United News of Bangladesh

A massive fire at a recently opened shopping mall in eastern Iraq has claimed the lives of more than 60 people, including children, officials said on Thursday. The blaze broke out late Wednesday at the Corniche Hypermarket Mall in the city of Kut, just a week after the five-story commercial complex opened its doors. According to the Interior Ministry, over 45 people were rescued from the burning building by civil defense teams, while several others remain unaccounted for. Images shared by local media showed the structure fully consumed by flames. The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that at least 61 people were killed, most from suffocation, including 14 charred bodies that have yet to be identified. Authorities have declared a three-day period of mourning in Wasit province. Governor Mohammed al-Mayyeh confirmed legal action has been initiated against the building’s owner and the mall’s management, though the specific charges were not disclosed. “We assure the victims' families that those responsible, directly or indirectly, will be held accountable,” the governor stated, adding that initial investigation findings would be released within 48 hours. Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has ordered the interior minister to visit the site and oversee the investigation, stressing the need for measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Fires caused by poor construction standards have plagued Iraq in recent years. In 2021, a hospital fire in Nasiriyah killed dozens, and in 2023, over 100 people died during a wedding hall fire in Nineveh province — both incidents linked to the use of flammable materials.

International migration isn't just a global statistic; it's the raw pulse of human stories, sparked by fragile dreams of safety, prosperity, or family reunions, yet so often crushed under waves of heartbreak and hardship no one deserves. As of mid-2024, the latest UN figures peg the global international migrant stock at 304 million people, about 3.7% of the world's population, each one shouldering a personal saga of bravery, grief, and quiet resilience. These aren't faceless numbers; they're people like Ibtihal from Syria, who fled war in 2013 with her husband and five kids to Jordan, scraping by for over a decade before returning in 2025 to a ruined home that brought tears of joy and sorrow, as she whispered, "Life is truly painful." Or Harjit Singh from India's Punjab, who pawned family land for an $80,000 smuggling trek to the US, enduring jungles and detention only to be deported in debt, confessing, "I am broken inside… I don't see a future." And Maawia Alhassan from Sudan, a once-thriving shop owner who lost everything in 2023's conflict, fleeing alone to Uganda while agonizing over his missing wife and kids, holding on as he says, "The pain is immense, but I haven’t given up." Read more: Challenges mount  for Bangladesh as legal migration to Malaysia remains stalled Top Countries Hosting and Sending International Migrants You know how migration really works? It's not this neat little diagram; it's all over the place, with people heading out for decent work, dodging wars, coping with crazy climate stuff, or just holding onto family connections. The UN's newest numbers, fresh from their 2024 update that dropped in early 2025, have the total international migrants jumping from 275 million in 2020 up to 304 million by mid-2024, mostly because of big displacements and spots crying out for extra hands on deck. Primary Host Nations: Havens Amid Strain Host countries provide refuge and opportunity, but often at a cost to both newcomers and locals. The United States, home to over 52 million migrants, exemplifies this duality. Immigrants fuel innovation and growth, yet many, like undocumented farmworkers, toil in fields under harsh conditions, their contributions vital yet undervalued. Germany, with its welcoming policies, hosts millions fleeing conflict, but integration stories reveal struggles, such as language barriers that leave families feeling adrift. Table: Here are the top 10 host countries, based on UN data for 2024. Rank Country Migrant Stock (millions) 1 United States 52.4 2 Germany 16.8 3 Saudi Arabia 13.7 4 Russia 12.0 5 United Kingdom 9.6 6 United Arab Emirates 8.8 7 France 8.5 8 Canada 8.0 9 Australia 7.7 10 Italy 6.4 . Read more: Essential services for Rohingyas at risk of collapsing; 150,000 more enter Bangladesh in 18 months: UNHCR In Gulf states like the UAE, migrants from South Asia build skyscrapers but often face exploitative labor practices, their passports confiscated, binding them like modern-day indentured servants. Leading Countries of Origin: Roots of Departure Origin countries lose talent and youth, yet gain through remittances that sustain economies. India leads, with 18.5 million emigrants whose journeys are laced with sacrifice, think of Priya, a nurse in the UK, video-calling her children nightly, her heart torn between duty and longing. The top 10 origin countries in 2024: Rank Country Emigrants (millions) 1 India 18.5 2 Mexico 12.0 3 China 11.7 4 Russia  10.5 5 Syria 8.2 6 Philippines 6.5 7 Ukraine 6.0 8 Bangladesh 5.5 9 Pakistan 5.0 10 Afghanistan 4.8 Remittances reached $685 billion to low- and middle-income countries in 2024, often outpacing aid and investment, funding school fees and medical bills that keep families afloat. Read more: Rohingyas are victims of racial discrimination and prolonged statelessness: Prof Yunus

