United News of Bangladesh

 US President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States has started discussions with Cuban leaders as his administration intensifies pressure on the island by restricting key oil supplies. The comments came while Trump was traveling to Florida, following recent moves to block Cuba’s access to oil from Venezuela and Mexico. Trump indicated that these measures are intended to push Cuba toward negotiations. “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” he told reporters, without providing details on the level or scope of the outreach. He suggested that the Cuban government is close to collapse and predicted a potential deal with the U.S., saying Washington would be “kind” in any negotiations. The restrictions on oil imports have strained Cuba’s economy. Trump signed an executive order this week imposing tariffs on any country supplying oil to the island, targeting Mexico after U.S. actions halted Venezuela’s shipments following the capture of its former President Nicolás Maduro in early January. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the measures could trigger a humanitarian crisis and said her government is exploring alternatives to continue supporting Cuba. Trump’s shift toward Cuba follows broader efforts to confront nations seen as U.S. adversaries in the region. His recent policies reflect a strategy to isolate Havana economically while signaling that negotiations are possible under pressure. Read More: Trump says Iran negotiating with U.S. The president has not detailed the objectives of the talks but suggested that U.S. pressure on oil supplies will compel Cuba to negotiate. Observers say the latest actions mark a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward Cuba, combining economic restrictions with the opening of limited diplomatic channels.      

Protesters across the United States shut down schools, businesses and shopping on Friday as part of a nationwide “no work, no school, no shopping” strike to oppose the Trump administration’s stepped-up immigration enforcement. The coordinated actions came amid growing anger over the killing of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was shot multiple times after using his cellphone to record Border Patrol officers during an immigration operation in Minneapolis. The incident followed the Jan 7 death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer while sitting in her vehicle, further intensifying scrutiny of federal tactics. Promoters of the protests urged communities to disrupt daily life to draw attention to immigration enforcement. “The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country — to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” read messages circulated on protest websites and social media. Anticipating large absences, some schools in states including Arizona and Colorado cancelled classes in advance. Elsewhere, students and community members gathered at city centres, state capitols and churches. In the Minneapolis area, hundreds of demonstrators assembled early Friday in freezing temperatures outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, a frequent site of protests in recent weeks. After speeches by clergy members, the crowd marched toward restricted areas, shouting at Department of Homeland Security agents to “quit your jobs” and “get out of Minnesota.” Many later dispersed after police warned of arrests for blocking roads. Michelle Pasko, a retired communications worker, said she joined the protest after seeing federal agents stop immigrants near a bus stop in her Minnetonka neighbourhood. “They’re roaming our streets, they’re staying in hotels near our schools,” she said. “Everyone in this country has rights, and the federal government seems to have forgotten that. We’re here to remind them.” Student-led walkouts were reported in several states. In Michigan, dozens of students left classes at Groves High School in Birmingham, north of Detroit, and marched about a mile to a nearby business district despite sub-zero temperatures. Passing motorists honked in support. “We’re here to protest ICE and what they’re doing all over the country, especially in Minnesota,” said 17-year-old senior Logan Albritton. “It’s not right to treat our neighbours and our fellow Americans this way.” In Georgia, 16-year-old Abigail Daugherty organised a walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee. “For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” she said. Many businesses announced closures as part of the day-long “blackout,” while others said they would remain open but donate proceeds to immigrant support and legal aid organisations. In New York, Otway Restaurant and its sister bakery said the bakery would stay open and donate 50 percent of proceeds to the New York Immigration Coalition. In Maine, where Republican Senator Susan Collins said ICE was ending an enforcement surge, residents gathered outside a Portland church holding signs reading “No ICE for ME.” Grace Valenzuela, an administrator with Portland Public Schools, criticised what she called an enforcement system that brings “daily trauma” to schools. “Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety and belonging. ICE undermines that mission every time it destabilises a family,” she said. Portland Mayor Mark Dion also addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of protest. “Dissent is Democratic. Dissent is American. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy,” he said. In Los Angeles, where the immigration surge first intensified last June, thousands rallied outside city hall before marching to a federal detention centre. As evening fell, federal agents used chemical sprays to push back the crowd. Democratic Representative Maxine Waters joined the protest, chanting “ICE out of LA.” “What I see here at the detention center are people exercising their constitutional rights,” Waters said. “And of course, they’re now trying to tear gas everybody. It’s in the air, but people are not moving.” Meanwhile, authorities in Nebraska said a student was struck by an SUV displaying a Trump flag during a student-led protest on Thursday outside Fremont High School. The student was taken to hospital, though officials did not disclose the extent of the injuries. Video footage showed a red SUV with a Trump 2024 flag accelerating toward a student holding a sign, knocking the student onto the hood before driving away.

