United News of Bangladesh

Yaxzodara Lozada awoke shivering on Tuesday after spending the night on the sidewalk outside a Caracas prison, clinging to the hope that her husband, a police officer detained on Nov. 17, would be released under a goodwill measure announced by the government last week. Despite signs that daily life in Venezuela is slowly returning to normal, with shopping centers, schools and gyms reopening, the government’s pledge to release jailed opposition members, activists and journalists has moved far more slowly than expected, drawing growing criticism. The reopening comes a week after a dramatic U.S. operation that resulted in the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. Families of more than 800 people whom human rights groups classify as political prisoners began assembling outside detention centers on Thursday, following an announcement by acting President Delcy Rodríguez that a substantial number of detainees would be freed as a “peace-seeking” gesture. Authorities, however, have not disclosed how many prisoners would be released or who would qualify, leaving advocacy groups scrambling for information and relatives in limbo. Read More: Slow pace marks third day of prisoner releases in Venezuela after government goodwill pledge By Monday afternoon, the legal group Foro Penal confirmed that 49 detainees had been released, including several foreign nationals. That same day, the White House confirmed an upcoming meeting between opposition leader María Corina Machado and U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the releases occurred at Washington’s request. While welcoming the releases, the UN-backed fact-finding mission said the number freed falls well short of demands for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. Outside prisons, families slept on sidewalks awaiting news, contrasting sharply with the government’s push to project stability as schools reopened under heightened security. Officials emphasized resilience and optimism, even as relatives described fear, uncertainty and anguish over loved ones they have not seen for weeks.

The United States has expanded a visa bond policy to include Bangladesh and 24 other countries, requiring citizens of these nations to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 as part of their application for a U.S. visitor visa, according to the U.S. State Department website. Under the updated programme, passport holders from the newly added countries could be asked to pay a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at the time of their visa interview if they are otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 tourism or business visa. Read more: Offline Indian visa services remain suspended in Khulna Payment must be made through the U.S. Treasury’s online platform, Pay.gov. The list of affected countries now totals 38, mainly from South Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to Bangladesh, the expanded roster includes nations such as Algeria, Cuba, Nepal, Nigeria and Venezuela. The new requirements are set to take effect January 21, 2026. U.S. officials say the bond requirement is intended to discourage visitors from overstaying their visas. However, the policy has drawn criticism for potentially making travel to the U.S. unaffordable for many applicants from developing countries. Although paying a bond does not guarantee a visa, applicants who are denied or who comply with visa terms can receive refunds. Read more: Bangladesh suspends all visa, consular services from its Missions in Delhi, Agartala The bond expansion is part of broader tightening of U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, including increased deportations, visa and green card revocations, and extended scrutiny of applicants’ social media histories, all defended by the administration as measures to enhance national security.

The District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Friday to block President Donald Trump’s takeover of its police department, hours after his administration named a federal official as the department’s emergency head. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith warned the move would “threaten law and order” by dismantling the command structure. “In my nearly three decades in law enforcement, I have never seen a single government action that would cause a greater threat to law and order than this dangerous directive,” she said in a court filing. District Attorney General Brian Schwalb argued the order placing Drug Enforcement Administration head Terry Cole in charge is illegal and would “wreak operational havoc.” He urged the court to reverse it, calling the administration’s actions “an affront” to the city’s 700,000 residents. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday that Cole would approve all directives to officers, rescinding the city’s “sanctuary” policies. Mayor Muriel Bowser countered that no law allows a federal official to control D.C. personnel. Far-right Israeli minister confronts Barghouti in prison At a hearing, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned Bondi’s authority to sideline Smith. The Justice Department declined to comment. The takeover, framed by Trump as part of a “tough-on-crime” and immigration crackdown, marks one of the most sweeping federal assertions over a local government in modern times. National Guard troops, federal agents and 20 law enforcement teams have been deployed, arresting 33 people, including 15 undocumented migrants. Protesters rallied outside police headquarters, chanting “Protect home rule!” as the city braced for a deepening political and legal fight over its autonomy.

