United News of Bangladesh

Indonesia and Thailand agreed Monday to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, during the first state visit by an Indonesian president in 20 years and agreed to push for greater trade and investment. President Prabowo Subianto, who took power last year, was welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in intermittent rain at Government House in Bangkok. As is traditional, the two leaders reviewed an honor guard before heading inside to hold bilateral talks on the future shape of their relationship. Subianto’s visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Paetongtarn said that the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, tourism, and food security. The decision to elevate the two countries’ relations to strategic partnership “reflects our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation in several aspects on issues of mutual interest to the people of both countries,” Paetongtarn said in a statement. Jordan, Indonesia condemn Israeli Actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque They also discussed defense and security issues, which include “enhancing maritime security collaboration, strengthening counterterrorism efforts, bolstering cybersecurity cooperation, increasing joint military exercises and fostering defense industry partnerships,” Subianto said in his speech. Paetongtarn said Thai and Indonesian police will strengthen cooperation in suppressing transnational crimes, especially online scams, human trafficking and drug trafficking. Dozens of Indonesians earlier this year were freed from scam centers in Myanmar and repatriated through Thailand, in part of a large-scale regional crackdown effort. Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have been lured to work in the region to commit global scams through false romances, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Many of the workers were recruited under false pretenses, only to find themselves trapped in virtual slavery. Ministers from both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation in a number of fields including prevention and control of communicable diseases and medical tourism. They also discussed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, and Subianto praised Thailand’s constructive role, especially in engaging neighboring countries to seek a peaceful solution in Myanmar and facilitating dialogue between all parties. “We emphasized the importance of an inclusive national dialogue that can achieve peace and stability in Myanmar,” Subianto said, “We also emphasized the importance of maintaining the unity and centrality of ASEAN.” Indonesia offered to temporarily house Palestinians injured or orphaned by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza The crisis in Myanmar has emerged as one of the bloc’s biggest challenges since a military coup ousted an elected civilian government in February 2021, plunging the country into conflict. It has sparked an armed resistance movement, with rebel forces now controlling large parts of the country. The war has killed tens of thousands of people, and displaced millions.

A joint archaeological team has made a remarkable discovery in Egypt’s Saqqara necropolis—the tomb of Prince Waser-If-Re (also spelled Userefre), son of King Userkaf. Among the findings is a towering pink granite structure, over 14 feet high, identified as a symbolic false door from around 4,000 years ago. Such false doors, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, were believed to serve as portals between the worlds of the living and the dead, enabling the passage of spirits. Beyond this symbolic entrance, the team unearthed numerous artifacts. These include 13 elaborately carved high-backed chairs and an offering table made of red granite, inscribed with texts related to ritual sacrifices. Particularly notable was the discovery of a statue group depicting King Djoser, his queen, and their 10 daughters. Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 66 people, hospitals and medics say Archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass suggests these statues, originally near Djoser’s famed step pyramid, may have been relocated to Userefre’s tomb during the Late Period. Also uncovered was a large black granite statue of a man inscribed with hieroglyphs, dating back to the 26th Dynasty, as well as a second entrance inscribed with the cartouche of King Neferirkare. The pink granite statues—13 in total—are considered unique to the Saqqara site, and some are thought to depict Prince Userefre’s wives. Excavations at the tomb continue as archaeologists seek to uncover more about the prince’s life and the reasons behind the unusual placement of royal statues within his burial site. Source: NDTV    

What began as social media calls to avoid traveling to Turkey has snowballed into a major diplomatic fallout, with India suspending ties with Turkish businesses and academic institutions following Ankara’s backing of Pakistan in recent India-Pakistan tensions. The flashpoint came after Turkey vocally supported Pakistan following deadly clashes in Kashmir. In response, India has revoked security clearance for Turkish ground-handling company Celebi, effectively banning it from operating at Indian airports. The firm, which operated at hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, denies any wrongdoing and plans to challenge the decision. India’s aviation ministry confirmed the action was driven by national security concerns and widespread public demand. Minister of State for Aviation stated on X that the government acted to “protect national interests.”  Police probe theft of Melania Trump statue in her Slovenian hometown Several top Indian universities, including JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia, have also suspended collaborations with Turkish institutions. Backlash intensified online after reports claimed Turkish drones may have been used by Pakistan against Indian forces. Politicians like Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed public sentiment, urging citizens not to spend “hard-earned rupees” in countries aiding India’s adversaries. Travel behavior has shifted sharply—bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped by 60%, and cancellations have surged by 250%, according to MakeMyTrip. Travel agencies are scaling back on trips to these destinations, fearing social media backlash and business losses. In 2024, over 330,000 Indians visited Turkey, a rise from the previous year, though they made up less than 1% of its total foreign tourists. Azerbaijan, with nearly 9% Indian arrivals, may feel a bigger hit.  2 dead and at least 3 injured in Las Vegas gym shooting, police say Despite boycott momentum, no major alternative destinations have seen a noticeable boost yet, with travel sites like Cleartrip reporting stable demand for other options such as Greece.

