United News of Bangladesh

Quad, a diplomatic partnership between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan committed to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific, has highlighted the importance of regional initiatives to strengthen energy resilience. In a statement released by the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States of America on Tuesday on the occasion of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, they also mentioned important regional initiatives such as India’s support to energy security in South Asia, Japan’s Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia). The countries highlighted Australia’s support to energy security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including through the $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, Australian Development Investments and support for the ASEAN Power Grid, as well as financial assistance to Pacific island countries (including AUD30 million in budget support to Fiji). The United States, Australia, India, and Japan are united by a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, underpinned by robust economic and energy systems. Recognizing shifts in the global energy landscape and escalating geopolitical complexities, the countries are accelerating collaboration to ensure energy stability and security. "We recognize impacts of disruptions to global markets, particularly in relation to oil, gas, and petrochemical products as well as essential goods and critical downstream derivatives such as fertilizers, fall heavily on the Indo-Pacific region. Our leaders have expressed a clear collective intent to cooperate on energy security and resilience," said the countries in a joint statement. They reiterated their strong commitment to ensure well-functioning, stable, transparent, secure and resilient energy markets. The countries reaffirmed the importance of resilient and diversified supply chains, including energy products and other downstream commodities. They reinforced the importance of secure and uninterrupted trade flows, including the safety of navigation and the protection of critical maritime routes and infrastructure, as essential to global economic stability and energy security. The countries reiterated the importance of ensuring unimpeded freedom of navigation and uninterrupted flow of global commerce, including in the Strait of Hormuz, and opposing any restrictive measures hampering the flow of commercial vessels. They recognized their shared commitment to maintain open trade flows of energy products. To this end, the United States, Australia, India, and Japan will work to identify areas of cooperation for the Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security in technology, management, policy, international market analysis, and emergency response exercises through an engagement plan. This group effort would aim to recognize and leverage the unique resources and capabilities of each country’s energy sector, including to strengthen their respective strategic petroleum systems. "We will work with our partners in the Indo-Pacific to help strengthen regional energy resilience," they said in a joint statement shared by the US Department of State. To achieve this, the Quad will convene a Quad Fuel Security Forum to coordinate high-level discussions and facilitate cooperation. Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the United States announced new initiatives on Tuesday on maritime security, port infrastructure and energy to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific to counter concerns about China’s growing influence, reports AP. The announcements by the group of nations known as the Quad came after talks in New Delhi between India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Speaking after the meeting, Rubio announced a new Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance initiative to integrate the four countries’ surveillance capabilities and strengthen real-time information sharing across the region. He said the Quad would work with Fiji to upgrade port infrastructure in the Pacific islands, marking its first joint regional infrastructure project. The ministers also launched an Indo-Pacific energy security initiative aimed at strengthening regional fuel and energy supply chains, with the U.S. set to host a Quad fuel security forum later this year, Rubio said. “We are deeply committed to this partnership. It is a linchpin in a cornerstone of our global strategy as a nation,” he said. Separately, India and the U.S. signed a deal to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals as global concerns grow over reliance on China-dominated supplies.

The United States has deported nearly 13,000 Cubans, Venezuelans and other migrants to Mexico, where many face serious risks including cartel violence and lack of basic support, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch released Wednesday. Although Mexico has accepted such deportations before, the report says those sent under the Trump administration are often older and had lived in the US for many years. This makes it harder for them to find jobs and increases their need for medical care. The findings are based on more than 50 interviews conducted in the southern Mexican cities of Tapachula and Villahermosa. The report comes as US authorities have expanded immigration enforcement as part of a wider mass deportation drive. As a result, people who were not previously targeted — including Cubans who had lived in the US for decades — are now being deported. Since countries like Cuba and Venezuela often refuse or limit return flights, many migrants are instead sent to Mexico under special arrangements. A Human Rights Watch researcher described the situation as extremely difficult, especially for older people who are suddenly removed from their lives and left in an unfamiliar and sometimes dangerous environment without proper support. Cubans make up the largest group among those deported, with more than 4,300 sent to Mexico. Many had lived in the US since the 1980s or 1990s, often holding green cards before losing their legal status. The report says over half had some form of criminal record, but only a small portion were linked to violent crimes, while about a quarter had no criminal history at all. Most were detained during routine immigration check-ins, while others were picked up at workplaces or public places. None were given a chance to appear before a judge to challenge their deportation to Mexico, even when they expressed safety concerns. Once in Mexico, many are sent to southern areas with limited job opportunities, poor access to healthcare and high levels of crime. The process to seek refugee status is also complicated, leaving many stuck without clear legal status. Aid workers say shelters are now seeing older deportees, including people in their 80s — a shift from the younger migrants usually arriving. Human Rights Watch has urged both the US and Mexico to make their deportation agreements public and ensure proper legal procedures are followed. It also called on Mexico to provide healthcare and legal pathways for those unable to return home, and on the US to halt such deportations until safeguards are in place.

