United News of Bangladesh

FIFA has overhauled the 2026 World Cup draw format to ensure the four highest-ranked teams  like Spain, Argentina, France and England avoid each other until the semifinals, provided they top their groups. The draw, set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will use a tennis-style bracket system for the first time. FIFA confirmed Tuesday that the new format rewards top-ranked sides by placing them in separate pathways for the 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win their respective groups. “To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semifinals have been established,” FIFA said in a statement, aiming to reward teams whose consistent good results have raised their world ranking. Unlike previous World Cups where knockout paths were tied to group allocation, the new approach fixes the bracket in advance. This year’s draw will place 48 teams into four pots before assigning them to 12 groups of four. A full, updated match schedule, with stadiums and kickoff times, will be released on December 6. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes, with the draw itself taking an estimated 45 minutes. As hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States enter Pot 1, joined by the nine highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including Iran and Haiti, which FIFA expects to play as drawn despite political sensitivities with the U.S. The tournament will span 16 venues across the three host nations, including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. The remaining six entrants will be decided in March through European and intercontinental playoffs. Those teams will enter Pot 4, the lowest-ranked tier, meaning four-time champions Italy could prove a dangerous wildcard next week when the final placing draw is made. Host nations will be marked with different colored balls: Mexico as A1 (green ball), Canada as B1 (red ball), and USA as D1 (blue ball). The other nine Pot 1 teams will automatically be assigned to position 1 in their respective groups. Pot 2 features the next 12 teams: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 includes Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 contains Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand and the six playoff winners. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn together, except for Europe, which will have 16 representatives, forcing four groups to include two UEFA nations. To maintain bracket balance, Spain (rank 1) and Argentina (rank 2) will be placed in opposite pathways. The same applies to France (rank 3) and England (rank 4), ensuring the top sides stay separated until late. For the host schedules, the USA, placed in Group D, will open on June 12 in Inglewood against a Pot 3 team, then face a Pot 2 opponent in Seattle on June 19, and finish against a Pot 4 side back in Inglewood. Mexico, in Group A, will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca against a Pot 3 team, then play a Pot 2 team on June 18 in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City for their final group match against a Pot 4 opponent. Canada starts on June 12 in Toronto against a Pot 4 team, then moves to Vancouver for matches against Pot 3 and Pot 2 sides. World Cup draw pots: Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 and 2 Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.    

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday announced 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1, targeting two of the country's largest trade partners. The announcement came through letters Trump posted on his social media account, where he outlined the reasoning behind the move. In his message to Mexico’s president, Trump acknowledged the country’s efforts in helping to curb undocumented migration and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. However, he criticized Mexico for not doing enough to prevent the region from becoming what he called a “Narco-Trafficking Playground.” In a separate letter addressed to European Union leaders, Trump described the U.S. trade deficit as a threat to national security. “We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and we have concluded we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies, and Trade Barriers,” Trump wrote. “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal.” Judge blocks Trump administration from random immigration raids, arrests in California The move is part of a broader campaign effort by Trump, who has been ramping up announcements of new tariffs as a central theme of his 2024 re-election bid. He claims these measures will restore fairness to the U.S. economy, which he says has been exploited by foreign powers for decades. By introducing these reciprocal tariffs, Trump is effectively challenging the global trade framework established under the Uruguay Round of negotiations, which set tariff rates under a “most favored nation” principle — ensuring no country was treated less favorably than others. With Saturday’s letters, Trump has now imposed tariff conditions on 24 countries and the 27-member European Union.

Bangladesh and Mexico have expressed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and agreed to expedite the finalisation of several pending agreements to further strengthen cooperation. Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) met with Director General (Asia-Pacific) Fernando Gonzalez Saiffe at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 11 to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Mexico, according to a message here on Wednesday. During the meeting, Ambassador Mushfique briefed the director general on recent developments in Bangladesh, emphasising  that the interim government is committed to implementing necessary reforms aimed at ensuring a "free, fair, and credible" election. He underscored the potential for strengthening economic ties, particularly by expanding Bangladeshi exports to Mexico, including RMG, pharmaceuticals and leather goods. Main goal is to ensure free, fair election: EC Sanaullah Mushfique stressed the importance of accelerating the process of opening a Mexican Embassy in Dhaka to enhance diplomatic ties and promote business, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity. To commemorate the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Mexico, the ambassador proposed a series of joint celebratory events. DG Saiffe praised the ambassador’s proactive approach and recalled his visit to Bangladesh during the Foreign Office Consultations two years ago. BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections He fondly reflected on his interactions with key stakeholders, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

