United News of Bangladesh

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday offered a firm defense of science and weather forecasting, commending the UN’s weather agency for its critical role in saving lives through global climate disaster monitoring. Speaking at a special session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Guterres praised the agency’s contributions at a time when science is under political attack in the United States, where President Donald Trump has dismissed climate change as “a con job” and led an anti-science campaign. A strong advocate for climate action, Guterres highlighted the importance of expanding early-warning systems that enable both developed and developing countries to prepare for floods, storms, wildfires, and heat waves. “Without your long-term monitoring, we wouldn’t benefit from the warnings and guidance that protect communities and save millions of lives and billions of dollars each year,” he said, referring to “the dangerous and existential threat of climate change.” His comments came after the WMO revealed last week that concentrations of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surged by the largest annual increase ever recorded, reaching levels unprecedented in human history and fueling more extreme weather events. Guterres hailed WMO scientists and staff as the “quiet force that illuminates all the rational climate decisions that we take.” “Scientists and researchers should never be afraid to tell the truth,” he added. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has imposed deep funding cuts on the U.S. National Weather Service and dismissed hundreds of meteorologists and staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, weakening the country’s weather forecasting capacity.

Two journalists — one held in Belarus and the other in Georgia — have been awarded the European Union’s highest human rights accolade, the Sakharov Prize, as announced on Wednesday by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Andrzej Poczobut, a correspondent for the prominent Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of “undermining Belarusian national security.” He is currently serving his sentence in the Novopolotsk penal colony. Mzia Amaghlobeli, a prominent journalist who founded two of Georgia’s independent media outlets, was in August convicted of slapping a police chief during an anti-government protest. She was sentenced to two years in prison in a case that was condemned by rights groups as an attempt to curb media freedom. “Both are journalists currently in prison on trumped up charges simply for doing their work and for speaking out against injustice. Their courage has made them symbols of the struggle for freedom and democracy,” Metsola said at the parliament in Strasbourg, France. The annual EU award, named after Soviet dissident Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov, was created in 1988 to honor individuals or groups who defend human rights and basic freedoms. The winner is chosen by senior EU lawmakers from among candidates nominated by the European Parliament’s various political groups. The assembly says the award is “the highest tribute paid by the European Union to human rights work.” Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya told the lawmakers that awarding it to Poczobut and “fearless” Amaghlobeli this year “sends a strong message to all political prisoners that you are not alone and journalism is not a crime.” She and her husband Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who both made speeches to the assembly, along with others opposed to the regime of President Alexander Lukashenko, won the Sakharov Prize in 2020. Poczobut, 52, suffers from a serious heart condition and was placed in solitary confinement several times, sometimes for stretches of up to six months, human rights activists have said. His newspaper said it hoped that the award “will be a pebble that will trigger an avalanche of events. That it will lead to the imminent release of our Belarusian correspondent. Andrzej’s fate has finally ceased to be a game between Lukashenko’s special services and Poland. It is a matter for the whole of Europe.” Lukashenko, nicknamed “Europe’s last dictator,” has ruled Belarus for over three decades, maintaining his grip on power through elections dismissed by the West as neither free nor fair and violent crackdowns on dissent. Following the 2020 protests that saw hundreds of thousands take to the streets, more than 65,000 people were arrested, thousands were beaten, and hundreds of independent media outlets and nongovernmental organizations were closed and outlawed. Lukashenko pardoned 52 prisoners after a phone call in August with U.S. President Donald Trump that sparked speculation of a possible thaw in relations. The release came as the Trump administration sought to improve communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Amaghlobeli's case is just one of many to draw protests and international criticism in Georgia in recent months as the ruling Georgian Dream party has been accused of eroding civil society and democratic rights in the South Caucasus nation. During her trial, she urged the opposition to keep fighting. “You must never lose faith in your own capabilities. There is still time. The fight continues— until victory!” she said. Amaghlobeli is the founder and manager of investigative news outlet Batumelebi, which covers politics, corruption and human rights in Georgia. She also founded its sister publication, Netgazeti. Georgia has seen widespread political unrest and protests since last year’s parliamentary election in which Georgian Dream retained its control of the parliament. Protesters and the country’s opposition declared the result illegitimate amid allegations of vote-rigging aided by Russia. Several Sakharov laureates, including Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad, went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month, picked up the Sakharov last year. The award, which comes with a 50,000 euro ($58,000) endowment, will be presented in a ceremony at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in December.

