United News of Bangladesh

West Bengal has recorded a historic voter turnout of 92.47 per cent in the two-phase Assembly elections, the highest in the state since Independence. In Phase II, polling stood at 91.66 per cent as of 7:45 pm, while Phase I, held on April 23, recorded a turnout of 93.19 per cent. The combined participation across both phases was calculated at 92.47 per cent. “The combined poll percentage over the two phases stands at 92.47%. Previously, the highest poll participation in West Bengal was 84.72% (2011 GELA),” the Press Information Bureau of India said, referring to the Election Commission. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. S.S. Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, kept a close watch on the polling through live webcasting, which was ensured at 100% of the polling stations in West Bengal (Phase II), according to the PIB. The state has a voter base of 6.81 crore. The Election Commission said women voters slightly outnumbered men in participation, with 92.28 per cent compared to 91.07 per cent for male voters. Previously, West Bengal’s highest turnout was in the 2011 Assembly elections at 84.72 per cent. Tripura holds the national record for the highest poll participation, with 93.61 per cent in the 2013 Assembly elections. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar praised the turnout, saying the Election Commission salutes every voter in West Bengal for the record participation. The Commission also noted high turnout in other states, including Assam and Puducherry, which recorded their highest-ever participation. Counting of votes for West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will be held on the 4th of next month. Simultaneously, counting for several Assembly by-elections across Karnataka, Nagaland, Tripura, Maharashtra, and Gujarat will also take place.    

Myanmar’s military appears to be regaining momentum in the country’s long-running civil war, taking advantage of a weakened and divided resistance after years of intense fighting. Just over a year ago, the army, known as the Tatmadaw, was losing control of large parts of northern Myanmar to a powerful alliance of ethnic militias, while also struggling against pro-democracy fighters across the country. Now, the situation has shifted. Bolstered by tens of thousands of new recruits, the military has recovered some lost territory and is preparing to step up attacks. At the same time, several opposition groups have either withdrawn from the conflict or been weakened by internal disputes and shortages of supplies. Analysts say the military is gaining the upper hand, though the conflict is far from over. Morgan Michaels, a Singapore-based expert from the International Institute of Strategic Studies, said the army has regained the initiative and currently holds an advantage over resistance forces. However, he noted that armed resistance is likely to continue until a political settlement is reached. After five years of war, there is growing fatigue among both fighters and civilians. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, including around 8,000 civilians, and forced millions to flee their homes. Political analyst Aung Thu Nyein said many people in Myanmar now simply want the violence to end, regardless of who wins. China has also been pushing for stability in Myanmar, which is an important source of rare earth minerals and other resources. Beijing has invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as pipelines and mining operations, and is a key supplier of arms to the military, alongside Russia. China initially backed a major offensive launched in October 2023 by the Three Brotherhood Alliance against the military, partly due to concerns over criminal networks operating in border areas. But it later withdrew support and pressured the groups to halt fighting. Two members of the alliance — the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army — agreed to ceasefires following talks mediated by China. The Arakan Army remains the only group in the alliance still actively fighting, mainly in Rakhine state. Alongside these ethnic armed groups, pro-democracy militias known as People’s Defense Forces have been fighting the military since the 2021 coup that removed the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Some resistance groups say they need stronger coordination to counter the military’s renewed strength. A pro-democracy alliance fighting in central Myanmar said differences in strategy and competing interests among various groups continue to limit their effectiveness. They also accused the military of trying to exploit divisions within the resistance. Meanwhile, the military leadership has taken steps to strengthen its political position. Elections held recently — widely criticised by UN experts as neither free nor fair — brought army chief Min Aung Hlaing to the presidency. Observers say the vote was aimed at boosting the military government’s legitimacy and improving ties with regional countries, despite ongoing international sanctions. China quickly congratulated the new leadership and reaffirmed its support, while some armed groups also signalled willingness to maintain ceasefires. The end of the election process has also freed up troops who had been deployed for security duties, allowing the military to focus more on combat operations. In one of his first moves as president, Min Aung Hlaing invited armed groups to peace talks, setting a July 31 deadline but warning against “unrealistic demands.” The offer did not include the shadow National Unity Government, which rejected the proposal. Fighting continues despite the call for dialogue. The military is carrying out a major offensive in Sagaing region to retake the town of Indaw, while also defending positions in the east against advances by the Karen National Liberation Army near the Thai border. Analysts say the military may be aiming for smaller, separate ceasefires with different groups, rather than a nationwide agreement. Such deals could allow the army to focus its forces on remaining opponents, as it seeks to further consolidate its control.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met Pakistan’s Army chief Asim Munir in Islamabad, according to Iranian state media, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. The meeting comes as Iran intensifies consultations with regional partners over evolving developments in the Middle East and stalled international negotiations, reports BBC. Following his engagements in Pakistan, Araghchi said he will travel to Oman and Russia, noting in a social media post that the visits aim to “coordinate with our partners on bilateral matters and consult on regional developments.” No further details of the discussions between the two sides were immediately disclosed. The visit is being closely watched as diplomatic activity increases around efforts to revive stalled US-Iran dialogue and address regional security concerns.

