United News of Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ordered an urgent medical review of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan after a court-appointed lawyer reported that he has lost most of the vision in his right eye. Barrister Salman Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae (friend of the court), met Khan for about two hours on February 10 at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi and later submitted a seven-page report to the court on Wednesday. According to the report, the 73-year-old former premier now has only 15 percent vision in his right eye after authorities allegedly failed to act on his complaints of blurred and hazy sight for nearly three months. Safdar wrote that Khan eventually suffered a sudden and complete loss of vision in that eye. A medical report dated February 6 diagnosed him with right central retinal vein occlusion, a condition caused by a blood clot that can seriously damage the retina. An eye specialist from a government hospital in Islamabad confirmed the diagnosis. Safdar noted that Khan appeared distressed during their meeting, with watery eyes throughout the conversation. The report warned that any further delay in treatment could pose serious risks and recommended an immediate independent examination by specialist ophthalmologists, including his personal doctors. Following the submission, the Supreme Court directed authorities to form a medical board to examine Khan and ordered that he be allowed to speak by phone with his sons, who live in the United Kingdom. The court asked that both steps be completed before February 16, with Chief Justice Yahya Afridi stressing that Khan’s health required urgent attention. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), expressed deep concern over his deteriorating eyesight and criticised prison authorities. The party said it may pursue legal action against officials and demanded unrestricted access to his personal physicians, transfer to a reputable hospital for specialised treatment, and restoration of full family visitation rights. Khan, a former cricket captain who led Pakistan to a World Cup victory, served as prime minister from 2018 until he was removed in a no-confidence vote in 2022. He has been jailed since August 2023 on multiple charges, which his party describes as politically motivated. Safdar’s report also stated that Khan has been held in solitary confinement for about two years and four months and has had limited access to his legal team and family members. In June 2024, a United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said his detention lacked legal basis and appeared aimed at barring him from political office. The case has further intensified political tensions in Pakistan, with analysts calling for transparency regarding the former prime minister’s health and prison conditions.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly chosen his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his official heir, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers on Thursday. Ju Ae, believed to be 13, has recently appeared alongside her father at major events, including a visit to Beijing in September, her first known trip abroad. The NIS said her increasing public presence and involvement in state events indicate she is now in the stage of “successor designation.” Lawmakers said Ju Ae has attended events like the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. She is also believed to have begun providing input on some state policies, showing her growing role in leadership. Ju Ae is Kim Jong Un’s only publicly acknowledged child. The NIS believes he may have an older son, but he has never been shown in state media. Ju Ae first appeared on North Korean television in 2022 while inspecting a missile system with her father. Her public appearances are seen as symbolic, showing her positioned prominently alongside Kim Jong Un. Analysts note that her selection as heir is unusual in North Korea’s patriarchal society, though female leaders like Kim Yo Jong provide some precedent. It remains unclear why Kim Jong Un, who is still young and reportedly healthy, has named a 13-year-old as heir, or what changes her succession may bring to the country’s policies and direction.   With inputs from BBC

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has emerged from a snap election with a commanding mandate, but the decisive victory now brings sharper focus on whether she can deliver the economic revival that has eluded the country for decades. Takaichi and her Liberal Democratic Party won 316 of the 465 seats in parliament, giving her one of the strongest majorities seen in recent years in a country known for frequent changes of leadership. Supporters say the result gives her a rare opportunity to reshape policy in the world’s fourth-largest economy. Japan’s challenges are deep-rooted. Economic growth has been sluggish for years, public debt is the highest in the world and the workforce is shrinking and ageing rapidly. Analysts say Takaichi now has political space to confront these issues, but expectations are high and risks are significant. During the campaign, Takaichi pledged to prioritise growth over austerity, promising higher public spending, investment in strategic industries and tax cuts to boost household consumption. The approach marked a shift from her immediate predecessors and was closely watched by investors. Financial markets reacted positively to her victory, with Japanese shares rising and what traders dubbed the “Takaichi trade” gaining momentum. Some investors bought equities while selling the yen and government bonds, although the currency later strengthened, a