United News of Bangladesh

Japan’s top trade negotiator canceled a planned trip to Washington Thursday to finalize a tariffs deal with the Trump administration, citing the need for further consultations, a senior government spokesman said. Trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa was to attend the 10th round of talks following the July 22 agreement that cut tariffs on most Japanese goods to 15% from the initially announced 25%. Japanese officials later raised concerns that the preliminary deal added extra duties, prompting Washington to promise corrections and refunds — which have yet to materialize. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged the U.S. to revise its presidential order to lower tariffs on autos and auto parts. He stressed that prompt implementation of the agreement is vital for the economic security of both nations. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently said Washington is ready to finalize the deal, under which Japan plans to invest up to $550 billion in the U.S. over the coming years. Plans for Akazawa’s visit remain undecided.

Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra testified in court Thursday over allegations she breached ethics laws in handling a border dispute with Cambodia — a case that could cost her the premiership. Paetongtarn, daughter of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, is accused of failing to defend Thailand’s interests during a June 15 phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. Weeks later, five days of border clashes killed dozens and displaced over 260,000 people. Critics said she appeased Hun Sen, referring to him as “uncle,” while criticizing a Thai general. The leaked call sparked uproar, though Paetongtarn insisted it was a negotiating tactic. The Constitutional Court suspended her on July 1 pending a ruling. Her testimony Thursday was given behind closed doors. Meanwhile, Thaksin faces a court verdict Friday in a monarchy insult case tied to a 2015 interview, carrying up to 15 years in jail. The billionaire, ousted in 2006, returned in 2023 after years abroad and received a royal pardon.

Torrential monsoon rains have unleashed deadly flash floods and landslides across Pakistan and Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least 34 people and displacing more than 210,000 in Pakistan, officials said Wednesday. In Indian-controlled Kashmir’s Jammu region, a landslide struck a popular Hindu pilgrimage route near Katra late Tuesday, burying devotees en route to a hilltop shrine. Disaster management official Mohammed Irshad said bodies were pulled from the debris, while at least 18 injured pilgrims were taken to hospitals. Rescue teams were searching for the missing, and pilgrimages were suspended. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province has been inundated by swollen rivers following relentless downpours. Lt. Gen. Inam Haider, head of the National Disaster Management Authority, said the military was assisting in evacuations and relief operations. Two soldiers were killed while helping flood victims, army officials confirmed. Authorities said the flooding submerged the revered shrine of Guru Nanak, the Sikh religion’s founder, in Narowal district. Late Wednesday, a controlled breach was carried out on the Chenab River to protect a barrage from collapse, diverting water into nearby villages. Thousands of people watched from higher ground as their homes were submerged. More than 20,000 people were evacuated overnight from flood-prone areas outside Lahore, as rising waters from the Ravi River threatened Pakistan’s second-largest city, officials said. Over 150 still missing after deadly flash floods in Northwestern Pakistan Rescue efforts are also ongoing in six Punjab districts, where heavy rainfall and water released from Indian dams have swamped low-lying areas. Officials warned that floodwaters in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers are still rising. Pakistan has been hit hard this monsoon season, with floods killing more than 800 people since late June. Scientists warn climate change is intensifying rainfall across South Asia, raising fears of a repeat of the 2022 disaster that inundated a third of Pakistan and killed nearly 1,800. India alerted Pakistan earlier this week about potential cross-border flooding, marking the first public official contact between the rivals in months. Source: Agency 

