Opposition leaders have reacted strongly to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling it a major victory for students, democracy, and public accountability. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the development sends a message that people can bring change by standing together, while other opposition leaders welcomed the resignation and called for comprehensive education reforms. The political debate now

Opposition hails Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as victory for students and democracy

Bangladesh appeared calm on Monday (July 22) amid a curfew, but widespread disruption of telecoms prevailed a day after the Supreme Court scrapped some quotas for government jobs that sparked protests this month that killed scores. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh PM Hasina blames BNP for instigating protesters, students demand govt to release leaders

News channels in Bangladesh were off the air and telecommunications were widely disrupted. Violent student protests against quotas for government jobs are raging in Bangladesh. Watch this video for all details.

Bangladesh anti-quota protests: 50 dead, nationwide Bandh & internet shutdown

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made explosive revelations on the attempt to tamper with the country's election in an interview to the Daily Star. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh PM Hasina's big revelation on polls, says 'offered re-election in return for airbase'

2024 Bangladesh general election: Bangladesh's main opposition party urged voters on Wednesday to boycott next year's general election. The BNP reiterated demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. BNP called the upcoming election a "one-sided dummy election".

2024 Bangladesh general election: Why is opposition calling for a boycott of the January election?

Bangladesh where weeks of mounting political tensions have erupted in protests and bloodshed in Bangladesh. Ahead of the upcoming general Bangladesh is on the edge, the main opposition party in the country has intensified its protests, calling on the PM Sheikh Hasina to resign.

Bangladesh's clean turmeric campaign: Nationwide drive against turmeric adulteration

Bangladesh: Will world's longest-serving women Prime Minister retain her seat in 2024?

Bangladesh police arrest nearly 8,000 Opposition supporters | Over 2,100 arrested following clashes

The police in Bangladesh have arrested two main leaders of the Opposition party, the BNP arrests have come a day before the Opposition's planned rally in the capital city of Dhaka to call for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Dhaka is witnessing a violent crackdown of the Opposition.

Bangladesh: Two Opposition leaders arrested; arrests ahead of mega anti-govt rally

The use of force by deploying a heavy contingent of police commandos and the anti-terrorist force to expel volunteers of Ansarul Islam from Parliament Lodges shows how the Imran Khan government has now resorted to violence to suppress opponents, reported local media.

Notably, Islamabad Police on Thursday night stormed Parliament Lodges and made 19 arrests including key Opposition members of the National Assembly after members of Ansarul Islam, a uniformed volunteer force set up to protect the leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), entered the Parliament Lodges in large numbers, reported the Dawn newspaper.

The police commandos broke into the suite of JUI leader Salahuddin Ayubi and arrested activists of Ansarul Islam, dragged them out of the room, shifted them to the police prisoner vans and took them to an unknown place.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-with-pakistan-stalled-after-imf-objects-to-imran-khans-relief-package-461581">IMF objects to Imran Khan's relief package, stalls talks with Pakistan</a>

With Prime Minister Imran Khan issuing warnings of dire consequences for leadership of Opposition parties after the introduction of a no-confidence motion against him, it is not surprising that the JUI-F brought volunteers to their Parliamentary residences, said the media reports, adding that resorting to violence by turning the official residences into a battlefield for hours shows the ire of the government over the no-trust motion moved against it.

The situation could have easily been diffused by involving the National Assembly Speaker, who is supposed to ensure that no one is forcibly stopped from casting their votes. However, the government does not seem to want to settle down things, according to the media outlet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/slip-of-tongue-pak-pm-discloses-his-conversations-with-gen-bajwa-while-slamming-opposition-461410">Slip of tongue: Pak PM discloses his conversations with Gen Bajwa while slamming opposition</a>

The tensions are further aggravated by warnings from Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid that the government would not let anyone take the law into their own hands.

Also, the ruling party planning a public meeting near National Assembly a day before the no-confidence vote shows that Imran Khan has decided to first fight the no-trust motion outside the House as his grip on his legislators has loosened.