Highlighting the interim government’s reforms initiatives, Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal (Ansarey) has said these initiatives aim to foster good governance, democracy, political reforms, economic development, and a free, fair, and inclusive election. He met with Chief of Protocol at the Mexican Foreign Ministry Jonathan Chait Auerbach and handed over a copy of a letter of credence on Friday. The envoy will formally present his credentials to the President of Mexico at a later date, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico. During the meeting Mushfiqul expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation extended by the Mexican Foreign Ministry. He underscored the longstanding and friendly ties between Bangladesh and Mexico. Read: Reforms needed to restore democracy in Bangladesh: HRW

Bangladesh Ambassador-designate to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey on Monday said he would put in his best efforts to significantly expand trade relations with the North American country in addition to exploring wider areas of cooperation between the two countries. “There’s ample opportunity to further expand trade volume with Mexico,” he said, referring to the bilateral trade volume between the two countries which is now around $674.6 million. While having an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) over tea at its Lounge at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mushfiqul said there is a lot to do to present the country in Mexico. “I believe there is a huge scope to work to that end.” Mexico relocates migrants far from US border He said it is a great privilege and honour for him to work in the team of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “I will try my best to show due respect to the trust and confidence that he has placed in me.” Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus offered his vision of an emerging new economic system in his book ‘A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions’. Ambassador Mushfiqul said there is a huge campaign in favour of Dr Yunus’s vision of “Three Zeros” and social business.    Dr Yunus urges Malysia to issue multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers

Around 100 migrants from various countries roamed aimlessly through the streets of Acapulco, a troubled resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Having trekked for weeks across southern Mexico alongside hundreds of other migrants, they agreed to immigration officials’ proposal to travel to Acapulco, expecting to continue their journey toward the U.S. border. Instead, they found themselves stranded on Monday, reports AP. Trump threatens to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on first day in office With President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration just two weeks away, Mexico persists in breaking up high-profile migrant caravans and scattering migrants across the country to keep them away from the U.S. border and prevent their concentration in any one area. This "dispersion and exhaustion" strategy has been a cornerstone of Mexico’s immigration policy in recent years. It has significantly reduced the number of migrants reaching the U.S. border, explained Tonatiuh Guillén, former chief of Mexico’s immigration agency, it said. Claudia Sheinbaum to be sworn in as Mexico’s 1st female president Guillén added that the current administration hopes the reduced migrant numbers will help counter Trump’s pressure. Guillén left the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador after Trump threatened tariffs over migration during his first term. Acapulco, once a jewel of Mexican tourism, is an unlikely destination for migrants. The city is grappling with organized crime and is still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Otis in 2023. On Monday, while Mexican tourists enjoyed the final moments of their holiday beach vacations, migrants slept on the streets or sought ways to resume their northward journeys, the report said. “Immigration officials told us they’d give us a permit to travel freely across the country for 10 to 15 days, but that didn’t happen,” said 28-year-old Venezuelan migrant Ender Antonio Castañeda. “They abandoned us here with no way to leave. They won’t sell us bus tickets or anything else.” Castañeda, like thousands of others, had left Tapachula, a southern city near the Guatemalan border. In recent weeks, more than six caravans of about 1,500 migrants each have departed from Tapachula, but none got far. 6 die in landslide caused by heavy rains in Mexico Authorities allow the migrants to walk for days before exhaustion sets in and then offer to transport them to various cities, promising to review their immigration status—a process with uncertain outcomes. Some migrants have ended up in Acapulco, where about a dozen sleep at a Catholic church near immigration offices. On Monday, dozens gathered outside the offices seeking information, but no one provided answers. Castañeda, having received money from his family and desperate to leave, opted for a ride from a van driver he deemed the most reliable, despite fares being five times higher than regular bus tickets to Mexico City. Some migrants discovered that the permits they received restrict their travel to Guerrero state, where Acapulco is located, while others have had more luck. On Sunday, a recent migrant caravan disbanded after hundreds received transit permits allowing unrestricted travel within Mexico for a limited time. Cuban migrant Dayani Sánchez, 33, and her husband were among those granted such permits. “We’re a little scared about safety while traveling by bus, fearing we might be stopped,” she said. Mexican drug cartels often target migrants for extortion or kidnapping, and some migrants accuse authorities of similar practices. President Claudia Sheinbaum has claimed that her immigration policy prioritises humanitarian concerns, allowing more migrants to leave southern Mexico. However, migration advocates have pointed out that migrants are often sent to dangerous regions. The Rev. Leopoldo Morales, a priest at the Catholic church near the immigration offices in Acapulco, expressed similar concerns. In November, buses carrying migrants—including families—arrived in Acapulco. Last weekend, two more buses brought adult migrants. Although Acapulco is not a traditional migration route and lacks infrastructure to support migrants, local priests have coordinated efforts to provide water, food, and clothing. “They’re in dire straits, arriving with nothing,” Morales said. Migrants quickly realise finding work in Acapulco is nearly impossible. Following Hurricane Otis, the federal government deployed soldiers and National Guard troops to aid reconstruction and ensure security. However, the city continues to struggle with violence. Acapulco remains one of Mexico’s most violent cities, with high homicide rates. Local cab drivers and small business owners—who spoke anonymously—reported rising extortion, deterring large businesses from rebuilding. Honduran migrant Jorge Neftalí Alvarenga, relieved to have left Chiapas near the Guatemalan border, was already disillusioned. “They misled us,” Alvarenga said. “We asked for arrangements to take us to Mexico City for work or even places like Monterrey, where there are more job opportunities.”

