United News of Bangladesh

The death of New York City police officer Didarul Islam, the first Bangladeshi American member of the NYPD killed in the line of duty, has cast a spotlight on the growing presence of Bangladeshi immigrants in the department’s ranks. Islam, one of four people killed in the July 28 shooting at a Manhattan office tower housing the NFL’s headquarters, was remembered last week at a funeral service outside a Bronx mosque. Officers in navy blue uniforms unfurled a banner with his photograph alongside the emblem of the Bangladeshi American Police Association. Among the mourners were officers wearing traditional South Asian attire, their badges displayed around their necks. According to the association, more than 1,000 of the NYPD’s approximately 33,000 uniformed officers are Bangladeshi Americans, along with another 1,500 civilian employees of Bangladeshi heritage. This marks a dramatic increase from just a handful of officers a few decades ago — growth attributed to post-9/11 patriotism, targeted recruitment and word-of-mouth within the community. Bangladesh-origin police officer killed in Manhattan shooting praised as ‘hero’ “He uplifted our community in a way that was unimaginable before,” said Shamsul Haque, a co-founder of the Bangladeshi officers’ group. “His legacy will endure not only as a hero who gave his life protecting others, but also as a symbol of hope, integrity and the American dream.” Haque, who joined the force in 2004, recalled that many early recruits sought to challenge stereotypes about Muslims in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Over time, he said, perceptions among colleagues have improved, and Bangladeshi officers have risen through the ranks. Today, the NYPD counts 10 detectives, 82 sergeants, 20 lieutenants and four inspectors of Bangladeshi heritage. Many have followed a pathway starting with civilian roles such as school safety officers and traffic agents, which do not require U.S. citizenship. Islam himself began as a school safety officer after immigrating about 16 years ago. For newer recruits, Islam’s death has been sobering. “It made us think, what if it happens to me today? It can,” said Officer Ishmam Chowdhury, 26, who joined the NYPD in May. He moved from Bangladesh in 2019, driven by a desire to serve after experiencing armed robberies as a teenager. “That’s what makes this city, this country, great,” Chowdhury said. “It doesn’t matter where somebody comes from — if somebody works hard and truly wants to do something, they can do it.”

A federal judge will decide Friday on a Trump administration bid to end a nearly 30-year-old policy that guarantees safe and sanitary conditions for immigrant children in U.S. custody. U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee in Los Angeles will hear arguments on whether to dissolve the Flores agreement, which limits Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from holding immigrant children for more than 72 hours, requires them to be kept in safe conditions, and allows independent inspections of CBP facilities. Advocates want the protections to remain, citing accounts from detained families that describe children competing with adults for clean water, distressed toddlers, and a child with swollen feet denied medical care. The Trump administration argues the policy is outdated, saying conditions have “substantially improved” since the 1997 agreement, with new standards and laws now in place. The settlement, named after a teenage plaintiff, covers all immigrant children, whether traveling alone or with family. After 72 hours, children are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump administration deports immigrants despite court order halting removals Last year, the Biden administration partially rolled back the agreement, with Judge Gee allowing court supervision to end once HHS takes custody, except for facilities housing children with special needs. Child advocates say the government is still violating time limits. In March and April, CBP reported holding 213 children for over 72 hours, including 14 — some toddlers — for more than 20 days in April. If the settlement ends, detention centers would no longer face independent inspections. The government is also planning to expand immigration detention, including facilities like one in Florida nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” where detainees allege their constitutional rights are being violated.

The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of an investigation into whether she violated President Donald Trump’s civil rights, sources familiar with the matter said Friday. The subpoenas seek records connected to a lawsuit James filed against Trump over alleged fraud in his personal business dealings, as well as a separate case involving the National Rifle Association. The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the subpoenas relate to a civil rights probe. This move escalates the Trump administration’s ongoing scrutiny of perceived political opponents, including figures like James who investigated Trump prior to his 2024 election victory. A spokesperson for James’s office, Geoff Burgan, did not confirm the subpoenas but stated, “Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association, and we will continue to stand up for New Yorkers’ rights.” Advocacy group files lawsuit against Justice Department and FBI seeking Epstein case records James’s personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, called the investigation an “improper tactic” and “the most blatant and desperate example” of political retribution by the administration. Lowell said, “Weaponizing the Department of Justice to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration.” Advocacy group files lawsuit against Justice Department and FBI seeking Epstein case records Justice Department spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre declined to comment. James, a Democrat, has filed numerous lawsuits against Trump and his administration over policies and his private business activities. Trump is appealing a multimillion-dollar judgment won by James in a fraud case, which alleges he provided banks and lenders with inflated financial statements for properties including golf clubs and his Trump Tower penthouse. Trump denies wrongdoing, claiming his financial statements understated his wealth and that any errors were harmless and did not influence lending decisions. He and his legal team have accused James of engaging in politically motivated “lawfare,” a charge she denies. The subpoenas come amid a broader Justice Department investigation linked to the Trump-Russia probe from his first term, alongside a reported purge of law enforcement officials involved in investigations of Trump and his allies.

