United News of Bangladesh

South Korea’s opposition leader on Sunday urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on a bid to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, a day after parliament voted to impeach him over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Yoon's powers will be suspended until the court rules on the case, either removing Yoon from office or restoring his powers. The court has up to 180 to decide, and if he’s dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s No. 2 official, took over presidential powers later Saturday. Han was appointed by Yoon, whose government has struggled to pass legislation in the opposition-controlled parliament. SKorea’s parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, told reporters Sunday that a swift ruling is the only way to minimize national chaos. Lee also proposed the creation of a national council where the government and the National Assembly would work together to stabilize state affairs. He said bipartisan cooperation is essential to navigating the political paralysis that has halted high-level diplomacy and spooked financial markets since Yoon's martial law decree. Lee also said that the Democratic Party would not seek to impeach of Han, despite some calls to do so over his alleged inaction to prevent Yoon’s martial law enforcement. Lee said there was no need to introduce further political uncertainty. “The Democratic Party will actively cooperate with all parties to stabilize state affairs and restore international trust,” Lee said. “The National Assembly and government will work together to quickly resolve the crisis that has swept across the Republic of Korea.” Yoon’s Dec. 3 imposition of martial law, the first of its kind in more than four decades, lasted only six hours, but has caused massive political tumult, halted diplomatic activities and rattled financial markets. Yoon was forced to lift his decree after parliament unanimously voted to overturn it. South Korean lawmakers to vote on Impeachment of President Yoon over martial law decree Yoon sent hundreds of troops and police officers to the parliament in an effort to stop the vote, but they withdrew after the parliament rejected Yoon’s decree. No major violence occurred. Opposition parties have accused Yoon of rebellion, and say that a president in South Korea is allowed to declare martial law only during wartime or similar emergencies and would have no right to suspend parliament’s operations even in those cases. The conservative Yoon rejects the charges and says he aimed to issue a warning to the Democratic Party, which he has called an “anti-state force” as it's used its control of parliament to impeach many top officials and hold up the government’s budget bill for next year.  

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has added India to its list of 'uncooperative' countries, accusing the listed nations of failing to cooperate adequately in deportation processes. In addition to India, the list includes Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Venezuela. ICE stated that these countries have failed to assist in key processes such as conducting interviews, issuing travel documents in a timely manner, and facilitating the repatriation of their nationals on designated flights. US closely monitoring Bangladesh situation, urges protection of minorities: WH According to ICE, the US plans to deport 1.45 million undocumented immigrants, including 18,000 Indians. In recent years, nearly 90,000 Indian nationals have been detained while attempting to enter the US illegally. Although many Indian migrants are seeking to regularize their status in the US, the process could take two to three years to complete. Honduras tops the list of countries with the highest number of undocumented immigrants in the US, with 261,000 individuals. Among Asian nations, China leads with 37,908 undocumented immigrants, while India ranks 13th.

South Korea's parliament voted Saturday to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing allegations of rebellion related to his controversial martial law order on December 3. The decree, which lasted only six hours, has ignited a political crisis in the country.  The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion with a vote of 204-85. Yoon's presidential duties will be suspended once the impeachment notice is delivered to him and the Constitutional Court, which has 180 days to decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If dismissed, a national election must take place within 60 days.  This marks the second attempt to impeach Yoon after a failed vote last week, where most ruling party lawmakers abstained. Growing public outcry and plummeting approval ratings have since led some members of Yoon's People Power Party to support the impeachment.  South Korean lawmakers to vote on Impeachment of President Yoon over martial law decree For two weeks, tens of thousands of protesters in Seoul have called for Yoon’s removal, while smaller groups of his supporters held counter-rallies. Both sides have demonstrated peacefully.  Yoon’s martial law order, the first in over 40 years, was declared in response to tensions with the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority. Yoon deployed troops and police to block a parliamentary vote on his decree, but they withdrew after lawmakers unanimously overturned the martial law.  Opposition leaders and legal experts accuse Yoon of rebellion, arguing his decree violated constitutional provisions allowing martial law only during wartime or emergencies. They claim his actions disrupted the National Assembly and undermined democratic governance.  The impeachment motion alleges Yoon staged a “rebellion” by using military and police forces to intimidate parliament and the public. In a defiant speech Thursday, Yoon denied the charges, claiming his actions were intended to counter the Democratic Party, which he called “anti-state forces.”  Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung condemned Yoon’s remarks, describing them as a “declaration of war” against the people.  Yoon is banned from leaving the country as authorities investigate whether he and others involved in the martial law order committed crimes such as rebellion or abuse of power. While Yoon enjoys immunity from most criminal charges, rebellion and treason are exceptions.  Several top officials, including the defense minister and police chiefs, have been arrested in connection with the martial law case. Investigations into other senior figures are ongoing. 

