United News of Bangladesh

Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged multiple cross-border attacks on Friday, each claiming to have killed dozens of the other side’s troops in the deadliest fighting yet between the neighbors, a conflict Islamabad has declared an “open war.” The clashes, now in their ninth day, have continued despite repeated international calls for restraint. A suicide car bombing in North Waziristan, near the Afghan border, killed one civilian and injured 18 others, with suspicion likely falling on the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Defense Ministry said its forces destroyed several Pakistani military posts along the border in Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, Paktia, and Khost, killing dozens of Pakistani soldiers. Meanwhile, Pakistani state media reported heavy losses inflicted on Afghan forces and the TTP by airstrikes and ground operations, without specifying numbers. Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering the TTP, a claim Kabul denies, and says military operations will continue until Afghanistan curbs militants operating from its territory. The clashes have displaced roughly 115,000 people in Afghanistan and around 3,000 in Pakistan, according to the U.N. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan has urged for a halt in the fighting, saying it’s worsening Afghanistan’s already grave humanitarian situation. The mission, known as UNAMA, said Friday on X that so far, 56 civilians have been killed inside Afghanistan. Casualty claims vary widely: Afghanistan says 150 Pakistani soldiers have been killed since the fighting began, while Pakistan claims 527 Afghan soldiers dead. Independent verification is difficult due to the region’s inaccessibility and ongoing militant activity. Efforts at mediation are underway: Turkey and Malaysia have offered to broker ceasefires, but a resolution remains uncertain following the collapse of a truce signed in Qatar and extended in Istanbul last year.

Indonesia will ban social media for children under 16, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said Friday. Hafid in a statement to media said that she just signed a government regulation that will mean children under the age of 16 can no longer have accounts on high-risk digital platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox. The implementation will start gradually on March 28. “The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats. From exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most importantly addiction. The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms.” Hafid said.  

An Indian fighter jet crashed during a training flight in the northeast, killing its two pilots, the Indian air force said Friday. The two-seater long-range Sukhoi fighter jet crashed in Assam state’s Karbi Anglong district after it took off from an airbase late Thursday, IAF said in a statement. Officials were investigating the cause of the crash. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of the two pilots. The Russian-designed Su-30MKI is produced under license by India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Indian air force operates over 260 of them. India has had other crashes of the jet in June 2024 and January 2023.

Election officials were counting votes Friday, a day after a parliamentary election in Nepal which was the first nationwide poll since a violent, youth-led uprising forced the former government from power in September. The Election Commission said they had begun vote counting in 53 of the 165 constituencies by Friday morning, and expect to begin work in the remaining areas by the end of the day. Some of the polling stations are high up in remote mountain villages, which are accessible only by days of hiking, leading authorities to arrange the transport of ballot boxes by helicopter to counting centers. Results were expected by the weekend, according to election officials who estimated voter turnout to be around 60%. Voters are directly electing 165 members to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Parliament. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member body will be allocated through a proportional representation system, under which political parties nominate lawmakers based on their share of the vote. Crowds gathered outside the centers where votes were being counted. In the capital Kathmandu, supporters cheered and chanted slogans in favor of their candidates. The election is widely seen as a three-way contest, shaped by voter frustration over widespread corruption and demands for greater government accountability. The National Independent Party, founded in 2022, is considered the front-runner, posing a strong challenge to two long-dominant parties: the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). The new party’s prime ministerial candidate is rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race and emerged as a leading figure in the 2025 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. The 35-year-old Shah, riding a wave of public anger toward traditional political parties, had highlighted health and education for poor Nepalis as a key focus of his campaign. The 2025 protests against corruption and poor governance were triggered by a social media ban before snowballing into a popular revolt against the government. Dozens were killed and hundreds injured when protesters attacked government buildings and police opened fire on them. While the Congress and the Communists retain loyal voter bases, Shah’s party has drawn larger crowds on the campaign trail, highlighting its growing appeal among younger voters seeking an alternative.

