United News of Bangladesh

Renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar said he faces criticism from extremists on both sides of the ideological spectrum, with some telling him to go to hell and others suggesting he should go to Pakistan. Speaking at the launch of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut's book ‘Narkatla Swarg’ (Heaven in the Swamp) in Mumbai on Saturday, Akhtar said if given a choice between the two, he would choose hell. “People from both sides abuse me. It's not one-sided. I would be very ungrateful if I don't admit that there are people who also appreciate me. Many support me, praise me, and encourage me. But this is also true: the extremists from this side also abuse me, and the extremists from that side also abuse. This is the reality,” Akhtar said at the event, which was attended by several political leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar. OPERATION SINDOOR: India says no Pakistani military facilities targeted “If even one of them stops abusing, I will get worried about what mistake I am making. One says I am a 'kaafir (non-believer)' and will go to hell. The other says I am a jihadi and should go to Pakistan. So if I have the options of choosing between Pakistan and hell, I would like to go to hell,” he added, as quoted by ANI. Javed Akhtar has been vocal on political and social issues, often attracting strong reactions online. Recently, he urged the Indian government to take stern action against Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. At the inauguration of the Glorious Maharashtra Festival, Akhtar said, “This has happened not just once but several times. I request that the Central Government take immediate steps. A few crackers on the border will not work. Take a solid step now. Do something so that the mad Army chief there (Pakistan), no sensible person can make a speech like he does.” “He says that Hindus and Muslims are different communities. He does not even care that there are Hindus in his country, too. So, do they have no respect? What kind of man is he? They should get a befitting reply so that they remember. They will not pay heed to anything less. I don't know much about politics. But I do know that it is time for 'aar ya paar',” he added. Following the attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 targeting what it described as terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 people.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday night appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and engaging in talks. "I most sincerely commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and to engage in talks," he said in a message. Prof Yunus expressed his deep appreciation to US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their effective mediation.  India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire in US-mediated talks "Bangladesh will continue to support our two neighbours to resolve differences through diplomacy," Prof Yunus said. "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” US President Donald Trump said through his verified social media handle.

Pakistan has vowed to avenge the deaths of 31 people killed in Indian missile strikes that New Delhi described as retaliation for a deadly assault on Indian tourists in Kashmir last month. Calling the strikes an “act of war,” Pakistan claimed it downed several Indian fighter jets and warned of consequences. The missile attacks hit areas in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province, killing civilians including women and children, Pakistan’s military said, according to an AP report. India's Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted at least nine sites “where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.” Among the structures hit were two mosques. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country would avenge the dead but gave no details, fanning fears of all-out conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals. Already, it’s their worst confrontation since 2019, when they came close to war. Additionally, in a televised address he said, “My Pakistani people, for your own safety, our army and our people, we will always be united. We will definitely stand against them [India] and win,” he said in a televised address. “Because we are all fighting for the truth, hopefully god will always be with us,” he added, BBC reports. Sharif commended the armed forces for shooting down five Indian jets, which he said were hit after they fired their missiles but while still in Indian airspace. Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 59 people There was no comment from India, but three planes fell onto villages in India-controlled territory, according to police and residents. The latest hostilities have sparked fears of a broader military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. This is their most serious escalation since 2019, when both countries engaged in aerial combat after a suicide bombing killed dozens of Indian paramilitary troops in Kashmir. Heavy exchange of cross-border fire continued following the missile strikes, with both sides reporting casualties, according to AP. In Islamabad, Pakistan's Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced the cancellation of all scheduled leave for doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel working in public hospitals, directing them to report for duty immediately. “Urgent measures” have been introduced “in response to the crisis,” Kamal said. International concern is mounting. In comments from the Oval Office, Trump said, “I know both very well. I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop. If I can do anything to help, I will be there.” A spokesperson for the US State Department said the United States is “closely monitoring” the situation and remains in contact with both India and Pakistan. “We urge the countries to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia,” the spokesperson said, BBC reports. ‘We don't want a war’, says Jammu-Kashmir CM US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated earlier remarks by President Donald Trump, saying he hoped the violence “ends quickly” and that the United States “will work towards a peaceful resolution.” The UK government also urged India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward. "Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern," UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement on Wednesday. David Lammy mentioned that the UK has close and unique relationships with both the countries. "I have made clear to my counterparts in India and Pakistan that if this escalates further, nobody wins," he added. Tensions have soared between the neighbours since the April attack in which gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India accuses Pakistan of being behind the attack, which was claimed by a militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance. India has said the group is linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a disbanded Pakistani militant group that New Delhi long accused of being backed by Pakistan. Islamabad denies involvement. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety. In the wake of the massacre, the rivals have expelled each other’s diplomats and nationals, closed their borders and shuttered airspace. India has also suspended a critical water-sharing treaty with Pakistan.

Rising tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s missile strikes on targets in Pakistan-administered territory early Wednesday have prompted several Asian airlines to cancel or divert flights. Air India suspended operations to and from multiple cities—Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot—citing airport closures amid the heightened tensions. The national carrier announced that these suspensions would remain in place until May 10. Malaysia’s national airline has also cancelled flights to Amritsar, India, according to local outlet The Star. “We will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure safe and reliable operations,” the airline told The Star, adding that the suspension would last at least through May 9. Malaysia Airlines also rerouted two of its long-haul flights after Pakistan’s airspace was shut. Indonesia’s Batik Air reported that it had cancelled several flights to and from Lahore, Pakistan, and Amritsar, India, due to the ongoing airspace restrictions caused by the escalated situation between the two nations. India launches missile strikes into Pakistan amid escalating tensions; death toll reaches 31 According to Reuters, other Asian carriers have also altered routes to and from Europe as a precaution. Taiwan’s EVA Air said it would modify its Europe-bound routes to steer clear of airspace affected by the conflict. The airline noted that one flight from Vienna had to turn back, and a Taipei–Milan service was rerouted to Vienna for refueling before continuing its journey. Korean Air rerouted its Seoul Incheon–Dubai flights on Wednesday, opting for a southern route over Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, bypassing Pakistani airspace altogether. Global reactions to India-Pakistan Military escalation after ‘Operation Sindoor’ Thai Airways announced that its flights to Europe and South Asia would follow new routes starting early Wednesday, warning passengers of possible delays. Taiwan’s China Airlines confirmed it had activated its contingency plan to maintain safety for passengers and crew, though it did not disclose further details.