United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump has introduced a new “Gold Card” visa programme that offers wealthy foreigners a fast-track route to US residency and eventual citizenship in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 million. Announcing the launch on Wednesday, Trump said the card would give qualified and vetted applicants a “direct path to citizenship,” adding that it would help American companies retain “invaluable talent.” According to the scheme’s official website, the Trump Gold Card is intended for individuals who can show they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The rollout comes as Washington steps up its broader immigration crackdown, including higher work visa fees and increased deportations of undocumented migrants. The programme promises residency “in record time,” with the $1 million fee serving as proof of an applicant’s economic value. Companies sponsoring foreign workers must pay $2 million plus additional charges. A premium “platinum” card offering tax breaks will cost $5 million. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their application is reviewed. Additional government fees may apply based on individual circumstances. The Gold Card website features the slogan “Unlock life in America,” alongside an image of the card bearing Trump’s photo. The plan has drawn criticism since it was first announced in February, with Democrats arguing it favours the wealthy. Trump has compared the card to a green card but said it is aimed at “high-level” professionals. “The people who can pay $5 million will create jobs,” Trump said. “It’s going to sell like crazy.” The launch comes as the Trump administration expands enforcement measures, halting immigration applications from 19 countries under the travel ban and freezing all decisions on asylum cases approved during the Biden administration. In September, Trump ordered a $100,000 fee for new overseas H-1B visa applicants, sparking concern among foreign students and tech companies. The White House later clarified the fee applies only to new applicants outside the US.   With inputs from BBC

The annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday as Chinese leaders decided priorities for the economic work in 2026. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the conference. In his speech, Xi reviewed the country's economic work in 2025, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged next year's economic work. It was noted at the meeting that 2025 is a truly extraordinary year, and the main targets for economic and social development will be successfully achieved. As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) is set to approach a successful conclusion, the meeting noted that over the past five years, China has effectively navigated various shocks and challenges, and achieved new major accomplishments in the cause of the Party and the country. It is necessary to fully tap the economic potential, continue to pursue both policy support and reform and innovation, ensure both market vitality and effective regulation, combine investment in physical assets with investment in human capital, and respond to external challenges by strengthening internal capabilities, the meeting said. Noting that there are still long-standing and new challenges in China's economic development, and the impact of changes in the external environment has deepened while risks and hidden dangers persist in some key areas, the meeting said that these issues can be resolved through efforts, and the underlying conditions and fundamental trends sustaining China's long-term economic growth remain unchanged. The conference stressed the need to fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy, move faster to forge a new development paradigm and focus on promoting high-quality development. China will adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, better coordinate domestic economic work with struggles in the international economic and trade arena, and ensure both development and security. The country will implement more proactive and impactful macroeconomic policies, formulate more far-sighted, more targeted and better-coordinated policies, continuously expand domestic demand and optimize supply, and develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions. Efforts will be made to develop a unified national market and continuously prevent and defuse risks in key areas. It is imperative to secure the steady development of employment, businesses, markets and expectations, getting the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) off to a good start. China will continue to implement a more proactive fiscal policy and maintain necessary fiscal deficits, overall debt levels and expenditure scale, while standardizing tax incentives and fiscal subsidy policies. Greater attention should be given to addressing local fiscal difficulties, and Party and government bodies will continue to keep their belts tightened. China will continue implementing a moderately loose monetary policy, employ various monetary policy tools such as reserve requirement ratios and interest rates in a flexible and efficient manner to maintain ample liquidity. China will guide financial institutions to scale up support for domestic demand expansion, sci-tech innovation, micro, small and medium enterprises, and other key areas. The RMB exchange rate will be kept generally stable at an adaptive, balanced level, the meeting said, adding that China will make macro policy orientations more consistent and effective, and refine expectations management mechanisms to bolster social confidence.

