For more than a year, Israel's security forces, with significant backing from the United States, invested substantial resources and gathered extensive intelligence in their pursuit of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader linked to the October 7 attacks, according to The New York Times. Ultimately, it was a unit of trainee squad commanders who unexpectedly came across Sinwar during an operation in southern Gaza, as reported by four Israeli defense officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation. Where was Sinwar found? On Wednesday, an Israeli unit patrolling southern Gaza encountered a small group of fighters, according to officials. Supported by drones, the soldiers engaged in a firefight, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinian militants. During the clash, Israeli fire damaged a building where the militants were hiding. Israel confirms killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar in Gaza As the dust settled and the soldiers began to search the debris, they discovered a body that strikingly resembled Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader. This discovery was unexpected, as Israeli and U.S. intelligence had believed Sinwar was hiding deep underground, surrounded by Israeli hostages to protect himself from assassination. How did Sinwar die? Photographs obtained by The New York Times, some of which circulated online, depict a man whose facial features closely resemble Yahya Sinwar. The body shows multiple severe wounds, including to the head and leg, and bears distinctive marks matching those seen in archival footage of Sinwar, such as moles near his eyes and crooked teeth. After the firefight concluded, soldiers approached the bodies with caution, as the area was still strewn with explosive devices. They suspected that Sinwar's body might be booby-trapped. Alongside the militants, the troops discovered money and weaponry, with one official sharing photos of the scene, including these items. The soldiers were also concerned about the possibility of hostages being present but found none with the fighters. The Israeli military stated that there is no evidence indicating that any hostages still held in Gaza were harmed during the battle. By Thursday evening, following the identification process, the Israeli military confirmed that Yahya Sinwar was dead. Source: With inputs from The New York Times 

The White House has ruled out any involvement of the United States behind the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government, stressing that it is false. "So, we have had no involvement at all. Any — any reports or rumors that the United States government was involved in these — in these events is simply, simply false. That is not true," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a press briefing on August 12. She said this is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. "We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand," said the White House press secretary. Read more: UN calls for inclusive and transparent parliamentary election in Bangladesh "Any allegations, certainly, we will continue to say, and I have said here, is simply not true," she added. A journalist mentioned that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reported to allies that she was thrown out — or forced to be out of power because U.S. wanted to have one of the islands given to them - the United States of America. And since — because they didn’t agree to it, she was forced to resign, the questioner mentioned. She said they are going to continue to monitor the situation. Respinding to a question on Hindu community, the press secretary said when it comes to any type of human rights issues here, the US president is always — has been very consistent in speaking loud and clear in public and also privately. Read more: No reason to get affected ties with India: Foreign Affairs Adviser "Don’t have anything — and he’ll continue to do that, but don’t have any specific engagement to speak to at this time," she said.

Acknowledging restoration of telecommunications across Bangladesh, the United States has called for a full and undisrupted public access to internet and social media services. “We’re aware of some restoration of telecommunications across Bangladesh, but we are calling for a full and undisrupted public access to internet and social media services,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the United States Department of State Vedant Patel told reporters at a regular briefing on July 29. This will enable people in Bangladesh – including US citizens in the country – to be able to access critical information, he said. Read more: Mobile internet restored after 10 days Patel said that they, both in public and private, continue to call for a “lasting and peaceful” resolution to the current situation. “And we reiterate our unwavering support for the freedom of peaceful assembly,” he said.

The United States has said it is closely monitoring the developments in the case against Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “We will continue to encourage the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for Dr. Yunus as the appeals process continues,” said Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, during a regular briefing on June 4. Miller expressed concerns that these cases might represent a “misuse” of Bangladesh’s labor laws to “harass and intimidate” Dr. Yunus. Court sets June 12 for decision on whether Yunus to go on trial in embezzlement case “We also worry that the perceived misuse of labor and anti-corruption laws could raise questions about the rule of law and dissuade foreign direct investment,” he added. The government of Bangladesh has maintained that it is not a party to the case involving Dr. Muhammad Yunus and emphasized the independence and transparency of its judicial process. “With due respect to Dr. Yunus, I would like to say that the judicial process of Bangladesh is transparent. That's why many members of the ruling party face trials and even jail sentences,” Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told journalists recently. Dr Yunus suffering for deceiving 1.05 cr Grameen Bank members, says the bank’s Chief Legal Advisor