Thai police on Saturday said two suspects were in custody as authorities investigated a bombing in the north that killed at least three people and injured dozens of others. An explosive device was thrown into a crowd during an outdoor performance at an annual festival in Umphang town in Tak province, which borders Myanmar, on Friday just before midnight, according to the Association of the Umphang Rescue Groups. Local police said at least 48 people were injured and that police have not yet pressed charges against the suspects as the investigation is ongoing. Thanathip Sawangsang, a spokesperson for the Defense Ministry, told The Associated Press that local police said there was a fight between rival groups of men before the explosion and that there was no wider security threat. He said the forensic evidence showed that the explosive device was a homemade bomb. South Korean lawmakers to vote on Impeachment of President Yoon over martial law decree Tak province has a heavy military presence in its border areas, including in Umphang. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her condolences to the victims and their families, and ordered security personnel and relevant agencies in the area to investigate and help those who have been affected, said government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsap.  

The recent capture and release of six Mekong giant catfish in Cambodia has revived hopes for the survival of one of the world's largest and rarest freshwater species.  These critically endangered fish, capable of reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weighing as much as 300 kilograms (661 pounds), were caught within five days along the Mekong River and its tributaries. The species, now limited to the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, once thrived along the entire 4,900-kilometer (3,044-mile) river, stretching from Vietnam to China's Yunnan province. However, their numbers have declined by 80% in recent decades due to overfishing, dam constructions, and other environmental disruptions.  The first two fish were caught on the Tonle Sap River near Phnom Penh and released after being tagged. Four more were captured on Tuesday, including two over two meters (6.5 feet) long, weighing 120 and 131 kilograms (264 and 288 pounds), respectively. Japan auctions fin whale meat first time in 50 years Experts believe the fish were migrating from floodplains near Tonle Sap Lake to spawning areas in northern Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand.  Dr Zeb Hogan, a research biologist from the University of Nevada Reno and leader of the Wonders of the Mekong project, described the discovery as a promising sign. “It’s a hopeful sign that the species is not in imminent, like in the next few years, risk of extinction, which gives conservation activities time to be implemented and to continue to bend the curve away from decline and toward recovery,” he said.  The Wonders of the Mekong project, in collaboration with Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration, has tagged and released around 100 giant catfish over two decades. This research provides valuable data on their migration patterns, habitats, and overall health.  Local communities play a vital role in conservation, reporting accidental catches to officials for tagging and release. “Their cooperation is essential for our research and conservation efforts,” said Heng Kong, director of Cambodia’s Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute.  The Mekong River, home to several large species including the giant stingray, is a crucial resource for millions. Conservationists hope this discovery highlights the need to protect its unique ecosystem.  

Fresh fin whale meat was auctioned in Japan on Thursday for the first time in nearly five decades, fetching prices of over $1,300 per kilogramme (2.2 lbs), as officials strive to sustain the struggling whaling industry, reports AP. This year, Japan’s Fisheries Agency included fin whales among three other whale species eligible for legal hunting, as the nation broadens commercial whaling within its waters. Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after withdrawing from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which had protected fin whales from overhunting since 1976. Whale meat fetches 'celebration prices' after Japanese hunt Officials cited stock surveys indicating sufficient recovery of fin whale populations in the North Pacific. During this season, 30 of the 60 allowed fin whales were caught, alongside a combined quota of 379 minke, Bryde's, and sei whales. Kyodo Senpaku Co., Japan’s sole large-scale whaling fleet operator, invested 7.5 billion yen ($49 million) in a new 9,300-ton whaling ship, the Kangei Maru, to demonstrate its commitment to the industry. On Thursday, 1.4 tons of fresh fin whale meat from Hokkaido were auctioned at the Sapporo fish market and at Shimonoseki, the Kangei Maru's home port. In Shimonoseki, 250 kilograms (550 lbs) of tail meat, a prized delicacy called onomi, reached the highest price of 200,000 yen ($1,312) per kilogram, according to the city’s fishery promotion department. “Larger whales are said to have better taste, so fin whales might be more delicious than other types, though I’ve never tasted it,” said Ryo Minezoe, a Shimonoseki city official. Japan’s whaling industry has faced longstanding controversy and criticism from conservationists. However, protests have diminished since Japan shifted from contentious Antarctic “research whaling,” often perceived as a guise for commercial hunts, to domestic commercial whaling. Last year, Japan’s whalers caught 294 minke, Bryde’s, and sei whales, amounting to less than 80% of the quota and fewer than what was caught in earlier Antarctic and Pacific hunts. Industry officials attribute the declining catch to climate change, while critics suggest overhunting as the root cause. Nanami Kurasawa, leader of the conservationist Dolphin & Whale Action Network, opposes hunting fin whales. She warns that fin whales nearly went extinct due to past overhunting and urges more comprehensive studies on their populations in Japanese waters. Whalers prefer larger whales for efficiency, but Kurasawa argues that a thorough investigation of stocks is necessary. Historically, whale meat was a vital protein source for Japan’s malnourished population post-World War II, peaking at 233,000 tons in 1962. However, consumption has plummeted to around 2,000 tons annually, as other meats replaced whale in diets. Officials aim to increase this to 5,000 tons to sustain the industry. Experts are sceptical about demand for whale meat in modern Japan, where it is neither affordable nor widely consumed. Nobuhiro Kishigami, a professor and expert on indigenous whaling at Osaka’s National Museum of Ethnology, noted that whale meat is mostly eaten in whaling towns, while it remains expensive and rarely consumed in Tokyo or elsewhere. “It’s more of a delicacy than a daily staple,” Kishigami said. “If it’s not accessible, tasty, and reasonably priced, it won’t sell. Without substantial government subsidies, sustaining the industry as a business would be extremely challenging.”