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the inclusion of seven European Union (EU) entities on its export control list, citing national security concerns and non-proliferation obligations. Under the decision, export operators are barred from supplying dual-use items to the listed entities, which include FN Herstal, Fabrique Nationale de Herstal; OMNIPOL a.s.; HENSOLDT AG; EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.s.r.o; SPACEKNOW INC., odstepny zavod s.r.o; VZLU AEROSPACE a.s.; and FN Browning. The ministry also said overseas organisations and individuals are prohibited from transferring or providing China-origin dual-use items to these entities, adding that any ongoing related activities must be stopped immediately. Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks: Trump Dual-use items refer to goods, technologies or services that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, including in weapons development or delivery systems, according to the statement. A ministry spokesperson said the measures were taken in accordance with China’s relevant laws and regulations. Beijing had also informed the European side through a bilateral export control dialogue mechanism prior to the announcement. The spokesperson said the move targets a small number of EU military-related entities allegedly involved in arms sales to Taiwan or related activities, adding that it would not affect normal trade and economic cooperation between China and the EU. China reiterated that law-abiding European entities need not be concerned, and said it remains committed to safeguarding global industrial and supply chain stability and promoting regional peace.

Residents of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi have expressed growing frustration over ongoing security restrictions, urging authorities to ease measures that have disrupted daily life and commuting. A weeklong, lockdown-like security clampdown has left roads leading to Islamabad’s heavily secured Red Zone largely deserted at times, with concrete barricades, barbed wire and a heavy presence of security personnel replacing the usual traffic flow. The restrictions have significantly affected commuters between the twin cities, increasing travel time and inconvenience. “We were happy that Pakistan is hosting these talks to end the war between the United States and Iran. But now almost a week has passed, and it takes me one to two hours instead of 30 minutes to reach home from Islamabad to Rawalpindi,” said Sher Khan, a lift operator at a shopping plaza. Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel since last weekend as part of heightened security arrangements. However, uncertainty persists over the timing of the expected talks, with no official announcement yet. Pakistan is still working to secure Iran’s participation, while the visit of the US delegation also remains on hold.

The supply of Russian oil to Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline crossing Ukraine has resumed, Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková said on Thursday. The flow restarted at 2 a.m. on Thursday after remaining suspended for about three months. Hungary and Slovakia have been in an escalating dispute with Ukraine since Russian oil deliveries to both countries were halted in January. Unlike most European Union members, Hungary and Slovakia still rely heavily on Russian energy supplies. Both countries have accused Ukraine of not repairing damage to the pipeline. Hungary has blocked a large European Union loan intended for war-hit Ukraine, while Slovakia had refused to support new sanctions against Russia until oil supplies resumed.  

Nepal's home minister Sudan Gurung, who had landed in controversy over his financial dealings, resigned on Wednesday. "I have resigned from the post of home minister effective from today (Wednesday) to ensure an impartial investigation into matters related to me and to avoid any conflict of interest," he wrote in a post on Facebook. Deepa Dahal, press expert to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, issued a brief statement saying the prime minister himself will oversee the ministry until a new minister is appointed. Gurung, head of the non-governmental organization Hami Nepal, was at the forefront of the Gen Z-led violent protests in September 2025. He joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party weeks before the March 5 parliamentary election and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives. Shah appointed him as the home minister on March 27. Gurung had landed in controversy recently after news reports revealed that he had business partnerships with businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is under probe for money laundering offenses, and that his organization had received money from questionable sources.  

