United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised the United Kingdom’s plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling the move an act of great stupidity. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the UK was wrong to give up control of Diego Garcia, home to a key US military base. He said the decision weakens security and sends the wrong message to rival powers such as China and Russia. Under the deal, Britain plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia base for 99 years. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the lease would cost the UK £101 million a year. Trump said the agreement is one of the reasons he believes the United States should take control of Greenland for national security reasons. He accused the UK of giving away important land without any clear benefit. The Trump administration had earlier supported the Chagos deal. In May last year, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as a major achievement and welcomed the agreement. European leaders have defended the UK’s decision, saying the deal helps secure the future of the military base and avoids long legal disputes over the islands’ ownership.   With inputs from BBC

Starting January 21, 2026, all Bangladeshi nationals approved for a B1/B2 (business and tourist) United States visa will be required to post a bond of up to $15,000. The US Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday that this requirement does not apply to people holding a valid B1/B2 visa issued before January 21, 2026. "Do not pay your bond in advance. Paying early does not guarantee you a visa, and third-party sites can be scams," said the Embassy in a notification through its verified Facebook page. Govt to chalk out strategy over US immigrant visa suspension: Rizwana "Any payment made before your interview is not refundable. The bond will be returned if you respect the terms of your visa," the notification reads.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused actors linked to the United States and Israel of being responsible for the killing of “several thousands” of people during weeks of antigovernment protests across the country. “Those linked to Israel and US caused massive damages and killed several thousands” during the protests that shook Iran for more than two weeks, Khamenei said on Saturday. He alleged direct involvement by the two countries in the violence and described US President Donald Trump as a “criminal”. “The latest anti-Iran sedition was different in that the US president personally became involved,” Iranian state media quoted him as saying. Iranian authorities have increasingly blamed foreign powers for the unrest, accusing long-time geopolitical rivals, particularly Israel and the United States, of fuelling instability and directing operations inside the country. Khamenei warned that while Iran would avoid escalating tensions beyond its borders, those it considers responsible would face consequences. “We will not drag the country into war, but we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished,” he said. Reporting from Tehran via satellite, Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar Atas said Khamenei’s remarks largely echoed Iran’s long-held position but also introduced a new claim about the scale of casualties. Read More: Iran’s supreme leader warns of harsh response as protests continue Khamenei alleged a deeper level of US involvement than in previous unrest. “He said that in previous protests there was a low level of intervention of the Americans, but this time the president of the United States was a central figure in this international plot against Iran,” Atas added. What stood out, however, was the size of the alleged death toll. “One thing that is new in his speech is that for the first time he is actually giving a sense of the numbers of people killed,” Atas said. “He is saying that the violent protesters have killed thousands of people.” There is still no confirmed death toll, though US-based rights group HRANA says a further 3,000 have been killed in the protests. Until now, Iranian officials had publicly acknowledged hundreds of deaths, including members of the security forces. Khamenei’s statement marks the first time Iran’s top authority has spoken of casualties in the thousands. Atas noted that the claim partly aligns with assessments by some international human rights organisations. “They have been saying that the death toll is much higher than what is being publicly announced by the officials,” he said. Iranian officials also say around 3,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests. Read More: Iran signals swift trials, executions despite Trump warning Khamenei further accused protesters of widespread destruction, “including burning more than 250 mosque and medical facilities”, Atas said. According to Iran’s official account, demonstrations initially began peacefully over rising prices and economic hardship on December 28 in several cities. “The government was acknowledging their demands and the hardships that they are facing,” Atas said, adding that authorities now argue the protests were later “hijacked by the violent protests who were receiving orders from the outside powers”. Iranian officials claim those involved were “equipped, financed, and trained” by foreign actors, with Khamenei placing Trump “in the centre of this plot”. The semiofficial Fars News Agency reported on Saturday that authorities had restored the short messaging service (SMS) nationwide as part of a phased plan following eight days of near-total internet disruption.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested that countries could face tariffs if they do not support U.S. control over Greenland, as a bipartisan Congressional delegation met in Copenhagen to ease tensions over the issue. Trump has repeatedly asserted that the U.S. should have control over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, calling any outcome short of U.S. ownership “unacceptable.” Speaking at a White House event on rural health care, Trump said he had previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals and added, “I may do that for Greenland too… because we need Greenland for national security.” This marks the first time Trump mentioned tariffs as a possible means to assert control over the Arctic territory. Earlier this week, Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers met in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, resulting in the formation of a working group, though disagreements between Denmark and the White House remain. Denmark has emphasized that decisions on Greenland are a matter for Denmark and Greenland and announced plans to strengthen its military presence on the island. In Copenhagen, U.S. senators and representatives met with Danish and Greenlandic officials, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, thanked Denmark for “225 years of being a good and trusted ally” and highlighted discussions on sustaining the relationship. Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the visit underscored the importance of viewing Greenland as an ally rather than an asset, contrasting with the White House’s more confrontational tone. Read More: Donald Trump claims India, Russia have fallen to China Trump has justified his push for U.S. control by citing potential Chinese and Russian interest in Greenland, which contains vast reserves of strategic minerals, and the White House has not ruled out forceful acquisition. Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic politician in the Danish parliament, said the U.S. has been the main source of threats, while Murkowski noted that public opinion strongly opposes U.S. annexation, with about 75% against it. She and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen have introduced bipartisan legislation barring the use of U.S. funds to seize Greenland or any NATO ally’s territory without consent. The debate has sparked concern among Greenlanders. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen affirmed the territory’s allegiance to Denmark, NATO, and the EU. Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, criticized the U.S. stance, saying it shows a troubling view of Indigenous peoples and smaller nations, emphasizing that Greenlanders do not want to be colonized again.

