United News of Bangladesh

The number of deaths from a massive blaze at a residential complex in Hong Kong has risen to 55, making it one of the city’s deadliest fires in recent decades, as firefighters continued battling the flames Thursday (November 27). Authorities reported that 51 victims were discovered at the scene, while four others died after being taken to hospitals. Dense smoke continued to billow from the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a northern district near mainland China. The fire began Wednesday afternoon and rapidly spread to seven of the development’s eight buildings. Officials said flames in four towers had been extinguished, while the remaining three were under control as of Thursday afternoon. The operation was expected to continue into the evening. A firefighter was among the fatalities, and more than 70 people were injured, many suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Resident Lawrence Lee anxiously awaited updates on his wife, who became trapped in their unit. He said she tried to escape when the fire started but was forced back by thick smoke filling the corridors and stairwells. Read more: Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire climbs to 36; 279 missing Winter and Sandy Chung, who lived in another tower, described seeing sparks as they fled. Though safe, they worried for their home. “I couldn’t sleep the entire night,” said 75-year-old Winter. Police arrested three men—directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company—on suspicion of manslaughter, accusing them of gross negligence. Officers later searched the offices of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which had overseen renovation work at the complex, and seized boxes of documents. Authorities suspect that some of the exterior wall materials failed to meet fire-resistance standards, contributing to the rapid spread. Police also discovered highly flammable Styrofoam attached near elevator lobbies in the unaffected tower, believed to have been installed by the construction company. Security Secretary Chris Tang said the materials would undergo further investigation. The fire is believed to have started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower before racing through bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, aided by strong winds. Fire crews used ladder trucks to target the flames, but rescue efforts were extremely challenging. Fire safety expert Alex Webb called the event “quite shocking,” noting that design regulations usually prevent fires from jumping between buildings. The materials used at the site, he said, could explain the unusual spread. Read more: Fire ravages Korail slum, leaving dwellers devastated amid water crisis Bamboo scaffolding, common in Hong Kong construction, has faced increasing scrutiny; officials previously announced plans to phase it out in public projects due to safety concerns. The housing estate, built in the 1980s and home to roughly 4,800 residents across eight towers and nearly 2,000 units, was undergoing major renovation. Around 900 people spent the night in temporary shelters, and Chief Executive John Lee said contact had been lost with 279 residents. Ongoing rescues continued into Thursday, though updated numbers were not immediately available. Lee announced immediate inspections of all residential estates undergoing renovations to ensure compliance with safety standards. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the fallen firefighter and expressed sympathy to the victims’ families, according to state broadcaster CCTV, urging authorities to reduce casualties and losses. This marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades; the previous worst was in 1996, when 41 people died in a Kowloon commercial building fire that burned for about 20 hours. Read more: Death toll from Hong Kong tower fire rises to 44

Firefighters continued battling one of Hong Kong’s most deadly modern fires on Thursday (November 27), as flames ravaged multiple high-rise towers and at least 44 people were confirmed dead. Rescues remained ongoing, and three men from a construction company were arrested in connection with the blaze. Thick smoke continued to pour from the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a northern suburb near the mainland border. The fire, which erupted Wednesday afternoon, had spread across seven of the eight buildings, though four towers were reported under control by Thursday morning. At least 62 people were injured, many with burns or smoke inhalation, including one firefighter among the deceased. Police arrested three men — two company directors and an engineering consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter. “We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent,” said senior superintendent Eileen Chung. Investigators suspect that some materials used on the exterior walls failed fire-resistance standards, which may have accelerated the spread. Styrofoam, highly flammable, was also found attached near elevators in one tower, likely installed by the company, though its purpose remains unclear. Read more: Fire forces evacuation at COP30 climate