United News of Bangladesh

At least 40 people have died and over 120 others were injured following a stampede at a political rally in southern India’s Tamil Nadu state, authorities said Sunday. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian told The Associated Press that 36 victims were dead upon arrival at hospitals on Saturday night, with four more succumbing later. The casualties include nine children. Most of the injured are reported to be in stable condition. The incident occurred in Karur district during a rally for actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Vijay, who is campaigning ahead of Tamil Nadu’s 2026 state elections. Tens of thousands had gathered under sweltering heat. Vijay, one of the state’s most celebrated actors, arrived more than six hours late, leaving the crowd congested and difficult to manage. Eyewitnesses said barricades and ropes were in place, but the crowd became uncontrollable. Some attendees fainted while Vijay addressed the rally, prompting him to pause and call in ambulances. The stampede reportedly began as Vijay’s vehicle moved, with supporters chasing it, causing chaos. Subramanian cited “indiscipline” at the event. The state government has ordered a probe led by a former judge, expected to report within a month. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced financial assistance of over $11,000 for each family of the deceased. Vijay expressed his condolences on X, saying, “My heart is shattered… I am writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called the tragedy “deeply saddening.” Stampedes are relatively frequent in India during large gatherings. Earlier this year, at least 30 people died during the Maha Kumbh festival in January, when crowds rushed to bathe in a sacred river.

Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said he will not flee and accused Sushila Karki-led government of trying to strip him of security and privileges. Speaking at a gathering of the party’s youth wing, Yuwa Sangh Nepal, in Gundu, Bhaktapur on Saturday, Oli dismissed speculation about leaving the country. “Do you think we will flee by handing over the nation to this groundless government?” he asked supporters. Oli, who vacated the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar on September 9 following Gen Z-led protests that toppled his government, said he was determined to “restore peace, good governance and constitutional order.”  He moved into a rented house in Gundu after protesters torched his personal residence in Balkot. He accused the current administration of lacking legitimacy, claiming it came to power through “vandalism and arson” rather than a popular mandate. Oli also challenged the government to release recordings of his directives to officials and security agencies during the protests. “Publish them with courage. Make public the instructions I gave,” he said. He expressed concern over threats of fresh attacks and criticized the government for failing to ensure his security. “On social media, there are open calls to attack my residence. What is the government doing? Just watching?” he asked. Oli also objected to reports that the government has decided to withhold passports of several leaders, including himself, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Arzu Rana Deuba, Ramesh Lekhak, and Deepak Khadka. The former prime minister accused the Karki government of “throwing the country into insecurity” by targeting political opponents. Oli’s government was toppled on the second day of the Gen Z protest. Rights groups have held him and then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak responsible for excessive force that left dozens dead during the unrest. A monitoring report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday said the government’s failure to anticipate the intensity of the protests and declining morale of security forces contributed to heavy casualties and damage. It noted that while the first day of protests on September 8 remained peaceful, police shootings triggered widespread violence the following day. Source: The Kathmandu Post

Vietnamese authorities evacuated thousands from central and northern provinces Sunday as Typhoon Bualoi accelerated toward the country, with landfall expected later in the day. The storm had already claimed at least 20 lives in the central Philippines since Friday, mainly due to drownings and falling trees, and caused widespread power outages. Around 23,000 families were moved to over 1,400 emergency shelters. Bualoi is forecast to bring winds of up to 133 kph (83 mph), storm surges exceeding one meter (3.2 feet), and heavy rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides. Vietnam’s weather agency reported the typhoon was about 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of central Vietnam early Sunday, moving northwest, with landfall likely between Quang Tri and Nghe An provinces. Authorities have grounded fishing boats in the north and center and ordered evacuations. State media said Da Nang will relocate more than 210,000 residents, while Hue is preparing to move over 32,000 coastal people to safer areas. The Civil Aviation Authority suspended operations at four coastal airports, including Danang International, with several flights rescheduled. Heavy rain since Saturday night has already caused flooding in Hue, sweeping away at least one person, damaging roofs, and inundating streets. In Quang Tri, one fishing boat sank and another became stranded; eight people were rescued, with three still missing at sea. Forecasters warned of continued heavy rainfall through Oct. 1, increasing flood and landslide risks across northern and central provinces. Bualoi is the second major storm to threaten the region this week, following Typhoon Ragasa, which killed at least 28 in the northern Philippines and Taiwan before hitting China and dissipating over Vietnam Thursday. Experts say global warming is intensifying storms like Bualoi, as warmer oceans provide more energy, leading to stronger winds, heavier rainfall, and changing precipitation patterns in East Asia.