President Donald Trump made it clear he is losing patience with Vladimir Putin, leveling some of his sharpest criticism at the Russian leader as Moscow pounded Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles for a third straight night. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump wrote in a social media post on Sunday night. Trump said Putin is “needlessly killing a lot of people,” pointing out that “missiles and drones are being shot into Cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever.” The attack was the largest aerial assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022, according to Ukrainian officials. At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured. The U.S. president warned that if Putin wants to conquer all of Ukraine, it will “lead to the downfall of Russia!” But Trump expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well, saying that he is “doing his Country no favors by talking the way he does.” “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop,” Trump wrote on social media. Trump says he will call Putin, then Zelenskyy, on Monday to push for Ukraine ceasefire The president has increasingly voiced irritation at Putin and the inability to resolve the now three-year-old war, which Trump promised he would promptly end as he campaigned to return to the White House. He had long boasted of his friendly relationship with Putin and repeatedly stressed that Russia is more willing than Ukraine to reach a peace deal. But last month, Trump urged Putin to “STOP!” assaulting Ukraine after Russia launched another deadly barrage of attacks on Kyiv, and he has repeatedly expressed his frustration that the war in Ukraine is continuing. “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. And I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin,” Trump told reporters earlier Sunday as he departed northern New Jersey, where he spent most of the weekend. “I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people and I don’t like it at all. ” A peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine remains elusive. Trump and Putin spoke on the phone this past week, and Trump announced after the call that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” begin ceasefire talks. That conversation occurred after Russian and Ukrainian officials met in Turkey for the first face-to-face talks since 2022. But on Thursday, the Kremlin said no direct talks were scheduled. Trump downplays Putin decision to skip Istanbul talks with Zelenskyy The European Union has slapped new sanctions on Russia this month in response to Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire. But while Trump has threatened to step up sanctions and tariffs on Russia, he hasn’t acted so far.

After lashing out at Canada on social media, US President Donald Trump struck a friendlier tone in person as he welcomed Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney to the White House on Tuesday, praising his election victory and performance in recent debates. “I just want to congratulate you," Trump told Carney on his election win as they met in front of reporters. "Ran a really great race. I watched the debate. I thought you were excellent.” As the two countries struggle over a trade war sparked by Trump's tariff hikes, the US president gave a full display of his unique mix of graciousness and aggression, AP reports. However, shortly before the new Canadian prime minister’s arrival, Trump posted on Truth Social, “I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH — Why is America subsidising Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?” He added, “We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain.” Trump said that questioning the need for any Canadian goods “will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.” Trump proposes $1,000 for undocumented migrants to self-deport Carney, a former central bank governor in both Canada and the UK, became prime minister after pledging to push back against Trump’s hostile rhetoric. Despite his calm, economist’s manner, Carney has taken a firm stance in response to Trump’s increasing antagonism. Tensions have escalated after Trump suggested turning Canada into the 51st US state, imposed steep tariffs on Canadian exports, and questioned the legitimacy of the border. His remarks sparked backlash in Canada, contributing to a surprise electoral victory for Carney’s Liberal Party last month. In a recent interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’, Trump dismissed the US-Canada border as an “artificial line” separating two territories that could form a “beautiful country.”

