United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada, accusing the country of allowing wildfire smoke to pollute American cities with what he described as "filthy" air. The comments came as massive wildfires continued to burn across parts of Canada, sending thick smoke into several US states and worsening air quality from the Midwest to the East Coast. Canadian leaders rejected the criticism, saying the country is using every available resource to battle the fires and urged the United States to provide assistance instead of blaming Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Canada has repeatedly helped the US respond to natural disasters, including wildfires in California and hurricanes in North Carolina. "Maybe what you should do rather than complain is send support, send help, because we have done the exact same thing for our American friends," Ford said. Ford noted that the US states of Michigan and Massachusetts have already offered help by sending water bombers, firefighters and rescue teams. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also responded, saying climate change is a shared global challenge. "Climate change is everyone's responsibility — including the United States," Carney told reporters, adding that his government remains in close contact with provincial authorities and affected communities. Ford defended Ontario's response, saying more than 150 firefighting crews, over 80 water bombers and helicopters have been deployed to contain the blazes. "We are throwing every single resource we can," he said. Wildfires continue to spread Several communities in northern Ontario have been evacuated as fires continue to spread. A First Nations leader said one community had been "burnt to ashes." Wildfires are also raging in British Columbia, where officials reported more than 59 active fires on Friday. The British Columbia Wildfire Service said 39 new fires started within the previous 24 hours, while 31 remain out of control. A large group of fires in northwestern Ontario has produced massive smoke clouds that have spread across Canada and into the United States. Smoke disrupts daily life across US Heavy smoke reduced visibility in New York City on Thursday, partially obscuring landmarks including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Similar hazy conditions affected Washington, DC, where national monuments were barely visible. Health officials advised residents to stay indoors, while some communities distributed free face masks because of the health risks linked to poor air quality. The smoke also forced the cancellation of outdoor activities across parts of the northern United States, including Chicago, Detroit, Pennsylvania and New England. Summer camps moved activities indoors, concerts were postponed and at least one popular lakeside beach was temporarily closed. Poor visibility also disrupted air travel, causing flight delays at several airports. Concerns ahead of World Cup final The wildfire smoke has also raised concerns ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which President Trump is expected to attend. US officials, including Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House World Cup Task Force, have been holding informal discussions with FIFA and other agencies monitoring the wildfire situation. However, weather forecasts suggest rainfall over the weekend is expected to improve air quality before kickoff. Meanwhile, residents of several First Nations communities in northern Ontario continue to evacuate as the fires advance. Videos shared online showed some families leaving remote areas by boat. Matthew Hoppe, incident commander for the Namaygoosisagagun First Nation, said the community had been devastated after the wildfire spread with little warning. Source: BBC

Retired Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour was sworn in Monday as Canada’s new governor general, becoming the official representative of King Charles III in the country. Arbour, 79, succeeds Mary Simon, who made history in 2021 as Canada’s first Indigenous governor general. The position carries key constitutional responsibilities, although it is largely ceremonial and symbolic. The installation ceremony included the raising of the Governor General’s Flag on Parliament Hill and a performance of “God Save the King” by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. Prime Minister Mark Carney selected Arbour, a prominent Francophone jurist with an extensive record in international law, human rights and justice. Throughout her legal career, Arbour served on the Supreme Court of Ontario, the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. In 1996, she was appointed chief prosecutor for the United Nations tribunals investigating crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. During her tenure, she oversaw landmark prosecutions, including the first genocide conviction since the adoption of the 1948 Genocide Convention and the first war crimes indictment of a sitting head of state. Arbour later served as the UN Special Representative for International Migration from 2017 to 2018. In her inaugural address as governor general, Arbour emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law in maintaining a stable and democratic society. She also expressed concern about the growing influence of artificial intelligence, warning that increased reliance on AI could blur the distinction between facts and assumptions and undermine people's ability to control their own future. Arbour highlighted Canada's global significance, noting that the country contains nearly seven percent of the world's land area and 20 percent of its freshwater resources while accounting for only about half of one percent of the global population. She said Canada remains a country that attracts admiration around the world. Ahead of her installation, Arbour met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace last week. Canada remains a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth, with the British monarch serving as the country's head of state.

