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Fierce Protests Erupt After Eight-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies in Bangladesh

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An eight-year-old girl who was raped in Bangladesh died of her injuries Thursday, triggering widespread protests across the country.

The child was sexually assaulted while visiting her elder sister’s house in Magura city between the night of March 5 and the following morning, according to a case filed by her mother. Authorities arrested the elder sister’s 18-year-old husband, along with his parents and brother, placing them on remand.

Upon news of the girl’s death, an angry mob descended on the house where the alleged rape occurred and set it ablaze. According to a statement from the government’s Inter-Services Public Relations department, the child died around 13:00 local time (07:00 GMT) after suffering three cardiac arrests at the Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka.

“Although doctors managed to stabilize the condition twice, the heart failed to restart after the third episode,” the statement said. The girl had been in critical condition for six days after being admitted on March 8.

“I thought my daughter would survive,” her mother told local media following the girl’s death. “If she had made it through, I would never have let her go anywhere alone again.”

The child’s body was transported back to Magura by military helicopter, landing at the local stadium around 18:00 amid fierce demonstrations. Aiyub Ali, officer-in-charge of Magura Sadar Police Station, reported that authorities struggled to control the situation.

Thousands gathered in Magura’s public square for the girl’s namaz-e-janaza (Islamic funeral prayer) before her burial at 19:30. An absentee funeral was also held at Dhaka University, followed by a protest march led by female students.

Demonstrators demanded the government expedite justice for rape victims and reform laws related to women’s and children’s safety. Many called for greater clarity around legal definitions of rape in Bangladesh, which protesters described as currently ambiguous.

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul announced that the trial for the rape and murder case is expected to begin within seven days. “DNA sample collection has been completed, we hope to get the report within the next five days,” Nazrul told a press briefing, adding that statements had already been taken from 12 to 13 people.

“If we can start the trial within seven days, our judges will be able to ensure justice with the utmost speed,” he said.

Bangladesh introduced capital punishment for rape of minors in 2020, following a series of high-profile sexual violence cases, including the brutal gang assault on a 37-year-old woman that was filmed and circulated on social media.

Less than a week after the Magura incident, media reported at least three additional rapes of children around the same age in different parts of Bangladesh. In some cases, the accused were neighbors, while others were close relatives.

According to the Law and Arbitration Center, 3,438 child rape cases have been filed in Bangladesh over the past eight years. At least 539 victims were under six years old, and 933 were between seven and twelve. Research indicates that in most cases, children are sexually abused or raped by people they know.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to Be Arraigned on New Indictment as Trial Nears

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Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be arraigned on Friday in Manhattan federal court on a new indictment, which includes additional allegations that the music mogul forced employees to work grueling hours and threatened retaliation against those who refused to participate in his alleged two-decade sex trafficking operation. 

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian is scheduled to preside over the hearing at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), during which the 55-year-old Combs will enter a plea. The trial is currently set to begin on May 5. 

Combs has previously pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. 

While the latest indictment does not introduce new charges, it expands on allegations of “forced labor” connected to the racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors claim Combs and his associates exercised control over employees by compelling them to work long hours with minimal rest, using or threatening physical force, financial harm, psychological manipulation, and damage to their reputations. 

Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, has stated that his client never coerced anyone into sexual acts. 

The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Combs exploited his entertainment empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to sexually abuse women between 2004 and 2024. Allegations include orchestrating and recording “freak offs,” in which women engaged in sexual performances with male sex workers, some of whom were transported across state lines. Agnifilo has maintained that these encounters were entirely consensual. 

In addition to the criminal case, Combs is facing numerous civil lawsuits from women and men accusing him of sexual assault and other misconduct, all of which he has denied. 

Friday’s hearing is expected to address jury selection, with prosecutors pushing for an April 21 start date to ensure the trial does not extend beyond the July 4 holiday. The defense, however, is requesting a May 5 start, arguing that an earlier date would hinder their ability to prepare adequately. 

Combs has been held in a Brooklyn detention facility since his arrest in September 2024. 

A legendary figure in the music industry, Combs—also known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy—founded Bad Boy Records and played a key role in launching the careers of artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, The Notorious B.I.G., and Usher in the 1990s and 2000s. 

His downfall accelerated in early 2024 when federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach as part of the sex trafficking investigation that ultimately led to his indictment. 

American Airlines Jet Engine Catches Fire After Landing in Denver, Passengers Evacuated

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An American Airlines jet engine caught fire after the plane made an emergency diversion to Denver on Thursday, forcing passengers to evacuate, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

The airline confirmed that all 172 passengers and six crew members exited the aircraft safely, though Denver International Airport reported that 12 individuals were transported to hospitals with minor injuries. 

