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We have released a new Travel article about a new proposal in the United States that would ban airlines from charging extra fees to families for sitting next to each other. Check out the details of the possible new rule here.
At least 90 people were killed over the weekend after deadly protests in Bangladesh in a fight against the government, marking the second round of protests this month that have killed numerous people.
Almost 200 people were killed after protests in mid-July turned violent. Police reported spraying tear gas onto crowds and firing rubber bullets into masses of people, which shouldn't kill people, but other civilian reports stated that some police officers had actually fired live ammunition. Many people were also killed by fires set by the protestors, which scorched buildings and cars.
The protests were against the government's job quota system, which allocates around one-third of government jobs to Bangladeshi veterans from their war for independence in 1971. In 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stopped the quota system due to extreme protests from students. However, Bangladesh's High Court reinstated it in June following protests from veterans, sparking the rallies once again.
Unfortunately, the most recent protests have taken it a step further, protesting against the government in total. The reinstation of the quota system was just the spark for Bangladeshis, who have now taken a strong stance against major political issues. Students and other protestors have blocked streets held massive marches as they call for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down, spurring police to release tear gas and fire rubber bullets again in addition to implementing an indefinite curfew. Sadly, more police have been reported firing actual bullets into crowds, contributing to the rising death toll. Another mass march is planned for today in the capital of Dhaka, which could prove deadly as well.
The government claims that the protestors are "terrorists," while the public believes that the government and police are taking too violent of an approach to the situation. Live ammunition is not the right answer, according to them, and the police have responded that all of the firing was in self-defense. Prime Minister Hasina has stated that she wants to understand the motives of the protestors and try to help stop the violence, but they have rejected her offer and continue to demonstrate across Bangladesh.
One policeman described Dhaka as having "turned into a battleground," and the city is in a huge mess. Internet services have been shut down across Dhaka, and many protestors are refusing to pay taxes and electricity and water bills while avoiding going to work. At least 10,000 people have been detained, worsening the situation at offices and factories whose employees are not showing up.
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Fact of the Day (Reader's Digest): Before toilet paper was invented, Americans used to use corn cobs in the bathroom. They would also use newspapers like the Farmers Almanac, which was designed with a hole so it could hang in outhouses.
Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): The only way you make it through life is to fight. You don’t get there the easy way. If you feel sorry for yourself, and you let yourself go down, you will drown. (Sharon Salzberg)
Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Hoopla (noun)- Hoopla refers to talk or writing that is designed to get people excited about or interested in something, often with the implication that the person using the word does not find the thing exciting or interesting.
In a Sentence: Marvin didn’t understand all of the hoopla surrounding the new frozen yogurt shop in his neighborhood.
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