United News of Bangladesh

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said Thursday she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House, calling it a recognition of his “unique commitment with our freedom,” even as Trump has questioned her ability to lead Venezuela. Machado, who spent 11 months in hiding in Venezuela before attending the Nobel ceremony in Norway, said the gesture was symbolic. The Nobel Institute clarified that she could not legally transfer the prize. Trump later confirmed on social media that Machado had left the medal for him and called it an honor. The meeting lasted about two and a half hours and included a discussion of Venezuela’s political transition, though Trump provided no firm commitments on elections. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the discussion as “frank and positive” but stressed that it did not change Trump’s view of Machado, citing her lack of broad support within Venezuela. After leaving the White House, Machado greeted supporters outside and later met with a bipartisan group of U.S. senators. She urged progress toward a transition of power and elections, warning that interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former deputy, is “in many ways worse than Maduro.” The White House praised Machado as a “remarkable and brave voice” but maintained a cautious stance. Meanwhile, U.S. forces in the Caribbean seized another Venezuelan oil tanker as part of broader efforts to secure the country’s oil assets following the capture of Maduro and his wife less than two weeks ago. Machado, a longtime critic of Venezuela’s ruling party and co-founder of the NGO Súmate, led opposition efforts against Hugo Chávez and his successor Maduro, facing government reprisals over the years. Her visit to Washington highlights her symbolic role in Venezuela’s political opposition amid ongoing U.S. involvement in the country’s transition.

The Trump administration has labelled three Middle Eastern branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, imposing sanctions on the groups and their members. The U.S. Treasury and State departments announced Tuesday that the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters pose a threat to American security and interests. The Lebanese branch was designated a foreign terrorist organization, while the Jordanian and Egyptian branches were listed as specially designated global terrorists for supporting Hamas. “These designations reflect a sustained effort to stop Muslim Brotherhood chapters from violence and destabilization,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that the administration will work to cut the group off from the financial system. The Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt and Lebanon rejected the U.S. decision. Egypt’s branch said it “categorically rejects this designation” and will challenge it legally. The Lebanese branch said it operates openly within the law and called the U.S. decision “without legal effect” in Lebanon. Trump’s executive order cited the Lebanese chapter’s role in launching rockets on Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack and Jordan’s support to Hamas. The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928 and banned there in 2013. Jordan banned the group in April 2025. Iran closes airspace for hours amid US tensions over crackdown on protests Egypt welcomed the designation, calling it a “significant step” against extremism. Experts said the move may please some U.S. allies like the UAE but could strain relations with countries where the Brotherhood is tolerated, including Qatar and Turkey. It may also affect visa and asylum decisions in the U.S., Europe, and Canada.

The United States has announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of  75 countries including Bangladesh from January 21, citing concerns that applicants may rely on public assistance after entering the country. The US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said on Wednesday that consular offices have been instructed to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of the affected countries under an order tightening scrutiny of applicants who could become “public charges” in the United States. The move follows broader immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump and expands earlier travel and visa limitations imposed on nearly 40 countries. Officials said the decision is aimed at preventing what they described as abuse of the US immigration system. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the exploitation of America’s immigration framework by individuals who would draw on public welfare,” the State Department said, adding that visa processing would remain suspended while procedures are reassessed. The suspension will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, which account for most US visa applications. Read More: Bangladesh among 25 new countries under US costly visa bond rule Authorities expect demand for such temporary visas to rise ahead of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, both to be hosted by the United States. In a separate directive circulated to US embassies and consulates, officials were also instructed to more rigorously screen non-immigrant visa applicants for the likelihood that they may seek public benefits during their stay in the US. The guidance requires consular officers to conduct thorough evaluations of applicants’ financial stability, health, education, skills, family situation and English proficiency. Applicants suspected of potentially relying on public assistance may be asked to submit additional documentation to prove financial self-sufficiency. US officials said the measures build on existing laws requiring immigrants to demonstrate they will not depend on government benefits, but experts warn the expanded criteria could further narrow access to US visas, particularly for applicants from developing countries. Read More: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The other countries affected by the suspension announced on Wednesday are: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

The US State Department on Wednesday announced it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are considered likely to depend on public assistance while living in the United States. The department, headed by Secretary Marco Rubio, said consular officers have been instructed to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries under a broader order issued in November that tightened rules for prospective immigrants who may become “public charges” in the US. The suspension will take effect from January 21 and will not apply to non-immigrant visas, including temporary tourist or business visas. “The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people,” the State Department said in a statement. “Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.” The list of affected countries includes Russia, Iran and Afghanistan, along with several nations in Africa, according to the department. The Trump administration has already imposed strict restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant visa processing for citizens of dozens of countries, many of them in Africa.