At least 39 people were killed and over 50 injured on Saturday in a stampede during a political rally held by Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said. “So far, 39 people have died, including 13 men, 17 women, four boys, and five girls, while 51 people, including 26 men and 25 women, are receiving intensive treatment,” Stalin told reporters. Earlier, state lawmaker Senthil Balaji said 58 people were hospitalised. Vijay draws massive crowdsVijay, a leading figure in Tamil cinema for three decades, launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in 2024. The party is campaigning ahead of state elections scheduled for early 2026, targeting both the ruling DMK and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Videos from local media showed thousands surrounding Vijay’s large campaign vehicle. During the rally, he was seen throwing water bottles to fainting supporters and calling for police assistance as the crowd became uncontrollable. 20 killed in Gaza aid stampede at Israeli-backed distribution site “My heart is broken; I am in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow,” Vijay wrote on X. “I express my deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in Karur. I pray for a speedy recovery for those undergoing treatment.” At least 44 doctors from nearby districts, including Tiruchirappalli and Salem, were sent to Karur. Investigation and compensationStalin said a commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan has been appointed to investigate the stampede and submit a report, after which further action will be taken. He also announced compensation of 1 million Indian rupees ($11,280) for each family of the victims. Stampede during IPL celebration leaves several feared dead in Bengaluru This is not the first time safety concerns have arisen at Vijay’s rallies. Media reports said at least six people died following the first meeting of his party in October last year. Despite police-imposed restrictions, the scale of public turnout has repeatedly overwhelmed local infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, saying the incident in Karur was “deeply saddening.” Source: Agency 

A stampede at a rally for a popular Indian actor and politician in the southern state of Tamil Nadu killed at least 36 people and injured 40 others, the state’s health minister said late Saturday. Ma Subramanian told The Associated Press that the victims were dead by the time they were taken to a hospital and that the injured were stable. The dead included eight children, Subramanian said. The rally was being addressed by Vijay, one of Tamil Nadu’s most successful actors-turned-politician in the district of Karur. Indian media reports, quoting local officials, said the stampede was triggered when a group of Vijay’s supporters and fans fell while trying to get close to his bus. Tens of thousands had gathered at the political rally, for which Vijay arrived hours late, officials said. Quoting officials, the Press Trust of India news agency reported that at least 30 people fainted while Vijay was addressing the rally from atop his campaign vehicle and were rushed in ambulances to area hospitals. He halted his speech mid-way when workers raised alarm after noticing that people were fainting and falling, the news agency said. In southern Indian states, particularly Tamil Nadu, some film stars have larger than life status, rooted in the ancient Tamil culture of hero worship and image worship. Many have become politicians and some have even been given divine status. In 2024, Vijay retired from acting and launched his own political party. It was unclear whether he plans to run for office in Tamil Nadu state. Stampedes are relatively common in India when large crowds gather. In January, at least 30 people were killed as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to bathe in a sacred river during the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering.

China will tighten regulations on electric vehicle (EV) exports starting next year, requiring automakers to obtain official export permits, the Commerce Ministry announced Friday. The new licenses, effective January 1, aim to “promote the healthy development of the new energy vehicle trade,” according to the ministry. The move is part of Beijing’s broader effort to regulate the country’s rapidly expanding EV sector. China is the world’s largest car exporter, shipping around 5.5 million vehicles abroad in 2024, nearly 40% of which were electric. The U.S. and European Union have previously imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs, citing concerns that government subsidies gave Chinese companies an unfair competitive edge. The export controls also respond to domestic market pressures, including oversupply and intense price competition. Analysts have criticized the sector for “involution,” where companies engage in aggressive competition that ultimately yields little benefit. Earlier this year, market leader BYD initiated a new round of price cuts, prompting rivals to follow, while Great Wall Motors chairman Wei Jianjun warned that such trends could threaten the industry’s stability. Despite these challenges, China’s EV market continues to grow. Sales in the first half of 2025 hit record levels, with EVs accounting for more than 50% of total passenger vehicle sales, reflecting strong domestic demand.

Tropical Storm Bualoi swept through central Philippines on Friday, leaving at least 10 dead, toppling trees and power lines, and prompting the evacuation of over 433,000 people from flood- and landslide-prone areas. Bualoi made landfall Thursday night in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, with sustained winds of 110 kph (68 mph), causing flooding, minor landslides, and damage to homes and infrastructure, authorities said. Two deaths occurred from falling trees and a collapsed wall, a third from drowning in Masbate province, and seven others in Biliran, mostly from flash floods. At least 13 fishermen remain missing after venturing into the sea before the storm. Villagers on the slopes of Mayon volcano in Albay province were evacuated due to possible volcanic mudflows. Authorities warned that many roads and ports remained blocked, hampering delivery of aid. Bualoi, locally named Opong, was the 15th tropical cyclone to hit the country this year. The fast-moving storm spared some densely populated coastal areas south of Manila before moving into the South China Sea, where it could strengthen into a typhoon toward northern Vietnam. The storm struck amid scrutiny of widespread corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects, which officials say has weakened the country’s disaster response. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed ongoing investigations into alleged kickbacks that undermined public safety infrastructure, emphasizing that no one, including close allies, would be exempt from prosecution.