A total of 200 Afghan prisoners were released from detention centres in Pakistan last week and have returned to Afghanistan, the country’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on Thursday. According to the ministry, the prisoners had been held in several jails across Pakistan on different charges for periods ranging from one day to two months. They re-entered Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak border crossing in the southern Kandahar province, the ministry said. 67 Afghan security members killed in ongoing clashes, says Pakistan After arriving in the country, the returnees received emergency assistance to meet their basic needs before being sent back to their respective home areas, it added.

Millions of Nepalis are preparing to vote in crucial parliamentary elections on Thursday, the first since a violent youth-led uprising toppled the previous government and brought forward demands for sweeping reforms across the Himalayan nation. Authorities have deployed tight security nationwide, with regular police reinforced by thousands of temporary officers and army troops — usually confined to barracks — patrolling streets and guarding polling stations. The government has declared a three-day public holiday to allow voters to return home, while schools and public buildings have been converted into polling centers serving both remote Himalayan villages and urban areas in the southern plains. Youth to play decisive role The Election Commission of Nepal reported that over one million voters have been added to the rolls since 2022, many of them first-time voters who participated in last year’s protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. Analysts say this young electorate is expected to significantly influence the election outcome, demanding accountability from political leaders. “This election, all political parties, whether old or new, are more focused on the youth. That is a major shift in our electoral history,” said Bhojraj Pokharel, an independent political analyst and former chief election commissioner of Nepal. Voters seek change Many citizens are seeking a break from traditional parties, calling for new leadership to combat corruption and strengthen governance. “People don’t have big expectations from those being elected. They just want corruption controlled and better governance,” said Swastika Lamichane, a 28-year-old office worker. Nepal’s FM Sharma to join  oath-taking ceremony Others expressed frustration with the political establishment. “For generations, the same old politicians and parties have been in power but have always failed us,” said Kalpana Saud, a 25-year-old housewife. Three-way contest The election is mainly a contest among three parties. The National Independent Party, formed in 2022, is seen as the frontrunner, challenging the long-dominant Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), which have alternated in power for decades. The party’s prime ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician who won Kathmandu mayoralty in 2022, has emerged as a prominent voice of discontent and enjoys strong support among young voters seeking alternatives. While the Nepali Congress and Communist Party maintain loyal voter bases, Shah’s party has drawn larger campaign crowds, signaling its growing influence. Monarchy supporters seek representation Groups advocating for the return of the monarchy also hope to win seats, citing rising public support for former king Gyanendra Shah, who remains a symbolic protector of the Hindu majority. Thousands of his supporters have rallied for his restoration, although his immediate return to power is considered unlikely. Challenges ahead for new government The incoming administration will face major challenges, including delivering on the demands of last year’s protests, tackling entrenched corruption, and managing relations with powerful neighbors India and China, both of which have historically sought influence in Nepal. “The people have very high expectations from the new government, but resources are limited, making it difficult to meet all aspirations,” said Guna Raj Luitel, editor of popular Nepalese newspaper Nagarik.

Afghanistan’s ground forces attacked Pakistani military positions at 16 locations along the southwestern border early Tuesday and opened fire at several points in the northwest, The clashes killed 67 Afghan and one Pakistani soldier, entering their fifth day. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the country “successfully repelled these multiple attacks” along the Afghan border. In a post on X, he said Afghan troops launched ground assaults in 16 locations across the southwestern districts of Qilla Saifullah, Nushki and Chaman in Balochistan province. In retaliatory action, Pakistani forces killed 27 Afghan security members, he added. Pakistan srikes Afghan targets, claims 300+ killed in border clashes Tarar also said Afghan forces attacked 25 locations in the border areas of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistani troops killed 40 Afghan personnel. There was no immediate response from Kabul regarding the casualty figures released by Pakistan. Both sides have repeatedly claimed to have inflicted heavy losses since Thursday, when Afghanistan carried out attacks in response to Pakistani airstrikes last Sunday. Since then, Pakistan has continued border operations. On Monday, Tarar said 435 Afghan security members had been killed and 31 positions captured in the fighting. In recent days, Kabul has also claimed that its forces inflicted significant damage on Pakistan’s military. Why are Afghanistan and Pakistan fighting? The latest escalation came a day after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari defended the strikes in Afghanistan, saying Islamabad had exhausted all diplomatic options before targeting militants operating from Afghan soil. He urged Kabul to disarm groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has described its campaign as an “open war” with Afghanistan, raising international concern. The border region remains a base for militant groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Islamabad has linked a recent surge in violence to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it says operates both inside Pakistan and from Afghan territory. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of providing safe havens to the TTP, an allegation Kabul denies. The renewed clashes have ended a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October. Talks held in Istanbul failed to reach a permanent agreement, and Pakistani authorities have said operations will continue until Kabul takes practical and verifiable steps to curb the TTP and other militant groups involved in violence in Pakistan.