More than half of US adults believe President Donald Trump has gone too far in using the American military to intervene in other countries, according to a new AP-NORC poll released this week. The survey, conducted from January 8 to 11 after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, found that 56 percent of Americans think Trump has overstepped in his use of military force overseas. Majorities also disapprove of how the Republican president is handling foreign policy in general and the situation in Venezuela in particular. The findings come amid Trump’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which has included US military action in Venezuela, calls for American control over Greenland, and warnings that Washington would come to the aid of protesters in Iran. While many respondents said the US intervention in Venezuela was a “good thing” for stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the United States and could benefit the Venezuelan people, fewer viewed it as positive for US national security or the American economy. Republicans largely back Trump’s approach, though few want him to go even further. The poll shows a sharp divide along party lines, with Democrats and independents driving the view that Trump has gone too far. About nine in ten Democrats and roughly six in ten independents said Trump has overstepped on military intervention, compared with only about two in ten Republicans. Among Republicans, 71 percent said Trump’s actions have been “about right,” while only around one in ten want him to take a more aggressive approach. Overall, 57 percent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling Venezuela, slightly lower than the 61 percent who disapprove of his foreign policy more broadly. Both figures are in line with his overall job approval rating, which has remained largely steady during his second term. Many Americans, however, see some benefits in the US action in Venezuela. About half believe the intervention will be mostly positive for stopping illegal drug trafficking into the US, while 44 percent think it will do more good than harm for the Venezuelan people, who lived under Maduro’s rule for more than a decade. Opinion is more divided on whether the intervention will help or hurt US economic and national security interests. The poll also found that most Americans do not want greater US involvement in global affairs. Nearly half said the country should take a less active role in world affairs, while about one-third said its current role is about right. Only around two in ten want the US to be more involved internationally. At least half of Democrats and independents now favour a less active US role abroad, marking a shift from just a few months ago. Republicans, meanwhile, have become more supportive of Trump’s level of global engagement, with 64 percent saying America’s current role in world affairs is about right.

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.

The virtual US Embassy for Iran warned American citizens on Monday to leave the country immediately as nationwide protests escalate, reports Anadolu Agency. “Leave Iran now,” the embassy said in a security alert, urging US nationals to plan their departure without assistance from the US government. “If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building,” the advisory added. The warning also urged Americans in Iran to anticipate continued internet outages, plan alternative communications, and, “if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye.” Dual US-Iranian nationals must exit using Iranian passports, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. “Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone,” the embassy noted. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on “any and all” countries doing business with Iran amid the ongoing government crackdown on protests. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iranian authorities use lethal force but indicated he is also open to diplomacy. Reports indicate the US administration is weighing a wide range of military and covert options, including cyber operations and psychological campaigns targeting Iranian command structures and state media. “We’ll make a determination,” Trump said Sunday, adding that he receives hourly reports on Iran, without specifying when or how the US might act.

The United States State Department said it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office last year, as his administration continues a hardline immigration crackdown. The visa cancellations include 8,000 students and 2,500 specialised workers, according to a social media post from the State Department on Monday. The department added that most had their visas withdrawn due to “encounters with US law enforcement for criminal activity,” though it did not specify whether charges were filed. The high number of revocations reflects the broad scope of Trump’s immigration crackdown since returning to the White House. Last month, the administration claimed to have overseen more than 2.5 million voluntary departures and deportations, describing it as a “record-breaking achievement.” Some deportations, however, involved immigrants holding valid visas, raising concerns over due process and human rights. The administration has also tightened visa approval processes, including more rigorous social media checks and expanded screening. “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe,” the State Department said in its post on X. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the four main reasons for visa revocations were overstays, driving under the influence, assault, and theft. He added that the revocations represented a 150 percent increase compared to 2024. A new Continuous Vetting Center has been launched to ensure “all foreign nationals on American soil comply with our laws – and that the visas of those who pose a threat to American citizens are swiftly revoked,” Pigott said. The centre is part of a broader push to restrict entry, with US diplomats instructed to scrutinise applicants who may be hostile to the US or politically active. In November, the State Department had reported revoking around 80,000 non-immigrant visas since Trump’s inauguration for offences including driving under the influence, assault, and theft. Trump, re-elected in 2024 and sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2025, campaigned on delivering the “largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America.” Critics argue, however, that his approach has targeted both criminals and non-criminals, with scrutiny of visa-holders holding opposing political views, reports Al Jazeera. In March, for example, the administration started stripping visas from students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Rumeysa Ozturk of Tufts University appeared to have been targeted for writing an editorial in her campus newspaper. In October, visas were revoked for six foreign nationals who “celebrated” the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk online. “The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans,” the State Department said in a social media statement. World Cup ticket holders to get priority in US visa interviews These moves have raised concerns over potential violations of the First Amendment right to free speech. Public outrage has also grown over the use of force in Trump’s immigration crackdown. Recently, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot dead in her car in Minneapolis during heightened immigration enforcement, sparking protests nationwide.  

