United News of Bangladesh

US President Donald Trump said American and Nigerian forces have killed a senior leader of the Islamic State group in Nigeria during a joint mission carried out Friday. In a late-night social media post, Trump said Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, whom he described as the group’s second-in-command globally, was killed while hiding in Africa. He claimed al-Mainuki was closely tracked through intelligence sources. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said al-Mainuki played a key role in IS operations and financing and had been plotting attacks against the United States and its interests. Trump’s trip to China: Taiwan, a new framework for relationship and flattery for Xi Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the strike, saying al-Mainuki and several lieutenants were killed at a compound in the Lake Chad Basin. Military spokesperson Sani Uba described the raid as a complex air-land operation conducted over three hours without casualties. He called it the most significant counterterrorism success in the region since 2015. Born in Borno in 1982, al-Mainuki later led IS’s West Africa branch. Analysts say his global rank remains unverified, though some believe he rose within IS leadership this year. But He was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2023. The operation follows a US-Nigeria security partnership launched last year to tackle militancy in the region.

Pope Leo XIV spent much of his first year as pope trying to present himself as a calm pastor focused on unity and peace, but repeated public disagreements with US President Donald Trump often pulled him into global political debates. As Leo marked the first anniversary of his election on Friday, the Vatican was also working to ease tensions with Washington following months of exchanges between the pope and Trump over issues including war, peace and international conflicts. On the eve of the anniversary, Leo met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican in what was seen as an effort to improve relations between the United States and the Holy See. Although both sides later highlighted strong diplomatic ties, the public disagreements pushed the first American pope into a more political spotlight than he appeared comfortable with. Earlier this week, Leo responded sharply after Trump reportedly misrepresented his comments, saying: “If someone wants to criticize me for announcing the Gospel, let him do it with the truth.” Despite the occasional strong response, Leo has largely developed a reputation as a soft-spoken and reserved church leader focused on pastoral work rather than confrontation. The former Robert Prevost, a 70-year-old missionary priest from Chicago, is known for his calm personality, interest in tennis and deep knowledge of the teachings of St. Augustine. Unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, whose 12-year papacy often sparked debate and tension, Leo has focused on reducing divisions within the Catholic Church and promoting harmony. Church leaders say he has helped calm tensions between conservative and progressive groups at a time when social media has deepened divisions among Catholics. Cardinal Wilton Gregory said Leo’s biggest challenge is maintaining unity within the church in an increasingly polarized world. “He has to call us to our better angels,” Gregory said. During a recent visit to Africa, Leo tried to avoid escalating the public dispute with Trump, saying his main role was to serve as a pastor and encourage Catholics, not engage in political arguments. The election of an American pope remains historic for many Catholics, as previous church traditions generally avoided choosing a pope from the world’s most powerful political country. Observers say Leo’s American background has also helped many US Catholics connect more closely with the Vatican. Kerry Alys Robinson said hearing the pope speak directly in English without translation has strengthened his message among American Catholics. Some Catholic groups in the United States also say donations and support for church projects have increased since Leo became pope. Ward Fitzgerald said an English-speaking pope has made church messages more relatable, especially for young people and donors. Last week, members of The Papal Foundation attended a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who compared Leo to St. Joseph for his quiet and focused leadership style. Dolan described Leo as a humble and mission-driven leader who remains attentive to God’s plan despite growing global attention.

Trump declines to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei appointment; Lindsey Graham criticises move US President Donald Trump has declined to comment on Iran’s reported appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, saying only “we’ll see what happens” when asked about the development in an interview, according to The Times of Israel. Trump also indicated that any decision regarding ending the conflict with Iran would be taken jointly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything will be taken into account,” the Israeli news outlet quoted Trump as saying. During the interview, Trump also urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to grant a pardon to Netanyahu, who is currently facing corruption charges. Referring to the Israeli prime minister by his nickname “Bibi,” Trump said Netanyahu should be pardoned immediately so he could focus on the war rather than the ongoing legal case. He criticised Herzog for not granting the pardon. Separately, US Senator Lindsey Graham criticised Iran’s decision to choose Mojtaba Khamenei as successor to his slain father, Ali Khamenei, saying the move does not represent the change the United States wants to see, reports Al Jazeera . Posting on the social platform X, the Republican senator from South Carolina said he believes it is only a matter of time before Mojtaba meets the same fate as his father. Graham has consistently advocated for stronger military action against Iran. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal said he had advised Netanyahu on how to persuade Trump to take action against Tehran.    

