United News of Bangladesh

Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries has set a new record for the longest "magic minute" speech in U.S. history.  Speaking for over eight and a half hours, he surpassed the previous record held by Republican Kevin McCarthy since 2021. As he approached the 520th minute, Jeffries hinted that his speech was nearing its conclusion, which prompted members of his party to shout, "take your sweet time," a phrase he has echoed several times throughout his address. During the speech, Jeffries criticized the spending bill, reviewed amendments proposed by other party members, shared stories about his parents and childhood, and quoted the Bible.Although he appears tired, he continues to speak. His lengthy speech has postponed the vote on Trump’s spending bill. Spurce:BBC

At least 94 Palestinians were killed in Gaza overnight, including 45 people who were trying to access humanitarian aid, Gaza’s Health Ministry and hospitals said Thursday. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes. Among the dead, five people were killed near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites — a new, U.S.-backed aid initiative supported by Israel — while 40 others died while waiting for aid at various locations across Gaza. Human rights group Amnesty International accused Israel and the GHF of “militarizing” the aid system as part of a starvation tactic, amounting to genocide. Amnesty claims Israel has deliberately created life-threatening conditions for Palestinians, describing the aid process as a "booby trap for desperate, starving Palestinians." Israel has rejected the allegations, calling them baseless propaganda, and is contesting genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice. 82 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including 38 people waiting for aid, authorities say Deadly airstrikes also hit displaced persons’ shelters, killing 15 in the Muwasi area and 15 more at a Gaza City school. Gaza’s death toll has surpassed 57,000 since the war began on October 7, 2023, with over half of the dead being women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The casualties come as ceasefire talks continue, with U.S. President Trump announcing Israel’s agreement to a 60-day truce proposal, though Hamas’ demands have delayed progress. The war erupted after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.  Source: Agency  

A drive-by shooting in Chicago has left four people dead and 14 others hospitalized, with at least three in critical condition, police confirmed Thursday. The incident took place late Wednesday night in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, known for its busy nightlife, restaurants, and bars. According to reports, the shooting occurred outside a restaurant and lounge where an album release party for a rapper had been held. Police said someone opened fire on a crowd gathered outside, after which the vehicle sped away. No arrests have been made so far. “When I arrived last night it was absolute chaos — people screaming, blood on the streets, individuals lying on the ground,” said Chicago pastor Donovan Price, who provides support during community crises. He described the scene as the worst he has witnessed, with people desperately trying to locate their loved ones and belongings dropped in the panic. 2 dead and at least 3 injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say Preliminary police reports state that 13 women and five men, aged between 21 and 32, were shot. Among the deceased are two men and two women. The injured were taken to multiple hospitals. Nine victims, including the two women who died, were transported to Northwestern Hospital, while five others, including the two men who died, were taken to John H. Stroger Hospital. Footage showed distressed people gathered outside hospitals and a heavy police presence at the scene.  Source: Agency  

China strongly opposes any country making trade deals that undermine its interests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. Spokesperson He Yongqian responded to media inquiries regarding the recent trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam, noting that China is currently assessing the situation. He described the U.S. imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" on trade partners as a form of unilateral bullying, a practice China consistently opposes. The spokesperson emphasized that China supports efforts by other nations to resolve trade disputes with the U.S. through equal-footing consultations but firmly rejects any agreements made at China's expense. She warned that if such situations occur, China will take decisive countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests.

