceased and 20,000 pounds to each of the five injured. While local media reported that the cause of the accident was overcrowding on the boat, there has been no immediate official confirmation. Riverway accidents are quite frequent in Egypt mainly due to lack of implementation of safety regulations.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun today (Jan 5) said he thought that citizens will participate in voting in groups and pro-hartal supporters will be nowhere to be found on January 7. The people of this country are election-oriented and looking forward to casting their votes, he told reporters at a briefing on election security at Willes Little Flower School and College in the city. “We received information that they were planning to detonate improvised bombs to incite panic. We have taken measures to foil their plans,” he said on Friday. "We have details of their [pro-hartal parties'] plans. They won't get a chance to do that," he said, adding police are aware and working to counter rumours on social media too. When asked about polling centres at a high risk of facing violence, the IGP assured that all polling centres have adequate security measures in place. The collaboration between local administration, returning officers, and law enforcement agencies has established a unified platform to work together and ensure security during the election. IGP said police in association with the country's people are ready to resist any attempt of carrying out sabotage and maintain environment of peaceful polls on January 7.

Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked the countrymen to cast their votes in January 7 parliamentary election to prove that democracy has been prevailing in the country. "Vote is your democratic and constitutional right. Go to the polling centres to cast your votes and thus prove that democracy is prevailing in the country," she said.   She said this while addressing the last public rally of the election campaign for the 12th parliamentary polls slated for January 7, at Fatullah in Naranyanj. The AL president asked all to maintain peace across Bangladesh ahead of the 12th parliamentary election.   Describing the 'Boat' as the symbol of development, she said, "Boat is our electoral symbol. If you vote us to assume power again, we will build a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh." She said her government has made tremendous development of the entire Narayanganj in the last 15 years since 2009, which has been possible due to continuation of a democratic government for a longer period.   "If we are voted to power again, we will build Narayanganj a smart city as it is a very important town and very close to the capital," she said. The AL president also pledged to build three metro rail lines -1, 2 and 4 - which will cross Narayanganj district. She said conspiracies are being hatched till the date to foil the election, urging the countrymen to remain alert to this end. "There are lots of conspiracies to thwart the election. So, maintain peace to this end," she said.   The AL president said that BNP has started boycotting election since they were defeated badly in 2008 election in which BNP-led alliance only get 20 seats while the AL got 233 seats. "Sensing defeat, the BNP-Jamaat clique is out to foil the election by arson terrorism like 2013-14," she said, adding, "But the people of the country won't allow to restrict voters from casting votes," she said. The next parliamentary election must be held on January 7 confronting all the conspiracies.   The AL president reached the venue ground at 3.13pm and waved the national flag to a roaring response of the participants after boarding the boat shaped huge stage. Narayanganj district and metropolitan Awami League organised the rally at the AKM Shamsuzzoha Sports Complex ground in Fatullah's Masdair area here. At the rally, Sheikh Hasina introduced her party nominated four candidates of Narayanganj district.   AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Narayanganj-4 AL candidate Shamim Osman, AL Office Secretary Biplab Barua, Nayaranganj-1 candidate Golam Dastagir Gazi, Narayanganj-3 candidate Abdullah Al Kaiser and Narayanganj 2 candidate Nazrul Islam, among others, also spoke at the rally. Bangladesh Awami Juba League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy also spoke when Narayanganj 5 member of parliament Salim Osman was present on the dais.   Narayanganj district AL President Abdul Hai presided over the rally. AL leaders and supporters started assembling at the venue ground since morning with processions, chanting various slogans and taking placards in hands from different parts of Narayanganj district. The ground was filled to brim with the people of all strata of life that turned the rally into a human sea.   Narayanganj and its nearby districts wore a festive look as the roads, lanes and by lanes were decorated with various posters, banners and placards welcoming Sheikh Hasina and seeking votes for boat.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (Dec 27) said crores of people are eagerly waiting to cast their votes in the January 7 polls. He said this while speaking at the AL election manifesto announcement ceremony at a city hotel. "Whom shall we fear? Our people are ready to vote," he added. "We are fighting against a hostile environment. We have to do the election due to the obligation of the constitution," said Quader. None but the Awami League has handed over power peacefully, he added. "We believe that the current elected government will hand over power to the newly elected government (following the election)," he said. He hoped that AL will win the upcoming national polls.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the BNP cannot overthrow the government by killing people. “Those who damage public properties and killed people do not deserve forgiveness,” the premier said in a views exchange meeting with the FBCCI’s newly elected committee at Ganabhaban, referring to a fatal train derailment in Gazipur earlier in the day. She added, “People who cut railway tracks, set people on fire and kill police officers in a planned manner have no humanity. We must stand against them.” PM said some 20 feet of rail track was cut with a gas cutter machine at Sreepur upazila in Gazipur on Wednesday afternoon in which eight bogies of Mohonganj Express, coming from Netrakona, got derailed in Gazipur leaving a man killed and several others injured. "That means it is an attempt to kill the people by distracting the train bogies. They want to overthrow the government by killing the people. What can they achieve from a movement by killing people?" she said. Sheikh Hasina said those who plan to kill people by uprooting rail tracks or burn people alive have no sense of humanity. "So, it is the people who will have to resist it," she added. The premier expressed her disappointment over the misdeeds, saying, "What will be the future of the country if they carry out such activities at a time when we are offsetting the brunt of the global economic recession?" The country’s people had witnessed the oppression of Pakistani forces who burnt everything like this.  “And now we see the attack of Israel on Palestine where the hospital is not spared. They even bombed the hospital. We are now witnessing the same scenario in Bangladesh.”   Sheikh Hasina said: "Attack is being carried out on ambulances in the name of movement.. They are burning ambulances entering police outposts, attacking police and beating police. Such strange incidents are happening in Bangladesh. It is a movement! Whose interest is behind this type of movement?   Referring to the incident of cutting the railway line in Gazipur and derailment of seven coaches along with the train engine, PM Hasina said: “Just think what a destructive act.” “They must be resisted by the people. That is my call to the people of the whole country,” PM said.   Commenting that Awami League is not trying to seize power, the premier said they (BNP) should go to the people and those who the people vote for will come to power.  “We’ve no attempt to hang onto power." "We are making development of Bangladesh as long as we are in power. None can deny that the country witnessed development. Today Bangladesh has radically changed,” she said.   Highlighting various initiatives of the government to ensure a business-friendly environment, the premier further added that: “We don't have a Hawa Bhaban. You don't have to run a business with someone's debt. Businessmen can run their business independently. At least we have given this opportunity.”

Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (23 November) urged BNP to participate in the 12th national election slated for January 7 to examine whom the people want to see in power. "Let's join the election to see how far one can run and to know whom the people want to see in power," she said. The prime minister was delivering her introductory speech ahead of AL's Parliamentary Nomination Board meeting at the party's Dhaka district office in city’s Tejgaon area to finalise the party's candidates of Rajshahi, Khulna and Rangpur divisions. She also sounded a note of warning against any move to foil the election. "Don't try to thwart the election. If do so, the consequence will not be good for anyone," she warned. The premier called upon other political parties to participate in the next election. "They (remaining other parties) who are in dilemma, I urge you all to take part in the election as there is no doubt that the next general election will be free and neutral," she said, welcoming the parties which announced to join the polls. The prime minister said she had given instruction time and again to make sure that the people of the country can vote freely. "We will hold the election to ensure people's rights to franchise. We will not interfere to this end. We want the election commission to hold free and neutral election," she said. She also said they don't need to steal the votes, as the people have confidence and trust in the Awami League. The international agencies surveys have also portrayed the same thing, she added. "So, we will take part in the election with self-confidence," she continued. She urged the countrymen to cast their votes in favour of their choice with self-confidence. "You can vote as your wish," she said. But, being president of the AL, Sheikh Hasina said, "I called upon the countrymen to vote for my party's electoral symbol Boat to give us another change to serve the nation." The prime minister said the BNP feared to join the election as they have none at the top of the party as their two top leaders have been convicted of corruption. She continued FBI had testified against Tarique and Canadian police gave deposition against Khaleda Zia for their involvement in corruption. The premier also delivered a witty remark saying BNP can join the next election to make business with selling nomination papers which they did in the past.   The prime minister said the AL electoral symbol "Boat" brought the country's independence, made Bangladesh self-sufficient in food production, reached electricity to every house, gave houses to every landless and homeless people, provided healthcare to every people's doorstep and made Bangladesh Digital. She said that the AL government has taken various measures to give the countrymen a modern and improved life. Sheikh Hasina said her government has been successful in its endeavor and the country has got the status of a developing nation. "If the boat remains in power, the people get peace and prosperity in their lives. This is the reality. So, vote for our candidates to give them chance to serve you," she added. The premier also said BNP destroyed country's electoral process by holding farcical yes/no vote and presidential election by military dictator Ziaur Rahman and her wife followed the path of her husband holding farcical elections including the February 15 of 1996. "The people of the country toppled the BNP government between one and a half month after February 15 farcical election," she said. She added the AL has established the rights of vote and democracy after a long struggle following the footprints of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The prime minister asked the countrymen to forge resistance against the hartal, blockade and arson violence. "Whenever you (people) witness any arson violence is being committed, capture the culprits and hand them over to police. We are not saying that you take law in your hands," she said. She continued if the people start resisting the arson violence, it must come to an end. The prime minister said she doesn't bother which big country is supporting them (their arson violence). "To me, my country is great. I am here to work for my country, not to serve any country," she said. The premier said there are some big countries who favour those who serve them. "If any country of their choice invades any country, they don't say it invasion," she said, adding that they even don't see any inhuman act carried out by the countries they favour. The AL's parliamentary nomination board held their first meeting to finalise their candidates for 300 seats across Bangladesh. The second and third meeting of the board will be held on Friday and Saturday next. The AL had sold 3362 nomination papers for 300 seats in four days from last Saturday to Tuesday at party's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue which means on an average 11 forms were sold for each seat. The AL has earned a total of Taka 16.81 crore by selling the nomination papers as each of the form was sold at Taka 50,000.