In a Facebook post, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of national security during visa evaluations. The embassy stated that no visas are issued unless all security concerns are resolved. Applicants submitting fake documents will not only be denied visas but may also face legal action in both the U.S. and their home country. US chairperson Moin Chowdhury advised visa applicants to avoid brokers and fraudulent paperwork.

Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Ray Podder emphasized the importance of school-level autonomy to improve primary education. He called for empowering school heads and officials to ensure children’s literacy in language and mathematics. He said the ideal scenario would be for primary schools to be autonomous with their own budgeting and accountability mechanisms. Though not currently feasible, he announced that mid-day meals will soon be introduced in all primary schools in 165 upazilas under two ongoing projects.

After a human chain protest on Saturday titled “Rise in Red,” technical education students announced a nationwide mass gathering on Sunday to demand their six-point charter. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Blood is burning,” “Abu Sayeed Mugdha, the war isn’t over,” “Builders of the nation, rise once again,” and “Why the attack in Cumilla? We demand answers.” On Friday, students had marched in protest wearing white shrouds around their heads, symbolizing their readiness for sacrifice.

At least 148 people have died and many remain missing after a fire engulfed a passenger boat on the Congo River. According to Josephine-Pacifique Lokumu, head of a local delegation, the boat—constructed from wood—was carrying several hundred passengers. The fire is believed to have been started by cooking activities on board. Some passengers have been rescued, but search and recovery operations are still ongoing.

Russia has declined to extradite former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite growing pressure from Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Shara to bring him back for trial over crimes against the people. Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Alparus Kutrashev, said Assad continues to reside in Moscow under the condition of avoiding media and political activities. “President Putin made the decision to grant him asylum, and that remains unchanged,” he said.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has arrested three Indian nationals at the Daulatpur border in Kushtia with 69 bottles of Phensedyl. In separate operations, BGB also seized 14 kg of marijuana and 485 yaba tablets abandoned along the border. The detainees—Md. Jewel Mondal (25), Md. Rakibul Mondal (35), and Md. Bapon Mondal (32)—are all residents of Murshidabad, India. Two Bangladeshi citizens, Md. Nizam Mondal (45) and Md. Sharif Mondal (25), managed to escape. The arrested individuals have been handed over to local police.

At a press briefing on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods might be reduced. “I don’t want tariffs to be too high, because at some point, people won’t be able to buy,” he said. Trump emphasized the importance of consumer access and signaled openness to easing tariffs. While the U.S. initially imposed sweeping tariffs earlier in April, China remained an exception—with tariffs on Chinese goods eventually rising to 145%. In retaliation, China raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. Trump added that Beijing had reached out multiple times regarding the issue and expressed confidence that a “very good deal” between the two countries is on the horizon.

In a recent Foreign Secretary-level meeting, Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared commitment to reviving bilateral relations. The discussions covered political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation. Emphasis was placed on shared history and people-to-people ties. Pakistan stressed finalizing pending agreements, enhancing trade and connectivity, and resolving the Kashmir issue through peaceful means based on UN resolutions. Both sides also condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza and called for protection of human rights.

Wearing symbolic funeral shrouds, students from various Polytechnic Institutes across the country staged a massive protest march on Friday after Jumu’ah prayers, starting from Tejgaon Polytechnic. The demonstration, organized under the banner of “Technical Student Movement Bangladesh,” was announced late Thursday night. Earlier in the evening, students held torch processions in Dhaka and other cities. Protesters accused the Ministry of Education of betraying them through staged meetings and condemned the attack on fellow demonstrators in Cumilla.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has identified the Arakan Army as the primary obstacle to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. “We are stuck — we cannot directly negotiate with them, nor can we completely ignore them,” he said. On the broader issue of overseas migration, Hossain noted that 80% of the problems faced by migrant workers originate in Dhaka, while the remaining 20% occur in destination countries. Despite staff shortages at Bangladeshi embassies, he stressed the need to address 100% of expatriate issues. Citing economic progress, he noted that Bangladesh’s exports have grown from $1 billion in the 1980s to $60 billion today, crediting the diplomatic corps for playing a role. He also highlighted the contributions of foreign service officers in shaping international public opinion during the Liberation War.

The United States has announced new port fees targeting Chinese-built and operated vessels, aiming to boost the domestic shipbuilding industry and curb China’s maritime dominance. These fees, which will come into effect around mid-October, apply to all Chinese-linked vessels entering U.S. ports. Ships will incur additional charges per tonnage or container, with fees starting at $18 per entry or $120 per container. For a vessel carrying 15,000 containers, the cost could surge by up to $1.8 million. The fees will be reviewed five times a year. However, waivers may be granted if the vessel’s owner places an order for U.S.-built ships.

In response to Bangladesh’s condemnation of alleged misinformation and Muslim persecution amid protests over the Wakf Act in West Bengal, India has firmly rejected the remarks. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Bangladesh’s reaction appears to be an attempt to deflect from ongoing concerns about minority oppression within its own borders. “Criminals behind such communal incidents are still freely roaming,” he added. Jaiswal emphasized that instead of making baseless comments, Bangladesh would be better served by focusing on protecting the rights of its own minorities. Notably, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused both Professor Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of fueling the current communal tensions.

Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder has stated that an independent nation cannot shape its foreign policy around pleasing one neighbor at the expense of distancing another. He emphasized a “Bangladesh-first” approach moving forward. Majumder called for Pakistan to offer a formal apology, return Bangladesh’s rightful assets, and ensure the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. He cited global examples of former enemies becoming allies, such as the U.S. and Japan after World War II.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary met with two U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretaries—Nicole Chulick and Andrew Herrup—during which they discussed bilateral trade, investment, development cooperation, people-to-people ties, and the Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Secretary briefed them on Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms and efforts to reduce the trade deficit. The U.S. side urged for visible progress within the 90-day review period, stressing the urgency of the timeline. The Foreign Secretary clarified that Bangladesh does not consider the 90-day period a pause, but rather a time to work proactively with all stakeholders to resolve issues in mutual interest. He also urged reconsideration of USAID’s recent funding cuts in the health and agriculture sectors, and called for U.S. participation and support in the upcoming Rohingya conference.

A US delegation, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup, met with National Security Adviser Dr. Khairul Rahman to discuss regional peace, security, and bilateral relations. The talks covered the Rohingya crisis and the evolving situation in Myanmar. The US delegation praised Bangladesh’s response and strategies in managing the refugee influx.