Speculation is mounting over whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing his teenage daughter to become the country’s next ruler, following her increasingly prominent appearances alongside him at major state events. The question gained fresh attention during North Korea’s recent ruling party congress, where Kim threatened Seoul and reaffirmed plans to expand the country’s sanctioned nuclear weapons programme. While no official announcement on succession was made, the visibility of his daughter, widely believed to be 13-year-old Kim Ju Ae, has fuelled debate among analysts and intelligence agencies. South Korea’s intelligence service recently briefed lawmakers that it believes Kim has chosen his daughter as his heir, noting that she has been seen expressing views on policy matters. Although North Korea has never officially confirmed her name or age, she has appeared repeatedly in state media, often positioned at the centre of images and described using honorific language typically reserved for the supreme leader. Kim Ju Ae first appeared publicly in 2022 during an inspection of a missile test, holding her father’s hand. Since then, she has accompanied him to military parades, weapons inspections and large public ceremonies, including the inauguration of new housing projects in Pyongyang’s Hwasong area. Cheong Seong-chang, vice-president of the Sejong Institute and a long-time North Korea analyst, said the language and imagery used by state media point strongly to her being groomed as the official successor. He noted that senior military officers have been shown bowing or kneeling near her during events, underscoring efforts to associate her with the armed forces, the foundation of Kim Jong Un’s power. Cheong believes Kim is deliberately introducing his daughter early to both elites and the public to avoid the abrupt transition that followed the death of his own father. Kim Jong Un appeared publicly only about a year before inheriting power in 2011. There is no public indication that Kim Jong Un is suffering from serious health problems, but analysts say naming an heir early could help prevent internal power struggles in a tightly controlled system. Others remain sceptical. Former North Korean diplomat Ryu Hyun-woo, who defected in 2019, argues that the country’s deeply patriarchal political culture makes it unlikely a woman would be accepted as supreme leader. While Ju Ae belongs to the ruling bloodline, Ryu says the system has historically favoured male successors, and female military commanders remain extremely rare. Ryu believes Kim’s decision to showcase his daughter may be aimed more at softening his image and reinforcing the idea of continued dynastic rule than at signalling an imminent female succession. However, some researchers point to social changes inside North Korea since the devastating famine of the 1990s, known as the Arduous March. During that period, women increasingly became breadwinners through informal markets and small businesses, gradually expanding their roles in society. Song Hyun-jin, who has interviewed more than 120 North Korean defectors on women’s leadership, says it is no longer unusual to see women managing factories or holding party positions. Recent state television programmes have even depicted men doing housework, suggesting shifting social norms. Song argues that if Kim Jong Un decides his daughter should rule, her gender is unlikely to be a decisive obstacle. Raised in privilege within a rigidly hierarchical system, she could be readily accepted by the population as part of what Song likens to a modern-day royal dynasty. This week’s promotion of Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, to a senior propaganda role has further added to speculation. Analysts suggest she could act as a powerful guardian or regent figure should Kim Ju Ae be formally designated as heir. Kim Jong Un assumed power at the age of 27, briefly raising hopes abroad that he might open up the isolated state. Those expectations faded quickly after he executed his uncle in 2013 and continued to tighten control while accelerating North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes. Analysts say there is little reason to expect a future leader from the same family, regardless of gender, would pursue a different path. Some believe the current debate itself may serve Kim Jong Un’s interests by reinforcing his centrality and the inevitability of hereditary rule. As speculation continues, North Korea has offered no official confirmation, leaving the question of succession open while the leader’s teenage daughter remains firmly in the global spotlight.   With inputs from BBC