Tens of thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets Wednesday to protest alleged government corruption, just weeks before the country adopts the euro as its official currency. The demonstrations followed last week’s rallies against the government’s 2026 budget proposals, which included higher taxes, increased social security contributions, and spending hikes. The government later withdrew the plan, but protesters have expanded their demands, calling for Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s resignation. In Sofia, crowds gathered near the parliament, government, and presidential offices, chanting slogans such as “Resignation” and “Mafia.” Student groups from local universities joined the protests, which organizers said exceeded last week’s 50,000-strong rallies. Drone footage suggested over 100,000 participants. Central to the unrest is Bulgarian politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, sanctioned by the U.S. and the U.K., whose MRF New Beginning party supports the government. Opponents accuse Peevski of influencing government policies to serve oligarchic interests. No violence was reported, and the protests concluded peacefully. Meanwhile, the opposition coalition We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria filed a no-confidence motion against the government, the sixth such attempt, scheduled for Thursday. President Rumen Radev, a government critic, described the protests as a symbolic vote of no confidence and urged lawmakers to respect the public’s demands. Bulgaria, a nation of 6.4 million, is set to join the eurozone on Jan. 1, becoming the 21st EU country to adopt the euro.  

Former Bolivian President Luis Arce was arrested Wednesday in a corruption investigation, just a month after conservative President Rodrigo Paz took office, ending two decades of socialist rule. Authorities said Arce faces charges of breach of duty and financial misconduct tied to alleged embezzlement from public funds during his tenure as economy minister under former President Evo Morales (2006–2019). A special anti-corruption police unit confirmed he was in custody at its La Paz headquarters. Marco Antonio Oviedo, a senior official in Paz’s government, said Arce’s arrest demonstrates the administration’s commitment to tackling high-level graft. “We will arrest all those responsible for this massive embezzlement,” he said. Arce’s supporters, however, called the arrest politically motivated. Maria Nela Prada, a former minister and ally of Arce, described the detention as an abuse of power, noting that he was taken from the street without prior notice. Authorities allege that Arce and other officials diverted around $700 million from the state-run Indigenous Peasant Development Fund, intended to support rural Indigenous communities. Arce, who served on the fund’s board from 2006 to 2017, is accused of misusing the money for personal expenses. Bolivia’s attorney general, Roger Mariaca, said Arce invoked his right to remain silent and will appear before a judge to determine whether he will stay in custody pending trial. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 4–6 years. Paz won the October elections amid public anger over economic mismanagement, including soaring inflation, fuel shortages, and depleted state coffers under Arce’s administration. His running mate, Vice President Edman Lara, vowed that the arrest is the first of a series of anti-corruption actions. Bolivia’s judiciary has long been criticized for political bias, with past administrations using courts to target opponents. Morales and Arce previously used the system to pursue their political rivals, while former interim President Jeanine Añez and right-wing leaders were jailed, though many have since been released under the current administration. President Paz is now reversing many leftist policies, signaling a shift in Bolivia’s political landscape after years of polarized governance.  

A Pakistan military court on Thursday sentenced former spy chief Lt. Gen. (retd.) Faiz Hameed to 14 years in prison over multiple charges, including political activities, misuse of authority, and violations of the Official Secrets Act, the military said. The Field General Court Martial tried Hameed under the Pakistan Army Act over a 15-month-long process, concluding he was guilty on all four counts. The military statement said Hameed was provided full legal rights, including counsel of his choice, and may appeal the verdict before the relevant forum. Hameed, former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was widely known as a close associate of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has faced multiple graft and corruption cases since his 2023 arrest. Khan was removed from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote and has since criticized the military, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the United States, allegations denied by all parties. Security analyst Syed Muhammad Ali told AP that the ruling followed a thorough investigation giving Hameed ample chance to defend himself. “The decision signals that no officer, retired or active, will be allowed to engage in politics,” he said, noting Hameed’s case serves as a warning to others. Hameed was detained in 2024 after a Supreme Court-ordered probe into the Top City project, a private housing development near Islamabad. Details of the charges were not publicly disclosed before the verdict. The arrest and conviction of such a high-profile retired military officer surprised many in Pakistan, where the army holds substantial influence and detentions of senior officials are uncommon.  