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (May 27, 2024) extended an invitation to US business leaders to explore business opportunities in Bangladesh and partner with the country in its journey towards becoming a developed, prosperous, and smart nation by 2041. “I invite you to invest in our many vibrant and high-potential sectors, such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, light and heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, ICT, marine resources, and medical equipment, among others,” she said. The Prime Minister said this during her opening speech at a meeting with the US-Bangladesh Business Council at her official residence, Ganabhaban. She expressed optimism that economic engagement through the US-Bangladesh Business Council would deepen in the coming days. “The United States will become our long-term partner in achieving our development goals through trade, investment, technology transfer, and by creating a smooth and predictable supply chain for mutual benefits,” she added. While briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s speechwriter M Nazrul Islam said that Sheikh Hasina informed members of US-Bangladesh Business Council that with her personal initiative after forming the government in 1996, US investment in Bangladesh increased manifold. PM urges JICA to allow farmers to use wastage of sea water in the desalination project at Matarbari Nazrul Islam said that the US investors expressed high expectations regarding their investments in Bangladesh. “But they pointed out some challenges which needed to be addressed for more investments in Bangladesh,” he said. US-Bangladesh Business Council Chairman Steven Kobos delivered the welcome speech while the Council President Ambassador (retd) Atul Keshap gave the vote of thanks. Sheikh Hasina hoped that the US-Bangladesh Business Council would continue to play a significant role in advancing trade and investment cooperation between the two friendly countries. “Our focus is now on promoting economic and commercial relations with not only regional but also global partners, including the United States,” she said. PM urges multilateral dev banks to set viable debt management plan for vulnerable countries Highlighting the government’s accomplishments over the last 15 years, she mentioned several mega-infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge, metro rail in Dhaka, the Karnaphuli River tunnel, expressway, a modern international airport in Dhaka, and power plants. “Legal and financial infrastructures are also being enhanced. These have heightened our domestic and regional connectivity,” she noted. Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned the establishment of 100 special economic zones (SEZs) and 28 hi-tech parks, some of which are already operational. “Particularly in the IT sector, with over a million freelancing IT professionals, Bangladesh is the right destination for IT investments. Moreover, the availability of a young, skilled, and vibrant workforce at a competitive wage is a huge advantage.” She emphasized that Bangladesh has the most liberal investment policy in the region and is prioritizing improvements to the investment environment. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted Bangladesh’s upcoming transition from a "least developed" to a "developing" country in 2026. “We aspire to become a ‘Smart Nation’ by 2041. Here, we need your support in increasing our global competitiveness and expanding our export base.” Bangladesh to launch US roadshow with 30 banks’ MDs to advertise offshore services She noted that Bangladesh is globally acknowledged as a “role model of socio-economic development,” attributing this to good governance, rule of law, stability, investment in the rural economy, empowerment of women, and ICT advancements that led to Digital Bangladesh. The Prime Minister acknowledged the United States as a major economic and development partner for decades, with intensive engagements in many areas, particularly trade and investment. “Our shared aim is to achieve mutual benefit and prosperity for our people. This is manifested in our growing bilateral trade and people-to-people interaction,” she said. She added that the United States is currently the largest single-country destination for Bangladeshi exports, the largest source of foreign direct investment, and an important source of knowledge and technology. PM’s Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu and Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin were present at the meeting. Read more: Australian FM's Visit: Trade, investment, Rohingya, regional security to get priority

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that the government of Bangladesh has taken a zero tolerance policy on combating corruption and will continue to work with the United States on this issue. “For combating corruption, we are working with the US. We want to work together and will continue to do that," he told reporters. Hasan was speaking at a “meet the reporters” programme today (May 21, 2024) organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event. Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said the US decision against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed was not under the visa policy. Ex Army chief Aziz, his immediate family members ineligible for entry into US It was made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and the two countries are working together on combating terrorism, human trafficking and other issues. He said the decision regarding the ex army chief was first conveyed to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. The US Department of State on Monday announced the public designation of General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says was his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entering the United States. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, the US State Department said. "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit, it claimed. "This designation reaffirms the US commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. Read more: Someone “paid by BNP” is deployed at US State Dept briefings: Hasan Mahmud

