United News of Bangladesh

Thousands of demonstrators converged Sunday to show their discontent against the G7 group of rich countries, with U.S. President Donald Trump and counterparts set to hold a summit starting a day later in nearby France. Environmentalists and feminists joined foes of imperialism, defenders of independent media, supporters of Palestinian rights and others in a lakeside park in Geneva for a march across town. A boat whose sail read “No G7” floated by, as sunbathers and swimmers basked under blue skies. Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police to provide security for the three-day summit starting Monday in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, France. The leaders are set to discuss issues including the Middle East, Ukraine and global economic imbalances. Authorities have blocked off roads, banned unauthorized gatherings and pledged financial support for businesses who could be hit by unrest. Scores of businesses and shops have boarded up their storefronts with wooden panels as a precaution — leery of upheaval that left a trail of damage in Geneva during a similar summit in Evian in 2003. Only seven of the 35 roadway border crossings will remain open. Demonstrators have been gathering for days in advance of Sunday’s march in Geneva, the largest city in the area and designated gathering spot for activists who oppose the G7. A flotilla of around 20 boats appeared on Lake Geneva off the coast of Evian on Saturday, displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners. Some 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening, according to Swiss media reports. Earlier, between 100 and 150 people had gathered in Geneva for a protest bicycle ride, slowing down traffic and chanting anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian slogans, public broadcaster RTS reported. Local resident Robin Hedz lamented the “mess” and expressed bafflement about the “wood-wall everywhere,” while acknowledging the memories of the trail of damaged property at the summit over 20 years ago. France will deploy more than 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers to ensure security in the summit area just across the border. Over 800 French border control officers will be active, up from about 60 normally. French gendarmes buzzed around in motorboats off the coast of Evian on Saturday, and one officer hoisted up a bulky drone-interception device in a display of the security measures being rolled out for the summit. Protests are nothing new around such elite gatherings. This time, activists want to demonstrate frustration with Trump’s leadership on issues as diverse as tariffs, the war in Iran and the climate, or even highlight his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “We are very afraid of the policy and the politics of Mr. Trump and also of the other leaders of the G7, because they are fighting, making war all over the place,” said Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition, which has organized the demonstration and march on Sunday. “The planet is in danger and we are very scared about it and we want to protest and say that the people of the world are against their policies,” she added.

Israel carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure, even as diplomatic efforts intensified to secure a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict. Columns of smoke were seen rising over parts of the Lebanese capital following the strikes, which came amid concerns that renewed military action could undermine ongoing negotiations. The attacks marked another escalation after similar Israeli strikes last week heightened tensions despite a fragile ceasefire that has largely held since April. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the operation was launched in response to Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel. Earlier Sunday, the Israeli military reported that three projectiles had been fired from Lebanon, releasing footage showing smoke rising from the impact area. Witnesses in Beirut said the strikes hit a residential building in the city’s southern suburbs, damaging several floors and prompting residents to flee. Many had recently returned to the area following weeks of relative calm. The latest violence comes as international mediators work to finalize a U.S.-Iran agreement. Tehran is seeking a ceasefire arrangement that also addresses fighting in Lebanon and includes access to billions of dollars in frozen assets. Negotiations have largely been led by Pakistan and other regional actors. Israeli leaders reiterated that attacks on Israeli territory would not be tolerated, while Hezbollah had not issued an immediate response. According to regional officials, Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran on Sunday in an effort to conclude the deal. While optimism remains cautious, officials believe an agreement could help end hostilities that have claimed thousands of lives and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, whose disruption has rattled global markets. U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif indicated that an agreement could be finalized as early as Sunday, although Iranian officials suggested it may take several more days. The signing is expected to take place electronically rather than through a formal ceremony. Despite progress, major issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme, its stockpile of enriched uranium and frozen financial assets. The proposed agreement is expected to establish a framework for further technical discussions rather than provide immediate solutions. Critics, including some within Trump’s Republican Party, argue that the emerging deal falls short of earlier U.S. and Israeli objectives, including curbing Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities and limiting its support for regional proxy groups. The future of Iran’s nuclear programme remains a key point of contention. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran possesses more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, close to weapons-grade levels. Tehran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes.

