United News of Bangladesh

President Donald Trump has called for the United States to move on from the Jeffrey Epstein case as the Justice Department concludes its review of millions of documents related to the convicted sex offender’s sex-trafficking network. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the review, mandated by Congress in November, found no grounds for new prosecutions. While the Justice Department’s review has ended, the House of Representatives continues its own investigation into Epstein. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify later this month, after Republicans threatened contempt of Congress for noncompliance. Members of Congress and Epstein’s survivors continue to demand additional disclosures, citing documents they claim have not been released. Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, said at the White House on Tuesday that it was “really time for the country to get on to something else.” However, his name appears over 6,000 times in the released files, often mentioned by Epstein and his associates, although no evidence has directly implicated him in criminal activity. Other high-profile figures named in the documents, including Prince Andrew, former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson, and former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, have faced scrutiny and personal consequences for their ties to Epstein. Tech billionaires like Bill Gates and Elon Musk have also had to address references to them in the files. The documents include unverified FBI tips from 2016, some naming Trump, Epstein, and other prominent figures. The Justice Department said these tips were unfounded and many contain false or sensational claims. A few new photographs and emails were released, but none substantially changed the narrative regarding Trump’s involvement. Epstein’s victims, including Lisa Phillips, expressed dissatisfaction with the Justice Department’s actions, citing incomplete disclosure and the release of survivors’ names. Despite the president’s call to move on, Democrats in Congress have signaled they may issue similar subpoenas for Trump and other Republicans if they regain control of the House in the November midterm elections. The Epstein saga, years after the financier’s death, continues to attract legal and political attention, highlighting ongoing calls for transparency and accountability in one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving powerful figures in the United States.   With inputs from BBC

Indian lawmakers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling coalition lauded him Tuesday for reaching a trade deal with the United States aimed at reducing tariffs on Indian goods, while opposition parties questioned its impact on sensitive sectors such as agriculture. The deal follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement Monday that he would cut import tariffs on India from 25% to 18%, six months after imposing steep duties to penalize New Delhi for continuing purchases of Russian oil, which Washington said fueled Moscow’s war against Ukraine. In exchange, Trump said Modi had agreed to halt Russian crude imports, although the Indian government has not publicly confirmed this. Trump also said India would reduce import taxes on U.S. products to zero and commit to purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods. “This will help end the war in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week,” Trump wrote on social media. Modi responded on X, expressing that he was “delighted” with the tariff reduction and calling Trump’s “leadership vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.” The announcement effectively removes the penal tariff imposed on Indian exports, providing relief for exporters who had been facing combined duties as high as 50%. India had emerged as a major buyer of discounted Russian Urals, raising tensions with Washington. In Parliament, opposition parties disrupted proceedings Tuesday, demanding clarity on the deal’s implications for agriculture, a key sector employing millions of Indians. While the U.S. seeks greater market access and zero tariffs on most of its exports, India has historically protected sectors such as agriculture and dairy from full liberalization. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooker Rollings said the deal would help American farmers export more products to India, boosting rural incomes. In 2024, the U.S. faced a $1.3 billion agricultural trade deficit with India. Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal assured that sensitive sectors, including agriculture and dairy, have been protected. “India has got the best deal in comparison to the countries in the neighborhood. This will strengthen U.S.-India relations while protecting the interests of all 1.4 billion Indians,” he said. Analysts urged caution, noting that details such as timelines, tariff reductions, and coverage of sensitive sectors remain unclear. Achieving $500 billion in U.S. imports would take decades, given current imports of around $50 billion, said trade analyst Ajay Srivastava. A senior Finance Ministry official, Arvind Shrivastava, said the deal could expand trade, create opportunities for India’s labor-intensive and manufacturing sectors in the U.S., and boost collaboration in advanced technology.

As tensions rise between Iran and the United States, Tehran authorities have moved to strengthen civil defense measures, designating 82 metro stations and over 300 underground spaces as emergency shelters. Ali Nasiri, head of the Tehran Crisis Management Organization, told media on Saturday that the Passive Defense Committee of Tehran Municipality surveyed existing shelters and identified around 518 older shelters in schools, though only 20% are currently restorable, reports reports Anadolu Ajansi. The 82 metro stations are being equipped with essential facilities, including restrooms, water, and food supplies. Shelter signs and labels are expected to be completed soon. Additional underground locations, such as parking lots and public complexes, have also been earmarked as emergency shelters, which once operational could accommodate around 2.5 million residents. Tehran’s population ranges from 10–12 million, rising to 15–16 million including the greater metropolitan area. Read More: Iran dismisses Trump’s threats, vows swift response to any US attack During the June 2025 confrontation between Iran and Israel, residents had previously taken refuge in metro stations. Since that 12-day conflict, officials have upgraded shelters to enhance safety in the capital. In recent weeks, fears of renewed conflict have grown after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a naval fleet en route to Iran. The Iranian government has warned it will respond forcefully to any military attack, prompting authorities to accelerate preparations for potential emergencies.