The U.S. Department of State has announced the public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, it said "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Read more: Australia FM to discuss climate change, regional maritime security, bilateral issues with PM Hasina, FM Tuesday Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit, the Srate Department claimed. "This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. The United States supports anticorruption efforts in Bangladesh through assistance to make government services more transparent and affordable, improve the business and regulatory environment, and build capacity in investigating and prosecuting money laundering and other financial crimes. These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Read more: Bangladeshi students in Kyrgyzstan capital are safe: Foreign Minister

US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh soon. A diplomatic source last week indicated that he might be in Dhaka on May 14 on a two-day visit which is seen as an opportunity to discuss ways for future cooperation.  The US Assistant Secretary is likely to discuss bilateral issues with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen apart from his courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and PM's adviser Salman F Rahman, the source told UNB.  After the January 7 national election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties." Read more: Indian foreign secretary due Wednesday In February this year, Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh.  "There is willingness from both sides. Together, we want to create a new chapter in our relations," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with the US delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time.  "It's a pleasure for us to talk about our shared priorities and ways for us to cooperating together in the future," Eileen Laubacher told reporters in her very brief remarks. Read more: Hasan Mahmud inaugurates Singapore High Commission in Dhaka

Grief has engulfed the Sylhet house Abu Saleh Md Yusuf Jhony who was gunned down in New York’s Buffalo city on April 27. Another Bangladeshi named Babul Uddin, hailed from Cumilla, was also shot dead by gunmen at the same time. Yusuf's family was shattered upon receiving the death news. Yusuf, son of Nurul Haque, a former member of Tinchati village under Kanaighat Jhingabari Union, moved to the US 10 months back with his wife and two daughters for permanent residency. He used to work for a painting company there and his family members have been living in Majortila area of Sylhet city. Read more: Tipu-Prity murder: AL leader Ashraf, 32 others indicted His parents got fainted several times after hearing the news of the tragic death of Yusuf, the eldest among three brothers and one sister. According to Bangladeshi expatriates living in Buffalo city of New York, Yusuf and Babul Uddin were working as painters in a house in 100 blocks on Jenner Street in Buffalo. At that time, some miscreants demanded extortion from Babul Uddin. Being rejected, when the terrorists attempt to attack Babul, Yusuf came forward to save him. At that time, the gunmen shot and killed the duo. Buffalo police spokesman Michael J. De George said they responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 Block on Jenner Street, according to reports of local media. The expatriates said that they will take various protest programmes demanding justice for the killing of two Bangladeshis. Read more: Momen slams Bangladeshi expat's killing in US, denounces hate crime

The United States has said it looks forward to working with Bangladesh to "enhance economic investment" over the next 50 years and beyond. The visiting US delegation met Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to PM Sheikh Hasina, to hear how government and private companies are collaborating. Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, are on a three-day visit to Bangladesh. For over 50 years, the US has partnered with the government and the people of Bangladesh, providing over $8 billion to tackle issues like public health, education, energy, environment, food security, natural disasters, and more. Read: Want to create a new chapter in our relations: Foreign Minister says after meeting with US delegation The United States is one of the largest investors in Bangladesh and its largest single country export market, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. "Our leadership from Washington D.C. joined local economic experts to discuss a range of issues impacting the bilateral trade relationship," said the US Embassy. The United States "stands ready" to help Bangladesh create a business climate that attracts more investment from the US. The delegation discussed ways to improve the business environment, making investment in Bangladesh more attractive to American companies. Read: Bangladesh-US relations will be stronger based on environment, climate actions: Environment Minister The three officials, according to the US side, are visiting Bangladesh to discuss with the government of Bangladesh ways to "strengthen diplomatic ties, address challenges, and promote a shared vision for the advancement of mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region." They also met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, civil society representatives, labour leaders, youth activists and those engaged in developing a free and uncensored media. "We discussed with the Foreign Minister how our two countries can work on mutual interests, including economic development, security, refugees, climate, labor, and trade," said the US Embassy in a separate message after the meeting. Bangladesh is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, it said. Read more: US Deputy Assistant Secretary meets Bangladeshi civil society members including Zillur and Adilur