United News of Bangladesh

At least 18 Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan were killed and 35 others injured when a truck overturned on a highway in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday. The accident took place in Laghman Province along the main road connecting Kabul and Nangarhar Province, according to provincial governor’s spokesperson Abdul Malik Niazai. Officials said the victims included 10 children and five women. The injured, most of them women and children, were transported to hospitals in Nangarhar for treatment. Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the crash. Road accidents remain a frequent occurrence in Afghanistan due to poor road conditions and widespread disregard for traffic regulations. The passengers were among the large number of Afghans returning from Pakistan amid an ongoing campaign against undocumented migrants launched by the Pakistani authorities in 2023. Similar expulsions have also taken place in Iran. Since then, millions of Afghans have returned from the two neighboring countries, including many who were born and raised in Pakistan and had lived there for decades.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday reassured allies in the Indo-Pacific of Washington’s continued commitment to regional security, while adopting a more measured tone on China during his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Speaking before world leaders, diplomats and senior defense officials, Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific to US security and economic interests. He said Washington’s goal remains to maintain a stable and favorable balance of power across the region. The remarks marked a contrast to his speech at last year’s forum, where he warned of growing military threats from China and accused Beijing of actively preparing for a potential move against Taiwan. This year’s conference comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following the talks, Trump described Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about future relations between the two countries. Reflecting the more conciliatory atmosphere, Hegseth said Trump and Xi had agreed to pursue a constructive and stable relationship based on fairness and mutual respect while safeguarding their respective national interests. Despite the softer rhetoric, Hegseth stressed that the United States remains determined to prevent any single power from dominating the Indo-Pacific. He pointed to concerns over China’s expanding military capabilities and growing regional activities, saying many countries share concerns about preserving the current balance of power. US Senator Tammy Duckworth, attending the conference as part of a congressional delegation, criticized the Trump administration’s approach toward China. She expressed concern that Washington could be weakening its commitments in the Indo-Pacific while aligning too closely with Beijing. Questions have also emerged over US support for Taiwan after Trump described a proposed $14 billion arms package for the self-governed island as a potential bargaining tool in negotiations with China. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Hegseth reiterated that US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged but declined to comment on the future of the arms package, saying any decision would ultimately rest with President Trump. The defense secretary also renewed calls for US allies to increase defense spending, arguing that Washington seeks strong partners rather than nations dependent on American protection. He praised several Asian countries for boosting military investments and suggested some European allies could learn from Asia’s pragmatic approach to security cooperation.

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday began an official visit to India, marking his first trip to the neighboring country since assuming the presidency in April after an election widely criticized by opponents as a move to preserve military rule. According to Myanmar’s state-run MRTV, Min Aung Hlaing departed from Naypyitaw and arrived at Gaya International Airport in Bihar state. During the visit, he is scheduled to meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior government officials, and business representatives. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in economic, cultural, religious, and social sectors. The Myanmar leader, accompanied by cabinet members, will also tour key infrastructure projects in India. India has maintained engagement with Myanmar’s military-led administration despite sanctions imposed by Western nations following the military takeover in 2021 that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup triggered widespread unrest, armed conflict, and a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Sharing a 1,643-kilometer border and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal, India regards Myanmar as strategically important for regional security. The two countries have worked together on border management and intelligence cooperation to address insurgent activities in frontier areas. India also hosts thousands of refugees who have fled violence in Myanmar, particularly from conflict-affected regions such as Chin state. The visit has drawn criticism from pro-democracy activists. Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung said hosting Min Aung Hlaing risks legitimizing a government accused of serious human rights violations. In a statement issued Friday, she urged India to reconsider its support for Myanmar’s military authorities, including military cooperation and business relations, and instead back the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of federal democracy.

The United States has revoked the visa of a journalist working for China's state-run Xinhua News Agency in an apparent reciprocal move following Beijing's expulsion of New York Times correspondent Vivian Wang. The action marks a rare direct response by Washington to China's removal of an American journalist. Beijing reportedly expelled Wang after a New York Times DealBook event featured Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, despite her having no role in the interview. The New York Times condemned the decision and called for Wang's reinstatement, warning that her expulsion would further limit independent reporting from China. The latest dispute has raised concerns among international media organizations operating in China, where authorities closely regulate foreign journalists through accreditation and visa controls. Media tensions between the United States and China have persisted since 2020, when both countries imposed restrictions on journalists, significantly reducing the number of American reporters based in China. Although the two sides later reached a limited agreement allowing some journalists to return, the latest developments highlight ongoing strains over press freedom and media access between Washington and Beij