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico City has marked a significant milestone  with the launch of e-passport services, transforming travel security and convenience for Bangladeshi citizens. With e-passport services now fully operational from Sunday, Bangladeshi nationals in Mexico, along with those in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, and other Latin American countries, can enjoy enhanced services, faster processing, and a more seamless travel experience, said the Embassy on Monday. This initiative underscores the collaboration between the government of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and key stakeholders. Bangladesh Ambassador Abida Islam inaugurated the initiative, highlighting its role in modernizing national travel infrastructure and meeting global standards. The event was attended by members of the Bangladeshi community, and dignitaries from Bangladesh and Mexico. The Embassy in Mexico City is now the 52nd Bangladeshi mission to introduce e-passport services, advancing the government’s efforts to digitize and enhance efficiency. The e-passport system ensures advanced security, faster immigration processing, and a seamless travel experience aligned with international standards. Read: Bangladesh Mission in KSA inaugurates e-passport services for expatriates The event featured a documentary detailing the evolution of the e-passport system and remarks from prominent members of Bangladeshi community, including Arifuzzaman Kabir (Ericsson), Aktaruzzaman (Japan-Bangladesh Tobacco Limited), Azad Hossain (restaurateur), and Shamsul Alam Khan Chowdhury (Grameen Carso). Their reflections underscored the initiative’s potential to enhance global mobility and strengthen community ties. Khalil Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dhaka, and technical perspectives from Mahbubur Rahman, Deputy Project Director, Department of Passport and Immigration, Dhaka, also spoke highlighting the system's implementation and long-term vision. Read more: Bangladesh Embassy in Portugal launches e-Passport facilities The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative crest to Ambassador Abida Islam, followed by the ribbon-cutting of the e-passport facility and the symbolic handover of e-passport delivery receipts to two Bangladeshi nationals in Mexico City.

The word pyramid is often associated with the three large triangular structures in Egypt. These iconic tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs are a testament to the glorious history and ancient culture of the country. However, beyond the borders of Egypt, there are other pyramids scattered across the globe. Each of these structures has their own history and purpose. Let’s look at 10 of the most famous pyramids that put visitors under a spell.  Top 10 Notable Pyramids Across the World  Most of the noteworthy pyramids are located in Egypt. However, pyramids were also discovered in Mexico which are similar to the ones in Egypt with a distinctive design. This list comprises the pyramids in Egypt and Mexico as they are the most iconic ones with deep-rooted history.  The Great Pyramid of Giza The Great Pyramid of Giza is located in the pyramid complex of Giza Valley in Egypt along with two other pyramids. The Great Pyramid stands tall as the largest one among the three. It is the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu of the fourth Egyptian Dynasty.  The pyramid was built in 2570 BCE by royal patronage before the death of Khufu. At its center, the tip of the pyramid is 146.6 meter long from the base. Initially, the pyramid was constructed with 2.3 million blocks of smooth limestone and granite which have mostly eroded over time.  Read more: Top 15 Heritage Sites of Bangladesh The inside of the pyramid has three chambers: the king’s chamber, the queen's chamber, and a subterranean chamber which was never finished.  Pyramid of Khafre  The Pyramid of Khafre is the second largest pyramid in the Giza complex. The Pyramid of Khafre was also built during the fourth dynasty by Pharaoh Khafre, son of Khufu, and was intended to be his burial site. The construction started sometime in 2570 BCE.  The top of the pyramid still retains some of the original limestones. The height of the pyramid is 136.4 meters at its peak. However, it looks taller compared to the Great Pyramid because of its position on a higher base structure.  Read more: Top 10 Historical Mosques in Bangladesh