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), removing itself as one of the UN agency’s largest donors and a key participant in global health initiatives. The decision stems from an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump a year ago, after he repeatedly criticised the WHO for being overly “China-centric” during the Covid-19 pandemic. The US Department of Health and Human Services said the withdrawal was due to the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the pandemic, its inability to implement meaningful reforms, and political influence from certain member states. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus rejected the US claims, saying the withdrawal is a “loss for both the United States and the world.” The organisation highlighted its global contributions, including efforts to eradicate polio, combat HIV and AIDS, reduce maternal mortality, and enforce its international treaty on tobacco control. Following the pandemic, WHO member states worked on an international pandemic treaty to ensure fair sharing of vaccines and treatments and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks. The treaty, finalised in April 2025, was agreed upon by all member states except the US. Traditionally, the United States has been one of the largest financial contributors to the WHO, but Washington did not pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, causing significant job losses within the organisation. While WHO lawyers maintain that the US is obliged to pay the arrears—estimated at $260 million—Washington has refused, stating there is no reason to do so. As part of the withdrawal, all US government funding to the WHO has been terminated, US personnel and contractors recalled from Geneva headquarters and offices worldwide, and hundreds of engagements with the agency have been suspended or discontinued. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a joint statement that the WHO “tarnished and trashed everything that America has done for it” and “abandoned its core mission,” acting against US interests. They added that future US engagement with the WHO will be limited strictly to safeguard the health and safety of Americans. Officials noted that the US will continue disease surveillance and pathogen-sharing programs through bilateral relationships with other countries, but they did not specify which countries or partnerships have been established so far. In response to questions about US participation in global health initiatives like polio and HIV programmes, officials said partnerships would continue through NGOs and faith-based groups, though no specific arrangements have been disclosed. US engagement in global flu vaccine development and information-sharing remains uncertain. After Trump signed the withdrawal order at the start of his second term, the WHO expressed hope that the US would reconsider, stating that “the WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.” The agency said reconsideration would serve the “health and well-being of millions worldwide.” The WHO confirmed on Friday that the US withdrawal would be discussed during its upcoming board meeting scheduled from February 2-7. Its secretariat said it will act according to the guidance provided by its governing bodies. The US exit could remove nearly one-fifth of the WHO’s budget. The defunding and withdrawal come amid criticism of pandemic responses worldwide, including in highly developed countries like the US and the UK, where delays in imposing lockdowns and mask mandates contributed to rapid virus spread. Drew Altman, former US public health official, said the federal government’s inconsistent Covid-19 guidance, politicisation of policy, and failure to implement nationwide preventive measures contributed to one of the highest death rates in the world. A 2020 study in the British Medical Journal accused the Trump administration of failing to provide national guidance and allowing state-level responses to diverge along political lines. Another research paper published in the UN National Library of Medicine labelled the US federal response as “slow and mismanaged.” The US withdrawal marks a significant moment for global health governance, highlighting tensions between national interests and multilateral cooperation in pandemic preparedness and response.   With inputs from BBC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the first trilateral talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States could be a step toward ending the war, as negotiators head to Abu Dhabi. Zelensky said the status of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region will be the key issue at the talks, adding that different outcomes are possible. He said he hopes for a positive result. The meeting is expected to be the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 that all three sides take part in talks linked to a possible settlement. Zelensky said he discussed Donbas with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also said the two leaders finalised future US security guarantees for Ukraine if a deal is reached, and talked about additional air defence needs. The talks come after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin met Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow. The Kremlin described that discussion as useful and very frank. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump said he believed both Putin and Zelensky want to make a deal, but said it remains to be seen what happens. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported continued Russian strikes. Emergency services said four people, including a five-year-old boy, were killed in a drone attack in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko again urged residents to consider leaving the city as thousands of buildings remain without heating during freezing temperatures.   With inputs from BBC

