United News of Bangladesh

Speakers at a discussion urged the interim government to strengthen its energy governance and accelerate exploration and infrastructure upgrades to prevent a deepening energy crisis. Speakers said this at a discussion titled ‘Powering Bangladesh Toward Energy Security’ organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) in the capital on Tuesday. The event was supported by Chevron Bangladesh, an industry leader whose 30-year partnership has significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s economic growth and community development, investing approximately USD 4.2 billion as the country’s largest gas producer, supplying nearly 60% of domestic demand, said a press release. Syed Ershad Ahmed, President of AmCham Bangladesh, underscored that energy security is currently critically important for Bangladesh. He also highlighted that the country’s energy sector faces persistent fuel shortages, outdated transmission systems, declining gas reserves, and overreliance on imported fuels, which undermine reliability and industrial growth. Strengthening regulatory governance, accelerating exploration, upgrading infrastructure, expanding renewables, and enabling clearer investment pathways are essential to building a resilient, secure, and future-ready energy ecosystem. Syed Ershad Ahmed, said that the country’s energy sector faces persistent fuel shortages, outdated transmission systems, declining gas reserves, and overreliance on imported fuels, which undermine reliability and industrial growth. Strengthening regulatory governance, accelerating exploration, upgrading infrastructure, expanding renewables, and enabling clearer investment pathways are essential to building a resilient, secure, and future-ready energy ecosystem. AmCham dialogue stresses urgent reforms to boost investment competitiveness Paul Frost, Commercial Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Dhaka, moderated the session, reflecting the continued commitment to strengthening U.S.–Bangladesh trade and investment cooperation. The event was also attended by Mr. Eric M. Walker, Vice President of AmCham and President, Chevron Bangladesh; Prof. M. Tamim, distinguished petroleum and mineral resources engineering scholar and Vice Chancellor of IUB; Mr. Muhammad Imrul Kabir, Director, Corporate Affairs, Chevron Bangladesh, AmCham members from the power and energy sector; and senior leadership from leading companies in the industry.    

Canada’s top diplomat in Washington, Kirsten Hillman, announced Tuesday that she will step down next year, just as Canada and the United States prepare to reassess their free trade agreement. In a letter, Hillman said the timing is appropriate for appointing a successor who will manage negotiations on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is scheduled for review in 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney praised Hillman for laying the groundwork for Canada ahead of the upcoming assessment, noting she is one of the country’s longest-serving envoys to the U.S. Hillman, appointed in 2017 by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was also the first woman to hold the post. She played a key role in negotiating trade terms during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term and worked with U.S. and Chinese authorities to secure the release of two Canadians imprisoned in China. Hillman and Canada-U.S. trade minister Dominic LeBlanc have been leading discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. China’s exports rise 5.9% in November despite U.S. shipments falling sharply U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra praised Hillman on social media, calling her a respected figure in bilateral relations and wishing her well in her next chapter. Trade tensions flared in October when Trump halted negotiations after Ontario aired an anti-tariff ad in the U.S., angering the president. This followed earlier friction over Trump’s suggestion that Canada should join the U.S. as its 51st state. Asked this week about resuming talks, Trump replied, “we’ll see.” Canada remains one of the world’s most trade-reliant nations, with over 75% of its exports headed to the United States under the USMCA, which is due for review. Carney has set a goal to double Canada’s non-U.S. trade within 10 years. Canada supplies about 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of its electricity imports. It is also America’s largest foreign source of steel, aluminum and uranium, and holds 34 critical minerals vital to U.S. national security. Source: AP 

President Donald Trump on Sunday warned that Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery “could be a problem” because of the combined company’s market share. Speaking to reporters at the Kennedy Center Honors, Trump said he would be involved in the federal review of the deal, which would bring together two of the world’s largest streaming platforms and combine Warner’s television and film assets, including DC Studios, with Netflix’s extensive library and production capabilities. “Netflix is a great company. They’ve done a phenomenal job. Ted is a fantastic man,” Trump said, referring to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, whom he met in the Oval Office last week before the deal’s announcement on Dec. 5. “I have a lot of respect for him but it’s a lot of market share, so we’ll have to see what happens.” Asked whether Netflix should be allowed to acquire the Hollywood studio behind “Harry Potter” and HBO Max, Trump replied, “Well that's the question. They have a very big market share and when they have Warner Bros., that share goes up a lot, so I don’t know. I'll be involved in that decision, too.” Trump emphasized that Sarandos made no promises regarding regulatory approval but praised his track record in the entertainment industry. “There’s no question about it. It could be a problem,” he added. If approved, the merger is expected to significantly reshape the global entertainment and streaming landscape.  

