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Sergio Gor Optimistic About Bangladesh-US Relations

Shubhadoy Goenka
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Sergio Gor Optimistic About Bangladesh-US Relations

DHAKA — US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor has expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh-United States relations following his first official visit to Bangladesh, describing discussions with the country’s leadership as productive and pointing to what he called “positive progress” in strengthening bilateral ties.

Gor made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday after holding talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka.

“It was great to meet with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during my first visit to Bangladesh and discuss working together to further strengthen the US-Bangladesh relationship. A lot of positive progress has been made,” Gor wrote in his post on X after the meeting.

The visit marked Gor’s first official trip to Bangladesh since assuming his role as the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. His visit came at a time when both countries are seeking to broaden cooperation in trade, investment, regional security, the Indo-Pacific, development, and humanitarian issues, while Dhaka also continues to expand diplomatic engagement with other major global powers.

High-Level Talks on Expanding Cooperation

According to diplomatic sources, Gor and Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman discussed ways to deepen the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the United States across areas of mutual interest.

The discussions covered strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing collaboration on issues of shared strategic, economic and regional importance. Officials from both sides viewed the meeting as another step toward expanding engagement between Washington and Dhaka.

The positive tone of Gor’s remarks suggested that both governments are interested in maintaining regular high-level dialogue and exploring additional avenues for cooperation.

Visit Comes After Recent Diplomatic Engagements

The visit followed a series of recent diplomatic contacts between senior Bangladeshi and US officials.

Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, where the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

During that meeting, Khalilur invited Rubio to visit Bangladesh, while both governments reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation. Sergio Gor was also present during the Manila meeting in his capacity as the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.

According to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Manila discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas including trade, investment and broader bilateral engagement.

Bangladesh Earlier Expressed Optimism

Ahead of Gor’s arrival, Bangladesh had publicly welcomed the visit, describing it as an opportunity to inject fresh momentum into relations with Washington.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on July 23, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government expected the visit to strengthen bilateral ties further.

“The relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has always been good, and that relationship is getting stronger under the current government,” she said, adding that Dhaka believed any high-level US visit would further deepen bilateral cooperation and open new areas of engagement.

Strategic Importance

The United States is one of Bangladesh’s largest export destinations and a key development and security partner. The two countries cooperate on trade, labor issues, maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and regional stability.

Diplomatic observers view Gor’s visit as part of Washington’s broader effort to maintain close engagement with Bangladesh amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. The trip also reflects continuing dialogue between the two governments on shared strategic and economic interests.

Although no major agreements were announced during the visit, Gor’s description of “positive progress” indicates that both sides see room for further strengthening one of South Asia’s important bilateral relationships through continued diplomatic engagement.

Attempted Murder Case Filed Against RUCSU GS Ammar

Our Correspondent
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Attempted Murder Case Filed Against RUCSU GS Ammar

DHAKA/RAJSHAHI — An attempted murder case has been filed against nine leaders of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) and Islami Chhatra Shibir, including RUCSU General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar and Assistant General Secretary SM Salman Sabbir, over the alleged assault on a student inside Rajshahi University’s Central Library earlier this week.

The complaint, filed on Thursday before the Cognizance Court of Motihar in Rajshahi district, accuses the named individuals and 17 to 18 unidentified persons of attempting to kill Mahmudul Hasan, a university student who was seriously injured during the incident.

The case was filed by M. S. Azad Uz Zaman, the victim’s father.

According to the complainant’s lawyer, Hazrat Ali, the court did not immediately pass any substantive order after taking cognizance of the complaint. Instead, it directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate the allegations before taking further action.

“The court has accepted the complaint but has not issued any immediate order. It has sent the matter to the Police Bureau of Investigation for inquiry,” Hazrat Ali told reporters outside the court on Thursday.

Nine Named Accused

Besides RUCSU GS Salahuddin Ammar and AGS SM Salman Sabbir, the named accused include RUCSU Information and Research Secretary BM Nazmus Sakib, Deputy Information and Research Secretary Sifat Abu Saleh, Shahid Ziaur Rahman Hall GS Ariful Islam, Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall Vice President Ahsan Ullah Farhan, Nawab Abdul Latif Hall GS Nurul Islam Shahid, Rajshahi University unit Chhatra Shibir Media and Publicity Secretary Mehedi Sajib, and Campus Monitoring Coordinator and University Senate student representative Fahim Reza.