A divided appeals court panel on Friday overturned a contempt ruling against President Donald Trump’s administration in a case involving deportations to a prison in El Salvador. The case arose after planes carrying Venezuelan migrants landed at the prison despite a U.S. district judge’s order to return them to the United States. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg had found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt, marking a significant clash between the judiciary and the executive branch. However, a split three-judge panel in Washington ruled that Boasberg had overstepped his authority and infringed on the executive branch’s power over foreign affairs. Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao, both appointed by Trump during his first term, supported the majority opinion, with Rao stating the contempt threat aimed to force the executive to engage diplomatically for custody over individuals held by a foreign government. Judge Cornelia Pillard, appointed by former President Barack Obama, dissented, criticizing the majority for undermining the judge’s efforts to uphold judicial authority. Intel CEO reacts to Trump’s demand for resignation The Trump administration has denied violating the court order. The 250 migrants were sent back to their home country as part of a prisoner exchange after months of detention at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). Boasberg had accused the administration of hastily deporting individuals under the Alien Enemies Act before they could challenge their removals and ignoring his order for planes already in flight to return. Last month, the Justice Department filed a rare judicial misconduct complaint against Boasberg, seeking to remove him from the case pending investigation, citing comments he allegedly made during a closed judges’ meeting and his handling of the deportations case. Attorney General Pam Bondi hailed the appeals court decision as a “major victory” defending Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act and pledged to “continue fighting and winning in court.”

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said he has “always operated within the highest legal and ethical standards” following calls for his resignation by President Donald Trump. On Thursday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that “The CEO of Intel is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem.” The controversy arose after Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel Chairman Frank Yeary raising concerns about Tan’s investments and connections to semiconductor companies reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. Cotton asked whether Tan had divested from these interests to avoid conflicts. Intel slashes workforce, trims spending in bid to regain market footing It was not clear on Thursday if Tan, who became Intel’s CEO in March, had taken steps to divest. The economic and political rivalry between the U.S. and China increasingly centers on semiconductor chips, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies critical to future economies and security. Intel said in a statement that it is “deeply committed to advancing U.S. national and economic security interests” and making significant investments aligned with President Trump’s America First agenda. Tan addressed the issue in a message to employees, dismissing misinformation about his past roles at Walden International and Cadence Design Systems, and reaffirmed his adherence to proper standards. He added that Intel is in contact with the Trump administration to address concerns and provide accurate information. “I fully share the President’s commitment to advancing U.S. national and economic security. I appreciate his leadership to advance these priorities, and I’m proud to lead a company central to these goals,” Tan said. Intel’s stock saw a slight rise in premarket trading Friday.  

President Donald Trump’s latest round of import tariffs took effect early Thursday, targeting goods from over 60 countries and the European Union, even as signs of economic strain are beginning to emerge in the United States. Goods from the EU, Japan, and South Korea are now subject to 15% tariffs, while products from Taiwan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh face 20%. Trump has also announced 25% additional tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases, bringing the total to 50%. Switzerland faces a 39% tariff, with high duties imposed on drugs and computer chips. Despite Trump’s assertion that the U.S. is “taking in hundreds of billions of dollars,” economic indicators show potential setbacks. Hiring has slowed, inflationary pressures have increased, and key housing markets are experiencing a decline in property values. Trump’s newly announced tariffs come into effect “The economy has become less productive,” said John Silvia, CEO of Dynamic Economic Strategy. “Higher tariff prices lower workers’ real wages.” Germany's industrial output dropped 1.9% in June, while Indian exporters warned that 55% of their U.S.-bound shipments would be hit, risking client loss. Trump invoked a 1977 law declaring an economic emergency to implement the tariffs, a move facing legal challenges. Critics, including former House Speaker Paul Ryan, have called the move arbitrary. Nevertheless, the S&P 500 has risen over 25% since April, and recent tax cuts have boosted White House confidence in continued growth. But economists caution that the full impact of the tariffs will be felt gradually. “There’s one person who can afford to be cavalier about the uncertainty—that’s Donald Trump,” said Rachel West, a senior fellow at The Century Foundation. “The rest of Americans are already paying the price.”