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that the United States has launched “major combat operations” in Iran, accusing the Iranian regime of an “unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder” against the US. In a video posted on Truth Social in the early hours, Trump said the US strikes, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He insisted that Iran will never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Trump claimed Tehran had ignored repeated opportunities to abandon its nuclear ambitions and continued developing long-range missiles capable of threatening US allies in Europe, American troops abroad, and potentially the US homeland. He vowed to destroy Iran’s missile industry and “annihilate” its navy, reports BBC. The president also criticized Iran’s 47-year campaign of chanting “Death to America,” warning that US forces may suffer casualties in the operation. Addressing the Iranian people, Trump urged them to rise up and “take over your government,” declaring, “The hour of your freedom is at hand.”  

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Nato have discussed a “framework of a future deal” linked to Greenland and the wider Arctic region, as he backed off a threat to impose new tariffs on several European allies. In a social media post after meeting Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday, Trump described the talks as “very productive” and claimed they produced a framework for an agreement concerning Greenland and the Arctic, without offering specific details. Nato also termed the meeting “very productive” and said discussions among allies would focus on strengthening Arctic security through collective efforts, including the seven Arctic allies. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would report directly to him as discussions continue. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed what he described as a better end to the day, while stressing Denmark’s “red lines” and the need to respect sovereignty as talks address US security concerns in the Arctic. Trump later told US media the possible arrangement could involve mineral rights and elements tied to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence concept, while repeating that he would not use military force to pursue the territory. The US president had threatened to impose a 10% tariff from Feb 1 — and raise it to 25% from June 1 — on imports from several European countries unless a deal was reached related to Greenland. After the Nato talks, he said those tariffs would not go into effect.   With inputs from BBC

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

US President Donald Trump has said he will “100 percent” go ahead with his threat to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his demand for Washington to take control of Greenland, as the European Union vowed to defend its interests and sovereignty. Speaking to NBC News, Trump confirmed he would press ahead with the tariff plan, including a 10 percent duty on all goods from Britain from February 1, rising to 25 percent from June 1, until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The US president said the same measures would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, all Nato allies. “I will, 100 percent,” Trump said when asked if he would follow through on the tariff threat. European leaders have rallied behind Greenland’s sovereignty, rejecting Trump’s claims. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Europe must show Washington that tariffs and threats are “not the way forward.” “You can’t threaten your way to ownership of Greenland. We have red lines that can’t be crossed,” Rasmussen said. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has “no interest to pick a fight, but we will hold our ground,” adding that “sovereignty is not for trade.” The European Union is set to hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss its response to Trump’s latest statements. Trump also declined to rule out the use of force when asked whether he would seize Greenland, replying: “No comment.” Denmark has warned that any US military action in Greenland would threaten the future of Nato, while several European allies have voiced firm support for Denmark and Greenland’s position.   With inputs from BBC

President Donald Trump’s pledge to deport “millions and millions” of undocumented immigrants hinges on expanding detention facilities, but the U.S. faces significant logistical and financial challenges to achieve this goal. Currently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has a budget to detain about 41,000 people, far below the estimated 11.7 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates it costs approximately $165 per day to detain one adult, with more facilities needed to hold individuals during processing and deportation arrangements. Trump defends pardons for rioters and suggests Proud Boys could have place in politics A DHS memo estimates that expanding capacity by 110,000 beds under the recently passed Laken Riley Act would cost $26.9 billion. The act, named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by a Venezuelan man, mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft or violent crimes. Trump’s immigration strategy also includes deploying troops to halt illegal border crossings, invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport individuals from nations perceived as threats, and eliminating “catch and release,” a practice allowing migrants to await immigration proceedings outside of detention. Limited Capacity ICE relies on a network of government-run processing centers, private detention facilities, and local jails under contracts, but has no designated family detention centers, despite families making up one-third of arrivals at the southern border. Expanding detention capacity would require constructing new facilities, said John Sandweg, former acting ICE director under President Barack Obama. The Trump administration declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, leveraging military resources to support mass deportations and detention efforts. The Pentagon may provide air transport and additional detention space. Private companies such as GEO Group and CoreCivic are seeing rising stock prices, anticipating a detention infrastructure boom. Trump administration directs all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on leave Expansion Plans The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has identified potential detention facility expansions in at least eight states, including Leavenworth, Kansas, and areas near immigrant hubs like New York City and San Francisco. Detention providers are considering repurposing facilities previously used for immigrants, such as a tent complex in Carrizo Springs, Texas, and the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. According to Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project, the Trump administration aims to maximize detention capacity. However, she noted Congress controls funding, and military involvement raises concerns about its impact on readiness. Criticism of Militarization Immigrant advocates warn against creating a hyper-militarized system that could expand the world’s largest migrant detention infrastructure. ICE detention facilities have faced criticism for failing to meet federal care standards, according to a DHS inspector general report. Trump previously authorized military bases to house detained immigrants, a practice also utilized under the Obama administration during a surge of Central American migrants. Military facilities have historically been used for immigrant resettlement during crises, including for refugees from Vietnam, Cuba, and Afghanistan. The debate over Trump’s immigration plans is intensifying as advocates question their feasibility and potential humanitarian impacts.

