United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed heartfelt gratitude to members of the Australian Parliament for speaking out on democracy, human rights and electoral integrity in Bangladesh, saying their position echoes the hopes and concerns of millions of Bangladeshis. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (November 15), he said, “Many Bangladeshis, including myself, extend our sincere appreciation to the Australian parliamentarians who have spoken with clarity and conscience on the issues of democracy, human rights, and electoral integrity in Bangladesh. Their thoughtful intervention reflects a deep commitment to universal democratic principles and to the wellbeing of the Bangladeshi people.” Across Bangladesh, the BNP leader said many citizens are expressing genuine concern about political uncertainty, security, and the need for an electoral process in which every voice can be heard without fear or restriction. Tarique warns against political volatility, urges election participation “These concerns come from ordinary people who wish only for stability, justice, and the opportunity to choose their future through a peaceful and credible democratic process,” he said. At this pivotal moment, Tariaue said the call from Australian MPs to ensure the safety, dignity, and political rights of all election participants resonates strongly with the hopes of Bangladeshis at home. “Their message acknowledges what millions have been saying for months: that democracy is strongest when it is inclusive, transparent, and safeguarded from violence or intimidation,” he said. Tarique Rahman likely to return home by end of November: Salahuddin The BNP leader also praised the Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia for their role in raising these issues internationally, noting their contributions to Australian society and their continuing commitment to Bangladesh. “Their advocacy, driven by love for their homeland, has helped ensure that the challenges and aspirations of Bangladeshis are understood globally,” he said. Tarique also said Australia and Bangladesh share long-standing ties based on respect and cooperation. He thanked the Australian representatives who have expressed solidarity, saying their support highlights the collective global commitment to democracy. Tarique’s 31-point plan offers path to democratic revival: Ndileka Mandela “When nations come together, we can encourage one another toward peace, justice, and progress,” he said.

The U.K., Australia and Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, prompting an angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect. The coordinated initiative from the three Commonwealth nations and long-time allies reflects growing outrage at Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and the steps taken by the Israeli government to thwart efforts to create a Palestinian state, including by the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced pressure to take a harder line on Israel within his own governing Labour Party over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, said the U.K.’s move is intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.” He insisted it wasn’t a reward for Hamas, which was behind the attack on Oct. 7, 2023, in which the militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 251 others. “Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country that the United Kingdom formally recognizes the state of Palestine,” Starmer said in a video message. “We recognized the state of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people. Today we join over 150 countries who recognize a Palestinian state also.” The moves by the three countries prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen.” The U.K. announcement was widely anticipated after Starmer said in July that the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed the United Nations to bring in aid and took other steps toward long-term peace. More countries are expected to join the list recognizing a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly this week, including France, which like the U.K., is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Palestinian and Israeli reactions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted the three countries for proferring a “prize” to Hamas. “It will not happen,” he said. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.” Netanyahu is set to give a speech to the General Assembly on Friday before heading to see U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House Monday week. Ahead of Sunday’s announcement, Trump said he disapproved of the U.K.’s anticipated move. Hamas hailed the decision, calling it a “rightful outcome of our people’s struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices on the path to liberation and return.” The Islamic militant group, which is sworn to Israel’s destruction, called on the world to isolate Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed that Sunday’s moves constitute an important and necessary step toward achieving a just peace in accordance with international law. As well as arguing that recognition is immoral, critics argue that it’s an empty gesture given that the Palestinian people are divided into two territories — the West Bank and the Gaza strip— and no recognized international capital. Historical overlay The U.K. and France have a historic role in the politics of the Middle East over the past 100 years, having carved up the region following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I. As part of that carve-up, the U.K. became the governing power of what was then Palestine. It was also author of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which backed the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people.” However, the second part of the declaration has been largely neglected over the decades. It noted “that nothing shall be done, nothing which may prejudice the civil and religious rights” of the Palestinian people. “It’s significant for France and the U.K. to recognize Palestine because of the legacy of these two countries’ involvement in the Middle East,” said Burcu Ozcelik, senior research fellow for Middle East Security at London-based Royal United Services Institute. “But without the United States coming on board with the idea of a Palestine, I think very little will change on the ground.” Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian head of mission in the U.K., told the BBC that recognition would right a colonial-era wrong. “The issue today is ending the denial of our existence that started 108 years ago, in 1917,” he said. “And I think today, the British people should celebrate a day when history is being corrected, when wrongs are being righted, when recognition of the wrongs of the past are beginning to be corrected.” Diplomatic shift The U.K. has for decades supported an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but insisted recognition must come as part of a peace plan to achieve a two-state solution. However, the government has become increasingly worried that such a solution is becoming all but impossible – and not only because of the razing of Gaza and displacement of most of its population during nearly two years of conflict, which has seen more than 65,000 people killed in Gaza, displaced around 90% of the population and caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Last week, independent experts commissioned by the U.N.’s Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a charge that Israel rejected as “distorted and false.” Also vexing the U.K. is Israel’s government has been aggressively expanding settlements in the West Bank, land Palestinians want for their future state. Much of the world regards Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, which is ostensibly run by the Palestinian Authority, as illegal. “This move has symbolic and historic weight, makes clear the U.K.’s concerns about the survival of a two-state solution, and is intended to keep that goal relevant and alive,” said Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the U.K. in the World Programme at the London-based think tank, Chatham House.

Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped, and injured star Steve Smith has been ruled out of Australia’s squad for the opening match of their upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday. Smith will miss the first Test due to a finger injury sustained during Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final defeat to South Africa last weekend at Lord’s. While his recovery is progressing, he has not yet healed enough to return. Cricket Australia expects him to be fit in time for the second Test, set to begin on July 3. Chief selector George Bailey announced that teenager Sam Konstas and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis would replace Smith and Labuschagne in the squad. Bailey explained that Smith required another week for his wound to heal and would be reassessed afterward. Galle Test: Nissanka's epic ton propels Sri Lanka's solid reply to Bangladesh “We have made the decision to give Josh and Sam the opportunity to replace Steve and Marnus,” said Bailey. “We are excited to see them get the chance to further their fledgling Test careers.” Nineteen-year-old Konstas has only two Test caps to his name but made a strong impression with a brisk 60 off nearly as many balls during last December’s Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne. Josh Inglis, 30, has primarily represented Australia in limited-overs formats but impressed in his only Test series to date — against Sri Lanka in February — scoring a century on debut and showing promise. “In his only opportunity in Test cricket to date, Josh was outstanding in Sri Lanka, showing great intent and ability to put pressure on the opposition,” Bailey noted. Labuschagne, who averages 46.19 across 104 Test innings with 11 centuries and 23 fifties, has been out of form in recent series. He has not reached a hundred since the 2023 Ashes Test in Manchester and has failed to score above 26 in his last four Test innings. Promoted to open in the WTC final against South Africa, he made modest starts but was dismissed for 17 and 22. Injured Steve Smith going with Australia to West Indies “Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team,” said Bailey. “He understands his output hasn’t been at the level we, or he, expects. We will continue working with him on the areas of his game we feel he needs to rediscover.” The final playing XI and batting lineup for the first Test will be confirmed closer to the match, which begins next Wednesday.