A senior United Nations official has warned that if Israel pushes ahead with its planned assault on Gaza City, hopes for ending the war will disappear. Israel has described the evacuation of Gaza’s most densely populated city as “inevitable,” heightening global concern for hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped there, with famine already documented and threatening to worsen after nearly two years of conflict. Sam Rose, acting director of Gaza operations for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), told The Associated Press that many residents of Gaza City are unable to flee. “Some are too old, too young, too sick or incapacitated,” he said, noting that Israeli tanks and armored units have surrounded the city. “You’ve got a population living in abject fear, cruelty and humiliation, with no control whatsoever over their daily lives,” Rose said. “Just think about what that means for parents, for children who’ve grown up knowing nothing but this.” Instead of a military assault, Rose urged that all efforts should go into delivering services and assistance to keep people alive. He recalled that before the war — which erupted after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel — UNRWA was providing food daily to 1.2 million people. He noted that about 6,000 trucks carrying food, medicine, fuel and water have been stuck for months outside Gaza due to Israeli restrictions. “That’s enough food to feed everyone, enough soap to give everyone, enough nappies, diapers,” he said. European Union humanitarian commissioner Hadja Lahbib also condemned the planned offensive, describing “mountains” of aid piled up at Gaza’s borders. She said the EU’s agreement with Israel to boost relief deliveries has failed, and pleaded: “Let us save lives.” Israel’s government, which shut down all aid deliveries for two and a half months earlier this year, insists it has allowed sufficient supplies to enter during the war. But the U.N. says the amount remains far below the pre-war average of around 600 trucks a day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected famine warnings, calling the declaration by international food security experts “an outright lie.” Earlier this month, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported that nearly half a million people — about one-fourth of Gaza’s population — are facing catastrophic hunger, with many at risk of death from malnutrition-related causes.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday officially launched Turkey’s new integrated air defense system, called the “Steel Dome,” calling it a turning point for the nation and its defense industry. “These systems show Turkey’s strength,” Erdogan said during a ceremony at the Ankara headquarters of defense company Aselsan. “With this, we are entering a new era in air defense for our beloved Turkey.” The government first announced the Steel Dome project in August last year. The system combines sea- and land-based defense platforms and radar sensors into one network to secure Turkish airspace. Erdogan said the latest phase included 47 vehicles worth $460 million, designed to “build trust among our friends and spread fear among our enemies.” However, he did not give a clear timeline for when the full system will be operational. “No country can feel secure about its future without developing its own radar and air defense systems, especially in our region,” he said. Turkey had previously bought Russian-made S-400 missile systems in 2019 to strengthen its defenses, but that decision led to its removal from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program — a major setback for Ankara. Ongoing wars in Syria and Ukraine, as well as Israel’s recent strikes on Iran, have further highlighted Turkey’s need for advanced air defense. At the same event, Erdogan also inaugurated new production facilities at Aselsan, scheduled to open in 2026. “In the next 50 years, Turkey will not only meet its own needs but also lead the world with its technology,” he said. Turkey has steadily expanded its defense sector since facing a U.S. arms embargo following its 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

Heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides across parts of Southeast Asia on Wednesday, claiming at least eight lives in the wake of a tropical storm. In Vietnam, flooding hit several northern and central provinces, leaving seven dead, one missing, and 34 injured, according to state media. Nearly 20 centimeters (8 inches) of rain fell overnight in northeastern regions, prompting ongoing flood warnings for riverside areas. In neighboring Thailand, heavy rainfall from Tuesday evening into Wednesday caused floods in multiple northern provinces. In Nan province, rising rivers forced evacuations as homes were inundated. Officials reported that over 600 people were affected. One person died, several were injured, and seven—including an eight-year-old—went missing following a landslide in a small village in Chiang Mai province. Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said flash floods and landslides damaged numerous homes and caused injuries across the northern provinces. The Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rain in northern and northeastern regions, cautioning residents in low-lying areas and foothills near rivers about potential flooding and landslides. The downpours followed Tropical Storm Kajiki, which made landfall Monday afternoon in central Vietnam, prompting the evacuation of thousands from high-risk areas. The storm also brought winds and rain to southern China’s Hainan Island. A 2024 scientific study highlighted that warming seas due to climate change are causing Southeast Asian cyclones to form closer to land, intensify faster, and last longer, increasing risks to urban areas.