American Airlines Flight 1006, operating on a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas when the crew detected engine vibrations. The flight diverted to Denver and landed at approximately 5:15 p.m. (2315 GMT). While taxiing to the gate, the engine ignited, the FAA stated. 

Dramatic footage shared on social media showed passengers standing on the plane’s wing as smoke billowed from the engine. 

American Airlines reported that the aircraft landed safely and was taxiing to the gate when it experienced an “engine-related issue.” 

“We were near gate B44, just landed from Pittsburgh. We stopped by the windows for a second and saw a sudden flash of fire, followed by a massive plume of smoke,” said eyewitness Aaron Clark. 

“The fire was brief and appeared to be extinguished quickly by ground crews. However, the smoke continued for some time, and that’s when we noticed passengers evacuating via the rear slides,” Clark added. 

Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft, which is 13 years old, is powered by two CFM56 engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. 

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for Denver International Airport confirmed that the fire was successfully contained and that normal flight operations resumed without further disruption. 

Boeing and GE Aerospace declined to comment on the incident. 

This engine fire is the latest in a series of high-profile aviation safety concerns in the U.S. In January, an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter collided mid-air near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. 

Additionally, a Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport last month due to severe weather conditions, injuring 18 of the 80 people onboard.  American Airlines CEO Robert Isom and Delta CEO Ed Bastian recently acknowledged that concerns over aviation safety, alongside economic uncertainties and adverse weather events, have contributed to a decline in U.S. travel demand

British Man Killed in Kenya After Being Hit by President Ruto’s Motorcade

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A British national was killed in Kenya on Thursday after being struck by a government vehicle that was part of President William Ruto’s motorcade. 

Edgar Charles Frederick, 79, was fatally hit as the presidential convoy traveled through Nairobi on its way to a public engagement. The driver of the vehicle was arrested and later released on cash bail, police spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed on Friday. 

A spokesperson for the British High Commission stated that officials were “liaising with the authorities” following the incident. 

The accident has sparked public outrage in Kenya, with many questioning the high speed at which the president’s motorcade was traveling on a busy road. Videos circulating on social media showed the victim lying on the tarmac with severe head injuries while the vehicle that hit him failed to stop. 

According to police, the presidential motorcade often consists of dozens of vehicles traveling at high speeds for security reasons. 

Muchiri told the BBC that Frederick had been visiting Kenya to see his sister and nephew, who are residents of the country. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. 

Meanwhile, Kenyan media reports indicate that the fatal accident occurred on Ngong Road near Adams Arcade as the convoy moved from Lang’ata to Kibra. 

National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated, “Following a serious traffic accident today at Adams Arcade along Ngong Road involving a government vehicle, which led to the death of a pedestrian who is a foreign national, the National Police Service (NPS) is now handling the matter, and investigations have commenced.” 

Eyewitness accounts suggest the victim, described as a middle-aged Caucasian man, was crossing the road when he was struck, seemingly unaware of the approaching motorcade. His body has been transferred to City Mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted. 

The NPS has urged all road users to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further accidents. “The National Police Service urges motorists, pedestrians, and all other road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent accidents,” the agency stated. 

Columbia University Sanctions Pro-Palestinian Protesters Over Campus Occupation

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Columbia University announced Thursday that it has imposed disciplinary actions on students involved in the occupation of a campus building during pro-Palestinian protests last spring. 

The university’s decision follows the Trump administration’s recent move to revoke $400 million in federal grants and contracts, citing Columbia’s alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus. 

Interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged the administration’s concerns as legitimate, stating that the university is working with the government to address them. The protests and counter-protests at Columbia have led to accusations of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism. 

In a statement, the university said its judicial board—comprised of students, faculty, and staff—reviewed the cases and issued sanctions ranging from multi-year suspensions to temporary degree revocations and expulsions related to the occupation of Hamilton Hall last spring. 

Due to legal privacy restrictions, Columbia did not disclose the names of those disciplined or the exact number of students affected. However, the university confirmed that all punishments are subject to appeal. 

The United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2710, which represents Columbia student workers, issued a statement condemning the disciplinary actions. The union revealed that its president, Grant Miner, was among those expelled just one day before contract negotiations with the university were set to begin. The union called the move “the latest assault on First Amendment rights.” 

A university spokesperson declined to comment on the union’s statement. 

Columbia University became a focal point of anti-Israel demonstrations that spread across U.S. college campuses following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Protesters demanded that Columbia divest from Israeli-linked investments and called for the U.S. to end military aid to Israel. 

The Trump administration has vowed a crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, claiming some are linked to extremist ideologies. 

Over the weekend, federal immigration authorities detained Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent leader of last year’s campus protests. The administration is pursuing his deportation, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked the order. 

