United News of Bangladesh

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) at workplaces in the United States is growing, but many employees are still reluctant to rely on the technology, according to a new Gallup poll. The survey shows that while more workers are now using AI tools regularly, concerns are also increasing about the risk of job losses. Many employees who avoid AI say they prefer traditional methods, have ethical concerns or are worried about data privacy. The poll, conducted in February, highlights a mixed picture of how AI is changing workplaces. Some workers see it as a powerful tool that improves productivity and efficiency, while others fear its negative impact. Scott Segal, a social worker in northern Virginia, said he uses AI to gather information to help elderly and vulnerable patients access healthcare services. However, he also fears that AI could eventually replace his role. “I think people in jobs that can be replaced should start planning ahead,” said the 53-year-old. The poll found that about 30% of employees use AI frequently, either daily or several times a week, while around 20% use it occasionally. Around 40% of workers said their organisations have introduced AI tools to improve operations. Among them, nearly two-thirds reported that AI has had a positive impact on their productivity and efficiency. Managers appear to benefit more from AI than other employees. About 70% of leaders who use AI at least a few times a year said it has improved their efficiency, compared to just over half of other workers. Among employees who have access to AI but choose not to use it, 46% said they prefer to continue working in their usual way. Around 40% cited ethical concerns, data privacy issues, or doubts about AI’s usefulness. About a quarter said they had tried AI but found it unhelpful, while roughly 20% felt they lacked the skills to use it properly. Thuy Pisone, a contract administrator in Maryland, said she uses AI for simple tasks but avoids it for work she can already handle confidently, such as preparing presentations. The survey also found growing concern about job security. About 18% of US workers believe their jobs could be replaced by technology, automation or AI within the next five years, up from 15% in 2025. Workers at companies already using AI are even more worried, with 23% saying job loss is at least somewhat likely in the near future. Despite these concerns, most workers are not overly anxious. Around 70% said they are not very concerned or not concerned at all about losing their jobs to AI. Segal said he is considering starting a healthcare support service if AI replaces his current role, as he believes some human-centred services will take longer to be automated. For now, he said, he is even using AI tools to plan his financial future, including retirement savings.

Large crowds rallied across the United States and parts of Europe on Saturday under the banner of “No Kings,” protesting the war in Iran and President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration. Minnesota emerged as the focal point of the demonstrations, where thousands gathered at the State Capitol in St. Paul. The flagship rally featured musician Bruce Springsteen, who performed and addressed the crowd, praising public resistance to increased immigration enforcement. Springsteen performed a song inspired by the fatal shootings of two individuals by federal agents and said the response from Minnesotans had given hope to others across the country. Protests were reported in all 50 states, from major cities like New York to smaller towns in Idaho. Organisers said more than 3,100 events were registered nationwide, with millions expected to participate. Most demonstrations remained peaceful, although clashes were reported in Los Angeles, where police used tear gas after protesters allegedly threw objects near a federal detention centre. Some arrests were also made. Participants voiced a wide range of concerns, including the Iran conflict, immigration crackdowns, and civil rights issues. In Washington, demonstrators marched near the Lincoln Memorial chanting slogans and holding placards critical of the administration. Republican officials dismissed the protests, with a White House spokesperson claiming they lacked broad public support. Rallies were also held internationally, including in London, Rome and Paris, where hundreds gathered at the Bastille. Organisers said similar events took place in more than a dozen countries. Speakers at the Minnesota rally included public figures, activists and politicians, all urging continued resistance and civic engagement. Organisers said the movement is drawing increasing participation beyond major urban centres, reflecting wider national momentum.

FIFA expects that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States and take part in the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict between the two countries. FIFA President ‘Gianni Infantino’ said on Tuesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump about preparations for the tournament and received assurances that the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the United States to compete. The ‘2026 FIFA World Cup’, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is set to begin in about three months. Iran is scheduled to play its group matches in the US, starting against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding its group stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iranian officials had recently indicated that their participation in the tournament might be uncertain due to the ongoing war. Infantino said he discussed the situation with Trump during a meeting Tuesday night. “We also talked about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said, adding that Trump confirmed the team would be welcome to take part in the tournament in the United States. Infantino and Trump maintain a close relationship. Trump was previously awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an honour many observers believe was created with him in mind. However, Iranian fans had already faced restrictions earlier, as they were included in the initial version of a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration. Infantino said global events like the World Cup are important for bringing people together, particularly during times of conflict, and thanked Trump for his support. Earlier this week, FIFA World Cup chief operating officer ‘Heimo Schirgi’ said the tournament is too significant to be postponed because of the global tensions linked to the ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran. Schirgi said FIFA is closely monitoring developments in the conflict but remains confident that the tournament will proceed as planned. “We are taking it day by day and hope there will be a resolution,” he said. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope all teams that have qualified will be able to participate.”