Swiss voters headed to the polls on Sunday to decide whether the country should impose a population cap of 10 million people by 2050, in a closely watched referendum that has sparked intense debate over immigration, economic growth and Switzerland’s future relationship with the European Union. The proposal, backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, is being promoted as a “sustainability initiative” aimed at easing pressure on housing, public services, transportation and the environment. Critics, however, view it as the latest attempt to curb immigration in the Alpine nation. Switzerland’s population has risen from about 7.3 million in 2002 to roughly 9.1 million today, with around 27 percent of residents born abroad. Under the proposal, authorities would be required to take action once the population reaches 9.5 million, ensuring it does not exceed 10 million before 2050. Potential measures could include limiting asylum approvals, restricting family reunification rights for foreign workers and, if necessary, terminating international agreements such as the EU’s free movement of people. The Swiss government, most political parties, trade unions and business groups oppose the initiative, arguing it could worsen labor shortages and damage relations with the European Union, Switzerland’s largest trading partner. Opponents have labeled the proposal a “chaos initiative,” warning that sectors such as healthcare, hospitality and elderly care rely heavily on foreign workers. They also fear the measure could isolate Switzerland at a time of growing global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Recent opinion polls suggest a tight race. Surveys indicate that about 52 percent of voters oppose the proposal, while 45 percent support it, leaving a significant number of undecided voters likely to determine the outcome. Supporters argue that rapid population growth has contributed to housing shortages, overcrowded public transport, rising healthcare costs and strained public services. “We have lost control,” said Nils Fiechter, a young lawmaker from the Swiss People’s Party, arguing that immigration has placed excessive pressure on infrastructure and social services. Opponents reject that view, saying structural policy failures rather than immigration are behind many of the country’s challenges. “It is not migrants who determine rent levels or health insurance premiums,” said Helin Genis, a Social Democratic politician from Bern, arguing that blaming immigration risks deepening social divisions rather than solving problems. Business leaders have also raised concerns that the population cap could undermine Switzerland’s economy. Employers warn that the country’s aging population increasingly depends on foreign workers, particularly in hospitals, care homes and hotels. Economiesuisse, Switzerland’s leading business association, has cautioned that approving the proposal could complicate ties with Brussels and jeopardize access to the European labor market. The referendum comes as Switzerland faces broader economic and geopolitical challenges, including rising defense spending, higher energy costs linked to global conflicts, and concerns about international trade relations. Final results are expected later Sunday. Source: BBC

Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Sunday nominated former minister and local government leader Adrian Vestea as prime minister, seeking to end a prolonged political crisis after his previous nominee withdrew due to a lack of parliamentary backing. Vestea, 53, a senior member of the National Liberal Party and a veteran politician from Brasov County, is Dan’s second choice for the post this month. The nomination came after former nominee Eugen Tomac stepped down from the mandate after failing to secure sufficient support and present a cabinet to Parliament within the required 10-day period. Speaking at the presidential Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest, Dan said Vestea’s extensive experience in local and national administration made him well-suited for the role. He highlighted Vestea’s record as a mayor, county council president and development minister, as well as his success in attracting European Union funding. The president also described Vestea as a strong supporter of Romania’s pro-Western orientation and someone with significant experience in managing public budgets. The nomination must now be approved by Parliament before Vestea can formally take office. Addressing reporters after the announcement, Vestea said he intends to form a political government committed to meaningful reforms and maintaining Romania’s pro-Western course. He stressed the need to prioritize development, noting that Romania, the European Union’s sixth-largest country by population, must focus on long-term economic growth from the outset of the new administration. Romania has faced political uncertainty since a no-confidence vote removed Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in May. Although the next general election is not due until 2028, the country continues to grapple with one of the European Union’s highest budget deficits, persistent inflation and a technical recession. The coalition government that took office in June 2025 had pledged to reduce the budget deficit and stabilize the economy, but Bolojan’s administration lasted less than a year amid mounting political and economic challenges.

