United News of Bangladesh

Iran does not want a war with Israel or the United States, but it is fully prepared to defend itself if it comes under attack again, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beirut, Araghchi said Tehran is also willing to resume negotiations with Washington over its nuclear program, provided the talks are based on mutual respect and not pressure or “dictation” from the US. His remarks come amid growing fears that Israel, a close US ally, could again target Iran following the 12-day war in June, when Israel struck Iran and killed several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. During that conflict, the United States also bombed key Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. “America and Israel have tested their attack on Iran and this attack and strategy faced extreme failure,” Araghchi said at the start of his two-day visit to Lebanon. “If they repeat it, they will face the same results.” “We are ready for any choice. We don’t desire a war but we are ready for it,” he added. In February, US President Donald Trump reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran in an effort to block Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. The policy included US-led airstrikes on three major Iranian enrichment sites in June. Araghchi said Iran is prepared for negotiations, but stressed that any dialogue must be built on respect and shared interests. “We believe that once the Americans reach the outcome that constructive and positive negotiations rather than ordering dictation are the framework, then at that time the results of these negotiations become fruitful,” he said. Iran began enriching uranium up to 60% purity after Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers in 2018. While Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Western governments and the UN’s nuclear watchdog say Iran had an organized weapons program until 2003. In late December, Trump warned that the US could launch further military strikes if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear program, following talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. END/UNB/FH/1719 Hrs  

Young protesters who spearheaded last year’s mass uprising in Nepal are increasingly disillusioned with the interim government that came to power after weeks of violent demonstrations, accusing it of failing to deliver on promises to end corruption and ensure accountability. Mukesh Awasti, 22, had planned to leave for Australia in September to study civil engineering. Instead, he joined protests in Kathmandu demanding an end to corruption and better governance. He was shot by security forces during the unrest and later lost a leg. From his hospital bed at the National Trauma Center in the capital, Awasti said he now regrets taking part in the movement. “I gave up everything, but nothing has changed,” he said. “Corruption has not ended, and those who fired on protesters have not been arrested.” The protests erupted on Sept. 8 and quickly turned violent, leaving at least 76 people dead and more than 2,300 injured. The movement, driven largely by so-called Gen Z activists, forced political leaders into negotiations that resulted in the appointment on Sept. 12 of Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge, as Nepal’s first female prime minister. She was tasked with leading an interim government and holding parliamentary elections in March. Months later, many of the same protesters say the government has failed them. The country’s anti-corruption agency has filed only one major case, which does not involve prominent political figures. Politicians accused by demonstrators are preparing to contest the upcoming elections, while no cases have been brought against leaders who were in power when protesters were killed or injured. Frustration has pushed injured demonstrators and families of victims back onto the streets. In recent weeks, dozens have staged protests outside the prime minister’s office, some of which were dispersed by police. “We are here again because the government did nothing,” said Suman Bohara, who walks with crutches after his right foot was badly injured during the protests. “Families lost loved ones, many were wounded, but there has been no justice.” The original demonstrations drew tens of thousands of mostly young people angered by widespread corruption, unemployment, lack of opportunity and poor governance. The unrest was initially triggered by a government ban on social media platforms. Protesters broke through police barricades and tried to storm Parliament, prompting security forces to open fire. Within days, protests spread nationwide. Mobs torched the offices of the prime minister and president, attacked police stations and burned the homes of senior politicians, many of whom were evacuated by army helicopters. The military eventually restored order, and talks led to the formation of the interim government with the sole mandate of conducting elections. Prime Minister Karki has repeatedly said her government is focused on that task. She has pledged that parliamentary polls will be held on March 5, saying preparations are nearly complete and the security situation has improved. “As the world looks toward a smooth transition through elections, I want to assure everyone that we will deliver,” Karki said recently. However, divisions within the Gen Z movement have complicated the political landscape. Different groups are now pushing competing demands, including direct elections for prime minister, scrapping the current constitution and imprisoning all former political leaders. There is no unified leadership, with multiple individuals claiming to represent the movement’s voice. Analysts say this lack of clarity has become a major obstacle. “The confusion we see today is largely because there was no clear agreement on what the protesters wanted or how the new government should function,” said Abeeral Thapa, principal of Polygon College of Journalism and Mass Communications in Kathmandu. Some activists have begun opposing the March elections, arguing that their movement was not meant simply to replace one parliament with another. They insist that corruption must be tackled immediately and those responsible for abuses must be punished before any vote is held. Others believe elections are necessary to bring in new lawmakers who can pursue those goals through democratic means. Legal uncertainty has further complicated matters. Nepal’s constitution does not clearly outline provisions for forming an interim government. When appointing Karki’s administration, the president stated that its primary responsibility was to hold elections, raising questions about how much authority it has to meet broader demands. Thapa said the protests were initially narrow in focus but quickly spiraled beyond their original aims. “They started with demands to control corruption and lift the social media ban,” he said. “But events took an unexpected turn, and the collapse of the government was not something they fully planned for.” Whether the promised elections can be held in March remains uncertain, but analysts say there are few alternatives. For now, many young Nepalis who once celebrated the fall of the previous government are left feeling betrayed by a system they hoped to change, unsure whether the movement that cost so much can still deliver the reforms they demanded.  