In a move set to reshape federal governance, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to formalise the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a commission led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Aimed at modernising federal agencies through cost-cutting measures and technological upgrades, the initiative has been met with a mix of anticipation and criticism, as legal challenges threaten to derail its progress. The executive order rebrands the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) as the U.S. DOGE Service, retaining the original acronym while shifting its focus to Musk’s vision for government reform. Established under former President Barack Obama to modernise technology within government agencies, the USDS will now spearhead software modernisation plans to overhaul outdated IT systems and infrastructure. Trump pardons 1,500 Jan 6 defendants including violent rioters At the signing ceremony, President Trump described plans for DOGE teams within federal agencies, detailing that each team would comprise a team leader, an engineer, an HR specialist, and an attorney. Agency heads have been instructed to establish these teams within 30 days and to work collaboratively with DOGE to streamline operations. A temporary body, the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organisation, has also been created to implement Trump’s 18-month DOGE agenda. The organisation is scheduled to conclude its operations by 4 July 2026, ahead of the Ohio gubernatorial election later that year. Legal and Political Challenges Despite President Trump’s confidence in the initiative, the DOGE commission faces significant legal and political hurdles. Critics have already filed three lawsuits alleging that the commission violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which requires advisory groups to operate transparently and include balanced representation. Advocacy group Democracy Forward has described the commission as a “shadow operation”, while National Security Counsellors argue that it bypasses proper advisory procedures. Additional lawsuits from Public Citizen, the State Democracy Defenders Fund, and the American Federation of Government Employees claim that the commission fails to represent the interests of ordinary Americans. Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico coming on Feb. 1 as he signs several orders on economy Musk’s Vision and Controversy Elon Musk’s initial claims that DOGE could save up to $2 trillion through efficiency measures, including reducing waste and eliminating redundant agencies, have since been tempered. Musk acknowledged the complexity of such an undertaking, and the commission is reportedly exploring controversial proposals, such as nullifying the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and restructuring it alongside the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Further proposals include the elimination of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a move that experts and consumer advocates have heavily criticised. The commission’s internal dynamics have also attracted attention. Vivek Ramaswamy, who co-led DOGE alongside Musk, left the commission following reported disagreements. Ramaswamy is now expected to run for governor of Ohio, adding a political twist to the commission’s trajectory. Trump sworn in as 47th President of the United States, promises new 'golden age of America' Uncertain Future While the DOGE initiative represents an ambitious attempt to modernise federal operations, its future remains uncertain. Legal challenges and criticism from advocacy groups cast doubt on its viability, and the controversial nature of some proposals has drawn sharp scrutiny. As the temporary organisation works to implement its mandate, the success of Musk’s vision for government reform will likely depend on overcoming significant political and legal barriers. The commission’s July 2026 deadline places it on a tight schedule, and its outcomes could have far-reaching implications for federal governance and the broader political landscape in the United States. Source: With inputs from agencies 

Bangladesh on Monday welcomed US President-elect Donald Trump and reiterated that the two countries will work together to open new areas of cooperation as he begins a new term. Referring to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's congratulatory message to Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday evening said the chief adviser expressed his strong belief that the two countries will work to open up new areas of cooperation between the two countries. "We reiterate that belief and wish Donald Trump all the best as he begins his new term," he said. Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions. ‘Will lead consensus-building commission’, Dr Yunus tells Australian envoy Trump will act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to jumpstart deportations, increase fossil fuel development and reduce civil service protections for government workers, promising that his term will bring about “a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride.” He plans to try to strike a hopeful tone and call for unity, according to excerpts of his prepared speech provided by a Trump official, who insisted on anonymity to preview the speech, reports AP. On November 6, congratulating Trump, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development. Ground is ready to take ties to greater fields: Dr Yunus tells Argentine Ambassador “I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump. Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America. “I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser. He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office. Both US and India want democracy, elections in Bangladesh: Eric Garcetti “Aligning with our commitment to a peaceful and inclusive society, the government and the peace-loving people of Bangladesh look forward to partnering and collaborating in your efforts in addressing the global challenges in the pursuit of peace, harmony, stability and prosperity for all,” Prof Yunus said. He conveyed his best wishes for Trump’s success as he embarks on this momentous journey of leading his great nation. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency. "We have nothing to speculate," he earlier said, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States. "Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country.