United News of Bangladesh

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis dispatched his top deputy to California to oversee the handover of a truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida last week. Sending his newly appointed lieutenant governor, Jay Collins, underscores Republicans' push to crack down on illegal immigration. It also revs up a political rivalry between DeSantis and California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, both of whom aspire to higher office. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Monday that truck driver Harjinder Singh, a native of India, was in the country illegally. “Three lives lost because of Gavin Newsom. Because of California’s failed policies," Collins said Thursday at a press conference near an airport in Stockton, California. "We’re done with that," Collins added, using an expletive. A spokesperson for Newsom described Collins' trip to California as a “photo op” and criticized Florida officials for letting a “murder suspect walk.” Collins did not elaborate on why Singh was able to fly to California after the Aug. 12 crash on Florida's Turnpike. U.S. Marshals arrested him Saturday in Stockton. Singh made the illegal turn on the highway about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan in the neighboring lane was unable to avoid the truck’s trailer and slammed into it, killing the minivan's driver and two passengers. Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured. Florida authorities said Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018. According to Homeland Security, Singh obtained a commercial driver’s license in California, which is one of 19 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that issue licenses regardless of immigration status, according to the National Immigration Law Center. Collins said Thursday that Singh never should have been issued a driver's license, calling the move “unacceptable.” Collins said Singh lacks basic English proficiency and did not know the road signs. Newsom’s press office responded on the X platform that Singh obtained a work permit while Donald Trump was president. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin disputed that, saying the federal government denied him a permit during Trump’s first term in September 2020 and granted him one in June 2021, under President Joe Biden. Singh is charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. The federal government has asked that he be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after his criminal case is complete. A public defender assigned to Singh's case did not respond to a request for comment.  

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 2023 riots, his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said. The unrest erupted after Khan was briefly arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a land-related bribery case, widely known as the Al-Qadir Trust case. Authorities say PTI supporters attacked key state buildings, damaged vehicles, and ransacked military facilities during the riots. Nearly 2,000 people were detained and at least eight were killed, prompting the government to deploy the army to restore order. Khan faces charges including inciting violence, which he denies. “Supreme Court has granted bail to Imran Khan for May 9th cases,” the PTI said in a text message to media. “Now bail is needed in just one more case (Al-Qadir case) for Mr.Khan to come out of jail.” In January, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in the Al-Qadir Trust case, while his wife Bushra Bibi received seven years. Prosecutors allege the couple received land from a real estate developer during Khan’s 2018-2022 premiership in exchange for illegal favors. Khan and Bibi pleaded not guilty, insisting the land was intended for a spiritual and educational institution, not personal gain. Khan has been in prison since August 2023, following a three-year sentence for illegally selling state gifts while in office, a verdict that barred him from contesting the 2024 general elections. Khan and PTI maintain that all cases against him are politically motivated. Source: Arab News  

NATO defense chiefs held a “candid discussion” Wednesday on possible security guarantees for Ukraine to support a peace deal that could end Russia’s three-year war, a senior alliance official said. Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of NATO’s Military Committee, said 32 defense chiefs joined a video conference amid a U.S.-led diplomatic push to end the conflict. “I thanked everyone for their always proactive participation…we are united, and that unity was truly tangible today,” he wrote on X, without giving further details. Key issues include assurances that Ukraine will not face future invasions, as Kyiv seeks Western support for weapons and training. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized talks without Moscow, saying such efforts “will not work” and vowing to protect Russia’s interests. U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe, and U.S. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, participated in the talks. Military chiefs are also exploring how a 30-nation coalition force could backstop any peace deal, though Russia opposes NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. Germany invites Trump, Zelenskyy, NATO, EU leaders to a virtual meeting before Trump-Putin summit Overnight Russian strikes injured 15 people and hit ports, fuel, and energy infrastructure, prompting Zelenskyy to call for increased pressure on Moscow through sanctions and tariffs. Plans are underway for a potential Putin-Zelenskyy summit in Europe, possibly Geneva, with Switzerland offering to host. Arrangements are complicated by Putin’s ICC warrant, and Swiss authorities plan to seek exemptions to allow his travel.   Source: Agency