Thousands of people marched through Minneapolis on Saturday to protest the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, as well as another recent shooting involving federal agents in Portland, Oregon.  The demonstration was part of hundreds of protests planned across the United States over the weekend. Minnesota leaders called for calm amid rising anger over the federal immigration crackdown. Mayor Jacob Frey said most protests have been peaceful but warned that anyone damaging property or endangering others would face arrest. He blamed “agitators” for trying to provoke violence and accused President Donald Trump of seeking chaos through large-scale immigration enforcement. Governor Tim Walz also urged calm, saying the president had deployed thousands of armed federal officers to Minnesota, and that the death of Renee Good occurred on the first day of the operation. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, a protest outside a hotel on Friday night turned violent when around 1,000 demonstrators threw ice, snow, and rocks at police, injuring one officer. Police cited and released 29 individuals. The Department of Homeland Security said the deployment in Minnesota is its largest enforcement operation ever. Federal officials described the recent shootings as acts of self-defense, claiming drivers tried to use their vehicles as weapons. Protesters expressed frustration with daily harassment in immigrant communities. Connor Maloney, a participant, said, “Almost daily I see them harassing people. It’s sickening that it’s happening in our community.” Similar demonstrations took place in Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, and Florida, according to the social movement group Indivisible. In Minneapolis, the rally was organized near the neighborhood where Good was killed, while ICE officers continued operations across the city. Journalists reported heavily armed federal agents detaining individuals, leaving some cars unattended, and blocking congressional representatives from inspecting ICE facilities. US proposes record $1.5 trillion military budget for 2027 State leaders emphasized that protesters must demand accountability while maintaining peaceful actions.

The United States and Venezuela said on Friday that they are considering steps toward restoring diplomatic relations, following a visit by a delegation from the Trump administration to the South American country. The visit represents a significant shift in relations between the two longtime rivals. It follows last weekend’s dramatic U.S. military operation in which former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was seized from his residence in Caracas and flown to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges. According to the State Department, a small group of U.S. diplomats, accompanied by security personnel, traveled to Venezuela to conduct an initial evaluation of whether the U.S. Embassy in Caracas could reopen. Venezuela’s government said it plans to send its own delegation to the United States, though no timeline was announced. Any such visit would likely require the U.S. Treasury Department to temporarily lift sanctions. The administration of acting President Delcy Rodríguez said it had decided to launch an exploratory diplomatic process with Washington aimed at restoring embassies in both countries. Rodríguez faces a delicate political situation, balancing pressure from the Trump administration while also trying to maintain the support of Venezuelan military hardliners angered by Maduro’s capture. Her remarks on Friday reflected that tension. She said she had spoken by phone with the leftist leaders of Brazil, Colombia, and Spain, during which she condemned what she described as Washington’s “serious, criminal, illegal, and illegitimate aggression” against Venezuela. Later, during a televised appearance at the opening of a women’s health clinic in central Caracas, Rodríguez stressed that engagement with the Trump administration was the best way to protect Venezuela’s stability and even work toward “the return of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.” Read More: Jack Ryan clip resurfaces amid Maduro’s capture “We will engage directly through diplomacy to defend Venezuela’s peace, stability, future, independence, and our sacred and non-negotiable sovereignty,” Rodríguez said, without specifically addressing the possible reopening of the U.S. Embassy. President Donald Trump has sought to pressure Rodríguez and other remaining allies of Maduro to support his vision of greater U.S. influence over Venezuela’s oil exports. Venezuela holds the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world. The United States and Venezuela cut diplomatic ties in 2019 during Trump’s first term, after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president — a move that infuriated Maduro. That same year, the Trump administration closed the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and relocated its diplomats to Bogotá, Colombia. Since then, visits by U.S. officials to Venezuela have been rare. The most recent visit before this week occurred in February, when Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, met with Maduro, leading to the release of six detained Americans.