China’s exports bounced back in November after a surprising decline in October, although shipments to the United States fell nearly 29% year-on-year for the eighth consecutive month of double-digit drops. Customs data released Monday showed overall exports grew 5.9% in dollar terms to $330.3 billion, surpassing economists’ expectations. This followed a 1.1% contraction in October. While exports to the U.S. remain weak, shipments to other regions, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, have surged. China’s imports also rose 1.9% in November, an improvement over October’s 1% growth, despite ongoing pressure from the property sector affecting consumer spending and business investment. The growth follows a year-long trade truce between China and the U.S., reached during a late-October meeting in South Korea between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. As part of the truce, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Chinese goods, and China agreed to halt certain export controls on rare earths. Japan revises GDP figures, showing deeper July–September economic slump “While the trade truce and U.S. tariff reductions should support Chinese exports, we are entering a period of unfavorable base effects,” wrote ING Bank economists Lynn Song and Deepali Bhargava, noting strong export growth last year ahead of Trump’s tariff hikes. “This should keep trade growth modest.” Despite exports holding up, China’s factory activity contracted for the eighth consecutive month, and economists say it is too early to determine whether the trade truce has sparked a real rebound in external demand. Analysts generally expect China to meet its annual growth target of around 5% this year. Chinese leaders recently outlined plans to focus on advanced manufacturing over the next five years, with details expected at an upcoming economic planning meeting. However, BNP Paribas strategist Chi Lo warned that a stable global trade environment is unlikely, given the ongoing stalemate in China-U.S. relations. Still, some economists are optimistic about China’s long-term export prospects. Morgan Stanley forecasts that by 2030, China’s share of global exports could rise to 16.5% from about 15% today, driven by strengths in advanced manufacturing and high-growth sectors such as electric vehicles, robotics, and batteries. Putin and Modi announce $100 Billion trade target by 2030 “Despite trade tensions, protectionism, and active industrial policies in G20 economies, we believe China will continue gaining share in the global goods export market,” said Morgan Stanley Chief Asia Economist Chetan Ahya. Source: AP 

Japan’s economy shrank more sharply than initially estimated in the July–September quarter, contracting at an annualized rate of 2.3% as exports weakened under U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures and public investment slowed. Revised government data released Monday show the economy fell 0.6% from the previous quarter — a steeper downturn than the preliminary estimate last month, which pointed to a 1.8% annualized contraction or a 0.4% quarterly decline, according to the Cabinet Office. The annualized figure reflects how the economy would perform if the quarter’s pace continued for a full year. Exports dropped 1.2% from the previous quarter, unchanged from the earlier estimate, while private residential investment slid 8.2%, a milder fall than the initially reported 9.4%. The tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this year have weighed heavily on Japan, particularly duties targeting automobiles — a key sector. Although the U.S. scaled back planned tariff surcharges on Japanese goods to 15% in September, the trade pressure has already disrupted business confidence. During negotiations, Japan pledged to invest $550 billion in the U.S. as a conciliatory gesture. Analysts attribute the significant drop in residential investment partly to updated building regulations that curbed housing starts earlier this year. China and France pledge closer cooperation on global crises and trade Revised data also show imports dipping 0.4% during the quarter, while private consumption edged up 0.2%. The ongoing tariff disputes have strained Japan’s relations with its most critical ally, the United States. Meanwhile, Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, continues to enjoy strong public support, known for her assertive nationalist rhetoric and promises of economic revitalization — though analysts say the outlook remains uncertain. Source: AP 