move seen by parts of the market as a sign of confidence. However, concerns remain over how her plans will be financed. Government bond yields rose after she took office in October, raising alarms because Japan’s massive debt means even small increases in borrowing costs can have wide global effects. More spending combined with tax cuts would likely require additional borrowing, adding pressure to the bond market. At the same time, the Bank of Japan is attempting to move away from decades of ultra-low interest rates as inflation picks up. Prices have risen sharply by Japanese standards, with staple items such as rice reportedly doubling in cost last year. The cost-of-living squeeze played a key role in voter dissatisfaction with the previous administration. Some economists warn that expanding government spending could worsen inflation. They argue that tighter fiscal discipline and allowing interest rates to rise further would better stabilise prices and reassure investors. Others counter that cutting taxes may provide short-term relief to households feeling poorer. Beyond financial policy, structural issues loom large. Japan’s population has been shrinking for years, creating labour shortages in sectors such as construction, care work, agriculture and hospitality. While immigration could help ease the strain, it remains politically sensitive and unpopular with parts of Takaichi’s conservative support base. The prime minister has instead emphasised automation, technological innovation and greater participation by women and older people in the workforce. Economists caution that these measures alone may not be sufficient to sustain long-term growth without more foreign labour. Japan’s external environment adds another layer of complexity. China, now larger in economic scale, is Japan’s biggest trading partner, making stable trade ties crucial while domestic demand recovers. Yet tensions with Beijing, including disputes over rare earth exports, have highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains vital to industries such as electric vehicles and defence. Takaichi has vowed to reduce Japan’s dependence on China in critical sectors while strengthening ties with the United States. She has endorsed higher defence spending and welcomed support from US President Donald Trump, signalling that the alliance with Washington remains central to her strategy. Analysts say Japan cannot afford to fully align with one power against the other, arguing that balanced engagement with both the US and China is essential for economic resilience. Observers note that Takaichi’s policy mix echoes that of her mentor, former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who combined aggressive stimulus with loose monetary policy. But the context has changed. Japan is older, competition in Asia is fiercer and global conditions are far less forgiving. With a historic mandate in hand, Takaichi now faces the defining challenge of her leadership: translating political dominance into sustainable growth for an economy long stuck in low gear.   With inputs from BBC

Pro-democracy activist and former Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison, the harshest punishment imposed so far under the Beijing-enforced national security law that has largely crushed dissent in the city. Lai, 78, a vocal critic of China and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was found guilty in December of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and plotting to publish seditious material—offences that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Six former Apple Daily employees and two activists convicted in the same case received prison terms ranging from six years and three months to 10 years on charges linked to foreign collusion. Lai smiled and waved at supporters as he entered court for sentencing, but his expression turned solemn before leaving the courtroom as some spectators wept. Asked whether an appeal would be filed, his lawyer Robert Pang declined to comment. The case has drawn international concern, with critics warning it signals a severe erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong, once regarded as a regional hub of media independence. Authorities, however, insist the prosecution is unrelated to journalism, arguing the defendants abused media platforms to undermine China and Hong Kong. Lai was among the first high-profile figures detained after the security law was enacted in 2020. Within a year, senior editors at Apple Daily were arrested and the newspaper ceased operations in June 2021. Read More: South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon Hee sentenced to jail for corruption The sentencing is expected to further strain China’s relations with Western governments. U.S. President Donald Trump said he felt “so badly” about the verdict and confirmed he had raised Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging consideration of his release. Britain and Australia also expressed deep concern, with UK officials calling the prosecution politically driven. In a family statement, Lai’s son Sebastien described the sentence as “draconian” and life-threatening, while his sister Claire said it was “heartbreakingly cruel,” warning her brother could die in prison. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee defended the ruling, saying the sentence demonstrated the rule of law and reflected the seriousness of Lai’s crimes. Judges described Lai as the central figure behind the conspiracies, increasing his sentence on that basis. However, they reduced it slightly after considering his age, health issues and the hardship of solitary confinement. The court ruled that 18 years of the sentence would run consecutively with a separate five-year-and-nine-month prison term Lai is already serving for fraud. Legal experts said the case sets a troubling precedent, particularly for journalists and academics, due to the broad interpretation of “sedition” and “collusion with foreign forces.” Read More: Purbachal plot scam cases: Hasina, Tulip sentenced to jail Lai has been in custody for more than five years and suffers from several health conditions, including heart problems and diabetes, though authorities say his condition remains stable. Several co-defendants received reduced sentences after pleading guilty and assisting prosecutors. Judges noted their testimony played a significant role in securing Lai’s conviction. Dozens of people queued outside the court before dawn to attend the hearing, including former Apple Daily staff member Tammy Cheung, who said the sentencing marked the end of a painful chapter. Founded in 1995, Apple Daily was shut down in 2021, an event widely seen as a major blow to Hong Kong’s media sector. The city now ranks 140th out of 180 territories in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, down sharply from 18th place in 2002. Police officials welcomed the sentence, while human rights groups condemned it as cruel and unjust. The Hong Kong government said assets linked to Lai’s crimes would be confiscated.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnavirakul on Sunday declared victory in the country’s general election as preliminary results showed his conservative Bhumjaithai Party far ahead of its rivals. With about 90 percent of votes counted, projections showed Bhumjaithai winning 194 seats in the 500 member House of Representatives. The reformist People’s Party was placed second with 116 seats, according to early tallies. Anutin said the victory belonged to all citizens, regardless of whom they supported in the election. The outcome surprised many observers as opinion polls had earlier predicted a lead for the People’s Party. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut appeared to concede defeat, saying he was prepared to sit in opposition if Anutin succeeded in forming a new government. The snap election was called in December after Anutin’s previous coalition collapsed just three months into its term. No party is expected to secure an outright majority, but the strong showing has put Anutin in a commanding position to remain in office. If confirmed, the result would mark a major gain for Bhumjaithai, which is projected to win more than twice the number of seats it secured in the 2023 election. The outcome was a setback for the People’s Party, which had hoped to build on its strong performance three years ago when it won the most votes under its former name, Move Forward. That party was later blocked from forming a government by the unelected senate. This time, the expected surge of support for its young reform minded candidates did not materialise. Analysts said the party struggled to match the local influence and nationwide networks built by Anutin’s conservatives. Anutin’s campaign focused on nationalism, protection of traditional institutions such as the monarchy and military, and promises of financial support. His party also benefited from backing by local power brokers in an electoral system where most seats are decided in individual constituencies. The Shinawatra family backed Pheu Thai Party emerged as the third largest force, projected to win 86 seats, a sharp fall from its performance in 2023. Its popularity has been hit by internal instability, court rulings against its leaders and criticism over its handling of tensions with Cambodia. Economic concerns played a central role in the campaign, with voters worried about record household debt, weak growth and factories relocating to neighbouring countries. Alongside the election, voters also took part in a referendum on reforming the 2017 constitution drafted under military rule. Early results suggested around two thirds of voters backed constitutional changes.   With inputs from BBC

Japanese stocks surged on Monday as markets reacted positively to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s landslide victory in the snap general election, which media outlets described as a historic result. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index jumped more than five percent in early trading, briefly crossing the 57,000 mark for the first time. The Japanese yen also strengthened against the US dollar, while government bond prices fell. Public broadcaster NHK projected that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured 316 seats in the 465 member lower house. Together with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, the alliance won a total of 352 seats, giving it a two thirds majority. This marks the strongest election result for a single party in post war Japan since the current parliamentary system was established in 1947. Takaichi called the snap election after becoming Japan’s first female prime minister last October through a vote by lawmakers. She sought a direct mandate from voters, a move that was widely seen as risky but ultimately paid off. The victory reverses recent political setbacks for the LDP, which had lost its majority under previous leaders. The election came at a time when Japan is facing rising living costs, weak economic growth and pressure from an ageing population. Market analysts said investors welcomed the political stability created by the decisive result. Takaichi has pledged to cut taxes, increase government spending and push pro business reforms, which helped boost market confidence. Speaking earlier, Takaichi said her priority would be reviving the economy, raising wages and addressing the cost of living crisis. She has also promised higher defence spending, stricter immigration rules and a review of foreign ownership of land. US President Donald Trump congratulated Takaichi and her coalition on what he called a landslide victory. He praised her leadership and reaffirmed strong support for Japan, one of Washington’s closest allies. Takaichi now faces the challenge of delivering economic recovery while managing strained ties with China and navigating domestic debate over her conservative views on social and gender issues.   With inputs from BBC

