United News of Bangladesh

On Friday, the Trump administration initiated major exemptions to longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a significant step toward President Trump's commitment to end decades of punitive measures against a nation devastated by 13 years of civil war. Though sweeping, these exemptions are temporary and could be reversed. Syrians argue that only permanent relief can attract the tens of billions in investment needed to rebuild a country torn apart by war, displacement, and foreign militias. The State Department issued a six-month waiver on harsh sanctions introduced by Congress in 2019, while the Treasury Department paused enforcement on penalties targeting those doing business with various Syrian entities, including the country’s central bank. Syria is currently governed by Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former militia leader who played a role in ousting longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last year. EU to lift Syria sanctions, keep measures on former Assad regime President Trump stated last week that easing sanctions is intended to give Syria’s transitional government a chance to stabilize. The administration described the move as an opening for renewed investment and progress, calling it “a fresh start.” Mouaz Moustafa, a Syrian American advocate for sanctions relief, said this approach could finally offer Syria a path to democracy, avoiding the collapse into a failed state. The 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act was designed to isolate Assad’s regime and hinder post-war reconstruction efforts. Though executive orders can waive these sanctions for 180 days, investors remain cautious due to the uncertainty of their permanence. Friday’s decisions, the administration said, are part of a broader strategy to dismantle the full framework of sanctions levied against the Assad regime, which were imposed due to ties with Iran-backed groups, use of chemical weapons, and human rights abuses. Conditions and Expectations Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Trump expects swift policy reforms in exchange for the relief. However, skepticism lingers due to al-Sharaa’s history — his faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was once aligned with al-Qaida, despite later renouncing the affiliation. The group remains on the U.S. terrorist watchlist. U.S. officials warn that failure by al-Sharaa’s government could trigger renewed conflict and open the door for extremist groups like ISIS to regain ground. “We had to engage. Not engaging would’ve guaranteed failure,” Rubio told Congress, noting that sanctions needed to be lifted urgently as Syria’s interim leadership could be on the brink of collapse. Trump met with al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia last week, a day after announcing the rollback: “We’re taking them all off. Good luck, Syria. Show us something special.” Despite the urgency, Rubio said the administration prefers an “incremental” approach to permanent relief. UK halts trade talks with Israel, announces sanctions over West Bank settlers While executive action can quickly waive some penalties, removing congressional sanctions permanently would require legislation. Within the administration, there’s division — some officials advocate for immediate broad relief, while others prefer a phased strategy, tying further relief to conditions being met by Syria’s government. One plan under discussion involves a three-phase process: beginning with temporary waivers, followed by stricter conditions for deeper relief, and ultimately, a complete lifting of sanctions. Conditions for phase two include eliminating “Palestinian terror groups” from Syria, which some say is too vague to enforce. Other requirements involve taking custody of Islamic State detainees and integrating U.S.-allied Kurdish forces into the national military. Phase three would demand Syria normalize relations with Israel by joining the Abraham Accords and verifiably dismantle Assad-era chemical weapons. Israel remains wary of Syria’s new leadership, despite statements from Damascus indicating no intent to engage in conflict. Since Assad's fall, Israel has launched numerous airstrikes and occupied parts of a U.N.-buffer zone within Syrian territory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing them of siding with Hamas and being "on the wrong side of humanity." In a strongly worded video message released after Thursday’s fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, Netanyahu claimed the leaders had "effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power." He further accused them of aligning with “mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers.” In his video, Netanyahu said Hamas wanted to destroy Israel and annihilate the Jewish people. He said the Palestinian armed group had welcomed the joint UK, French and Canadian criticism of Israel's war conduct. Some of Israel's closest allies wanted Israel to "stand down and accept that Hamas's army of mass murderers will survive", he said. "I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer, when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice," he added. Gaza's main hospital overwhelmed with children in pain from malnutrition "You're on the wrong side of humanity, and you're on the wrong side of history." Netanyahu also condemned remarks by UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on infant deaths in Gaza, calling them false and blaming such claims for inciting violence like the Washington shooting. "A few days ago, a top UN official said that 14,000 Palestinian babies would die in 48 hours. You see many international institutions are complicit in spreading this lie," he said. "The press repeats it. The mob believed it. And a young couple is then brutally gunned down in Washington." In the days before the Thursday’s shooting, the UK, France, and Canada criticised Israel’s intensified military campaign in Gaza as “disproportionate,” calling the humanitarian situation “intolerable.” While Sir Keir condemned the Washington killings and denounced antisemitism, he also said Israel’s limited aid access to Gaza was “utterly inadequate,” prompting the UK to pause trade talks with Israel. The attack in Washington left Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, dead at a Capital Jewish Museum event. Police arrested suspect Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, who reportedly shouted “free Palestine” during his arrest. Social media accounts linked to him suggest ties to pro-Palestinian movements. Authorities are investigating writings in which he accused Israel of genocide and criticised US policy. With inputs from BBC