The United States has cautioned about a potential Iranian attack targeting a major oil-producing city in Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions as President Donald Trump declared that negotiations with Tehran were no longer an option. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, expressed skepticism over the value of engaging in dialogue with Washington. “For the time being we are very doubtful about the usefulness of negotiation,” Bahreini told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, according to Reuters. Tehran makes new threat to Gulf shipping as US says ‘hardest hits’ on Iran yet to come His remarks came shortly after Trump said on his Truth Social platform that it was “too late” to hold talks with Iran, signaling a hardening stance amid rising hostilities. Source: BBC

At least nine people were killed and around two dozen injured Sunday during violent clashes with police and paramilitary forces after hundreds of Shiite protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, officials said. The unrest followed reports that the United States and Israel had carried out attacks in Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Police and hospital sources said at least 25 people were wounded, with several in critical condition. Summaiya Syed Tariq, a police surgeon at Karachi’s main government hospital, confirmed that six bodies and multiple injured were initially brought to the hospital, but the death toll later rose to nine after three critically wounded individuals died. Karachi is the capital of Sindh province and Pakistan’s largest city. Senior police official Irfan Baloch said the protesters briefly attacked the consulate’s perimeter but were eventually dispersed. “The situation is now fully under our control,” he said, dismissing reports that the consulate building had been set on fire. He added, however, that demonstrators torched a nearby police post and damaged consulate windows before security forces restored order. Witnesses said dozens of protesters remained gathered about a kilometre from the consulate, urging others to join them. One demonstrator reportedly tried to set fire to a consulate window before police intervened. The Sindh provincial government urged citizens to express their views peacefully and warned against involvement in violence. Elsewhere, Shiite groups held a peaceful rally in Multan, chanting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. Participant Mamoona Sherazi said she was protesting the killing of Khamenei, whom she described as a fatherly figure and a strong advocate for Shiites and oppressed Sunni Muslims. “God willing, we will never bow before America and Israel,” she said. Another rally took place near the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, Punjab province. Senior police official Faisal Kamran said demonstrators were prevented from reaching the consulate and were dispersed when they attempted to march toward it. Additional rallies were planned in Islamabad and other cities. Authorities said security has been strengthened at the U.S. Embassy and consulates nationwide to prevent further violence. Shiites comprise roughly 15% of Pakistan’s population of about 250 million, forming one of the world’s largest Shiite communities. While anti-U.S. and anti-Israel protests have occurred in the past, clashes of this scale are rare.  

Revelations from newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents have triggered political turmoil across Europe, toppling senior figures and prompting investigations, while the fallout in the United States has remained comparatively restrained. The large cache of files released by the US Department of Justice has dominated headlines in Europe, ending careers of princes, diplomats and politicians who maintained ties with Epstein after his conviction as a sex offender. In contrast, few American figures have faced serious consequences so far. In Britain, former US ambassador Peter Mandelson was dismissed and is now under police investigation over whether he passed sensitive information to Epstein. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure for appointing Mandelson despite earlier warnings about his links to the disgraced financier. The documents also deepened scrutiny of Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, who had already lost his royal titles and public funding after settling a lawsuit with one of Epstein’s victims. His former wife Sarah Ferguson saw her charity shut down this week. Although none of the European figures now under fire, apart from Andrew, are accused of sexual abuse, many have been forced out for continuing social or professional contact with Epstein long after his criminal conviction. Legal experts say European media and political systems have reacted more forcefully. “If your name appears in these files, it becomes a major issue immediately,” said Rob Ford, a political scientist at the University of Manchester, pointing to stronger accountability pressures in parliamentary democracies. Across Europe, resignations and suspensions have followed. Swedish UN official Joanna Rubinstein stepped down after disclosure of a visit to Epstein’s private island. Slovakia’s national security adviser Miroslav Lajcak quit over communications with Epstein. Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have launched official probes into the documents, with Poland also examining possible links to Russian intelligence. Norway has been particularly shaken. Authorities opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, while ambassador Mona Juul was suspended after it emerged Epstein had left $10 million to her children in his will. Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly apologized after emails showed her friendly exchanges with Epstein. In the United States, the release of the files followed bipartisan pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration, but repercussions have been limited. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers took leave from academic posts, and a top US law firm chair resigned. Other high-profile figures, including political advisers, business leaders and former presidents, have faced questions but no major sanctions. Analysts say the contrast highlights differences in political culture and accountability, with Europe showing lower tolerance for associations seen as unethical, even without criminal allegations. The documents reveal Epstein’s extensive global network of royals, politicians, billionaires and academics, raising fresh questions about his influence and access. European investigators say further disclosures could yet widen the impact of the scandal.

