United News of Bangladesh

Authorities in Munich on Wednesday morning shut down the Oktoberfest fairgrounds, the world’s largest beer festival, following a bomb threat linked to an explosion at a residential building in northern Munich, city officials said. The explosion, which police said was deliberately set and stemmed from a domestic dispute, reportedly killed at least one person. It is not yet clear whether the deceased is the suspected perpetrator or another individual. Another person, not considered a danger to the public, remains missing. Specialized police teams were deployed to defuse potential booby traps at the building, while photos from the scene showed a burned-out van. The alleged perpetrator sent a letter threatening explosives at Oktoberfest, prompting police to search the festival grounds and evacuate workers. Authorities said the fair will remain closed at least until 5 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) Wednesday. This year’s Oktoberfest, running from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5, usually draws up to six million visitors, making it the world’s largest beer festival. Munich’s Oktoberfest also has a tragic history of attacks. In 1980, a neo-Nazi bombing killed 13 people, including three children, and injured more than 200. The attacker, Gundolf Koehler, was a member of a banned far-right group.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday accused Nigel Farage of crossing “a moral line” with his anti-immigration rhetoric, contrasting the Reform UK leader’s divisive politics with his own vision of “patriotic renewal.” Speaking at Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Starmer framed Britain’s political battle as a “fight for the soul of our country,” urging voters to reject what he described as “snake oil merchants” promising easy solutions. “I do not accept that Britain is broken,” he said, insisting that his government can deliver a more hopeful future. Starmer attacked Farage directly, saying the veteran populist never speaks positively about Britain’s future. “He doesn’t like Britain, doesn’t believe in Britain, wants you to doubt it as much as he does,” Starmer told delegates. Since Labour’s landslide victory in July 2024, the party’s approval ratings have sunk. Inflation remains high and growth sluggish, frustrating its efforts to restore public services. Treasury chief Rachel Reeves blamed “harsh global headwinds” from wars and U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, warning of tough decisions in the upcoming budget. The bleak outlook has fueled support for Farage’s Reform UK, now topping opinion polls despite holding just five parliamentary seats. His anti-establishment message, echoing Trump’s MAGA movement, has centered on stopping migrant boats crossing the English Channel. More than 30,000 people have made the perilous journey this year. Farage has vowed mass deportations and even stripping residency rights from many legal immigrants. Starmer condemned the proposals as “racist” and “immoral,” adding that inciting racist violence “is not expressing concern, that is criminal.” He said people have a “reasonable demand” for secure borders but warned against crossing into thuggery. In an unusually fiery address, Starmer also set out a program of rebuilding Britain through public and private investment in infrastructure, education, housing and industry. He said citizens should be proud to fly the national flag “as we celebrate difference and oppose racism.” Farage dismissed the speech as “an absolute disgrace,” accusing Starmer of implying Reform supporters are racists. Amid Labour’s struggles, speculation has grown about Starmer’s leadership, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham seen as a possible challenger. But delegates in Liverpool welcomed his more passionate tone. “We need to call out the division in our society,” said Jeannette Banks of St. Helens. Political analyst John Curtice said Labour’s challenge is not only fixing the economy but shifting public mood: “The question is whether the current leadership has the ability to change perceptions.”

Activists on a flotilla attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza said on Wednesday that several of their boats came under drone attack overnight while sailing south of Greece. The Global Sumud Flotilla reported “unidentified drones and communications jamming” with at least 13 explosions around its vessels. It said drones or aircraft dropped “unidentified objects” on at least 10 boats, damaging sails and equipment but causing no casualties. Activists also posted video of an explosion near one vessel. Italy condemned the attack and sent a navy frigate toward the area for potential rescue operations. “Demonstrations and protests must be protected when conducted peacefully and in line with international law,” said Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. The European Union also warned against the use of force, while the UN Human Rights Office called for an independent investigation. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, on board one of the boats, described the strikes as “scare tactics,” saying: “Drones are something Palestinians experience 24-7. That’s what we must focus on.” Other activists reported hearing interference on their radios, including music being played over their communications channel. The flotilla, involving about 50 vessels from dozens of countries, is carrying food and medicine in a symbolic mission to Gaza. Organisers rejected Israeli accusations of links to Hamas. Israel insists the aid be unloaded at Ashkelon for transfer into Gaza, saying it will not allow breaches of its naval blockade. The convoy, the largest of its kind, comes amid Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. The 18-year blockade, tightened during the nearly two-year war, has left hundreds of thousands facing famine, according to UN agencies.

