United News of Bangladesh

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

Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a hospital following a serious deterioration in her health, her foundation said Friday. According to the Narges Mohammadi Foundation, she experienced two instances of complete unconsciousness along with a severe cardiac episode while being held in a prison in Zanjan, northwestern Iran. Earlier the same day, Mohammadi reportedly fainted twice in custody. Her lawyers have previously indicated that she may have suffered a heart attack in late March, noting her weakened condition, pale appearance and need for assistance to walk during a prison visit. The foundation said her hospitalization came after more than four months of what it described as “systematic medical neglect” since her arrest on December 12. Prison doctors ultimately recommended her transfer, saying her condition could no longer be treated inside the facility. Her family, however, warned that the move might have come too late. Relatives had been calling for weeks for her transfer to a properly equipped medical center. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, said the family is struggling to ensure she receives adequate care, alleging that local authorities have obstructed efforts. Mohammadi, 53, has suffered ongoing heart-related complications. In March, fellow inmates reportedly found her unconscious, and she later complained of chest pain and breathing difficulties. Her legal representatives have also said she was previously denied access to hospital treatment and a cardiologist. Her lawyer Mostafa Nili said her blood pressure has fluctuated sharply in recent days, leading to repeated fainting. She was eventually admitted to a cardiac care unit after a neurologist ordered her urgent transfer. Mohammadi, a prominent rights activist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while in detention. She was arrested again in December during a visit to Mashhad and later sentenced to an additional seven years in prison. Her family says her health has worsened partly due to alleged physical abuse during her arrest. International observers, including the Nobel committee, have condemned what they describe as life-threatening mistreatment. Before her latest arrest, Mohammadi had already been serving a lengthy prison sentence on charges related to national security and anti-government activities, though she had been temporarily released on medical grounds. Despite repeated detentions, she has continued her activism, even while on furlough, participating in protests and speaking to international media. Her case gained global attention after she became one of the few Nobel laureates to receive the prize while imprisoned, amplifying her role in highlighting protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. Mohammadi has remained outspoken against Iran’s leadership, calling for political change and urging public resistance, even from behind bars.

Germany’s defence minister said the United States’ decision to withdraw about 5,000 troops from the country was “foreseeable,” as NATO seeks more details from Washington amid concerns over the alliance’s future. Speaking to DPA news agency, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the presence of US forces in Europe  especially in Germany  remains important for both sides. He added that Berlin still values close military cooperation with Washington. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance is in talks with the US to better understand the scope and impact of the decision. President Donald Trump indicated that more cuts could follow. Asked about the troop withdrawal, he said the US would reduce its forces “way down,” suggesting the number could be far higher than 5,000, though he gave no specifics. The move comes after tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who recently criticised the US over its handling of negotiations with Iran, saying Washington had been “humiliated.” The US currently has more than 36,000 troops stationed in Germany — its largest military presence in Europe compared to about 12,000 in Italy and 10,000 in the United Kingdom. Trump has also floated the idea of reducing troop levels in Italy and Spain. The decision follows earlier steps to scale back US forces in Romania, part of a broader strategy to shift military focus toward the Indo-Pacific region. The latest move has raised concerns within the 32-member NATO alliance that reduced US presence could weaken collective security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that internal divisions, rather than external threats, pose the greatest risk to the transatlantic alliance and urged members to act to reverse the trend. In Washington, senior Republican lawmakers also voiced concern. Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers said maintaining a strong US military presence in Europe is vital for deterrence. Pistorius said Europe must take on greater responsibility for its own security, noting that Germany has significantly increased defence spending in recent years. Under the current government, Germany’s defence budget is expected to rise to €105.8 billion by 2027, pushing total defence-related spending to about 3.1% of GDP, including support for Ukraine. Trump has long criticised NATO allies, including Germany, for not meeting defence spending targets, though Berlin has recently moved closer to those goals. NATO officials say the US decision highlights the need for European countries to further boost defence investment and share more of the security burden. The troop withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to twelve months, according to the Pentagon. Tensions between Trump and allies have also grown over disagreements on military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted shipping following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year. With inputs from BBC

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced a comprehensive 10-year national strategy aimed at protecting family structures and reversing declining birth rates. Speaking at the "Family and Population Vision 2026-2035" program in Istanbul, Erdogan emphasized that preserving the family structure and promoting marriage are at the forefront of the government's agenda for the coming decade. The roadmap also focuses on increasing fertility rates, ensuring youth development alongside elderly welfare, and fostering rural development to achieve a balanced population distribution. "The family is also transforming in the age of digital techno-culture and faces significant challenges," Erdogan noted. The president added that the government is striving to prepare the country and the nation for the future during this period, and the initiative aims to strengthen the social fabric and ensure long-term demographic stability. Erdogan also announced that the last week of May will be celebrated as "National Family Week" to bolster social awareness.