Iran and the United States have agreed to hold nuclear talks on Friday in Oman, Iran’s foreign minister said, as tensions remain high following Tehran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks on Wednesday after earlier uncertainty over their format and scope. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, issued a blunt warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he “should be very worried.” Diplomatic efforts initially explored holding broader talks in Turkey, with regional countries involved and issues such as Iran’s missile program on the agenda. However, Iran later pushed for a narrower meeting focused only on its nuclear program, limited to direct involvement by Tehran and Washington. Oman, which has long acted as a mediator between Iran and Western powers, previously hosted similar talks. Those negotiations collapsed last year after a brief war between Iran and Israel, during which the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. A White House official confirmed the talks will go ahead in Oman but said Washington remains skeptical about their success. Several regional leaders reportedly urged the U.S. not to abandon diplomacy despite ongoing tensions. The talks come amid sharp strains in relations, including the recent shooting down of an Iranian drone by a U.S. Navy jet and an attempted interception of a U.S.-flagged ship by Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed his foreign minister to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations,” signaling rare openness to talks backed by Supreme Leader Khamenei. U.S. officials said Washington hopes discussions will eventually expand beyond the nuclear issue to include Iran’s missile program, regional proxy networks and human rights concerns. Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful, though it has enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels. Turkey has urged both sides to resolve their differences through diplomacy, warning that foreign intervention in Iran could destabilize the region.

 US President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States has started discussions with Cuban leaders as his administration intensifies pressure on the island by restricting key oil supplies. The comments came while Trump was traveling to Florida, following recent moves to block Cuba’s access to oil from Venezuela and Mexico. Trump indicated that these measures are intended to push Cuba toward negotiations. “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” he told reporters, without providing details on the level or scope of the outreach. He suggested that the Cuban government is close to collapse and predicted a potential deal with the U.S., saying Washington would be “kind” in any negotiations. The restrictions on oil imports have strained Cuba’s economy. Trump signed an executive order this week imposing tariffs on any country supplying oil to the island, targeting Mexico after U.S. actions halted Venezuela’s shipments following the capture of its former President Nicolás Maduro in early January. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the measures could trigger a humanitarian crisis and said her government is exploring alternatives to continue supporting Cuba. Trump’s shift toward Cuba follows broader efforts to confront nations seen as U.S. adversaries in the region. His recent policies reflect a strategy to isolate Havana economically while signaling that negotiations are possible under pressure. Read More: Trump says Iran negotiating with U.S. The president has not detailed the objectives of the talks but suggested that U.S. pressure on oil supplies will compel Cuba to negotiate. Observers say the latest actions mark a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward Cuba, combining economic restrictions with the opening of limited diplomatic channels.      

Protesters across the United States shut down schools, businesses and shopping on Friday as part of a nationwide “no work, no school, no shopping” strike to oppose the Trump administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement. The coordinated actions came amid growing anger over the killing of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was shot multiple times after using his cellphone to record Border Patrol officers during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. The incident followed the Jan 7 death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer while sitting in her vehicle, further intensifying scrutiny of federal tactics. Promoters of the protests urged communities to disrupt daily life to draw attention to immigration enforcement. “The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” read messages circulated on protest websites and social media. Anticipating large absences, some schools in states including Arizona and Colorado cancelled classes in advance. Elsewhere, students and community members gathered at city centres, state capitols and churches. In the Minneapolis area, hundreds of demonstrators assembled early Friday in freezing temperatures outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, a frequent site of protests in recent weeks. After speeches by clergy members, the crowd marched toward restricted areas, shouting at Department of Homeland Security agents to “quit your jobs” and “get out of Minnesota.” Many later dispersed after police warned of arrests for blocking roads. Michelle Pasko, a retired communications worker, said she joined the protest after seeing federal agents stop immigrants near a bus stop in her Minnetonka neighbourhood. “They’re roaming our streets, they’re staying in hotels near our schools,” she said. “Everyone in this country has rights, and the federal government seems to have forgotten that. We’re here to remind them.” Student-led walkouts were reported in several states. In Michigan, dozens of students left classes at Groves High School in Birmingham, north of Detroit, and marched about a mile to a nearby business district despite sub-zero temperatures. Passing motorists honked in support. “We’re here to protest ICE and what they’re doing all over the country, especially in Minnesota,” said 17-year-old senior Logan Albritton. “It’s not right to treat our neighbours and our fellow Americans this way.” In Georgia, 16-year-old Abigail Daugherty organised a walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee. “For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” she said. Many businesses announced closures as part of the day-long “blackout,” while others said they would remain open but donate proceeds to immigrant support and legal aid organisations. In New York, Otway Restaurant and its sister bakery said the bakery would stay open and donate 50 percent of proceeds to the New York Immigration Coalition. In Maine, where Republican Senator Susan Collins said ICE was ending an enforcement surge, residents gathered outside a Portland church holding signs reading “No ICE for ME.” Grace Valenzuela, an administrator with Portland Public Schools, criticised what she called an enforcement system that brings “daily trauma” to schools. “Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and belonging. ICE undermines that mission every time it destabilises a family,” she said. Portland Mayor Mark Dion also addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of protest. “Dissent is Democratic. Dissent is American. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy,” he said. In Los Angeles, where the immigration surge first intensified last June, thousands rallied outside city hall before marching to a federal detention centre. As evening fell, federal agents used chemical sprays to push back the crowd. Democratic Representative Maxine Waters joined the protest, chanting “ICE out of LA.” “What I see here at the detention center are people exercising their constitutional rights,” Waters said. “And of course, they’re now trying to tear gas everybody. It’s in the air, but people are not moving.” Meanwhile, authorities in Nebraska said a student was struck by an SUV displaying a Trump flag during a student-led protest on Thursday outside Fremont High School. The student was taken to hospital, though officials did not disclose the extent of the injuries. Video footage showed a red SUV with a Trump 2024 flag accelerating toward a student holding a sign, knocking the student onto the hood before driving away.