Japan’s new government plans to showcase its commitment to bolstering defense amid regional tensions when U.S. President Donald Trump visits Tokyo next week, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Wednesday. Trump is set to meet Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female leader, from Oct. 27-29. Motegi said the talks will focus on further strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and building personal trust between the leaders. Japan is in the midst of a five-year military buildup through 2027, doubling defense spending to 2% of GDP and developing strike-back capabilities, marking a shift from its postwar pacifist stance. Motegi emphasized adapting to emerging warfare, including drone swarms and cyberattacks, while reviewing the strategy to convey plans firmly to the U.S. Japan also aims to cooperate with South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, while maintaining stable relations with China. Motegi stressed that defense decisions should be independent, focused on capability rather than spending targets, though Trump may push for increased spending, more U.S. weapons purchases, and support for American troops stationed in Japan. Motegi, returning to the role for a second term, will also follow up on the Japan-U.S. tariffs agreement, aiming for steady implementation to promote mutual economic benefits and security.

A gasoline tanker exploded on Tuesday in north-central Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 people, according to police. The incident took place in the Bida area of Niger State after the tanker overturned. As residents gathered to collect the leaking fuel, the vehicle exploded, police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said. Seventeen others sustained injuries and were taken to local hospitals for treatment. In recent times, Niger State has experienced a growing number of accidents involving large trucks. Experts point to deteriorating roads and a lack of rail infrastructure as contributing factors. The state plays a key role in transporting goods between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the identity of the truck driver and owner, as well as the cause of the crash. Niger State Governor Umaru Bago expressed sorrow over the tragedy and criticized the ongoing practice of collecting spilled fuel from crash sites. “This is yet another devastating and heartbreaking incident for our people and the state,” he stated. A similar tragedy occurred in January, when at least 98 people died in Niger State while attempting to siphon gasoline from a wrecked tanker using a generator. Fuel scavenging has become increasingly common in Nigeria due to soaring prices after the government eliminated fuel subsidies under President Bola Tinubu.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest judicial body, is set to issue an advisory opinion Wednesday on Israel’s legal obligations to ensure urgently needed humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The ICJ was asked last year by the U.N. General Assembly to provide guidance after Israel effectively barred the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) – the main aid provider in Gaza – from operating in the territory. While advisory opinions are legally nonbinding, experts say they carry significant weight and could influence U.N. operations worldwide. The request predates the fragile U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, which took effect on Oct. 10. The truce aims to end two years of conflict in the enclave, allowing 600 humanitarian aid trucks to enter daily. Israel has partly complied, and Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya confirmed the deliveries to Egypt’s Al-Qahera News. During ICJ hearings in April, Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi accused Israel of “starving, killing and displacing Palestinians” while blocking humanitarian organizations from operating. Israel denied violating international law, boycotted the hearings, but submitted a 38-page written statement for consideration. Israel’s ban on UNRWA, in place since January, came amid criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who claim the agency is infiltrated by Hamas – a charge UNRWA denies. In March, Israel halted all aid for three months, triggering severe food shortages, before allowing partial deliveries through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed private group. International experts declared a famine in parts of Gaza in August. Israel, however, maintained there was sufficient food and accused Hamas of stockpiling supplies. The GHF has since suspended operations following the recent ceasefire. Advisory opinions, while nonbinding, are considered “decisive” under treaties governing the protection of U.N. personnel. The General Assembly’s request, submitted in December 2024, sought clarification on Israel’s responsibilities “to ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population.” Experts emphasize the significance of the ruling. Mike Becker, a human rights law scholar at Trinity College Dublin, said, “We cannot let states pick and choose where the U.N. is going to do its work. This advisory opinion is a very important opportunity to reinforce that.” The ICJ has previously issued advisory opinions