world

Dhaka/Beijing: Despite China’s persistent efforts, Bangladesh has refused to purchase the Chinese J-10C fighter jet, dealing a significant setback to Beijing’s defense export ambitions. In a surprising turn, Dhaka is now showing keen interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon, signaling a shift toward Western fighter aircraft. According to the Eurasian Times, Bangladesh has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to begin talks for acquiring 12 to 16 Eurofighter Typhoons. If the deal is finalized, Bangladesh would become the 11th country to operate the 4.5-generation multirole fighter, which was jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Notably, Bangladesh would be the first South Asian nation to operate the Eurofighter Typhoon. Growing Preference for EurofighterWhile the ...

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has strongly rejected the announcement of next year’s national elections. The party also accused Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus’ government of being aligned with a “murderous and fascist” faction, questioning its ability to conduct free and fair polls. The Election Commission, under Yunus’ leadership, had declared on Thursday that elections would be held on 12 February 2026. The Awami League described this move as illegal and politically motivated, claiming that the current government cannot ensure transparency, impartiality, or reflect the will of the people. Awami League’s Strong StatementIn an official statement from its headquarters at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka, the Awami League said it had closely r...

Washington: The United States has intensified its pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by imposing new sanctions on members of his family and associated entities. The latest measures specifically target three of Maduro’s nephews, six crude oil tankers, and the shipping companies linked to them. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced the seizure of a restricted oil tanker near Venezuelan waters. The sanctions list also includes Panamanian businessman Ramón Carretero, accused of transporting Venezuelan oil. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Carretero has conducted business dealings with the Maduro-Flores family, assisting the Venezuelan government in oil shipments. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Treasury issued the sanctions list on ...

Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly grown extremely frustrated with ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, signaling that he no longer wishes to engage in further discussions. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt confirmed on Thursday that the President is “deeply disappointed” with both sides and is demanding immediate action to end the war. “President Trump is tired of talks and wants decisive steps to bring this conflict to an end,” Levitt stated. “He expects tangible results, not endless negotiations.” Discontent Over Ukraine’s Response Tensions reportedly escalated after Ukrainian officials suggested that Washington’s stance had seen minimal changes following the submission of a 28-point peace plan last month. Trump’s proposed p...

Bangkok: Tensions have flared once again along the Thailand-Cambodia border, reigniting hostilities between the two nations. Recent clashes have resulted in fatalities among Thai soldiers and injuries to civilians, while Cambodia has also accused Thai forces of cross-border attacks. Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. President during a summit in South Korea, hostilities resumed, and both sides are exchanging accusations over the recent confrontations. According to Surasak Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Defence, the latest clashes have claimed the lives of nine Thai soldiers, with over 120 others injured. Mass Displacement of Civilians The fighting has displaced nearly 200,000 Thai civilians, who have sought refuge in camps. Surasak reported that th...

Vienna: Austria’s lower house of Parliament has passed a proposal to ban Muslim headscarves for girls under the age of 14 in schools, sparking debate over religious freedom and human rights. The government has described the hijab as a “symbol of oppression,” while human rights groups and Muslim organizations have criticized the move as unconstitutional. Background and ControversyThe proposed law, supported by a coalition of three ruling parties and the far-right Freedom Party, seeks to prevent young girls from wearing hijabs in schools. The Freedom Party also demanded that the ban be extended to school staff. The Greens, Austria’s smallest parliamentary party, opposed the measure, arguing it violates constitutional rights. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, ...

Washington/New Delhi: The US Embassy in India has announced heightened scrutiny for tourist visa applications from pregnant Indian women, warning that visas will be denied if the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States. This move targets what US authorities call “birth tourism,” where children born on American soil automatically gain citizenship. The embassy stated, “American consular officers will refuse tourist visa applications if they believe the travel’s main objective is to give birth in the US and secure citizenship for the child. This is not permitted.” What is Birthright Citizenship?Under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, any child born on American soil automatically acquires US citizenship, regardless of the parents’ immigration status. Whil...

Naypyidaw: Myanmar’s military junta carried out a deadly airstrike on a hospital in Rakhine State on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing civil conflict. At least 31 people were killed and approximately 70 others injured in the attack on the facility located in Mrauk-U, a stronghold of the Arakan Army in western Rakhine. Attack on a Medical Facility Medical staff at the hospital, including Yae Han Aung, described the scene as “horrific,” confirming the death toll and noting that many of the injured are in critical condition. Bombing continued throughout the night, leaving the hospital in ruins. Authorities fear that casualties could rise further as rescue operations continue amid the debris. Junta Intensifies Air Campaigns The Rakhine hospital str...

New York: India strongly condemned Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling them a serious breach of Afghan sovereignty and international norms. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish Parvathineni, raised concerns over the civilian casualties, highlighting the deaths of innocent women, children, and three promising young cricketers—Kabir Aga, Sibgatullah, and Haroon. Violation of Afghan Sovereignty Addressing the Security Council, India emphasized that its developmental partnership with Afghanistan exceeds $3 billion, demonstrating New Delhi’s unwavering support for the Afghan people. The airstrikes, reportedly aimed at terrorist targets in Paktika province on 17 October 2025, instead claimed civilian lives and esca...

Dhaka: Pakistan has reportedly made significant progress in its effort to form a new regional bloc in South Asia, deliberately excluding India. Bangladesh has now indicated a willingness to join the initiative, giving Islamabad a crucial boost. Bangladesh’s Response According to reports, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor, Tauhid Hussain, confirmed on Wednesday that Dhaka sees no strategic issue in joining a regional alliance with Pakistan that does not include India. His remarks are seen as a response to statements by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who has been advocating for a tripartite initiative between Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh. Hussain added that while Bangladesh could feasibly join such a bloc, it would be difficult for Nepal or Bhutan to do so, given their...