The complaint also names 17 or 18 unidentified individuals.

Allegations of a Coordinated Assault

According to the complaint, the attack took place between approximately 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on July 27 while Mahmudul Hasan was inside the university’s Central Library.

The complainant alleged that a group of 19 to 20 people surrounded the student while carrying iron rods, bamboo sticks, canes and other locally made weapons before launching what the complaint describes as a coordinated assault with the intention of killing him.

The first information report (FIR) alleges that Salahuddin Ammar repeatedly struck Mahmudul Hasan on the head and forehead with an iron rod. Other accused allegedly beat him across different parts of his body with iron rods and bamboo sticks, inflicting serious injuries.

The complaint further alleges that several attackers later threw him to the ground, pressed on his chest and neck, and attempted to suffocate him.

According to the complaint, local residents and volunteers initially rescued the injured student and placed him in an ambulance. However, the attackers allegedly pulled him out of the vehicle and assaulted him again in what the complainant describes as repeated attempts to kill him.

Those allegations have not yet been tested in court, and no findings of fact have been made by the investigating authorities.

Father Alleges Police Refused to Register Complaint

The complaint also alleges that the family initially sought to file a criminal case with Motihar Police Station but was turned away.

According to the petition submitted before the court, Mahmudul Hasan’s father went to the police station on July 28 to lodge a case, but the Officer-in-Charge allegedly declined to record it and advised him to seek legal remedy through the court.

Speaking to reporters, Azad Uz Zaman said he first learned about the assault through Facebook around 5:30 p.m. on the day of the incident before rushing to the hospital.

“I came to know about the attack through Facebook. Later I went to the hospital and found my son undergoing treatment,” he said.

He also alleged that when he approached Motihar Police Station the following day, police refused to register the complaint and instead advised him to file the case through the court.

Police had not publicly responded to those allegations at the time of publication.

Assault Followed Earlier Campus Tensions

The attempted murder case stems from a series of violent confrontations that unfolded across the Rajshahi University campus on July 27.

According to multiple media reports, three students were assaulted in phases at the university’s Proctor’s Office and later inside the Central Library following an earlier dispute linked to allegations involving another student. Video footage circulated on social media appeared to show groups entering the library and assaulting students inside the reading room, prompting widespread criticism from student organizations.

Witnesses and university sources told local media that Mahmudul Hasan was among the students who were repeatedly assaulted. Reports also alleged that he was attacked again while being transported for medical treatment after being removed from an ambulance.

The incident drew condemnation from several student organizations, which described the assaults as “mob violence” and demanded an impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible. The university subsequently formed an inquiry committee to investigate the events.

Injured Students Later Arrested

Following the assault, Mahmudul Hasan and another injured student, Anas Ahmed, were shown arrested in a previously filed case under the Anti-Terrorism Act relating to alleged activities linked to the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Both were later produced before a court, which ordered them to be sent to jail. They remain in judicial custody while receiving legal process in that case.

The newly filed attempted murder case will now be investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation before the court determines whether to proceed with formal criminal charges against the accused.

Latif Siddiqui Says He Is Ready for Death at ICT Hearing

David Bangali
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Latif Siddiqui Says He Is Ready for Death at ICT Hearing

DHAKA — Former Bangladesh minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui created a dramatic scene inside the International Crimes Tribunal-2 (ICT-2) on Thursday after the court declined to allow him to address the bench in a crimes against humanity case linked to the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam crackdown at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar.

As the tribunal concluded the day’s proceedings and the judges prepared to leave the courtroom, Siddiqui repeatedly sought permission to speak from the dock. Holding a microphone, he attempted several times to draw the court’s attention, but the bench did not entertain his request.

Unable to address the tribunal, Siddiqui expressed frustration in open court.

“I wanted to tell the court to sentence me to death. I am prepared for death. But the court did not want to hear me,” he said while standing in the dock, according to people present in the courtroom.

Moments later, he continued, saying, “If this is the condition of the court, then where shall I go?” He again declared that he was ready to face the death penalty.