US President Donald Trump has said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed not to carry out attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for about a week due to exceptionally cold weather gripping the region. Speaking at a televised cabinet meeting in Washington on Thursday, Trump said he personally asked Putin to halt strikes on Ukraine’s capital and other urban areas during the extreme cold, and that the Russian leader agreed. Trump did not specify when the pause would begin. Russia has not confirmed any such agreement. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed Trump’s remarks, calling them an important signal about the possibility of protecting Kyiv and other cities during the harsh winter period. Air raid sirens sounded overnight into Friday in only four Ukrainian regions close to the frontline, according to Ukrainian officials. Kyiv and other major cities were not included. Ukraine’s air force later said those areas were targeted by around 80 Russian drones and a ballistic missile. Temperatures in Kyiv were forecast to drop sharply from Thursday, falling to as low as minus 24 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during cold spells since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022, worsening power and heating shortages. In a social media post, Zelensky said Ukrainian and US teams had discussed the issue during talks in the United Arab Emirates and expressed hope that the understandings would be implemented. Ukrainian media reported that Kyiv had agreed to mirror Moscow’s actions by pausing its own attacks on Russian oil refineries. Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators held their first trilateral talks since the war began during meetings in the UAE last week. While all sides described the discussions as constructive, there has been no formal announcement from Moscow of a pause in attacks. Despite the reported understanding, Russian strikes have continued to damage Ukraine’s power grid, leaving millions without reliable heating or electricity as repair crews struggle to restore supplies amid ongoing attacks.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has instructed U.S. officials to reopen Venezuela’s commercial airspace, a major step toward easing travel restrictions and potentially allowing American citizens to visit the South American country again. Trump said he informed Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez of the decision and directed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and top military leaders to implement the reopening by the end of the day. Speaking from the White House, Trump told reporters that “American citizens will be very shortly able to go to Venezuela, and they’ll be safe there,” signalling a shift in U.S. policy after years of diplomatic rupture. Venezuela’s government had not immediately responded to the announcement. Earlier this week, the Trump administration notified Congress of initial steps to possibly reopen the long‑closed U.S. Embassy in Caracas, part of efforts to restore diplomatic ties following a controversial U.S. military operation that ousted former President Nicolás Maduro. The State Department said in letters dated Monday that it plans a phased approach to gradually resume embassy operations with a growing number of temporary staff conducting select diplomatic functions. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas collapsed in 2019, as the U.S. government raised its travel advisory for Venezuela to the highest “Do not travel” level, citing risks of wrongful detention, torture and kidnapping for U.S. citizens. The State Department still maintains that warning, and has not confirmed any changes in its advisory despite Trump’s airspace announcement. In November, Trump had escalated tensions by declaring that the airspace “above and surrounding” Venezuela should be considered closed, prompting the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to alert pilots about increased military activity in the region and leading major airlines to cancel flights. The move to reopen Venezuelan airspace comes as American carriers eye resuming services that have been suspended for years, marking a potential revival in commercial links between the two nations.

Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj on Wednesday declared herself a strong supporter of US President Donald Trump and showcased her Trump “gold card” visa, which provides residency and a path to citizenship. Speaking on stage in Washington DC at the Trump Accounts Summit, Minaj said, “I am probably the president’s number one fan, and that will not change.” She added that criticism from others motivates her to support him even more. The singer held hands with Trump during the event and emphasized she would not allow his opponents to bully him. Minaj shared images of the gold card on social media, calling it “free of charge” and saying she was finalizing her citizenship paperwork under Trump’s administration. The card, launched in December, allows wealthy immigrants to gain US residency in exchange for a $1 million fee and a $15,000 processing charge. The rapper, who moved to the US as a child, had previously criticised the government’s family-separation policies and highlighted her own experience as a child immigrant. She said the card grants residency rights but not full US citizenship. Minaj’s support has faced criticism online, with other US musicians voicing opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. Bruce Springsteen released a protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” in response to recent ICE-related shootings, while artists such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Ice-T condemned ICE actions on social media. Minaj’s public backing of Trump and the gold card program highlights a growing divide among US celebrities over immigration policies and the Trump administration’s approach to enforcement.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned Iran that “time is running out” to negotiate a nuclear deal, amid a significant buildup of American military forces in the Gulf. Trump described a “massive armada” moving rapidly with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose” toward Iran, signaling Washington’s readiness to act if necessary. The fleet is led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, supported by destroyers, combat ships, and aerial assets deployed across Jordan, Qatar, and the Indian Ocean. Satellite imagery and open-source tracking confirm fighter jets, drones, refueling aircraft, and surveillance planes have also been stationed near Iranian airspace. Responding to Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that Tehran is prepared to respond “immediately and powerfully” to any aggression and reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program remains purely peaceful. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said no formal negotiations with the US are currently underway despite “exchanges of messages.” Trump’s warnings follow earlier US commitments to intervene after the crackdown on protests in Iran, which began after the national currency plunged but escalated into a broader challenge to the clerical regime. Rights groups report thousands of deaths since the unrest began in late December, with figures ranging from 6,000 to potentially more than 25,000. Trump called on Iran to “come to the table” for a fair deal prohibiting nuclear weapons, while US officials stress Tehran must also limit its missile program and support for regional proxies. Iranian officials reiterated that any deal must be free from coercion, threats, or intimidation and preserve the country’s right to peaceful nuclear technology. The US last targeted Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 during Tehran’s brief conflict with Israel, an operation Washington said set back its nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran has deployed its drone carrier IRIS Shahid Bagheri near its coast, signaling readiness to counter any potential US action.   With inputs from BBC

