United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump has long been looking for this weekend to be a big one for his presidency. The World Cup returns to the U.S. on Friday for the first time in 32 years after Trump threw himself into winning the bid to co-host the soccer tourney during his first term. He’ll be feted Sunday, his 80th birthday, during a UFC fight night that’s expected to draw thousands to the White House grounds. Hours after the final bout, he’s scheduled to jet off to the G7 summit in the French Alps for talks with several world leaders he’s been beefing with over war and tariffs. But Trump set expectations even higher for the coming days when he announced Thursday that the U.S. and Iran could come to terms this weekend on an agreement that would set the pathway to end the three-month-old war that’s been broadly unpopular with Americans and has rattled global oil markets. He said he plans to dispatch Vice President JD Vance to the signing of the agreement. Trump has said on several occasions in recent weeks that he’s on the cusp of a deal without anything coming to fruition. A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry told state television following Trump’s comments that mediators were active but nothing had been finalized to end the conflict. Still, Trump is claiming this time might be different. The breakthrough comes after he threatened to escalate the conflict with more intense bombardment of Iran and by seizing control of Iran’s oil industry, including capturing Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil facility. The president’s threats followed back-and-forth strikes this week that had rendered a temporary ceasefire agreed to in early April all but meaningless. “They’ve taken a pounding like very few people could take,” Trump said in an Oval Office exchange with reporters as he explained why he was confident that, this time, a deal would come through. “And they want to make the deal a lot more than I do.” Trump offered scant details about the settlement he says is taking shape, but told reporters that he believed the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to have been wounded on the first day of the war and has not been seen in public since, is ready to sign off on the deal. Trump is billing the deal as “very strong,” though he says it remains “a little conceptual,” and says it would ensure Iran is blocked from ever developing a nuclear weapon. Trump’s heightened threats are aimed at creating an off-ramp With the conflict intensifying over the past week, Trump’s threat to escalate U.S. military action seemed in part aimed at demonstrating to the hawkish flank of his political base that he was willing to play “hardball” with the Iranians if they didn’t come to a deal soon, said Ali Vaez, Iran director at the International Crisis Group. Trump in March warned he would target Iran’s infrastructure and put American troops on Kharg Island before he ultimately backed down, and the two countries agreed to the temporary ceasefire. Almost immediately after raising the idea again on social media Thursday, Trump appeared to back away. He called into a morning show on Fox News Channel and questioned whether Americans had the “stomach” for an option that would require putting U.S. troops in harm’s way. Hours later, Trump announced he had decided to cancel orders for “very hard” strikes on Iran and said a deal was close. Vaez said even as Trump was posting on social media Thursday about escalating strikes, mediators from Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar had been making progress in their talks with Iran. At the same time, Iran also may have reset the equation for Trump with its decision last weekend to attack Israel directly for the first time since the ceasefire after Israeli forces carried out military strikes on Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. With the move, Iran signaled that Israel could no longer bomb Lebanon without facing a meaningful reaction and in the process also raised the cost for the U.S. to follow through on its commitment to help safeguard Israel. “It really does appear to me that Trump wants to bring this to an end, but his real challenge is that he’s looking for a victory lap and an exit ramp and those two things are not necessarily compatible,” Vaez said. Trump expresses frustration with war narrative Trump has been boasting since the early weeks of the conflict that he’d already won the war — much of the Islamic Republic’s leadership has been killed in the bombings and the Iranian navy and air force have been severely degraded. But Iran continues to effectively keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, choking a waterway through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passed before the war, and has yet to agree to restart negotiations with the U.S. over its concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, the main reason Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave to justify launching the war. But the real problem, Trump grumbled Thursday, was largely a public relations issue. “They could wave the white flag of surrender. They could say: ‘We surrender, we surrender, we’re finished, we’ve had it. The United States is the greatest power, praise be to Allah,’” Trump said on Fox News. “They could say it loud and clear. And the fake news would say it was a great victory for Iran.” Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, a former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Trump has grown impatient with Iran and the renewed strikes and threats on Kharg Island and Iran’s energy sector were intended to get the negotiations back to the “right place.” Polls show that the conflict is largely unpopular with Americans. McCaul said he believes the Iranians want to “try to drag this out as long as they can,” closer to the midterm elections in November, because they see that as being to their benefit. War will be high on agenda at next week’s G7 Deal or no deal, the war will loom large during next week’s talks at the Group of Seven summit in bucolic Évian-les-Bains, France. Trump has frequently criticized some of the group leaders — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — for resisting his calls to aid the U.S. and Israeli war effort. The four leaders have also angered Trump by criticizing how he’s gone about executing the war and his lack of consultation with allies before jumping into a conflict that’s hurt the global economy as oil prices have surged. But Trump said he is optimistic he could have an agreement before his talks with leaders in France. “The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon — maybe over the weekend in Europe,” Trump said.

Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek lit up the World Cup opening ceremony ahead of Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday. Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament's official song, with Burna Boy. The Colombian star had a hit with “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and now seeks to score again. A good World Cup song, Shakira earlier told The Associated Press, “needs to definitely have rhythm. It has to be rhythmic. It has to make people want to dance. And it has to be an anthem as well. It has to make people want to sing along in unison, sing out loud at the top of their lungs.” Shakira has performed at previous World Cups, too: 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, and 2014 in Brazil. In addition, she will perform at the first halftime show of a World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Madonna and BTS. Mexico, the United States and Canada are co-hosting the 48-team tournament. A welcome for all Lila Downs welcomed fans and players in Spanish, English, and the indigenous languages Mixtec and Nahuatl. “People of the world, welcome to Mexico,” said Downs, who wore a white indigenous huipil with a lilac edge. “Mexico welcomes you with smiles from our heart, we are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride in ancestral lands where movement and ritual spirit endure.” Downs, who is a singer-songwriter, was born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca. Her mother is Mixtec, and her father was American of Scottish descent. But her heart is green, white and red when it comes to the ball. “It’s a great honor for me to represent my beautiful and diverse country,” Downs said in an interview with The AP. “Of course I’m going to root for Mexico’s team, Viva Mexico!” Maná thrills fans Maná electrified the stadium with “Oye Mi Amor” surrounded by pre-Hispanic dancers who moved their head plumes to the rhythm of rock while tens of thousands of fans chanted. The band, founded in 1986, has sold more than 40 million records. Shortly before their performance, they announced that they will be touring in Latin America, including stops in Bogotá, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. From Iztapalapa to the World Cup The Mexican cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules performed “Por Ella” with Belinda, one of the most danceable songs of FIFA's official World Cup album.  

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday proposed an allocation of Tk2,586 crore for the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal. The proposed allocation is Tk782 crore higher than the revised allocation for FY2025-26, reflecting the government's emphasis on youth development and employment generation. Presenting the budget in Parliament, the finance minister said the Ministry of Youth and Sports has undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people. These include training programmes in freelancing, mobile phone servicing, caregiving and foreign language skills to help equip youths with market-oriented competencies and improve their employment prospects at home and abroad. Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal with a call for national unity, inclusive development, and continued reform-driven progress, emphasising the collective role of citizens from all walks of life in building a prosperous Bangladesh. This is the first budget of the BNP government after winning the February 2026 election. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury as the Finance Minister delivered his maiden budget speech under the theme ‘Journey Towards a Democratic, Humane and Inclusive Economy’.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Bangladesh Football Federation, organised a friendly football match between members of the Diplomatic Corps in Dhaka and a team comprising officials of the two ministries and former national footballers at the Dhaka Army Stadium on Tuesday evening. The team of the diplomatic corps was represented by Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden and Vietnam. The event was organised under the auspices of the ministry’s newly established Cultural and Sports Diplomacy Wing as part of ongoing efforts to promote sports diplomacy, foster friendship, and strengthen people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and the international community. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque were present at the opening ceremony. Ambassadors, high commissioners, foreign diplomats, senior government officials, former national footballers and officers of different ministries attended the event. The friendly match was played in an atmosphere of friendship and goodwill, reflecting the shared commitment of Bangladesh and its diplomatic partners to strengthening bilateral relations through cultural and sporting exchanges, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the end of the event, the two state ministers presented mementos to the team members of the diplomatic corps.

Football fans worldwide are gearing up for the biggest edition of the FIFA World Cup as the tournament gets underway on June 11, 2026. As World Cup fever grips Bangladesh, a government doctor in Patuakhali announced discounted medical consultation services for Argentina supporters, drawing widespread attention on social media. Dr Saiful Islam Rony, a medical officer at Mirzaganj Upazila Health Complex, made the announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday evening. According to the post, Argentina supporters visiting his private chamber during the World Cup and on match days of the Argentine national team will receive treatment at half the usual consultation fee. Patients wearing the team's jersey will be treated free of charge. Dr Rony said the initiative was intended to celebrate the spirit of football and show support for his favourite team. “During the 2026 World Cup, Argentina supporters will receive treatment at half the regular consultation fee at my diagnostic centre chamber, while those wearing the team’s jersey will receive treatment free of charge,” he wrote. He also said patients would receive special discounts on necessary medical services. “We have taken this exceptional initiative to express our love for football and support for our beloved team,” Dr Rony said. He added that sports promote friendship, harmony and joy among people, and the special arrangement was made to allow Argentina fans to share in that spirit. “Let us all support our beloved team and take care of our own health as well,” he said. Earlier, Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, a pain management specialist and assistant professor of anesthesiology at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, captured public attention by offering a 50 percent discount on consultation fees to patients who visit his chamber wearing an Argentina jersey. Dr. Habibur, who currently charges Tk 600 per consultation at Greenview Hospital in the town’s Kazipara area, said Argentina supporters will pay only Tk 300 during the World Cup period.  