China is ready to work with Germany to open a new chapter in their all-round strategic partnership, to steer China-EU relations toward new progress and to make new contributions to the stable growth of the world economy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday. Speaking to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over phone, Xi once again congratulated him on assuming office. Xi said that as the world undergoes accelerated changes unseen in a century and the international landscape is marked by transformation and turbulence, the strategic and global significance of China-Germany and China-EU relations has become even more prominent. A sound and stable China-Germany relationship serves both countries' interests, and meets the expectations of various sectors in China and Europe, the Chinese president added. China and Germany have developed their bilateral relations based on mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and win-win cooperation, Xi stressed, calling on both sides to maintain and carry forward this fine tradition. First, Xi called for consolidating political mutual trust. He said China views Germany as a partner, welcomes Germany's development and prosperity, and is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Germany, respect each other's core interests and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations. Second, Xi urged the two sides to enhance the resilience of the bilateral relationship. He said both sides should not only continue to expand the existing cooperation in traditional fields such as automobiles, mechanical manufacturing and chemical industry, but seek more collaboration in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas including climate change and green development, contributing the wisdom and solutions of China and Germany to global sustainable development. Third, Xi noted that bilateral cooperation should continue to gather momentum. He said that China is willing to share with Germany development opportunities brought about by its high-level opening-up, adding that China hopes Germany will offer more policy support and facilitation for two-way investment, and provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. Xi pointed out that facts have fully proven that partnership is the proper positioning of China-Germany and China-EU relations, and a stable and predictable policy environment is essential to ensuring bilateral cooperation. As major countries, he added, both sides share a common responsibility. Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, Xi said that the two sides should jointly review the successful experience in the development of China-EU relations and send a positive signal in support of multilateralism and free trade, as well as deepening openness and mutually beneficial cooperation. 

The death toll from a school bus bombing in southwestern Pakistan rose to eight on Friday after three more critically wounded children died, according to the country’s military, which blamed rival India for allegedly supporting rebels behind the attack. The victims included two soldiers who were aboard the bus when it was attacked Wednesday in Khuzdar, a city in Balochistan province, where a separatist insurgency has raged for decades. A total of 53 people, including 39 children, were wounded in the attacka, reports AP. The children were going to their Army Public School when the bombing happened. Military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif said that several of the wounded children remain critical. He said an initial investigation suggested the bombing was carried out by insurgents from the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, which was designated a terrorist organization by the United States in 2019, on India's instructions. Pakistan school bus bombing kills 3 girls, 2 soldiers Sharif said Pakistan had evidence that India is orchestrating “terrorists attacks inside Pakistan" and the international community should take its notice. India has not responded to the allegation and Pakistan has presented no proof to back up its claim. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. Tensions between India and Pakistan remain high after the two sides earlier this month engaged in a four-day border conflict before agreeing to a cease-fire.