Police personnel then intervened as Siddiqui exchanged heated words with officers inside the courtroom. He was subsequently handcuffed and escorted out of the tribunal before being taken back to prison.

Produced Before ICT-2 in Shapla Chattar Case

Siddiqui was produced before ICT-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, in connection with a crimes against humanity case over the May 5, 2013, operation surrounding Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar.

Following the hearing, the tribunal ordered that Siddiqui be sent to jail in the case.

According to Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, ICT-2 earlier issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other absconding accused after taking cognizance of the formal charges in the case. Siddiqui, who is already in custody, is listed as Accused No. 10. The prosecution alleges that, as the then minister for textiles and jute, he was among those who planned the operation that led to the killings at Shapla Chattar.

The tribunal this week accepted formal charges against 41 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, over allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity arising from the May 2013 operation. It also ordered authorities to produce those already in custody and issued arrest warrants for the remaining absconding accused.

Brother Calls Case Unjust

Among those present in court was Siddiqui’s younger brother, veteran freedom fighter Abdul Kader Siddiqui, widely known as “Bangabir.”

Speaking to reporters outside the tribunal following the hearing, he claimed that his elder brother had been wrongfully implicated in the case.

“My elder brother has been implicated unjustly in this case. We will continue our legal battle,” Kader Siddiqui said.

He did not elaborate on the legal strategy but maintained that the family would contest the allegations through the judicial process.

Background of the Case

The case centers on the controversial law enforcement operation conducted on the night of May 5 and the early hours of May 6, 2013, when security forces dispersed thousands of Hefazat-e-Islam supporters gathered at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel commercial district.

The prosecution alleges that 58 people were killed in incidents connected to the operation at Shapla Chattar and other locations and has characterized the events as genocide and crimes against humanity. Formal charges have been brought against 41 individuals, including former ministers, senior military and police officials, politicians and others who allegedly participated in planning or executing the operation.

After the tribunal accepted the charges on July 27, Chief Prosecutor Md. Aminul Islam told reporters at the tribunal premises in Dhaka that the prosecution had submitted charges against 41 accused over crimes against humanity linked to the 2013 crackdown and that investigators had identified 58 victims.

The tribunal has fixed subsequent dates for further proceedings as the case moves toward the next stage of trial.

Egypt Hit for the First Time as Iran-US Conflict Expands Across the Middle East

Nayeem Ahmed
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Egypt Hit for the First Time as Iran-US Conflict Expands Across the Middle East

Cairo, July 30: Egypt has confirmed that a drone strike caused fires aboard two vessels at Damietta Port on the Mediterranean coast, marking the first direct attack on Egyptian infrastructure since the outbreak of the Iran–United States conflict.

According to Egypt’s Cabinet, a preliminary investigation found that a drone was responsible for the July 29 incident. Emergency response teams quickly contained the fires, and no casualties were reported. Authorities said investigations are continuing and that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard national security.

The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum said the affected vessels were being used for gas-related operations at the port. British maritime security firm Ambrey reported that the explosion occurred at a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility operated by a U.S.-owned company and sailing under the Marshall Islands flag. Crew members were safely evacuated, and the fire was brought under control.

Separately, shipping services provider Inchcape said the blast did not halt operations for long, with other terminals at Damietta Port expected to resume normal activity overnight.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident came just hours before U.S. forces resumed military operations against Iran following a five-day pause in hostilities. At the same time, Saudi Arabia reportedly joined the United States in strikes against Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq after months of attempting to avoid direct involvement in the conflict.

The renewed military activity follows recent Iranian missile attacks on U.S. military facilities in the region and U.S.-Saudi strikes that reportedly killed at least 20 Iran-backed fighters in Iraq. U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed a “strong” response to Iran.

The latest developments suggest the Iran–U.S. conflict is spreading beyond its original fronts, raising concerns over broader regional instability across the Middle East.

British Airways Jet Narrowly Avoids Disaster During Landing at London Heathrow

International Desk
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British Airways Jet Narrowly Avoids Disaster During Landing at London Heathrow

LONDON, July 30: A British Airways passenger aircraft narrowly avoided what could have become one of the UK’s worst aviation accidents in recent years after suffering a serious in-flight systems failure while approaching London Heathrow Airport earlier this month.

