United News of Bangladesh

The chief executive of Air Canada apologized Thursday for his inability to express himself in French after politicians called for his resignation for his English-only message of condolence after Sunday’s deadly crash in New York. Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has been criticized for the four-minute condolence video posted online that included only two French words — “bonjour” and “merci.” “I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days,” Rousseau said in a statement. “Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve.” Quebec’s premier called on the airline executive to resign on Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it showed a lack of compassion and judgment and said he look forward to hearing more from Air Canada's board of directors. Antoine Forest, one of the two pilots killed in the crash at LaGuardia Airport, was a French-speaking Quebecer. Forest and Mackenzie Gunther died when the Air Canada Jazz flight they were landing at LaGuardia collided with a fire truck on the runway Sunday evening. Canada’s largest airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, where French is the primary language. Rousseau has been criticized for not speaking French previously. He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles. Carney noted that Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages. Quebec’s identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France. Quebec is about 80% French-speaking. Quebec Premier François Legault noted that when Rousseau was appointed president of the airline in February 2021, he promised to learn French. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received hundreds of complaints about Rousseau’s video. “Back in November 2021, less than a year after he was appointed CEO of Air Canada, one of his first major speeches in his role triggered a strong controversy among Francophones, as the speech was almost exclusively in English," said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. "At the time, in response to that controversy, Rousseau apologized and pledged to learn French. He did later take French lessons but, as the new controversy suggests, it was probably not very successful to say the least.” Jason Kenney, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, said he would rather the CEO of Canada’s flagship carrier focus his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks in Pyongyang on Thursday and signed a treaty on friendship and cooperation, marking a new phase in bilateral relations.Lukashenko, on a two-day official visit to North Korea, described the treaty as “fundamental” and said relations between the two countries are “entering a new stage,” according to his press service. He admitted that past cooperation had been limited but added that it has now “significantly intensified.”During the visit, officials from both countries signed several other agreements and memorandums covering areas including education, healthcare, and agriculture. Lukashenko emphasised the importance of closer cooperation among independent nations amid a changing global order, noting the need to defend sovereignty and improve citizens’ well-being.The Belarusian leader’s press office quoted Kim expressing “solidarity and full support” for Belarus and denouncing “unlawful pressure” from Western countries.Lukashenko and Kim attended a concert and a formal reception together, and exchanged gifts. Kim presented Lukashenko with a sword and a vase featuring his portrait, while Lukashenko gave Kim a Belarus-made assault rifle, joking, “Just in case enemies show up.”Belarus and North Korea maintain close ties with Russia. Lukashenko previously allowed Russian forces to use Belarus as a base during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and authorized the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Kim has also supported Moscow, sending troops and weapons to aid Russia’s war effort. The two leaders last met in Beijing in September 2025.

Iran has reportedly received a 15-point plan from the United States aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict, Pakistani officials said on Wednesday. The officials said the plan includes sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, a rollback of Iran’s nuclear program, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limits, and access for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier said the country is ready to host talks for settling the conflict. Israeli media, including Channel 12, also reported on the plan. The White House has not confirmed the details. Iranian military officials have denied that any negotiations with the US are taking place.   With inputs from BBC

Confusion continues over whether the United States and Iran are negotiating, as claims from Washington clash with Tehran’s denials. In Qatar, officials said the country is not involved in any US-Iran deal, despite hosting the largest US base in the region at Al-Udeid near Doha. Qatar has maintained contact with both sides but stressed its priority is defending its own territory. Diplomatic channels are active through other countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt, which can relay messages to Iran. Analysts say Iran’s government feels more confident now and wants to keep greater control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Experts note that repeated US statements claiming Iran is desperate for a deal may actually reduce Tehran’s willingness to negotiate.   With inputs from BBC

