United News of Bangladesh

Tensions in the Persian Gulf surged again as the United States military launched operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United Arab Emirates reported renewed attacks attributed to Iran, testing an already fragile ceasefire. The U.S. military said it struck Iranian forces and destroyed six small boats allegedly targeting civilian vessels as part of an effort to secure maritime traffic through the key shipping route. Officials also said two American-flagged commercial ships successfully passed through the strait under a new U.S.-led initiative. In response, UAE authorities said their air defence systems intercepted multiple incoming threats, including missiles and drones. One drone reportedly caused a fire at an oil facility in Fujairah, injuring three foreign workers. British defence sources also reported cargo vessels catching fire near UAE waters. Iran has not directly confirmed the attacks, but Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned both Washington and Abu Dhabi against being drawn back into conflict. Iranian state media separately denied any intention to target UAE facilities, blaming U.S. military operations for escalating tensions. The U.S. Central Command said it had established a secure passage through the strait and claimed Iranian missiles, drones and boats targeting civilian shipping were intercepted or destroyed. Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said U.S. forces neutralised all threats and ensured safe transit for commercial vessels. Former U.S. President Donald Trump defended the operation, calling it part of “Project Freedom,” aimed at restoring navigation through the waterway after months of disruption. Iran has previously restricted movement through the strait, a vital global energy corridor, leading to rising fuel prices and international concern. Tehran has accused the U.S.-led mission of violating the ceasefire that has been in place for several weeks. The UAE strongly condemned the latest incidents, calling them a “dangerous escalation.” Authorities said missile alerts were issued for the first time since the ceasefire began, prompting temporary disruptions, including mid-air diversions of commercial flights. Additional reports from Oman and South Korea indicated separate maritime incidents in the region, including a fire on a cargo vessel near the strait, though no casualties were reported. Iranian military officials have warned that foreign naval forces entering the area could be targeted, further raising risks for commercial shipping companies, many of which remain reluctant to transit the strait despite U.S. assurances. The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve broader regional tensions remain stalled, with little progress reported in negotiations involving sanctions relief, military withdrawal, and nuclear-related disputes.  

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on track to secure control of West Bengal, dealing a major setback to the opposition in a key state election. According to partial results released by the Election Commission of India, the BJP is leading in more than 190 seats in the 294-member state assembly. Final results are expected later Monday A victory would mark a historic gain for the BJP, which has long attempted to unseat the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The party has never governed West Bengal, a politically significant state where Banerjee has been in power since 2011 and has remained a vocal critic of Modi. The election has also drawn criticism from opposition groups, who allege irregularities after millions of voters were reportedly removed from electoral rolls. Voting has taken place in three other states as part of India’s staggered election cycle across its 28 states and eight union territories. A win in West Bengal would strengthen Modi’s political standing midway through his third term, especially after the 2024 national elections forced the BJP to depend on regional allies to form the government. Modi is widely expected to seek a fourth consecutive term in 2029. Meanwhile, India’s opposition continues to struggle with unity and consistency in challenging the BJP’s dominance at the national level. Banerjee, once seen as a leading figure capable of uniting regional parties, could see her influence diminished if defeated, particularly within an already fragmented opposition alliance. In other developments, in Tamil Nadu, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay appears poised for a major breakthrough, with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party emerging as a strong contender against the ruling DMK. In Kerala, the Congress-led opposition is likely to unseat the ruling communist government, potentially ending one of the last strongholds of leftist rule in the country. The BJP is also expected to retain power in Assam, securing a third consecutive term in the northeastern state.