Authorities in southern Nepal imposed a strict curfew in the border city of Birgunj after tensions flared between Hindu and Muslim communities following the vandalism of a mosque over the weekend, officials said Tuesday. The Parsa District Administration ordered residents to stay off the streets, banning all public movement, demonstrations and gatherings. Security forces were authorized to take strong action against anyone violating the curfew, including the use of firearms if necessary, according to the official notice. Police and army units armed with automatic weapons were deployed across Birgunj, a major commercial hub located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Kathmandu. The city serves as Nepal’s most important land border crossing with India and is a critical gateway for fuel, food and other essential imports entering the country. Nepal’s Gen Z Protesters disillusioned with government they helped install The unrest began Sunday when Muslim groups organized protests after a mosque in a nearby town was vandalized. Later the same day, Hindu groups held their own demonstrations, raising fears that the situation could escalate. Protest activity has continued intermittently since then, prompting authorities to impose the curfew to prevent violence. Officials said there have been no serious injuries or large-scale clashes between the two communities so far. Some minor scuffles were reported between protesters and riot police as officers worked to keep the groups apart and restore calm. Interreligious violence is uncommon in Nepal, a predominantly Hindu country where Muslims make up a small minority of the population. Most Muslim communities are concentrated in southern districts near the Indian border, including areas such as Birgunj, where close cultural and economic ties exist across the frontier. Local officials said the curfew would remain in place until tensions ease and warned residents to comply with security directives as authorities continue monitoring the situation closely.

Mukesh Awasti, a 22-year-old protester who lost a leg after being shot by security forces during Nepal’s September protests, says he regrets sacrificing so much for limited change. The demonstrations, sparked by corruption, lack of opportunities, and social media restrictions, killed 76 people and injured over 2,300, eventually leading to the appointment of Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, who promised elections in March. However, protesters are disappointed with the interim government’s performance. Only one significant corruption case has been filed, excluding major political figures, and those responsible for violence against demonstrators remain unpunished. Injured protesters have returned to the streets, demanding accountability and systemic reform. Analysts say the movement’s lack of unified leadership and unclear demands has complicated Nepal’s political landscape. Some groups now oppose the March elections, arguing their goals go beyond parliamentary polls and include ending corruption and jailing corrupt leaders. Prime Minister Karki maintains the government is focused on preparing for elections and improving security, but the ability to meet protesters’ broader demands remains uncertain, as the constitution provides no clear framework for interim governments beyond overseeing polls. The Gen Z-led movement highlights both the challenges of youth-driven activism and the gap between revolutionary expectations and political realities in Nepal.

China on Tuesday banned exports of dual-use goods that can serve military purposes to Japan, a move that comes at time of heightened tensions between the two countries over Taiwan, a self-ruled island Beijing claims as its sovereign territory. The Chinese commerce ministry warned that individuals or organizations violating the ban would face legal action, regardless of nationality. The ministry did not specify the items affected, but technology products such as drones and navigation systems could be included. Japan’s Foreign Ministry strongly protested, calling the measure targeted and “unacceptable,” and demanded its withdrawal. The announcement follows months of escalating friction, including Japan’s plans to double military spending and incidents of Chinese aircraft locking radar on Japanese jets. China recently conducted large-scale military drills around Taiwan, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemning both Taiwan and Japan’s “pro-independence” stance. Chinese leader Xi Jinping also met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, urging regional cooperation to defend the outcomes of World War II and maintain stability in Northeast Asia.

A strong earthquake struck western Japan on Tuesday, but there were no reports of major damage, life-threatening injuries, or tsunami risk. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) initially reported the quake in Shimane prefecture, northwestern Japan, as magnitude 6.2, later revising it to 6.4. The prefectural capital, Matsue, along with nearby cities—including some in Tottori prefecture—experienced the strongest shaking. The quake’s epicenter was inland at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). JMA officials warned residents to remain cautious of possible aftershocks for about a week. Local fire departments reported a few minor injuries, and Shinkansen bullet trains in the area faced temporary suspensions or delays. The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no issues at the Shimane nuclear power plant or nearby facilities. Japan, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is among the world’s most earthquake-prone regions.