Drone strikes by Israel on a southern suburb of Damascus killed eight Syrian soldiers and injured others, Syrian officials and a war monitor reported Wednesday. Syria’s Foreign Ministry said the attacks on Tuesday in the southern Damascus suburb of Kiswah resulted in the deaths of eight soldiers. The ministry condemned the strikes as “a serious violation of international law” and “a blatant breach of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The statement added that the attack is part of Israel’s ongoing aggressive policies aimed at destabilizing the region. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident. Since the fall of Bashar Assad in December, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes across Syria, targeting military positions and seizing a U.N.-monitored buffer zone in the south. The new authorities in Damascus have expressed no desire for conflict with Israel, but Israel remains wary of the government led by former Islamist insurgents. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X on Tuesday that Israeli forces would remain in “the security zone necessary to protect the Golan and Galilee settlements from threats emanating from Syria,” citing lessons learned from the Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the strikes targeted a strategic route connecting Damascus to the southern province of Sweida, where clashes last month between pro-government fighters and Syria’s Druze minority resulted in fatalities. Israel intervened during those clashes in support of the Druze, who also form a significant community in Israel and are considered a loyal minority often serving in the Israeli military. Katz stated that Israel would continue to protect the Druze in Syria. The Observatory said the area struck on Tuesday had previously hosted Assad’s military posts and noted that multiple strikes occurred, including one after paramedics arrived. In addition to the eight soldiers killed, three others were wounded. Earlier on Tuesday, a drone strike near the southern town of Quneitra killed one person, according to Al-Ikhbariah and the Observatory. Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned this attack as well, saying it violates international law and threatens regional peace and stability.

Torrential rainfall has triggered flash floods across parts of India and Pakistan, with Indian-controlled Kashmir's Jammu region reporting at least 32 deaths following a landslide on a pilgrimage route, according to the Press Trust of India. The specific timeline of the fatalities is not yet confirmed. In Pakistan, over 150,000 people have been displaced in Punjab province as heavy rains caused rivers to overflow and flood nearby villages. Officials have requested military support for rescue and relief efforts. More than 20,000 residents were evacuated overnight from flood-prone areas on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city. These residents were living along the Ravi River, said Irfan Ali Kathia, head of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. Mass evacuations began earlier in the week across six Punjab districts, spurred by unusually intense monsoon rains and water released from dams in neighboring India, which led to severe flooding in low-lying border regions, Kathia said. Rain is forecast to continue throughout the week. Flash floods and heavy downpours in the Himalayan region have already resulted in nearly 100 deaths in August alone. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the emergency response teams for rapid evacuations that prevented greater losses. He also confirmed that tents and aid supplies are being distributed to affected communities. Floodwaters in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers are rising dangerously, submerging multiple villages across the districts of Kasur, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Vehari, and Sialkot, Kathia warned. Boats have been deployed to rescue people stranded in flooded areas. India informed Pakistan of the potential for cross-border flooding through diplomatic channels rather than via the Indus Waters Commission — the formal bilateral mechanism established under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. India had suspended the commission’s operations following the killing of 26 tourists in Kashmir in April, a move Pakistan disputes. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to search for over 150 people still missing after cloudburst-induced flooding earlier this month killed more than 300 in three villages in Pakistan’s Buner district. Since late June, flooding across Pakistan has claimed the lives of over 800 people. Experts say that climate change is intensifying South Asia’s monsoon rains, raising the risk of disasters similar to the catastrophic 2022 floods that submerged a third of Pakistan and left over 1,700 dead.