President Donald Trump delivered a rare, nearly two-hour-long appearance at a White House press briefing on Tuesday, using the platform to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements, criticise the United Nations and double down on his push for the United States to take control of Greenland, a move that has drawn sharp resistance from America’s European allies. The extended briefing came on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration and a day before he is scheduled to address global leaders, billionaires and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His trip comes at a time of rising tensions with NATO allies over his aggressive posture on Greenland and his threat to impose new retaliatory tariffs on several European countries. During the wide-ranging and often meandering session with reporters, Trump leafed through a thick packet of documents that he said listed hundreds of accomplishments from his first year back in office. He claimed his administration had achieved more than any previous government in a similar period and said it would take more than a week to read through the full list. At several points, Trump turned his focus to foreign policy, renewing his argument that the United States must take control of Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about growing strategic competition in the Arctic. While he struck a slightly more conciliatory tone near the end of the briefing, saying Washington and NATO would “work something out,” he repeated his view that U.S. control of the territory is necessary. Trump also took aim at the United Nations, saying the global body has failed to live up to its potential and has been ineffective in resolving conflicts. He promoted his idea of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but now envisioned as a broader body that could help mediate international disputes. “The United Nations just hasn’t been very helpful,” Trump said, adding that while he believes the organisation should continue, his proposed board could one day play a major role in peacemaking efforts. The president’s remarks come as European leaders have warned that his threats to impose new tariffs on countries backing Denmark over Greenland could trigger a major trade dispute and strain long-standing trans-Atlantic ties. France and several other EU members have already signalled they are prepared to respond if Washington moves ahead with punitive measures. Trump said his speech in Davos on Wednesday would focus on what he called the “tremendous success” of his administration and would recap progress made over the past year. The White House has previously said his address would centre on his affordability agenda, particularly housing, in an effort to convince Americans that his policies can ease cost-of-living pressures. Speaking to reporters, Trump said other countries needed to hear his views on energy and immigration and suggested that his leadership had brought stability in several conflict zones, a claim that has been disputed by critics and fact-checkers. The marathon briefing, marked by frequent digressions and a mix of domestic and foreign policy topics, underscored Trump’s combative style and his willingness to use high-profile appearances to press his most controversial priorities. With European leaders already gathered in Davos and Greenland expected to dominate the agenda, Trump’s appearance at the forum is likely to be closely watched for signs of whether he will seek to defuse tensions or continue his hardline approach.

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will take ‘very strong action’ against Iran if it carries out executions of protesters, after earlier assuring Iranians that “help is on the way.” The warning comes as relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, told BBC Persian that he is scheduled for execution today. A US-based rights group says more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities. Trump has been considering military and other measures in response, having already imposed 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran. Read More: Donald Trump halts all new student visa interviews Meanwhile, Iran’s government accused the US of trying to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention,” noting that “this playbook has failed before.” Although some Iranians are now able to make phone calls abroad, an ongoing internet blackout is hindering verification of information from inside the country.

Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown nearly five decades ago, is once again seeking a role in shaping Iran’s future as nationwide protests challenge the country’s Islamic rulers. Pahlavi, 65, has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution forced his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, from power after mass uprisings across the country. Though the monarchy was widely despised for corruption, repression and deep inequality, Pahlavi is now trying to position himself as an alternative to Iran’s struggling theocracy. Iran’s supreme leader warns of harsh response as protests continue He recently called on Iranians to return to the streets, helping trigger large demonstrations that began over economic hardship but have evolved into a broader challenge to the Islamic Republic. The protests come after years of unrest and a recent 12-day conflict with Israel that included U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. It remains unclear how much genuine support Pahlavi commands inside Iran. Some protesters may favor a return to monarchy, while others simply want an end to clerical rule. Iranian state media dismissed the unrest as the work of “monarchist terrorists” and accused Pahlavi’s supporters of violence. Born into privilege in 1960, Pahlavi grew up in Tehran’s royal palaces and was educated at a private school inside Niavaran Palace. His father’s rule, strengthened by a 1953 CIA-backed coup, relied heavily on U.S. support and a feared intelligence service known for torturing dissidents. Rising oil wealth in the 1970s failed to prevent widening inequality, and millions eventually took to the streets against the monarchy. As protests intensified, Pahlavi left Iran in 1978 for flight training in the United States. A year later, the shah fled the country and Shiite clerics consolidated power, establishing the Islamic Republic and executing thousands of opponents. After his father’s death in 1980, royalists in exile declared Reza Pahlavi the new shah. Since then, Pahlavi has spent decades abroad, mainly in the U.S., trying to maintain influence. His efforts included a brief clandestine television broadcast into Iran in the 1980s. However, memories of his father’s rule, repression inside Iran and perceptions that he is disconnected from everyday life in the country have limited his appeal. Younger Iranians, born long after the revolution, have grown up under strict social controls, economic crisis, corruption and sanctions. Pahlavi has sought to reach them through social media and foreign-based Persian-language media. In recent years, he has spoken of a possible constitutional monarchy or another system chosen by Iranians themselves. He has also drawn criticism for his ties to Israel and for meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran protests intensify as citizens call for political change Pahlavi argues the Islamic Republic is beyond reform and says only fundamental change can save Iran. Whether he can become a central figure in that transformation remains uncertain.

