United News of Bangladesh

Thailand carried out airstrikes along its disputed border with Cambodia on Monday, with both countries blaming each other for initiating the attacks. The two Southeast Asian neighbors have experienced rising tensions since signing a U.S.-brokered truce in October, following a five-day conflict in July that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead. Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said Cambodian forces fired first across multiple border points, resulting in one Thai soldier killed and four others injured. Civilians in the affected areas are being evacuated. Thai aircraft were used to target Cambodian military positions in response, he added. Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, however, claimed that Thai forces struck first and that Cambodia did not retaliate during the initial attacks. “Cambodia urges Thailand to immediately halt all hostile actions that threaten regional peace and stability,” she said. Thailand halts ceasefire, demands Cambodia apology after border mine injures soldiers The U.S.-brokered ceasefire from October has been under strain, particularly after Thai troops were injured by land mines last month, with both sides continuing to dispute responsibility even as they are meant to cooperate in clearing the explosives. U.S. President Donald Trump said in mid-November that his mediation had prevented further escalation between the two nations. Source: AP

A fire ripped through a popular nightclub in India’s Goa state, killing 25 people, including tourists, the state’s chief minister said Sunday. The blaze occurred just past midnight in Arpora village in North Goa, a party hub, some 25 kilometers (15-miles) from the state capital, Panaji. Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said most of the dead were the club’s kitchen workers, as well as three to four tourists. Six people were injured and are in stable condition, he said. All the bodies have been recovered. The fire was caused by a gas cylinder blast and has been extinguished, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, quoting local police. However, witnesses told the agency that the fire began on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were on the dance floor. Several rushed to the kitchen below in the chaos and got trapped along with staff, it said. Fatima Shaikh said the commotion began as flames erupted, according to the news agency. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” she said. The nightclub, located along the Arpora River backwaters, had a narrow entry and exit that forced the firefighters to park their tankers about 400 meters (1,300 feet) away, delaying the efforts, the news agency said. Sawant said the club had violated fire safety regulations. The state government ordered an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire and responsibility, he said, adding that authorities would act against the club management and officials who allowed it to operate despite the violations. Local village council official Roshan Redkar told the news agency that authorities had earlier issued a demolition notice for the club, which didn't have construction permit from the government. But higher officials rolled back the order, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post called the fire "deeply saddening# and said he spoke with Sawant. Modi said the government “is providing all possible assistance” while offering condolences to the victims’ families. Accidents, particularly involving gas cylinders and electric short circuits, aren’t uncommon in India and often result in casualties, underlining the need for authorities to implement stringent safety protocols. “This is not just an accident; it is a criminal failure of safety and governance,” Rahul Gandhi, a top leader of India’s main opposition Congress party, wrote in a social media post. He called for a transparent probe to "fix accountability and ensure such preventable tragedies don’t occur again.” The western coastal state of Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its sandy beaches.

Japan lodged a strong protest with China after a Chinese military aircraft locked its radar on Japanese fighter jets near Okinawa, escalating tensions between the two countries amid already strained relations over remarks by Japan’s prime minister on Taiwan. Japan’s Defense Ministry said a Chinese J-15 fighter, operating from the aircraft carrier Liaoning, “intermittently” locked its radar onto Japanese F-15 jets twice on Saturday — once for about three minutes in the late afternoon and again for roughly 30 minutes in the evening. The radar targeting was detected by separate Japanese fighters that scrambled in response to a possible airspace intrusion, though no violation of Japanese territory occurred and no damage or injuries were reported. Officials said it was unclear whether the same J-15 was involved in both incidents. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the radar lock “a dangerous act beyond what is required for safe aircraft operations,” adding that Japan has filed a strong protest and demanded strict measures to prevent a recurrence. The incident occurred as the Liaoning passed between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island while conducting takeoff and landing drills in the Pacific. Japanese jets monitored the Chinese aircraft at a safe distance and avoided provocative maneuvers, according to officials quoted by Kyodo News. Radar locks are considered serious because the systems can be used to guide missiles. This is believed to be the first case of such targeting between Japanese and Chinese aircraft, though a Chinese warship locked its radar on a Japanese destroyer in 2013. The confrontation comes weeks after Beijing reacted sharply to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments suggesting Japan’s military could intervene if China moved against Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

 Emergency teams scrambled to reach survivors on Friday after devastating floods and landslides swept through parts of Asia last week, claiming more than 1,500 lives. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the sheer scale of the disaster has overwhelmed rescue operations. Authorities reported 883 fatalities in Indonesia, 486 in Sri Lanka, 185 in Thailand, and three in Malaysia. Many villages in Indonesia and Sri Lanka remain buried under mud and debris, with nearly 900 people still missing across both countries. Thailand and Malaysia have seen more progress in recovery efforts. As floodwaters recede, survivors face a crippling reality: roads that once connected communities have been destroyed, leaving some areas accessible only by helicopter. Landslides toppled transmission towers, plunging towns into darkness and cutting off internet service. In Aceh Tamiang, the worst-hit area in Aceh province, entire villages lie buried beneath mud. More than 260,000 residents fled from farmland now devastated. For many, immediate access to clean water, sanitation, and shelter is critical for survival. Relief trucks traveling from Medan in North Sumatra to Aceh Tamiang have struggled due to debris-blocked roads, according to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency. An AP photojournalist documented overturned cars, destroyed homes, and animal carcasses scattered amid the wreckage. Residents are reminded of the 2004 tsunami, which killed around 230,000 people globally, including 160,000 in Aceh. Indonesians scramble for food and water after deadly floods; Sri Lanka reports 193 deaths On a damaged bridge over the Tamiang River, families have taken shelter under makeshift tents. Survivor Ibrahim bin Usman described clinging to a warehouse roof with his family of 21 as floodwaters carrying logs swept away six family homes. “This wasn’t a flood—it was a tsunami from the hills. Many bodies are still buried under mud,” he said. With wells contaminated and water supplies ruined, survivors like Mariana have resorted to drinking muddy floodwater. She and others sought refuge in a school building with no food or safe drinking water. Joko Sofyan, a local trader, said children were falling ill from drinking the same floodwater that destroyed their homes. Amid scarce supplies, frustration is rising. Hadi Akher, a survivor, accused local authorities of corruption and blamed deforestation for intensifying the disaster, highlighting the desperate need for basic aid such as food, water, and household equipment. Source: AP 

Pakistan’s military on Friday condemned comments by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who recently called the country’s army chief “mentally unstable.” The army described Khan as “mentally ill” and accused him of using prison visits and social media to attack the armed forces and create divisions. Army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, without directly naming Khan, called him a “narcissist” whose political ambitions had become so extreme that he believed “if I am not in power, nothing else should exist.” Chaudhry claimed that those meeting Khan in prison were being used to “spread poison against the army.” The remarks came after Khan’s sister visited him and said he was angry at Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir. Khan had earlier posted on X accusing Munir of moral decline and alleging that the army orchestrated his and his wife’s imprisonment on fabricated charges. He also claimed he was in solitary confinement and subjected to psychological pressure. Khan’s spokesperson Zulfiquar Bukhari dismissed the army’s statement as anger-driven and a veiled threat, suggesting it aimed to justify a harsher crackdown on Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and worsen his prison conditions. He added that meetings with Khan would now be banned. Sister allowed to meet Imran Khan at Adiala jail; PTI protests on Chaudhry said Khan’s social media claims were amplified by foreign media and baseless. He accused Khan of deliberately fueling hostility against the military, linking him to the May 9, 2023, attacks on army installations following Khan’s arrest. Khan has denied inciting violence. Chaudhry emphasized that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it cannot compromise national security, and said the decision to ban Khan’s party rests with the civilian government. Khan, 73, was ousted in a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and remains a vocal critic of the current government. Source: AP 

The Calcutta High Court on Friday declined to step in amid a growing dispute over the foundation-laying of a Babri Masjid replica in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, said it is the state government’s responsibility to maintain law and order, according to a PTI report. The ceremony, scheduled for December 6 at Beldanga, is being spearheaded by Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, who has since been suspended by the party for moving ahead with the plan. The date also marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid’s demolition by the BJP-lead India government in Ayodhya, where a Ram Temple was built following a Supreme Court verdict. The West Bengal government told the court it has deployed adequate police personnel to prevent any breach of peace. The Union government informed the bench that 19 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, stationed in Murshidabad since communal violence in April, remain available for immediate deployment if required. A petition before the court sought a stay on the programme, arguing that Kabir’s remarks and the proposed event could disturb communal harmony. The petitioner accused the MLA of using inflammatory language online and urged action to prevent tensions in the region. Following the court’s refusal to intervene, petitioner’s counsel Sabyasachi Mukherjee said the state would now be accountable for any deterioration in law and order. He added that the Centre had already committed CAPF support and forces were conducting route marches. Kabir, who submitted an undertaking that he would not incite violence, welcomed the court’s stance, calling it a “victory for the Constitution.” He claimed thousands were expected to attend the programme and that 2,000 volunteers would assist in maintaining order. However, the TMC leadership criticised Kabir for choosing a communally sensitive area for the project and suspended him for what it called “communal politics.” Kabir announced he would resign from the party and launch his own political outfit on December 12. Meanwhile, BJP leader Arjun Singh launched a sharp attack, warning Kabir against proceeding with the event and alleging that invoking the name “Babri” was an affront to the Constitution. Source: Hindustan Times 

Hong Kong will hold a legislative election on Sunday as the city grapples with public frustration and questions over governance after a devastating apartment fire killed at least 159 people, the deadliest since 1948. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of Beijing’s “patriots-only” political system and could weigh heavily on voter turnout, a key indicator of public sentiment in an era of shrinking political participation. The vote comes just 11 days after the massive blaze engulfed seven towers of a high-rise complex, prompting concerns about oversight of building maintenance and the authorities’ investigation. While widespread protests are unlikely due to the extensive security crackdown that began five years ago, residents have voiced worries privately, on social media and to reporters. This year’s race features significant changes within the 90-member Legislative Council. Nearly 40 percent of incumbents, including well-known and mildly outspoken figures, have chosen not to run. They are being replaced by a larger number of candidates with business links to mainland China and more individuals who serve in China’s legislature and political advisory bodies, reflecting Beijing’s tightening control over the city’s political landscape. Veteran lawmakers began announcing their departures in late September. Some, like Regina Ip, said they wanted to make way for younger politicians. Others denied facing pressure but their exits drew more attention to a legislature now fully aligned with Beijing after electoral rules were overhauled in 2021. Those changes reduced the number of directly elected seats from 35 to 20, expanded the role of a pro-Beijing election committee and introduced strict vetting of all candidates by national security authorities. Pro-democracy lawmakers have disappeared from the chamber after many were arrested under the 2020 national security law. Public concern about the performance of the legislature has grown. A local think tank earlier this year reported unease over the quality of debate and accountability. Meanwhile, an Associated Press review found that at least 26 of 161 candidates work in Chinese-funded enterprises, almost double the number identified in 2021. Sixteen candidates are delegates to China’s top legislature and 13 sit on its political advisory body. Analysts say the trend suggests Beijing favors younger, more compliant lawmakers and is reducing reliance on traditional political parties. Among the newcomers is Olympic fencing champion Vivian Kong, who passed official vetting after defending her eligibility to run in the tourism sector. Other candidates with ties to Chinese-funded companies defended their dual roles, saying their familiarity with national policies could help Hong Kong integrate with mainland development plans. Hong Kong leader John Lee rejected suggestions of interference and criticized what he called attempts to smear the election. He said personnel shifts are normal and that Beijing has a legitimate interest in the city’s political development. Turnout remains one of the biggest questions. Participation fell to a record low of 30.2 percent in 2021. The government has expanded polling locations, extended voting hours and encouraged employers to allow staff time to vote. Authorities have also made several arrests over social media posts allegedly discouraging voting or damaging election materials. But analysts say the fire has disrupted efforts to boost turnout and could depress participation further, with both pro-democracy supporters and some pro-government voters expected to stay home. John Burns, a University of Hong Kong scholar, said the disaster has “made it very difficult for the authorities to better the thirty percent,” adding that turnout will likely fall even lower.  

A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare high-level visit to Syria on Thursday, marking the first engagement with Syrian authorities since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. According to Syrian state media SANA, this is the first visit of its kind since the Security Council was established in 1945. The delegation, representing all Security Council member states, toured multiple sites in Damascus and held meetings with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, and other senior officials. The discussions focused on building trust, fostering dialogue, and advancing Syria’s political transition. Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia’s permanent UN representative and president of the Security Council for December, said the visit aimed to strengthen engagement and trust between the UN and the Syrian authorities. The delegation addressed a wide range of issues, including justice and reconciliation, inclusive political processes, national dialogue, humanitarian needs, economic recovery, reconstruction, and counterterrorism measures. They also emphasized the importance of preventing Syria from posing a threat to other nations. The delegation additionally met with UN representatives and communities affected by recent violence and coastal incidents in Sweida province. Zbogar described the discussions as both enlightening and difficult, providing a detailed perspective on Syria’s current situation. The visit comes as Syria continues efforts to stabilize the country politically and socially following the upheaval last December. UNSC representatives highlighted the need for economic development and reconstruction as crucial elements for long-term stability. The delegation also visited the old city of Damascus and entered Syria via the Lebanese border to engage directly with local communities. This high-level mission underscores the UN Security Council’s commitment to supporting Syria’s transition, addressing humanitarian challenges, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation in the post-Assad era.

China on Friday urged Japan to honor its obligations as a defeated nation of World War II, respect the post-war international order, and refrain from actions that could undermine peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks during a press briefing, responding to Japan’s recent approval of a higher defense budget and its talks with the Philippines on exporting Japanese missiles. Jiang criticized Japan for repeatedly violating its pacifist Constitution, significantly increasing its military spending, promoting the export of lethal weapons, and seeking to revise its three non-nuclear principles in recent years. He warned that Japan’s accelerated loosening of military restrictions signals a potential resurgence of militarism. He also condemned Japan for its slow handling of chemical weapons left in China during its wartime aggression. During its invasion of China, Japanese forces used large quantities of chemical weapons, causing over 200,000 military and civilian casualties. After Japan’s defeat, many chemical weapons were abandoned on Chinese soil, resulting in more than 2,000 additional victims and ongoing environmental hazards. China has called on Japan to accelerate the disposal of these weapons, provide timely information about them, assist in identification efforts, and take responsibility for remediation of contaminated water and soil. Jiang stressed that Japan must fully acknowledge its historical responsibilities and take concrete measures to address past wartime actions and their continuing impact on China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron held friendly exchanges on Friday in Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, highlighting the longstanding cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Upon arrival, Macron and his wife Brigitte were warmly welcomed by Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan. Xi recalled his visit to France’s Hautes-Pyrenees last year and expressed hope that Macron’s visit would deepen his understanding of China. The leaders strolled along Yangong Path and later held discussions at Huaigu Pavilion while enjoying tea by the waterside. Xi praised the Dujiangyan irrigation system, emphasizing it as a symbol of the Chinese nation’s ingenuity, resilience, and harmonious approach to human-nature interaction. Macron hailed the over two-millennia-old system as a testament to China’s industriousness and wisdom. Xi and Macron discussed global affairs, noting the cultural depth and shared aspirations of both nations. Xi stressed that national prosperity requires both material and cultural development, highlighting China’s continuous civilizational achievements in unity, innovation, and inclusiveness. He also noted that China and France, as representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, share a spirit of independence rooted in cultural heritage. Macron emphasized France’s willingness to strengthen dialogue, coordination, and cooperation with China to address global conflicts, promote peace, and ensure stability amid an uncertain international landscape. The two leaders agreed to maintain close communication to further the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. During the visit, the countries issued joint statements on enhancing global governance, responding to climate and environmental challenges, promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation, advancing agricultural and food exchanges, and discussing situations in Ukraine and Palestine. President Xi and Madam Peng later hosted Macron and his wife for lunch, reinforcing the warm and cooperative atmosphere of the visit.