A cyberattack targeting check-in and boarding systems caused widespread disruption and delays at several of Europe’s busiest airports on Saturday. London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports confirmed they were affected after Collins Aerospace, a U.S.-based service provider, suffered a “cyber-related disruption” to its software. The company, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, said the issue was limited to electronic check-in and baggage drop but could be managed through manual operations. Heathrow advised passengers to check flight status with airlines, while Brussels airport warned of delays and cancellations. Berlin airport also reported long queues and urged patience as it worked on a solution. Airports in Frankfurt, Zurich, and Paris reported no disruptions. Authorities said no group has claimed responsibility for the attack and there is no evidence of data theft so far.   Source: ALJAZEERA

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday began a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, marked by royal pageantry and political protests, as both sides seek to reaffirm the trans-Atlantic alliance despite sharp policy differences. King Charles III welcomed Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle with a carriage procession, honor guards and a state banquet. Trump is the first US president to be invited for a second state visit to Britain. On Thursday, Trump will hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the premier’s country retreat. The agenda includes trade negotiations, technology partnerships and security issues. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI chief Sam Altman are expected to join the US delegation, with reports of major US investments in UK data centers. Tensions remain over Ukraine and Gaza. While Starmer seeks to ensure continued US backing for Kyiv, Trump has downplayed recent Russian actions in Poland. Starmer has also pledged UK recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN, a move at odds with Washington. In London, police are bracing for large-scale demonstrations, with around 50 groups expected to rally against Trump’s visit. The Metropolitan Police said 1,600 officers will be deployed. London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized Trump’s policies, accusing him of stoking division. Despite protests, Windsor displayed a festive mood with US and UK flags lining the streets as crowds gathered to witness the ceremony. Trump said trade talks will continue during his stay, as both sides aim to build on earlier tariff agreements covering autos and aerospace while seeking progress on pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminum.

Russian forces launched overnight rocket attacks on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, injuring 13 people, including two children, officials said Tuesday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged European leaders to safeguard the continent by establishing a robust air defense network. More than three and a half years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, strikes on civilian areas and the ongoing fighting along the roughly 1,000-kilometer front line have shown no sign of slowing. A peace settlement remains distant despite months of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. Ultimatums from U.S. President Donald Trump for Moscow to engage with proposals to halt the fighting have passed without visible effect. Zelenskyy said on Telegram that in the past two weeks alone, Russia has launched over 3,500 drones, more than 2,500 powerful glide bombs, and nearly 200 missiles at targets across Ukraine. Glide bombs, dropped from jets behind the front line, and drone swarms continue to challenge Ukrainian defenses. While glide bombs are not highly accurate, they create large craters, and Ukraine currently lacks an effective countermeasure. Russian drones have also reached Polish territory, prompting NATO to strengthen air defenses in Europe. Zelenskyy called for a multilayered European air defense system, emphasizing that the technologies exist but require investment, commitment, and decisive action from partners. In Zaporizhzhia, the rocket attacks damaged over 20 apartment buildings and started fires, according to regional head Ivan Fedorov. He said municipal workers were still repairing damage from strikes on Aug. 30 when the latest attacks occurred. In retaliation, Ukraine has deployed long-range drones against strategic targets inside Russia, including oil refineries, depots, and terminals. These strikes have contributed to gasoline shortages in Russia despite its status as the world’s second-largest oil exporter. Ukraine’s General Staff reported that overnight attacks targeted an oil refinery in the Saratov region, causing explosions and a fire.

In a world where politicians are often accused of being "heartless," Albania has embraced the label by appointing an artificial intelligence as a minister. This is not a minister for AI, but rather a cabinet member entirely created by AI. Known by a single name, Diella—which means “sun” in Albanian—she was unveiled by Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday, shortly after he began his fourth term following May’s election victory. The appointment, however, is symbolic. Albania’s constitution requires that ministers must be adult citizens deemed mentally competent. Even so, Rama highlighted the advantages of a digital minister. Diella cannot leak sensitive information, will never be implicated in a financial scandal, and the only “power” she consumes is electricity. She has been tasked with overseeing public procurement, with Rama pledging to make Albania “a country where public tenders are 100% free of corruption.” "We're working with a brilliant team, which is not only Albanian but also international, to come out with the first full AI model in public procurement," Rama told the BBC. "Not only will we wipe out every potential influence on public biddings – we will also make the process much faster, much more efficient and totally accountable." Diella is not entirely new to public service. She first appeared as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania portal, helping citizens apply for official documents. Rama noted that she has already "helped more than a million applications." But he envisions far more, saying Albania can “leapfrog” larger nations still bound by “traditional ways of working.” Reactions have been mixed. The opposition Democratic Party dismissed the initiative as “ridiculous” and “unconstitutional.” Others see potential. Aneida Bajraktari Bicja of Balkans Capital observed that Rama “often mixes reform with theatrics,” but added the AI initiative “could be constructive if it develops into real systems that improve transparency and trust in public procurement.” Experts also see promise. Dr Andi Hoxhaj of King’s College London said, "AI is still a new tool – but if it is programmed correctly, when you put a bid in online, you can see clearly and more closely if a company meets the conditions and the criteria." He stressed that Albania’s EU accession push makes tackling corruption vital: "There's a lot at stake. The main precondition from the EU has been to address corruption. If [Diella] is a vehicle or mechanism that could be used towards that goal, it's worth exploring." Rama admits there is an element of showmanship in appointing an AI minister but insists there is also substance. "It puts pressure on other members of the cabinet and national agencies to run and think differently. This is the biggest advantage I'm expecting from this minister," he said. For now, Diella may be the only “minister” in the world who is powered by code rather than politics—but her presence could be a sign of things to come.

