United News of Bangladesh

Western officials say Russia is waging a widespread campaign of sabotage across Europe, aiming to disrupt support for Ukraine, expose security weaknesses, and sow divisions among EU nations. In November, a train carrying nearly 500 passengers in eastern Poland was forced to stop after a broken overhead line shattered windows, while explosives detonated under a freight train on the same line. Poland blamed Russian intelligence and deployed 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure. These incidents are part of at least 145 documented sabotage acts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to an Associated Press database and European officials. While most attacks have caused limited damage, ranging from vandalism to cyberattacks and warehouse fires, they consume significant resources from security services across Europe, officials say. European intelligence agencies report that the hybrid campaign costs Russia very little, often relying on foreigners with criminal backgrounds as proxies, while forcing EU nations to cooperate extensively on investigations. “It’s a 24/7 operation between all the services to stop it,” said a senior European intelligence official on condition of anonymity. Incidents have targeted countries bordering Russia, including Poland and Estonia, as well as Latvia, the U.K., Germany, and France. Officials note a temporary lull in late 2024, likely to align with the start of President Donald Trump’s new administration, but attacks have since resumed at full intensity. Many plots involve cross-border perpetrators, straining multiple authorities. For instance, a Moldovan man set fire to a Ukrainian restaurant in Estonia and fled through Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland before being caught in Italy. Russian intelligence frequently recruits individuals with criminal records, including former prisoners, to carry out operations, reducing risk to Russian operatives. Even foiled plots drain European resources while testing defenses. Last year, a Ukrainian recruited by Russian intelligence in Lithuania planted explosives inside drone components, which authorities later intercepted. Despite the pressure, Moscow’s campaign has prompted greater cooperation among European nations. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have formed joint investigative teams, while U.K. police receive specialized training to detect state-backed attacks. Officials caution that Russia continues experimenting with new tactics. In Belarus, smuggling networks have repeatedly sent hundreds of weather balloons carrying cigarettes into Lithuania and Poland, temporarily shutting down airports—a hybrid tactic authorities warn could evolve into more dangerous threats.  

Belgium on Thursday demanded firm guarantees from its European Union partners that it would be shielded from Russian retaliation before supporting a major EU loan to Ukraine. At a high-stakes EU summit in Brussels, leaders of the 27-nation bloc are set to consider using tens of billions of euros from frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s military and economic needs over the next two years. Most of the assets—around 193 billion euros ($227 billion) as of September—are held by Brussels-based financial clearing house Euroclear, which Russia’s Central Bank recently sued. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever told parliament: “Give me a parachute and we’ll all jump together. If we have confidence in the parachute, that shouldn’t be a problem.” Belgium fears potential Russian retaliation and prefers borrowing on international markets, while seeking contributions from frozen assets in other EU countries and legal guarantees for Euroclear. European officials have warned of Russian attempts to disrupt and pressure the continent, with the Central Bank lawsuit intensifying scrutiny on Belgium ahead of the summit. The proposed “reparations loan” would provide Ukraine 90 billion euros ($106 billion), with countries such as the U.K., Canada, and Norway covering any shortfall. Russia’s claim to the assets remains, but the funds would remain frozen until the Kremlin ends the war and compensates for damages. De Wever said Belgium remains “a faithful ally” of Ukraine but is unconvinced by current EU safeguards. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency, saying: “We will not leave the European Council without a solution for the funding of Ukraine for the next two years.” EU Council President António Costa pledged to continue negotiations until an agreement is reached. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of stark choices, stating: “Either money today or blood tomorrow,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged using frozen Russian assets, citing escalating Russian threats. Opposition exists within the bloc: Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, and Malta have raised objections, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticizing the plan as “a dead end” and warning that providing funds could escalate conflict.  

The Trump administration has announced a massive arms sales package to Taiwan worth over $11 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones, prompting strong condemnation from China. The State Department unveiled the sales late Wednesday during a nationally televised address by President Donald Trump, who did not address China or Taiwan in his speech. U.S.-China tensions have fluctuated during Trump’s second term, largely over trade, tariffs, and Beijing’s growing assertiveness toward Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. If approved by Congress, the deal would be the largest-ever U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, surpassing the $8.4 billion provided during the Biden administration. The package covers eight agreements, including 82 high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), 60 self-propelled howitzers, drones, military software, Javelin and TOW missiles, helicopter parts, and Harpoon missile refurbishment kits. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry values the total package at $11.15 billion. The U.S. said the sales support Taiwan’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defensive capability, while promoting regional stability, political balance, and economic progress. China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the move, saying it violates diplomatic agreements, threatens China’s sovereignty, and could escalate military tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned the sales would backfire and accused Taiwan of wasting resources on weapons instead of pursuing reunification. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry thanked the U.S., saying the deal would strengthen the island’s self-defense and deterrence capabilities, which are key to regional peace. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung echoed the gratitude, highlighting the role of U.S. support in deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has pledged to raise defense spending to 3.3% of GDP next year and target 5% by 2030. President Lai Ching-te announced a special $40 billion arms budget over eight years, including the Taiwan Dome air defense system. The U.S. arms package aligns with legislation recently passed by Congress, which Trump is expected to sign. China last week criticized the National Defense Authorization Act for unfairly portraying it as an aggressor. Mistreanu reported from Beijing. AP video journalists Olivia Zhang in Beijing and Johnson Lai in Taipei contributed to this report.  