The United States has announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of  75 countries including Bangladesh from January 21, citing concerns that applicants may rely on public assistance after entering the country. The US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said on Wednesday that consular offices have been instructed to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of the affected countries under an order tightening scrutiny of applicants who could become “public charges” in the United States. The move follows broader immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump and expands earlier travel and visa limitations imposed on nearly 40 countries. Officials said the decision is aimed at preventing what they described as abuse of the US immigration system. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the exploitation of America’s immigration framework by individuals who would draw on public welfare,” the State Department said, adding that visa processing would remain suspended while procedures are reassessed. The suspension will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, which account for most US visa applications. Read More: Bangladesh among 25 new countries under US costly visa bond rule Authorities expect demand for such temporary visas to rise ahead of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, both to be hosted by the United States. In a separate directive circulated to US embassies and consulates, officials were also instructed to more rigorously screen non-immigrant visa applicants for the likelihood that they may seek public benefits during their stay in the US. The guidance requires consular officers to conduct thorough evaluations of applicants’ financial stability, health, education, skills, family situation and English proficiency. Applicants suspected of potentially relying on public assistance may be asked to submit additional documentation to prove financial self-sufficiency. US officials said the measures build on existing laws requiring immigrants to demonstrate they will not depend on government benefits, but experts warn the expanded criteria could further narrow access to US visas, particularly for applicants from developing countries. Read More: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The other countries affected by the suspension announced on Wednesday are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries that maintain commercial ties with Iran, effective immediately, according to media reports. Trump posted the measure on Truth Social that the tariff was “effective immediately”, without providing details on what would constitute “doing business” with Iran, the BBC reported. The announcement did not clarify what activities would qualify as “doing business” with Iran. China is Iran’s largest trading partner, followed by Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. The new tariff comes amid rising tensions over protests in Iran triggered by the sharp decline of the national currency, the rial. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said military options, including air strikes, remain “on the table.” Read More: Iran wants to negotiate as death toll mounts to 599, says Trump Trump also claimed Iranian officials had contacted him for negotiations but suggested that action might be taken before talks occur. Iran has been struggling under international sanctions related to its nuclear program, compounded by government mismanagement and corruption. In late December, shopkeepers in Tehran staged protests over another steep fall in the rial’s value against the U.S. dollar.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington is evaluating “strong options” in response to ongoing protests in Iran, including potential military action. “We’re looking at it very seriously. The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options. We’ll make a determination,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One late Sunday while traveling from Florida to Washington. Trump added that Iran had reached out following his threats, seeking to negotiate, and that a “meeting is being set up.” However, he cautioned that the United States might have to act before any meeting takes place. His remarks came as Iranian leaders issued stern warnings against foreign intervention. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said, “In the case of an attack on Iran, the occupied territories [Israel], as well as all U.S. bases and ships, will be our legitimate target.” The unrest in Iran began on December 28 when merchants at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar closed their shops following a steep fall in the Iranian rial. The demonstrations rapidly spread nationwide, initially fueled by economic grievances over rising living costs and quickly evolving into broader opposition against the clerical establishment that has governed Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iranian state media reported that at least 109 security personnel have been killed during the unrest. Authorities have not confirmed the number of civilian casualties, though opposition activists abroad estimate that hundreds of protesters may have died. A nationwide internet blackout has persisted for more than 72 hours, according to monitoring organizations, making independent verification of events increasingly difficult. The unrest coincides with Trump’s assertive foreign policy moves, including the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and discussions over acquiring Greenland through purchase or force. A U.S. official told Reuters that Trump is scheduled to meet with senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss the country’s options in Iran. Reports in the Wall Street Journal indicated that measures under consideration include targeted military strikes, deployment of secret cyber capabilities, expansion of sanctions, and provision of online support to antigovernment groups. Trump also said he plans to engage with billionaire Elon Musk to explore restoring internet services in Iran. “He’s very good at that kind of thing, he’s got a very good company,” Trump told reporters, referring to Musk’s SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite internet system currently used in Iran. In addition to Iran, Trump addressed his administration’s plans for Greenland and Venezuela. On Greenland, he urged the Danish Arctic territory to “make a deal” and stated, “we are talking about acquiring it, not making a short-term deal.” Regarding Venezuela, Trump confirmed a scheduled meeting with opposition leader María Corina Machado on Tuesday or Wednesday.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