Canada’s federal broadcasting regulator has ordered major online streaming platforms to contribute 15% of their Canadian revenue to support local content production. The new requirement, announced Thursday by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, is three times higher than the earlier 5% contribution rule introduced in 2024. Several major US-based streaming companies, including Apple, Amazon and Spotify, are challenging the earlier rule in court. The decision is part of Canada’s implementation of the Online Streaming Act, which the United States has already raised as a concern ahead of upcoming trade talks with Canada. At the same time, the regulator said traditional Canadian broadcasters, which currently contribute between 30% and 45% of their revenues, will see their required contribution reduced to 25%. According to the CRTC, the new rules are expected to maintain more than 2 billion Canadian dollars in funding for Canadian and Indigenous programming, including French-language content and news coverage. The regulator also introduced new guidelines on how broadcasters and streaming companies must spend the money, including support for production funds and direct investment in Canadian-made programs. Most of the streaming companies’ contributions can be used for content production, but the regulator has added extra conditions for the largest platforms. Streaming services earning more than 100 million Canadian dollars annually in Canada will be required to direct 30% of their spending toward partnerships with Canadian broadcasters and independent producers. The rules will apply to both streaming services and broadcasters that earn at least 25 million Canadian dollars a year from broadcasting activities in Canada. The CRTC also announced plans to create a new fund to support selected television channels, including CPAC, which broadcasts live coverage of political events in Canada.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Sunday said Canada remains a ‘longstanding and steadfast partner’ in the Rohingya crisis response and accounted CAD 10 million contributions to provide clean, safe and sustainable cooking fuel for the Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar. “This climate-responsive humanitarian contribution will reduce deforestation and carbon emissions in an environmentally fragile district that will benefit refugees, Bangladeshis, and the wider population,” said the High Commissioner. He said it will also lower the risks to vulnerable people, especially women, girls, and children, including those that stem from gathering firewood. “Canada is pleased to provide this $10 million contribution to UNHCR and IOM to strengthen environmental protection that benefits us all, as well as advance the wellbeing of vulnerable Rohingya refugees,” said the High Commissioner. The funding to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM, the International Organization for Migration, will ensure the continued provision of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the Rohingya, essential for them to cook, while helping to preserve the fragile environment surrounding the camps and improve safety, health and dignity for refugees, particularly women and children, said the UN agency. Cox’s Bazar, one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of Bangladesh, faces recurrent flooding, landslides, cyclones, fires and environmental degradation. Since the start of LPG distribution to Rohingya refugees, the programme has reduced firewood use by 80% among refugee households, preventing an estimated 407,000t of CO₂ emissions every year. “Nine years on, Rohingya refugees are navigating one of the world’s most difficult displacement situations – protracted crisis compounded by climate vulnerability,” said UNHCR Deputy Representative in Bangladesh Juliette Murekeyisoni. “Canada’s support comes at a crucial time, and I am deeply grateful for it. Sustained international solidarity remains critical to ensuring that refugees can live in dignity while we work toward conditions for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return.” Chief of Mission for IOM in Bangladesh Giuseppe Loprete said safe, reliable energy is fundamental to the well-being of families who have experienced immense hardship for the past nine years. “We thank Canada for their generous support, which ensures that refugees can avoid dangerous firewood collection and live in healthier environments, while also protecting local forests and biodiversity.” The provision of LPG has been central to the response since 2018. Studies have shown it has dramatically improved indoor air quality in the densely populated camps and lowered household spending on cooking fuel. The UN refugee agency said Canada’s contribution will support LPG access for some 243,500 refugee households and help conserve up to 10,700 hectares of protected forest in Cox’s Bazar. It also strengthens community resilience by stabilizing slopes, reducing landslide risks, and lowering human wildlife conflict around ecologically sensitive areas.

China has confirmed that nationals of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days from February 17. China’s foreign ministry said the visa-free entry will apply to travel for tourism, business and visits to family or friends, and the policy will initially remain in force until December 31 this year. The announcement follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to China last month, during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to ease travel arrangements between the two countries. In a statement issued on Sunday, China’s foreign ministry said the move would further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. The decision brings the UK and Canada into line with around 50 other countries whose citizens are already eligible for visa-free entry to China, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan. According to official figures from the UK, about 620,000 British nationals travelled to China in 2024, meaning hundreds of thousands of travellers could potentially benefit from the new arrangement. During his January visit, Starmer said UK businesses were seeking greater opportunities to expand their presence in China. The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as services, healthcare, green technology and finance, though no comprehensive free trade agreement was announced. The visit marked the first trip to China by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018.   With inputs from BBC

Canada and France are set to open diplomatic consulates in Greenland on Friday, marking a historic expansion of foreign engagement in the Arctic territory, officials said. A Canadian delegation led by Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand will formally inaugurate Canada’s first diplomatic outpost in Nuuk, accompanied by a Canadian Coast Guard vessel. French officials are scheduled to open their consulate on the same day. Governor General Simon, Canada’s Crown representative, said in a pre-trip statement that Canada “stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future.” The visit also underscores the cultural and ethnic connections between Canadian Inuit and Greenlandic Inuit, Simon’s own Inuk heritage highlighting these longstanding ties. Until this week, only Iceland and the United States maintained formal diplomatic missions in Greenland. The opening of Canadian and French consulates is viewed as a strategic move amid former US President Donald Trump’s prior remarks suggesting the US should “own” Greenland for national security purposes. Trump later softened his stance, citing ongoing discussions with Denmark, European allies, and Canada. The Canadian consulate had been planned since early 2024 under Ottawa’s review of its Arctic policy but was delayed due to weather. The opening now comes amid increasing focus on Arctic security and infrastructure, with Canadian officials noting the proximity of Nuuk to Iqaluit in Nunavut, and the broader significance for regional cooperation. Inuit leaders, including Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said the consulate represents years of advocacy to strengthen ties with Greenland and emphasized concern over US threats, given historical colonization and recent geopolitical tensions. Approximately 50 Canadian Inuit are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony. Foreign Minister Anand described Arctic defence as “an unquestionable national security priority,” highlighting Canada’s ongoing investments in northern infrastructure and a year-round military presence. During the visit, Anand will meet with Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, while Simon will meet Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The consulate openings signal continued NATO ally support for Greenland amid past US claims and reinforce Canada’s strategic presence in the Arctic.   With inputs from BBC