President Donald Trump met with senior advisers in the White House Situation Room on Friday to discuss a potential agreement with Iran aimed at extending the current ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, no final decision was reached, and Iranian officials stated that the deal remains incomplete. Before the meeting, Trump said he was preparing to make a final judgment on the proposal. According to a senior administration official, the approximately two-hour discussion ended without a resolution. The official added that Trump would only approve an agreement that aligns with his key conditions, particularly those related to limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The meeting followed reports from The Associated Press and other outlets indicating that U.S. and Iranian negotiators had tentatively agreed on a framework. The proposed arrangement would prolong the fragile ceasefire for another 60 days while negotiations continue over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump reiterated on social media that Iran must commit to never developing nuclear weapons. He also insisted that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened to international shipping and that all naval mines be removed from the waterway. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded skeptically, stating that Iran relies on concrete actions rather than promises. He emphasized that Iran would not make concessions before the other side takes meaningful steps and suggested that military strength, not negotiations alone, secures outcomes. Nuclear Disputes Still UnsettledIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei later confirmed that no final agreement had been reached. While U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested negotiators were establishing broad principles for future nuclear discussions, Baghaei said Iran’s current priority remains ending hostilities rather than debating detailed nuclear arrangements. Iran also seeks provisions covering a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets frozen abroad. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, emphasized that Tehran expects reciprocal concessions, stating that any exchange must be balanced. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses approximately 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels. Tehran continues to maintain that its nuclear activities are peaceful and has not agreed to surrender its stockpile, much of which is believed to be located at facilities heavily damaged by U.S. strikes last year. Trump renewed his demand that the enriched uranium be removed and destroyed under U.S., Iranian, and IAEA supervision. Strait of Hormuz Central to Proposed DealUnder the proposed agreement, Iran would be prohibited from charging transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz and would be required to clear all sea mines from the strategic passage within 30 days. In exchange, the United States would gradually ease restrictions on Iranian ports and relax sanctions, enabling Iran to increase oil exports. Baghaei stated that Iran and Oman, which share control over opposite sides of the strait, would manage shipping through the waterway while considering both national and international interests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he discussed the issue with his Omani counterpart and expressed support against external threats. Earlier in the week, Trump warned Oman against entering any arrangement with Iran that would involve shared control of the strait, threatening military action if such a deal proceeded. Iran has largely restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz since U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28 that killed Iran’s supreme leader and several senior officials. Prior to those events, the route handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. The disruption has driven up fuel and commodity prices worldwide. Although Iran has recently allowed limited commercial traffic through the strait, vessel movements remain far below pre-war levels. Tehran has also imposed fees on some ships and created a new oversight body, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, prompting additional U.S. sanctions. The authority criticized the sanctions while portraying them as evidence of its effectiveness. Despite occasional military exchanges and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations during the past seven weeks, the United States and Iran have avoided a return to full-scale conflict and have continued diplomatic negotiations.

Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state-controlled enterprises reported combined profits of more than 1.37 trillion yuan (about 202 billion U.S. dollars) in the first four months of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 1.9 percent, latest government data showed Friday. During this period, Chinese SOEs' total operating revenue came in at roughly 26.27 trillion yuan, down 0.5 percent, according to data released by the Ministry of Finance. The SOEs' debt-to-asset ratio stood at 65.5 percent at the end of April, the data revealed. This year's government work report released in March states that the country will formulate and implement plans for further deepening SOE and state-capital reform to refine the layout of the state-owned sector and adjust its structure. During an inspection tour last month to Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing underscored the need to unswervingly deepen the reform of SOEs to ensure that SOEs strengthen, optimize and expand their businesses. He urged SOEs to enhance their role as major innovators and focus on tackling scientific and technological challenges in line with national strategic needs, in order to better support the development of the innovation ecosystem in the country.

A Russian drone involved in an overnight attack on Ukraine went off course and crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people and heightening concerns about the war spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders into NATO territory. Romania’s Defense Ministry said the drone was detected and tracked by radar after entering Romanian airspace before crashing onto the roof of a residential building in the city of Galati, located on the Danube River near the borders with Ukraine and Moldova. The impact sparked a fire, leaving two people with minor injuries and forcing the evacuation of several residents. The Romanian military scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and a helicopter authorized to engage aerial threats, while emergency alerts were issued to residents in affected areas. However, the aircraft did not engage or shoot down the drone. Romania’s Foreign Ministry described the drone’s flight as a serious violation of international law and called on NATO to speed up the transfer of anti-drone capabilities to the country’s military. Gen. Gheorghe Maxim, acting commander of Romania’s joint military staff, said the incident was not a deliberate Russian attack on Romania but warned that Russia remains a threat to regional security. The incident was the latest in a series of drone incursions involving both Russia and Ukraine that have unsettled NATO member states. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 232 drones and one ballistic missile overnight, with 217 drones intercepted and strikes recorded in 14 areas.