Syrian officials and leaders from the country’s Druze minority have declared a renewed ceasefire following days of deadly clashes in Sweida province that have threatened Syria’s fragile postwar stability and provoked military strikes from Israel. Government troops began pulling out of Sweida, though uncertainty remains about whether the truce will hold. A ceasefire declared Tuesday quickly collapsed, and leading Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri has already distanced himself from the new agreement. Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes continued, including rare attacks deep inside Damascus. Israel said the strikes were aimed at protecting Druze communities and pushing back Islamist militants near its border. The Druze, who also form a significant community in Israel, are often viewed as a loyal minority and frequently serve in the Israeli military. The current violence began as local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze militias clashed, leading to tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks. Government forces intervened but reportedly also targeted civilians during the crackdown. This wave of violence poses a major challenge to Syria’s transitional leadership, which came to power after long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December, ending the country's 14-year civil war. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the nation on state television, describing the Druze as essential to Syria’s identity and denouncing Israeli interference as an attempt to sow division. He emphasized unity and warned against dragging the country into another war. Syria’s new Sunni-led government has struggled to win trust from minority groups after previous incidents of sectarian violence. In March, clashes between government forces and pro-Assad militias triggered revenge killings targeting the Alawite community, Assad’s religious group. While the Syrian Interior Ministry said Monday’s death toll stood at 30, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 300 deaths by Wednesday, including children, women, and dozens of soldiers and security personnel. Israel Expands Military Response Israel intensified its involvement with dozens of airstrikes targeting Syrian military convoys and installations. On Wednesday, Israeli missiles struck near the Defense Ministry in central Damascus, killing three people and injuring 34, Syrian officials said. Another strike targeted an area near the presidential palace. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of more attacks if Syrian troops do not fully withdraw from Sweida, saying, “Painful blows have begun.” An Israeli military official confirmed that a brigade previously stationed in Gaza was redeployed to the Golan Heights as tensions escalate. Human Toll and Fears in the Druze Community Reports of attacks on civilians continue, with families in Sweida and abroad desperate for news about loved ones. In Jaramana, near Damascus, 20-year-old Evelyn Azzam said her husband was shot and hospitalized after being questioned by security forces in Sweida. She has had no updates since. Druze families in the UAE with relatives in Sweida reported similar fears, with some saying homes were burned with residents inside. Others recalled similar trauma during ISIS attacks in 2018, when Druze civilians defended themselves while Assad's forces stood aside. Religious Tensions Escalate Disturbing videos posted online showed pro-government fighters humiliating Druze religious figures and desecrating their symbols. In response, Druze fighters were seen beating captured Syrian troops and posing beside corpses. AP reporters also documented looted and burned homes in the area. The Observatory said at least 27 people were executed in the field. Druze in Israel’s Golan Heights protested along the border in solidarity with their community in Syria. International Concerns U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed serious concern about the escalating violence, calling it a “misunderstanding” and confirming that Washington is in contact with both Israeli and Syrian officials in hopes of restoring calm. The Druze, a religious sect that emerged in the 10th century from Ismaili Shiism, number around one million globally, with most residing in Syria. The rest are mainly in Lebanon and Israel, including the Golan Heights—territory Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and later annexed.