China and France on Thursday pledged deeper collaboration on global challenges such as the war in Ukraine and trade, as France prepares to assume the presidency of the Group of Seven next year. French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping during a three-day state visit focused on diplomacy and economic ties. Macron urged Beijing to join international efforts to pressure Russia toward a ceasefire, particularly a moratorium on strikes targeting critical infrastructure. Xi did not directly respond but emphasized China’s support for peace efforts and called for agreements acceptable to all parties. Xi also announced $100 million in aid to support Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and reconstruction. The leaders highlighted stronger trade and economic cooperation, agreeing on 12 deals covering aerospace, nuclear energy, green industries, AI, panda conservation, and higher education exchanges. Xi emphasized China’s commitment to expanding market access and promoting mutually beneficial collaboration with France and the EU. Xi and Macron vow to deepen cooperation on global crises and trade Experts noted that Beijing may use bilateral agreements to strengthen ties with France individually, potentially undermining broader EU cohesion. Macron’s visit also includes engagements in Chengdu, including the giant panda research center, where France returned pandas last month that had been living in the country for 13 years. The visit underscores France and China’s intent to combine diplomatic engagement with economic initiatives while navigating global crises. Source: AP 

Thailand on Wednesday lifted a 53-year-old restriction on the afternoon retail sale of alcoholic beverages, a move aimed at boosting year-end tourism and supporting businesses such as bars and convenience stores. The prohibition on selling beer, wine, and spirits between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., first introduced in 1972 during military rule, will be lifted on a 180-day trial, after which authorities will assess its impact. The amendment, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, allows alcohol sales from 11 a.m. to midnight, with patrons at nightlife venues permitted to drink until 1 a.m. While Thailand is largely Buddhist, discouraging alcohol consumption, drinking remains widespread. Authorities had expressed concerns that extending sales could worsen drunk-driving incidents. Previously, afternoon alcohol sales were inconsistently enforced, with exemptions for airports, hotels, and certain entertainment venues. Temporary bans were also imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb virus spread. The trial aims to balance public safety with economic benefits during the holiday season. Source: AP 

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to China on Wednesday for a three-day state visit focused on trade cooperation and high-level diplomacy, with a key goal of encouraging Beijing to help push Russia toward agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Macron’s office said the trip aims to strengthen economic ties and promote a more balanced trading relationship that supports “sustainable, solid growth that benefits everyone.” France hopes to draw greater Chinese investment and widen access for French exports. Both sides are expected to sign agreements in sectors including energy, aviation and the food industry. The French president also plans to defend “fair and reciprocal market access” amid ongoing trade tensions between the European Union and China. The EU recorded a trade deficit of more than 300 billion euros ($348 billion) with China last year, while China alone accounts for nearly half of France’s total trade gap. Recent disputes have ranged from electric vehicle subsidies to China’s retaliatory probes into European brandy, pork and dairy imports. Paris welcomed China’s recent decision to exempt most cognac producers from punitive measures, noting France remains China’s top supplier of wine and spirits. Russia’s frozen assets become key bargaining chip in Ukraine peace negotiations Macron will also discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine with President Xi Jinping, following talks on Monday in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about possible ceasefire terms. A senior French diplomatic official said Paris wants Beijing to use its influence to push Russia toward “a ceasefire as quickly as possible,” followed by negotiations that guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security. France also expects China to avoid supplying Russia with any materials that could prolong the conflict. China’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated that Beijing supports “dialogue and negotiation” and claims it has played a “constructive role” since the war began. Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte, will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening and visit the newly restored Qianlong Garden in the Forbidden City. On Thursday, he will meet Xi at the Great Hall of the People before taking part in a Franco-Chinese business forum. He will later meet Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, and Premier Li Qiang. The French presidential couple will then travel to Chengdu in Sichuan province. On Friday, Macron and Xi will meet in Dujiangyan, home to one of the world’s oldest irrigation systems, before Macron visits students at Sichuan University. Chengdu also hosts the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, where Yuan Meng — the first giant panda born in France and named by Brigitte Macron — now resides. France recently returned a pair of pandas that had lived in the country for 13 years and produced three cubs. Source: AP 

