United News of Bangladesh

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.

US President Joe Biden has initiated a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling across most U.S. federal waters, aiming to preempt potential efforts by the incoming Trump administration to expand such drilling, reports AP. Utilizing the authority of the federal Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Biden’s move protects offshore regions along the East and West Coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Alaska's Northern Bering Sea from future oil and gas leasing. Biden to visit New Orleans on Monday Biden, whose term concludes in two weeks, explained that this decision aligns with the values of coastal communities, businesses, and beachgoers who recognise the irreversible damage offshore drilling could cause and its limited necessity for meeting energy demands. He emphasised the urgency of protecting these areas as part of the transition to a clean energy economy amid the climate crisis. The ban does not apply to large portions of the Gulf of Mexico, where the majority of U.S. offshore drilling occurs, but it safeguards coastlines in California, Florida, and other states. Biden’s action, which shields over 625 million acres of federal waters, would likely require congressional action to be reversed, presenting challenges for President-elect Donald Trump, who has a mixed history on offshore drilling. While Trump initially sought to expand offshore drilling, he later prohibited it in certain areas, such as Florida’s coasts, following public opposition. Environmental groups welcomed Biden's decision, viewing it as crucial for curbing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing global warming. Joseph Gordon of Oceana lauded the action as a "victory" for oceans and coastal communities, highlighting the economic and environmental importance of protecting these areas. Biden rejects Nippon Steel's proposed deal Biden stated that the protected areas offer minimal fossil fuel potential and that the risks to public health, the environment, and the economy outweigh the benefits of new drilling. However, a Trump spokesperson criticised the move, accusing Biden of driving up gas prices and pledging to reverse the decision. Balancing competing interests, Biden has proposed limited oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico while excluding Alaska, navigating demands from both energy companies and environmental activists. A five-year drilling plan approved in 2023 includes three proposed offshore sales in 2025, 2027, and 2029, the minimum required under a 2022 climate law to facilitate offshore wind development. State Department report unveils lavish gifts to Biden family, CIA Biden’s efforts to curtail offshore drilling follow prior actions to restrict drilling in Alaska and the Arctic Ocean, even as his approval of the Willow oil project in Alaska faced backlash from environmental advocates.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid a profound tribute to former United States President and fellow Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter, who died on Saturday. The Chief Adviser placed floral wreaths at the portrait of the late president and wrote a condolence message in the condolence book opened at the US Embassy in Dhaka's Baridhara at 11:45am. US Charge d' Affaires Megan Bouldin welcomed the Chief Adviser at the embassy. CA Dr Yunus pays tribute to Manmohan Singh at Indian High Commission During his brief stay at the embassy, the Chief Adviser recalled his long friendship and told Bouldin that he visited Carter's home in Georgia. The Chief Adviser said Carter was a global champion of human rights, democracy and peace. He also praised President Carter for his efforts in fostering strong bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States. Dhaka discusses with UN modalities for int'l conference on Rohingya crisis Prof Yunus also recalled President Carter's visit to Bangladesh in 1986 and deeply appreciated his impactful work here through the Carter Center.

US President Joe Biden has said his country made a commitment to finding long-term solutions to the Rohingya refugee crisis and holding perpetrators of the atrocities accountable. “You set an example for the world of empathy and generosity in practice,” the US President wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The US Embassy in Dhaka shared the letter on Sunday (March 26, 2023) which was originally sent on March 21. The US president said Bangladesh has opened its arms and welcomed nearly one million Rohingya refugees. Read More: UK King Charles eyes continuing strong, close partnership with Bangladesh In a message to PM Hasina, Biden on behalf of the United States, wished her and the people of Bangladesh a happy Independence Day. Bangladeshis understand deeply the value of freedom and independence, as they fought courageously in 1971 to choose their own fate and to speak their own language, Biden wrote in the letter that he concluded with "Joy Bangla." As Bangladesh approaches its next election, the US president said, he is reminded of the “deep value” both the nations place on “democracy, equality, respect for human rights, and free and fair elections.” Read More: British parliament urged to recognise Bangladesh Genocide He applauded Bangladesh’s demonstrated commitment to protecting the most vulnerable as the largest contributor to peacekeeping operations. “We thank Bangladesh for cohosting the Global Action Plan ministerial that significantly elevated the political commitment to end the global pandemic,” Biden said. In over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the United States and Bangladesh have achieved a lot together – advancing economic development, strengthening people-to-people ties, addressing global health and climate issues, partnering on the humanitarian response to Rohingya refugees, and committing to a prosperous, secure, democratic, and independent Bangladesh, said the US president. Read More: Bangladesh’s tremendous achievements widely commended by int’l community: Xi Jinping

President Joe Biden says he plans to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who remains under hospice care at his home in south Georgia. Biden told donors at a California fundraiser Monday evening about his “recent” visit to see the 39th president, whom he has known since he was a young Delaware senator supporting Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign. “He asked me to do his eulogy,” Biden said, before stopping himself from saying more. “Excuse me, I shouldn’t say that.” Carter, who at 98 is the longest-lived U.S. president, announced Feb. 18 that he would spend his remaining days at home receiving end-of-life care, forgoing further medical intervention after a series of short hospital stays. The Carter Center in Atlanta and the former president’s family members have not disclosed details of his condition, though Biden alluded to Carter’s 2015 cancer diagnosis and subsequent recovery. “I spent time with Jimmy Carter and it’s finally caught up with him, but they found a way to keep him going for a lot longer than they anticipated because they found a breakthrough,” Biden said in Rancho Sante Fe, California. Biden, 80, and first lady Jill Biden visited Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, who is now 95, at their home in Plains, Georgia, a few months after Biden took office in 2021. Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Carter’s 1976 presidential bid, breaking from the Washington establishment that Carter — then a former one-time Georgia governor — shocked by winning the Democratic nomination. Biden’s presidency represents a turnabout, of sorts, for Carter’s political standing. He served just one term and lost in a landslide to Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980, prompting top Democrats to keep their distance, at least publicly, for decades after he left the White House. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama did not have close relationships with Carter. And the longshot presidential candidates who sometimes ventured to Plains over the years typically did so privately. But as the Carters’ global humanitarian work and advocacy of democracy via The Carter Center garnered new respect, Democratic politicians began publicly circulating back to south Georgia ahead of the 2020 election cycle. And with Biden’s election, Carter again found a genuine friend and ally in the Oval Office.