Australia’s star batter Steve Smith will travel with the team to the Caribbean for their upcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies, despite suffering a serious finger injury during the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed on Saturday that Smith won’t require surgery for the compound dislocation to his right pinkie, sustained during the final at Lord’s. However, his availability for the first Test, scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados, remains uncertain. “I’d say the first Test is probably unlikely, and we’ll assess from there,” Cummins said, adding that it’s still too early to make a definitive call. Smith sustained the injury while fielding at first slip during a key moment in the final against South Africa. Positioned closer to the stumps than usual, he was struck on the finger by an edge off the bat of South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma. Smith dropped the catch, allowing Bavuma — then on 2 — to go on and score 66 runs, forming a match-winning partnership with Aiden Markram, who made 136. ICC Women's World Cup 2025 fixtures announced Although Smith is expected to recover from the injury in about two weeks, he will have to wear a splint for up to eight weeks — the duration of the Test series — meaning his participation depends on how well he can manage with it on. The upcoming series marks the beginning of Australia’s 2025-27 WTC campaign. Following the disappointing five-wicket defeat to South Africa inside four days, Cummins said the team is eager to bounce back. “It’s good we get to dust ourselves off and turn around in a couple of weeks and start focusing on the next challenge,” Cummins said. “That’s one of the good aspects of the WTC — every series, every Test, holds weight.” Cummins emphasized the need to strike a balance between introducing fresh talent and maintaining a winning team, especially with an Ashes home series approaching in November. He hinted that some senior players may consider retirement afterward. “This feels like a bit of a fresh start,” he noted. “We’re already thinking a couple of years ahead — if we make the next final, who will be part of the team? Should we start giving game time to new players now? Or stick with the current squad?” Despite a strong personal performance — taking seven wickets and reaching 300 career Test wickets — Cummins admitted the team missed a golden chance to win back-to-back WTC titles. He pointed to Australia’s 74-run first-innings lead as a missed opportunity to build a bigger advantage. Mathews set for farewell as Bangladesh begin WTC campaign “There were plenty of turning points,” Cummins said. “We had a lead, but we should have batted South Africa out of the game with a score well above 300. Unfortunately, we gave them a chance to come back, and now we’re left with a sense of missed opportunity.”

A female has died after being shot by police in Melbourne, the capital city of southeast Australia's state of Victoria, on Saturday evening. The Victorian Police said in a statement on Friday evening that officers were called to Cecil Street in south Melbourne following reports of a male with a machete at around 5 p.m. local time.  Record floodwaters in eastern Australia 4 dead, 1 missing The police located the male and whilst he was being arrested, a vehicle was driven at a police officer. The officer shot at the offending vehicle, striking a female driver and her male passenger. The 34-year-old female has died at the scene, while the 26-year-old male has been taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The male senior constable has been taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.  Record floodwaters in eastern Australia, 1 dead and 3 missing The matter will be investigated with oversight from the Professional Standards Command, as is standard procedure for a fatal police shooting, said the statement.  

Record floodwaters on Australia’s east coast have left four people dead and one missing, officials said Friday as rain eased over the disaster area. 50,000 people have been isolated by flooding along the coast of New South Wales state north of Sydney after days of heavy rain. The low-pressure weather system that brought the deluge had moved further south to Sydney and its surrounds Friday.  Record floodwaters in eastern Australia, 1 dead and 3 missing Four bodies have been retrieved from floodwaters in New South Wales since Wednesday. Three of the victims had driven into floodwaters, while a man’s body had been found on the veranda of his flooded home. The latest victim was a man in his 70s whose body was found in a car in floodwater Friday near Coffs Harbour, a police statement said. The car had run off the road. A 49-year-old man remains missing after walking near a flooded road at Nymboida on Wednesday night. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Christopher Minns on Friday were inspecting devastated communities, some of which had been inundated by the highest floodwaters on record. Minns praised emergency services and volunteers for rescuing 678 people from floodwaters in recent days, including 177 in the past 24 hours. “It’s an amazing, heroic logistical effort where, in very difficult circumstances, many volunteers put themselves in harm’s way to rescue a complete stranger. And over the coming days and weeks, we will hear scores of stories of locals being plucked out of impossible, desperate situations,” Minns told reporters in Maitland in the flood area. “Without the volunteers, we would have had hundreds of deaths and we’re in deep, deep gratitude to those people who volunteered their time,” Minns added. Despite the easing rain, State Emergency Service Commissioner Mike Wassing said crews were still looking out for floodwaters potentially rising due to water continuing to flow into catchments. “We still do have active flood rescues still coming into the system and we’re dealing with those on a case-by-case" basis, Wassing said. “We have seen that tempo drop off, and that’s a good thing.” Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan said landslides and damaged roads and bridges were complicating the process of reaching isolated communities in his rural local government region southwest of Coffs Harbour. “We’ve woken up to blue skies which is a great thing,” Allan said. Australians start voting in general elections as pope's death overshadows campaigning “Our rivers are slowly receding and I think we’re probably transitioning from the response phase into the recovery phase this morning,” he added.