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying before House lawmakers investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse cases, a long-awaited appearance that brings fresh scrutiny of the administration’s botched release of the Epstein case files. Bondi was defiant in previous public testimony when she was confronted by lawmakers about the Epstein investigation. It’s unclear whether she’ll bring the same approach Friday, now that she is no longer in charge of the Justice Department. The session will be held behind closed doors. The transcribed interview will give lawmakers a chance to dig for information on the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files and other related matters, including the prison sentence of his former girlfriend and confidant, Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department moved Maxwell to a prison camp in Texas last August. “I think she absolutely could clear up many missing pieces if she wanted to,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari, an Arizona Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. “Now it’s a question of whether or not she is willing to be transparent.” Lawmakers are trying to find out what decisions prosecutors have made about investigating Epstein associates, how the Justice Department handled the congressional mandate to release the Epstein case files and whether President Donald Trump was involved in the process. Bondi, who revealed this week that she is being treated for thyroid cancer, has stayed within Trump’s orbit even after being ousted from her job in early April. Trump appointed her to a White House panel on artificial intelligence this week, and Bondi will be accompanied Friday by Justice Department officials, including Harmeet Dhillon, who heads the department’s Civil Rights Division, acting as her counsel. Democrats say that arrangement is a conflict of interest. A spokesperson for the Justice Department said the officials were there to help lawmakers understand the department’s process for releasing the case files. Bondi was central to the Epstein sagaBondi has been central to the political firestorm over Epstein, initially raising expectations for the full release of what’s known as the Epstein files, only to later backtrack. That reversal prompted Congress to step in and pass a law requiring the release. Bondi faced even more backlash when the Justice Department’s release of the files was delayed and then included personal information of several potential victims. She has insisted in congressional hearings that she was trying to follow the law. The House Oversight Committee, meanwhile, has been conducting a wide-ranging investigation into Epstein that spans multiple presidential administrations. The interview format is already contentiousBondi was subpoenaed by the committee in March in a bipartisan vote, but she tried to head off that demand by holding a closed-door meeting with lawmakers that same month. The maneuver only added to the enmity between Bondi and Democrats on the committee. Bondi’s departure from the Justice Department also raised doubts about the enforcement of the congressional subpoena. After the committee’s Democrats maneuvered to press for a civil contempt of Congress resolution against Bondi, she agreed to sit for a transcribed interview rather than a sworn deposition. Democrats on the Oversight panel have criticized that arrangement, saying that it allows Bondi to decline to answer questions. They have also pressed the Republican chair of the committee, Rep. James Comer, to record the interview on video. “A failure to film and release a video of Ms. Bondi’s testimony would present a grave injustice to the American people and survivors of Epstein’s crimes,” the committee’s top Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia, wrote to Comer. Comer has said he is allowing Bondi to sit for a transcribed interview rather than a deposition as an incentive to cooperate. Previously, he had enforced a subpoena on former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after they resisted the demand. Both of their depositions were video-recorded. Still, Comer said Bondi could face prosecution if she lies to Congress. He said the committee would also release a transcript of the interview. “Hopefully that will be good enough,” he said.

Lebanon’s Culture Minister Ghassan Salame has warned that continued Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon are placing several important heritage sites at “serious danger,” including landmarks in the ancient city of Tyre. Salame said bombardments had fallen very close to the archaeological ruins of Tyre, a site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also reported that the medieval Beaufort Castle, which overlooks the southern city of Nabatieh, was directly struck in an Israeli attack. According to Salame, the historic fortress dates back to the 12th century. The minister expressed concern that the ongoing strikes could cause significant damage to Lebanon’s cultural and historical heritage. Source: Al Jazeera 

China has hosted more than 50,000 young Americans for exchanges and study visits, hitting the five-year target set in 2023, the Ministry of Education announced Friday. The U.S. young visitors, from the country's 50 states and Washington, D.C., reached across China's 31 provincial-level regions as well as Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. They participated in activities as diverse as learning languages, summer and winter camps, sports competitions, and academic studies for credits or degrees. The exchanges bridged information gaps, strengthened goodwill and contributed to stable, healthy and sustainable bilateral ties, said an official from the international cooperation department of the education ministry. The ministry also encourages efforts from both public and private sectors to scale-up exchanges and turn short-term engagements into robust, long-term partnerships.