United News of Bangladesh

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a landmark mutual defense agreement, declaring that an attack on either country will be considered an attack on both, following Israel’s recent strike on Qatar. The pact, signed Wednesday by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores decades of close security, economic, and religious ties between the two nations. Saudi Arabia has long been linked to supporting Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, with analysts often suggesting Riyadh could fall under Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella amid growing concerns over Iran’s atomic ambitions. Israeli forces push deeper into Gaza City amid mass Palestinian displacement The timing of the deal is seen as a direct signal to Israel, widely believed to be the Middle East’s sole nuclear-armed state, which has waged a sweeping military campaign across the region since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack. According to official statements, the pact aims “to strengthen defense cooperation and enhance joint deterrence against any aggression.” While it does not directly mention nuclear weapons, speculation persists over whether the agreement implicitly extends to Pakistan’s arsenal. India acknowledged the development Thursday, saying it would “study the implications for national security and regional stability.” Source: Agency 

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday named retired Gen. Djamari Chaniago as the new coordinating minister for politics and security, moving to stabilize his Cabinet after violent protests left 10 people dead last month. Chaniago, 77, replaces Budi Gunawan, who was removed earlier this month without an immediate successor, fueling days of speculation. Gunawan’s dismissal followed nationwide demonstrations that erupted in late August over lawmakers receiving a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,075) — nearly 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage. The unrest intensified after the death of ride-hailing driver Affan Kurniawan, who was struck by a police vehicle. The protests, among the toughest tests for Subianto’s young presidency, forced a Cabinet reshuffle in which five ministers lost their posts, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, a respected former IMF and World Bank official. Local media and analysts said Gunawan was blamed for failing to coordinate with security agencies during the crisis and was absent from key meetings. Concerns over his health also contributed to his removal. Subianto’s decision to elevate Chaniago is seen as part of a broader strategy to reconsolidate power by installing trusted figures in strategic positions. Chaniago, a former army commander, was among seven generals on the Officers Council of Honor in 1998 that investigated Subianto’s role in the abduction of pro-democracy activists during the final days of Suharto’s regime. Subianto was later dismissed from the military for “misinterpreting orders,” though he was never tried, while some of his subordinates were convicted. Analysts say the appointment reflects an effort to mend old divisions. “Prabowo needs broad support, including from senior military figures and elites who once opposed him, to strengthen his government,” said Selamat Ginting, a political and military analyst at the National University. At a ceremony at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, Subianto also swore in three other ministers. Erick Thohir, former state-owned enterprises minister and a close ally of ex-president Joko Widodo, was named minister of youth and sports. Thohir, 55, is a businessman and former owner of Inter Milan and D.C. United, and has served as chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia since 2023.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his phone call and warm wishes on his 75th birthday. “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday,” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. Reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, Modi said, “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.” The Indian premier also extended support for Trump’s peace efforts on the global stage. “We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” he added. The two leaders have maintained close communication on key global and regional issues, with both countries emphasizing cooperation in trade, defense, and strategic affairs.

China's coast guard accused a Philippine vessel of intentionally colliding with one of its ships on Tuesday near Scarborough Shoal, a contested area in the South China Sea claimed by both nations. However, the Philippines rejected the accusation, stating that Chinese forces had used high-powered water cannons that caused damage to its ship and injured a crew member. According to a Chinese coast guard statement, over 10 Philippine government ships approached the waters surrounding the shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China, from multiple directions. The statement said that China responded by using water cannons against the vessels. This incident occurred just six days after China declared part of Scarborough Shoal as a national nature reserve. The Philippines, which refers to the shoal as Bajo de Masinloc, lodged a formal diplomatic protest. China and the Philippines have had frequent confrontations in the South China Sea, an area of strategic importance and rich in fishing resources, which China claims nearly in its entirety. Several other countries also lay claim to parts of the sea. The Philippine coast guard reported that two Chinese coast guard ships used powerful water cannons on a Filipino fishing vessel, the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang, for almost 30 minutes, causing significant damage. This included breaking a window in the captain's cabin and injuring a crew member. The water also caused electrical malfunctions, short-circuiting outlets and affecting five outdoor air-conditioning units. Additionally, a Chinese navy warship issued a radio warning about "live-fire exercises" at the shoal, which caused distress among Filipino fishermen, according to the Philippine coast guard. On Tuesday, the Philippine coast guard and fisheries vessels were dispatched to the area to provide fuel, water, ice, and other supplies to over 35 fishing boats. The Philippines has received support from several friendly nations regarding the nature reserve issue. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned China’s actions, calling them "another coercive move" to assert broad territorial claims in the South China Sea at the expense of neighboring countries. The U.K. and Australia also expressed concern, while the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines opposed using environmental protection as a pretext for asserting control over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The Taliban government has imposed a ban on fiber optic internet in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province, saying the measure was taken to “prevent immorality,” officials confirmed Tuesday. This is the first such restriction on WIFI services since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The ban has cut off internet access for government offices, private businesses, public institutions, and households across Balkh. Mobile internet services, however, remain operational. Haji Attaullah Zaid, spokesman for the provincial administration, said the order came directly from Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. “This measure was taken to prevent immorality, and an alternative will be built within the country for necessities,” he told the Associated Press. Authorities have not explained why Balkh was singled out for the ban or whether similar restrictions will be extended to other provinces. Afghan officials in the past have temporarily suspended mobile networks during religious festivals or security threats, often to block remote detonation of explosive devices.

