United News of Bangladesh

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck the waters off Yilan County, Taiwan, at 11:05 p.m. Saturday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The epicenter was monitored at 24.67 degrees north latitude and 122.06 degrees east longitude. The earthquake struck at a depth of 60 km, the center said. The earthquake was felt across Taiwan, with noticeable building shaking. No casualties or property damage reports have been released on the island so far.  

Venezuelan men sent by the United States to a prison in El Salvador earlier this year demanded justice Friday, following a U.S. federal judge’s order requiring the Trump administration to provide them legal due process. The men, gathered in Caracas at a press conference organized by Venezuela’s government, said they hope legal organizations will help present their claims in court. The ruling, issued Monday in Washington, directs the U.S. to either hold court hearings for the 252 men or return them to the country, allowing them to challenge claims that they are members of the Tren de Aragua gang under an 18th-century wartime law. The migrants alleged they suffered physical and psychological abuse while detained in El Salvador. “We are here to demand justice before the world for human rights violations committed against us and to seek support from international organizations to ensure our rights are respected,” Andry Blanco told reporters. Some men described ongoing fears stemming from their detention, including reluctance to leave their homes or interact with law enforcement. Not all of them expressed a desire to return to the U.S. “I don’t trust them,” said Nolberto Aguilar about the U.S. government. The men were flown to El Salvador in March and returned to Venezuela in July under a prisoner exchange between the Trump administration and President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Camilla Fabri, Venezuela’s vice minister of foreign affairs for international communications, said the government is coordinating with U.S. bar associations and human rights organizations to file a major lawsuit against Trump and the U.S. government for alleged crimes committed against the men.

The Kennedy Center president has sharply condemned musician Chuck Redd for canceling a Christmas Eve performance after the White House announced that President Donald Trump's name would be added to the venue. Richard Grenell, who heads the center, called Redd’s last-minute withdrawal “classic intolerance” and warned that it caused significant financial loss to the non-profit arts institution. Grenell said he plans to seek $1 million in damages over what he described as a “political stunt.” Redd, a drummer and vibraphone player, has led the Kennedy Center’s holiday “Jazz Jams” since 2006. He told the Associated Press that he canceled the concert after noticing the name change on the Kennedy Center website and the building itself. He described the decision as “very sad,” noting that the event often featured student musicians and had become a popular holiday tradition. The Kennedy Center was originally named in 1964 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The recent renaming honoring Trump was approved by a board selected by Trump, raising legal concerns. Scholars say the change may violate federal law, which prohibits adding another person’s name to the center. Kerry Kennedy, a niece of the late president, has vowed to remove Trump’s name once he leaves office. The controversy has stirred debate over the legality and appropriateness of renaming a national cultural landmark, with former congressional historians noting that any changes would require approval by Congress.

This New Year’s Eve, Times Square will welcome 2026 with a patriotic twist: after the traditional ball drop, the crystal ball will rise again, glowing red, white, and blue to kick off months of events commemorating America’s upcoming 250th birthday. Rosie Rios, chair of the America250 commission, described the celebration as “one for the ages,” with hundreds of programs nationwide marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Times Square Alliance and One Times Square collaborated to add new elements to this year’s festivities, including a second confetti drop and plans for an unprecedented July 3 ball drop, the first in 120 years to occur outside New Year’s Eve. The Times Square ball drop tradition began in 1907 with a 700-pound iron-and-wood ball created by Jacob Starr. The latest version, the Constellation Ball, weighs nearly 12,000 pounds and measures 12 feet in diameter. Midnight will also launch America Gives, a nationwide volunteer initiative aiming for record participation in 2026. America250 will feature in the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, with a float celebrating the nation’s past, present, and future. Rios emphasized that celebrations will span the entire country, from Alaska to Guam, and aim to engage citizens in both large-scale events and community-driven programs. President Donald Trump has also announced the “Freedom 250” initiative to coordinate additional activities for the semiquincentennial. “Having a menu of options for participation is key,” Rios said. “That’s how we’re going to engage all 350 million Americans.”  