The Chinese government said Friday that the Trump administration's move to ban international students from Harvard would harm America's international standing, as anxious students and parents overseas fretted over what would come next. Among the two largest parts of the international student community in Harvard are Chinese and Indian students. The university enrolled 6,703 international students across all of its schools in 2024, according to the school’s data, with 1,203 of those from China and 788 from India.  Trump threatens 25% import tax on Apple unless iPhones made in US The Trump administration's move, announced Thursday, was a hot topic on Chinese social media. State broadcaster CCTV questioned whether the U.S. would remain a top destination for foreign students, noting Harvard was already suing the U.S. government in court. “But with the long litigation period, thousands of international students may have trouble waiting,” the CCTV commentary said. It went on to say that it becomes necessary for international students to consider other options “when policy uncertainty becomes the norm.” Educational cooperation with the U.S. is mutually beneficial and China opposes its politicization, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing in Beijing. “The relevant actions by the U.S. side will only damage its own image and international credibility,” she said. She added that China would firmly protect the rights and interests of Chinese students and scholars abroad but she didn't offer any details on how it would do so in this situation. Indian authorities say they currently assessing the impact of the U.S. order on Indian students who are already enrolled with Harvard, as well as those aspiring to study there in future, but have not issued any statements of criticism. Chinese students in U.S. previous point of tension The issue of Chinese students studying overseas has long been a point of tension in the relationship with the United States. During Trump’s first term, China’s Ministry of Education warned students about rising rejections rates and shorter terms for visas in the U.S. Last year, the Chinese foreign ministry protested that a number of Chinese students had been interrogated and sent home upon arrival at U.S. airports. Chinese state media has long played up gun violence in the U.S. and portrayed America as a dangerous place. Some Chinese students are opting to study in the U.K. or other countries rather than the U.S. Meanwhile, two universities in Hong Kong extended invites to affected students. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said it would welcome international students already at Harvard and those who have been admitted in a statement Friday. City University in Hong Kong did as well without mentioning Harvard by name. Some people in China joked online about having the university open a branch in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin, whose name shares the same character as Harvard’s name in Chinese.  Germany's economy grew by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. That's double the initial estimate Wait and see Mumbai-based higher education and career advisory firm, ReachIvy, is receiving anxious queries from aspirants and their parents about the impact of Trump administration’s latest move. The company’s founder, Vibha Kagzi, herself an alumnus of the Harvard Business School, said they were advising students to keep calm, and wait to see how the situation unfolds as legal challenges were underway. “Harvard will surely fight back,” she said, adding that the situation remains fluid. Kagzi, while recalling her days from 2010 at Harvard, said the U.S. was then welcoming international students and its immigration policies supported educational aspirants. “Indian students should stay hopeful. Universities value global talent and are exploring all options to ensure continuity in admission and learning,” she said.

A Norwegian man awoke to find that a cargo ship had run aground and narrowly missed crashing into his home along the Trondheim Fjord's coast. Johan Helberg told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he'd slept through the whole thing and only woke up when a neighbor started ringing his doorbell, AP reports. Images show the ship’s red and green bow just meters (yards) from Helberg’s house. He told NRK the only damage was to a heating pump's wire.

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to put a 25% tariff on Apple products unless iPhones are manufactured in the United States. The threat delivered over social media could dramatically increase the price of iPhones, potentially hurting sales and the profits of one of America's leading technology companies, reports AP. The company now joins Amazon, Walmart and other major companies as being in the White House's crosshairs as they try to respond to the uncertainty and inflationary pressures unleashed by the import taxes being imposed by Trump. Trump downplays Putin decision to skip Istanbul talks with Zelenskyy “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the US” Apple, led by CEO Tim Cook, in response to Trump's tariffs on China was looking to shift iPhone manufacturing to India as it adjusts supply chains. That plan has become a festering source of frustration for the US president, who also brought it up last week during his Middle East trip.