Any further violence by the government, in case the situation is not in its favour, will solidify the popular belief that politicians cannot think beyond power and self-interest in Pakistan, added the media reports.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Bilawal Bhutto vows to 'dethrone' Imran Khan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bilawal-bhutto-vows-to-dethrone-imran-khan-460706/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Notably, this comes amid growing discontent against the Imran Khan government, with Pakistan`s main Opposition parties moving a no-confidence motion against the Pakistan PM in the National Assembly.

The use of force by deploying a heavy contingent of police commandos and the anti-terrorist force to expel volunteers of Ansarul Islam from Parliament Lodges shows how the Imran Khan government has now resorted to violence to suppress opponents, reported local media.

The use of force by deploying a heavy contingent of police commandos and the anti-terrorist force to expel volunteers of Ansarul Islam from Parliament Lodges shows how the Imran Khan government has now resorted to violence to suppress opponents, reported local media. Notably, Islamabad Police on Thursday night stormed Parliament Lodges and made 19 arrests including key Opposition members of the National Assembly after members of Ansarul Islam, a uniformed volunteer force set up to protect the leadership of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), entered the Parliament Lodges in large numbers, reported the Dawn newspaper. The police commandos broke into the suite of JUI leader Salahuddin Ayubi and arrested activists of Ansarul Islam, dragged them out of the room, shifted them to the police prisoner vans and took them to an unknown place. Also read | IMF objects to Imran Khan's relief package, stalls talks with Pakistan With Prime Minister Imran Khan issuing warnings of dire consequences for leadership of Opposition parties after the introduction of a no-confidence motion against him, it is not surprising that the JUI-F brought volunteers to their Parliamentary residences, said the media reports, adding that resorting to violence by turning the official residences into a battlefield for hours shows the ire of the government over the no-trust motion moved against it. The situation could have easily been diffused by involving the National Assembly Speaker, who is supposed to ensure that no one is forcibly stopped from casting their votes. However, the government does not seem to want to settle down things, according to the media outlet. Also read | Slip of tongue: Pak PM discloses his conversations with Gen Bajwa while slamming opposition The tensions are further aggravated by warnings from Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid that the government would not let anyone take the law into their own hands. Also, the ruling party planning a public meeting near National Assembly a day before the no-confidence vote shows that Imran Khan has decided to first fight the no-trust motion outside the House as his grip on his legislators has loosened. Any further violence by the government, in case the situation is not in its favour, will solidify the popular belief that politicians cannot think beyond power and self-interest in Pakistan, added the media reports. Watch | Gravitas: Bilawal Bhutto vows to 'dethrone' Imran Khan Notably, this comes amid growing discontent against the Imran Khan government, with Pakistan`s main Opposition parties moving a no-confidence motion against the Pakistan PM in the National Assembly.

Opposition accuses Imran Khan of coercive measures ahead of no-trust vote

Russian opposition leaders led a rally in Moscow of about 2,000 people Sunday to protest the city election commission’s decision to keep several opposition candidates off the ballot in a local election. Watch full video to know more.

Protesters in Moscow demand inclusion of Opposition candidates on ballots

Opposition leaders, including TMC's Saugata Roy, Friday expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over absence of ministers when issues related to their ministries are being discussed in the House.

However, Speaker Om Birla said he has the power to allow any other minister to reply in their place.

Roy and a few other opposition MPs protested when Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stood up to reply to a question related to setting up of more Siddha units in CGHS dispensaries during the Question Hour.

"This is for the second time that a minister is not present and someone else is replying. This is not acceptable," Roy said.

However, Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said there was precedence of a minister not related to the ministry concerned giving reply in the House.

"The minister is on leave and has gone to attend a Yoga Day event and the Speaker has given permission. Are you challenging the order of the Speaker," he asked.

Roy then said he was not challenging the Speaker's order but it was not proper for a minister to take leave when the House is taking up the issue of his ministry.

Vardhan, however, clarified that the question was related to his ministry as the question was on Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) dispensaries, which come under him.

Shripad Yesso Naik is the union minister of state (Independent&nbsp;Charge) for Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoepathy.