Record floodwaters on Australia's east coast left one person dead and three others missing, officials said Thursday, as more heavy rain was forecast in the area. Some 330 people were rescued in the flooding emergency in New South Wales state north of Sydney. The area has been hit with heavy rain since Tuesday. The flooding exceeds local records set in 1929.  Australian central bank reduces benchmark interest rate to 3.85% in second cut this year News South Wales Premier Christopher Minns said some areas were forecast to receive as much as 30 centimeters (1 foot) of rain in the next 24 hours. He said 50,000 people were warned to prepare to evacuate or be isolated by floodwaters, telling reporters: “We are bracing for more bad news." The body of a 63-year-old man was recovered from a flooded house in Moto in New South Wales on Wednesday afternoon, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said. A coroner will determine whether a pre-existing medical condition played a part in his death, he added. Three people — including a 60-year-old woman, a 25-year-old man and a 49-year-old man — were also reported missing, Fewtrell said. “We hold grave fears for all three individuals,” he added. Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said 330 flood rescues were conducted in the past 24 hours. Helicopters have been used to rescue people stranded by floodwaters from rooftops and verandahs. “We’ve seen more rain and more flooding in the mid-to-north coast area than we’ve ever seen before,” Dib said. The flooding has hit communities including Taree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Bellingen in New South Wales. Taree received a month’s rain in 24 hours, Minns said.  Australians start voting in general elections as pope's death overshadows campaigning “Up around the Taree area, we’ve seen communities that have never flooded in recorded history now flooding,” Fewtrell said. The region has opened 14 evacuation centers as of Thursday.

Quokkas, adorable and, most notably, remarkably photogenic animals, roam across the southwestern corner of Australia. With its perpetual grin and friendly demeanour, this small marsupial, about the size of a domestic cat, has turned an island into a hotspot for wildlife lovers and selfie seekers. A large number of quokkas are found on Rottnest Island, nestled off the coast of Perth, a sun-soaked sanctuary. This quokka haven is now popular for selfies. Let’s unravel how the quokka’s smile shaped Rottnest Island into a popular tourist hotspot. Naming of Rottnest Island The name of this island has an unusual origin, tracing back to a 17th-century Dutch explorer, Willem de Vlamingh. When he arrived on the coast, he was struck by the strange, furry animals hopping through the underbrush. Mistaking the quokkas for giant rats, he dubbed the place 't Eylandt 't Rottnest, Dutch for ‘rat’s nest island.’ But despite the unflattering name, de Vlamingh saw something more. In his journal, he described the landscape as nothing short of ‘paradise on Earth.’ Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh The Global Rise of the Quokka Selfie In the age of social media, few animals have captured global attention like quokkas. Native to southwestern Australia, this tiny marsupial became a sensation not through conservation efforts, but through its smile. The viral trend began when tourists visiting Rottnest Island began snapping photos of the cheerful-looking creatures. In 2013, the Huffington Post dubbed the quokka ‘the world’s happiest animal’, sparking worldwide interest. With their naturally upturned mouths, quokkas became the perfect subject for selfies. High-profile celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Roger Federer helped solidify their fame. The result was a surge in visitors here, the Paradise on Earth. What was once a quiet retreat transformed into one of Australia’s most photographed destinations. Tourists flock there not only for the beaches but for the chance to share a moment with a quokka. Read more: City Guide to Bangkok, Thailand for Bangladeshis

Bangladesh and Australia on Monday emphasized enhancing collaboration between Bangladesh’s Technical Training Centres (TTCs) and Australia’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) for ensuring mutual recognition of degrees and upgrading technical education standards of Bangladesh to enable the mobility of the skilled workforce. Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed various issues of mutual interest including trade, investment, migration and visa facilitation. "We are working together to strengthen our growing trade and investment ties, support Bangladesh’s development goals and work together to shape a safe, prosperous and free Indo-Pacific," said the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. The Adviser reiterated that the international community must demonstrate their will to ensure the repatriation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (the Rohingyas) to their motherland in Rakhine State through a roadmap and the process should start immediately. The Australian High Commissioner expressed the readiness of her government to work with Bangladesh regarding the Rohingya issue and assured to extend necessary support for the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland, said the MoFA. The Foreign Affairs Adviser congratulated the High Commissioner for her new role and assured her to provide necessary support during her tenure in Bangladesh.  

A storied cricket rivalry will add a new chapter when India and Australia square off in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday. And it comes with controversy. While Pakistan is hosting the tournament, India has not gone near Pakistan, refusing to go there. Instead, India has played all of its games in Dubai amid security concerns. This has caused debate about India's advantage from playing in one venue that has marred the buildup to the knockout rounds. The Indian government denied permission for the cricket team to travel to its neighbour. The latest refusal came on the heels of viable security threats – tensions on the border, particularly in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir. India stumble to 249 as Matt Henry’s five-for puts New Zealand on top While Pakistan went to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the last time either team toured the other was 12 years ago. Because the tournament couldn't be played without India's financial muscle, all of its games are in Dubai, including the semifinal and the final on Sunday, if it qualifies. If not, the final will be in Lahore. It has caused scheduling and travel headaches for the Champions Trophy. Bizarrely, Pakistan had to give up hosting rights and go to Dubai to face India, and lost. South Africa and Australia flew to Dubai last Saturday because it wasn’t clear which team would take on India in the semifinals. Only after India beat New Zealand on Sunday in the last group game did South Africa return to Pakistan late Sunday with New Zealand to prepare for their semifinal on Wednesday in Lahore. The preferential treatment has put India in an advantageous position to many eyes. "If you can stay in one hotel, practice in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen said on Thursday. But India captain Rohit Sharma shrugged off talk of any advantage. “We are very much aware of the conditions here, but we don’t know which pitch is going to be played," Sharma said. "This is not our home, this is Dubai. We don’t play so many matches here. This is new for us, too.” Anushka to attend Virat Kohli’s 300th ODI in Champions Trophy Dubai was chosen because its the largest of the UAE’s three cricket grounds; it seats up to 30,000 fans compared to Abu Dhabi (20,000) and Sharjah (16,000). India played its three group games at Dubai International Cricket Stadium — on different pitches — and won them all. “They are in Dubai for a reason," Pakistan coach Aqib Javed said. "If you play on the same pitch or ground, you will have an advantage. But we didn’t lose because they stayed in the same hotel or played on the same pitch. Neither did they play 10 matches there.” Depleted Australia has defied the odds The India-Australia semifinal is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad where Australia upset India and sent the country into mourning. This time, Australia isn't at full strength. It is missing its front-line pace attack and opening batter Matt Short has been sidelined by a quad injury, and replaced by left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly. Connolly's selection pays respect to Dubai's spin-friendly pitches. But Australia doesn't normally bank heavy on spin, and has defied the odds to reach the semifinals under Steve Smith. India, however, unleashed a fourth extra spinner on New Zealand, and they shared nine wickets as they defended 249 with ease. Whether India stays with four spinners or goes back to three is its main question. “Even if we want to play four spinners, how can we squeeze (them in)," Sharma said. “If we don’t, then we don’t.”