United News of Bangladesh

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would not alter his stance to stay out of the war in Iran after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to tear up a trade deal with the U.K. Trump told Sky News on Tuesday night that the U.K. had not been there when the U.S. needed their help. Trump said the so-called special relationship between the allies had been better. “It’s been better, but it’s sad,” Trump said. “And we gave them a good trade deal. Better than I had to. Which can always be changed.” Starmer said a lot of pressure had been put on him to change course, including Trump’s latest remarks. “I’m not going to change my mind,” Starmer said. “I’m not going to yield. It is not in our national interest to join this war, and we will not do so.”

A student opened fire indiscriminately in two classrooms at a school in southeastern Turkey on Wednesday, killing four people and injuring 20 others, an official said. Kahramanmaras provincial governor Mukerrem Unluer said the attacker, who was also killed, arrived at the school armed with weapons belonging to his father, a retired police officer. He was carrying five firearms and seven magazines at the time of the attack. The victims included a teacher and three students, the governor added. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately known. Turkey detains 125 more Islamic State suspects in nationwide raids Earlier, media reports said police and ambulances were dispatched to the school in the Onikisubat district of Kahramanmaras after gunfire was heard on the premises. Video footage from the scene showed at least two people being taken away in ambulances. The incident came a day after another school shooting in nearby Sanliurfa province, where a former student opened fire at a high school, injuring 16 people, most of them students.

Spain has approved a major plan to grant legal status to around 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move that is expected to benefit thousands of Bangladeshis living there without proper documentation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the decision as both an “act of justice” and an economic necessity, saying the initiative recognises migrants who are already contributing to Spanish society, reports BBC. Under the plan, eligible migrants will receive a renewable one-year residence permit, allowing them to work legally and access better living conditions. Applicants must prove they have lived in Spain for at least five months and have no criminal record. The application window will remain open from April 16 to the end of June. Bangladeshi migrants, many of whom are engaged in sectors like construction, agriculture and small businesses, are expected to be among the beneficiaries of this scheme. The move could help them transition from informal jobs to stable employment, ensuring legal protection and improved livelihoods. The Spanish government says the initiative will strengthen the workforce in a country facing an ageing population and labour shortages. It also reflects Spain’s own history of emigration, when many Spaniards moved abroad in search of better opportunities. However, the opposition People's Party has strongly criticised the plan, arguing that it could encourage more illegal migration and has pledged to oppose it. Despite criticism, support has come from various quarters, including the Catholic Church, which views the measure as a humanitarian step. According to estimates by the Funcas think-tank, Spain currently hosts around 840,000 undocumented migrants, many from Latin America, along with a significant number from South Asian countries like Bangladesh. If implemented successfully, the policy could mark a turning point for undocumented Bangladeshis in Spain, offering them legal recognition, job security and a pathway to a more stable future.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey this week as part of a diplomatic effort to help restart talks between the United States and Iran. The visit comes just days after Islamabad hosted rare negotiations between Washington and Tehran that ended without a formal agreement. Sharif is trying to help arrange a second round of talks before a temporary ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the four-day trip, beginning Wednesday and ending Saturday, will also focus on strengthening bilateral relations. During his stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Sharif is expected to discuss cooperation as well as regional peace and security with their leaders. In Turkey, he will attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and hold meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other global leaders. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has agreed to deposit $3 billion into Pakistan’s central bank, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Wednesday. The funds are expected to provide crucial support to Pakistan’s economy, which has been under pressure due to regional tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. Aurangzeb, currently in Washington, D.C. for meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, said an existing $5 billion Saudi deposit will now be extended for a longer period instead of being renewed annually. Earlier this month, Pakistani authorities said the country plans to return $2 billion deposited by the United Arab Emirates in 2019 to its central bank.

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated further on Tuesday as Washington announced a blockade of Iranian ports, Tehran warned of retaliatory strikes across the region, and Pakistan stepped up diplomatic efforts to bring both sides back to the negotiating table. Although a ceasefire reached last week largely held, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remained volatile, raising fears of renewed conflict and broader economic disruption. Efforts to reach a lasting agreement in talks over the weekend failed to yield a breakthrough. However, Pakistan has proposed hosting another round of negotiations soon, with officials from both sides indicating that discussions are ongoing and could resume as early as Thursday, though details are yet to be finalised. Now in its seventh week, the conflict—triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28—has already had a severe impact on global markets. Disruptions to shipping routes and continued airstrikes have damaged key infrastructure across the region, reports AP. The war has claimed thousands of lives, including around 3,000 in Iran, over 2,000 in Lebanon, and smaller numbers in Israel and Gulf countries. Thirteen US service members have also been killed. The US military said the blockade, which took effect Monday, applies to vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. The move could further restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has already limited access, allowing only select vessels to pass. Early indications suggested hesitation among shipping operators, with at least two oil tankers reversing course shortly after the blockade was enforced. The disruption in the strait—through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes—has driven up global oil prices, increasing the cost of fuel and essential goods worldwide. Washington says the blockade is aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports, which have continued despite sanctions, often through covert shipping operations that help sustain its economy. US President Donald Trump described Iran’s control over the strait as “blackmail,” warning that any vessels approaching the blockade could face immediate military action. Iran, in turn, warned it would strike ports in the Persian Gulf if attacked, with senior officials vowing retaliation. Meanwhile, diplomatic activity continued on other fronts, with Israel and Lebanon set to begin direct talks in Washington—the first in decades. The discussions are expected to focus on preliminary issues, including ceasefire prospects and security concerns. Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon despite the Iran ceasefire, although it has paused strikes in Beirut following international backlash over civilian casualties. Lebanon is seeking a ceasefire, while Israel has emphasised disarming Hezbollah and exploring a broader peace arrangement, though no commitments have been made to halt military operations. The developments highlight the fragile and complex nature of the conflict, with military escalation and diplomatic efforts unfolding simultaneously across the region.  