Opposition leaders, including TMC's Saugata Roy, Friday expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over absence of ministers when issues related to their ministries are being discussed in the House.

Opposition leaders, including TMC's Saugata Roy, Friday expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over absence of ministers when issues related to their ministries are being discussed in the House. However, Speaker Om Birla said he has the power to allow any other minister to reply in their place. Roy and a few other opposition MPs protested when Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stood up to reply to a question related to setting up of more Siddha units in CGHS dispensaries during the Question Hour. "This is for the second time that a minister is not present and someone else is replying. This is not acceptable," Roy said. However, Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi said there was precedence of a minister not related to the ministry concerned giving reply in the House. "The minister is on leave and has gone to attend a Yoga Day event and the Speaker has given permission. Are you challenging the order of the Speaker," he asked. Roy then said he was not challenging the Speaker's order but it was not proper for a minister to take leave when the House is taking up the issue of his ministry. Vardhan, however, clarified that the question was related to his ministry as the question was on Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) dispensaries, which come under him. Shripad Yesso Naik is the union minister of state (Independent Charge) for Ayurveda, Yoga Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoepathy.

MPs express concern over absence of minister in Lok Sabha

India: All-party meet over 'future course of action' against terror ends

Opposition leaders in Venezuela said on Friday they have finished authenticating signatures on a petition to recall President Nicolas Maduro, and have met the threshold needed for a referendum on removing him from office. 
 
&quot;The number of signatures has clearly exceeded the minimum needed,&quot; said Vicente Bello, coordinator for the referendum effort. 
 
Government election authorities now have 20 days to review and affirm that finding. 
 
Opponents of the regime finished giving their fingerprints to electoral authorities earlier on Friday, wrapping up a key stage in their drive for a referendum to remove him. 
 
Already used to queuing for hours to buy food in an economic crisis, this week they lined up at electoral offices for a somewhat frustrating process. 
 
Officials took their electronic fingerprints to authenticate signatures on a petition calling for a recall referendum. That is just one stage in a months-long bureaucratic procedure. 
 
One voter in the northern city of Maracay, civil servant Felix Rodriguez, skipped work to come and give his signature. 
 
He has no flour, milk or meat in his kitchen. His old truck is broken down and there are no spare parts available. 
 
&quot;Prices are going up every day, on top of the shortages,&quot; he said. &quot;Whether you have money or not, you&#39;ve got problems.&quot; 
 
In Maracay the electoral office opened late, due to electricity cuts. 
 
The queue stretched for several blocks in the 30-degree Celsius heat. Rodriguez had to rush back to the office. 
 
&quot;I took a risk by leaving work,&quot; he explained. In the end, he said angrily, &quot;I won&#39;t be able to validate my signature.&quot; 
 
 
1.3 million signatures 
Friday was the fifth and last day of the fingerprinting process, which could make or break the bid to hold a recall vote on Maduro. 
 
The opposition MUD coalition has accused the government of sabotaging the process through delays, obstacles and veiled threats to suspend the process. 
 
Of the 1.3 million signatures recorded by the electoral board in the initial petition, at least 200,000 must be authenticated to pass to the next phase, with a minimum amount required in every state. 
 
Opposition lawmaker Delsa Solorzano said 326,000 fingerprints have already been submitted overall. These have yet to be validated by the National Electoral Council (CNE). 
 
It said it will do so by July 26. 
 
The next step will require the collection of four million more signatures to call a full referendum. 
 
The opposition is rushing to complete the recall process by January 10, the cutoff date to trigger new elections. 
 
After that date, a successful recall vote would simply pass power to Maduro&#39;s hand-picked vice president. 
 
Maduro vowed there will be no referendum this year. 
 
&quot;If there is one, we will go and win it. If there isn&#39;t, political life in this country will go on,&quot; he said. 
 
 
&#39;Economic war&#39; 
Venezuela is grappling with an economic crisis sparked by the plunge in prices for its crucial oil exports. 
 
People face shortages of basic foods and goods as well as electricity blackouts. 
 
Deadly looting erupted last week. Authorities said at least five people were killed and more than 400 arrested. 
 
