Latest news with #Zaman
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Noor Zaman qualifies for British Open Squash Championship main round
Pakistan's Noor Zaman has qualified for the main draw of the British Open Squash Championship, continuing his strong performance on the professional circuit. The reigning World Under-23 Squash champion secured his place in the prestigious England tournament after defeating Egypt's Kareem El Torkey 11-5, 11-8, 3-11, 11-7 in a 46-minute qualifying final. Result: GillenMarkets British Open 2025 Men's Qualifying Finals 🇵🇰 Noor Zaman beats [3] Kareem El Torkey 🇪🇬 3-1: 11-5, 11-8, 3-11, 11-7 (46m)#BritishOpen — British Open (@BritOpenSquash) May 29, 2025 Earlier, Zaman defeated England's Will Salter 3-1 (10-12, 11-2, 11-5, 11-3) in 42 minutes, followed by a thrilling 3-1 victory over Adrian Waller (9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 14-12) in a 59-minute match. Zaman, seeded 10th in the qualifiers, is the first Pakistani player to reach the British Open main round since 2022. He will face England's Curtis Malik in the first round on Sunday. Tayyab Aslam was the last Pakistani to compete in the main draw in 2022. Pakistan holds the record for the most British Open titles — 30 in total — including 10 won by legendary Jahangir Khan. Zaman's consistent performances underscore his rising prominence in international squash.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Not the noble Nobel laureate anymore: Muhammad Yunus and the worsening tumult in Bangladesh
Imagine government employees at South and North Block in New Delhi suddenly going on strike, workers in all tax departments downing pens and primary teachers picketing schools across the country – and all this at the same time. Imagine the Army telling the government that it doesn't like some of its policies. Imagine inflation soaring, Foreign Direct Investments vanishing, mobs roaming the street and the courts letting jailed criminals sentenced to death go scot-free. Something close to this dystopia is now unfolding in Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate heading an interim government in Dhaka since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina nine months ago, has been quoted describing the situation in the country as "war-like". He has been blaming much of the country's troubles on the Awami League, the Sheikh Hasina-led party banned on May 12, and on the foreign hand trope, in this case, a "hegemonistic" India. Before Bangladesh shuts down for a 10-day holiday next week to mark Eid al-Adha, a mega rally on Wednesday in Dhaka called by the Awami League's rival Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and easily the biggest political party in that country today, pumped up the political temperatures to boiling point. On the same day, Yunus left for Japan on a four-day visit. Anything could happen. Army-Yunus face off Last week, what happened was an Army coup without a coup. The chief of Army Staff General Waqar ul Zaman was quoted in WhatsApp messages that went viral worldwide as having served an ultimatum to the Yunus-led dispensation that elections must be held this December so that Bangladesh has a brand-new democratically elected government on New Year's Day 2026. The debate over when elections should be held is split between those who want reforms to the poll process first and then elections and those who want elections first and insist reforms can wait. The biggest political party BNP wants polls by December, but Yunus had promised polls only by June 2026. This is a position backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens' Party (NCP) who want polls only after full electoral reforms, even if it takes a full five years. The Army on Monday denied General Zaman had issued any ultimatum in his address to officers in Dhaka and the fact is there is no audio or video recording of his statement. But few doubt the veracity of a flood of WhatsApp messages that emerged after the General's meeting and went viral, detailing all that he had purportedly said. Members of the media in Dhaka say such strategies have been used before to protect sources and maintain deniability. The WhatsApp messages also reiterated General Zaman's position on a proposed corridor from Chittagong to Myanmar to send relief to the Rohingyas and other Myanmarese, caught between rebels and the junta. He was reported to have said already that decisions with such security implications can be taken only by an elected government, not an interim one. In this melee, rumours about Yunus and his cohorts conspiring in recent times to replace General Zaman added to the swirls of speculation sweeping through Dhaka and casting long shadows of uncertainty over Bangladesh. The WhatsApp messages had perhaps the desired effect or it perhaps hadn't, depending on how you look at it. Immediately after the Army chief's purported December deadline went viral, a student leader of the NCP, Nahid Islam, claimed Yunus was thinking of resigning. Once news of the purported resignation went public, political parties and civil society of all shades chorused,Yunus can't do it – abandon ship mid-sea. Yunus relented but stuck to his June 2026 deadline. A hero, to some eyes. But analysts say Yunus was forced to play the only card he had: resignation. He has no other bargaining chip. The workers strike Even before sighs of relief could be heaved over the passing of the Army-Yunus face-off, government employees at the secretariat in Dhaka went on strike on Monday to protest an ordinance in which new service rules make it much easier for the state to demote or transfer them at will. On Monday, primary teachers across the country struck work too. From Tuesday, employees of the rural electricity board that supplies power to the Bangladesh hinterland began protests in Dhaka. They will ensure emergency power supplies but nothing else. In Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong, workers at the docks are in protest mode over plans to give management control to foreign companies. Another key problem is the police. In the student rebellion of August 5, the police, viewed as loyal to Sheikh Hasina, was at the receiving end of the