United News of Bangladesh

Indonesian rescue teams on Wednesday recovered the body of a Brazilian hiker who died after falling from the ridge of a volcano, officials confirmed. The victim, 26-year-old Juliana Marins, fell while hiking on Mount Rinjani, located on Indonesia’s Lombok Island. The recovery operation took more than five hours due to challenging conditions, including steep, rocky terrain and dense fog. “It takes quite a long time using this stretcher,” said Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency. Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza as Iran-Israel Ceasefire holds steady Authorities confirmed Marins’ death on Tuesday after rescue teams reached and examined her body, which was located with the help of a thermal drone. The search operation lasted four days, hampered by difficult terrain and poor weather. The incident drew significant attention in Brazil, with millions following the rescue efforts. Indonesian officials and rescue workers met with Marins’ family to brief them on the operation.“The family has shown remarkable acceptance of the situation and the challenges we faced,” Syafii stated. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest peak, is a popular trekking destination for adventurers.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged the international community to take proactive steps toward fostering international trade and economic cooperation. During the opening plenary of the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos, in Tianjin, Li emphasized that the global economic and trade environment is experiencing significant transformations. China eyes stronger ties with Bangladesh’s incoming govt: Sun Weidong The global economic and trade system is becoming increasingly diverse, with the Global South rising rapidly, Li said, noting that while the growth of traditional trade is slowing down, emerging trade has grown against the odds. Li also noted that, beyond affecting global institutions and increasing regional collaborations, the world is facing volatile declines in cross-border investment and rising risks of fragmented production and supply chains. Held from June 24 to 26 under the theme "Entrepreneurship for a New Era," the event brings together over 1,700 leaders from more than 90 countries and regions to discuss how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can foster more dynamic and resilient economies. China achieves major progress in building world's highest solar observatory

China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC) Tianjin Intelligent Manufacturing Base leads the industry with an annual capacity of 88,000 structural tons, revolutionizing the production of offshore oil and gas equipment. The facility integrates cutting-edge technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity, and digital twin systems. It features seven smart production lines and over 600 advanced manufacturing devices, enabling highly efficient automation and intelligent processes across project management, workshop operations, and facility control. Tianjin Port advances as China’s premier smart shipping hub Zhang Zeqing, Manager of the Structural Prefabrication Workshop at COOEC, said that this base is not only China's first "smart factory" for offshore oil and gas equipment manufacturing but also the first of its kind globally.   He emphasized, "We are continuously working to make it smarter and more digitalized."   He also mentioned plans to expand with a larger manufacturing facility in the future.   COOEC offers a range of services to international clients, with more than 100 overseas projects worldwide, including a significant project in Russia.  

Two Japanese Self-Defence Forces (SDF) planes departed for eastern Africa on Saturday to stand by for a possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East, as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate. The C-2 transport aircraft left Miho Air Base in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, carrying around 120 personnel, their Defence Ministry said. The aircraft will remain on standby at an SDF base in Djibouti. According to Kyodo News, no evacuation flights are currently planned, as major airports in Israel and Iran remain closed. The situation has intensified since Israeli strikes on Iran on June 13, prompting reciprocal attacks between the two nations. Tensions further heightened after US President Donald Trump suggested using military options to pressure Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Erdogan to boost missile production amid Iran-Israel conflict According to the Japan’s Foreign Ministry, 87 Japanese nationals and their family members were evacuated on Friday, 66 from Iran to Azerbaijan and 21 from Israel to Jordan, using government-arranged buses. Prior to the evacuation, approximately 280 Japanese citizens were in Iran and about 1,000 in Israel. On June 17, Japan raised its travel advisory for all of Iran to Level 4, the highest level, urging citizens to "evacuate and avoid all travel." Most of Israel remains under a Level 3 advisory, which urges people to "avoid all travel."