For Pioneering Contributions to Conception and Development of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and Leadership in Its Practical Application -On November 17, 2025, the Honda Foundation held the 46th Honda Prize Award Ceremony and a commemorative lecture at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. The foundation awarded the prize medal and diploma to this year’s laureate, Dr. Kenichi Iga (honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo, and 18th president of the former Tokyo Institute of Technology), for his pioneering conception and development of the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL). The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and his younger brother Benjiro. At the opening of the ceremony, Hiroto Ishida, President of the Honda Foundation, delivered opening remarks: "The surface-emitting laser conceived and promoted by Dr. Iga is now indispensable to people's lives. It supports our society in many areas, including high-speed data communication and facial recognition on smartphones. Dr. Iga’s efforts, from the conception of this new technology to leading its fundamental research, practical application, and subsequent widespread adoption, represent a great achievement that truly embodies the spirit of the Honda Prize." Following the ceremony, Dr. Iga delivered a commemorative lecture titled "Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL): Born Small and Grown Big -- From Smartphones to Huge Data Centers." In the lecture, Dr. Iga shared episodes from his journey, starting with his boyhood in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan. Raised in a nature-rich environment, he became interested in electricity and electronics after building his own radio. He also reflected on his university days, where he devoted himself to research with the support of a scholarship from "SAKKOKAI," a foundation established in 1961 by Honda founders Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa to support young researchers.

For Europe, money is as crucial to Ukraine’s survival as weapons and intelligence. But the EU’s most realistic funding solution relies on accessing billions of dollars in frozen Russian assets — the same assets U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested taking control of. An early draft of Trump’s 28-point peace proposal envisioned a reconstruction fund for Ukraine managed by the U.S., financed by $100 billion in frozen Russian assets and matched by another $100 billion from the European Union — with half of the profits flowing back to Washington. The idea caught European officials off guard, especially after years of internal arguments over what to do with Russia’s immobilized financial reserves. These assets form the backbone of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s strategy to tighten pressure on Moscow and boost support for Ukraine, even as unexplained drone incidents and sabotage make governments across Europe uneasy. “I cannot imagine a future where European taxpayers foot this bill alone,” von der Leyen told lawmakers in Strasbourg on Wednesday, drawing applause. The EU has already committed close to $197 billion to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. While countries remain divided on new funding, nearly all agree on tapping Russian assets to meet Kyiv’s projected $153 billion budget and defense needs for 2026–27. Most of those assets — worth about $225 billion — sit at Euroclear, a major financial clearinghouse in Brussels. A plan with perks — for Washington Trump’s assertive style has left many EU officials convinced the U.S. wants a fast settlement that leaves Europe to finance and facilitate it, while the U.S. benefits financially. Analysts describe the initial proposal as a U.S. attempt to seize control of the assets just as Washington and Brussels reopen trade talks. Agathe Demarais of the European Council on Foreign Relations compared the idea to a “signing bonus” for a peace deal leaning heavily in Moscow’s favor. Fabian Zuleeg of the European Policy Centre called the proposed U.S. takeover “outrageous,” though he noted Europeans might still accept it “if that’s the price of a genuinely good agreement.” Following high-level discussions among the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K. and the European Commission, the investment scheme was removed from the latest draft. Russia has already dismissed the new version outright. Kirill Dmitriev emerges as key figure in Russia’s Ukraine peace plan Belgium’s pivotal role Experts say the EU could strengthen its negotiating leverage by moving quickly to claim the frozen assets before Washington intervenes. “If the EU acts first, it may sharply reduce Trump’s appetite for a poor-quality deal,” Demarais argued. Von der Leyen’s Commission wants the EU to take legal ownership of the assets and issue Ukraine a loan to be repaid only if Russia pays war reparations. But much depends on Belgium. Euroclear — where most of the funds are held — is based there, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has long refused to approve using the assets as collateral for major Ukraine loans, warning of potential Russian retaliation. “We are a small country, and retaliation could hit us hard,” he said in October. Belgium’s hesitation has also been tied to internal political disputes over high national debt. With a domestic compromise reached last week, EU officials from across the bloc hope De Wever may now soften his stance. After a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stressed urgency: “Time is running out. This is the only realistic financing option that truly matters and the fairest for taxpayers.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed that sentiment, noting strong support for Belgium. “It would send the clearest message to Moscow that it cannot wait us out. We must act quickly,” she said. EU leaders, including De Wever, will revisit the issue at a Dec. 18 summit in Brussels, where seizing Russia’s frozen assets will be a major topic of debate. Source: AP