Chinese authorities have executed a man convicted of poisoning and killing a billionaire gaming executive connected to Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” series, according to local media reports published Tuesday. The man, Xu Yao, was found guilty of murdering Lin Qi, founder of Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games. The company holds adaptation rights to the popular science-fiction trilogy “The Three-Body Problem.” Written by Liu Cixin, the trilogy has gained global recognition, translated into more than 40 languages and adapted into various TV and gaming productions, including Netflix’s 2024 series. Xu, a former senior executive at a Yoozoo subsidiary, carried out the poisoning in 2020 following a workplace dispute. Reports say he became resentful after being sidelined by Lin, shortly after helping secure the Netflix deal. He was convicted in 2024 and executed on May 21, according to Chinese business outlet Yicai Global and other media. Yoozoo Games confirmed the development in a statement posted on Weibo, saying the case has now concluded and justice has been served. “We are deeply grateful that justice has prevailed,” the company said. Authorities and the Shanghai High People’s Court have not issued further comments. Local reports indicate Xu spent large sums of money to obtain highly toxic substances online, including alpha-amanitin — a deadly toxin found in certain mushrooms. He reportedly mixed the poison into probiotic supplements and also placed it in coffee capsules, drinking water, and whiskey, which he shared with Lin and other employees. Lin fell seriously ill in December 2020 and died days later at the age of 39. Several other employees were also affected but later recovered. The “Three-Body Problem” series remains widely popular both in China and internationally. Its author, Liu Cixin, became the first Chinese writer to win the prestigious Hugo Award, and the trilogy has helped boost China’s science fiction industry across multiple platforms.

The US military carried out another strike on a boat suspected of carrying illegal drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, killing one person and leaving two others alive, officials said. U.S. Southern Command shared video of the operation showing a speedboat travelling across the water before being hit and bursting into flames. The command said it immediately alerted the US Coast Guard to launch a search and rescue operation for the survivors. The latest attack is part of an ongoing US military campaign against suspected drug trafficking vessels in Latin American waters, including both the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, which began in September. Officials say the campaign has killed at least 194 people so far. However, the military has not publicly presented evidence that the targeted boats were actually carrying drugs. The Pentagon’s inspector general has recently launched a review to check whether proper targeting procedures were followed during such strikes. The review will look at operational decision-making but will not examine the legality of the attacks, which have drawn criticism from some lawmakers and legal experts. The Trump administration maintains that the US is effectively in a conflict with Latin American drug cartels, which it blames for rising drug overdose deaths in the United States.

Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is an Islamic holiday that begins during the Hajj, on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijja. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

At least one worker has died and nine others are missing after a large chemical tank collapsed at a paper mill in Washington state, authorities said, fearing the missing may not be found alive. The incident occurred Tuesday at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, where a massive tank containing nearly one million gallons of a highly corrosive substance suddenly imploded. Officials said there is little hope of rescuing those still unaccounted for. Another nine people were injured in the accident, some critically. Victims suffered burns and breathing problems caused by exposure to the chemical. Fire officials described the situation as a recovery operation rather than a rescue effort. Work was paused overnight due to safety concerns and was expected to resume Wednesday, focusing first on stabilizing the damaged tank before searching for the missing workers. The tank still holds a large amount of “white liquor,” a dangerous chemical mixture used in paper production. Authorities warned that there is a risk of further leakage or collapse, which is why operations are being limited to daylight hours. Officials said there is no immediate danger to the public. The cause of the collapse remains unknown. Families of workers gathered near the site seeking information, with some expressing frustration over a lack of communication. A vigil was held later in the evening, where community members mourned the victims. The factory, located along the Columbia River, is a major employer in the area and plays a key role in the local economy. It produces materials used in paper products, packaging and other everyday items. Emergency teams, including firefighters and hazardous materials units, responded quickly to the scene and transported the injured to nearby hospitals after decontamination. Environmental officials said the chemical spilled into a drainage area, and a team has been sent to assess the impact. Authorities have promised a full investigation into the incident. US officials said the community deserves clear answers about what caused the accident. Records show the company had been cited for several minor safety violations in recent years, though officials said those issues were not directly linked to Tuesday’s disaster.