New U.S. tariffs on Indian exports came into force Wednesday, posing a serious threat to India’s trade with its top export destination. President Donald Trump initially set a 25% duty on Indian imports, but earlier this month, he signed an executive order adding another 25% in response to India’s continued oil imports from Russia. The combined 50% tariff is expected to impact $48.2 billion in Indian exports, according to Indian officials, who warn it may render trade with the U.S. economically unsustainable, risking job losses and slower GDP growth. While economic ties between India and the U.S. have grown, they remain fragile due to disagreements over market access and political considerations. The new tariffs may further strain relations and impact India’s economic momentum. Key Sectors Affected A report from the Global Trade Research Initiative, a Delhi-based think tank, highlights that labor-intensive industries such as textiles, jewelry, leather goods, food products, and automobiles will be the hardest hit. “This sudden tariff hike is a strategic blow that could erase India’s long-standing market position in the U.S.,” said Ajay Srivastava, the think tank’s founder and a former trade official. He warned that the move could trigger unemployment in export-driven sectors and undermine India’s manufacturing role globally. Sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics have been spared for now, providing some relief due to their significant share in India’s exports. Exporters Express Concern Puran Dawar, a leather footwear exporter based in Agra and a supplier to global retailer Zara, called the new tariffs a major shock. He noted that unless domestic demand picks up or new markets are found, the leather industry will face severe short-term challenges. Dawar, who also chairs a regional export promotion council, emphasized that American consumers would also bear the brunt of higher prices due to the tariffs. Export groups say that many small and mid-sized Indian businesses heavily dependent on the U.S. will be particularly vulnerable. “It’s a complex situation. For some products, continued exports will simply no longer make sense,” said Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations. Modi Stands Firm Amid U.S. Pressure The U.S. continues to push India to open its agricultural and dairy markets. Although the two nations have had five rounds of trade negotiations, no agreement has been reached—primarily due to India’s reluctance to open these sectors, fearing job losses for millions of farmers and small businesses. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated he will not bow to pressure. “The welfare of our farmers, small traders, and dairy sector is my priority,” Modi said at a rally in Gujarat. He criticized what he described as “economic selfishness” in global politics. Following the tariff announcement, a planned sixth round of trade talks was canceled by a U.S. delegation. India Plans Economic Measures to Offset Impact To mitigate the effects of the tariffs, India is planning several domestic reforms. These include potential reductions in the goods and services tax on insurance, vehicles, and home appliances ahead of Diwali to boost consumer spending. Government departments are also exploring new financial incentives for exporters, including cheaper credit options. In parallel, India is seeking to diversify its trade partners by expanding exports to regions like Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union are expected to take on greater urgency as India looks to lessen its reliance on the U.S. market.

Suspected human remains have been recovered at a former Japanese mine where about 180 mostly Korean forced laborers died in a 1942 accident, a Japanese group involved in the search said Tuesday. Korean divers found three possible limb bones and a skull over the past two days at the site of the Chosei Mine in western Yamaguchi prefecture, according to the civil organization Kizamu Kai. The bones will be examined by local police to determine if they belong to any victims of the mine collapse 83 years ago. If confirmed, the discovery is expected to speed up efforts to recover the remains of 136 Korean and 47 Japanese workers killed in the accident. “I was waiting for this day,” Kizamu Kai representative Yoko Inoue said. The discovery comes shortly after a Tokyo summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, which highlighted cooperation on regional security and trade while downplaying historical tensions. The Chosei undersea mine began operations in 1914. In February 1942, part of the mine’s ceiling collapsed, flooding the shaft and killing 183 workers. The accident was largely forgotten until 1991, when citizens started investigating to preserve the site and erect a memorial. Historians note that Japan used hundreds of thousands of Korean laborers during World War II to fill workforce gaps, as many Japanese men were fighting overseas. Kizamu Kai began undersea searches for victims’ remains last year after years of collecting historical documents and witness accounts. Ishiba, who has recognized Japan’s wartime aggression, approved government consultation with experts on safe recovery methods earlier this year. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed condolences and said authorities are monitoring the police examination. The health and welfare ministry has so far not funded the searches, while Kizamu Kai continues on its own. Critics say Japan has long been reluctant to address wartime atrocities, including forced labor and sexual abuse of Asian women. The government maintains that all compensation claims were resolved under the 1965 treaty with South Korea. Despite past tensions, bilateral ties have improved since 2023 under U.S. pressure to enhance security cooperation amid China’s growing regional influence.