on Israeli policies, including ruling the West Bank separation barrier illegal two decades ago. Last year, the court declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and called for an immediate halt to settlement construction, a ruling Israel criticized for ignoring its security concerns. Separately, the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, alleging they used “starvation as a method of warfare” and intentionally targeted civilians – charges Israeli officials strongly deny. Another case by South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, which Israel rejects as politically motivated. The current Gaza war was triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and left 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed more than 68,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, figures widely regarded as reliable by U.N. agencies and independent observers, though Israel disputes them.   Source: AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on Tuesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of delaying diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine and rejected any proposal for Kyiv to surrender territory captured by Russia, including ideas suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a joint statement, eight European leaders and senior EU officials announced plans to use Moscow’s frozen assets abroad to support Ukraine, despite concerns over legality and potential consequences. The statement also reaffirmed that international borders should not be changed by force. Zelenskyy criticized Russia for returning to diplomacy only under pressure and said ongoing pressure is necessary to achieve peace. Trump, preparing to meet Putin in Budapest, has shifted his position several times—previously suggesting Ukraine might need to concede land, then calling for a freeze on current front lines, and most recently proposing dividing the Donbas region. European and Ukrainian leaders are working to keep Trump aligned with their position, emphasizing that halting the fighting on the current front lines should serve as the starting point for negotiations. They warned that freezing the conflict could allow Russia to launch future attacks. Additional sanctions on Russia are expected to be discussed at an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, while the Coalition of the Willing, a group of 35 countries supporting Ukraine, will meet in London on Friday.

The United States and Australia on Monday signed an $8.5 billion agreement on critical minerals at the White House, as Washington seeks to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on China’s dominance in rare earth exports. The deal was signed by US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following months of negotiations aimed at boosting cooperation in the mining and refining of rare earth elements. “In about a year from now, we’ll have so much critical mineral and rare earth that you won’t know what to do with them,” President Trump said at the signing ceremony. “They’ll be worth $2.” Prime Minister Albanese said the agreement “takes the US-Australia relationship to the next level,” describing it as a major step toward diversifying global supply chains. The announcement comes weeks after Beijing introduced new export restrictions requiring foreign companies to obtain approval from the Chinese government to ship magnets containing even trace amounts of rare-earth materials that originated from China or used Chinese technology. White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Australia’s robust mining industry and large rare earth reserves would be “critical to making the global economy less exposed to Chinese extortion.” Under the new agreement, the two countries will jointly invest over $3 billion in critical mineral projects within the next six months, according to Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Mining expert Pini Althaus, CEO of Cove Capital, said the deal must include price protections similar to those recently promised by the US government to prevent China from manipulating global prices — a tactic Beijing has historically used to drive competitors out of business. While the agreement could give US firms access to existing Australian production, experts note that reducing China’s market dominance will take years, if not decades. Althaus added that the United States must continue investing in mining projects at home and in friendly nations, such as those in Central Asia, which possess untapped reserves and infrastructure dating back to the Soviet era. “China has almost a 40-year head start,” he said. “It will take at least a couple of decades for the US and its allies to meet their own supply chain demands.” The Trump-Albanese meeting also covered defense cooperation under the AUKUS security pact with the United Kingdom. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of strengthening defense and technology ties to ensure a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Albanese’s visit comes ahead of Trump’s expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month.   Source: AP