protesters' wrath and a huge segment of the force – some say as much as 50 per cent – never returned to work. What that means today is a thin presence of police forces on the ground and a sense of lawlessness. Extortionist mobs roaming the streets, bullying people, manhandling them and extorting money are not uncommon, affecting daily life in large pockets of Dhaka and beyond. The Army has warned of a crackdown. The politics Politically, the air is becoming increasingly toxic, especially because of the divide over the timeframe for elections. On one side is the BNP champing at the bit for a taste of power that eluded them in the 15-year reign of the Awami League. It wants early elections as it believes it is a front runner, given its network, history and popularity as a long-standing alternative to the Awami League. The BNP's line of thought is also aligned to the Army's which wants early polls too. The BNP is also a party with roots in the Army. It was founded in 1978 by General Ziaur Rahman, who later became the President. On the other side is the powerful Jamaat-e-Islami, which is bringing together all shades of Islamist groups under its umbrella and emerging as a political force, backed by Yunus. It is well-funded, has a network and has received several shots in the arm, including the release on Monday of one of its top leaders ATM Azharul Islam who was sentenced to death on the charge of collaborating with Pakistan and for committing crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. On Monday, the Supreme Court acquitted him and set him free. The NCP is a 'King's Party' or state-backed party, birthed by Yunus in collaboration with the students who led the rebellion in July-August last year and forced Sheikh Hasina to flee. The NCP and Jamaat appear to be on the same side, willing to let Yunus take his time and implement all electoral reforms he wants before holding elections. The Army's role in this political hotbed is crucial. It had helped install Yunus in the hot seat in the bloody aftermath of the August 5 rebellion. The Army declared on Monday it is backing Yunus still. But, after last week's frisson of friction, no one doubts that the situation is fraught and fragile and Bangladesh is teetering on the edge of even more troubled times.
The National
5 days ago
- Sport
- The National
PSL 2025 team of the tournament: Shaheen Afridi proves his mettle as bowler and captain
Lahore Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators with one ball to spare in a pulsating PSL 2025 final to lift the trophy for a third time in four seasons. Below, The National picks the team of the tournament. Matches: 12, Runs: 449, Avg: 37.41, Strike rate: 152.2, 100s: 1, 50s: 3 The leading run getter of the tournament and one of the most promising names to emerge from the 10th edition of the league. Has been in amazing form this year, with a record four T20 tons already. Should walk into the national team from here on. M: 13, Runs: 439, Avg: 33.76, SR: 152.96, 50s: 4 There are many incredible hitters in white-ball cricket but no one does it like Zaman. Despite being 35, Zaman continued to set the standards this season. With the T20 World Cup next year, Zaman looks good for one final push for a world title. Needs to maintain his fitness though, as this season has thrown up many young batters who can match him for power and impact. M: 11, Runs: 378, Avg: 37.80, SR: 148.23, 100s: 1, 50s: 3 The backbone of Karachi's batting this season, alongside David Warner. Vince is a regular in the PSL and Australia's Big Bash and has an extensive body of work in the format, scoring more than 12,000 runs. Has excelled across conditions and showed his versatility this year. One of five centurions in PSL 2025. M: 12, Runs: 399, Avg: 57, SR: 162.19, 100s: 1, 50s: 3 The player of the tournament and the most promising young talent of PSL. The 22-year-old was the top scorer in the final with 76 from 43 balls and finished the tournament with the highest tally of 28 sixes. Has already shown what he is capable of at the international level, scoring a ton in New Zealand. Will surely be the middle order engine of the national team moving forward. M: 4, Runs: 170, Avg: 56.66, SR: 173.46, 50s: 2 The Sri Lankan keeper batter was a late addition to the Lahore team and featured in only four games right at the end of the tournament. But Perera was in sensational form in all matches, hitting a match-winning fifty in the final to hand the team their third PSL title. Scored at a strike rate of 200 in a high-scoring chase in the final - one of the best innings in the tournament's history. M: 11, Runs: 254, Avg: 42.33, SR: 169.33, Wkts: 10, Econ: 7.75 The Zimbabwe all-rounder had an outstanding tournament with the bat and ball. But it was his effort before and during the final that was truly special. He was part of the national team that completed a one off Test in England on Saturday, took multiple modes of transportation to land in Lahore just minutes before toss for the final on Sunday, and hit a six and four off the third last and penultimate ball of the tournament to seal the title. M: 10, Wkts: 14, Econ: 7.90, Runs: 173, SR: 155.85 The spin-bowling all-rounder came into his own this season, leading the way with the ball. Took wickets and also kept the runs down successfully. His team's form dipped after a strong start to the tournament but his effort with the ball will be great news for the national team. M: 12, Wkts: 17, Econ: 11.19, Runs: 163, SR: 155.23 The all-rounder was one of the driving forces behind Quetta's run to the final, where he again put in a great effort with the bat, hitting 28 from just eight balls. However, his bowling let him down in the final over. Still, finished as the joint second highest wicket taker of the tournament and one of the few quality seam bowling all-rounders in Pakistan. M: 13, Wkts: 19, Best: 3/3, Econ: 7.76 The left-arm pacer was the top wicket taker of the tournament. Was the point of difference in the final, giving away just 24 runs and picking up three wickets in a high-scoring match. But more importantly, captained Lahore maturely to clinch a third title in four seasons. Has put his up and down career with the national team behind him and looks a completely new bowler and leader. M: 10, Wkts: 17, Best: 4/28, Econ: 9.03 Many thought the veteran pacer was past his best. But the right arm seamer proved mighty effective, taking wickets regularly with his sharp variations. In T20s, bowling requires a lot more experienced heads, while batting tends to favour younger and more daring players. Hasan showed that there are not many bowlers better than him in PSL. M: 12, Wkts: 17, Best: 4/42, Econ: 7.34 The right-arm mystery spinner has already established himself as one of the premier slow bowlers at the international stage. He extended his good run in the PSL, finishing as the second highest wicket taker of the tournament and maintaining a superb economy. Slowly, batters are beginning to play him out, which is a testament to his guile and control.