A stampede at a food distribution center in Gaza, operated by an Israeli-supported American aid group, left 20 Palestinians dead on Wednesday, most of them crushed in the crowd, according to the organization. These are the first fatalities reported directly at one of the group's aid centers, though many others have reportedly died from Israeli fire on the way to the sites. Separately, Israeli airstrikes across the territory killed at least 54 more people, including 14 children, health officials said. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) accused Hamas of inciting violence at the distribution site, which contributed to the deadly crowd surge. GHF spokesperson Chapin Fay said it was the first time a significant number of individuals in the crowd were seen carrying firearms. An American medic working with GHF was reportedly stabbed during the chaos. GHF stated that the Israeli military had alerted them earlier in the day that Hamas militants had mixed into the crowd, although the only evidence presented was a photo of a pistol that one of the contractors allegedly confiscated. Months of war have severely undermined law and order in Gaza, allowing armed criminal and tribal groups to loot and resell humanitarian aid. Witnesses said panic erupted when GHF security personnel used stun grenades and pepper spray on a large crowd waiting to enter the site near the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah. According to GHF, 19 of the 20 victims were trampled, and one died from a stabbing. Gaza’s Health Ministry, however, reported 17 deaths due to suffocation and three from gunfire. It’s unclear whether the shootings occurred during the stampede or en route to the site. Witnesses claimed Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinians heading toward the center. GHF acknowledged that one of its contractors fired into the air to help rescue a child from the chaos. Thousands of desperate Palestinians had gathered at the site early in the day. While GHF insisted the gates were open, some witnesses said they were not, and schedules for such sites often change without notice. Ahmed Abu Amra, a survivor, described the chaos: “The Americans were shouting over loudspeakers for us to go back, but it was too crowded to move. People were on top of each other. We tried to pull out those trapped underneath, but we couldn’t. Then they threw stun grenades at us.” Other witnesses also said pepper spray was used. The Health Ministry claimed tear gas was deployed, but GHF denied that. GHF maintains that Hamas elements in the crowd triggered the disorder. The wounded American medic was reportedly stabbed after attempting to subdue an armed individual. Disorder Common at Distribution Centers Aid distribution at GHF sites has frequently devolved into chaos. According to witnesses and GHF-released videos, food boxes are placed on the ground, and crowds rush in to grab supplies. Video footage shows American contractors using tear gas, stun grenades, and even firing shots to control the crowds. The UN human rights office reported on Tuesday that 875 Palestinians have died while attempting to receive food since May, with 674 killed on their way to GHF sites and others while waiting for aid trucks. Israeli Strikes Continue; New Military Corridor Opened Israeli airstrikes also killed 22 people in Gaza City—including 11 children and three women—19 in Khan Younis, and 13 in central Gaza. The Israeli military claimed it targeted over 120 locations in 24 hours, including Hamas weapons sites and tunnels. Gaza’s Health Ministry said hospitals received 94 bodies and treated 252 wounded in the last 24 hours. The Israeli army blames Hamas for civilian casualties, citing their use of densely populated areas for military operations. Meanwhile, Israel opened a fourth corridor through Khan Younis, seizing additional territory in an effort to pressure Hamas. Such corridors have previously complicated ceasefire negotiations, as Israel insists on maintaining control over them. Talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar remain stalled after nearly two years of war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border assault, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, though fewer than half are believed to be alive. Since the conflict began, more than 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. It says women and children account for over half of the deaths. Although the ministry operates under Hamas governance, it is staffed by health professionals and its figures are widely regarded by international organizations as the most reliable.

US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Coca-Cola has agreed to replace high-fructose corn syrup with real cane sugar in its flagship soft drink sold in the United States — a move he says came at his suggestion. However, the beverage giant has not confirmed such a change. If implemented, the shift would align U.S. Coca-Cola with versions sold in countries like Mexico and Australia, where cane sugar is already standard. The change would not impact Trump’s preferred beverage, Diet Coke, which continues to use the artificial sweetener aspartame. “I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!” A Coca-Cola Co. spokesperson responded by thanking Trump for his interest and said the Atlanta-based company would soon release more details about new product developments. No confirmation was given regarding a shift to cane sugar. Coca-Cola has catered to fans of cane sugar for years by importing glass-bottled “Mexican Coke” since 2005. A broader switch in U.S. production, however, could have economic implications — particularly for American corn farmers, whose crops are used to produce high-fructose corn syrup. “Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense,” said John Bode, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “President Trump stands for American manufacturing jobs, American farmers, and reducing the trade deficit. Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.” Despite his loyalty to Diet Coke — famously having a red button in the Oval Office to summon a can — Trump’s relationship with the brand has been rocky. In 2012, he publicly questioned whether diet sodas contribute to weight gain and tweeted, “The Coca Cola company is not happy with me — that’s okay, I’ll still keep drinking that garbage.” Nevertheless, his fondness for the drink has endured, with a bottle spotted beside him at the 2017 G20 summit. A 2018 New York Times report claimed he consumed up to a dozen Diet Cokes a day.  