summit in Brazil The fire began on the external scaffolding of a 32-story building, spreading through bamboo scaffolding and netting, and then into other buildings, aided by strong winds. Firefighters battled the intense flames with ladder trucks, but high temperatures, falling debris, and unstable scaffolding hampered rescue operations. The complex houses nearly 2,000 apartments for about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people, and was undergoing major renovations. About 900 residents were evacuated, and 279 were reported missing as of midnight Wednesday. Rescues were ongoing into Thursday morning. Residents described harrowing moments. Lawrence Lee, waiting for news of his trapped wife, said smoke-filled corridors forced her back into their apartment despite attempts to escape. Hong Kong leader John Lee announced the government would focus on the disaster and pause campaigning for the Dec. 7 Legislative Council elections, though he did not confirm if the vote would be postponed. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and sympathies to victims’ families, urging measures to minimize further casualties. This fire is the deadliest Hong Kong has seen in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon blaze that killed 41 people over 20 hours. Read more: Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire climbs to 36; 279 missing Source: AP

Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in years blazed late into the night on Wednesday (November 26) as the city's leader confirmed at least 36 people, including a firefighter, had died and another 279 people were reported missing. Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the blaze spread across seven high-rise apartment buildings in a housing complex in Tai Po district, a suburb in the New Territories. At least 29 others remained hospitalized. “Police and the Fire Services Department have already set up a dedicated investigation team to investigate the cause of the fire,” John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, said. He said the fire was “coming under control” shortly past midnight. Read more: Left with ashes: Korail families lose everything in devastating fire Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses. The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. The housing complex was built in the 1980s and has recently been undergoing a major renovation. Fire chiefs said high temperatures at the scene made it difficult for crews to mount rescue operations. It was not immediately known how the fire started, but officials said the fire started at the external scaffolding of one of the buildings, a 32-storey tower, and later spread to inside the building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. A column of flames and thick smoke rose as the blaze spread quickly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the buildings. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters. Multiple buildings close to each other were set ablaze, with bright flames and smoke shooting out of windows as night fell. Authorities said that hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics were deployed. Firefighters aimed water at the intense flames from high up on ladder trucks. The blaze, which started mid-afternoon, was upgraded a level 5 alarm — the highest level of severity — as night fell. Authorities said that conditions remained very challenging for firefighters. Read more: Gazipur coil factory fire under control “Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings (is) falling down,” said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations. "The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It’s difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.” The fire department said that it received “numerous” calls requesting assistance. It said some residents remained trapped as of Wednesday night. Firefighters deployed more than 140 fire trucks and more than 60 ambulances to the scene. The dead included a 37-year-old firefighter, while another received treatment for heat exhaustion, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said. District officials in Tai Po have opened temporary shelters for people left homeless by the fire. “I’ve given up thinking about my property," a resident who only provided her surname, Wu, told local TV station TVB. "Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.” Tai Po is a suburban area in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong and near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects, though the government said earlier this year that it would start phasing it out for public projects because of safety concerns. The fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in years. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a level 5 fire that lasted for around 20 hours. Read more: Death toll from Hong Kong tower fire rises to 44

Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has taken full responsibility for his team’s heartbreaking 4-3 defeat to Hong Kong China in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, but expressed optimism that the men in red and green can bounce back in the return leg and keep their campaign alive. With a stoppage-time goal from Shamit Shome’s header, Bangladesh were moments away from earning a point against a comparatively stronger Hong Kong side at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday. But Raphaël Merkies’s last-minute strike, which was a hat trick for the winger, left the home fans stunned. The result dashed Bangladesh’s realistic hopes of reaching the final round. Bangladesh’s players were devastated after the match, as was head coach Javier Cabrera. Visibly disappointed, Cabrera took full responsibility for the defeat. “I take the responsibility. The whole team take the responsibility, mainly myself. But again, now we need to focus,” Cabrera said at the post-match press conference. With just one point from three matches, Bangladesh now face an uphill battle to qualify, with three fixtures remaining, including an away match against Hong Kong. Their hopes of advancing have largely faded. Still, Cabrera is optimistic about a turnaround: “We still have options. We have another match now in Hong Kong. If we get to win, we are there again, three points away from the top of the group.” Bangladesh lose 4-3 to Hong Kong as last-minute goal dashes Asian Cup hopes The Spanish coach admitted his team’s defensive lapses proved costly, as poor man-marking left the backline vulnerable. However, he added, “Those mistakes were really unfortunate. But that weren’t related to defensive error. “We talked a lot about the offensive players of Hong Kong, and I think we have been able to manage very well for many moments. But in the end, they have good quality, and it can happen. “To me, it is more than the defensive; it's not about the defenders. It's because the situations of those goals have been with not only the defenders in the box defending. I think it's been everyone.” On a question regarding whether his starting line-up selection proved wrong, Cabrera said, “To me, the best part of the match has been the first half without any doubt. The first half is probably the best football we have played since I’m here [in Bangladesh]. So, the line-up was right. The line-up did well.” Deschamps awaits Mbappé’s fitness update ahead of World Cup qualifiers Even so, he lamented a needless mistake in stoppage time that proved too costly for Bangladesh. “That cannot happen and we have to work on these things. If we want to go to the next level, as we are almost there, these kind of mistakes cannot happen. Because, then it is very difficult for us to come back. We did it, we came back again from 3-1 down to 3-3. And again, we could have been more aggressive in that last action,” he lamented. Bangladesh is scheduled to fly to Hong Kong on Friday night to play the return leg against the hosts on October 14, with Jamal Bhuyan leading the team once again.

What began as a curious alteration to a local hillside quickly spiralled into a nationwide stir. A summit, once unassuming, now draws attention for its unexpected resemblance to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. The transformation, triggered by a smoky grey cloud, sparked a wave of online amusement and confusion. Some locals, too, have remarked on the uncanny similarity, especially when the peak is veiled in cloud. At the centre of it all stands Kowloon Peak. Let's get to know how this phenomenon came to be and how tourists have responded to this spectacle. A Viral View from Quarry Bay From the corner of Healthy Street East and King's Road in Quarry Bay, an unexpected spectacle took shape. This single vantage point offered the only angle precise enough to capture the illusion in full – Kowloon Peak appearing as a snow-capped giant. It was here that the now-famous photographs were taken, just as drifting clouds brushed the summit. The moment aligned perfectly, framing the peak in a way that mimicked the serene silhouette of Mt Fuji. Playfully nicknamed the ‘snow cap matcha volcano’ by amused onlookers, the hill's uncanny resemblance quickly lit up social media. As photos made their rounds online, intrigue followed. The scene, complete with urban foreground and misty ridgeline, lacked only a convenience store to complete the Fuji-like composition. Read more: Yemeni Island Socotra: The Most Alien-Looking Place On Earth Drawing Global Wanderers Compelled by the viral snapshots, several residents made their way to Quarry Bay. Not just to see the hill itself but to stand where the camera did. A similar moment unfolded in Thailand last year. A photo of Khao Ok Talu beside a 7-Eleven drew comparisons to the iconic Lawson snapshot beneath Mt Fuji. About Kowloon Peak Locally known as Fei Ngo Shan, meaning ‘Soaring Goose Mountain’, this peak rises prominently from the northeast edge of New Kowloon. At 1,975 feet, it claims the title of the highest point in the Kowloon region. Tucked within Ma On Shan Country Park, its rugged slopes straddle the border between Sai Kung and Wong Tai Sin districts. Two of Hong Kong’s well-known hiking routes, the Wilson Trail and the MacLehose Trail, cut across its terrain. The route makes a favoured challenge for avid trekkers. Geologically, the peak is built on