The leaders of Britain and China on Thursday called for a “comprehensive strategic partnership” aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries amid increasing global uncertainty. Neither leader made a public reference to Donald Trump, though the U.S. president’s challenges to the post-Cold War global order appeared to factor into their discussions. “I think that working together on issues like climate change, global stability during challenging times for the world is precisely what we should be doing as we build this relationship in the way that I’ve described,” Starmer said in his opening remarks to Xi. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing as both nations seek to repair relations following several years of strain. Tensions have grown over allegations of Chinese espionage in Britain, China’s backing of Russia in the Ukraine war, and Beijing’s crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong, the former British colony returned to China in 1997. Starmer is the first British prime minister to visit China in eight years. Chinese President Xi Jinping said past setbacks in China-U.K. relations had not served the interests of either nation and called for closer cooperation amid global uncertainty. “China-U.K. relations experienced setbacks in previous years, which was not in the interests of either country,” Xi said, adding that “in the current complex and ever-changing international situation, China and the U.K. need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to maintain world peace and stability.” Read More: China reaffirms support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition Xi appeared to acknowledge criticism faced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over engagement with China despite national security and human rights concerns, including Britain’s recent approval of plans for a large Chinese Embassy in London. “Good things often come with difficulties,” Xi said. Starmer, who took office in July 2024, said Britain would safeguard national security while maintaining dialogue and economic cooperation, telling Xi it had “been far too long” since a British prime minister visited China. More than 50 senior business leaders joined Starmer on the trip as Britain seeks to expand trade and investment ties.

US President Donald Trump has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on imports from South Korea, raising levies to 25 percent after accusing Seoul of failing to honour a trade agreement reached last year. In a post on social media, Trump said the higher tariffs would replace the existing 15 percent duties and apply to a wide range of products, including automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other goods covered under what he described as reciprocal tariffs. Trump claimed South Korean lawmakers had been slow to approve the deal, while the United States had moved quickly to reduce its own tariffs in line with the agreement. South Korea said it had not received formal notification from Washington about the decision and called for urgent consultations. The country’s industry ministry said Trade and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, currently in Canada, would travel to Washington as soon as possible to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The tariff dispute comes despite a bilateral agreement reached in October, under which South Korea pledged to invest 350 billion dollars in the United States, with part of the funds earmarked for shipbuilding. The following month, both sides agreed that Washington would lower tariffs on certain products once Seoul began the approval process. The agreement was submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly on November 26 and is currently under review. Local media have reported it is likely to be approved in February. Tariffs are paid by importing companies, meaning US firms will now face a 25 percent tax on goods purchased from South Korea. Trump has repeatedly used tariffs as a foreign policy tool during his second term. Over the weekend, he warned Canada of possible 100 percent tariffs if it pursued a trade deal with China. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney later said Ottawa was not seeking such an agreement and had conveyed its position clearly to Washington. Earlier, Trump had also threatened import taxes on several countries, including the UK, over opposition to US plans involving Greenland, though he later withdrew the threat, citing progress toward a future deal.   With inputs from BBC

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial plan to rebuild Gaza, promising coastal tourism, high-rise buildings, industrial zones, and 500,000 new jobs, without consulting Palestinians, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The so-called “Board of Peace”, chaired by Trump and including Jared Kushner, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, is set to oversee the reconstruction. Membership requires a $1 billion fee for a permanent seat, and the board’s charter suggests ambitions beyond Gaza, potentially challenging the United Nations. Trump and Kushner presented a four-phase development blueprint, starting from Rafah in the south to Gaza City in the north, featuring more than 100,000 housing units, 180 skyscrapers along the coastline, a new airport, and industrial zones. The plan claims to create $25 billion in investment and raise Gaza’s GDP to $10 billion by 2035. The proposal conditions reconstruction on the full disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. A Palestinian National Committee, led by technocrats, is to manage the territory, while cooperating Hamas members may be reintegrated into a new police force. Critics, including Palestinian civil society leaders, have condemned the plan as “imperialist” and said it marginalises local populations, ignoring property rights, justice for war crimes, and the needs of displaced residents. Gaza, devastated by Israeli bombardments since October 2023, has seen over 80 percent of its infrastructure destroyed, leaving 2.3 million residents displaced and basic services in collapse. Hamas rejected the plan, stating that Palestinians would not accept it, while Trump described it as a business-like and entrepreneurial approach to reconstruction.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA