United News of Bangladesh

Firefighters continued battling one of Hong Kong’s most deadly modern fires on Thursday (November 27), as flames ravaged multiple high-rise towers and at least 44 people were confirmed dead. Rescues remained ongoing, and three men from a construction company were arrested in connection with the blaze. Thick smoke continued to pour from the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, a northern suburb near the mainland border. The fire, which erupted Wednesday afternoon, had spread across seven of the eight buildings, though four towers were reported under control by Thursday morning. At least 62 people were injured, many with burns or smoke inhalation, including one firefighter among the deceased. Police arrested three men — two company directors and an engineering consultant — on suspicion of manslaughter. “We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent,” said senior superintendent Eileen Chung. Investigators suspect that some materials used on the exterior walls failed fire-resistance standards, which may have accelerated the spread. Styrofoam, highly flammable, was also found attached near elevators in one tower, likely installed by the company, though its purpose remains unclear. Read more: Fire forces evacuation at COP30 climate summit in Brazil The fire began on the external scaffolding of a 32-story building, spreading through bamboo scaffolding and netting, and then into other buildings, aided by strong winds. Firefighters battled the intense flames with ladder trucks, but high temperatures, falling debris, and unstable scaffolding hampered rescue operations. The complex houses nearly 2,000 apartments for about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people, and was undergoing major renovations. About 900 residents were evacuated, and 279 were reported missing as of midnight Wednesday. Rescues were ongoing into Thursday morning. Residents described harrowing moments. Lawrence Lee, waiting for news of his trapped wife, said smoke-filled corridors forced her back into their apartment despite attempts to escape. Hong Kong leader John Lee announced the government would focus on the disaster and pause campaigning for the Dec. 7 Legislative Council elections, though he did not confirm if the vote would be postponed. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and sympathies to victims’ families, urging measures to minimize further casualties. This fire is the deadliest Hong Kong has seen in decades, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon blaze that killed 41 people over 20 hours. Read more: Death toll in Hong Kong high-rise fire climbs to 36; 279 missing Source: AP

The sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday demanded permission to meet him in Adiala Jail, claiming they were beaten by police while protesting outside the prison amid false reports of his death. Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple cases. The Pakistan government has reportedly blocked visits to him for over a month, leaving him in solitary confinement and restricted from access to lawyers, books, and essential items, PTI said. Khan’s sisters – Noreen Khan, Aleema Khan, and Uzma Khan – said police “brutally assaulted” them and PTI supporters when they gathered outside the jail in Rawalpindi to seek a meeting with him. They also claimed the violence was unprovoked and left them with injuries. In a letter to Punjab police chief Usman Anwar, Noreen Khan described being dragged across the road at the age of 71. She said other women were slapped and dragged, calling the attack “orchestrated” and part of a “troubling pattern of indiscriminate force” against peaceful protesters. PTI called for an impartial investigation into the assault.  

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have intensified security operations following the Nov. 10 blast near New Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed at least 10 people and injured 32, officials said. The crackdown has sparked fear and despair among locals, culminating in the self-immolation of a shopkeeper reportedly distressed by detentions of family members. Bilal Ahmed Wani, 55, a dry fruit seller, set himself on fire after police briefly detained him and his relatives in connection with the blast investigation. He was treated at multiple hospitals but died a day later. Relatives said Wani was overwhelmed by stress and humiliation from the detentions. Police confirmed his death was due to “self-inflicted burn injuries.” The blast investigation has focused on Kashmir, with hundreds detained, including students, professionals, and doctors alleged to have links to the suspected suicide bomber, Umar Un Nabi. Authorities have demolished the bomber’s family home in Pulwama district and increased scrutiny of what they describe as a “white-collar terror ecosystem” involving radicalized professionals and students with possible foreign connections. Officials said Wani’s eldest son remains in custody, accused of assisting Un Nabi in technical operations. Relatives insist the family members were innocent and used as scapegoats. The crackdown has heightened fear among Kashmiri doctors, who report unprecedented scrutiny of their personal and professional lives. Security analysts say the measures reflect deep-seated tensions in the region. Militancy in Indian-controlled Kashmir has persisted since 1989, with India blaming Pakistan for supporting armed groups. Political disenfranchisement following India’s 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s special status has fueled anger and resentment among locals, analysts note. Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the current crackdown risks worsening alienation and insecurity rather than curbing violence. Experts suggest that a more moderate approach by New Delhi could be more effective in preventing further cycles of unrest in the region.  

China’s travel advisory against Japan is already hitting Tokyo’s tourism sector, signaling a familiar strategy that could continue for some time as tensions rise over Taiwan. About 200 Chinese tourists have canceled bookings at a tearoom in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district, with some cancellations extending into January. Rie Takeda, who runs the tea ceremony class, said she hopes visitors return by Chinese New Year, though past experience suggests the impact may last longer. The advisory comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that Japan’s military could intervene if China acted against Taiwan. Beijing reacted with economic and diplomatic pressure, using tactics similar to its past disputes with Australia, the Philippines, and other neighbors. Experts say China may roll out further measures secretly, keeping Japan uncertain about the next steps. “Everything is possible, because this involves the core of the nation’s core interests,” said Liu Jiangyong, an international relations professor at Tsinghua University. Japan has tried to avoid escalation but has not retracted its statements, reflecting a pattern seen in previous disputes where governments endure economic or diplomatic pain rather than appear to back down. Analysts note that similar conflicts can last over a year until political changes create a new environment for resolution. The travel advisory is already affecting Japanese businesses. Hotels, tour operators, and cultural attractions have reported cancellations totaling thousands of guests. Economists estimate the impact could cost Japan about 1.8 trillion yen ($11.5 billion), reducing annual growth by 0.3 percentage points. Chinese tourists are reacting differently: some cancel trips in line with the advisory, while others continue to visit. Business owners such as ski lodge operator Livia Du in Hokkaido said cancellations are being replaced by other travelers, though uncertainty remains. China’s pressure extends beyond tourism. The release of Japanese films was postponed, entertainment events canceled, and seafood export restrictions remain unresolved. Rare earth exports, vital for global industries, could also be affected. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned that Japan must retract its statements or face further measures. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between the two neighbors and highlights how China leverages economic and cultural influence to assert its stance on Taiwan-related issues.  

India on Tuesday protested to China over what it described as the “arbitrary detention” of an Indian citizen at Shanghai airport, after Chinese authorities reportedly refused to recognize her passport. The woman, Pem Wang Thongdok from the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, was stopped during a layover on her way to Japan on Nov. 21. She said she was held for 18 hours after officials claimed her passport was invalid, citing that her birthplace, Arunachal Pradesh, is considered by Beijing to be Chinese territory. India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory, while China calls it Zangnan, or Southern Tibet. The incident adds tension to relations already strained by border disputes, trade and technology restrictions, and competing regional interests. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the case was handled “in accordance with laws and regulations” and claimed the woman’s rights were “fully protected,” denying that she was detained or harassed. Mao reiterated China’s position that it does not recognize Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded, reaffirming that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India.” Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Chinese authorities have not provided any valid explanation for the detention, calling it a violation of international air travel conventions and China’s own transit rules that allow visa-free passage for up to 24 hours. The episode underscores how the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh continues to complicate efforts to improve ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.  

At least six people, including three security personnel, were killed in a suicide attack on the headquarters of Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary (FC) in Peshawar on Monday, officials said. Several others were injured. According to local media, three suicide bombers targeted the FC complex. One detonated explosives at the main gate, killing three officers stationed there, while the other two were shot dead before they could enter the premises. Peshawar Police Chief Mian Saeed Ahmad said a large number of security personnel were conducting morning parade drills in the open ground when the attack occurred. “The attackers failed to reach the parade area, and a prompt response by our forces prevented a much larger tragedy,” he added. The explosion also injured at least six civilians, who were admitted to Lady Reading Hospital in stable condition. Emergency services were declared at both Lady Reading Hospital and Khyber Teaching Hospital. No group has claimed responsibility, but the Pakistan Taliban (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan) has been blamed for similar attacks in recent months. The group is allied with, but separate from, Afghanistan’s Taliban. The attack comes less than two weeks after a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the Peshawar attack, praising the security forces for their timely response.   Source: ALJAZEERA

China accused Japan of crossing a diplomatic “red line” after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested earlier this month that Tokyo could consider military action if China blockaded Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that Takaichi’s comments — implying Japan might respond militarily to any Chinese move against the self-ruled island — were “shocking” and sent a “wrong signal” of attempted intervention. His remarks were published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website. “It is shocking that Japan’s current leaders have publicly suggested military involvement in the Taiwan issue, said things they shouldn’t have said, and crossed a red line that should not be touched,” Wang said, adding that China must “resolutely respond” and warning all countries to help prevent “the resurgence of Japanese militarism.” Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo have risen sharply since Takaichi’s remarks. On Friday, China sent a formal letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres accusing Japan of a “grave violation of international law” and diplomatic norms. China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong wrote that any Japanese attempt to intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait would constitute “an act of aggression,” warning that China would firmly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law. Beijing considers Taiwan — a former Japanese colony — part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. China strongly opposes involvement from other countries, particularly the United States, Taiwan’s main security partner, and its regional allies Japan and the Philippines. Takaichi, whose position is considered more hawkish than her predecessors, has maintained her stance. While she has declined to discuss specific scenarios, she has refused to retract her earlier remarks.  