Health experts suspect a disease carried by rodents, known as hantavirus, is behind an outbreak on a cruise ship that has killed three people and left several others ill. Research shows hantaviruses have existed for centuries, with past outbreaks reported in Asia and Europe. In those regions, the virus has been linked to hemorrhagic fever and kidney failure. In the early 1990s, a new group of hantaviruses was identified in the southwestern United States, causing a serious lung condition now called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The disease drew wider attention last year after Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a hantavirus infection in New Mexico. The World Health Organization said Sunday that investigations into the cruise ship outbreak are ongoing. These include lab testing, epidemiological studies and genetic sequencing of the virus. Hantavirus mainly spreads through contact with rodents or their urine, saliva and droppings. The risk increases when these materials are disturbed and become airborne, making it easier to inhale the virus. People are often exposed while cleaning enclosed spaces such as homes, cabins or sheds, especially where rodent droppings are present. Although rare, the WHO says the virus can also spread directly from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began monitoring the disease after a 1993 outbreak in the Four Corners region of the United States. Most cases in the country are reported in western states, particularly New Mexico and Arizona, where human contact with rodents is more common in rural areas. The illness usually begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain and headaches. Experts say it can be difficult to distinguish from the flu in the early stages. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure. As the disease worsens, patients may develop chest tightness as fluid builds up in the lungs. Another form of the disease, which affects the kidneys, can develop within one to two weeks after exposure. Fatality rates vary depending on the type of hantavirus. The lung-related form has a death rate of about 35%, while the kidney-related form ranges from 1% to 15%, according to the CDC. There is no specific cure or treatment, but early medical care can improve survival chances. Researchers say many aspects of the disease remain unclear, including why symptoms can be mild in some people but severe in others. Health experts advise reducing contact with rodents and their droppings to lower the risk. When cleaning contaminated areas, they recommend using gloves and disinfectants such as bleach, and avoiding sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread the virus into the air.

BJP supporters in West Bengal were seen celebrating as early election trends showed their party leading well ahead of the ruling Trinamool Congress. A video circulating on social media shows BJP workers enjoying and distributing jhal muri, a popular street snack made of spiced puffed rice. The word jhal means spicy or hot, while muri refers to puffed rice in Bengali, reports BBC. In the video, some workers can be heard singing, “Jhal legeche, didir jhal legeche,” loosely translating to “The heat is on, sister is feeling the heat,” in a pointed jibe at Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, who is popularly called “didi” (elder sister). The snack jhal muri had earlier gained political attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen eating it at a roadside stall during an election campaign stop.

More than 300 families were forced to leave their homes in the Philippines after heavy ashfall from Mayon volcano over the weekend, authorities said Monday. Officials said the ash emissions were triggered not by a major eruption but by the collapse of accumulated lava on the volcano’s slopes. The material rushed down the southwestern flank in a fast-moving pyroclastic flow—an intense surge of hot rocks, ash and gas—before nightfall on Saturday, according to Teresito Bacolcol, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Although no casualties were reported, ash spread across 87 villages in three towns, taking many residents by surprise and reducing visibility on roads, which disrupted traffic. “The ashfall was extremely dense, and visibility dropped to zero even along the national highway,” said Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo, whose town sits near the base of the volcano. He added that while some residents initially panicked, authorities urged them to remain calm. The ashfall also damaged vegetable farms and killed several livestock, including four water buffaloes and a cow in Camalig. Cleanup efforts are now underway in the town, which has a population of about 8,000 in Albay province. Bacolcol said conditions around Mayon had since stabilized, but warned that risks remain. Standing at 2,462 meters (8,077 feet), Mayon is known for its near-perfect cone shape and is a major tourist attraction, but it is also the most active among the Philippines’ 24 volcanoes. Authorities raised the alert level to 3 in January following a series of mild eruptions that triggered intermittent rockfalls and hazardous pyroclastic flows. The highest alert level, 5, indicates a dangerous explosive eruption with widespread ashfall and lava flows.  

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Eastern Samar province in central Philippines on Monday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The quake hit at 2:09 pm local time, with its epicentre located at a depth of about 10 kilometres. It was initially measured at 11.76 degrees north latitude and 125.37 degrees east longitude, the agency said. Local media reported that many residents rushed out of their homes and gathered in open areas as a safety measure. However, no deaths or injuries have been reported so far. The Philippines is prone to frequent earthquakes as it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense seismic and volcanic activity.