A Pakistani court has indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in a corruption case while he remains imprisoned, according to officials and his political party, reports AP The charges were read to Khan and Bibi in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Thursday, where both pleaded not guilty. The couple is accused of retaining and selling state gifts, including jewellery received during Khan's tenure, at a price below their market value. New cases have been filed against Imran Khan and his wife Pakistani law permits government officials and politicians to retain gifts received from foreign dignitaries while in office, provided they pay their market value and declare any earnings from their sale. Following their indictment, the case was adjourned until 18 December. This marks the second corruption case involving the couple. Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claim that all charges against them are politically motivated to ensure his continued imprisonment. Khan has been incarcerated for over a year following his conviction in a separate case in 2023. Pakistan ends lockdown after dispersing Imran Khan supporters Since his removal through a no-confidence vote in parliament in 2022, Khan has faced nearly 200 criminal cases.

South Korea’s six opposition parties have jointly submitted a new motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing his controversial martial law declaration earlier this month. The National Assembly confirmed the submission on Thursday, with opposition leaders planning a floor vote on the motion by Saturday. Yoon’s Dec. 3 martial law declaration has sparked political turmoil and public outrage, with widespread protests demanding his removal. Earlier in the day, Yoon defended his actions, calling the martial law an act of governance and dismissing accusations of rebellion. He vowed to "fight to the end" against impeachment efforts and ongoing investigations into the unprecedented move. Yoon’s Martial Law Decree On Dec. 3, Yoon declared martial law, deploying armed troops to encircle parliament and raid the National Election Commission. The decree was lifted after six hours when the National Assembly voted unanimously to annul it. Critics, including opposition lawmakers and some members of Yoon’s own party, have called the move unconstitutional. South Korean law permits martial law only during wartime or similar emergencies. Opposition parties argue that no such conditions existed and accuse Yoon of abusing his powers to suppress dissent in parliament. Read: Ex-South Korean Defense Chief tries to end life after arrest over Martial Law charge Yoon, however, justified the declaration as a response to what he called the Democratic Party’s legislative obstruction and alleged sympathies with North Korea. In a combative speech, he labeled the party “anti-state forces” and accused them of paralyzing governance. “The opposition’s claims of rebellion are baseless. Martial law was an act of governance, not rebellion,” Yoon said. He emphasized that the deployment of nearly 300 soldiers to the National Assembly was to maintain order, not disrupt it. Impeachment and Investigations The new impeachment motion follows an earlier unsuccessful attempt by opposition parties. Together, they hold 192 seats in the 300-member parliament, falling eight votes short of the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment. On Thursday, parliament also passed impeachment motions against national police chief Cho Ji Ho and Justice Minister Park Sung Jae over their roles in enforcing martial law. Both officials have been suspended from duty. Investigations into Yoon’s martial law decree are ongoing, with law enforcement probing charges of rebellion, abuse of power, and other crimes. Rebellion convictions carry a maximum penalty of death. While South Korean law grants sitting presidents immunity from prosecution for most crimes, allegations of rebellion or treason are exceptions. The National Assembly has also approved measures to establish an independent counsel to investigate Yoon without requiring his consent. However, many observers doubt authorities would detain Yoon due to potential clashes with his security detail. Divisions Within the Ruling Party Yoon’s martial law declaration has deepened divisions within his conservative People Power Party (PPP). Party chair Han Dong-hun, a vocal critic, described Yoon’s actions as a “confession of rebellion.” Yoon loyalists, however, have rallied around the president, intensifying internal conflicts. Read more: South Korea’s ex-defense minister finally arrested over martial law Han has urged party members to support Yoon’s impeachment, further straining relations within the party. Fallout and Consequences Yoon’s former defense minister, Kim Yong Hyun, was arrested on charges of rebellion and abuse of power. Kim allegedly advised Yoon to declare martial law and oversaw troop deployments to block parliamentary activity. Kim attempted suicide while in detention but is reportedly in stable condition. If Yoon is impeached, his powers would be suspended pending a decision by the Constitutional Court, which would either remove him from office or reinstate him. A dismissal would trigger a presidential election within 60 days. Yoon initially apologized for the martial law decree, admitting responsibility and leaving decisions about his term to his party. However, his recent remarks indicate a shift to a more defiant stance, as he continues to face mounting criticism from political rivals and segments of the public. The ongoing turmoil has cast uncertainty over South Korea’s political landscape, with potential implications for governance, public trust, and future elections.