An unusually early heat wave has swept across parts of Western Europe, breaking long-standing temperature records and causing several deaths, officials said. In the United Kingdom, temperatures crossed 35 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, setting a new record for this time of year for the second day in a row. According to the Met Office, 35.1°C was recorded at London’s Kew Gardens, surpassing both Monday’s record and a century-old high set in 1922. London also experienced a rare “tropical night,” where temperatures stayed above 20°C. France has also been hit by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C in the southwest and remaining above 20°C overnight in many areas. The country’s weather agency said a “heat dome” — a high-pressure system trapping hot air — is pushing temperatures more than 10°C above normal for this time of year. Experts say such extreme and unpredictable weather events are becoming more common due to climate change. They warn that rising global temperatures are making heat waves more frequent and intense, even in seasons when they are not usually expected. After a long weekend, many people in the UK crowded beaches and parks to cool down, while commuters struggled in overheated trains and subways without air conditioning. Some train services were disrupted due to heat-related issues. Emergency services also responded to wildfires in parts of Scotland, where a large grass fire broke out near Edinburgh. Health authorities in the UK have issued an amber alert, warning of possible health risks, especially for older people. Since many homes and public places in the country lack air conditioning, the heat has become particularly challenging. At least five people, including teenagers, have died in the UK in suspected drowning incidents as they tried to cool off in lakes and reservoirs. In France, officials reported at least seven deaths linked to the heat, including several drownings and fatalities during sports activities. The risks have increased as the heat wave arrived before lifeguards were deployed at many beaches. Authorities have urged people to be cautious, especially along the Atlantic coast, where strong currents have already led to multiple rescue incidents. The heat has also spread to Spain, where temperatures in some areas have reached up to 38°C  levels usually seen in mid-summer. Weather officials say temperatures across the region are 5 to 10°C higher than normal. In Italy, Rome is also experiencing rising temperatures, with highs expected to reach around 32°C. Officials across Europe are continuing to warn people to stay safe as the unusual heat wave continues.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet his Cabinet on Wednesday at a critical point in ongoing efforts to end the conflict with Iran. This comes just days after he claimed that a settlement had been “largely negotiated,” even though discussions remain unsettled. Ahead of the meeting, Trump has expressed confidence that a deal is close. He hopes the agreement will help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow him to argue that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been reduced enough to declare success. The conflict has been politically unpopular among Republicans, adding pressure for a resolution. However, there are concerns that any deal reached may fall short of expectations. Key issues have been left for later negotiations, and critics  including some of Trump’s supporters  fear Iran could emerge weakened but more determined. The situation is becoming more sensitive as US midterm elections approach, with Republicans worried about rising fuel prices and growing public dissatisfaction. Tensions increased further after US forces carried out what the Pentagon described as “defensive” strikes on missile sites and boats in southern Iran earlier this week. While Washington said the action was restrained, Iran criticized it as a sign of bad faith. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending the ceasefire would take a few more days. He added that Trump would either secure a strong agreement or walk away without a deal. Meanwhile, Trump complained on social media that even a full surrender by Iran might still be portrayed by the media as a victory for Tehran. Concerns among allies Despite Trump’s optimism, major differences remain between the US and Iran. Some Republican leaders, including Senators Roger Wicker, Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, have voiced concern that the proposed terms may favor Iran too much. They argue that parts of the deal resemble the nuclear agreement reached under former President Barack Obama — a deal Trump had previously scrapped. Under the proposed agreement, Iran would give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in exchange for relief from sanctions, according to officials familiar with the talks. However, details of how this would be done are still unclear and may be negotiated during a 60-day period. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that Iran currently possesses a significant amount of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels, though Tehran has not publicly agreed to surrender it. Trump recently suggested the uranium could be handed over to the US or destroyed under international supervision, signaling a softer stance compared to his earlier position. Impact on regional tensions Another unresolved issue is whether the ceasefire would include Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran has insisted that Lebanon must be part of any broader agreement. The US proposal appears to allow flexibility, supporting a ceasefire while also recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against threats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that military operations in Lebanon are continuing. Analysts warn that any sanctions relief could allow Iran to rebuild its military strength and support allied groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Abraham Accords push faces hurdles Trump has also suggested expanding the Abraham Accords — agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several countries — as part of a broader deal. However, this proposal faces challenges. Key regional players like Saudi Arabia have said they would only consider such steps if there is clear progress toward establishing a Palestinian state, something Israel opposes. Reports suggest that Trump’s proposal received a muted response from some Middle Eastern leaders, although opinions appear divided. Despite concerns, US allies in the region continue to support efforts to end the conflict, seeing few alternatives to diplomacy.  