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Monday met Bangladesh National Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman and BNP leadership where they discussed progress towards a ‘peaceful and inclusive’ democratic transition through the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. High Commissioner Singh underscored Canada’s desire to work with the interim government, and the next elected government of Bangladesh, to build on the momentum created by economic, financial, judicial, and labour reforms, to deepen bilateral relations and create a better future for people in both countries. Canada has been a longstanding advocate for ‘free, fair, inclusive, and participatory’ elections in Bangladesh, said the High Commission.

Canada has agreed to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in return for sharp cuts to Chinese duties on key Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. Speaking after two days of talks with Chinese leaders, Carney said the deal will initially allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to enter the Canadian market. In exchange, China will lower its tariff on Canadian canola seeds from about 84 percent to around 15 percent. The announcement came as Canada and China signaled a broader effort to reset relations after years of tension. Carney said his visit, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, marked “a historic and productive” step toward rebuilding ties and adapting cooperation to new global realities. He called for closer collaboration in agriculture, energy and finance. Chinese President Xi Jinping said talks since an initial meeting last October had helped open a new chapter in bilateral relations and that Beijing was willing to continue working to improve ties. Venezuela’s new leader signals oil sector reforms and warmer US ties Relations between the two countries deteriorated in recent years after Canada followed the United States in imposing steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. China retaliated with heavy duties on Canadian canola oil, meal and seeds, as well as pork and seafood, effectively shutting Canadian canola out of the Chinese market. The renewed engagement comes as both countries face economic pressure from US President Donald Trump’s America-first trade policies, which have disrupted global commerce and hit both the Canadian and Chinese economies. Carney said his government is seeking to build an economy less dependent on the United States and to diversify trade partnerships during a period of global trade disruption. After leaving China on Saturday, Carney will visit Qatar before heading to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, where he is expected to meet business leaders and investors to promote trade and investment.

Canada has said it remains steadfast in its support for efforts to advance accountability, dignity and justice for the Rohingya. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met three Rohingya survivors who will be travelling to The Hague to testify in the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in the landmark genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar for atrocities committed against the Rohingya. The discussion focused on the long-standing persecution and violence faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, their ongoing struggle for rights and justice, and the importance of international accountability, said the High Commission on Monday. UN court begins hearings on ‘genocide’ of Rohingya by Myanmar The Rohingya representatives expressed their appreciation for Canada’s support, including support to ensure Rohingya victims voices are heard in the landmark ICJ case. The High Commissioner acknowledged their courage in testifying and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to human rights, accountability and international justice. Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.

FIFA has overhauled the 2026 World Cup draw format to ensure the four highest-ranked teams  like Spain, Argentina, France and England avoid each other until the semifinals, provided they top their groups. The draw, set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will use a tennis-style bracket system for the first time. FIFA confirmed Tuesday that the new format rewards top-ranked sides by placing them in separate pathways for the 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win their respective groups. “To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semifinals have been established,” FIFA said in a statement, aiming to reward teams whose consistent good results have raised their world ranking. Unlike previous World Cups where knockout paths were tied to group allocation, the new approach fixes the bracket in advance. This year’s draw will place 48 teams into four pots before assigning them to 12 groups of four. A full, updated match schedule, with stadiums and kickoff times, will be released on December 6. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes, with the draw itself taking an estimated 45 minutes. As hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States enter Pot 1, joined by the nine highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including Iran and Haiti, which FIFA expects to play as drawn despite political sensitivities with the U.S. The tournament will span 16 venues across the three host nations, including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. The remaining six entrants will be decided in March through European and intercontinental playoffs. Those teams will enter Pot 4, the lowest-ranked tier, meaning four-time champions Italy could prove a dangerous wildcard next week when the final placing draw is made. Host nations will be marked with different colored balls: Mexico as A1 (green ball), Canada as B1 (red ball), and USA as D1 (blue ball). The other nine Pot 1 teams will automatically be assigned to position 1 in their respective groups. Pot 2 features the next 12 teams: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 includes Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 contains Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand and the six playoff winners. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn together, except for Europe, which will have 16 representatives, forcing four groups to include two UEFA nations. To maintain bracket balance, Spain (rank 1) and Argentina (rank 2) will be placed in opposite pathways. The same applies to France (rank 3) and England (rank 4), ensuring the top sides stay separated until late. For the host schedules, the USA, placed in Group D, will open on June 12 in Inglewood against a Pot 3 team, then face a Pot 2 opponent in Seattle on June 19, and finish against a Pot 4 side back in Inglewood. Mexico, in Group A, will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca against a Pot 3 team, then play a Pot 2 team on June 18 in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City for their final group match against a Pot 4 opponent. Canada starts on June 12 in Toronto against a Pot 4 team, then moves to Vancouver for matches against Pot 3 and Pot 2 sides. World Cup draw pots: Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 and 2 Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.