The Economist Did Not Digitally Remove the Palestinian Flag From Its Cover

Misbar investigated the circulating image and found the claim to be fake.

Misbar's team found that 'The Economist' did not digitally remove the Palestinian flag from its cover, as the image with the Palestinian flag was captured during a different time period. These are distinct photographs.

The original image featured on The Economist cover is available on Getty Images, taken by K. M. Asad on August 5, 2024. The caption reads: "Anti-government protesters wave Bangladesh's national flag as they invade Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's palace in Dhaka."

Bangladesh Prime Minister Ousted Amid Violent Protests and Political Turmoil

The claim circulated after anti-government demonstrators stormed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's palace, waving Bangladesh's national flag amid a month of escalating protests. This unrest has led to violence not seen in the country since its independence in 1971. The Prime Minister, often referred to as the "Iron Lady," has faced significant criticism for her failure to address widespread youth unemployment and for suppressing political opposition over the past 15 years.

In response to the upheaval, President Shahabuddin announced he had held discussions with military leaders and political representatives. He revealed plans to form an interim government, call for new elections, and lift the national curfew. On Monday, violence erupted in Dhaka as protesters attacked and set fire to police stations and other government buildings. They also attempted to tear down a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ms. Hasina's father and the founding leader of Bangladesh.

To control the situation, army and police units were deployed across the city, and reports indicated that mobile phone services were temporarily cut off before being restored. Protesters were seen carrying furniture out of the Prime Minister's residence. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, reports suggest dozens have died; AFP reported 66 fatalities, while local sources like the Dhaka Tribune estimate the death toll could reach as high as 135.

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Takes Charge of Interim Government in Bangladesh

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, known as the “banker to the poor,” has stepped in to lead Bangladesh following weeks of violent anti-government protests.

At 84, Yunus now heads an interim government after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the dissolution of parliament, as confirmed by the President's press secretary. Yunus, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his microfinance work, has long criticized Hasina, who resigned and fled the country amid rising authoritarianism.

Yunus was sworn in alongside the interim government on Thursday. He emphasized the need to restore law and order, urging citizens to “prepare to build the country” and criticizing Hasina's governance.

Yunus also expressed hope that the military would transfer control to a civilian government and acknowledged the challenges ahead, including restoring public trust in state institutions, according to Mubashar Hasan from the University of Oslo.

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Video of Student Protest Misleadingly Shared in Relation to Bangladesh’s Recent Unrest

This Image Does Not Show Protesters Storming the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Bedroom