President Donald Trump entered to a standing ovation and cheers from a crowd of thousands attending a UFC event on Saturday night, shaking hands with supporters against a backdrop of fans waving his trademark MAGA hats. Just as Trump entered, he greeted podcast host Joe Rogan, who sat to the right of the president. On the other side of Trump sat Elon Musk, billionaire and chief of the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump, who accented his dark suit with a bright yellow tie, pumped his fist in the air, prompting cheers to strains of “Taking Care of Business.” He brought along several members of his administration and White House team, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FBI Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House communications aides Steven Cheung and Taylor Budowich. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also joined Trump for UFC 314. Trump entered the arena with UFC President Dana White, with whom he has been close for decades. He was also accompanied by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. The Republican president is a longtime UFC fan and sports enthusiast, who has frequently attended major fights. The mixed martial arts fight at Miami’s Kaseya Center was Trump's first UFC visit since he took office in January, and it came weeks after Trump attended the Saudi-sponsored LIV golf tournament at his golf club in Miami. In a further nod to his sports enthusiasm, Trump has also attended the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 since taking office. He sat cageside at a UFC championship fight in New York City last November, shortly after he won the 2024 election. Trump claims ‘very good shape’ after physical, but report delayed Aside from the president, the main event for the UFC 314 fight is a championship bout between Australian former champion Alexander Volkanovski and Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes, who are competing for the featherweight championship title. It's the fourth UFC event in Miami, in a county that supported the president by about 11 percentage points in the November election. The president arrived in West Palm Beach on Friday for his 10th visit to South Florida since he became president, spending the evening in his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. He flew to Miami after playing golf at his club in West Palm Beach. “You know who’s going to win? Dana White. Dana White’s gonna win,” Trump told reporters Saturday night aboard Air Force One. His close affiliation with UFC helped boost his 2024 presidential campaign among young male voters prior to the November election, where he made promoting hypermasculine tones a signature of the campaign.

Tensions between China and the United States intensified on Tuesday as President Donald Trump escalated trade hostilities by imposing a sweeping 104% tariff on all Chinese imports. With neither side showing signs of retreat, Beijing pledged to counter what it described as American "aggression" with unwavering resistance. Initially, Trump had announced an additional 34% tariff on Chinese goods. In response, China imposed an identical tariff on American exports. The US then retaliated with another 50% duty. When combined with existing tariffs from earlier in the year, the total increase on Chinese imports under Trump’s second term has reached 104%. China's Response Beijing denounced the latest measures as economic blackmail and vowed to resist “to the end.” In a phone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated that China is well-prepared to cushion any external economic shocks. He expressed confidence in the continued "stable and healthy growth" of the Chinese economy in 2025 despite Washington’s latest tariff escalation. Li emphasized that China’s macroeconomic planning had already factored in global uncertainties, and he condemned the US actions as examples of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion. He said China’s firm response was aimed not only at safeguarding national interests but also at defending international trade norms. China’s foreign minister criticizes US tariffs and accuses the country of ‘meeting good with evil’ "Protectionism leads nowhere – openness and cooperation are the way forward for all," Li told von der Leyen, as quoted by Bloomberg. Beijing’s remarks followed another turbulent day for US markets, which saw sharp declines as Trump remained resolute. The China-EU call took place just hours before Trump’s new tariffs were set to affect Europe as well, with a 20% duty on EU exports looming. Trump’s Trade War Strategy The global economy has been rattled since Trump’s initial 10% tariffs came into effect over the weekend, triggering widespread market volatility and fears of a potential recession. Import costs to the US from numerous countries are set to rise even more starting Wednesday. Trump claims the tariffs will restore America’s manufacturing base by compelling companies to bring production back to the US. However, economists and business leaders are skeptical, warning that such a shift would take time—if it happens at all—and that consumers will likely face higher prices as a result. Despite mounting criticism, Trump declared on Tuesday that the US is “taking in almost $2 billion a day” from the tariffs. Global Reactions Following Washington’s refusal to reconsider its tariff policy, Canada announced it would implement its own duties on select American automobile imports starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, the European Union—long criticized by Trump for its trade policies—is expected to announce its countermeasures as early as next week. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Trump to rethink his approach but said the EU would respond if necessary. In response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum introduced last month, the EU has prepared duties of up to 25% on a range of American products, including soybeans and motorcycles, according to AFP. Tailored Trade Agreements? China criticises US tariffs, warns of trade war losses Trump stated that the US is pursuing “tailored deals” with preferred trade partners, with the White House confirming it would prioritize allies such as Japan and South Korea. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the Senate that several countries—including Argentina, Vietnam, and Israel—had expressed willingness to lower their tariffs. Despite retaliation from China and rising domestic criticism, Trump has ruled out softening his hardline trade policy. Source: NDTV 