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Countdown for Yunus? Bangladesh Army chief not ready to wait until June for election decision: Report
Sources say Zaman is exploring various strategies, including exploiting constitutional ambiguities, to undermine Yunus' interim administration read more Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman gestures during an interview with Reuters at his office in the Bangladesh Army Headquarters, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, September 23, 2024. File Photo/Reuters Bangladesh Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman is resolved to pursue all measures to depose Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, according to senior intelligence sources who spoke with CNN-News18. In addition to public announcements indicating this goal, the military has demonstrated its presence by attending high-profile officer meetings. According to insiders, the army chief is not convinced by the idea of waiting until June for elections. Sources say Zaman is exploring various strategies, including exploiting constitutional ambiguities, to undermine Yunus' interim administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Intelligence sources note that the legal basis of the interim government is unstable, as Bangladesh's constitution requires elections to be held within 90 days of a government's dissolution. Reports suggest that Zaman intends to bring together the parties of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia to contest the national elections. If he fails to wrest control from Yunus, insiders claim he favours a quiet takeover of Bangladeshi politics to manage the situation temporarily. The military reportedly believes that delaying elections violates constitutional principles and could pressure President Mohammed Shahabuddin to declare a state of emergency. In such a scenario, the President may be urged to dissolve the interim administration and call elections sooner. Article 58 of the Bangladesh Constitution authorises the President to exercise emergency powers if the constitutional machinery breaks down. The army is said to be urging Shahabuddin to invoke this clause and bypass Yunus' authority. General Zaman is focused on maintaining military unity and safeguarding national sovereignty, portraying Yunus' proposals—such as the planned Rakhine corridor and increased foreign involvement—as threats to national stability. Zaman has reportedly solidified his influence by securing support from the navy and air force chiefs. He is also ramping up public pressure on Yunus and may soon call for early elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
News18
7 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Yunus's Meetings With BNP, Jamaat A Power Move? Exclusive On What Next For Bangladesh
Last Updated: Mohammad Yunus has confirmed he would remain in office, even as the Army has been seeking polls. Here's what local, Bangladesh Army, Indian intel sources say Bangladesh chief adviser Mohammad Yunus's meetings on Saturday with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami were nothing but a show of strength, according to local sources. 'In the meeting, the BNP demanded that the elections should be held by December 2025. They requested Yunus to announce a clear roadmap. They also demanded the removal of student representatives from the cabinet, accusing them of partisan bias," said sources. While the BNP leaders cautiously stated that they did not seek Yunus's resignation, they added that they expected him to oversee a timely transition to an elected government 'The Jamaat, meanwhile, wanted to do a return favour to Yunus. They wanted that Yunus should continue with structural reforms and elections. They didn't leave any chance to support Yunus advocated for governance overhauls to restore public trust," said sources. Despite earlier resignation threats, Yunus confirmed he would remain in office after his cabinet forced him to stay. advetisement WHAT SOURCES CLOSE TO BANGLADESH ARMY SAY Bangladesh Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman and Yunus have been at loggerheads for a while, with the former seeking elections. 'By not announcing anything, Yunus is taking the country to bigger problems. Zaman maintains that strategic priorities are important and not the day-to-day need. The Army and Wakar want an election timeline as soon as possible," said sources close to the Bangladesh Army. Zaman sees Yunus's June 2026 timeline as destabilising and not good for the force, they added. 'Zaman feels that prolonged interim governance risks compromising national security. The Army is sceptical about Yunus's engagement with Islamist groups like Jamaat. The Army feels they have aligned with anti-secular forces," they added. WHAT TOP INDIAN INTELLIGENCE SOURCES SAY Yunus has multiple options and he should act for the safety of the region and Bangladesh, say top Indian intelligence sources. 'Yunus's first option is to set a timeline for the elections. The meeting was nothing, but a move to show that he can mobilise Jamat on road for him. In case he feels pressure from the Army, he may step down, allowing a caretaker government to take charge. In his arrogance, he will continue in the name of reforms and risk confrontation with the Army," they said. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