European leaders on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to pull thousands of American troops from Germany came as a surprise, but also reinforces the idea that Europe must take more responsibility for its own security. The Pentagon last week announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany. However, Trump later told reporters that the reduction would be much larger, saying, “we’re going to cut way down. And we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” without giving further details. The move caught NATO allies off guard. It comes amid rising tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israeli war on Iran, as well as Trump’s frustration over what he sees as limited European involvement in Middle East conflicts. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre downplayed concerns about the scale of the withdrawal. Speaking in Yerevan, where European leaders are attending a summit, he said Europe is expected to take greater responsibility for its own security. “I wouldn’t exaggerate that because I think we are expecting that Europe is taking more charge of its own security,” he said, adding that the issue should be managed “in a harmonious way inside the framework of NATO.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said troop withdrawal discussions from Europe have been ongoing, but the timing of the announcement was unexpected. “This shows that we really need to strengthen the European pillar in NATO,” she said. Asked whether Trump’s decision was aimed at punishing Merz after his criticism of US handling of Iran negotiations, Kallas said she could not speculate on the US president’s intentions. “I don’t see into the head of President Trump, so he has to explain it himself,” she said. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said the alliance is working with Washington to understand the details of the planned changes to US troop deployment in Germany. European allies and Canada have been aware since Trump returned to office that US forces could be reduced in Europe. Some troops were already withdrawn from Romania in October. However, US officials had previously said any changes would be coordinated with NATO to avoid security gaps. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte downplayed the impact of the move, noting some US dissatisfaction with European support for the Iran conflict. France, Spain and the United Kingdom have limited US use of their military bases for operations related to Iran, while Spain has also restricted airspace access. Rutte said European countries had taken note of Washington’s concerns and were acting accordingly. He added that some nations were positioning military assets closer to potential areas of operation, though he gave no details. European officials have also said they would not take part in policing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, until the conflict ends.

Vote counting is underway across four Indian states—West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam—along with the union territory of Puducherry, in a set of elections seen as a crucial political barometer ahead of India’s 2029 general election. The results are being closely watched as an early test of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party is aiming to retain control in Assam while expanding its presence in southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, the sharpest focus remains on West Bengal, where the BJP is attempting to unseat the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in what is widely seen as a closely contested race. The campaign in the state has been marked by controversy, particularly over revisions to electoral rolls that led to the removal of millions of voters. Counting is expected to continue throughout the day, with early trends likely to emerge within hours. For the BJP, West Bengal represents a long-standing political objective dating back to the late 1980s, when leaders such as L. K. Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee identified the state as a key ideological frontier. A victory here would not only secure a major eastern stronghold but also signal the party’s transformation into a truly pan-Indian force. The state holds particular ideological significance due to its legacy of intellectual liberalism, leftist politics and strong regional identity. A win for the BJP would validate years of political mobilisation and organisational expansion, reinforcing Modi’s dominance. West Bengal has emerged as the central battleground among the states that voted in April. After 15 years in power, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her TMC are facing what is seen as their toughest challenge yet from an ascendant BJP. The stakes extend beyond the state. A BJP victory could reshape the political landscape in eastern India, while a TMC win would underscore the resilience of regional parties against central authority. The contest has been further intensified by a controversial voter roll revision that excluded nearly three million potential voters, alongside high turnout, polarised campaigning, strong welfare-focused politics and tightly contested exit polls—factors that have made West Bengal the most closely watched race in the current election cycle. Source: BBC