President Donald Trump has said this time of transition presents an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to build capacity for democracy, economic progress and enhanced security.  "I am confident that we can advance our bilateral economic development while we strengthen our relationship and work together on promoting regional security in the Indo-Pacific," President Trump said in a message to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.  He said the United States looks forward to continuing their partnership in this coming decisive year.  Committed to advancing partnership with Bangladesh for peace, prosperity: Modi tells Dr Yunus President Trump conveyed greetings to Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Independence Day, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. "On behalf of the American people, I wish you and the people of Bangladesh a happy Independence Day," Trump said. "On the occasion of this Independence Day celebration, please accept my sincere best wishes to you and the people of Bangladesh," he added.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he was placing 25% tariffs on auto imports, a move the White House claims would foster domestic manufacturing but could also put a financial squeeze on automakers that depend on global supply chains. “This will continue to spur growth,” Trump told reporters. “We'll effectively be charging a 25% tariff.” The tariffs, which the White House expects to raise $100 billion in revenue annually, could be complicated as even U.S. automakers source their components from around the world. The tax hike starting in April means automakers could face higher costs and lower sales, though Trump argues that the tariffs will lead to more factories opening in the United States and the end of what he judges to be a “ridiculous” supply chain in which auto parts and finished vehicles are manufactured across the United States, Canada and Mexico. To underscore his seriousness about the tariffs directive he signed, Trump said, “This is permanent.” Shares in General Motors fell roughly 3% in Wednesday trading. Ford's stock was up slightly. Shares in Stellantis, the owner of Jeep and Chrysler, dropped nearly 3.6%. Trump has long said that tariffs against auto imports would be a defining policy of his presidency, betting that the costs created by the taxes would cause more production to relocate to the United States while helping narrow the budget deficit. But U.S. and foreign automakers have plants around the world to accommodate global sales while maintaining competitive prices — and it could take years for companies to design, build and open the new factories that Trump is promising. "We’re looking at much higher vehicle prices,” said economist Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “We’re going to see reduced choice. ... These kinds of taxes fall more heavily on the middle and working class.’’ She said more households will be priced out of the new car market — where prices already average about $49,000 — and will have to hang on to aging vehicles. The tariffs on autos would start being collected on April 3, Trump said. If the taxes are fully passed onto consumers, the average auto price on an imported vehicle could jump by $12,500, a sum that could feed into overall inflation. Trump was voted back into the White House last year because voters believed he could bring down prices. Foreign leaders were quick to criticize the tariffs, a sign that Trump could be intensifying a broader trade war that could damage growth worldwide. Asian markets rise modestly after Wall Street’s slow session “This is a very direct attack,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said. “We will defend our workers. We will defend our companies. We will defend our country.” In Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed regret at the U.S. decision to target auto exports from Europe and vowed that the bloc would protect consumers and businesses. “Tariffs are taxes — bad for businesses, worse for consumers equally in the U.S. and the European Union,” she said in a statement, adding that the EU’s executive branch would assess the impact of the move, as well as other U.S. tariffs planned for coming days.

Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was convicted Friday of contempt charges for defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Committee leaders called the verdict “a victory for the rule of law.” Bannon, 68, was convicted after a four-day trial in federal court on two counts: one for refusing to appear for a deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents in response to the committee’s subpoena. The jury of 8 men and 4 women deliberated just under three hours. He faces up to two years in federal prison when he’s sentenced on Oct. 21. Each count carries a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail. David Schoen, one of Bannon’s lawyers said outside the courthouse the verdict would not stand. “This is round one,” Schoen said. “You will see this case reversed on appeal.” Likewise, Bannon himself said, “We may have lost the battle here today; we’re not going to lose this war.” He thanked the jurors for their service and said he had only one disappointment — “and that is the gutless members of that show trial committee, the J-6 committee didn’t have the guts to come down here and testify.”  “The subpoena to Stephen Bannon was not an invitation that could be rejected or ignored,” Matthew Graves, the U.S. attorney in Washington, said in a statement. “Mr. Bannon had an obligation to appear before the House Select Committee to give testimony and provide documents. His refusal to do so was deliberate, and now a jury has found that he must pay the consequences.” The committee sought Bannon’s testimony over his involvement in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Bannon had initially argued that his testimony was protected by Trump’s claim of executive privilege. But the House panel and the Justice Department contend such a claim is dubious because Trump had fired Bannon from the White House in 2017 and Bannon was thus a private citizen when he was consulting with the then-president in the run-up to the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Bannon’s lawyers tried to argue during the trial that he didn’t refuse to cooperate and that the dates “were in flux.” They pointed to the fact that Bannon had reversed course shortly before the trial kicked off — after Trump waived his objection — and had offered to testify before the committee. In closing arguments Friday morning, both sides re-emphasized their primary positions from the trial. The prosecution maintained that Bannon willfully ignored clear and explicit deadlines, and the defense claimed Bannon believed those deadlines were flexible and subject to negotiation. Bannon was served with a subpoena on Sept. 23 last year ordering him to provide requested documents to the committee by Oct. 7 and appear in person by Oct. 14. Bannon was indicted in November on two counts of criminal contempt of Congress, a month after the Justice Department received the House panel’s referral. Bannon’s attorney Evan Corcoran told jurors Friday in his closing arguments that those deadlines were mere “placeholders” while lawyers on each side negotiated terms. Corcoran said the committee “rushed to judgment” because it “wanted to make an example of Steve Bannon.” Corcoran also hinted that the government’s main witness, Jan. 6 committee chief counsel Kristin Amerling, was personally biased. Amerling acknowledged on the stand that she is a lifelong Democrat and has been friends with one of the prosecutors for years.  Jan. 6 Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., was a particular target for Bannon and his defense team. His name was brought up multiple times during the trial, although U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols had warned the defense not to claim in court that the committee itself was politically biased. Bannon harshly criticized Thompson by name in his daily statements outside the courthouse, at one point implying that Thompson’s COVID-19 diagnosis last week was faked to avoid pressure to appear. Thompson and committee Vice Chair Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., hailed the verdict in a statement, calling it “a victory for the rule of law and an important affirmation of the Select Committee’s work.” “Just as there must be accountability for all those responsible for the events of January 6th, anyone who obstructs our investigation into these matters should face consequences,” they said. “No one is above the law.” Prosecutors focused on the series of letters exchanged between the Jan. 6 committee and Bannon’s lawyers. The correspondence shows Thompson immediately dismissing Bannon’s claim that he was exempted by Trump’s claim of executive privilege and explicitly threatening Bannon with criminal prosecution. “The defense wants to make this hard, difficult and confusing,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Vaughn in her closing statement. “This is not difficult. This is not hard. There were only two witnesses because it’s as simple as it seems.” The defense Thursday motioned for an acquittal, saying the prosecution had not proved its case. In making his motion for acquittal before Judge Nichols, Bannon attorney Corcoran said that “no reasonable juror could conclude that Mr. Bannon refused to comply.” Once the motion was made the defense rested its case without putting on any witnesses, telling Nichols that Bannon saw no point in testifying since the judge’s previous rulings had gutted his planned avenues of defense. Among other things, Bannon’s team was barred from claiming Bannon believed he was shielded by executive privilege or calling as witnesses House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or members of the House panel.