98 Protesters Arrested at Trump Tower Sit-In for Detained Activist Mahmoud Khalil

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Police arrested at least 98 protesters Thursday in the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan during a demonstration demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and green card holder detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this week. 

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), protesters face charges of trespassing and resisting arrest. The demonstration was led by hundreds of Jewish activists wearing “Not in Our Name” t-shirts, staging a sit-in to oppose Khalil’s detention. Protesters entered the lobby in two groups, with many initially dressed in civilian clothing before revealing their protest gear, police said. 

The NYPD stated that it was familiar with the protest group’s tactics. As in previous Trump Tower demonstrations, officers responded only after the building’s security deemed it necessary. 

Protesters carried banners in support of Khalil, a leader in anti-war protests at Columbia University, with messages such as “Jews Say Free Mahmoud & Free Palestine” and “Fight Nazis Not Students.” 

Jane Hirschmann, a Jewish New Yorker whose relatives were abducted by the Nazis during Hitler’s rise to power, condemned Khalil’s detention. “As Jews of conscience, we know our history and we know where this leads. This moment requires all people of conscience to take bold action to resist state violence and repression. Free Mahmoud now,” she said in a statement. 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced a federal lawsuit on behalf of Khalil and other students against Columbia University and the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, opposing the committee’s request to disclose student records. 

Khalil remains detained in Louisiana and has not been charged with a crime. His wife, who is eight months pregnant, urged authorities to release him. “Mahmoud has been ripped away from me for no reason at all. I am pleading with the world to continue to speak up against his unjust and horrific detention,” she said in a statement. 

The Trump administration has accused Khalil, who was a leader in pro-Palestinian campus protests, of supporting Hamas. His attorney, Baher Azmy, rejected the claim as “false and preposterous.” 

“Setting aside the false premise that advocating for Palestinian human rights constitutes alignment with Hamas, his speech is absolutely protected by the Constitution,” Azmy said. “It should be chilling to everyone that the U.S. government could try to deport someone simply because they disapprove of their speech.” 

The administration has not provided evidence supporting its allegations against Khalil. 

Reuters

Judge Orders Federal Agencies to Reinstate Thousands of Probationary Workers

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Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he participates in a town hall presented by Spanish-language network Univision, in Doral, Florida, U.S., October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

A federal judge has ordered several U.S. government agencies to reinstate probationary employees who were terminated last month, ruling that their dismissal was unlawful. 

U.S. District Judge William Alsup

U.S. District Judge William Alsup’s order on Thursday applies to the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Energy, Interior, and Treasury. The ruling mandates that the agencies “offer reinstatement to any and all probationary employees terminated on or about February 13,” referring to the date when the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) directed agencies to fire probationary employees. 

Alsup determined that the OPM’s directive—issued through both a written memo and a phone call—was not legally valid. 

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he participates in a town hall presented by Spanish-language network Univision, in Doral, Florida, U.S., October 16, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

The decision follows a legal challenge over the broad dismissal of probationary federal workers, which was ordered during a February 13 OPM call with department and agency heads. The ruling could have significant implications for federal employment policies and the rights of workers in their probationary period. 

The affected agencies have not yet responded to the court order. It remains unclear how quickly the reinstatement process will be implemented. 

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Declare ‘Any Israeli Vessel’ a Target in Regional Waters

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Yemen’s Houthi rebels warned early Wednesday that “any Israeli vessel” traveling through Middle Eastern waters is now a target, escalating tensions in a crucial global shipping route. The warning follows Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. 

The Houthis’ announcement further destabilizes a vital maritime corridor linking Asia and Europe, poses a threat to Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues, and raises concerns over the safe passage of aid shipments to war-affected areas. The rebels have previously used a broad definition of Israeli-affiliated ships, suggesting that other vessels could also be at risk. 

The statement, issued by the Houthis’ Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center, follows a four-day deadline the group had set for Israel to resume aid shipments into Gaza. 

“We hope it is understood that the actions taken by the [Houthi military] … stem from a deep sense of religious, humanitarian and moral responsibility toward the oppressed Palestinian people and aim to pressure the Israeli usurper entity to reopen the crossings to the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of aid, including food and medical supplies,” the statement read. 

The warning covers the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Arabian Sea. The statement further declared: “Any Israeli vessel attempting to violate this ban will be subject to military targeting in the declared operational area.” 

There was no immediate sign of an attack, and Israel’s military did not respond to requests for comment. 

Israel recently halted all aid deliveries into Gaza, warning of “additional consequences” for Hamas if ceasefire negotiations fail to extend the current pause in hostilities. The move has drawn international criticism, as Gaza’s over 2 million residents rely heavily on humanitarian assistance. 