Uncertainty continues to surround whether the United States and Iran are engaged in negotiations, following a week marked by threats, denials and conflicting statements from both sides. The week began with heightened tensions after US President Donald Trump threatened to use overwhelming force against Iran’s energy infrastructure. He warned that the US would “obliterate” Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest, and set a 48-hour deadline for Tehran to allow shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. However, just hours before the deadline on Monday, Trump said Iran had returned to the negotiating table, prompting him to delay the planned strikes. Iran, however, swiftly rejected the claim, insisting that no talks were taking place. The confusion deepened on Tuesday when Trump said he had sent a 15-point proposal to Iran and reiterated that discussions were ongoing with a senior Iranian official. He also claimed Tehran had given the US a “very big present” of significant value, without providing details. Despite these assertions, it remains unclear whether any negotiations are actually underway. Analysts note that Iran has a history of publicly denying talks with Washington even when backchannel communications exist, while Trump has previously set and extended diplomatic deadlines during high-stakes standoffs.   With inputs from BBC

Russia carried out a large-scale drone and missile attack on civilian areas across Ukraine, killing at least four people and injuring 27 others, officials said Tuesday, amid indications that Moscow may be launching a new spring offensive. Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired nearly 400 long-range drones overnight in one of the biggest attacks in recent weeks. The assault continued into Tuesday morning, with dozens of drones targeting the capital, Kyiv, even during daylight hours. In addition, Russia launched 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles overnight, hitting at least 10 locations across the country. Ukraine has been facing constant attacks since Russia began its full-scale invasion more than four years ago. Efforts to reach a ceasefire through US-led talks have failed, while the ongoing Iran conflict has shifted global focus away from Ukraine. Along the roughly 1,250-kilometre front line in eastern and southern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces are preparing for increased attacks as weather conditions improve. Army chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian troops have recently tried to break through defenses in several key areas. “Intense fighting is ongoing along the entire front line,” Syrskyi said, adding that Russia launched 619 attacks over four days. He noted that Ukraine has sent reinforcements to counter the assaults. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said recent developments suggest Russia’s spring-summer offensive is already underway, with increased troop deployments and heavier equipment near the front lines. Despite stepping up attacks, Russia has so far made only limited territorial gains and currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Facing a shortage of troops, Ukraine has relied heavily on advanced drone technology. Kyiv is also seeking to exchange its battlefield drone expertise with Western and Gulf partners for much-needed air defence systems.Meanwhile, Russia said it intercepted 55 Ukrainian drones overnight over its regions, Crimea and the Black Sea.

Iran continued launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states on Tuesday, even as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Washington was engaged in talks with Tehran to end the ongoing war. A missile struck a central street in Tel Aviv, causing damage to nearby buildings and injuring at least four people. Israeli emergency responders described scenes of destruction and panic following the தாக்க. Despite Trump’s remarks, Iranian authorities denied holding any negotiations with the United States. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed the claim as “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets. Trump also postponed a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning earlier of possible airstrikes on Iranian power infrastructure. The delay briefly eased tensions in global oil markets, though prices soon rebounded amid continued uncertainty. Over the weekend, both sides exchanged threats that raised concerns about widespread disruption, including potential power outages and damage to vital desalination plants across the Gulf region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said military operations against Iran and its allies would continue regardless of ceasefire discussions. “There’s more to come,” he said. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been in contact with regional and global counterparts in an effort to address the escalating conflict, according to his office. Iran launched multiple waves of missiles toward Israel early Tuesday, with one striking Tel Aviv after bypassing air defenses. Israel, in response, carried out airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. At least two people were killed in a strike on a residential building, Lebanese officials said. Elsewhere in the Gulf, falling debris from intercepted projectiles disrupted power supply in parts of Kuwait, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 19 Iranian drones targeting its Eastern Province. Air raid sirens were also sounded in Bahrain. Although oil prices briefly dipped below $100 per barrel following Trump’s comments on possible talks, Brent crude later climbed above $104, reflecting ongoing market volatility since the conflict began on Feb. 28. Trump initially set a deadline for Iran to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz but later extended it by five days. Iran has allowed limited shipping through the vital waterway but warned it would continue targeting vessels linked to the U.S., Israel and their allies. Tehran has expressed skepticism over Washington’s intentions, citing past conflicts that followed periods of negotiation. The U.S. is also deploying thousands of Marines to the region, fueling speculation about possible military escalation, including a potential move on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island. Iran has warned it could mine the Persian Gulf if faced with a ground incursion, a move that could disrupt global shipping. Analysts say the U.S. could be positioning forces while keeping diplomatic options open, though it remains unclear whether either side is ready to de-escalate. The conflict has already caused heavy casualties, with over 1,500 reported dead in Iran, 15 in Israel, and several others, including U.S. personnel and civilians, killed across the region.