Heavy fighting continued Wednesday in the southern Syrian city of Sweida following the breakdown of a ceasefire between government forces and Druze militias, while Israel ramped up its military involvement, citing its support for the Druze community. The Israeli military confirmed it carried out airstrikes near the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus. This follows a series of Israeli strikes on Syrian military convoys in southern Syria since the latest round of violence began. Israel has also reinforced its forces along the border. Syria’s Defense Ministry blamed Druze militias in Sweida for violating Tuesday’s truce, prompting the army to resume operations. A statement said troops are targeting sources of gunfire while observing engagement protocols to protect civilians and help displaced residents return safely. The renewed violence comes months after a December uprising led by Islamist factions ousted former president Bashar Assad, ending nearly 14 years of civil war. The new Sunni-led government has since faced resistance from religious and ethnic minorities. Tensions worsened in March, when clashes between government forces and pro-Assad militias escalated into sectarian attacks, killing hundreds of Alawite civilians — Assad’s sect. Growing Violence in Druze Areas The latest surge in violence was sparked by retaliatory kidnappings and attacks between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters in Sweida, a stronghold of the Druze population. Government troops sent to restore order have also clashed with Druze groups. Rights groups have reported incidents of looting, extrajudicial killings, and the burning of civilian homes by security forces. While official death tolls have not been updated since Monday, when the Interior Ministry reported 30 deaths, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates the death toll has exceeded 250, including four children, five women, and 138 members of the security forces. The group also reported that 21 victims were executed in the field. Who Are the Druze? The Druze are a small religious minority that originated in the 10th century as a sect of Ismaili Shiite Islam. Of the approximately one million Druze worldwide, more than half live in Syria. Others reside in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967 and annexed in 1981. In Israel, the Druze are widely regarded as a loyal minority, with many serving in the military. In Syria, however, opinions within the Druze community are split—some advocate cooperating with the new leadership, while others seek autonomy and remain wary of the central government in Damascus. Israel Issues Warning of Further Escalation On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military would continue attacking Syrian regime forces until they withdraw and warned of stronger military responses if the warning is ignored. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment a day earlier, saying Israel has a responsibility to keep Syria’s southwestern border region demilitarized and to protect Druze civilians. Israel has adopted a firm stance against Syria's post-Assad leadership, opposing the presence of Islamist militants near its borders. Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone monitored by the United Nations along the Golan Heights and have launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military positions.  

Fighting erupted again in the southern Syrian city of Sweida on Wednesday after a ceasefire between Syrian government forces and Druze militias broke down. In response, Israel issued a warning that it may intensify its military intervention to protect the Druze minority. Syria’s Defense Ministry accused armed groups in Sweida of violating the truce, prompting government troops to resume operations in the Druze-majority region. According to the ministry, forces are targeting attackers within Sweida while trying to avoid civilian harm and facilitate the return of displaced residents. The conflict flared after a December rebellion led by Islamist factions ousted long-time president Bashar Assad, ending Syria’s nearly 14-year civil war. The new Sunni-led government has faced distrust from minority groups, particularly following sectarian violence in March that killed hundreds of Alawite civilians—Assad’s own sect—during clashes with pro-Assad militias. Tensions in Sweida escalated recently due to a cycle of retaliatory kidnappings and violence between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions. Government forces, attempting to restore order, also became entangled in the fighting, with allegations emerging of extrajudicial killings, looting, and destruction of civilian homes by security personnel. While no updated official casualty figures have been provided since Monday’s announcement of 30 deaths, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports over 250 killed, including children, women, and more than 130 government personnel. At least 21 of those deaths were said to be summary executions. Israel, citing a need to defend the Druze, has already conducted multiple airstrikes on Syrian government convoys. The Druze, a sect that emerged from Shiite Islam’s Ismaili branch in the 10th century, number around one million globally, with most living in Syria. Significant Druze populations also reside in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights—captured by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981. In Israel, the Druze are a well-integrated minority and often serve in the military. In Syria, however, the Druze community is split—some support cooperation with the new leadership, while others demand autonomy. On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that Israel would escalate its attacks if Syrian regime forces don’t retreat from the area. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that sentiment a day earlier, emphasizing Israel’s duty to keep the border area demilitarized and to protect Druze civilians. Following Assad’s fall, Israel has maintained a hardline position against Syria’s new rulers, aiming to prevent Islamist fighters from gaining a foothold near its borders. Israeli forces have already seized a U.N.-monitored buffer zone in southern Syria and carried out extensive airstrikes across the country.

The Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States began in China's Tianjin on Tuesday. This gathering serves as a preparatory step for the forthcoming SCO Summit slated for autumn in Tianjin, reports CGTN. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is leading the meeting, which sees participation from high-ranking diplomats representing India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign ministers are set to engage in discussions surrounding enhanced cooperation across various domains within the SCO framework, along with addressing significant international and regional issues. In addition, they are expected to sign a number of resolutions and official documents. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry, said that this meeting aims to strengthen the SCO as an entity rooted in solidarity, mutual trust, peace, and good neighbourly relations. Prior to the ministers' assembly, bilateral discussions were held involving China, Russia, and India.  On Monday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Beijing. Han highlighted the importance of both nations partnering for mutual success, referencing the concept of the "dragon-elephant tango." Jaishankar's visit to China marks his first trip to the country in five years, following a meeting between the leaders of China and India at the BRICS Summit last October.  He expressed India's readiness to leverage the consensus established by leadership discussions to advance beneficial cooperation. Jaishankar also held talks with Wang Yi, during which Wang underscored the significance of harmonious coexistence and mutual prosperity between the two neighbouring countries, both rich in ancient civilizations and emerging economies. In a post on X, Jaishankar remarked on the positive developments in bilateral relations, expressing optimism that discussions during his visit would “maintain that positive trajectory."

Overnight Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 31 people, according to local hospitals, as United Nations agencies on Monday warned that severe fuel shortages threaten to halt essential services, including health care and humanitarian aid. The deadly attacks follow a recent round of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which ended without progress toward a ceasefire or a deal on the release of hostages held by Hamas. Twelve people were killed in southern Gaza, including three reportedly waiting for humanitarian aid, according to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. In northern Gaza, Shifa Hospital received 12 bodies—among them three children and two women—following a series of airstrikes, said hospital director Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmia. Al-Awda Hospital reported an additional seven deaths and 11 injuries in central Gaza. The Israeli military said it targets Hamas fighters and infrastructure, and attributes civilian casualties to the group’s presence in densely populated areas. Separately, the Israeli military confirmed the deaths of three soldiers in northern Gaza after an anti-tank missile apparently struck their tank. The incident is still under investigation, according to a military official speaking anonymously. UN Agencies Issue Fuel Crisis Alert A coalition of U.N. agencies reiterated urgent warnings that operations may soon grind to a halt if more fuel is not delivered into Gaza. The agencies said hospitals are already losing power, ambulances are unable to operate, and critical systems like water, sanitation, and telecommunications are in danger of shutting down. Though 150,000 liters of fuel were allowed into Gaza last week—the first such delivery in 130 days—the agencies stressed that it represents only a fraction of what is required daily for humanitarian and essential services. “The United Nations and its partners cannot overstate the urgency of this moment,” said the joint statement, signed by agencies including OCHA, WFP, WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA, UNFPA, UNDP, and UNOPS. “Fuel must be allowed into Gaza in adequate and consistent quantities to sustain life-saving operations.” Israel Says Strike Killed Hamas Militant Linked to Hostage Israel’s military also announced that a June 19 airstrike killed Muhammad Nasr Ali Quneita, a senior Hamas militant allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Quneita reportedly held hostage Emily Damari, a dual Israeli-British citizen, at his home during the early stages of the war. Hamas has not commented on the claim, and there has been no independent verification. The October 7 assault by Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of 251 individuals. While many have since been released under ceasefire agreements, about 50 hostages remain in captivity—fewer than half are believed to be alive. Since the start of Israel’s retaliatory campaign, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, including a majority of women and children. The ministry is part of Gaza’s Hamas-run government but is widely regarded by the U.N. and humanitarian experts as the most credible source of casualty data in the enclave. The ongoing war has left much of Gaza in ruins, with roughly 90% of the population displaced. Humanitarian organizations say access to food and aid remains severely restricted due to Israeli military controls and a breakdown in law and order, heightening fears of famine. Bid to Expel Arab Lawmaker from Israeli Parliament Fails In a separate development, Israel’s Knesset failed to pass a motion to expel prominent Arab lawmaker Ayman Odeh. The move fell short of the required 90-vote threshold, garnering 73 votes in favor in the 120-seat parliament. The effort stemmed from a January social media post in which Odeh welcomed a ceasefire deal that included the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. While opponents accused him of glorifying terrorism—pointing to the inclusion of prisoners convicted in deadly attacks—Odeh denied the allegations, saying he supported the humanitarian aspects of the agreement. Israel’s Arab citizens, who comprise about 20% of the population, have full voting rights but often face systemic discrimination. Many maintain strong familial and cultural ties to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and are broadly supportive of the Palestinian cause, leading to frequent tensions with Jewish Israelis.