The maritime security firm Ambrey warned that the Houthis’ statements were “ambiguous” and could put additional ships at risk. The firm suggested that the threat likely extends to vessels partially owned, managed, or operated by Israeli entities, as well as those heading to Israeli ports. 

There was no direct threat against the U.S. Navy, but previous Houthi attacks have targeted American and allied warships. The Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet, which patrols the region, remains on high alert. The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier group is currently operating in the Red Sea, with the U.S. military stating Wednesday that its forces “remain vigilant.” 

“We will do what is necessary to protect and defend U.S. personnel, assets, and partners,” the U.S. military said. 

The rebels’ leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, had warned last Friday that attacks on Israel-linked vessels would resume if aid to Gaza was not allowed. That deadline expired on Tuesday. 

Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors. These operations have increased the group’s global profile amid Yemen’s ongoing civil war, while the Houthis have also tightened control at home through crackdowns on dissent and restrictions on humanitarian aid workers. 

Putin Backs U.S. Ceasefire Proposal for Ukraine but Calls for Further Discussions

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia agrees with U.S. proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine but emphasized that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict and require further negotiation on key details. 

Speaking at a Kremlin news conference following talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin stated that Russia supports a halt to hostilities but insisted that any cessation of fighting should lead to a lasting peace. 

“We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities,” Putin said. “But we proceed from the fact that this cessation should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and would eliminate the original causes of this crisis.” 

Since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has triggered the largest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. Russian forces have made significant advances since mid-2024 and currently control nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory. 

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to end the war, said at the White House on Wednesday that he hoped Moscow would agree to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has expressed willingness to support. Trump described the ongoing conflict as a “bloodbath” and pushed for a temporary halt in fighting as a step toward broader negotiations. 

Putin thanked Trump for his diplomatic efforts. 

“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said. “But there are issues that we need to discuss. And I think we need to talk to our American colleagues as well.” 

He added that he might call Trump to discuss the proposal further, stating, “We support the idea of ending this conflict by peaceful means.” 

Putin’s remarks came a day after he visited a Russian command post in the western Kursk region, where Russian forces have intensified operations. Ukraine is facing growing pressure on the battlefield following recent Russian territorial gains. 

Kuwait Releases American Prisoners, Including Veterans and Contractors Jailed on Drug Charges

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Kuwait has released a group of American prisoners, including veterans and military contractors who had been jailed for years on drug-related charges, in a move seen as a goodwill gesture between the two allied nations, a representative for the detainees said Wednesday. 

The release follows a recent regional visit by Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s top hostage envoy, and comes amid ongoing U.S. efforts to bring home American citizens imprisoned abroad. 

Six of the freed prisoners were accompanied on a flight from Kuwait to New York by Jonathan Franks, a consultant specializing in cases involving American hostages and detainees. Franks had been in Kuwait to assist in securing their release. 

“My clients and their families are grateful to the Kuwaiti government for this kind humanitarian gesture,” Franks said in a statement. He added that his clients maintain their innocence and that additional Americans he represents are also expected to be released by Kuwait in the near future. 

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The names of the released individuals were not made public. 

Kuwait did not acknowledge the release on its state-run KUNA news agency and did not respond to requests for comment. Prisoner releases often coincide with the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday in many Muslim-majority countries. 

Kuwait, a strategic U.S. ally bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia, hosts approximately 13,500 American troops at Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base. The two nations have maintained strong military ties since the U.S. led the 1991 Gulf War to expel Iraqi forces after Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. 

Despite their close alliance, Kuwait has imprisoned multiple American military contractors on drug charges, with some detainees held for years. Families of those detained have alleged mistreatment and abuse in the Kuwaiti prison system, where alcohol is banned and drug laws are strictly enforced. Some have accused Kuwaiti authorities of fabricating charges and evidence against American detainees—allegations that Kuwait’s government has not acknowledged. 

The U.S. State Department warns that drug offenses in Kuwait can carry long prison sentences and, in some cases, the death penalty. While U.S. military personnel in Kuwait are generally subject to American laws under defense cooperation agreements, these protections typically do not extend to civilian contractors. 

Since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on securing the release of Americans detained abroad. His administration recently arranged a prisoner swap with Russia to secure the release of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel and announced the release of a U.S. citizen imprisoned in Belarus. 

The Americans freed from Kuwait on Wednesday had not been officially designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained—a classification that allows cases to be handled by the administration’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Advocates for Americans jailed abroad are hopeful that the Trump administration will adopt a broader approach to securing the release of detainees who have not been given wrongful detention status. 

“The sad reality is that these Americans were left in prison for years due to a misguided policy that had, before President Trump took office, effectively abandoned Americans abroad who hadn’t been designated wrongfully detained,” Franks said in a statement. 

“These releases demonstrate what is achievable when the U.S. government prioritizes bringing Americans home,” he added. 

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