Pakistan is emerging as a possible mediator in efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to multiple media reports. Reports by the Financial Times and Axios suggest Islamabad has offered to host talks between senior officials from the United States and Iran, positioning its capital Islamabad as a potential venue for discussions. While neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed such plans, analysts say Pakistan’s involvement would not be unexpected given its diplomatic ties with both sides. Pakistan maintains close relations with Iran and has also developed warm ties with the administration of US President Donald Trump during his second term. The country’s army chief Asif Munir held meetings with Trump in June and September last year, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joining the latter visit. Pakistan has also backed Trump on the global stage, nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize in June and October for his role in mediating tensions with India, a move that strengthened ties with the US administration. Despite the growing speculation, officials caution that no formal mediation process has yet been announced.   With inputs from BBC

The head of the International Energy Agency warned Monday that the global economy faces a “major, major threat” from the ongoing Iran war, citing severe disruptions to oil and gas supplies. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said no country would be immune if the crisis continues, describing the situation as “very severe.” Speaking in Canberra, Birol said the impact on energy markets has already surpassed the combined oil shocks of 1973 and 1979. He noted that global oil supply losses have reached 11 million barrels per day, exceeding the roughly 10 million barrels lost during the two earlier crises. He also said the disruption to gas supplies has been nearly double that seen after the Russia-Ukraine war, with losses now estimated at around 140 billion cubic meters. The warning comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Israel launching fresh strikes on Tehran and Donald Trump threatening to target Iran’s power plants if it fails to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by warning it would retaliate against US and Israeli energy infrastructure, raising fears of prolonged disruption to global energy flows. Birol said at least 40 energy facilities across nine countries have been severely damaged, affecting critical sectors including petrochemicals, fertilizers, sulfur and helium, with wider implications for global trade. He warned that a prolonged conflict could drive sustained high energy prices and fuel inflation worldwide. To stabilise markets, the IEA has already released a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves and is consulting with governments on the possibility of further releases. Birol stressed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains the most critical step to easing the crisis, as the key shipping route continues to face disruptions amid the conflict.

Donald Trump said Monday that the United States has extended by five days its deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming Tehran is willing to negotiate an end to the ongoing war — a claim swiftly denied by Iranian officials. In remarks and social media posts, Trump said Iran “wants to make a deal” and indicated that US envoys had been in contact with a “respected” Iranian leader. He added that discussions would continue throughout the week and that any delay in military action would depend on the outcome of those talks. Iran rejected the claims. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said no negotiations had taken place, while parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused Washington of spreading “fake news” to influence oil and financial markets. Trump also said any potential deal would involve the US taking control of Iran’s enriched uranium and ending its nuclear programme — conditions Tehran has historically refused. The announcement brought immediate relief to global markets. Oil prices dropped sharply and stock markets rebounded after earlier losses, reflecting investor hopes for de-escalation in a conflict that has already disrupted energy supplies worldwide. The war, now in its fourth week, has had wide-ranging consequences, including rising fuel prices and threats to key shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil passes, remains at the centre of the crisis. Diplomatic efforts have intensified. Pakistan and Turkey held consultations on de-escalation, while Egypt said it was maintaining “constant communications” with all parties to prevent further escalation. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi called for renewed efforts to end the war. International concern is also mounting. The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure could amount to war crimes, as strikes on energy and transport facilities increase across the region. On the ground, hostilities continued. Israeli forces launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Lebanon, while Iran and its allies maintained missile and drone attacks. In Lebanon, the death toll has surpassed 1,000, according to official figures. The broader economic impact is deepening. The International Energy Agency warned of a “major threat” to the global economy, citing significant losses in oil and gas supply. UN officials also cautioned that developing countries in Asia and Africa are being hit hardest by rising energy costs. Meanwhile, Iran’s Defense Council warned it could mine key waterways in the Persian Gulf if faced with a ground invasion, raising fears of further disruption to global shipping and energy flows. Despite Trump’s suggestion of a possible breakthrough, sharp differences between Washington and Tehran continue to cast doubt on any immediate resolution.