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad in the coming days, before the end of the ceasefire, two Pakistani officials told the Associated Press. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the press, said the proposal would depend on whether the parties request a different location. One of the officials said that, despite ending without an agreement, the first talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort. Earlier Reuters reported, citing four sources, that the #US and Iranian negotiation teams will return to Islamabad later this week to resume ceasefire talks. "No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping ⁠Friday through Sunday open," a senior Iranian source told the news agency. On April 13, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said there remains a possibility of resuming talks between the United States and Iran, expressing optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts. He added that a new round of negotiations is expected to begin soon, noting that Islamabad is satisfied with the discussions so far and that no negative developments have emerged from them.

Donald Trump warned that Iranian warships approaching the U.S. naval blockade would be destroyed. He said the United States has begun blocking Iranian ports and coastal areas, while Iran responded with threats targeting ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Although Trump took a hard stance, he later signaled openness to negotiations, saying he had been in contact with Iranian representatives. Talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without agreement, raising uncertainty about what will happen when the current ceasefire expires on April 22. Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces continued operations in southern Lebanon, engaging in heavy clashes with Hezbollah, which has been launching rockets and drones into northern Israel. China’s export growth slowed to 2.5% in March compared to a year earlier, a sharp drop from the strong growth seen in January and February. Analysts attribute the slowdown to global uncertainty caused by the Iran conflict, especially its effects on energy prices and demand. Although technology exports—especially semiconductors linked to AI growth—remain strong, economists warn the prolonged war could weaken global demand further. Israel also reported that one of its reserve soldiers was killed and three others injured in fighting in Lebanon, bringing the total number of Israeli military deaths in the conflict there to 13. Pakistan has предложed hosting a second round of U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad before the ceasefire ends. Officials say the earlier discussions, although unsuccessful, are part of an ongoing diplomatic effort rather than a one-time attempt. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the negotiations made some progress, particularly regarding U.S. demands to remove nuclear materials from Iran and prevent future uranium enrichment. He suggested Iran may need internal approval before reaching any deal and emphasized that a broader agreement is still possible if Iran takes further steps. The White House has not confirmed whether new talks are officially planned, though officials reiterated that U.S. conditions remain firm and suggested Iran may feel increasing pressure due to the naval blockade. Sources indicate that both sides are considering another round of in-person negotiations, possibly in Islamabad or Geneva, with discussions ongoing about timing and participation. Trump also stated that Iran had expressed interest in reaching an agreement. Separately, Iran has demanded compensation from several Middle Eastern countries—including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan—accusing them of supporting U.S. and Israeli actions and violating international law. In the U.S., Trump has faced criticism from Catholic leaders after making remarks about Pope Leo XIV. Figures such as Archbishop Paul Coakley and Bishop Robert Barron called his comments inappropriate and urged an apology, despite many Catholic voters having supported him previously.