Ukrainian drones overnight struck one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, sparking a fire at the Kirishi facility in Leningrad region, according to Ukrainian military and Russian officials. The Kirishi refinery, run by Surgutneftegas, produces about 17.7 million metric tons of crude annually, ranking among Russia’s top three by output. Ukrainian authorities said such attacks aim to weaken Moscow’s war effort. Ukraine’s General Staff reported explosions and fire at the facility, sharing images of smoke and flames against the night sky. Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were shot down, with falling debris causing the blaze, which was later extinguished. No casualties were reported. The Russian Defense Ministry said at least 80 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russia, occupied Crimea, and the Sea of Azov. Russian officials have not commented on the refinery damage. The strike comes amid a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, contributing to gasoline shortages in parts of the country. Russian authorities have temporarily halted gasoline exports, imposing a full ban until Sept. 30 and partial restrictions until Oct. 31. Separately, the Leningrad region saw a fatal railway accident when a diesel locomotive derailed, killing the driver. Another explosion along railway tracks in Oryol region killed three people, including a National Guard member. Investigations are ongoing to determine possible sabotage. Now in its fourth year, the Ukraine-Russia conflict has increasingly seen drones as a key weapon, raising concerns over further escalation beyond Ukrainian borders.

Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have severely damaged residential areas in the capital, Sanaa, leaving families living amid ruins with little hope of assistance from local authorities. According to the Houthi-run health ministry, Wednesday’s strikes killed 46 people, including 11 women and five children, and injured 165 others. Eleven journalists were also among the dead. Most casualties were reported in Sanaa, where dozens of homes in central neighborhoods, including Tahrir, sustained extensive damage. The strikes followed a Houthi-launched drone attack on a southern Israeli airport, which breached Israel’s air defenses and injured one person. Houthi officials also reported damage to a military headquarters, a fuel station in Sanaa, a government facility in Hazm, and Yemen’s National Museum. Footage from Sanaa showed shattered walls, debris, and destroyed interiors in residential buildings. Residents told UNB that they cannot afford repairs and have received no assistance from authorities. Um Talal, a mother of two sons and a daughter, described her damaged home, saying, “Everything was lost in the blink of an eye. Authorities haven’t even called us to this day.” Despite the destruction, she said the family plans to rebuild what they can and continue living there. Shopkeeper Khaled al-Dabeai said the blasts terrified residents, causing widespread panic, and knocked products off store shelves. Another resident, Ahmed al-Wasabi, said his family narrowly escaped when part of their house was destroyed. Israel has repeatedly launched airstrikes in response to Houthi missile and drone attacks, which the rebels say are acts of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat vowed to continue attacks, warning Israelis to “stay alarmed since the response is coming for sure.” The strikes highlight the ongoing human cost of Yemen’s civil war, exacerbating the plight of civilians already struggling amid years of conflict and economic hardship.

Serbia is facing its most intense wave of protests in decades as demonstrators challenge President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long populist rule, raising concerns over political stability and human rights. The unrest began after a deadly canopy collapse at Novi Sad railway station on Nov. 1, 2024, which killed at least 16 people, highlighting alleged state negligence and corruption. Initially led by university students, the protests have expanded nationwide, drawing citizens frustrated with rising living costs and government impunity. Demonstrators are demanding accountability, transparency, and early elections. Authorities have responded with escalating force, deploying riot police, plainclothes officers, and parapolice units reportedly led by pro-Vucic soccer hooligans. Protesters have faced beatings, arbitrary arrests, and the use of tear gas, stun grenades, and sonic devices, prompting condemnation from human rights groups. In turn, demonstrators have staged sit-ins, occupied university halls, and blocked major roads, sustaining a cycle of confrontation. Vucic, who rose to power from his nationalist beginnings under former strongman Slobodan Milosevic, has dismissed protesters as “terrorists” backed by Western powers. While offering dialogue, he has refused to call early elections and has replaced over 100 teachers and university staff with loyalists.