Alexander Zverev captured his maiden Grand Slam title on Sunday, defeating Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a five-set thriller to win the French Open at Roland Garros. The third-seeded German secured a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 victory in more than four hours to claim the first major title of his career in his fourth Grand Slam final. With top rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz absent from the final, Zverev made the most of the opportunity on the Paris clay. The 28-year-old sealed the victory when Cobolli missed an overhead shot on the second championship point. Overcome with emotion, Zverev fell to the court and celebrated his long-awaited breakthrough. Receiving the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy, Zverev dedicated the triumph to years of perseverance, recalling both his success and heartbreak at Roland Garros. “This court is so special to me,” he said after the match, referring to the serious ankle injury he suffered during the 2022 French Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal and his defeat in the 2024 final. Zverev now joins a select group of players who won their first Grand Slam title in their fourth major final, including Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic and Dominic Thiem. The victory marks a significant milestone for Zverev, who had long been regarded as one of the best players yet to win a Grand Slam title.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva claimed her maiden Grand Slam title on Saturday, defeating Poland’s Maja Chwalinska in straight sets to win the French Open women’s singles crown. The 19-year-old eighth seed secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory over the 114th-ranked Polish qualifier in the Roland Garros final. With the triumph, Andreeva became the youngest player to win the French Open women’s singles title since Monica Seles captured her third consecutive crown at the age of 18 in 1992. Andreeva, who emerged as one of tennis’ brightest prospects at the age of 15, completed a dominant run in Paris to lift her first major trophy. Chwalinska, meanwhile, was aiming to make history as the first qualifier to win the French Open women’s singles title but fell short in the championship match. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with the men’s singles final between Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Italy’s Flavio Cobolli.

History is guaranteed to be made when Poland's Maja Chwalinska takes on Russia's Mirra Andreeva in the French Open women's singles final on Saturday. World No. 114 Chwalinska is aiming to become the first qualifier in history to win the Roland Garros women's title. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Andreeva, ranked eighth in the world, is seeking to become the youngest French Open women's champion since Monica Seles captured her third consecutive title at the age of 18 in 1992. The championship match is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time on Court Philippe-Chatrier. The French Open will conclude on Sunday with the men's singles final, where Germany's Alexander Zverev will face Italy's Flavio Cobolli. The tournament has been widely regarded as one of the most unpredictable Grand Slam events in recent years.

Tennis great Serena Williams is set to make a return to professional tennis at the age of 44, nearly four years after stepping away from the sport she dominated for more than two decades. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Monday that the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild-card entry for the doubles event at next week’s Queen’s Club tournament in London, marking her first competitive appearance since the 2022 US Open. Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion and six-time US Open winner, said Queen’s Club was the ideal venue to begin “this next chapter” of her career. Her doubles partner has yet to be announced. The development has fueled speculation about possible appearances at Wimbledon, which begins on June 28, and the US Open later this year. Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport said the comeback could be part of a gradual return aimed at competing in singles again, while tennis legend John McEnroe suggested Williams could be a contender at Wimbledon despite her age. Current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka welcomed the news, describing Williams as an inspiration and saying her return would be good for the sport. Williams has not played competitively since the 2022 US Open, when she described her departure from tennis as an “evolution” rather than retirement. The American great became eligible to return earlier this year after re-entering tennis’ mandatory anti-doping program, a key requirement for any professional comeback. Williams owns 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, many of them won alongside her sister, Venus Williams.

World number one Jannik Sinner suffered a shock second-round exit at the French Open, ending his impressive winning streak. Sinner, who had not lost a match since the Qatar Open quarterfinals on February 19, came into the tournament after winning five consecutive Masters titles and dropping very few sets in recent months. The Italian star has previously struggled in hot conditions. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, he admitted he was fortunate to turn around his third-round match against Eliot Spizzirri after the stadium roof was closed. He also retired from a match in Shanghai last October because of extreme heat conditions. Last year on Court Philippe Chatrier, Sinner missed three match points against Carlos Alcaraz before losing a memorable final. Elsewhere at Roland Garros, 17-year-old French player Moise Kouame became the youngest man to reach the third round of a Grand Slam since Rafael Nadal achieved the feat at Wimbledon in 2003. Kouame defeated Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a five-set thriller. Meanwhile, Francisco Cerundolo advanced to the next round after beating Hugo Gaston in four sets. In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka defeated Donna Vekic 7-6 (1), 6-4 after making another stylish on-court entrance.