Taiwan’s president has postponed a planned visit to Africa after three countries withdrew permission for his aircraft to use their airspace following reported pressure from China, his office said Tuesday. President Lai Ching-te was scheduled to travel to Eswatini, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa, from April 22 to 26. However, authorities in Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar cancelled the overflight permits along his route at short notice. A presidential spokesperson in Taipei said the decision came after “strong pressure” from Beijing, including alleged economic coercion. He accused China of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and undermining regional stability. China, which considers Taiwan its territory, responded by welcoming the move, saying it supports the “one-China principle” and is consistent with international law. Beijing regularly urges countries with which it has diplomatic ties to avoid official relations with Taipei. In recent years, it has stepped up efforts to reduce Taiwan’s remaining allies through aid and investment offers. Taiwan now has formal diplomatic relations with only 12 countries, mostly small nations in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Eswatini, however, said it regretted that President Lai could not make the visit but stressed that its ties with Taiwan remain unchanged. The governments of Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar did not immediately comment on the issue. China’s diplomatic push has already led several countries, including Honduras, Nicaragua and Nauru, to switch recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years. The last Taiwanese presidential visit to Eswatini took place in 2023.

Japan on Tuesday removed its long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons, marking a significant shift from its post-World War II pacifist stance as it looks to strengthen its defense industry amid rising concerns over China and North Korea. The Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved new guidelines that pave the way for a wider range of arms exports, including domestically developed warships, combat drones and other military equipment. The move has been welcomed by key defense partners such as Australia and has drawn interest from countries in Southeast Asia and Europe. US Ambassador to Japan George Glass described it as a “historic step” that would strengthen defense cooperation between allies. However, China strongly criticized the decision, warning that the international community would oppose what it called Japan’s shift toward militarism. Critics within Japan also argue the move goes against the country’s pacifist constitution and could raise global tensions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the new policy aims to enhance Japan’s security and contribute to regional and global stability as the security environment evolves. He added that the government will promote defense equipment transfers strategically to strengthen the country’s industrial base. Japan has traditionally restricted arms exports under its pacifist constitution, though recent changes allowed limited exports for non-combat purposes such as rescue, transport and surveillance. The new rules remove those restrictions, allowing exports of items like fighter jets, missiles and destroyers. Initially, such exports will be limited to 17 countries that have defense equipment and technology agreements with Japan. Each deal will require approval from the National Security Council, with strict monitoring of how the equipment is used. Officials said Japan will maintain strict controls and will not supply lethal weapons to countries engaged in active conflict, though exceptions could be considered. Japan began easing its export rules in 2014 by allowing non-lethal military supplies. In 2023, it further relaxed restrictions to permit exports of certain licensed weapons, enabling it to supply US-designed Patriot missiles to the United States. The revised policy also supports joint development projects, including a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy, and a major naval deal with Australia. Under that agreement, Japan will supply advanced frigates and collaborate on building additional vessels. Japan is also working to expand its domestic defense industry, which has struggled in the past due to limited demand. With growing security concerns involving China, North Korea and Russia, the government is encouraging investment in defense production, including drones and dual-use technologies. Officials say the new export framework will help deepen defense cooperation with partners and strengthen regional deterrence. Takaichi emphasized that Japan remains committed to its pacifist principles while adapting to new security challenges. Several countries, including New Zealand and the Philippines, have already shown interest in Japanese defense equipment. Meanwhile, NATO representatives recently visited Japan to explore closer cooperation in defense and technology.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan on Monday, prompting a brief tsunami alert and an advisory warning of a slightly elevated risk of a potential megaquake along coastal areas. Japan’s Cabinet Office and the Japan Meteorological Agency said there is about a 1% chance of a megaquake occurring within the next week, compared with a normal probability of 0.1%, following the tremor near the Chishima and Japan trenches. Officials stressed that the advisory is not a prediction but urged residents in 182 towns along the northeastern coast to remain alert, review evacuation plans and maintain preparedness while continuing daily activities. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on people to confirm designated shelters, evacuation routes and emergency supplies so they can respond quickly if needed. “The government will do our utmost in case of an emergency,” she said. The quake, which struck off the Sanriku coast at around 4:53pm local time at a depth of about 19 kilometers, briefly triggered tsunami warnings. Waves of up to 80 centimeters were recorded at Kuji port and 40 centimeters at another port in Iwate prefecture before alerts were lifted. Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said at least two people were injured after falling in Aomori and Iwate prefectures. Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and northern Japan were temporarily suspended, stranding passengers until operations resumed. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities were detected at nuclear power plants in the affected areas. The quake revived memories of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 22,000 people and triggered a nuclear crisis in Fukushima.