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday that China is ready to collaborate with South Africa, strengthen mutual support, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Li made the remarks when meeting with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the sidelines of the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit held in Johannesburg on Saturday and Sunday. China and South Africa are good friends and brothers enjoying a deep friendship, Li said. In September last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, in Beijing and reached important consensus on advancing bilateral ties, Li said. China stands ready to work with South Africa to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, further enhance mutual political trust, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and deliver more outcomes of their all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Li noted that China is ready to step up alignment with South Africa, and help more quality and competitive South African products enter the Chinese market by negotiating and signing an agreement on economic partnership for shared development and advancing in South Africa the early implementation of China's zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for African countries having diplomatic relations with China. China supports more competitive Chinese companies in investing in South Africa and enhancing cooperation in such areas as new energy, automobiles, healthcare, digital economy and infrastructure, with a view to broadening and upgrading bilateral cooperation to better serve the modernization of both countries, Li said. He expressed the hope that South Africa will better protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and the safety of their personnel. China-South Africa cooperation has long played a leading and demonstrative role in China-Africa cooperation, Li said, pledging that China is ready to strengthen communication with South Africa within frameworks including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), promote the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and jointly create a bright future of development and prosperity for China and Africa. Li called on the two sides to step up multilateral coordination and work with the wider Global South countries to promote a more just and equitable international order.  

A powerful boiler explosion at a glue-making factory in eastern Pakistan killed at least 18 people and injured 21 others on Friday, officials said. The blast ripped through the industrial facility in Faisalabad, flattening the building, sparking a massive fire and damaging several nearby homes. Police said the factory manager had been arrested, while the owner fled the scene shortly after the explosion and remained at large. The exact cause of the blast was not immediately known, but Punjab police chief Usman Anwar said preliminary findings suggested a gas leak may have triggered it. Authorities have yet to confirm how many of the 18 fatalities were factory employees and how many were residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Earlier reports indicated that at least 15 workers were among the dead. Local administrator Raja Jahangir said an inquiry had been launched into how the glue factory was allowed to operate in a residential area of Faisalabad, in violation of building and zoning laws. He said the explosion “completely flattened” the structure, and rescuers worked for hours to pull victims from the rubble. Several of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Pakistani forces intensify raids near Afghan border, killing 23 militants Witnesses described scenes of devastation. Muhammad Iqbal, who was injured along with his wife and son, said the blast “felt like an earthquake,” with roofs and walls of nearby homes collapsing. Another resident, Nadeem Zafar, said he saw flames and thick smoke rising as people ran through the streets in panic. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed condolences and directed authorities to provide the best possible care for the wounded. Industrial accidents remain common in Pakistan, where poor safety standards and lax enforcement contribute to frequent factory fires and explosions. In 2024, a similar boiler blast at a Faisalabad textile mill injured a dozen workers, and just last week, four people were killed in an explosion at a firecrackers factory in Karachi. Source: AP 

An Indian Air Force pilot was killed on Friday when an Indian-made fighter jet went down during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, the Indian Air Force confirmed. The HAL Tejas aircraft, which had made several passes over the venue, crashed at around 2:10 p.m. local time after suddenly losing control and plunging into the ground within the airfield. The IAF said the pilot suffered fatal injuries and expressed condolences to the family, adding that a formal inquiry has been launched to determine what caused the accident. Thick black smoke was seen rising from Al Maktoum International Airport, where the biennial air show was taking place. Emergency teams quickly responded, and police cordoned off the area. An Indian diplomatic vehicle was also spotted near the crash zone. Despite the incident, flight displays resumed about 30 minutes later while recovery crews remained on-site. Pilot reportedly killed as Turkey-registered aircraft crashes in Croatia Tejas, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is India’s domestically built light combat aircraft and is considered vital for strengthening the country's fighter fleet. India recently signed contracts for nearly 100 additional jets, with deliveries set to begin in 2027, though previous orders have faced delays due to engine shortages. Just a day earlier, Indian authorities dismissed online rumors claiming a Tejas jet at the show had suffered an oil leak, calling the allegations baseless. It remains unknown whether that aircraft was the one involved in Friday’s crash. A Tejas fighter also crashed in Rajasthan last year, though the pilot survived that incident. Source: AP