a foundation of volcanic rocks, particularly tuffs, with solid granite forming its lower reaches. Its natural formation, layered and textured, lends it a raw, untamed character rarely mirrored in artificial landscapes. Read more: Chongqing, The 3D City: Chinese Megacity Looking Like AI-Generated Echoes of Mount Fuji's Symmetry Veiled in mist and rising behind the city’s frame of glass and concrete, Kowloon Peak appears almost sculpted. The way the cloud clings to its summit lends it a hushed, snow-draped elegance. From this perspective, its form takes on a quiet grandeur, unexpectedly reminiscent of a distant volcano. In contrast, Mount Fuji presents a near-perfect cone, its snowy peak often floating above soft horizons. Where Fuji looms with serene isolation, Kowloon Peak surprises, emerging from urban chaos with a momentary stillness. It doesn’t mimic Fuji’s symmetry, yet echoes its silhouette in a fleeting, almost cinematic illusion. Though vastly humbler in scale and fame, the misty peak carves out its own quiet allure. It may lack the majestic sweep and spiritual weight of Mount Fuji, but it doesn’t seek comparison. Instead, it captivates in its own right—less a rival, more a reminder that even modest peaks can inspire awe. Reactions Surrounding Mount Fuji of Hong Kong What began as a light-hearted post on Threads soon rippled across social media, pulling in thousands of viewers intrigued by the resemblance. The buzz caught fire quickly. Some viewers found humour in the comparison, suggesting that all it needed was a denser veil of clouds. Others embraced the idea that this ‘Hong Kong version’ had its own appeal, a kind of localised charm distinct from its Japanese counterpart. Read more: Wales’s Stream in the Sky: World’s Tallest Navigable Aqueduct Pontcysyllte However, several visitors who came after seeing the picturesque images confessed to a sense of disappointment. For them, the so-called ‘mountain’ was little more than an ordinary hill. Some lamented how easy it is to be misled by carefully framed photographs. It pointed to this episode as yet another example of online visuals setting unrealistic expectations. Despite the divided opinions, the view did manage to impress a few passersby. Some expressed genuine appreciation for the scenery, calling it unexpectedly beautiful. Others stopped to capture the moment themselves, aware of the growing online attention. A number of visitors returned to the same vantage point in hopes of replicating the famed composition. Not all succeeded; many missed the fleeting cloud formations that gave the illusion its power. For Hikers, It's More Than Just A View Multiple trails snake their way toward the summit, with routes branching off from both Jat's Incline and Fei Ngo Shan Road. These provide varying levels of challenge, but one, in particular, casts a long shadow over the others. An infamous ascent that has come to be known as Suicide Cliff. Read more: Smiling Quokka Turned Rottnest Island into a Global Tourist Hotspot Despite its ominous name, the moniker does not stem from tragedy but rather from the sheer danger posed by its terrain. This vertical scramble, beginning from Clear Water Bay Road, isn’t a traditional hiking path. It’s an exposed rock face that demands agility, courage, and luck. The risk is not theoretical; the climb has been marked by real peril, including accidents and fatalities. One dramatic incident even saw 160 firefighters deployed in a large-scale rescue when two tourists found themselves stranded. For most hikers, however, the thrill of reaching the peak need not involve danger. Fei Ngo Shan Road offers a far gentler approach, one that rewards effort with breathtaking views, not unnecessary risk. Final Words Hong Kong's clouded Kowloon Peak, as seen from Quarry Bay, drew comparisons to Mount Fuji for its misty silhouette. The image sparked mixed reactions online – some were amused, others felt misled. Hikers, however, admire it for the thrill of Suicide Cliff and its challenging trails. Amid Hong Kong’s dense cityscape, the peak offers a rare blend of rugged beauty and quiet reflection. It proves that even in the chaos of urban life, moments of natural grace can still hold meaning. Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh

A business deal involving Hong Kong’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, has sparked controversy after his company, CK Hutchison Holdings, agreed to sell its Panama Canal port assets to a consortium that includes U.S. investment firm BlackRock Inc. The move has reportedly angered Beijing. In recent days, Beijing’s Hong Kong affairs offices have shared sharp critiques from state-backed media regarding the proposed sale. This has raised concerns about the deal’s future and highlighted the complex balancing act that Hong Kong businesses face between aligning with Beijing’s expectations and pursuing their own economic interests. Li Ka-shing’s Influence and Ties to BeijingNicknamed “Superman,” 96-year-old Li is among the world's wealthiest individuals, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $38 billion. Though he retired as chairman of CK Hutchison in 2018, handing the reins to his son