Pakistan’s military said Monday its forces killed 31 militants in overnight raids on two hideouts in the country’s northwest. The operations were carried out in Bannu and Laki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. A military statement described the slain fighters as “Khwarij,” a term used for Pakistani Taliban militants, but gave no further details. The raids followed a string of operations last week in which security forces reported killing 45 militants, though 19 soldiers also lost their lives in the clashes. Meanwhile, the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), offered to open direct talks with the government to address what it called the “root causes” of two decades of conflict. The group said it was ready to meet with state representatives inside Pakistan if provided with strong guarantees. The government has not yet responded. Pakistan and the TTP last held talks in 2022 in Kabul, resulting in a temporary ceasefire that later collapsed. The TTP, which is separate from but allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, has stepped up attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Many of its leaders and fighters are believed to operate from sanctuaries across the Afghan border. Pakistani officials have also accused India of backing the TTP and separatists in Baluchistan, an allegation denied by New Delhi.

Pakistan’s security forces killed 31 insurgents in two separate operations targeting militant hideouts in the country’s northwest. the military confirmed Monday. According to a military statement, the overnight raids were conducted in Bannu and Laki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Afghan border. The slain militants were described as “Khwarij,” a term used by authorities for Pakistani Taliban fighters, though no further details were provided. The operations follow a series of recent strikes in which the military killed 45 Pakistani Taliban members, but 19 soldiers also lost their lives in the clashes. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant attacks in recent years, most claimed by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group separate from but allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, who took control of Kabul in 2021. Many TTP leaders and fighters are believed to have found refuge across the border. Pakistani authorities have repeatedly accused India of supporting the TTP and separatist groups in Balochistan, allegations that New Delhi denies.

Pakistani security forces conducted raids on two Pakistani Taliban hideouts near the Afghan border over the past two days, resulting in the deaths of 12 soldiers and 35 militants, the military said Saturday. In the first operation in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22 militants were killed. A separate raid in South Waziristan claimed the lives of 13 militants and 12 soldiers, who the military said “paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom.” The army said militants are using Afghan territory to launch attacks in Pakistan and called on the Taliban government in Kabul to prevent such activities. The killed militants were described as “Khwarij,” a term used for the Pakistani Taliban, and the military alleged Indian backing, though no evidence was provided. The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operates separately from the Afghan Taliban but is closely allied and has been emboldened since the Taliban took power in Kabul in 2021.

Nepal’s skyline was clouded with smoke this week after Hilton Kathmandu, the country’s tallest hotel, was destroyed during violent anti-government protests. Dramatic footage showed the glass tower engulfed in flames as demonstrators, largely from the Gen Z movement, targeted government buildings, parliament, and residences of political leaders. Nearly 20 people have died amid clashes with security forces and curfews, with the burning of Hilton Kathmandu becoming a stark symbol of widespread unrest. Developed by the Shanker Group, Hilton Kathmandu broke ground in 2016 and opened in July 2024 after an investment of around Rs 8 billion. The 64-metre-high hotel, located in the Naxal neighbourhood, featured 176 rooms and suites, making it Nepal’s tallest hotel. The hotel’s design was intended as a cultural statement, with glass fins inspired by Buddhist prayer flags and a facade that harmonized with the urban streets on one side and the Langtang mountain range on the other. Interiors offered world-class hospitality, including five restaurants, a spa, a gym, event spaces, and a rooftop bar, Orion, reflecting Nepalese heritage. Built with resilience in mind, the tower incorporated shear walls and damping systems to withstand earthquakes, qualifying it as an “immediate occupancy” structure. Today, Hilton Kathmandu lies in ruins. Its glass facade is shattered, interiors gutted, and the structure scarred by fire. The destruction marks not only the loss of a luxury landmark but also the vulnerability of development amid political instability. The protests, initially sparked by social media restrictions, escalated into a broader uprising against corruption and political stagnation. Even the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli failed to calm the unrest, which forced the temporary closure of Kathmandu’s international airport, severely affecting Nepal’s tourism-dependent economy.   Source: NDTV