A high school student who killed three women in northwestern New Mexico with an indiscriminate spray of gunfire left a cryptic note presaging “the end of the chapter” and wore a bulletproof vest that he discarded before being shot to death by police, authorities said Wednesday. Police added new details to the profile of the lone gunman and the weaponry he used as he walked through his residential neighborhood before being confronted by officers and fatally shot outside a church. The shooter discharged more than 190 rounds during the rampage, according to authorities, most of them from the home he shared with his father. Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said in a news conference that 18-year-old Beau Wilson was wearing what appeared to be a modified vest with steel plates and that the note was found in his pocket. Handwritten in green lettering, the message said in part, “if your reading this im the end of the chapter.” Wilson began shooting with an AR-15 rifle just outside his home, from the front porch area, but quickly dropped that into some bushes even though it still held more live ammunition, police said. The gunman continued firing with two pistols, discarding a .22-caliber gun and then depleting rounds from a 9-mm handgun in the final shootout with police, during which he let off at least 18 rounds. Slain by the shooter were longtime Farmington residents Gwendolyn Schofield, 97, her 73-year-old daughter, Melody Ivie, and 79-year-old Shirley Voita, police said. The women were well known in the community, in part through participation in faith-based groups. Ivie ran a preschool for four decades that was attended by several generations of residents. Those wounded in the attack include Farmington police Sgt. Rachel Discenza and New Mexico State Police Officer Andreas Stamatiadas. The officers were treated at a local hospital and released. Police are probing Wilson’s access to weapons and concerns about his prior mental health, and efforts are underway to subpoena medical and school records that might shed light on any issues. Also read: New Mexico high school student killed 3 women in 'random' shooting rampage, police say “We have been talking with family members and trying to do more investigation into his mental health that appears to — early on — to be a factor,” Hebbe said. At the same time, Hebbe said, “there did not appear to be significant indications that ... something was going to happen that day.” New Mexico enacted a so-called red flag law in 2020 that can be used to seize guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Judicial records show the Farmington Police Department has petitioned successfully for the removal of guns in other instances, most recently in February. In November, after he turned 18, Wilson legally purchased the assault-style weapon used Monday, according to police. They believe two of the three weapons he carried were owned by relatives. Two days before the attack, Wilson purchased additional ammunition magazines, police said. Authorities said it appears he shot indiscriminately at vehicles, and bullets struck 11 of them along with seven homes. Additional weapons and ammunition were found at the home Wilson shared with his father, but Hebbe said he did not appear to have organized those before he left the house. The suspect had access to over 1,400 rounds of ammunition and 10 other weapons at the time of the attack. “He planned to use the three weapons he had,” Hebbe said, “and he went outside and he did just that.” Police say evidence shows that at least 176 rounds were fired by Wilson from an assault rifle near his house at the outset of the rampage. A community vigil was planned for Wednesday night at the Farmington Museum, the latest in a series of gatherings to remember and mourn victims of the shooting. Wilson was a senior at Farmington High School and had been scheduled to graduate the next day. At the school’s commencement ceremony Tuesday, speakers talked of resilience and hope. A chair was left empty with a bouquet of white roses “in memory of those we lost throughout the years,” school district spokesperson Roberto Taboada said.

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen bilateral relations with Mexico, and looks forward to exploring new avenues for cooperation and collaboration. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico City hosted a grand reception at the chancery to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The event, originally scheduled for March 26, 2023, was held on April 28 due to the holy month of Ramadan in March. The reception was attended by a distinguished group of high-ranking officials, including ambassadors, government officials, academicians, local dignitaries, and media personnel. Also read: Bangladesh Embassy in Mexico observes historic March 7 The guest of honour was the Director General of the Asia Pacific wing of the Foreign Ministry of the United Mexican States, Fernando Gonzalez Saiffe. During his speech at the event, Saiffe highlighted the close and growing friendship between Bangladesh and Mexico, demonstrating Mexico's commitment to enhancing the relationship further. He expressed deep satisfaction with the remarkable economic development and social progress that Bangladesh has achieved, which he witnessed in person during his maiden visit to Bangladesh in November 2022 while attending the Second Foreign Office Consultation in Dhaka. Director General Saife assured the audience that he is committed to fostering a more dynamic and tangible relationship between Bangladesh and Mexico as the bilateral relations have bright potential for future cooperation. This commitment is particularly significant with the upcoming opening of the Mexican embassy in Dhaka this year, which will provide an avenue for greater collaboration, communication, and partnership between the two nations. Ambassador Abida Islam, in her brief speech, paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971 for their immense contributions, underscoring their supreme sacrifices for the nation. She also mentioned that the event was also a celebration of the progress Bangladesh has made since its independence in 1971, highlighting the ongoing socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Referring to the enduring bond between Bangladesh and Mexico, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared values, the ambassador also mentioned that the establishment of a Mexican embassy in Dhaka this year will further enhance bilateral relations and create new collaboration opportunities. The guests were later treated to traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, which offered a taste of the country’s rich cultural heritage.