A magnitude-5.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, early Friday morning, damaging over 100 homes but causing no reported injuries, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 2:52 a.m. local time (1952 GMT on Thursday), with its epicenter located offshore near Bengkulu province and a depth of 68 kilometers (42.2 miles), the USGS reported. Indonesia’s meteorological agency, however, recorded the quake at a magnitude of 6.0 and a depth of 84 kilometers, adding that it posed no tsunami risk. According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the earthquake damaged more than 100 homes and at least six public buildings in the city of Bengkulu. "In Bengkulu city, 140 houses were affected, eight of which collapsed beyond repair," he said during a Friday press briefing. In Central Bengkulu district, two homes sustained minor damage, he added. No casualties had been reported as of Friday morning. 6.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Turkey’s Istanbul Local residents described being jolted awake by the tremor. “The windows were shaking strongly, and that woke us up,” said 36-year-old Erick Catur Nugroho. “We immediately took the children outside, and most of our neighbors were already outside their homes too.” Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire—a zone of frequent seismic activity due to colliding tectonic plates—regularly experiences earthquakes. In recent years, the country has seen several devastating quakes, including a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Sulawesi in January 2021 that killed more than 100 people, and a magnitude-7.5 quake followed by a tsunami in Palu in 2018 that claimed over 2,200 lives. The 2004 magnitude-9.1 earthquake in Aceh province remains the deadliest, triggering a massive tsunami that killed more than 170,000 Indonesians. Source: With inputs from agency

Germany’s economy, the largest in Europe, recorded a 0.4% growth in the first quarter of the year, driven by stronger-than-expected performance in exports and manufacturing, according to official data released on Friday. This marks a doubling of the initial estimate. The Federal Statistical Office had previously stated at the end of last month that the economy grew by 0.2% in the January to March period compared to the previous quarter. Ruth Brandt, the head of the office, attributed the upward revision to “the surprisingly good economic development seen in March.”  UK inflation hits highest level in over a year as domestic bills spike The last time Germany experienced higher growth was in the third quarter of 2022, when GDP rose by 0.6%. The country has faced persistent challenges in achieving strong economic growth, with the economy contracting in each of the past two years. In the final quarter of last year, GDP declined by 0.2%. In its initial projection since the new government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz assumed office earlier this month, the government’s panel of independent economic advisers forecast on Wednesday that GDP will stagnate in the current year and rise by 1% in 2026. The panel cited challenges from tariffs and trade threats imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump but also highlighted the potential benefits from a significant infrastructure investment initiative introduced by Merz’s coalition. Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING bank, noted that the improved performance in the first quarter is likely “a positive one-off” in the short term, driven by companies rushing to act before Trump's tariffs take effect.  German police arrest a suspect, injured 5 people outside bar attack “Due to the announced tariffs and in anticipation of ‘Liberation Day,’ German industrial production and exports surged in March,” Brzeski wrote in a research note.  

Prosecutors in Turkey issued arrest warrants for 63 active-duty military personnel Friday over links to a group accused of attempting a coup in 2016. Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said the suspects included four colonels and came from the army, navy, air force and gendarmerie. Early morning raids across the country resulted in 56 suspects being detained. They are allegedly tied to an outlawed group that Turkey refers to as the Fethullahist Terror Organization, or FETO. Its leader, Fethullah Gulen, died in October last year in the United States, where he had lived since 1999 in self-imposed exile. Some 290 people were killed in July 2016 when rogue military units took to the streets of Ankara and Istanbul in a bid to depose the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Jet fighters bombed the parliament building and presidential palace while Erdogan narrowly escaped assassination or capture while vacationing on the west coast.  Gaza's main hospital overwhelmed with children in pain from malnutrition A subsequent purge of the military, police, judiciary and other state agencies saw tens of thousands arrested. Schools, businesses and media organizations tied to Gulen were closed down. The prosecutor’s statement said those targeted Friday were identified through telephone communications and said FETO still posed the “greatest threat to the constitutional order and survival of the state.” Since the failed coup, 25,801 military suspects have been detained, it added. The statement did not specify the exact charges against the suspects. Gulen, a former cleric, amassed a worldwide following over decades and aided Erdogan’s rise to power in 2003. The alliance broke down after the government closed some Gulen-run educational establishments and Gulenists in the police and judiciary pursued corruption allegations against Erdogan’s government. Gulen always denied any involvement in the failed coup. He was wanted in Turkey, which repeatedly demanded his extradition from the U.S.  China prioritises neighbourhood diplomacy to foster peace and prosperity The coup attempt contributed to the acceleration of authoritarian tendencies in Turkey, with Erdogan’s government implementing measures that consolidated his powers.