Britain has launched an investigation into a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass international sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday. British armed forces boarded and detained the vessel, identified as Smyrtos, in the English Channel in what the UK Defence Ministry described as the first operation of its kind led by Britain. According to the ministry, the tanker will remain under detention and monitoring off England’s southern coast while authorities conduct further investigations. The operation was carried out in close coordination with French authorities, who have previously intercepted several vessels believed to be linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Western governments believe Russia has been relying on hundreds of ships operating outside conventional oversight to continue exporting oil and circumvent sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Starmer said the operation was another setback for Moscow and a warning to those helping sustain Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. UK authorities said actions against such vessels are aimed at disrupting the financial resources supporting Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and reducing its ability to threaten security across Europe and beyond.

Businesses in central Geneva have boarded up storefronts with wooden panels as authorities ramp up security ahead of planned anti-G7 protests expected on Sunday. The move comes as French and Swiss officials deploy heavy security measures for the Group of Seven (G7) summit, which begins Monday in the nearby French town of Evian-les-Bains. U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders are attending the gathering, where concerns remain about possible unrest during the events. The summit, scheduled for June 15–17 on the shores of Lake Geneva, will focus on major global issues including the Middle East conflict, the war in Ukraine and global economic tensions. At the same time, activist groups including environmentalists, feminist organisations and anti-capitalist movements have called for large demonstrations. On Saturday, around 20 boats were seen on Lake Geneva near Evian displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners. Swiss media reported that about 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening. Earlier, between 100 and 150 people took part in a bicycle protest in Geneva, slowing traffic while chanting slogans against the G7 and in support of Palestine, according to public broadcaster RTS. Local business owners and residents have expressed concern over possible violence, recalling the destruction caused during protests linked to the 2003 G8 summit, when Russia was part of the group. Some residents described the security preparations, including wooden barriers across shopfronts, as unsettling but said they understood fears of a repeat of past unrest. Swiss authorities have mobilised around 4,000 army personnel to assist police during the summit. Security operations include airspace and road restrictions, as well as patrols on Lake Geneva. Of 35 border crossings in the region, seven will remain open. A major public park in Geneva has also been closed to prevent gatherings. On the French side, more than 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers have been deployed, along with over 800 border control personnel, significantly higher than usual. Security forces were seen patrolling Lake Geneva in motorboats, while officers also tested drone-interception equipment as part of preparations. Protests are common during major global summits, and this year activists say they are demonstrating against a range of issues including Donald Trump’s policies on trade tariffs, the war in Iran, climate change, and his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition organising the protest, said participants are concerned about global conflicts and climate threats. “We are very afraid of the policies of Mr Trump and other G7 leaders because they are involved in wars around the world,” she said. “The planet is in danger, and we want to show that people are against these policies.”

The exclusion of China from the Group of Seven (G7) major economies is again under discussion as leaders of the bloc gather in France, with growing debate over whether the global economic powerhouse should remain outside the group. When the first summit of major Western economies was held in 1975 at a French chateau, China was not part of the discussion. At that time, the country was politically and economically unstable under Mao Zedong and far from the global economic influence it holds today. Now, nearly five decades later, China has become the world’s second-largest economy and a major driver of global trade, prompting questions about whether its absence from the G7 still makes sense. Some experts say its economic size alone would make it a natural fit alongside G7 members such as the United States, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada. However, the G7 has traditionally been a group of democratic nations, a standard China does not meet. Critics point to restrictions on political freedoms and civil liberties in China, which they say place it far behind G7 countries in democratic governance. Despite its exclusion, China remains a central topic at the summit. Its growing trade surplus, dominance in key minerals, rapid technological progress and expanding military strength are all seen as major global concerns. It is also the world’s largest emitter of carbon pollution, adding to its importance in climate discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron has reportedly set aside time for leaders to discuss ways to respond to China’s trade practices, including concerns that its expanding exports could harm industries in G7 countries. Analysts say that while leaders often disagree on many issues, China may be one topic that brings them closer together. Beijing, meanwhile, has long criticized the G7 as an exclusive group rooted in Cold War thinking. In a statement ahead of the summit, China’s Foreign Ministry said the group should promote cooperation rather than division, while also acknowledging the G7’s continued global influence. Experts say China is closely watching the group, even if it views it as aligned with Western interests. At the same time, they argue that bringing China into the G7 could create divisions within the bloc due to differences in political systems and foreign policy positions. Analysts also point to Russia’s past membership as a warning. Russia joined the group in 1998 but was later suspended following its actions in Ukraine, a move that continues to shape G7 attitudes toward expansion. Some experts say this experience has made G7 members more cautious about admitting countries that are not fully democratic, fearing it could weaken unity within the group.