Vote counting was underway in Thailand's early general election on Sunday, seen as a three-way race among competing visions of progressive, populist and old-fashioned patronage politics. The battle for support from 53 million registered voters came against a backdrop of slow economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment. While more than 50 parties contested the polls, only three — the People’s Party, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai — have the nationwide organization and popularity to gain a winning mandate. A simple majority of the 500 elected lawmakers selects the next prime minister. No outright winner expected Local polls consistently project that no single party will gain a majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government. Although the progressive People’s Party is seen as favored to win a plurality, its reformist politics aren't shared by its leading rivals, which may freeze it out by joining forces to form a government. The People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, is the successor to the Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the House of Representatives in 2023, but was blocked from forming a government by conservative lawmakers and then forced to dissolve. "I think we will get the mandate from the people, and we promised the people that we will form the people’s government to bring policies that benefit all, not a few in the country,” Natthaphong told reporters after casting his ballot in Bangkok. Reformist party softens its pitch His party's platform continues to promise sweeping reforms of the military, police and judiciary, appealing to youth and urban voters. Legal constraints have led it to set aside demands for reform of a law that metes out harsh penalties for criticism of the monarchy, while putting new emphasis on economic issues. Softening its politics risks weakening its core support, already at risk because the last election had positioned it squarely as the alternative to nine previous years of military-led government, a situation it can't fruitfully exploit this time. At the same time, its positions critical of the military can be a political liability with the surge of patriotism that emerged during last year’s border clashes with Cambodia, said Napon Jatusripitak, director of the Center for Politics and Geopolitics at Thailand Future, a Bangkok-based think tank. The Bhumjaithai Party, headed by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is seen as the main defender and preferred choice of the royalist-military establishment. Anutin has been prime minister only since last September, after serving in the Cabinet of his immediate predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was forced out of office for an ethics violation regarding mishandling relations with Cambodia. He dissolved parliament in December to call a new election after he was threatened with a no-confidence vote. Subsequent border clashes with Cambodia allowed Anutin to recast himself as a wartime leader after his popularity initially slipped because of floods and financial scandals. His campaign focuses on national security and economic stimulus. “We have done everything that we had to, but we cannot force the mind of the people. We can only present ourselves, and hope that the people will have faith in us,” Anutin said after casting ballots in northeastern Buriram province, his party's stronghold. Bhumjaithai, seen as the likeliest party to form the next government, benefits from an electoral strategy employing old-style patronage politics and a machine skilled at grassroots organizing in the vote-rich northeast. Thaksin's political machine The Pheu Thai Party is the latest political vehicle for billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin-backed parties staged repeated electoral comebacks, only to be ousted by conservative-leaning courts and state watchdog agencies. It softened its politics enough by the 2023 election to be returned to power after being judged by the previously hostile royalist-military establishment as an acceptable alternative to the more progressive Move Forward party. The conservative court system rounded on it anyway — ousting two of its prime ministers over two years and ordering Thaksin imprisoned on old charges. The party now campaigns on economic revival and populist pledges like cash handouts, nominating Thaksin’s nephew, Yodchanan Wongsawat, as its lead candidate for prime minister. "I’m excited, because I think today will be another busy day for the country’s democracy,” Yodchanan told reporters after voting. Sunday’s voting includes a referendum asking voters whether Thailand should replace its 2017 military-drafted constitution. The vote isn't on a proposed draft, but rather to decide whether to authorize parliament to begin a formal drafting process, which would require many further steps before coming to fruition. Pro-democracy groups view a new charter as a critical step toward reducing the influence of unelected institutions such as the military and judiciary, while conservatives warn that it could cause instability.