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned civil servant and former revenue secretary, assumed the role of India's central bank governor on Wednesday, stepping into the position as the nation grapples with slowing economic growth and soaring inflation. Malhotra begins a three-year tenure at the helm of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), taking over from Shaktikanta Das, who concluded an extended six-year term. India's economic growth decelerated to 5.4% in the latest quarter, marking the slowest pace in nearly two years, while inflation surged to 6.2% in October—well above the RBI's 4% target. The spike in inflation has been largely driven by a steep rise in vegetable prices. An editorial in The Indian Express noted, “Malhotra faces the challenge of navigating the RBI through a period of global and domestic uncertainty, with increasing calls to ease policy rates to support growth.” Despite rising food prices, the central bank under Das held interest rates steady at 6.5% last Friday, a level maintained since February 2023. However, it lowered the cash reserve ratio for banks from 4.5% to 4%, aiming to ease monetary conditions and bolster growth. Read: X accounts, several Indian media spread propaganda against Bangladesh: Rumor Scanner Economists anticipate that inflationary pressures may ease in the coming months, potentially paving the way for a rate cut in the spring. “Structural weaknesses in India’s economy, including weak job growth and low wages, are restraining demand as urban consumer spending slows,” Shumita Deveshwar of TS Lombard highlighted in a recent report. The RBI has also revised its economic growth forecast for the current fiscal year (April-March) to 6.6%, down from an earlier projection of 7.2%. The downgrade reflects a slowdown in key industries such as mining, petroleum products, iron and steel, and cement. Nonetheless, the central bank expressed optimism for an industrial recovery, supported by increased government spending post-monsoon. “Supply chain pressures eased in October-November, falling below historical averages. Meanwhile, the services sector remains robust,” the RBI stated. Source: With inputs from agencies

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte opted not to attend the first hearing on Wednesday regarding allegations of threats she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing doubts about the fairness of the investigation, reports AP. Despite being subpoenaed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Duterte sent her lawyer instead. The lawyer submitted a letter in which Duterte strongly denied making any threats that would qualify as “grave threats” under the law. Second impeachment complaint against Philippine VP over president threat The controversy stems from a Nov. 23 online news conference where Duterte publicly threatened Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez with death. She later clarified that her comments were an expression of concern for her own safety, alleging that she had received death threats herself. Tensions between Marcos and Duterte have escalated since their election in 2022. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately, which can result in political rivals occupying the highest offices in the country. Duterte, 46, is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for the deaths of thousands during his war on drugs. NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the preliminary investigation would proceed regardless of Duterte’s presence or the submission of her counter-affidavit. He added that a report would be submitted to the Department of Justice by early January. The investigation, initially scheduled for Nov. 29, was postponed at Duterte’s request. On Wednesday, Duterte expressed her skepticism about the fairness of the investigation, asserting, “Even if they say there is an investigation, from the very beginning they already decided to file cases.” She also confirmed she has no intention of leaving the country to evade the complaints and that she and her lawyers are preparing to address the impeachment cases filed against her. Duterte faces two impeachment complaints for alleged constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, mismanagement of government funds, and issuing death threats against Marcos. Additionally, the House of Representatives is probing the alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to Duterte’s offices as vice president and former education secretary. She has since stepped down from the education role.