A shooting at a family gathering in a Stockton banquet hall left four people dead and 10 others injured, officials said Saturday (November 29). San Joaquin County sheriff’s spokesperson Heather Brent confirmed that both children and adults were among the victims and said early reports indicate the attack may have been targeted. The suspected shooter remains at large, and authorities are appealing to the public for information. “If you know anything about this individual, contact authorities immediately. If you are the suspect, turn yourself in,” District Attorney Ron Freitas said. Read more: Afghan national arrested after White House-area National Guard shooting The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. at the hall, which shares a parking lot with other businesses. Stockton, located about 40 miles south of Sacramento, has a population of roughly 320,000. Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed grief over the tragedy, noting the heartbreak for families forced to watch their loved ones fight for survival in hospitals. Several victims were hospitalized, though officials have not yet released details on their conditions. Read more: US suspends all asylum decisions following National Guard shooting

Travelers across the United States saw mostly on-time departures Friday (7th November 2025), even as airlines canceled more than 1,000 flights to comply with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) order tied to the ongoing government shutdown. Despite a relatively stable day of travel, concern grew over additional cancellations expected in the coming week as the FAA reduces flight operations at major airports. The agency’s order follows a rise in absences among unpaid air traffic controllers, many of whom have gone nearly a month without pay. While some travelers scrambled to adjust their plans—booking alternative flights or renting cars—the cancellations still represented a small portion of total U.S. air traffic. However, long lines and last-minute disruptions were reported at around 40 major airports, including Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte. Airlines said they anticipate minimal disruptions through the weekend, and international routes remain unaffected. But Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues past next week—when controllers miss another paycheck—flight cancellations could rise from 10% to as much as 20%. Long Lines and Creative Travel Solutions At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers waited in security lines that barely moved. “It was winding through every part of the terminal,” said traveler Cara Bergeron. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” Read more: Wall Street set to open higher as investors eye earnings amid US shutdown Other travelers faced bigger challenges. Karen Soika, a surgeon from Connecticut, learned her Newark flight had been moved to JFK Airport—an hour away. When rental cars were unavailable, she decided to rent a U-Haul truck and drive cross-country to Utah, where she is consulting on a TV production. Rental car companies like Hertz reported a sharp uptick in one-way rentals. Airlines Work to Rebook Passengers According to flight-tracking site FlightAware, Friday’s 1,000-plus cancellations were about five times Thursday’s total. Reagan National Airport saw the highest impact, with 18% of flights grounded, while O’Hare, Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas-Fort Worth each lost around 3% of scheduled flights. United and American Airlines said they were able to rebook most passengers quickly, prioritizing cancellations on smaller regional routes to minimize disruptions. Delta canceled roughly 170 flights Friday, American about 220 per day through Monday, and Southwest around 120. The FAA said the flight reductions will start at 4% of operations at the busiest airports and gradually increase to 10% next week. “I just don’t want to end up stranded on an airport bench,” said traveler Michele Cuthbert of Columbus, Ohio. “Everyone’s paying the price for politics.” Experts warn that if the shutdown drags on, cargo shipments could also be affected, since nearly half of U.S. air freight moves in passenger aircraft. “Air travel is a core part of America’s economic infrastructure,” said Greg Raiff, CEO of Elevate Aviation Group. “This will ripple through business, tourism, and freight.” Why the Cuts Are Happening The FAA said the service reductions aim to ease the burden on overworked controllers, many of whom are working six days a week with mandatory overtime. As financial stress mounts, more are calling out of work. “I don’t want to see delays or disruptions,” Secretary Duffy said Friday at Reagan National Airport. “But safety must come first.” Read more: Asian shares rise on Wall Street gains as tech stocks rally despite U.S. government shutdown The FAA’s decision comes as the Trump administration continues pressuring Congress to end the government shutdown. Even if an agreement is reached soon, officials said the reduced flight schedules will remain in place until staffing levels stabilize. At Denver International Airport, officials have opened a food pantry for unpaid federal workers and asked the FAA to approve using airport revenue to cover controller pay—so far, without response. What Travelers Can Do Airlines are navigating uncertain territory, said Loyola University Maryland professor Kerry Tan. “The unpredictability of the shutdown makes it difficult for carriers to plan efficiently,” he said. Passengers are entitled to full refunds for canceled flights, though airlines aren’t obligated to cover hotel or meal costs unless cancellations are within their control, according to the Department of Transportation. Travel adviser Christina Schlegel of Arlington, Virginia, advised passengers to stay calm, check flight updates regularly, and arrive early. “Think ahead,” she said. “Have a backup plan and know what other flight options are available.” Read more: Trump embarks on three-nation Asia tour, set to meet Xi as US shutdown persists