Iran has threatened to target ports across the Middle East after the United States announced a plan to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, escalating tensions and raising concerns over global oil supply and regional stability. The US military said the blockade would take effect Monday, aiming to increase pressure on Tehran amid stalled ceasefire negotiations. In response, Iranian authorities warned that no port in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman would remain secure if the move is enforced. Iranian state media quoted military officials as saying regional maritime security would either be ensured for all or for none, signaling possible retaliation. The US Central Command said the blockade would apply to vessels of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports, though ships traveling between non-Iranian ports would still be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement has already disrupted limited shipping activity in the strait that resumed after a ceasefire, with vessel movement remaining significantly lower than pre-war levels. The development follows failed US-Iran talks held in Pakistan over the weekend. US officials said negotiations broke down after Iran refused to accept conditions related to its nuclear programme, while Tehran demanded compensation for damages from earlier strikes and the release of frozen assets. The blockade is expected to put further pressure on Iran’s oil exports, including shipments that reportedly bypass sanctions through covert routes. It may also impact global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz previously handled about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Oil prices rose sharply following the announcement, with both US crude and Brent crude registering notable gains. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has said it will not participate in any US-led blockade, emphasizing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and avoid deeper involvement in the conflict. Senior Iranian officials have issued strong warnings of retaliation, with one adviser saying the country has significant means to counter any blockade. Iran’s parliamentary speaker also cautioned Washington against escalation, saying Tehran would respond if attacked. Although Iran maintains that the strait remains open for civilian vessels, it warned of a firm response to military presence in the area. Despite recent high-level talks—the most significant since Iran’s 1979 revolution—both sides remain far apart on key issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme. The US has demanded strict limits, while Iran has rejected what it calls excessive conditions. There is still no clarity on what will happen after the current ceasefire expires on April 22, though diplomatic efforts to resume dialogue are ongoing. Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is for peaceful purposes, despite ongoing international concerns.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Algeria on Monday on the first-ever papal visit to the North African country, beginning an 11-day tour of four African nations with a strong message of peace and Christian-Muslim coexistence. The two-day Algeria visit marks the start of his broader trip that will also take him to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, as the first U.S.-born pope seeks to engage with Africa’s growing Catholic population. The visit comes amid global tensions, including the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran. US President Donald Trump recently criticised the pope, accusing him of supporting left-leaning views. Pope Leo, who had earlier condemned the “illusion of absolute power” behind the conflict during a prayer service, said during his flight that the Vatican’s calls for peace are rooted in the Gospel and stressed he was not concerned about political criticism. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed the pope at Algiers international airport. The two leaders are scheduled to hold official talks at the presidential palace. During his stay, the pope is set to meet government officials, visit the capital’s Great Mosque, and attend a gathering at the Our Lady of Africa basilica. He will also take part in prayers at a nearby memorial dedicated to migrants who died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. The Vatican said the visit’s main message is peace and interfaith harmony, reflected in its motto: “Peace be with you.” Algeria’s Catholic community is small, with around 9,000 followers, mostly foreigners, living alongside a Sunni Muslim population of about 47 million, according to Vatican data. Algiers Archbishop Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco said the basilica regularly attracts Muslim visitors, showing a spirit of coexistence. “It shows that people of different faiths can live together and help build society,” Vesco told AP. However, concerns remain over religious freedom. The United States has placed Algeria on a watch list over alleged violations. While the constitution allows non-Muslims to practise their faith, efforts to convert Muslims are illegal, and some churches have been closed. Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the visit. “It’s good that the pope is coming, but will it change anything?” asked Selma Dénane, a student from Annaba. The visit also carries historical significance. During Algeria’s civil war in the 1990s, around 250,000 people were killed. Among them were 19 Catholic clergy, including seven monks from Tibhirine, who were abducted and killed in 1996. Pope Leo is expected to pay tribute to them during his visit. The pontiff will also meet members of his Augustinian order, inspired by St. Augustine, a major figure in early Christianity who was born in present-day Algeria. On Tuesday, the pope will travel to Annaba, where St. Augustine once served as bishop, highlighting the personal and spiritual importance of the visit. Church officials say Pope Leo is likely to focus strongly on peace during the trip, calling it a timely message amid ongoing global conflicts.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s latest visit to China, his fourth in four years, reflects the steady growth of bilateral relations and highlights a model of cooperation at a time of global uncertainty. The regular high-level exchanges between the two countries underline a relationship built on consistency and mutual trust, offering an example of stable engagement between China and Europe despite a volatile international environment. Experts say such ties are the result of long-term efforts rather than sudden developments. Spanish scholar Jordi Bacaria noted that relations between the two countries have been carefully developed over time through sustained cooperation. Analysts believe reliability and policy consistency have become increasingly important as global tensions and uncertainties affect international partnerships. In this context, China’s focus on long-term cooperation and multilateralism has made it an attractive partner for many countries, including Spain. China and Spain, despite differences in history, culture and political systems, have managed to strengthen ties by focusing on shared interests. During a meeting last year between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Spain’s King Felipe VI, both sides stressed mutual respect, practical cooperation and fairness in global governance as key principles guiding their relationship. Economic cooperation remains a strong pillar of bilateral ties. China is Spain’s largest trading partner outside the European Union, while Spain is an important partner for China within the bloc. Bilateral trade exceeded $55 billion in 2025, marking a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous year, according to official data. Beyond trade, both countries see opportunities for deeper cooperation in areas such as technology and renewable energy. Spain’s focus on sectors like semiconductors and green energy aligns with China’s push for high-quality development, opening the door for further collaboration. The transition to clean energy has emerged as a key area of cooperation. Chinese investments in Spain’s electric vehicle and wind power sectors are supporting industrial growth, while Spain contributes its expertise in renewable energy. Spain’s engagement with China is part of a broader trend, as several European leaders have recently visited Beijing to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. Observers say this reflects Europe’s efforts to enhance economic resilience and strategic independence. Sanchez’s visit, analysts say, sends a wider message that continued dialogue and cooperation remain essential even in a fragmented global landscape. At a time of growing uncertainty, China-Spain relations are seen as contributing to stability and offering a constructive path for broader China-Europe engagement.