Denmark plans to ban social media access for children under 15, following Australia’s move to restrict use for those under 16, in a bid to protect young people from online risks. The Danish government said last month that it reached an agreement with three coalition and two opposition parties in parliament on the measure, which could become law by mid-2026. Parents may have limited rights to allow children aged 13 and above to use social media, though the ministry has not fully outlined the enforcement details. Many platforms already bar users under 13, and EU rules require safeguards for minors. Yet authorities say restrictions have limited impact: about 98% of Danish children under 13 already have social media profiles, including nearly half under 10. Minister for Digital Affairs Caroline Stage, announcing the plan, said a consultation and multiple parliamentary readings are still needed. “For too long, social media platforms have had free play in children’s lives,” she said. “In the digital world, we don’t have bouncers, and we need that.” The Danish proposal comes amid mixed reactions. Some teenagers fear losing contact with online friends. Fifteen-year-old Ronja Zander said she relies on social media to stay in touch with friends she only knows online. Others, like 14-year-old Chloé Courage Fjelstrup-Matthisen, highlighted exposure to graphic content and cyberbullying. Parents largely support the move. Line Pedersen from Nykøbing said children were given smartphones and social media too early, leaving them unsure of what is normal online. The government plans to use a new “digital evidence” app, expected next spring, displaying age certificates to ensure compliance with age limits. Stage emphasized that political action is needed because social media companies often fail to enforce their own rules. Experts caution that age restrictions may not fully protect children and could affect their democratic rights. Anne Mette Thorhauge, associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, said social media is a key way for young people to connect with society, similar to broadcast media for previous generations. The EU Digital Services Act requires platforms to implement parental controls and age verification, but enforcement remains challenging across member states. Denmark joins several countries following Australia’s lead. Malaysia plans to bar social media for users under 16 from next year, while Norway is considering similar restrictions. China already limits children’s online gaming and smartphone usage.  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was set to hold urgent talks on Thursday with leaders and senior officials from around 30 countries backing Kyiv’s push for fair terms to end the war with Russia. Top leaders from Germany, Britain and France were expected to join the virtual meeting of Ukraine’s partners, known as the Coalition of the Willing. Zelenskyy signalled that the consultations were hastily arranged as Kyiv tries to avoid being pressured by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is urging a rapid settlement. European governments are racing to shape the talks, saying their own security depends on the outcome. Trump said Wednesday that he had discussed peace proposals “in pretty strong terms” with European leaders and insisted that Zelenskyy “has to be realistic” about a plan that would see Ukraine give up territory to Russia. He did not provide further detail. Trump’s push to broker a deal has stretched beyond his own deadlines. He initially demanded that Kyiv accept his plan before Thanksgiving, but that and earlier timelines have passed without agreement. Russia, aiming to avoid fresh U.S. sanctions, is also trying to show it is engaging with Trump’s efforts. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow has sent Washington additional proposals on collective security guarantees that Ukraine and Europe say are essential to prevent future attacks. He offered no specifics. The diplomatic rush came as Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the nearly four-year war, forcing all four Moscow airports to halt flights for seven hours overnight. Airports in eight other Russian cities also faced restrictions, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority. Russia’s Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down 287 Ukrainian drones across several regions. The strike highlighted Ukraine’s ability to hit deep inside Russia, countering the Kremlin’s argument that the invasion gives Moscow overwhelming leverage. Analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to appear to be negotiating from a position of strength. But since launching the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized only about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. European leaders said Wednesday the talks had reached “a critical moment.” Zelenskyy added late Wednesday that Ukraine will coordinate further with European partners next week. EU member states are scheduled to hold a regular summit in Brussels at the end of next week.  