US President Donald Trump said a deal aimed at ending hostilities between the United States and Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, although Iran has cast doubt on the proposed timeline. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the agreement would pave the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. “The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,” Trump wrote. He also referred to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, saying that “at the appropriate time, when all is calm, we will go in and get the Nuclear Dust,” which he said would later be destroyed. Trump warned that if the process did not proceed “quickly, easily and smoothly,” Washington had “the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again.” Pakistan, which has been playing a mediating role, also indicated that an agreement could be finalized soon. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the parties were closer than ever to reaching a deal. “With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours, Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical-level talks next week,” Sharif wrote on X. However, Iran appeared more cautious about the timing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said a memorandum of understanding was expected but suggested the signing would not take place immediately. “We will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the memorandum of understanding, although it will not be tomorrow,” he said. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said an agreement with Washington was close and that it envisaged an end to the conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to Araghchi, the deal would also include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports, while discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme would begin at a later stage. US officials have confirmed some elements of the proposed agreement, saying any economic benefits for Iran would depend on Tehran fulfilling its commitments. Reports have differed over whether Lebanon would be formally included in the arrangement, with some indications that Iran has pushed for its inclusion. The latest developments come after several previous attempts to finalize a deal stalled in the later stages of negotiations. The conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes inside Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf region, as well as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although a ceasefire was reached in April, tensions have persisted, with the United States and Iran exchanging intermittent attacks, including two rounds of retaliatory strikes this week. Source: BBC