Victor, he remains one of Hong Kong’s most powerful figures. Li built his vast business empire from humble beginnings, mirroring Hong Kong’s transformation into a global financial hub. His conglomerate spans multiple sectors, including real estate, supermarkets, telecommunications, and utilities. Internationally, his company owns British drugstore chain Superdrug and European mobile carrier Three. CK Hutchison has operated ports at both ends of the Panama Canal since 1997—an arrangement that once led former U.S. President Donald Trump to claim Chinese interference in the critical shipping route. Business tycoon killed by grandson over property dispute Over the years, Li has maintained close ties with Beijing, serving on elite political committees and meeting with top Chinese leaders. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has historically viewed support from Hong Kong’s business community as crucial for maintaining the city's capitalist economy and global trade networks. However, Li has occasionally faced criticism from Beijing, particularly when he sold off mainland Chinese assets in 2015. During Hong Kong’s 2019 pro-democracy protests, he was also criticized for his perceived neutrality, while other business leaders took a more pro-Beijing stance. The Panama Ports Sale and Beijing’s ReactionOn March 4, CK Hutchison announced plans to sell its port operations, including holdings in Hutchison Port Holdings and Hutchison Port Group Holdings, to a consortium featuring BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited. The latter is chaired by Italian shipping magnate Diego Aponte, whose family reportedly has long-standing business ties with Li. The deal, valued at nearly $23 billion (including $5 billion in debt), would grant the consortium control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the Balboa and Cristobal ports at either end of the Panama Canal. The transaction does not include any ports in Hong Kong or mainland China. CK Hutchison has stated the sale is purely a commercial decision. While the deal was welcomed by Trump, it has drawn strong criticism from Beijing. A state-backed newspaper editorial accused CK Hutchison of betraying China and urged the company to reconsider its loyalties. Another editorial suggested that great entrepreneurs must also be patriots, warning against aligning with "predatory" American politicians. On Chinese social media platform Weibo, public sentiment has been largely critical of Li, with some users accusing him of prioritizing profit over national interest. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee refrained from directly criticizing the deal or Trump but reiterated Beijing’s opposition to “bullying tactics” in international trade. Geopolitical ImplicationsSome reports suggest that Chinese leaders were frustrated at not being consulted before the deal was announced. Analysts believe Beijing was caught off guard and had little time to formulate a response. Ports are strategically sensitive assets, and transactions involving them often attract government scrutiny, said Wilson Chan, co-founder of the Pagoda Institute, a think tank specializing in public policy and global economics. Top Hong Kong court overturns convictions of 3 former organizers of Tiananmen vigils It remains unclear whether Beijing’s pressure will impact the deal, which requires approval from Panama’s government. When asked whether Chinese authorities were investigating the sale, China’s Foreign Ministry redirected reporters to other government agencies. CK Hutchison has yet to comment on the controversy and has postponed its planned financial results news conference. Analysts warn that canceling the deal could carry risks. “If Beijing forces CK Hutchison to back out, Trump will take credit for securing the deal and then react aggressively if it is reversed,” said Chan. This could further erode global confidence in Hong Kong’s business environment. Long-Term Implications for Hong KongThe first Trump administration imposed sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials for undermining the city's autonomy, promised under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework established when Britain handed the territory to China in 1997. However, following the 2019 protests, Beijing has tightened political control over Hong Kong. Li may attempt to appease Beijing by reinvesting proceeds from the port sale into Hong Kong or mainland China’s port infrastructure, aligning with government priorities. However, tensions between Beijing and private businesses remain unpredictable. Although Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met with business leaders to signal support for the private sector, companies may still feel pressured to align with the CCP’s political agenda. If Beijing moves to block Li’s port deal, analysts believe Washington could retaliate with further sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese businesses. “This situation underscores U.S. concerns about Hong Kong’s shrinking business autonomy,” said George Chen of The Asia Group, a Washington-based consultancy. “It weakens the credibility of ‘One Country, Two Systems.’” 