The United States on Thursday officially began enforcing new tariffs on imports from over 60 countries, following President Donald Trump’s sweeping announcement four months ago to impose broad trade duties while negotiating fresh trade agreements. According to the White House, imports from the European Union, Japan and South Korea will now face 15% tariffs, while products from Taiwan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh will be taxed at 20%. Some African countries and others, such as Switzerland, will see even steeper rates, with tariffs reaching as high as 39% or more. The Trump administration said it expects these measures will encourage foreign investment into the U.S., estimating hundreds of billions of dollars from the EU, Japan and South Korea. Officials believe the tariffs will bring clarity to economic direction and trigger renewed investments and job creation in the domestic manufacturing sector. However, data so far indicate that the U.S. economy has slowed since the first wave of tariffs was introduced in April. African Leaders Seek Reprieve South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he held a phone conversation with Trump ahead of a 30% tariff on some South African exports taking effect. His office noted that both leaders agreed to continue talks. Neighbouring countries Botswana and Lesotho also expressed hopes of negotiating better terms. Lesotho, which originally faced a 50% rate, saw it reduced to 15%, but the government warns the rate still threatens its clothing industry and thousands of jobs linked to exports to the U.S. Swiss Industry Sounds Alarm Swiss tech association Swissmem decried the imposition of a 39% tariff on its goods, calling it a “horror scenario” for Switzerland’s economy. The group said tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk and warned that the higher duties put Swiss exporters at a disadvantage compared to EU and Japanese competitors. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter held meetings in Washington in a last-ditch effort to halt the tariffs, but the rate took effect as scheduled. The Swiss Federal Council held an emergency session to assess the economic fallout. South Korea Eyes Long-Term Strategy Despite securing a last-minute deal to lower its tariff rate from 25% to 15%, South Korean Trade Minister Hankoo Yeo warned of continued global trade uncertainty. He urged swift action to support vulnerable sectors and diversify trade partnerships. South Korea also committed to purchasing $100 billion in U.S. energy and investing $350 billion in the U.S., though details remain under discussion. Yeo confirmed that South Korean chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix will be exempt from the looming 100% semiconductor tariffs due to Seoul’s new trade designation. Economic Impact Spreads Japanese automaker Toyota reported a 37% drop in quarterly profits, largely attributing the slump to new U.S. tariffs. The company estimated that 15% duties cost it $3 billion last quarter. In contrast, Sony reported a 23% rise in profit, saying the tariff impact was lower than expected. In India, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations warned that 55% of exports to the U.S. would be affected. President S.C. Ralhan said exporters cannot absorb the added costs, risking business losses. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to protect farmers' interests, amid U.S. demands for wider access to India’s agriculture market. Trump has also announced a fresh 25% tariff on India over its Russian oil purchases, bringing total duties to 50%. Source: Agency

The United States on Wednesday marks 60 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson, joined by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., signed the historic Voting Rights Act into law — a measure that many consider a cornerstone of American democracy. Enacted in 1965, the law aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, particularly targeting longstanding barriers faced by Black voters. However, legal experts and rights groups warn that the landmark legislation is facing growing threats. The act's gradual erosion began with a 2013 Supreme Court decision that removed the requirement for federal approval before certain states with histories of voter suppression could change their election laws. Within hours, some states introduced restrictive measures. The trend has continued, especially after the 2020 election and unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud by former President Donald Trump. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld a key provision of the act. However, the upcoming term includes cases that could weaken those protections further. Voting rights advocates say the outcomes could determine the law’s future relevance. “We’re at a critical juncture,” said Demetria McCain of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, warning of persistent attacks on voting rights for communities of color. One recent legal victory for Native American communities in North Dakota may be short-lived. In 2024, the Turtle Mountain and Spirit Lake tribes successfully argued for a new legislative map that gave them better representation. However, a federal appeals court later ruled that private individuals and groups cannot file such lawsuits — a significant departure from decades of precedent. The Supreme Court has put the ruling on hold while it considers whether to hear the case. Advocates note that nearly 87% of claims under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act have been brought by individuals or private organizations, not the federal government. Meanwhile, another key case related to congressional districting in Louisiana is also pending before the court. It could alter or reverse a 2022 decision that preserved a majority-Black district in Alabama. Legal experts say the court’s request for additional arguments indicates uncertainty among justices. Under the current administration, the U.S. Justice Department has reportedly scaled back its focus on voting rights enforcement, drawing criticism from civil liberties groups. Federal legislative efforts to restore protections — including the John Lewis Voting Rights Act — have stalled in Congress. Former President Trump, seeking to reshape voting regulations, signed an executive order earlier this year that would require proof of citizenship to vote, although much of it has been blocked by courts. Experts say the patchwork of voting laws across states now threatens equal access to the ballot. “Increasingly, the experiences of voters depend on where they live,” said Sean Morales-Doyle of the Brennan Center for Justice. Source: Agency