Momentum for a deal to end the Iran war appeared to grow Saturday as key mediator Pakistan said an agreement was closer than “ever before” and Iran made some of its most optimistic statements yet. U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media the deal was “scheduled to get signed tomorrow,” and that the Strait of Hormuz would open immediately. Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, however, said “although it will not happen tomorrow, the possibility that it could take place in the coming days cannot be ruled out." Each side was expected to sign electronically. Meanwhile, Trump was expected to discuss demining the Strait of Hormuz during the Group of Seven summit that starts Monday. And Iran’s state-run television said funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in the war's opening attack, will take place in July. A senior U.S. official, who briefed journalists on condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said Trump planned to meet on the G7 sidelines with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to discuss efforts to wind down the war. G7 members Britain and France have expressed interest in assisting with demining once the conflict is paused. It was not clear how many mines are in the strait that Iran has effectively controlled since shortly after the war began, virtually shutting down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. The U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports in response. A tenuous ceasefire has been in place since April 7. Pakistan says a deal to end the war is imminent Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a deal aimed at ending the war was expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan's foreign ministry said the electronic signing ceremony was scheduled for Sunday, but did not provide details. Sharif told his Qatari counterpart “a peace deal was ready for signatures by the relevant parties very shortly,” another statement said. Iran signaled optimism but indicated more time was needed. Baghaei said in a statement carried by state TV that "the likelihood of finalizing the memorandum of understanding in the coming days is high.” Iran has long expressed wariness in negotiations, pointing out that previous talks with the U.S. last year and early this year ended with attacks by the U.S. and Israel. Baghaei said the memorandum under discussion was focused on ending the war and "at this stage, it has been decided that there will be no discussion of the nuclear issue.” Iran's nuclear program and highly enriched uranium have long been at the center of tensions with the U.S. and Israel and an international source of concern. Trump on social media asserted that “when all is calm,” the U.S. would go in and “downblend and destroy” the enriched uranium in Iran or in the U.S. The apparent breakthrough came after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel earlier in the week, threatening to rupture the ceasefire and push the Middle East back into full-scale war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on Friday that an agreement “has never been closer.” Trump, who has asserted multiple times in recent weeks the countries were on the cusp of a deal, shared Araghchi’s post on social media. Trump on Thursday claimed significant progress in negotiations, hours after he threatened to seize Iran’s oil industry. Khamenei to be buried at the holiest of Shiite shrines The funeral, burial and farewell events for Khamenei will occur between July 4 and 9 during Muharram, a traditional period of mourning in the Shiite Muslim calendar. Khamenei is succeeded by his son, Mojtaba, who is considered less compromising and has not been seen publicly since the war began. Funeral ceremonies are expected to begin in Tehran and move to Qom, a stronghold of many senior Shiite clerics, then to Mashhad, Khamenei's birthplace. He’ll be buried there at the Imam Reza Shrine, considered the holiest place among Shiite devotees. Khamenei remolded the Islamic Republic following the death in 1989 of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the fiery, charismatic ideologue who led the overthrow of the shah and installed rule by Shiite Muslim clerics. Khamenei ruled far longer than Khomeini. He greatly expanded the Shiite clerical class and built the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into the most important body underpinning his rule. The Guard became a military and business behemoth, the country’s most elite force and head of its ballistic missile arsenal — a key target for Israel and the U.S. in the war.

The United States and Iran appear close to a deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that a deal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East is closer than “ever before” and expected to be finalized within 24 hours. Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the agreement, followed immediately by technical-level talks next week. Previous declarations of an imminent breakthrough failed to materialize. The apparent breakthrough in negotiations comes after Iran exchanged fire with the U.S. and Israel over three days this week, threatening to push the region into a full-scale war. U.S. Central Command late Friday said in a social media post that it intercepted several Iranian attack drones that were targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The war launched by the U.S. and Israel on Feb. 28 has rattled the Middle East and virtually shut down oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7. Here's what to know: Iran's nuclear program terms to be finalized within 60 days of the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday the terms of dealing with Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized in the 60 days after the initial agreement is signed and that the parties could decide to extend that period. Iran’s nuclear program has been a key point of division. The U.S. and Israel fear it could lead to an atomic weapon — a main reason their leaders cited for going to war. Tehran has insisted its nuclear efforts are for peaceful purposes. A senior U.S. administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said Friday that the emerging agreement would begin the process of destroying or removing Tehran’s highly enriched uranium. The official said the 60-day period after both sides sign the deal would be used to work out technical details for removing Iran’s enriched uranium. The official did not detail who the U.S. envisions taking charge of removing the uranium, believed to be entombed under three nuclear sites that were battered by American strikes last year. The deal will include conditions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, official says The U.S. official said the emerging agreement includes provisions for reopening the strait. Araghchi said Iran wants a deal that allows Tehran to charge ships “for services rendered” when they transit the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has imposed a toll system during the war, which the U.S. and other nations say violates international law. Transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and natural gas, has been disrupted and crimped global energy supplies, driven up fuel prices and made food and other basics more expensive well beyond the region. The agreement is set to include Iranian sanctions relief Three regional officials said the emerging deal is also expected to include the phased lifting of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. They said they expect a signing ceremony for the agreement in the coming days after officials in Washington and Tehran approve it. What will happen to Lebanon remains unclear Iran has insisted throughout that any deal must also include a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been fighting Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy militia. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Friday that Israel could still act independently toward Iran and that the country would not pull out of the zones it is occupying in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, nor would it withdraw from the northern refugee camps of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon on Saturday.