Iran’s latest proposal to the United States calls for issues between the two countries to be resolved within 30 days and aims to end the war rather than extend the ceasefire, according to Iran’s state-linked media. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he was reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the war but also expressed doubt it would lead to a deal. Iran’s 14-point proposal calls for an end to the war, rather than just an extension of the truce. The proposal, a rebuttal to the U.S. nine-point plan, also calls for the U.S. lifting sanctions on Iran, ending the naval blockade, withdrawing forces from the region, and ceasing all hostilities, including Israel’s operations in Lebanon, according to the semiofficial Nour News agency, which has close ties to the country’s security organizations. Iran sent its reply via a Pakistani intermediary, the news agency reported. Pakistan has hosted previous negotiations between Iran and the United States. Pakistan’s prime minister, foreign minister and army chief are continuing to push negotiations and encourage the U.S. and Iran to speak directly, according to two officials in Pakistan who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. Trump rejected a previous Iranian proposal this week. However, conversations have continued, and the fragile three-week ceasefire appears to be holding. Also on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al Busaidi, who oversaw previous rounds of talks between the U.S. and Iran before the latest round of fighting. The U.S. president also offered a new plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, where about a fifth of the world’s trade in oil and natural gas typically passes. Iran stands firm on Strait of Hormuz issues Iran’s deputy parliament speaker said on Sunday that Iran “will not back down from our position on the Strait of Hormuz, and it will not return to its prewar conditions.” Ali Nikzad, who has no decision-making power in parliament, made the comments while on a visit to port facilities on Iran’s strategic Larak Island, located close to the narrowest part of the strait. “The Strait of Hormuz belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said, adding that the country was working to compensate businesses and property damaged during the war, and that Trump’s blockade plan was certain to fail. Nikzad reiterated Iran’s position that any ships not associated with the U.S. or Israel will be able to pass after paying a toll. The U.S. has warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran in any form, including digital assets, to pass safely. Iran effectively closed the strait by attacking and threatening ships after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Feb. 28. Tehran later offered some ships safe passage via routes closer to its shore, charging fees at times. The U.S. has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports since April 13, depriving Tehran of oil revenue it needs to shore up its ailing economy. In Tehran, rial continues to tumble On Sunday, the second day of Iran’s working week, the rial weakened further against the U.S. dollar. In Tehran’s Ferdowsi Street, the capital’s main currency exchange hub, the dollar was trading at 1,840,000 rials. Analysts say there is a strong possibility the currency will slip further in the coming days. The rial was trading at 1.3 million to the dollar in December, which at the time was a record low, and triggered w idespread protests over the worsening economy. Markets in Tehran remain unstable, with prices of some goods rising daily. According to reports published in Iranian media, several factories have not renewed contracts for workers after the Iranian new year holidays, and significant numbers have lost their jobs. Yousef Pezeshkian, the son and adviser of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, wrote on Telegram that both the United States and the Islamic Republic see themselves as the winner of the war and are unwilling to back down. Nobel committee calls for medical treatment for imprisoned Iranian laureate The Norwegian Nobel Committee urged Iran to immediately transfer jailed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi for medical treatment in Tehran after her health sharply deteriorated. The committee said it was in touch with Mohammadi’s family and lawyer, and that the 2023 prize winner’s life remains at risk without treatment by her dedicated medical team in Tehran. Mohammadi fainted twice in prison on Friday in the northwestern city of Zanjan, her foundation said, and was admitted to a local hospital. Her lawyers have said she is believed to have suffered a heart attack in late March. “Narges Mohammadi is imprisoned solely for her peaceful human rights work. Her life is now in the hands of the Iranian authorities,” Nobel committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes said. Mohammadi, 53, a rights lawyer who won the prize while in prison, was arrested in December during a visit to the eastern Iranian city of Mashhad and sentenced to seven more years in prison.

The results of the West Bengal Assembly elections will be declared on May 4 for 293 of the 294 constituencies, but Falta seat will remain outside the final tally due to allegations of serious electoral irregularities and a fresh repoll order. The Election Commission has ordered repolling in all 285 booths of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district on May 21 under strict security arrangements. Counting for the constituency will now be held on May 24. The decision comes amid complaints of voter intimidation, alleged EVM tampering, and unauthorized presence inside polling stations during voting on April 29. Authorities said observers flagged multiple irregularities during the exercise. Earlier, complaints had sought repolls in 77 booths across the state, including 32 booths in Falta alone. Incidents reported during polling included allegations that the EVM button for a candidate was covered with tape at a booth in Falta, which was later removed by security forces. Separate claims of similar interference were also raised in other booths. Security personnel also used force outside a polling station in the Belsingh area following allegations of attempted voter influence, triggering protests in which some voters, including women and a child, were reportedly injured. The Election Commission has directed authorities to ensure full security deployment, webcasting, micro-observer presence and videography to prevent any recurrence of malpractice during the repoll. The constituency is witnessing a triangular contest involving Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan, BJP’s Debangshu Panda, Congress nominee Abdur Razzak Molla, and CPI(M)’s Sambhu Nath Kurmi. The two-phase elections in the state were held on April 23 and April 29. Reacting to the repoll order, BJP leaders welcomed the move, claiming it exposed electoral malpractice, while Trinamool Congress leaders strongly rejected the allegations and accused the opposition of political targeting. Source NDTV