The public release of grand jury transcripts from Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking case has renewed focus on her role in Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse of minors, just days after she petitioned a judge for early release from her 20-year sentence. The records, part of the Justice Department’s ongoing release of the Epstein files, revealed FBI testimony describing how Maxwell allegedly groomed girls alongside Epstein from the 1990s into the early 2000s. In one account, a teenager from Michigan said Maxwell “normalized” her relationship with Epstein and even directed sexual activity. Four women later testified similarly at Maxwell’s 2021 trial, which led to her conviction. Maxwell, who filed a habeas petition claiming exonerating evidence had been withheld and witnesses lied, was reprimanded by a federal judge for improperly including victim names in her filings. Victims, including Epstein accuser Danielle Bensky, expressed concern that Maxwell’s legal maneuvers could overshadow the crimes committed, emphasizing that Maxwell was actively involved in Epstein’s sexual exploitation. The Justice Department continues to release heavily redacted documents, noting that more than a million potentially relevant records remain to be reviewed before full disclosure.

At least two people were killed after a powerful explosion tore through a nursing home near Philadelphia on Tuesday, collapsing part of the building, triggering a major fire and trapping residents inside, authorities said. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said emergency responders rushed into the burning Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township despite intense flames, a strong smell of gas and a secondary explosion, rescuing residents and staff. Fire officials said crews remained in “rescue mode” hours later, using search dogs, heavy equipment and sonar technology to locate possible victims. As of Tuesday evening, five people were still unaccounted for, though officials cautioned some may have left with family members. The blast occurred shortly after a utility crew arrived at the facility to investigate reports of a gas odor. While a gas leak is believed to be the cause, Shapiro said the finding remains preliminary. Fire Chief Kevin Dippolito described chaotic rescue efforts, with firefighters pulling residents from windows, stairwells and elevator shafts. Two people were rescued from a collapsed section of the building. Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or confirmed the number of injured. The 174-bed facility, formerly known as Silver Lake Healthcare Center, had recently been cited for safety violations during a state inspection. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.  

The U.S. Justice Department has released tens of thousands of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the latest and largest tranche of files on the late financier and convicted sex offender. The documents include multiple mentions of President Donald Trump but provide little new information, officials said. Many references to Trump come from news clippings, though one email from a federal prosecutor highlighted that Trump flew on Epstein’s private jet more often than previously reported in the 1990s. Trump and Epstein were friends for years, but the president has not been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The Justice Department said some documents contained “untrue and sensationalist claims” about Trump made shortly before the 2020 election. One alleged letter from Epstein to convicted sports doctor Larry Nassar was confirmed as fake. The latest release shows Trump listed on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, with co-passenger Ghislaine Maxwell on some trips. Other files revealed that Mar-a-Lago was subpoenaed in 2021 for employment records. Trump dismissed the files as a distraction from his administration’s work and criticized the release of photos showing him with Epstein alongside other well-known figures. Other high-profile names in the files include former President Bill Clinton, the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross, and the U.K.’s Prince Andrew. The documents include correspondence suggesting Andrew was in contact with Maxwell, though he denies any wrongdoing. Monday’s release is the largest so far, adding nearly 30,000 pages of news clippings, law enforcement tips, and surveillance videos from Epstein’s New York jail. Many materials were already publicly known. Officials said the staged release aims to protect victims, though some have called for full transparency. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the documents still leave “more questions than answers,” pointing to mentions of 10 potential co-conspirators with few additional details.    