The Pakistani government announced Saturday that it will formally recommend U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, crediting his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during last month’s India-Pakistan military standoff. The announcement followed Trump’s remarks claiming credit for a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, while also expressing frustration at being overlooked by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for his involvement in mediating tensions between India and Pakistan, and Serbia and Kosovo. Though Indian officials have denied that Trump played any part in its ceasefire with Pakistan, Islamabad praised his engagement during the crisis. In a post on X, the Pakistani government stated that President Trump had shown “great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship” by actively engaging both Islamabad and New Delhi diplomatically to defuse rising tensions. Nato summit overshadowed by Trump as leaders focus on defence spending “This intervention stands as a testament to his role as a genuine peacemaker and his commitment to conflict resolution through dialogue,” the post read, crediting Trump’s efforts for helping to secure a ceasefire and prevent a broader clash between the two nuclear-armed nations. The standoff, which lasted four days, followed a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that India blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied any involvement. The confrontation raised fears of another full-scale conflict between the long-time rivals, who have fought multiple wars—two of them over Kashmir. Trump had also offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute and discussed possible trade deals with both countries. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey on Friday, he said, “We did a very great job with India and Pakistan, and we had India in, and it looks like we’re going to be making a trade deal with India. And we had Pakistan in, and it looks like we’re going to be making a trade deal with Pakistan. And it’s a beautiful thing to watch.” The Pakistani government also expressed appreciation for Trump’s willingness to address the Kashmir issue, calling it central to regional instability. “Durable peace in South Asia would remain elusive until the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Jammu and Kashmir,” it said. Islamabad further expressed hope that Trump’s legacy of “pragmatic diplomacy and effective peace-building” would contribute to resolving ongoing crises, especially in the Middle East. “Pakistan remains hopeful that his earnest efforts will continue to contribute toward regional and global stability, particularly in the context of ongoing crises in the Middle East, including the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating escalation involving Iran,” the statement concluded. Source: With input from Arab News, Dawn  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced plans to ramp up production of medium and long-range missiles in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, aiming to strengthen Turkey’s deterrence capabilities. Erdogan said that the move is intended to ensure that no country dares to threaten Turkey. “We are making production plans to bring our medium and long-range missile stockpiles to a level that ensures deterrence, in light of recent developments,” the president said following a cabinet meeting on Monday. “God willing, in the not-too-distant future, we will reach a defence capacity that is so strong that no one will even dare to act tough toward us,” he added. Armenian PM to meet Erdogan in rare visit to Turkey aimed at restoring ties In a separate address days later, Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s progress in developing a domestic defence industry, including drones, fighter jets, navy vessels, and armoured vehicles. He mentioned that continued effort was needed to ensure full deterrence. Since the start of the Iran-Israel conflict, Erdogan has been scrambling to end the hostilities. He has held a flurry of phone calls with leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, offering to act as a “facilitator” for the resumption of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Once close allies, Turkey and Israel have grown deeply estranged, especially after the start of the war in Gaza in 2023, with Erdogan becoming one of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fiercest critics.

 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is set to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday in a rare visit intended to advance the normalisation of ties between the two nations, whose relationship has long been marred by historic grievances and Turkey’s close alliance with Azerbaijan. The two countries, which currently lack formal diplomatic relations, are expected to focus their discussions on potentially reopening their shared border and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, according to AP. Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 as a show of solidarity with Azerbaijan, which was then engaged in a conflict with Armenia over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. In 2020, Turkey lent strong support to Azerbaijan in a six-week war with Armenia over the same territory. India and Canada to resume diplomatic ties nearly two years after Sikh Separatist killing That conflict concluded with a Russia-brokered ceasefire, granting Azerbaijan control over large parts of Nagorno-Karabakh. The two countries also remain divided over the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. An estimated 1.5 million Armenians were reportedly killed through massacres, deportations, and forced marches beginning in 1915. Historians widely characterise the atrocities as genocide — a term Turkey rejects. Ankara concedes that many perished during the period but disputes the death toll and insists the casualties occurred amid civil unrest. Pashinyan’s visit marks a continuation of a thaw in relations, which began when Ankara and Yerevan agreed in 2021 to begin efforts to normalise ties. Both sides appointed special envoys to oversee dialogue.

Rescue teams in southern China’s Guangdong province used rubber boats on Wednesday to evacuate residents and deliver essential supplies as severe flooding inundated multiple towns. According to state broadcaster CCTV, approximately 30,000 people have been evacuated from Huaiji County following several days of intense rainfall. Over half of the roads in the county are underwater, and widespread power and internet outages have been reported. China's investment in Central Asia surpasses $30 billion, signaling deepening economic ties The Suijiang River overflowed in a densely populated area, transforming large stretches of streets into waterways. Aerial images showed high-rise buildings and green tree canopies rising above muddy floodwaters. In many places, flood levels reached midway up the first floors of buildings, with only the tops of cars visible. Huaiji County lies near the Guangxi border, roughly 140 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Guangzhou, a key industrial and port hub that serves as Guangdong’s provincial capital. The flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Wutip, which was followed by seasonal monsoon rains earlier this week. Over the weekend, two landslides in Guangxi caused by the tropical storm claimed the lives of five people. A rescue worker interviewed during a livestream by the Southern Metropolis Daily said his team was working to evacuate critically ill patients from a hospital. They had delivered water and milk powder to a woman with a newborn and were also providing supplies to dozens of children and elderly individuals sheltering in a school.  