Frank Caprio, the retired Rhode Island judge celebrated worldwide for his compassionate rulings and viral courtroom videos, has died at the age of 88. According to a statement on his official social media pages, Caprio passed away peacefully after a long and brave fight with pancreatic cancer. Caprio, who presided over the Providence Municipal Court and hosted the popular show Caught in Providence, gained a global following for his empathetic and often humorous courtroom style. His show featured real-life minor infractions—like traffic tickets or noise complaints—handled with kindness, empathy, and occasional levity. It amassed over a billion views across social media platforms. Unlike many hard-nosed TV judges, Caprio was known for his gentle demeanor and willingness to listen. In one memorable clip, he invited children to help him rule on cases involving their parents. In another, he compassionately dismissed $400 in fines for a grieving mother whose son had been killed. Last week, Caprio had shared a personal message on Facebook, revealing he had returned to the hospital and asked for prayers. Caprio also used his platform to spotlight broader issues, including the challenges low-income Americans face when navigating the legal system. In one video, he remarked that nearly 90% of poor Americans must handle legal issues—like healthcare disputes or evictions—without legal assistance. Born and raised in Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood, Caprio came from modest beginnings as the second of three brothers. He served nearly 40 years on the municipal bench before retiring in 2023. His legacy extended well beyond Rhode Island, with fans in countries as far as China praising his fairness and compassion. In one viral clip, Caprio dismissed a red-light violation for a bartender making $3.84 an hour—then used the moment to call out diners who skip out on their bills, urging viewers to show respect to hardworking service staff. Caprio’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions,” they said. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee praised Caprio as more than just a public servant. “He was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what justice can look like when it's delivered with humanity,” McKee said. Close friend and business partner Robert Leonard described him as selfless and irreplaceable. “There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help others,” he said. Reflecting on his judicial philosophy in 2017, Caprio said: “Government institutions can work best when guided by kindness, fairness, and compassion. In our divisive world, I hope people see that justice doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective.”

In one of the largest aerial assaults on Ukraine this year, Russia launched a barrage of 574 drones and 40 missiles overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported Thursday. The attack focused primarily on western regions, resulting in at least one death and 15 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that among the targets was a major U.S.-owned electronics manufacturer in the west of the country, though he did not provide further details. The western regions, distant from the front lines in the east and south, serve as key routes for Western military aid moving into Ukraine. Officials say this was the third largest drone attack and the eighth-largest missile strike in 2025 so far. The strikes occurred amid renewed U.S.-led efforts to negotiate peace after more than three years of war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, criticizing Moscow’s apparent disregard for diplomatic efforts. He urged the international community to respond with increased sanctions and pressure. Zelenskyy noted that one of the cruise missiles struck a U.S. business producing household appliances like coffee machines, calling the attack on a civilian facility "very telling" of Russia’s intentions. Amid escalating violence, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is intensifying consultations with allies regarding potential security guarantees. He mentioned that, following positive signs from the U.S., Ukraine could be ready for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin within 10 days. A potential trilateral meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin is under discussion, with possible venues including Switzerland, Austria, or Turkey. Zelenskyy explained that the aim is to finalize a framework for long-term security guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5. While over 30 countries have pledged in principle to support Ukraine’s security, progress has stalled due to the U.S. previously withholding a clear stance. Recent signals from Trump indicating support for "Article 5-style" guarantees have reignited momentum. Zelenskyy stated that some countries previously uninvolved in the talks are now showing interest, and that Turkey has offered to help ensure security in the Black Sea region. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any effort to craft security arrangements excluding Russia would be futile. Speaking to Russian media, he insisted Moscow would protect its national interests “firmly and harshly.” Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's willingness to hold direct talks with Putin but emphasized the need for a strong U.S. response if Russia refuses to engage. Reflecting on his recent Oval Office meeting with Trump and European leaders, Zelenskyy said he tried to counter Moscow’s portrayal of the war. He pointed out inaccuracies in U.S. maps that overestimated Russian territorial control and highlighted the strategic importance of regions like Donbas and Dnipropetrovsk. He stressed that any withdrawal from the east would open pathways to key cities like Kharkiv, making it impossible for Ukraine to pull back without severe consequences. “I believe President Trump understood the reality on the ground,” Zelenskyy concluded.