More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims assembled Tuesday at the Plain of Arafat for the most significant spiritual stage of the Hajj pilgrimage, according to reports from the Saudi Press Agency. Beginning at dawn on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, worshippers made their way to Arafat, where they devoted the day to prayer, reciting the Qur’an, remembering God and offering supplications. Pilgrims remained within the sacred boundaries of the site until sunset. Known in Islamic tradition as the core ritual of Hajj, the gathering at Arafat — called Wuquf Arafah — is regarded as the pilgrimage’s defining moment. Prophet Muhammad emphasized its importance by stating, “Hajj is Arafah.” Religious scholars describe the occasion as one of the holiest days in Islam, associated with mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. The day also commemorates the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad in A.D. 632, when he delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat, stressing justice, equality and the protection of life and property. At midday, pilgrims listened to the Arafah sermon, which offered spiritual guidance and highlighted the virtues of the sacred day. Worshippers later combined and shortened the Dhuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. Throughout the day, pilgrims engaged in prayer, recited the Talbiyah and Takbeer, and sought forgiveness in a deeply reflective and humble atmosphere. Located around 20 kilometers southeast of Makkah, Arafat is a vast plain centered around Jabal Al-Rahmah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, where many pilgrims gather for contemplation and worship. Islamic tradition links the site to the reunion of Adam and Eve, giving it profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. The journey to Arafat followed the Day of Tarwiyah in Mina, where pilgrims spent Monday preparing mentally and physically for the most demanding stage of Hajj. Saudi officials implemented extensive operational measures to ensure pilgrims’ safety and smooth movement, including crowd management systems, transportation services, healthcare support and emergency response teams across the holy sites. Health authorities also remained vigilant as temperatures climbed above 45 degrees Celsius, advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and minimize direct exposure to the sun. After sunset, pilgrims departed Arafat for Muzdalifah, where they were expected to combine and shorten the Maghrib and Isha prayers before spending the night resting and worshipping ahead of the symbolic stoning ritual. Source: Arab News

The United States and Iran appear to be moving toward a possible agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump saying over the weekend that negotiations had been “largely completed.” However, uncertainty remains over when the agreement could be finalized and how its provisions would be implemented. Trump’s remarks followed discussions with Middle Eastern allies, including separate talks with Israel. Information about the negotiations has come from two regional officials and one US official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. War Could Come to an EndIran has consistently maintained that any agreement must include a halt to fighting across the region since the conflict began 12 weeks ago with US and Israeli attacks on Iran that killed several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran’s demands also cover Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah group has been engaged in clashes with Israel since the early stages of the war. A fragile ceasefire has remained in place since April 7. Ending the conflict would likely ease tensions across the Middle East, where Iranian missile and drone attacks previously targeted Gulf countries and major travel hubs such as the United Arab Emirates. It would also restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for around 20% of global oil and natural gas supplies. Regional officials said the draft agreement includes ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and a pledge not to interfere in the internal affairs of regional states, including Iran. The issue is closely tied to Iran’s support for allied armed groups such as the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in Gaza and Shiite militias in Iraq. One regional official said the US wants Israel to retain the right to respond to perceived threats in Lebanon, while Iran opposes that position. A US official said the agreement would preserve Israel’s right to act in self-defense against imminent threats. Gradual Reopening of Strait of HormuzIran’s nuclear activities, missile programme and regional proxy support were cited by the US and Israel as key reasons for launching attacks on Iran. But Iran’s subsequent restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz quickly became a major international concern, leaving hundreds of ships carrying oil, gas and other goods stranded. Under the proposed arrangement, the strait would gradually reopen as the US lifts the blockade on Iranian ports imposed on April 17, according to regional officials. The blockade has significantly affected Iran’s oil exports and economy. The US is also expected to permit limited Iranian oil sales through sanctions waivers. One official familiar with the talks said broader sanctions relief and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets would be negotiated during a 60-day process. Iran May Surrender Highly Enriched UraniumIran’s nuclear programme remains at the center of the dispute, particularly concerns that Tehran could eventually develop nuclear weapons. According to regional officials, Iran may agree to hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of the deal. One official directly involved in the talks said further discussions during the 60-day period would determine how the material would be handled. Some uranium could be diluted, while the remainder might be transferred to another country, possibly Russia, which has reportedly offered to take custody of it. A US official confirmed that sanctions relief would depend on Iran giving up the uranium stockpile. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran currently possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is technically close to weapons-grade level. Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful and says it has the right to nuclear technology. President Masoud Pezeshkian said on state television Sunday that Iran was ready “to assure the world” it is not seeking nuclear weapons. Trump also said on social media that relations with Iran were becoming “more professional and productive,” while reiterating that Tehran must not obtain nuclear weapons. Key Issues Still UnclearSeveral major issues remain absent from current descriptions of the proposed agreement, including the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and its missile programme, which Israel has long sought to curb. The possibility of regime change in Tehran — previously discussed by the US and Israel during anti-government protests earlier this year — also appears to be off the table. Likewise, there has been no indication that the agreement would involve the withdrawal of US troops from the region or compensation for war-related damage sought by Iran.