The opposition says Maduro&#39;s economic management is to blame. They denounce the jailing of his political opponents. 
 
Senior opposition leader Henrique Capriles was on the northern island of Margarita, where final decisive results of the fingerprint count were being keenly awaited on Friday. 
 
&quot;With this great conclusion we will teach them a lesson,&quot; he said of the government. 
 
Maduro blames the crisis on an &quot;economic war&quot; by his capitalist rivals. 
 
He has alleged irregularities in the signature process and challenged the referendum bid in the courts. 
 
Waiting in line at a supermarket in Caracas, Ramon Bernay, a retired economist of 64, said he stood by Maduro in spite of the country&#39;s problems. 
 
&quot;I wait in line every day and the situation is annoying,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;But I hold out, because the cause of it is an economic war by the bourgeoisie.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Government election authorities now have 20 days to review and affirm claim

Opposition leaders in Venezuela said on Friday they have finished authenticating signatures on a petition to recall President Nicolas Maduro, and have met the threshold needed for a referendum on removing him from office. "The number of signatures has clearly exceeded the minimum needed," said Vicente Bello, coordinator for the referendum effort. Government election authorities now have 20 days to review and affirm that finding. Opponents of the regime finished giving their fingerprints to electoral authorities earlier on Friday, wrapping up a key stage in their drive for a referendum to remove him. Already used to queuing for hours to buy food in an economic crisis, this week they lined up at electoral offices for a somewhat frustrating process. Officials took their electronic fingerprints to authenticate signatures on a petition calling for a recall referendum. That is just one stage in a months-long bureaucratic procedure. One voter in the northern city of Maracay, civil servant Felix Rodriguez, skipped work to come and give his signature. He has no flour, milk or meat in his kitchen. His old truck is broken down and there are no spare parts available. "Prices are going up every day, on top of the shortages," he said. "Whether you have money or not, you've got problems." In Maracay the electoral office opened late, due to electricity cuts. The queue stretched for several blocks in the 30-degree Celsius heat. Rodriguez had to rush back to the office. "I took a risk by leaving work," he explained. In the end, he said angrily, "I won't be able to validate my signature." 1.3 million signatures Friday was the fifth and last day of the fingerprinting process, which could make or break the bid to hold a recall vote on Maduro. The opposition MUD coalition has accused the government of sabotaging the process through delays, obstacles and veiled threats to suspend the process. Of the 1.3 million signatures recorded by the electoral board in the initial petition, at least 200,000 must be authenticated to pass to the next phase, with a minimum amount required in every state. Opposition lawmaker Delsa Solorzano said 326,000 fingerprints have already been submitted overall. These have yet to be validated by the National Electoral Council (CNE). It said it will do so by July 26. The next step will require the collection of four million more signatures to call a full referendum. The opposition is rushing to complete the recall process by January 10, the cutoff date to trigger new elections. After that date, a successful recall vote would simply pass power to Maduro's hand-picked vice president. Maduro vowed there will be no referendum this year. "If there is one, we will go and win it. If there isn't, political life in this country will go on," he said. 'Economic war' Venezuela is grappling with an economic crisis sparked by the plunge in prices for its crucial oil exports. People face shortages of basic foods and goods as well as electricity blackouts. Deadly looting erupted last week. Authorities said at least five people were killed and more than 400 arrested. The opposition says Maduro's economic management is to blame. They denounce the jailing of his political opponents. Senior opposition leader Henrique Capriles was on the northern island of Margarita, where final decisive results of the fingerprint count were being keenly awaited on Friday. "With this great conclusion we will teach them a lesson," he said of the government. Maduro blames the crisis on an "economic war" by his capitalist rivals. He has alleged irregularities in the signature process and challenged the referendum bid in the courts. Waiting in line at a supermarket in Caracas, Ramon Bernay, a retired economist of 64, said he stood by Maduro in spite of the country's problems. "I wait in line every day and the situation is annoying," he said. "But I hold out, because the cause of it is an economic war by the bourgeoisie." (AFP)

Venezuela opposition claims enough signatures for President Maduro recall vote

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