More than 900 earthquakes have shaken a remote and underpopulated island chain in southern Japan over two weeks, keeping residents apprehensive and awake all night. There have been no reports of damage and no tsunami awareness has been raised but authorities have advised residents to prepare to evacuate if needed. "It's very scary to even fall asleep," one resident told the regional broadcaster MBC. "It feels like it's always shaking." The Tokara area has experienced many earthquakes formerly but the frequency of the most recent tremors has been abnormal, according to local media. Japan is one of the most seismically active nations on Earth as it is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where many tectonic plates meet. It experiences about 1,500 earthquakes each year. About 700 people live on seven of the 12 Tokara islands. There are no nearby hospitals in the islands and the nearest is at least six hours by ferry to the prefectural capital, Kagoshima. In Toshima village, some residents have been exhausted and sleepless, authorities said, as they persuaded the media to stop overwhelming locals with queries.  China, EU aim to deepen cooperation on global issues                             "We ask that you be considerate and not make excessive inquiries or interviews," according to a notice on the village website. Some guesthouses on the Tokara islands denied accepting tourists because of the earthquakes, Toshima Village said on its website, noting that they might be used as shelters for locals. This series of tremors come as the country as a whole has been kept anxious by the rumours of the occurrence of a terrifying earthquake. A 1999 comic book by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki has been spreading these rumors. In a new edition released in 2021, she claimed the next big earthquake would occur on 5 July this year. These speculations have alarmed some tourists, with several media reporting a large number of trip cancellations. The vast majority of earthquakes that hit Japan are moderate, but there are some that cause massive damage, like the one in 2011 that caused a massive tsunami into the north-east coast, killing more than 18,000 people. However, authorities have for decades been scared of the "big one" - a once-in-a-century megaquake that many had been warned about growing up. Worst-case scenarios predict it could kill 300,3000 people. Earlier this week, the government called for new precautions , such as building embankments and evacuation buildings, to enhance public readiness in case of such a disaster - but it warned that much more needs to be done.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and jointly address global challenges. Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. He emphasized that as the international landscape becomes more complex, China and the EU—two major civilizations and influential forces—must strengthen communication, build mutual trust, assume responsibilities, and promote global stability, reports Xinhua. China’s humanoid robots outshine human footballers, draw crowds with AI-driven matches Describing the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting as a pivotal event at a critical juncture, Wang expressed China’s desire to reflect on the past 50 years, draw valuable lessons, and chart a forward-looking path for cooperation over the next 50 years, sending a positive message to the world. Wang reaffirmed China’s support for European integration, calling for upholding multilateralism and free trade, safeguarding international rules, promoting peaceful dispute resolution, and collaborating on pressing issues like climate change. China launches powerful hydrogen generator to cut emissions He also reiterated China’s commitment to high-quality development and openness, emphasizing the importance of deepening economic ties, expanding cooperation, and managing differences through dialogue for mutual benefit. Von der Leyen responded that the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting is a key opportunity to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. She reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to fostering stable, constructive, and mutually beneficial ties with China. China eyes stronger ties with Bangladesh’s incoming govt: Sun Weidong She looked forward to discussions on shared concerns and emphasized the EU’s commitment to working together on global issues such as climate change, sending a strong, positive message. In addition, von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s adherence to the one-China policy. 

The fatal car crash that killed Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André, occurred less than two weeks after Jota's wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso. Jota married Cardoso on 22 June 2025, marking the beginning of what was supposed to be a new chapter in their lives. The couple, who have three children together, celebrated their wedding day with family and friends, sharing joyful moments on social media. Diogo Jota, Liverpool and Portugal Forward, Dies in Devastating Car Crash in Spain In a heartfelt post shared by the newlyweds, they wrote: "Yes, forever." Photos posted just last week show the pair smiling and gleeful during the celebrations. The tragic accident has shocked the football world, coming so soon after what was meant to be one of the happiest occasions of Jota’s life. Source: BBC

Rescue operations were underway on Thursday to locate 29 missing people after a ferry sank off Indonesia's popular resort island of Bali, leaving at least five dead. According to the National Search and Rescue Agency, 31 people were rescued from the vessel, which had 53 passengers and 12 crew members on board when it sank on Wednesday night. “The ferry is completely submerged, and there’s a chance some people are trapped inside. However, for now, we’re concentrating the search on the water’s surface,” said Nanang Sigit, head of the Surabaya Search and Rescue team. The five recovered bodies will be returned to their families in Banyuwangi, East Java, Sigit added. Authorities said the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sank roughly 30 minutes after departing Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi for Bali’s Gilimanuk Port, a short 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) journey. Rescue teams deployed a helicopter and 15 boats to search for survivors, assisted by fishermen and coastal residents. Rough sea conditions have complicated the search efforts. Strong waves reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and poor visibility hindered operations overnight. Although the weather improved Thursday morning, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency reported waves as high as 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) with strong currents and winds persisting in the afternoon. Serbian police detain 79 protesters as dissent persists against populist president “Today’s search is focused on the waters between the accident site and Gilimanuk Port, where initial victims were found,” Sigit stated. An officer at the port reportedly saw the ferry sinking before rescue teams could be dispatched. "The vessel couldn’t be contacted by radio initially, but communication was eventually established with other ships. By then, the ferry was already listing," Sigit explained. Many survivors were found unconscious after drifting for hours in rough seas, Banyuwangi Police Chief Rama Samtama Putra said. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. Survivors reported a leak in the ferry’s engine room. The ferry was carrying 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks. Relatives of passengers gathered at the port, visibly distressed and desperate for news. Those rescued were taken to nearby medical facilities, including Bali’s Jembrana Regional Hospital. Supardi, a 64-year-old survivor, described his harrowing experience. “When the ferry began to tilt, I thought of jumping into the sea, but the ship sank too quickly. I went down with the water, maybe 7 meters deep, before managing to climb to the surface,” he said. He and three others stayed afloat by using life jackets until rescuers arrived. Ferry accidents are frequent in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands, where lax safety standards and overloading often contribute to maritime disasters.  