Hong Kong, a dazzling metropolis surrounded by the South China Sea, is a global hub for trade and shopping. From towering skyscrapers to bustling street markets, the city offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western experiences. Explore its top malls, and discover its unique products for a fulfilling shopping adventure. The article presents shopping guidelines for Hong Kong. Most Popular Shopping Malls in Hong Kong Harbour City Known as a haven for shoppers, Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui is Asia's most extensive shopping hub. With an impressive array of over 700 stores, it offers something for every wallet, blending prestigious brands such as Chanel and Dior with beloved high-street labels. Harbour City transcends mere retail and includes movie theatres, art showcases, and an extensive selection of dining venues.  Read more: Eid Shopping: Popular Bangladeshi Clothing Brands for Families Times Square  Tucked away in stylish Causeway Bay, Times Square emerges as a sanctuary for fashion enthusiasts and connoisseurs of luxury. This refined shopping destination showcases an exclusive array of designer labels, spanning global icons to homegrown talents.  Times Square is known for its sartorial offerings, inviting patrons to relax at a top-tier cinema or savour exquisite culinary delights. 

Voter turnout plunged below 30% in Hong Kong's first district council elections since new rules introduced under Beijing's guidance effectively shut out all pro-democracy candidates, setting a record low since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. According to official data on Monday, 27.5% of the city's 4.3 million registered voters cast ballots in Sunday's polls — significantly less than the record 71.2% who participated in the last elections held at the height of anti-government protests in 2019. The pro-democracy camp won those polls in a landslide victory, in a clear rebuke of the government's handling of the protests. Beijing loyalists are expected to take control of the district councils after Sunday's elections, with results showing big pro-government parties winning most directly elected seats. "The newly elected district councilors come from diverse backgrounds," Hong Kong leader John Lee said. "They will make the work in the districts more multidimensional ... better aligning with the interests of the citizens." UN officials and activists ramp up the urgency as climate talks enter final days The district councils, which primarily handle municipal matters such as organizing construction projects and public facilities, were Hong Kong's last major political bodies mostly chosen by the public. But under new electoral rules introduced under a Beijing order that only "patriots" should administer the city, candidates must secure endorsements from at least nine members of government-appointed committees that are mostly packed with Beijing loyalists, making it virtually impossible for any pro-democracy candidates to run. An amendment passed in July also slashed the proportion of directly elected seats from about 90% to about 20%. Many prominent pro-democracy activists have also been arrested or have fled the territory after Beijing imposed a harsh national security law in response to the 2019 protests. Critics say the low voter turnout reflects the public sentiment toward the "patriots" only system and the government's crackdown on dissent. The previous record low for participation in the council elections since the handover to Chinese rule was 35.8% in 1999. The electoral changes further narrowed political freedoms in the city, following a separate overhaul for the legislature in 2021. Following those changes, turnout in the last legislative election two years ago plunged to 30% from 58% in 2016. Battles rage across Gaza as Israel indicates it's willing to fight for months or more to beat Hamas Lee on Sunday said the council elections were the "last piece of the puzzle" in implementing the principle of "patriots" administering the city. Beijing's top office for Hong Kong affairs on Monday said the council elections helped promote the "enhancement of democracy." China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Chinese government believed the newly elected members would be able to "serve as a good link" between the city's government and the people of Hong Kong. Government officials have downplayed turnout as a measure of the overhaul's success, but stepped up efforts to promote the polls. Lee's administration held carnivals, an outdoor concert and offered free admission to some museums to encourage voting. Kenneth Chan, professor at Hong Kong Baptist University's government and international studies department, said the low turnout was not the result of political apathy or a coordinated boycott, but rather "a widespread political disengagement by design" under the revised rules, with most people understanding that they were "disinvited." "The record low turnout must be hugely humiliating for the government and its allies given the unprecedented propaganda campaigns and ubiquitous mobilization," he said. Blinken defends bypassing Congress to sell weapons to Israel and presses lawmakers to help Ukraine John Burns, an honorary professor of politics and public administration at the University of Hong Kong, said a turnout of about 28% indicated a "lack of legitimacy" for the elections and the new councils to some extent. Burns anticipated the "narrow range of patriots" in the new councils were likely to consult like-minded people, and that might keep the government out of touch with people's true concerns and opinions. "This can lead to instability," he said. "It can lead to a government not understanding people's expectations when it makes policy. The government needs the active cooperation of all citizens to implement policies." Sunday's elections were extended by 1.5 hours because of a failure in the electronic voter registration system. Multiple politicians said the glitch would affect their chances of winning because some residents gave up voting before authorities implemented a contingency plan. David Lok, chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, refused to comment on the turnout and said it was unclear whether some voters were unable to cast ballots due to the system failure. "I can't rule out this possibility," he said. "If they can't vote due to our errors, I feel remorseful."