Global share markets advanced on Monday, recovering from a sharp selloff on Wall Street triggered by weaker-than-expected U.S. employment data. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.8% to 7,609.44 in early trading, while Germany’s DAX rose nearly 1.0% to 23,702.42. Britain’s FTSE 100 inched up 0.4% to 9,108.28. Futures on Wall Street also pointed to gains, with Dow futures up 0.6% at 43,951.00 and S&P 500 futures also climbing 0.6% to 6,302.75. Asian markets ended mixed after reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of sweeping tariffs on imports from key trading partners, which are set to take effect Thursday. Asian markets mixed as Wall Street slumps on weak U.S. jobs data Japan’s Nikkei 225 lost 1.3% to close at 40,290.70, after recovering from deeper earlier losses. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng advanced 0.9% to 24,733.45, and China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.7% to 3,583.31. South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.9% to 3,147.75, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was little changed at 8,663.70. Investor sentiment took a hit after the U.S. Labor Department reported that only 73,000 jobs were added in July, far below forecasts. Revisions also erased 258,000 jobs from May and June payrolls. Analysts say the disappointing data has increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates as early as September. “The labor market, once a pillar of resilience, is now looking more like a late-cycle casualty,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management. Further concerns emerged after Trump abruptly dismissed the head of the agency responsible for compiling jobs data, sparking fears over possible interference in future economic reporting. The weak data triggered a sharp move in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury fell to 4.21% from 4.39%, while the two-year yield — closely watched for Fed rate expectations — dropped to 3.68% from 3.94%. The Federal Reserve has held its benchmark interest rate steady since December but faces growing pressure, including from President Trump, to lower rates. At its latest meeting, the Fed again kept rates unchanged, even as its preferred inflation measure rose to 2.6% in June from 2.4% the month before — still above the 2% target. Trump sues Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over Epstein coverage Meanwhile, U.S. businesses have expressed concern over the impact of the latest tariff measures, warning that rising import costs could hurt profits and lead to higher prices for consumers. In energy trading, U.S. benchmark crude slipped 16 cents to $67.17 per barrel, while Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped 24 cents to $69.43 In currency markets, the U.S. dollar strengthened to 148.05 Japanese yen from 147.26 yen. The euro weakened to $1.1557 from $1.1598.   Source: Agency

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned that he will initiate steps to remove Democratic lawmakers from office beginning Monday if they do not return to the state, amid a growing political standoff over proposed congressional redistricting maps backed by former President Donald Trump. The warning follows the departure of over 50 Democratic state legislators who left Texas for states including Illinois and New York in a bid to deny quorum and block a vote on the GOP-drafted maps. The redistricting plan aims to add five Republican-leaning congressional seats in Texas, strengthening the party’s slim majority in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking on Sunday, Abbott said he would rely on a 2021 advisory opinion by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton that suggests legislators may forfeit their seats by refusing to perform their duties. He also alleged that lawmakers may have committed legal violations by fundraising to cover potential fines. “This truancy ends now,” said the governor. In response, Texas Democrats issued a brief statement: “Come and take it.” The proposed vote, scheduled for Monday in the Texas House of Representatives, cannot proceed without a quorum—two-thirds of the 150-member chamber. Democrats currently hold 62 seats, and more than 50 are believed to have left the state, according to the Democratic Caucus. Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows stated that the House would convene as scheduled. “If a quorum is not present then... all options will be on the table,” he wrote on X. The ongoing impasse is delaying votes on other critical issues, including flood relief and early warning systems following last month’s devastating floods in Texas, which claimed at least 136 lives. Democrats have criticized the Republican leadership for prioritizing redistricting over disaster response. In a show of support, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hosted several Texas Democrats in Chicago and has reportedly been in discussions with them for weeks. California Governor Gavin Newsom has offered similar backing. “This is not just about Texas. It’s about safeguarding democratic rights across the United States,” said Pritzker. Analysts say the dispute could have long-term implications, with Trump allies looking to replicate similar redistricting strategies in other states to secure a Republican advantage in the 2026 elections.   Source: Agency