Serbian police have detained 79 university students and other protesters after breaking up street blockades in several cities amid ongoing demonstrations against President Aleksandar Vucic's populist government. Riot police intervened late Wednesday and into early Thursday in Belgrade, as well as in the northern city of Novi Sad and the southern cities of Nis and Novi Pazar. Authorities rejected accusations of police brutality and the use of excessive force. However, student organizers claimed that police violently dispersed peaceful protesters, with reports of officers using batons and shields to beat demonstrators. Local media said four students were hospitalized, one of whom suffered a broken collarbone. The Interior Ministry confirmed that four police officers were injured and a police vehicle was damaged, stating that security forces acted "in accordance with the law" during the operation. Tensions have been escalating in Serbia following a mass rally last Saturday where tens of thousands of people in Belgrade demanded early parliamentary elections. That protest ended in clashes between riot police and demonstrators. Despite months of growing public unrest, Vucic has refused to call a snap election. The protests began in November after a deadly incident in Novi Sad where a newly renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people and sparking allegations of corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects. Serbia is scheduled to hold its next parliamentary and presidential elections in 2027. In the meantime, Vucic has increased efforts to suppress the protests, labeling them as "terror" and accusing demonstrators of trying to destabilize the state. Opposition groups and human rights advocates accuse Vucic of becoming increasingly authoritarian over his decade-long rule, eroding democratic institutions while allowing corruption and organized crime to thrive—claims he denies. Although Serbia is officially seeking European Union membership, Vucic's administration has also maintained close ties with Russia and China.    

Airstrikes and shootings killed 82 Palestinians in Gaza overnight, including 38 who were trying to access desperately needed humanitarian aid, according to hospitals and the Gaza Health Ministry on Thursday. The Israeli military has not provided an immediate response regarding the strikes. Among the casualties, five people were killed near sites linked to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a newly established, secretive American organization supported by Israel to provide food assistance to Gaza's population. Additionally, 33 people were killed while waiting for aid trucks at other locations across the Gaza Strip. Dozens more were killed during airstrikes that struck the territory on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. This includes 15 people who died in strikes targeting tents in the Muwasi zone, a large area where many displaced Palestinians have taken refuge, and a separate strike on a school in Gaza City being used as a shelter for displaced families. Gaza hospital director killed in Israeli air strike, dozens dead across strip The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that the overall death toll has now surpassed 57,000, including 223 individuals declared dead after being reported missing. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count but says women and children make up over half of those killed. These latest deaths come as Israel and Hamas move closer to potentially reaching a ceasefire agreement to end the 21-month-long war. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that Israel had agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the terms before conditions deteriorate further. However, Hamas’ response — stressing their demand for a complete end to the war — has cast doubt over whether the latest proposal will lead to an actual cessation of hostilities. The Israeli military has placed blame on Hamas for civilian casualties, accusing the group of operating within densely populated areas. The military said it targeted Hamas fighters and rocket launchers in northern Gaza after rockets were fired at Israel on Wednesday. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. The war has devastated Gaza, leaving much of the territory in ruins. Over 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many of them multiple times. The fighting has also triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands facing hunger.