The death toll from a powerful explosion at a biotech factory in north China’s Shanxi Province has risen to eight, local authorities said on Sunday. Officials confirmed that eight people had died as of 9:30am following the blast, which occurred on Saturday at a workshop of Jiapeng Biotech Company in Shanyin County under Shuozhou City. Xi Jinping seeks stable China-US ties, signals cooperation with Trump Authorities have placed the company’s legal representative under control as part of the ongoing investigation. A probe committee has also been formed to determine the cause of the explosion and assess responsibility. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.

Thai voters went to the polls on Sunday in an early general election widely seen as a three-way contest among the progressive People’s Party, the ruling Bhumjaithai Party and the populist Pheu Thai Party. More than 53 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in the election, held amid slow economic growth and rising nationalist sentiment. Although over 50 political parties are contesting the polls, analysts say only three have a real chance of forming the next government. A simple majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives is needed to select the next prime minister. Opinion surveys suggest no party is likely to win an outright majority, making a coalition government almost certain. The People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, is expected to win the most seats but may struggle to form a government due to opposition from conservative parties. It is the successor to the dissolved Move Forward Party and continues to promote reforms of the military, police and judiciary, while placing more focus on economic issues. The Bhumjaithai Party, headed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is seen as the favorite to lead the next government. Anutin called the snap election in December after facing a no-confidence threat. His campaign centers on national security and economic recovery. The Pheu Thai Party, linked to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is campaigning on populist promises and economic revival, nominating Thaksin’s nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat as its prime ministerial candidate. Voters are also taking part in a referendum on whether to begin drafting a new constitution, a move supported by pro-democracy groups but opposed by conservatives.  

Polls opened across Japan on Sunday as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks a decisive victory in parliamentary elections to strengthen her grip on power and push through a conservative reform agenda. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister who took office in October, remains highly popular with voters. However, her ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has struggled with public support, prompting her to call a snap election in hopes of securing a stronger mandate. She aims to revive Japan’s economy, expand military capabilities and take a firmer stance amid rising tensions with China, while maintaining close ties with the United States and President Donald Trump. Campaigning under the slogan “work, work, work,” the ultraconservative leader has attracted younger supporters with a leadership style seen as both energetic and tough. Opinion polls suggest the LDP, together with its new ally, the Japan Innovation Party, is on track to win a comfortable majority in the powerful 465-seat lower house. Some surveys indicate the coalition could secure up to 300 seats, a sharp rise from its slim majority following losses in the 2024 election. Takaichi has said she would step down if her party fails to win a majority. A strong win could signal a major shift to the right in Japan’s policies on security, immigration and defense. Takaichi has pledged to revise defense rules by December, including lifting restrictions on weapons exports and boosting Japan’s military capabilities, moving further away from its postwar pacifist stance. She has also pushed for tougher immigration controls, stricter rules for foreign residents and property owners, and stronger anti-espionage laws — proposals that critics warn could undermine civil liberties. Meanwhile, record snowfall in northern Japan in recent weeks has blocked roads and caused dozens of deaths, raising concerns that voting and vote counting may be disrupted in some affected areas.