Bangladesh
Abrar Fahad, a 21-year-old Bangladeshi student, was recently killed and is sparking protests by students across the country. His a occurred several days after posting comments criticizing the country’s government. The government’s ruling party, the Awami League, has a wing for students called the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) that has been criticized for controlling behavior. For example, students are forced to attend pro-government rallies or else be kicked out of the dorms. However, this murder may change something as the Awami League and other parties with student wings have publicly commented that this may not be the best political practice. So far police have detained 13 dorm neighbors, all with connections to the BCL. (BBC)
Italy
The Italian Parliament has just passed a bill that will significantly reduce the number of seats in government. Currently, Italy has over 900 seats in the House and Senate, which is the second highest in Europe. However, a bill that recently passed almost unanimously will cut these seats by almost a third. This will save Italy around €330,000 a day. However, critics argue this will reduce representation by the people and give lobbyists even more power. (ABC)
Worldwide
The environmental organization known as Extinction Rebellion has organized worldwide protests in order for their governments to declare a climate emergency. They call themselves a non-violent civil disobedience movement. They started in the U.K. but have moved global. Just last week, 33 members were arrested in Sydney, Australia. Meanwhile, thousands more are preparing to take action unless their governments commit to stopping the climate crisis. (BBC)
UK
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has effectively declared the EU Brexit deal, set for Oct. 31, is going to be impossible. It is unknown what the U.K. will do after the deadline or how the relationship will work, but Parliament has passed a bill requiring Johnson to ask for an extension if no deal can be reached. A report was also leaked that shows the U.K. does have a readiness report if they leave with no agreement, with food and medicine shortages in a possibly in the U.K.’s future. (CBS)
Ecuador
The government has just fled the capital of Ecuador amid large scale political unrest, mainly led by indigenous groups. These protests are mostly due to the government cutting fuel subsidies which were introduced in the 1970s. However, it has been met with intense backlash. Oil fields are being seized by protestors and indigenous groups, leading to 12% of Ecuador’s oil production being halted. Additionally, roadways have been sealed, further reducing the movement of petrol. So far, 477 people have been arrested as a result of the protests, mostly for vandalism. The reason for the removal of subsidies is because Ecuador’s economy has been struggling for several years and in order to secure a loan, they needed to get the money from somewhere. (BBC)