Thousands of people marched through Minneapolis on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, as well as another recent shooting involving federal agents in Portland, Oregon.  The demonstration was part of hundreds of protests planned across the United States over the weekend. Minnesota leaders called for calm amid rising anger over the federal immigration crackdown. Mayor Jacob Frey said most protests have been peaceful but warned that anyone damaging property or endangering others would face arrest. He blamed “agitators” for trying to provoke violence and accused President Donald Trump of seeking chaos through large-scale immigration enforcement. Governor Tim Walz also urged calm, saying the president had deployed thousands of armed federal officers to Minnesota, and that the death of Renee Good occurred on the first day of the operation. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, a protest outside a hotel on Friday night turned violent when around 1,000 demonstrators threw ice, snow, and rocks at police, injuring one officer. Police cited and released 29 individuals. The Department of Homeland Security said the deployment in Minnesota is its largest enforcement operation ever. Federal officials described the recent shootings as acts of self-defense, claiming drivers tried to use their vehicles as weapons. Protesters expressed frustration with daily harassment in immigrant communities. Connor Maloney, a participant, said, “Almost daily I see them harassing people. It’s sickening that it’s happening in our community.” Similar demonstrations took place in Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, and Florida, according to the social movement group Indivisible. In Minneapolis, the rally was organized near the neighborhood where Good was killed, while ICE officers continued operations across the city. Journalists reported heavily armed federal agents detaining individuals, leaving some cars unattended, and blocking congressional representatives from inspecting ICE facilities. US proposes record $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027 State leaders emphasized that protesters must demand accountability while maintaining peaceful actions.

The United States and Venezuela said on Friday that they are considering steps toward restoring diplomatic relations, following a visit by a delegation from the Trump administration to the South American country. The visit represents a significant shift in relations between the two longtime rivals. It follows last weekend’s dramatic U.S. military operation in which former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seized from his residence in Caracas and flown to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges. According to the State Department, a small group of U.S. diplomats, accompanied by security personnel, traveled to Venezuela to conduct an initial evaluation of whether the U.S. Embassy in Caracas could reopen. Venezuela’s government said it plans to send its own delegation to the United States, though no timeline was announced. Any such visit would likely require the U.S. Treasury Department to temporarily lift sanctions. The administration of acting President Delcy Rodríguez said it had decided to launch an exploratory diplomatic process with Washington aimed at restoring embassies in both countries. Rodríguez faces a delicate political situation, balancing pressure from the Trump administration while also trying to maintain the support of Venezuelan military hardliners angered by Maduro’s capture. Her remarks on Friday reflected that tension. She said she had spoken by phone with the leftist leaders of Brazil, Colombia, and Spain, during which she condemned what she described as Washington’s “serious, criminal, illegal, and illegitimate aggression” against Venezuela. Later, during a televised appearance at the opening of a women’s health clinic in central Caracas, Rodríguez stressed that engagement with the Trump administration was the best way to protect Venezuela’s stability and even work toward “the return of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.” Read More: Jack Ryan clip resurfaces amid Maduro’s capture “We will engage directly through diplomacy to defend Venezuela’s peace, stability, future, independence, and our sacred and non-negotiable sovereignty,” Rodríguez said, without specifically addressing the possible reopening of the U.S. Embassy. President Donald Trump has sought to pressure Rodríguez and other remaining allies of Maduro to support his vision of greater U.S. influence over Venezuela’s oil exports. Venezuela holds the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world. The United States and Venezuela cut diplomatic ties in 2019 during Trump’s first term, after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president — a move that infuriated Maduro. That same year, the Trump administration closed the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and relocated its diplomats to Bogotá, Colombia. Since then, visits by U.S. officials to Venezuela have been rare. The most recent visit before this week occurred in February, when Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, met with Maduro, leading to the release of six detained Americans.

Russian officials signaled in 2019 that they might be willing to ease their support for Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela if the United States allowed Russia a freer hand in Ukraine, former Trump national security adviser Fiona Hill told lawmakers, according to newly circulating accounts of her testimony. Hill said during a 2019 congressional hearing that Russian officials repeatedly floated a “very strange swap arrangement between Venezuela and Ukraine,” largely through public commentary and media, rather than formal diplomatic offers. They reportedly referenced the Monroe Doctrine, suggesting the U.S. should stay out of Europe’s affairs if Russia withdrew from what it viewed as America’s sphere of influence. Moscow’s then-ambassador to the U.S., Anatoly Antonov, hinted that Russia would permit the United States to act freely in Venezuela if Washington reciprocated by not interfering in Ukraine, Hill said. She was dispatched to Moscow in 2019 to reject the proposal, telling Russian officials that “Ukraine and Venezuela are not related to each other.” At the time, the Trump administration supported Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president. Hill’s remarks have resurfaced on social media following the U.S. military operation that ousted Maduro earlier this month and complexifies perceptions of great-power rivalry. Hill has warned that recent U.S. actions could undermine Western criticism of Russia’s designs on Ukraine by normalizing interventionist behavior. The Trump administration contends its action in Venezuela is a lawful law enforcement operation. The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned U.S. “aggression,” but President Vladimir Putin has not publicly commented on Hill’s account.