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States will either keep or sell crude oil seized from Venezuelan tankers, as Washington continues to step up pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the oil could be sold, kept, or added to the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He also said the seized vessels would remain under US control. The comments came as the US Coast Guard continued to pursue a third oil tanker that authorities described as part of a Venezuelan “dark fleet” used to bypass US sanctions. Trump said the tanker would eventually be seized. Earlier this month, US forces seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela. The Trump administration has accused Caracas of using oil revenues to fund drug-related crime, an allegation the Venezuelan government has rejected, calling the seizures acts of piracy. Trump suggested the actions could increase pressure on Maduro to leave office but said the decision ultimately rested with the Venezuelan leader. The US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean and Pacific regions and has carried out strikes on vessels it claims were involved in drug trafficking. The military has faced criticism over a lack of public evidence linking the targets to drug smuggling. Venezuelan President Maduro responded by accusing Trump of interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs and said the US leader should focus on domestic issues. The Trump administration has designated Maduro’s government as a foreign terrorist organisation and recently ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers traveling to or from Venezuela. Venezuela has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss what it described as continued US aggression.   With inputs from BBC

President Donald Trump on Monday warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro against “playing tough” as the US Coast Guard stepped up efforts to intercept sanctioned oil tankers in the Caribbean, part of the Republican administration’s escalating pressure campaign on Caracas. Trump, joined by top aides including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, said he is prepared to further intensify the four-month campaign, which began to curb the flow of illegal drugs from Venezuela but has since expanded. “If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he'll ever be able to play tough,” Trump said, while announcing plans for a new large Navy warship. The Coast Guard continued a second day of pursuit of a sanctioned tanker the administration claims is part of Venezuela’s “dark fleet” used to evade US sanctions. The vessel is reportedly under a false flag and subject to a US judicial seizure order. This marks the third tanker targeted; previous seizures included the Panama-flagged Centuries and Skipper tankers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the operations aim to send a global message that Maduro’s alleged illegal activities “cannot stand” and that the US will defend its interests. Meanwhile, Russia began evacuating families of diplomats from Venezuela amid concerns over rising tensions, while Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil said Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed support for Caracas against the US blockade of sanctioned tankers. On Venezuelan beaches near the El Palito refinery, residents noted the stark contrast with past years. Once bustling with multiple tankers and festive celebrations, the area now sees fewer vessels and families struggling with rising food prices. The Venezuelan National Assembly, controlled by Maduro’s party, on Monday approved a measure criminalizing acts linked to tanker seizures, with penalties of fines and up to 20 years in prison for offenses such as promoting or participating in “acts of piracy or blockades.” Under Trump’s orders, the Defense Department continues strikes on vessels alleged to carry drugs toward the US, with at least 105 people killed in 29 strikes since September, prompting criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups over possible extrajudicial killings.  

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his call to take over Greenland, which triggered strong objections from Greenland, Denmark and the European Union. "We need Greenland for national security, not for minerals," Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The claim contrasted with his administration's earlier remarks, which cited a combination of national security concerns, Arctic strategy, and the potential of critical minerals and natural resources as drivers of U.S. interest. On Sunday, Trump announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as his special envoy to Greenland. "We have to have it (Greenland) and he (Landry) wanted to lead the charge," Trump said. In response, Landry said on X that the special envoy position would be "a volunteer position to make Greenland a part of the U.S." "They say Denmark owns it. Denmark has spent no money and has no military protection," Trump said. Greenland, a former Danish colony, was granted home rule in 1979. In 2009, Denmark passed the Act on Greenland Self-Government, expanding the island's authority over its domestic affairs. However, Denmark retains authority over Greenland's foreign, defense and security policy, according to information on the website of the Prime Minister's Office of Denmark. Trump's appointment of the envoy to Greenland has sparked strong diplomatic reactions in Greenland, Denmark and the European Union. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday that he would summon U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery over the appointment. "I am very upset about this appointment of a special envoy. And I am particularly upset about the envoy's statements, which we find completely unacceptable," Rasmussen told Danish broadcaster TV 2. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Monday in a joint statement that they expect respect for their "joint territorial integrity" from the U.S. side. "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again. You cannot annex other countries. Not even with an argument about international security. Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and the U.S. should not take over Greenland," the statement said. "Preserving the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, its sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders is essential for the European Union (EU)," EU Foreign Affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni told a press conference Monday, adding that the bloc's stance is grounded in a long-standing position on the issue.