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is under mounting pressure to resign amid a deepening political crisis sparked by a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, which has intensified tensions over a recent border dispute between the two countries. On Thursday, Paetongtarn publicly apologized after a key coalition ally withdrew support for her Pheu Thai Party-led government, citing the controversial recording. The prime minister has already been under fire from nationalist critics for what they see as a lenient approach toward Cambodia — a sensitive issue given the longstanding enmity between her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and Thai right-wing factions. The latest row follows a deadly border clash on May 28 in a disputed area, which resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Controversial Leak and Fallout Cambodia’s Senate President Hun Sen, who served as prime minister for decades, released the entire 17-minute phone conversation on Facebook after a shorter version had been leaked a day earlier. He said the call was recorded to prevent “misunderstanding or misrepresentation” and noted that he had shared it with over 80 individuals. In the recording, Paetongtarn is heard addressing Hun Sen as “uncle” while the two, speaking through interpreters, discussed easing border restrictions following the deadly skirmish. Controversy erupted after she referred to the Thai military commander stationed at the disputed zone as “an opponent,” which critics say signaled weakness and deference to Cambodia. Aung San Suu Kyi’s supporters strive to set world record to honor her 80th birthday Paetongtarn defended her comments, stating they were part of a negotiation strategy aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering peace. However, she announced she would no longer hold private talks with Hun Sen, accusing him of prioritizing domestic popularity over regional diplomacy. “It is now evident that his concern lies solely with boosting his image at home, with little regard for the consequences on bilateral relations,” she said. Thailand’s Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest with the Cambodian ambassador, denouncing the leak as “a breach of diplomatic etiquette, a serious violation of trust, and harmful to neighborly conduct.” Paetongtarn has previously emphasized the personal ties between the Shinawatra and Hun families. Her father Thaksin and Hun Sen have long referred to each other as “godbrothers.” In 2009, Hun Sen controversially appointed Thaksin as an adviser to the Cambodian government, though Thaksin resigned shortly thereafter. Mounting pressure Hours after the leak, the Bhumjaithai party, the biggest partner in Paetongtarn’s ruling coalition, said it would quit because of the leaked phone call. The party's statement said the recording “posed an impact on Thailand’s sovereignty, territory, interests and the army.” The party called for Paetongtarn to take responsibility for the damage, although they did not say how. There has already been a rift between Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai over reports that the former would be shuffled out of the powerful Interior Ministry. Several Bhumjaithai leaders are also under investigation over the alleged rigging of the Senate election in which many figures who are reportedly close to the party claimed a majority of seats. India and Canada to resume diplomatic ties nearly two years after Sikh Separatist killing The departure of Bhumjaithai left the 10-party coalition with 255 seats, just above the majority of the 500-seat house. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People’s Party on Thursday called for Paetongtarn to dissolve Parliament and hold a new election. He said the leaked phone call was “the last straw” that destroyed people's faith in her administration. Dozens of nationalists protesters gathered near the Government House on Thursday, holding Thai national flags and signs calling for Paetongtarn to resign. Some senators said they will file a motion to impeach her, and several other individuals also filed complaints over the matter to law enforcement agencies. People have also expressed concern that Paetongtarn’s comment towards the local army commander could potentially lead to a military coup. Her father, Thaksin, was ousted in a coup in 2006, and Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, became prime minister in 2011 and was also toppled by the military in 2014. The military said in a statement Thursday that it would like the people to “maintain confidence in the Royal Thai Army’s steadfast commitment to constitutional monarchy and its readiness to execute its constitutional mandate of protecting national sovereignty through established legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms."

Thousands of supporters of Myanmar’s imprisoned former leader Aung San Suu Kyi commemorated her 80th birthday on Thursday through a global campaign and nationwide demonstrations denouncing the country’s military regime. A birthday video campaign, spearheaded by activist Kalo Say Htoo, aimed to gather 80,000 video messages in tribute to Suu Kyi while also setting a new Guinness World Record. Organizers reported that submissions exceeded 103,000, surpassing the previous record of 32,207 set in 2017. Suu Kyi has been imprisoned since the military coup in February 2021, which removed her democratically elected government from power. She has been sentenced to 27 years in prison on a series of charges widely seen as politically motivated. Despite her incarceration, she remains a symbol of democratic resistance and is viewed by many as Myanmar's rightful leader. Her son, Kim Aris, who resides in London, praised the campaign in a Facebook post, calling it a powerful expression of global solidarity. “It’s my hope this achievement brings urgent attention to her plight and that of the people of Burma,” Aris said, using Myanmar’s former name. In honor of his mother, Aris pledged to run 80 kilometers and encouraged others to mark the milestone with their own "80-themed" activities. Street protests took place in regions beyond military control—including Kachin State in the north, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway in central Myanmar, and Tanintharyi in the south. Protesters carried flowers, cakes, and posters of Suu Kyi, with banners calling for her release and the liberation of the country. Israel’s military warns people to evacuate the area around Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor Meanwhile, supporters of the military regime called for the arrest of demonstrators. Western embassies joined the observance by posting images of red roses—Suu Kyi's symbolic flower—and issuing statements urging the release of Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. In a joint statement, the Suu Foundation and French law firm Zimeray & Finelle reported that Suu Kyi may have sustained an injury to her left arm during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March.