Bangladesh’s leading soy processors and feed importers have signed agreements worth over $1.25 billion to import US soybeans and soybean meal, aiming to boost the country’s protein and feed industries while narrowing the trade gap with the United States. The deal, representing nearly 2.5 times the country’s previous US soy purchases, was signed between Bangladesh’s leading soy value chain companies and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) at two ceremonies in a city hotel on Tuesday, attended by importers, mill owners, diplomats, and business leaders. Participating Bangladeshi companies include Meghna Group of Industries, City Group, Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd, Mahbub Group and KGS Group, all of whom have committed to scaling up imports over the next 12 months. At the signing ceremony, Kevin M Roepke, USSEC’s Executive Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, said the move would deliver a major boost to Bangladesh’s poultry, aquaculture, and dairy sectors. “We are very proud of our bilateral relationship,” he said, highlighting the role of U.S. soy in ensuring nutrition, quality, and sustainability in Bangladesh’s food systems. USSEC CEO Jim Sutter echoed the sentiment, calling the agreement a ‘historic milestone’ that deepens economic and nutritional ties between the two nations. “Our US soybeans play an integral role in the world’s food systems, providing nutrition and food security across borders,” Sutter said in a virtual address, emphasizing that US soybeans' low carbon footprint and zero-deforestation record align with Bangladesh’s growing demand for sustainable inputs. Govt cuts palm oil price, soybean oil price unchanged “By investing in US soy, you are shaping a better tomorrow, proving that sustainability transcends borders,” he added. Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd, said the US soy deal could pave the way for $3.5 billion in total US imports if crude oil and LPG are added to the mix. “Higher imports of U.S. products will help reduce Bangladesh's $6 billion trade gap with the USA,” he said. MGI Director Tanjima Mostafa said Meghna Group plans to import one million tonnes of soybean products this year—the largest single import of its kind in Bangladesh. “We’re continuing to invest in logistics and focusing on end consumers,” she added. Echoing the optimism, City Group Managing Director Md Hasan said importing high-quality soybeans in such large quantities would bolster both nutrition and food security across the country. Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Dhaka, said the agreement reflects Washington’s commitment to deepening economic relations with Bangladesh. “Between 2024 and 2025, we aim to increase agricultural exports to Bangladesh from $779 million to $1 billion,” she said, adding, “today’s signing is part of that effort.” CAB demands strict action against Soybean oil syndicates Jacobson added that U.S. soybean meal exports to Bangladesh had already surged—from $5 million in 2023 to $20 million in 2024, and are projected to reach $86 million this year. *She expressed optimism that the growth would continue, citing US soy’s superior quality and its vital role in Bangladesh’s livestock and fisheries sectors. Under the new partnership, Bangladeshi processors and importers will not only increase soy purchases but also collaborate with USSEC on sustainable sourcing, leveraging the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) to reduce environmental impact. The deal also supports USSEC’s Right to Protein campaign, promoting awareness about protein consumption and nutritional development in Bangladesh. Md Taslim Shariar, Deputy General Manager of Meghna Group of Industries, hailed the agreement as a game-changer for the nation’s crushing and feed industries. “This is a milestone for Bangladesh. The more we crush, the more we achieve food security,” he said. “It accelerates growth in the poultry, feed, and edible oil industries. Bangladesh and US soy grow together—building a legacy of economic resilience, industrial growth, and nutritional excellence for generations to come,” he added. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), US soybeans ranked as Bangladesh’s No.1 agricultural import in 2024, valued at $350 million. The country has also become South Asia’s strongest market for U.S. soy, with soybean meal imports up 650% year-on-year. In contrast, Bangladesh’s exports to the US totaled $8.78 billion last year, underscoring a dynamic and expanding bilateral trade partnership. Consumers suffer as soybean oil crisis still persists in Dhaka Industry insiders say Bangladesh’s processors have long preferred US soy for its consistent quality. “The quality of US soybeans is far better than other origins,” said Delta Agrofood’s Amirul.