The government of Bangladesh on Thursday assured diplomats stationed in Dhaka that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions in the country as per the international norms. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam briefed the diplomats at State Guest House Padma this afternoon over the election preparedness and security measures. It was a short briefing, a diplomatic source told UNB. The first half of the briefing focused on preparations for the upcoming 13th national election and the second providing reassurance regarding the security of diplomatic missions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the briefing was organised to inform Diplomatic Missions in Dhaka about the updated preparations and security measures taken for the upcoming 13th national elections and referendum. In the briefing, they were also informed that the Election Commission would welcome foreign election observers and invited them to send election observers. They were also informed that the law enforcement forces of the country including the armed forces are on high alert and are working hard to maintain law and order. July Oikya blocks Rampura-Badda road over Hadi attack attempt In this context, the Missions were also assured of their security. About 40 diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present at the briefing. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited all heads of diplomatic missions and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to attend the briefing session.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday urged people of the country to pray for the recovery of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi who was shot in the head on December 10.  “You all please pray for our younger brother Osman Hadi so that he can recover and come back to us. Please also pray for him after Juma prayers tomorrow. Pray for him with sincerity,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat . He also urged followers of other religions to pray for Hadi. Meanwhile, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Shadik Kayem on Monday demanded the resignation of the home adviser if three demands, including the arrest of those involved in the attempt to kill Osman Hadi, are not met. When journalists drew his attention to the progress in arresting those involved in the attack and to the resignation demand, the Home Adviser declined to make any comment

Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on Wednesday. Shabbir Ahmed Akunjee, private secretary to the Public Division secretary at the President’s Office, shared the information with the media. During the meeting, the Chief Justice expressed his sincere gratitude to the President for his cooperation and support in discharging his constitutional duties. He also briefed the President on the key initiatives and activities undertaken during his tenure. President Shahabuddin praised the Chief Justice’s long and illustrious career, highlighting his professionalism, integrity and significant contributions to the establishment of justice and the rule of law.

Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman will return home for eight days during the Indian Premier League to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand.  Mustafizur was signed by Kolkata for 9.20 crore rupees at the IPL auction, the highest price ever paid for a Bangladeshi player. However, he will not be available for the full tournament, which runs from March 26 to May 31. New Zealand are scheduled to tour Bangladesh in April for three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches. Mustafizur becomes most expensive Bangladeshi at IPL auction BCB’s cricket operations chief Nazmul Abedin said Mustafizur would return to Bangladesh specifically to play the ODI series. Bangladesh’s decision is driven by qualification concerns for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Only the top nine teams in the ICC rankings by February 15, 2027, will earn direct entry. Bangladesh are currently ranked tenth. Nazmul dismissed concerns that switching from the T20 intensity of the IPL to ODIs could be difficult for Mustafizur, suggesting the opposite might be true.    

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will brief the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. The briefing is scheduled to begin at State Guesthouse Padma at 3pm, a senior official told UNB. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited all heads of diplomatic missions and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to attend the briefing session. India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its note verbale did not mention any specific agenda. It seems that the Foreign Secretary will brief the diplomats on the current situation in Bangladesh, a diplomatic source told UNB.

Sometimes, even legends need a moment to adjust. Nathan Lyon did not just take a wicket in Adelaide on Thursday morning against England. He crossed a line that had stood for nearly two decades — and did it with a delivery so perfect that it briefly unsettled one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers in the commentary box. Lyon’s dismissal of Ben Duckett early on the second day of the Adelaide Test carried history with it. With that ball, the off-spinner moved past Glenn McGrath to become Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind only Shane Warne. For McGrath, who was on commentary duty for the BBC, the moment arrived with uncomfortable familiarity. Lyon had already drawn level with McGrath’s tally earlier in the over, when Ollie Pope fell cheaply. Two balls later, Duckett faced what many off-spinners spend a career chasing: a delivery that pitched on a teasing length, drew the front foot forward, spun sharply past the bat and clipped the off stump. Duckett stood still, briefly confused, before walking off. In the commentary box, Adam Gilchrist summed it up simply: Duckett looked “bewildered.” McGrath, momentarily, looked no less so. Cameras caught him lifting his hands to his head, then half-rising from his chair as if to throw it aside, before stopping himself. The reaction was theatrical, but the smile that followed told the fuller story. Records are meant to fall, and Lyon had earned this one properly. For context, McGrath had held that position since retiring in 2007, finishing with 563 wickets from just over one hundred Tests. Lyon surpassed him in his one hundred and forty-first match, having spent months stuck on the same tally amid selection frustrations and limited opportunities, especially in day-night Tests dominated by pace. His return in Adelaide was decisive. Two wickets in his first over, history rewritten, and a reminder that Test cricket has its own sense of timing.

Miscreants set fire to Grameen Bank office at Sharshadi Bazar in Feni Sadar upazila early Thursday. The fire damaged three motorbikes and furniture on the office premises. Police said the miscreants poured petrol from outside the main gate and ignited the fire around 3:30am. Seeing the fire at the stairway, the security guards started screaming seeking help. Hearing this, some officials who stay on the second floor of the same building informed fire service personnel who later brought the fire under control. Branch manager Ashok Kumar Debnath said the miscreants had jumped off the boundary wall to enter the premises before setting fire to the gate area. Grameen Bank office set on fire in Kushtia Locals initially helped control the fire before firefighters arrived, he said. Feni Model Police Station Inspector (investigation) Sajal Kanti Dash said police visited the spot after receiving information. The bank authorities lodged a complaint in this regard and action would be taken accordingly, he added.