The incident occurred on July 6 when the Airbus A320, operating a flight from Düsseldorf, Germany, experienced a sudden failure of its air data system at an altitude of about 4,000 feet during its final approach to Heathrow.

According to reports, the malfunction caused the aircraft to lose critical flight information, significantly increasing the risk of a loss of lift and an uncontrolled descent.
The first officer initially attempted to manage the emergency, but as the situation deteriorated, the captain took over manual control of the aircraft and successfully stabilized it, preventing a potentially fatal crash.

The event has been classified as an in-flight loss of control involving pilot intervention. Following the incident, the captain was placed on stress leave due to the psychological impact of the emergency.

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the systems failure and review the crew’s response.
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

More Than 260,000 People Living With HIV in India’s Karnataka

International Desk
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More Than 260,000 People Living With HIV in India’s Karnataka

BENGALURU, July 30: India’s southern state of Karnataka is among the country’s worst-affected regions for HIV, with an estimated 260,000 people currently living with the virus, according to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) Consolidated Report 2024.

The report says around 205,000 people are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), leaving a significant number of HIV-positive individuals outside the treatment system.

To bridge this gap and encourage early diagnosis, Karnataka has intensified awareness efforts targeting students and young people. Under the state’s Mobilisation for AIDS Protection campaign, students can scan QR codes to confidentially assess their HIV risk and access information about testing and prevention.

Health experts say the initiative is particularly important because people infected with HIV can remain symptom-free for years while unknowingly transmitting the virus.

Dr. Neha Rastogi, an infectious disease specialist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, said HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, infected blood transfusions, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. She emphasized that the virus does not spread through casual contact such as handshakes, sharing meals or social interaction.

Rastogi also warned that rising HIV cases in Assam highlight the need for stronger public awareness, early testing and preventive measures across India.

Globally, efforts to combat HIV are guided by the 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has urged countries to build on the progress made over the past 25 years and accelerate efforts to meet the global HIV targets by 2030.
Source: NDTV.

Saudi Arabia Joins U.S. Strikes After Facing Attacks on Three Fronts

International Desk
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Saudi Arabia Joins U.S. Strikes After Facing Attacks on Three Fronts

Riyadh, July 30: Saudi Arabia has abandoned months of restraint and joined U.S. forces in airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq after coming under sustained attacks from multiple fronts, according to regional reports.

The kingdom had sought to prevent a broader regional conflict despite Iranian drone attacks over the past five months. However, continued strikes by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq prompted Riyadh to launch retaliatory operations early Tuesday.

The Houthis have targeted Saudi oil facilities along the Red Sea coast and attacked commercial shipping, while also declaring a naval blockade that threatens Saudi energy exports to Asia. Analysts say the group’s strategy resembles North Korea’s pattern of using military provocations to gain political and economic concessions.

Meanwhile, Iran-backed militias in Iraq carried out a series of drone attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including targets near Riyadh, on Monday and Tuesday. In response, Saudi warplanes, operating alongside U.S. forces, struck militia positions in eastern Iraq. Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces reported casualties from the attacks.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described the joint operation as a strong response to more than 30 drone attacks allegedly directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Saudi Arabia remains under growing financial and security pressure, with rising military spending and a widening budget deficit. Analysts warn that Riyadh also faces increasing strategic uncertainty over future U.S. support and regional diplomatic tensions, leaving the kingdom with difficult security choices.

Brazil Delays Approval of New US Ambassador, Deepening Rift With Washington

Adity Mohajon
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Brazil Delays Approval of New US Ambassador, Deepening Rift With Washington

BRASILIA, July 30 (Reuters) — Relations between the United States and Brazil have come under renewed strain after Brazil delayed formal diplomatic approval for Washington’s newly nominated ambassador, prompting frustration within the Trump administration.

US President Donald Trump nominated Florida lawmaker Daniel Perez as ambassador to Brazil on June 1. However, Brazilian officials have withheld the required diplomatic approval, known as agrément, arguing that Washington announced the nomination before securing Brazil’s consent — a departure from long-standing diplomatic protocol.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the delay has angered senior US officials, with some warning that Washington could consider retaliatory measures if the impasse is not resolved soon.