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), removing itself as one of the UN agency’s largest donors and a key participant in global health initiatives. The decision stems from an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump a year ago, after he repeatedly criticised the WHO for being overly “China-centric” during the Covid-19 pandemic. The US Department of Health and Human Services said the withdrawal was due to the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the pandemic, its inability to implement meaningful reforms, and political influence from certain member states. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus rejected the US claims, saying the withdrawal is a “loss for both the United States and the world.” The organisation highlighted its global contributions, including efforts to eradicate polio, combat HIV and AIDS, reduce maternal mortality, and enforce its international treaty on tobacco control. Following the pandemic, WHO member states worked on an international pandemic treaty to ensure fair sharing of vaccines and treatments and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. The treaty, finalised in April 2025, was agreed upon by all member states except the US. Traditionally, the United States has been one of the largest financial contributors to the WHO, but Washington did not pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, causing significant job losses within the organisation. While WHO lawyers maintain that the US is obliged to pay the arrears—estimated at $260 million—Washington has refused, stating there is no reason to do so. As part of the withdrawal, all US government funding to the WHO has been terminated, US personnel and contractors recalled from Geneva headquarters and offices worldwide, and hundreds of engagements with the agency have been suspended or discontinued. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a joint statement that the WHO “tarnished and trashed everything that America has done for it” and “abandoned its core mission,” acting against US interests. They added that future US engagement with the WHO will be limited strictly to safeguard the health and safety of Americans. Officials noted that the US will continue disease surveillance and pathogen-sharing programs through bilateral relationships with other countries, but they did not specify which countries or partnerships have been established so far. In response to questions about US participation in global health initiatives like polio and HIV programmes, officials said partnerships would continue through NGOs and faith-based groups, though no specific arrangements have been disclosed. US engagement in global flu vaccine development and information-sharing remains uncertain. After Trump signed the withdrawal order at the start of his second term, the WHO expressed hope that the US would reconsider, stating that “the WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.” The agency said reconsideration would serve the “health and well-being of millions worldwide.” The WHO confirmed on Friday that the US withdrawal would be discussed during its upcoming board meeting scheduled from February 2-7. Its secretariat said it will act according to the guidance provided by its governing bodies. The US exit could remove nearly one-fifth of the WHO’s budget. The defunding and withdrawal come amid criticism of pandemic responses worldwide, including in highly developed countries like the US and the UK, where delays in imposing lockdowns and mask mandates contributed to rapid virus spread. Drew Altman, former US public health official, said the federal government’s inconsistent Covid-19 guidance, politicisation of policy, and failure to implement nationwide preventive measures contributed to one of the highest death rates in the world. A 2020 study in the British Medical Journal accused the Trump administration of failing to provide national guidance and allowing state-level responses to diverge along political lines. Another research paper published in the UN National Library of Medicine labelled the US federal response as “slow and mismanaged.” The US withdrawal marks a significant moment for global health governance, highlighting tensions between national interests and multilateral cooperation in pandemic preparedness and response.   With inputs from BBC