South Korea on Thursday indicted former acting president Choi Sang-mok on charges linked to the brief martial law declared by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024, widening the list of senior officials facing legal action over the crisis. Choi is among three top officials who temporarily led the government after Yoon was impeached and removed over the controversial martial law order, which triggered widespread political unrest. Yoon is currently in jail and standing trial on rebellion charges. Dozens of his officials and military commanders have been arrested, indicted or placed under investigation. An independent investigation team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk charged Choi with dereliction of duty for failing to fully restore the nine-member Constitutional Court while it was reviewing Yoon’s impeachment. Prosecutors say Choi filled two vacant seats but left a third unfilled, citing political gridlock, even though restoring the court could have strengthened the case for Yoon’s removal. The court later unanimously dismissed Yoon in April. Assistant special prosecutor Park Ji-young said another former acting leader, Han Duck-soo, was also indicted Thursday on the same dereliction of duty charge. Han, who earlier faced accusations of helping legitimize Yoon’s martial law order by attempting to push it through a Cabinet Council meeting, has said he opposed the plan. Five others, including Yoon’s justice minister, were indicted on various charges connected to the martial law episode. Prosecutors also brought perjury charges against Choi for testimony given during Han’s trial. The probe into the martial law declaration is one of three independent investigations into Yoon, his wife and their associates. The inquiries were approved by current President Lee Jae Myung after he won a June snap election triggered by Yoon’s removal. In August, Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, was arrested and indicted on financial and political corruption charges. Hak Ja Han, the 82-year-old Unification Church leader, was also arrested for allegedly ordering church officials to bribe a lawmaker close to Yoon. The unfolding scandal has rattled the country’s political landscape, with local media reporting that other influential figures, including those aligned with the Lee administration, may have received money from the church. Amid the growing scrutiny, Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo on Thursday denied bribery allegations but submitted his resignation to avoid putting pressure on the administration. President Lee accepted his resignation later in the day. Earlier this week, Lee urged a full investigation into alleged ties between politicians and a religious group, though he did not mention the Unification Church by name.  

A Myanmar military air strike on a hospital in western Rakhine state killed at least 31 people, an on-site aid worker said Thursday, as the junta intensifies its offensive ahead of elections scheduled for this month. The military has escalated air strikes since seizing power in a 2021 coup that ended a decade of democratic governance, conflict monitors report. Polls are set to begin on December 28, which the junta presents as a path to peace, but rebel groups have vowed to prevent voting in areas under their control. Myanmar frees thousands of political prisoners ahead of election Wai Hun Aung, an aid worker at Mrauk-U General Hospital near the Bangladesh border, said the situation was “terrible,” with 31 confirmed dead and 68 injured, and casualties likely to rise. At least 20 shrouded bodies were seen outside the hospital overnight. A junta spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. Source: Agencies 

Renewed clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border continued Wednesday, displacing hundreds of thousands as people sought refuge in overcrowded temporary shelters. On the Thai side, outgoing gunfire could still be heard. The violence, rooted in long-standing territorial disputes, followed a skirmish Sunday that injured two Thai soldiers and disrupted a ceasefire brokered in July. U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to call the two leaders Thursday and expressed confidence he could persuade them to halt the fighting. Thailand-Cambodia clashes displace 5 lakh; evacuees recount escape Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to press on, while Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen promised a strong response. The recent clashes have killed over a dozen people, with roughly 400,000 evacuated in Thailand and more than 127,000 in Cambodia. Casualties include five Thai soldiers and nine Cambodian civilians, including a baby. The violence also affected sports, as Cambodia withdrew its team from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand over safety concerns. Both countries have deployed heavy artillery and airstrikes, including rockets and drones, while Thai authorities imposed curfews in border districts. Evacuees expressed deep concern for their families and livestock, hoping the conflict ends soon. Source: AP