The dispute comes just months before Brazil’s presidential election in October, raising the possibility that the United States may not have a confirmed ambassador in Brasília during one of the country’s most significant political events.

Tensions between the two countries have already escalated over trade and political issues. Earlier this month, Washington imposed new tariffs on several Brazilian products, while Brazil has accused the United States of attempting to influence Latin American politics. The Trump administration, in turn, has criticized Brazil’s judicial system for allegedly discriminating against conservative figures.

Brazil’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of the agrément process under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a fourth term in office in the October election, where national sovereignty has become a central campaign theme. His main challenger is Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and a close political ally of Trump.

During his Senate confirmation hearing, Perez said that ensuring a free and fair Brazilian election, while strengthening bilateral trade and security cooperation, would be among his top priorities if confirmed.

US Arrests 905 Human Traffickers During FIFA World Cup 2026

Adity Mohajon
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US Arrests 905 Human Traffickers During FIFA World Cup 2026

WASHINGTON, July 30: U.S. authorities arrested 905 suspected human traffickers and rescued 180 victims during a nationwide operation conducted throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The month-long operation was carried out jointly by federal law enforcement and customs authorities across multiple states. Among those rescued were 30 children and minors who had allegedly been exploited by trafficking networks.

DHS said intelligence assessments had indicated an increased risk of human trafficking linked to the influx of domestic and international visitors attending the tournament. In response, authorities intensified surveillance, monitored online activity, and conducted undercover operations to identify and dismantle trafficking networks.

Lauren Bees, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, said that while millions of fans enjoyed the World Cup, law enforcement personnel across the country remained focused on combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Officials did not provide a full city-by-city breakdown of the arrests and rescues. However, they confirmed that Miami recorded 178 arrests, while Atlanta accounted for 153 arrests during the operation.

The DHS said investigations and enforcement actions against human trafficking networks are ongoing.

Petronas Offers Bangladesh LNG at Triple Gas Price

Adity Mohajon
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Petronas Offers Bangladesh LNG at Triple Gas Price

Dhaka, July 28: Malaysia’s state-owned energy company Petronas has offered to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh through ISO cryogenic tank containers at a price of around Tk 100 per unit, more than three times the current domestic industrial gas tariff of Tk 31 per unit, as the country struggles with a severe gas shortage.

The proposal was presented during a meeting at Petrobangla attended by representatives of leading industry associations, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA).
Petronas said it could begin delivering LNG within seven to ten days using ISO tank containers shipped from Malaysia to Chattogram Port before transporting the fuel by road to industrial consumers.

Industry leaders acknowledged the urgent need for additional gas supplies but expressed concern over the proposed price. Rajib Haider, a representative of BTMA who attended the meeting, said businesses were interested in the proposal because of the ongoing energy crisis, but the cost would be difficult for manufacturers to absorb.

The offer comes as Bangladesh faces widespread disruption following damage to an LNG import terminal, leaving households, transport services and industries grappling with acute gas shortages. Thousands of factories have reportedly been affected, while gas-fired power generation has also declined sharply.

Petronas officials are scheduled to inspect an 800 MW power plant in Narayanganj and a private sugar mill to assess the feasibility of supplying LNG under the ISO container system. However, the Bangladesh government has not yet made a decision on the proposal.
The initiative follows a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation signed during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Malaysia.

Under the proposed system, LNG would be transported in 20-foot and 40-foot ISO containers and regasified at customer sites. However, industries would need to invest in storage tanks and regasification facilities before receiving supplies.

Officials say the proposal comes at a time when global LNG prices remain elevated due to regional conflicts. Bangladesh is currently importing LNG at an average cost of about Tk 66 per unit, while the Petronas offer would cost approximately Tk 100 per unit.

According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), gas shortages have reduced electricity generation by more than 6,000 megawatts, forcing greater reliance on expensive furnace oil-based power generation. Meanwhile, more than 550 industrial units are still waiting for gas connections despite having paid demand note fees over the past five years.

The government is now assessing whether the emergency LNG supply proposal is economically viable while balancing the need to restore fuel supplies to industries and the power sector.

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