President Donald Trump met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the White House on Thursday, highlighting growing ties between the United States and the South Asian nuclear-armed nation. Sharif was one of several officials from eight Arab and Muslim countries who met Trump during the U.N. General Assembly to discuss strategies for ending the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. U.S.-Pakistan relations have warmed as Trump’s rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cooled due to India’s increased purchases of discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump has imposed high tariffs on India in response, aiming to exert economic pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, a U.S.-Pakistan trade deal reached in July is expected to boost American investment in Pakistan’s oil, agriculture, IT, mining, and energy sectors while lowering tariffs. Pakistan seeks stronger economic ties as PM invites Prof Yunus Sharif, accompanied by Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, praised Trump for facilitating the May India-Pakistan ceasefire and thanked him for the tariff arrangement. The leaders discussed counterterrorism cooperation, and Sharif invited Trump for an official visit to Pakistan. Sharif has publicly endorsed Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for easing Indo-Pak tensions, while Modi has avoided endorsing Trump’s role in the ceasefire. Source: Agency 

Authorities in India enforced security restrictions in two main districts in the remote Ladakh region on Thursday. The restrictions came a day after four people were killed and dozens injured when police clashed with hundreds of protesters demanding greater autonomy from the Indian government for the Himalayan territory. Officials banned assembly of more than five people in Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil districts following the violent clashes Wednesday. Hundreds of police and paramilitary soldiers patrolled streets Thursday and enforced a curfew in Leh. Police detained at least 40 people overnight in Leh following the clashes, officials said. Shops and businesses shut in Kargil as a local group called for a strike against Wednesday’s killings. Sajjad Kargili, a local leader, urged the government to “act with wisdom, resume dialogue at the earliest and address people’s aspirations.” Lt. Gov. Kavinder Gupta, New Delhi's top administrator in Ladakh, called Wednesday's violence “heart-wrenching.” “Curfew has been imposed as a precautionary measure to prevent more casualties,” Gupta said, according to the Press Trust of India news agency. Wednesday’s clashes erupted after protesters threw stones at officers trying to stop them from marching in the high-altitude town of Leh. Others set ablaze police and paramilitary vehicles and the local office of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and some other government buildings, police said. Police fired bullets and tear gas and swung batons at demonstrators, killing four people and injuring dozens more, police and residents said. Nestled between India, Pakistan and China, Ladakh was split from Indian-controlled Kashmir after New Delhi removed the disputed region’s statehood and semiautonomy in 2019. While Kashmir has largely been silenced through a crackdown on dissent and a slew of new laws, demands for political rights in Ladakh have intensified in recent years. The protests are part of a larger movement in the federally governed region seeking statehood and constitutional provisions from the Indian government to gain autonomy over land and agriculture decisions. The protests Wednesday were sparked by a local group’s call for a strike after two residents collapsed while participating in a hunger strike with more than a dozen residents who were making statehood demands. India's Home Ministry said in a statement late Wednesday that police fired in “self-defense” and blamed the violence on “provocative speeches” by a top climate activist, Sonam Wangchuk, who had led the hunger strike since Sept. 10. Wangchuk called off the strike after the clashes. Shortly after the clashes, Wangchuk appealed for calm. He told reporters that their movement was peaceful and that they did not want instability in Ladakh. “We held hunger strikes on five occasions and walked from Leh to Delhi, but today we are seeing our message of peace failing because of the incidents of violence and arson,” Wangchuk said. Wednesday’s violence was the worst in the Ladakh region in decades and signaled residents' growing frustration with Indian authorities. Residents initially welcomed New Delhi’s 2019 changes, but their joy soon gave way to fears of land grabs, a loss of trade and damage to the fragile ecosystem of the region’s high-altitude deserts. Ladakh representatives have held several unsuccessful rounds of talks with Indian officials. Another meeting is scheduled Oct. 6. Roughly half of Ladakh’s residents are Muslim who are mainly concentrated in the Kargil district while around 40% are Buddhist, predominantly residing in the Leh district. Ladakh's sparsely populated villages have faced territorial disputes and suffered from the effects of climate change, including floods, landslides and droughts. The rugged region’s thousands of glaciers have receded at an alarming rate, threatening the water supply of millions of people. Pollution contributing to the melting has worsened due to the region’s militarization, which has intensified since 2020 in a deadly military standoff between India and China.

A section of road in Bangkok collapsed on Wednesday, creating a massive sinkhole that disrupted traffic, damaged infrastructure, and forced evacuations in the surrounding area. No casualties were reported, though three vehicles were damaged in the incident, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said. He noted that preliminary findings suggest ongoing construction work at an underground train station caused the collapse. Dramatic footage showed the road gradually sinking, pulling down several electricity poles and rupturing water pipes. Cars were seen hastily reversing as the sinkhole widened, eventually cutting off the four-lane roadway. One side of the collapse ended at the entrance of a police station, exposing its underground foundation. Authorities evacuated people from the police station and nearby buildings as a precaution. A hospital in the vicinity announced closure of its outpatient services for two days, although city officials confirmed the facility’s structure was not compromised. Power and water supplies in the area were cut off to reduce risks. Governor Chadchart said repair crews are working to fill and stabilize the sinkhole as quickly as possible, warning that heavy rains during Bangkok’s ongoing monsoon season — which typically lasts from May to October — could worsen the situation.