Despite a ceasefire agreement nearly a year ago, Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon persist — and some analysts believe the situation could mirror what’s to come in Gaza, where a fragile new truce is already under pressure. On October 11, Israeli forces bombed a construction equipment business in southern Lebanon, killing a Syrian bystander, injuring seven others — including two women — and destroying millions of dollars in heavy machinery. Though this might seem extraordinary in most countries, such attacks have become routine in Lebanon since a U.S.-brokered truce aimed to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in late 2024. With fresh strikes hitting Gaza on Sunday following alleged Hamas fire, many fear the Gaza ceasefire could follow Lebanon’s path — a ceasefire in name, but not in practice. Mona Yacoubian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies described the Lebanon ceasefire as a “lessfire” — a loosely held truce that still allows Israel to launch strikes it considers preventive. “This could be a preview for Gaza,” she said, “where Israel claims the right to act against perceived threats without fully reigniting war.” A Ceasefire Without Clear Rules The recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict began right after Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which also launched the war in Gaza. Hezbollah, allied with Hamas, began firing into Israel. Israel responded with force, and by September 2024, the fighting had escalated into open warfare. A ceasefire agreed on November 27, 2024, required Lebanon to prevent armed attacks against Israel and Israel to stop “offensive” military actions — though both sides were allowed to respond in “self-defense.” The agreement lacked strict enforcement mechanisms and gave both parties broad leeway. A monitoring group — including the U.S., France, Israel, Lebanon, and UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) — can record violations, but there are no concrete penalties. In reality, Israel has continued unilateral strikes, saying they are necessary to stop Hezbollah from regrouping and rearming. Lebanese officials argue that such actions not only damage civilian infrastructure but also give Hezbollah justification to stay armed, undermining national efforts to disarm the group. Since the ceasefire, Lebanon reports over 270 deaths and 850 injuries from Israeli actions. The UN confirmed that at least 107 of those killed were civilians. No Israelis have died from fire originating in Lebanon during the same period. UNIFIL data shows around 950 projectiles and 100 airstrikes from Israel into Lebanon from late November 2024 to mid-October 2025. In contrast, Lebanon-based groups launched just 21 projectiles into Israel, and Hezbollah has publicly acknowledged only one attack. Clashing Stories Following the Oct. 11 strike in Msayleh, the Israeli military claimed it targeted machinery being used to rebuild militant infrastructure. However, local officials, Hezbollah, and the equipment’s owner denied this. “We sell to everyone, from every background,” said business owner Ahmad Tabaja. “What crime have we committed?” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the attack “a clear act of aggression” on civilian property, and Speaker Nabih Berri accused Israel of trying to stop post-war reconstruction. Lebanon filed a complaint with the UN Security Council. Israel carried out further attacks days later, including one on a cement factory and a quarry, saying these too were tied to Hezbollah. Last month, a particularly deadly strike hit a car and motorcycle in Bint Jbeil, killing car dealer Shadi Charara, three of his children — including infant twins — a motorcyclist, and wounding Charara’s wife and oldest daughter. Israel claimed the target was a Hezbollah fighter but admitted civilian casualties. Charara’s sister Amina said, “My brother and his family were civilians. They had no political ties.” Even when the intended target is an actual Hezbollah member, the justification is often debated. For instance, Israel killed a visually impaired Hezbollah member and his wife earlier this month, calling him an air defense official. Hezbollah claimed he was no longer active due to his injuries. The Collapse of “Mutual Deterrence” Hezbollah, backed by Iran, was established in 1982 to resist Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. After Israel’s withdrawal in 2000, the group became one of the region’s most powerful armed movements. A month-long war in 2006 ended in a stalemate and ushered in years of uneasy calm, largely due to mutual deterrence — the belief that both sides would suffer in a renewed conflict. That balance may now be gone. Nicholas Blanford of the Atlantic Council said the recent war significantly weakened Hezbollah’s deterrence capacity, although it remains capable of retaliating. In a recent interview, senior Hezbollah official Mohammad Fneish said the group won't accept the current situation but is calling on Lebanon’s government to act through political and diplomatic channels for now. “If things escalate,” he warned, “resistance leadership is reviewing the situation, and all options remain on the table.” Yacoubian, however, believes meaningful change in Lebanon is unlikely without a new U.S.-led diplomatic breakthrough. Gaza, she added, might differ due to the active roles of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in mediating.