At least nine people were killed and around two dozen injured Sunday during violent clashes with police and paramilitary forces after hundreds of Shiite protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, officials said. The unrest followed reports that the United States and Israel had carried out attacks in Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Police and hospital sources said at least 25 people were wounded, with several in critical condition. Summaiya Syed Tariq, a police surgeon at Karachi’s main government hospital, confirmed that six bodies and multiple injured were initially brought to the hospital, but the death toll later rose to nine after three critically wounded individuals died. Karachi is the capital of Sindh province and Pakistan’s largest city. Senior police official Irfan Baloch said the protesters briefly attacked the consulate’s perimeter but were eventually dispersed. “The situation is now fully under our control,” he said, dismissing reports that the consulate building had been set on fire. He added, however, that demonstrators torched a nearby police post and damaged consulate windows before security forces restored order. Witnesses said dozens of protesters remained gathered about a kilometre from the consulate, urging others to join them. One demonstrator reportedly tried to set fire to a consulate window before police intervened. The Sindh provincial government urged citizens to express their views peacefully and warned against involvement in violence. Elsewhere, Shiite groups held a peaceful rally in Multan, chanting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. Participant Mamoona Sherazi said she was protesting the killing of Khamenei, whom she described as a fatherly figure and a strong advocate for Shiites and oppressed Sunni Muslims. “God willing, we will never bow before America and Israel,” she said. Another rally took place near the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, Punjab province. Senior police official Faisal Kamran said demonstrators were prevented from reaching the consulate and were dispersed when they attempted to march toward it. Additional rallies were planned in Islamabad and other cities. Authorities said security has been strengthened at the U.S. Embassy and consulates nationwide to prevent further violence. Shiites comprise roughly 15% of Pakistan’s population of about 250 million, forming one of the world’s largest Shiite communities. While anti-U.S. and anti-Israel protests have occurred in the past, clashes of this scale are rare.  

Pakistan’s military, supported by artillery and air power, launched strikes deep inside Afghanistan overnight and into early Saturday, killing more than 300 Afghan forces in days of fierce border clashes, officials said. The fighting began Thursday night after Afghanistan struck Pakistani positions in retaliation for attacks Islamabad said hit seven training camps and hideouts of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a separate group allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said over 331 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and more than 500 wounded. He added that Pakistan destroyed 102 Afghan posts, captured 22, and destroyed 163 tanks and armoured vehicles at 37 sites. State media reported that Pakistan Air Force targeted key military installations across eastern Afghanistan on Saturday. Authorities said hundreds of residents near the northwestern Torkham border have fled to safer areas, while dozens of Afghan refugees waiting at the border were transported to secure locations inside Pakistan. Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry confirmed its forces struck Pakistani military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam overnight, destroying installations and causing heavy casualties in response to Pakistan’s airstrikes. The Afghan Department of Information and Culture accused Pakistan of hitting civilian areas, destroying homes, and killing at least 11 people. Mullah Taj Mohammad Naqshbandi, an Afghan border official said,  “brave forces of the Islamic Emirate destroyed the Pakistani military regime’s commissariat, military units, and three key security towers.” The Afghan government claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in its counterattacks, with Afghan losses far lower than Pakistan’s claims. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the attacks were “a message that our hands can reach their throats” and criticised Pakistan for avoiding dialogue. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared on X that “our patience has run out” and warned of open war. Army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Afghanistan had to “choose TTP or Pakistan.” Civilians are struggling amid the conflict, with Afghan refugees at Torkham unable to return home and locals near the border urging a ceasefire. Tensions, which escalated last October, had briefly eased under a Qatari-mediated truce, but peace talks in Turkey failed to produce a lasting deal. Regional powers including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China are again seeking to mediate. Qatar’s state minister, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, spoke with the foreign ministers of both countries on Friday to try to reduce tensions.