Grand Master Enamul Hossain Razib of Bangladesh beat Kao Jamison Edrich of Hong Kong in the fourth round of the men's individual event of the 19th Asian Games Chess, which is now being held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou on Monday. The third and fourth round matches of men's and women's individual events were held on Monday. Beximco Xcel Boxing Championship 2.0 Fight Night: Pro Boxing returns in Dhaka In the day's other fourth-round matches, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Bangladesh won against IM Markov Mikhail of Kyrgyzstan in the men's individual event, while WFM Noshin Anjum of Bangladesh won against Seo Jwon of South Korea in the women's individual event. After the day's fourth-round matches, GM Enamul Hossain Razib secured 2.5 points, IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman bagged two points, and WFM Noshin Anjum earned 2 points. Asiad Women's Football: Bangladesh suffer 2nd successive defeat going down to Vietnam 6-1 Earlier in the day's third-round matches, GM Enamul Hossain Razib defeated IM Sugar Gun Erdene of Mongolia; IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman lost to IM Bersamina Paulo of the Philippines in the men's individual; and WFM Noshin Anjum lost to WGM Gong Qianyun of Singapore in the women's individual event. Asian Games Football: Bangladesh play out goalless draw with much higher-ranked China The fifth, sixth, and seventh round matches will be played on Tuesday.

Bangladesh Women's Hockey team conceded 7-10 goal defeat against stronger Hong Kong in a keenly contested group match of the Women's Asian Hockey five-a-side (5s) World Cup Qualifier held in Salalah, Oman on Sunday (August 26). Also read : Asian 5s Hockey: Bangladesh Women' s team crush Iran 9-3 With the day' s defeat, Bangladesh finished 3rd in the six- team Challenger group securing nine points from all five matches and will play group's 4th ranked team Chinese Taipei in the 7th place deciding match on Monday. After the group matches, Hong Kong emerged champions in challenger group with all-win run securing full 15 points, Indonesia became group runners up with 12 points while Chinese Taipei finished 4th with six points. Also read : Jr Asia Cup Hockey: Bangladesh eliminated in group stage In the day's crucial match, the winners dominated the first half by 4-3 goal. Orpita Pal scored three, Fardia Akhter Ratri contributed two while Irin Akhter Riya and Kona Akhter one each for Bangladesh in the day's match. However, Bangladesh women' s team, which playing the international hockey after about four years, made a brilliant results in their first-ever five- a- side international hockey tournament. Also read : Bangladesh Cricket Team Departs for Asia Cup Without Liton Das Earlier in the group matches, Bangladesh beat Chinese Taipei by 10-5 goals, Iran by 9-3 goals and hosts Oman by 9-2 goals after suffering 4-7 goals defeat against Indonesia in the opening match. Bangladesh Women’s team : Sumi Akhter, Mukta Khatun, Fardia Akhter Ratri, Orpita Pal, Sanjida Akhter Moni, Kona Akhter, Riasa Akhter and Irin Akhter Riya.