Rodrigo Paz, Bolivia’s first conservative president in 20 years, struck a tone of pragmatism Monday as he addressed the economic crisis gripping the country, just a day after his unexpected election win ended a long era of leftist governance. Following years of strained relations with Washington under the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, Paz announced his intention to restore diplomatic ties with the United States and attract foreign investment to re-integrate Bolivia into global financial markets. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Paz’s election a “transformational opportunity” for both nations to work together on trade, immigration, and security. Speaking at a press conference, Paz said, “The message from Mr. Trump’s administration is clear and positive. We will engage in a constructive, cooperative relationship between our countries.” In another notable move signaling a shift in regional alliances, Paz held a video call with Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado. In a break from Bolivia’s previous support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Paz pledged support for democracy in Venezuela and across Latin America. “We’ve taken a major step forward during these challenging times,” he said. According to preliminary results, Paz secured 54.5% of the vote in the runoff election. Rebuilding US Relations After Years of Tension Paz defeated fellow right-wing candidate and former president Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga, although both candidates sought stronger ties with the US. Quiroga was considered to have closer links with the Trump administration and had proposed implementing a tough economic plan through the International Monetary Fund — a widely unpopular suggestion in Bolivia. Mindful of public skepticism toward international financial institutions, Paz rejected an IMF bailout. Instead, he revealed ongoing talks with the Trump administration and other allies to secure fuel imports before his November 8 inauguration. “We’re working to ensure that necessary fuel — diesel and gasoline — can be brought in and restore calm,” he said, without offering specifics. Once buoyed by a commodities boom under former President Evo Morales, Bolivia's economy has since faltered due to declining natural gas production and excessive government spending. The central bank is nearly out of U.S. dollars, leaving the country unable to pay for fuel imports. Fuel shortages have led to long lines, and inflation reached 23% in September — the highest in over three decades. An Unlikely Alliance Between Right and Former Leftists Despite a long political career as a mayor and senator, Paz was initially a low-profile contender. His campaign gained traction with the addition of his running mate, Edman Lara — a former police captain turned populist internet figure. Lara’s humble background and anti-corruption stance appealed to many working-class and rural voters, including former MAS supporters. Lara rose to fame on TikTok in 2023 after being dismissed from the police for exposing corruption in viral videos. He championed populist measures like pension increases and cash handouts, which contrasted with Paz’s more cautious economic approach but boosted their popularity. Former President Morales, who was barred from the race due to term limits, warned Paz and Lara that their victory didn’t mean unconditional support. “This is not a blank check,” he said, urging them to avoid neoliberal policies and not repress protests. A Plan to Stabilize the Economy On Monday, Paz emphasized the need to tackle corruption and restore credibility in public institutions before pursuing large-scale initiatives. His top economic adviser, José Gabriel Espinoza, said cash transfers to the poor would be retained — but as a way to cushion the impact of reducing costly fuel subsidies. Espinoza noted that Congress had already approved a $3.5 billion loan, and the administration was working to secure another $600 million to stabilize the economy in the first two months of Paz’s term. “We’re moving away from a blanket subsidy to a targeted one,” Espinoza said, explaining that fuel assistance would go directly to low-income families, while keeping transport fuel prices steady. Institutional Reform and Indigenous Concerns Asked how he plans to attract foreign investment and manage debt, Paz stressed the need to “put the house in order first.” That includes potential constitutional changes, a proposal that has raised concerns among Bolivia’s Indigenous population — who gained political recognition under Morales through the 2009 constitution. That constitution gave Indigenous groups greater political influence and restructured the judiciary, though critics say it became susceptible to political manipulation. Paz assured the public he would respect Indigenous rights while reforming the judiciary, calling it a key step toward restoring checks and balances. He pledged to convene a summit the day after his inauguration to develop concrete reform proposals. Recognizing the tough road ahead, Paz stressed the importance of unity and negotiation. “We’ve extended our hand to all political groups in Parliament,” he said, signaling a willingness to work across the aisle to implement his reform agenda.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) comments following the conclusion of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Extraordinary Session of Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting held in London to discuss the Net-Zero Framework for the shipping industry. The framework would have created the first global carbon pricing mechanism for any industrial sector with the aim of delivering a clear path for shipping’s transition to net zero. Thomas A. Kazakos, ICS Secretary General, said: “We are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting. Industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector, in line with the goals set out in the IMO GHG strategy. As an industry we will continue to work with the IMO, which is the best organisation to deliver the global regulations needed for a global industry.”