The leaders of Belarus and Iran signed new agreements Wednesday aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in key areas, including defense, according to both governments. Presidents Alexander Lukashenko and Masoud Pezeshkian inked a package of 13 documents in Minsk, the Belarusian capital. Both nations face heavy international sanctions, limiting their trade partners. Pezeshkian said Iran would assist Belarus in “neutralizing” such measures, citing Tehran’s long experience navigating Western economic restrictions. Lukashenko told Pezeshkian that Belarus is “ready to cooperate with you on all issues — from providing your country with food to military-technical cooperation,” describing the Iranian president as a “friend.” The two countries did not provide further details about defense cooperation. Other areas covered by the agreements include industry, tourism, and joint projects in science, technology, and education. Belarus election likely extends Lukashenko's 30-year authoritarian rule Belarus’ wood processing and chemical industries, as well as potash fertilizers, could offer strategic benefits to Iran. The presidents also said they would work toward a strategic partnership treaty. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has allowed Russian forces to use Belarusian territory for military operations in Ukraine, including the deployment of tactical nuclear missiles. Iran has supplied drones to Russia for use in the war, and Pezeshkian signed a strategic cooperation treaty with Putin in January, though it lacked a mutual defense clause. The Iranian president’s visit to Minsk had been postponed several times due to U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Lukashenko condemned the attacks as “a serious threat to regional and international stability and security,” and expressed support for Iran’s “legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy.”   Source: Agency

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas after meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, on Wednesday. Both officials described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “unbearable” and emphasized that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable path to ending the Israel-Hamas conflict. “The goal for all of us is clear: a two-state solution, which must be negotiated,” Wadephul said. Sugiono, who like many Indonesians goes by a single name, said the talks also covered geopolitical challenges and rising trade barriers. Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, is a longtime supporter of Palestine and does not recognize Israel. Wadephul stressed Germany’s dual role: supporting Israel’s fight against Hamas while urging measures to ease suffering in Gaza. He also highlighted Indonesia and Japan as key economic partners in his five-day trip aimed at promoting free trade, fair competition, and stronger global partnerships. Germany stops military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza Germany is Indonesia’s main trading partner in Europe, with last year’s trade totaling $6.15 billion, while German investment in Indonesia reached $343 million in 2024. Negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are expected to conclude in 2026, with Germany committing €1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) to Indonesia’s clean energy transition. Wadephul also praised Indonesia’s role in mediating regional conflicts and maintaining stability in Southeast Asia through ASEAN.   Source: Agency

  At least 79 people, including 19 children, were killed in a tragic bus accident in northwestern Afghanistan as they returned from Iran, according to an official statement. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed that two others were injured in the crash. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in Herat province, according to Tolo News, citing the official. The bus collided with a truck and a motorcycle, triggering a massive fire that caused many deaths on the spot. Traffic accidents are frequent in Afghanistan due to dangerous road conditions and reckless driving. The victims were among the nearly 1.8 million Afghans recently deported from Iran. Since the beginning of the year, an additional 184,459 Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan, and over 5,000 from Turkey. Almost 10,000 Afghan prisoners have also been repatriated, mainly from Pakistan. In July, the Taliban condemned neighboring countries for the large-scale expulsions of Afghans, criticizing Iran and Pakistan for deporting individuals they deem to be residing illegally. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation estimates that around 6 million Afghan refugees are still living abroad.

Pakistani authorities issued a flood warning on Wednesday for several southern districts as heavy rains threaten to cause further devastation, while rescue teams continue efforts to locate those missing after deadly floods struck the northwest. The alert covers parts of southern Pakistan previously devastated by the 2022 climate-driven floods that claimed thousands of lives. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre, expected rainfall of up to 100 millimeters (around 4 inches) over the next day could flood highways, disrupt transportation, and damage power and communication lines across Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, and Sukkur in Sindh province. The country’s disaster management agency reported that at least 41 people have died in rain-related incidents over the past 24 hours, with most fatalities occurring in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and in Karachi, where Tuesday's downpours submerged streets and brought daily life to a halt. Schools in the city remain closed. Since June 26, Pakistan has experienced heavier-than-usual monsoon rains, resulting in at least 746 deaths nationwide. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue in the Buner district in the northwest, where nearly 150 people remain unaccounted for after floodwaters carrying mud and large rocks tore through villages, destroying homes and leaving massive debris fields. With assistance from army sniffer dogs, emergency teams are still recovering bodies as families anxiously watch on. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are expected to visit flood-affected areas in Swat Valley and Buner later on Wednesday. Mohammad Suhail, spokesperson for the emergency services, said the death toll in Buner has risen to 290 as more bodies were retrieved. Relief teams have distributed essential supplies—tents, blankets, utensils, ready-to-eat meals, and clean drinking water—while efforts continue to restore electricity. Most damaged roads in Buner have now reopened. Survivors described terrifying scenes as floodwaters swept in suddenly, carrying massive stones and giving residents little time to escape. Many have criticized the authorities for failing to issue early warnings.