NEW DELHI (AP) — The United Nations and Rohingya refugees have accused Indian authorities of forcing dozens of Rohingya onto the open sea near Myanmar last week. According to the UN human rights office, the Indian navy allegedly dropped around 40 Rohingya — including women, children, and the elderly — into the sea after detaining them in New Delhi. The group, equipped only with life jackets, reportedly swam ashore in Myanmar, but their current status is unknown. Five Rohingya refugees told the Associated Press on Friday that their relatives, including 15 Christians, were detained on May 6 and flown out two days later, only to be forced into the water near the Myanmar border. Lawyer Dilawar Hussain, representing the families, has filed a petition with India’s Supreme Court, urging authorities to bring the refugees back. India’s navy and foreign ministry have not commented. The UN called the reported actions "unconscionable" and "unacceptable," and appointed a special expert to investigate. It urged India to end inhumane practices against Rohingya and warned against deporting them to dangerous conditions in Myanmar. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews condemned the act as a “blatant disregard for human life,” violating the international legal principle of non-refoulement, which forbids returning individuals to places where they face serious threats. India lacks a formal refugee policy and is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Yet, it hosts around 40,000 Rohingya, of whom 22,500 are registered with the UNHCR. Many live in poor conditions in camps across the country. One refugee in India, speaking anonymously for safety, said his detained brother contacted him on May 8 using a borrowed phone after reaching a Myanmar island. He claimed Indian authorities removed their blindfolds, handed them life jackets, and told them to swim ashore. His family — including his parents and siblings — was among the deported. The refugee shared photos of his brother in police custody and described how the group was detained under the guise of collecting biometric data. He also provided a call recording in which another deportee said some members were beaten by the navy. These accounts could not be independently verified. Rohingya in India have increasingly faced hostility from Hindu nationalist groups calling for their removal. Many have been detained or deported to Bangladesh or Myanmar. Critics say India’s 2019 citizenship law further marginalizes Muslim migrants, including Rohingya.   

Vietnam has approved a $1.5 billion proposal by the Trump Organization and its Vietnamese partner to build golf courses, hotels and real estate projects in the Southeast Asian country, state-run media reported Friday. The project spanning 990 hectares (2,446 acres) in northern Vietnam's Khoai Chau district will include a golf course the size 336 American football fields, residential areas, commercial spaces and parks. The decision approving the investment was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, the VN Express newspaper reported. Vietnam is heading into negotiations with the U.S. in a bid to avoid the 46% tariffs on its exports announced by President Donald Trump's administration. Vietnam also has been facing heat from Washington for not doing enough to prevent the diversion of Chinese goods through its borde The investment project was announced by Vietnamese real estate developer Kinhbac City, which partnered with Trump’s family business in October. Work on the project will start this year and continue till 2029. The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

Key allies of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte and two liberal opposition candidates were among top winners in the May 12 Senate race in the Philippines, according to official results released Friday by the Election Commission. The midterm election outcome provided unexpectedly strong backing for Duterte and boosted his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, ahead of her impeachment trial in the Senate in July. The election also was a blow to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, whose candidates did not do as well as expected in midterm polls when the president’s influence is usually strong, analysts said. Five of the 12 Senate race winners were endorsed by Sara Duterte, including the president’s sister, Imee Marcos, and Camille Villar, another Marcos alliance candidate from a wealthy political family. Five others were aligned with Marcos, while two surprise winners were from the opposition. Two Duterte allies were among the top five. Indian army says 10 militants killed in Manipur gunfight Christopher Go, a former Cabinet member under the elder Duterte, led the Senate winners with more than 27 million votes. Ronald dela Rosa, Duterte’s first national police chief and executor of his deadly anti-drugs campaign, ranked third.      

Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Friday killed at least 64 people, according to local hospitals, as U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a Middle East tour that excluded Israel and failed to deliver any hope for a ceasefire in the war-ravaged enclave. Health officials reported that 48 bodies were taken to the Indonesian Hospital and another 16 to Nasser Hospital following overnight strikes that hit areas near Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. The renewed wave of bombardments coincided with Trump’s departure from the Gulf region. Many had hoped his regional visit might lead to a ceasefire or a resumption of humanitarian aid, but those expectations went unmet. Meanwhile, Gaza remains under an Israeli blockade that has now stretched into its third month. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strikes, which continued for hours and triggered panic and displacement in the Jabaliya refugee camp and the town of Beit Lahiya. These latest attacks follow days of intense shelling that, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, have killed over 130 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier pledged a major escalation in military operations aimed at defeating Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza. In remarks released Tuesday, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces were preparing to enter Gaza “with great strength” to “complete the mission of destroying Hamas.” It remains unclear whether Friday’s bombardment marks the start of that operation.  54 killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on Southern Gaza’s Khan Younis An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said cabinet ministers were meeting Friday to evaluate ceasefire talks taking place in Qatar and to determine the next course of action. Meanwhile, families of hostages held by Hamas said they woke Friday with “heavy hearts” amid reports of intensified Israeli strikes. In a statement, they urged Netanyahu to work with President Trump to reach a deal for the hostages’ release. “Missing this historic opportunity to bring the hostages home would be a failure remembered in infamy,” said the statement, issued by a forum supporting hostage families. The war began after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people. In response, Israel began a large-scale offensive in Gaza that has since killed over 53,000 Palestinians, many of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths. Around 3,000 people have been killed since Israel resumed operations on March 18 following a brief ceasefire. Hamas still holds 58 of the approximately 250 hostages taken on October 7. Israeli authorities believe 23 of those are still alive, although they have raised concerns about the fate of at least three. Israel’s blockade on Gaza has cut off access to essential supplies like food, fuel, and medicine, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government insists that aid will not be allowed in until a mechanism is in place that ensures its control over distribution, aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the hostages. Earlier this week, a new U.S.-backed humanitarian group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, announced it would begin aid delivery operations before the end of May, following agreements with Israeli officials. The group includes U.S. military veterans, former aid coordinators, and security personnel. However, several humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, criticized the initiative, saying it does not meet international humanitarian standards and will not be able to adequately address the needs of Palestinians in Gaza. They have opted not to participate.  Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 60, including 22 children

At least 10 militants were killed in a gunfight with paramilitary troopers in the northeastern state of Manipur, the Indian army said Thursday. The gunfight broke out Wednesday close to India-Myanmar international border at New Samtal village in Chandel district, about 130 km south of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, reports Xinhua. According to the Indian army, the paramilitary troopers were working under their command. "During the operation, the troops were fired upon by suspected cadres to which they quickly reacted, redeployed and retaliated in a calibrated and measured manner. In the ensuing firefight, 10 cadres were killed and a sizeable quantity of arms and ammunition have been recovered," an Indian army statement said. India's military says it killed 3 militants in disputed Kashmir Officials said the operation was underway in the area. Manipur is a conflict-ridden state in India's northeast, and several separatist groups often target Indian armed forces.

Hohhot, the capital and heart of Inner Mongolia, the autonomous region that stretches across much of China's north, revolutionised urban and industrial synergy with the launch of the Yili Modern Intelligent Health Valley. This ambitious project focuses on fostering full chain development within the dairy industry, leveraging cutting-edge digital innovations to empower smart city initiatives. By intertwining green initiatives with technological advancements, Hohhot aims to establish a sustainable and integrated model, positioning itself as a leader in the burgeoning concept of a 'Dairy Silicon Valley' and heralding a transformative era in urban-industry dynamics. On Monday, a distinguished group of foreign journalists from 23 countries visited the Yili Modern Intelligent Health Valley, recognised as one of the world's top five dairy producers and the largest in Asia. The visit was organised by the Cyberspace Administration of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) along with Global Times Online as part of the "Travelogue of China" initiative. The tour began at the National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy in Hohhot, where attendees were welcomed with insights into Inner Mongolia's rapid advancements. In her opening remarks, Li Peiyan, director of the Cyberspace Administration of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, underscored the area's rising status as one of China's premier tourist destinations, noting its rich cultural and industrial heritage. Wu Hailong, president of the China Public Diplomacy Association, (CPDA) addressed the gathering, emphasising the unique opportunity that "Travelogue of China" provides for journalists.

Three suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir, the Indian military said Tuesday. It is the first reported gunbattle between Indian troops and militants in the region since last month's massacre that left 26 tourists dead, and which India has blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad has denied the charge. India’s military said in a statement soldiers acting on a tip carried out a “search and destroy” operation in the Keller area of the southern Shopian district early Tuesday, during which militants “opened heavy fire and a fierce firefight ensued,” it said. The army hasn't provided further details or casualties among soldiers, but stated that soldiers continued their search operation. The Himalayan territory is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan. Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Russia launches smallest nighttime attack on Ukraine in months in run-up to possible peace talks Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict. Before the April 22 gun massacre in the Kashmiri resort town of Pahalgam, the fighting had largely ebbed in the region’s Kashmir Valley, the heartland of anti-India rebellion and mainly shifted to mountainous areas of Jammu in the last few years. The massacre spiked tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals last week, leading to the worst military confrontation in decades and the death of dozens of people until a ceasefire was reached on May 10 after US mediation. Since 2019, the territory has simmered in anger when New Delhi ended the region’s semi-autonomy and drastically curbed dissent, civil liberties and media freedoms while intensifying counterinsurgency operations.