Hong Kong will host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly later this year, marking the first time the city serves as the venue and the third time the event is held in China. The gathering will bring police chiefs and ministers from INTERPOL’s 196 member countries together to discuss global security challenges and strengthen international cooperation. Vice Minister of Public Security of China, Xu Datong, recalled China’s previous hosting of the assembly in Beijing in 1995 and 2017, noting the significance of Hong Kong’s selection. At the closing ceremony of the 93rd General Assembly in Morocco last November, Xu, alongside Hong Kong Police Commissioner Chow Yat-ming, received the INTERPOL flag, officially designating Hong Kong as the next host city. Commissioner Chow said the decision reflects China’s trust in both Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), highlighting the city’s strategic role as a “super connector” in international policing. Chow expressed pride in hosting the event, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrancy, friendly spirit, and the effectiveness of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Hong Kong has long been active within INTERPOL. The HKPF contributes expertise in major crimes, cybercrime, and financial crime, with officers on secondment at INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon and the Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore. The force is expanding ties with overseas law enforcement, particularly within ASEAN and Belt and Road Initiative countries, to combat emerging transnational crimes. Platforms like FRONTIER+ now connect 13 jurisdictions for real-time intelligence sharing and cross-border fund interception. In November 2025, the HKPF hosted its first Ethics Governance Roundtable with INTERPOL, ICAC, and international representatives, discussing ethics and financial risk management. Chow said preparations for the 2026 General Assembly are well underway, with close coordination among HKPF, INTERPOL, and China’s National Central Bureau to ensure a smooth event. The HKPF aims to offer delegates a memorable experience, reflecting Hong Kong’s hospitality, rich culture, and culinary offerings.

North Korea announced on Monday that leader Kim Jong Un oversaw test flights of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent as it ramps up weapons demonstrations ahead of a major political gathering. The announcement came a day after neighboring countries reported multiple ballistic missile launches, condemning the tests as provocative. The launches occurred just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China to meet President Xi Jinping. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the Sunday exercise aimed to assess the readiness of a hypersonic weapons system, enhance operational skills of missile troops, and evaluate the effectiveness of the country’s war deterrent. Kim stated that the drill confirmed a “very important technology task for national defense” and emphasized the need to continuously upgrade military capabilities, particularly offensive weapons. Possessing operational hypersonic missiles would allow North Korea to bypass U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems. While Pyongyang has conducted multiple tests in recent years to achieve this, foreign experts remain skeptical about whether the missiles have reached the required speed and maneuverability. North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea ahead of south korean leader’s China visit In recent weeks, the country has test-fired long-range strategic cruise missiles, new anti-air missiles, and released images showing progress in building its first nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts believe these demonstrations aim to highlight weapons development achievements ahead of the Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years, where attention will focus on potential shifts in U.S.-North Korea relations and the resumption of stalled negotiations. The nuclear issue is expected to feature in the Lee-Xi summit, with South Korea urging China to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the peninsula. The missile tests followed a bold U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, which North Korea criticized as evidence of American aggression. Kim defended his nuclear ambitions, citing recent geopolitical tensions and complex international developments as justification for strengthening his country’s defense.

China on Sunday called on the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, expressing serious concern over their seizure by U.S. forces. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said Beijing was responding to reports that U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife on Saturday and took them out of Venezuela, drawing objections from several countries. Starlink offers Free internet to Venezuela Until Feb 3 China said the move constituted a clear violation of international law, fundamental norms governing international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The spokesperson urged the United States to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, stop efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government, and resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation rather than force.

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Sunday, just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed for China for talks expected to focus on Pyongyang’s nuclear program. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were fired from the vicinity of North Korea’s capital around 7:50 a.m. and flew roughly 900 kilometers (560 miles). Authorities in South Korea and the U.S. are currently analyzing the details of the launches. The Joint Chiefs emphasized that Seoul is prepared to respond to any provocations and is closely coordinating with the U.S. and Japan. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed at least two missile launches, describing them as a serious threat to regional and global peace. Experts note that these latest launches are part of a broader display of military capabilities ahead of North Korea’s upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years. Analysts believe Pyongyang is using the congress to potentially announce new policies toward the U.S. and showcase progress in its defense programs. Since the collapse of Kim Jong Un’s summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019, North Korea has focused on expanding its nuclear arsenal. Kim has also strengthened ties with Russia over the Ukraine conflict and maintained close relations with China. Although the exact date of the party congress is unannounced, South Korean intelligence predicts it will take place in January or February. Sunday’s missile launches coincided with President Lee’s trip to China, where he aims to urge Beijing, North Korea’s main ally, to take a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and the U.S. have long sought Chinese influence over Pyongyang, though Beijing’s leverage remains uncertain. Seoul convened an emergency security meeting following the launches, warning that North Korea’s missile tests violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, North Korea has not commented on the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. Kim Jong Un was reported to have visited a weapons factory on Saturday, ordering a 2.5-fold increase in production of precision-guided arms, underscoring his continued focus on military development.