Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, announced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a televised statement on Thursday. “Preparations for the visit are underway,” Lavrov stated. He noted that following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia after his third-term re-election, it was now Russia’s turn for a diplomatic visit. However, Lavrov did not specify an exact date for Putin’s trip.

Indian media outlets are reporting the deployment of Chinese troops in Balochistan, a claim Pakistan vehemently denies. According to Sama TV, following a failed terrorist attack on a train, India and its intelligence agency RAW have launched a new propaganda campaign in support of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). India Today published unverified claims suggesting the presence of Chinese private military companies in Pakistan. Pakistani authorities clarified that apart from security personnel stationed at designated locations in Lahore and Karachi, no Chinese security forces are deployed in the country.

A court has issued arrest warrants against former Vice-Chancellor of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) Dr. Abdus Sattar and two others in a corruption case. The other accused are JUST Deputy Director Abdur Rauf and former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Islamic University Dr. Kamal Uddin. The case alleges that in 2009, Dr. Sattar, as the chairman of the recruitment board, attempted to unlawfully appoint Abdur Rauf as an Assistant Director despite lacking the required qualifications. Subsequently, Rauf was irregularly promoted to Deputy Director in 2021, fraudulently drawing approximately 6.1 million BDT in salaries and benefits.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended warm greetings to Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence and National Day. In a letter, he stated, "I have been closely following and greatly appreciating your steadfast efforts for Bangladesh's reform." Citing lines from Rabindranath Tagore’s famous poem, ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear,’ he praised the courage and determination of the Bangladeshi people. The Malaysian Prime Minister also expressed his country’s full support for Dr. Yunus’ efforts in strengthening democracy, upholding human rights, and building a prosperous nation, emphasizing their strong friendship and partnership. He also mentioned his anticipation of the Chief Adviser's visit to Malaysia in July.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized 16 gold bars and 14 small gold pieces during an operation in Chuadanga while they were being smuggled into India. The estimated market value of the seized gold is around 4 crore BDT ($400,000).

Acting on intelligence reports about gold smuggling, BGB personnel took positions near Sultanganj border in the Sixgharia Government Primary School area. A suspect was intercepted while riding a motorcycle towards the border. Upon searching his waist, 3 kg and 6 grams of gold were discovered and confiscated. The smuggler has been taken into custody for further investigation.

The National Press Club has suspended the membership of Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

A statement signed by Press Club President Hasan Hafiz cited allegations of defamation against a management committee member and activities contrary to the interests of the journalist community. The suspension, enforced under Clause 13(a) of the club’s constitution, was unanimously decided during a March 25 meeting.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained two Indian nationals in Barkal, Rangamati, for illegally entering Bangladesh. The arrests took place on Wednesday at Chhoto Harina Bazaar. The detainees, identified as Gyanranjan Chakma (45) and Pinku Chakma (22), were found loitering suspiciously in Barkal Upazila. Upon interrogation, they admitted to being Indian citizens engaged in cross-border trade, attempting to smuggle goods between the two countries.

China and Bangladesh are set to strengthen their ties further following a meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the Boao Forum. The Chief Adviser’s office reported that President Xi Jinping places great importance on Yunus’s visit and expects Bangladesh to achieve prosperity under his leadership.

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the “One China” policy, Yunus highlighted that “Dhaka takes pride in being the first South Asian country to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative.” Bangladesh has requested China to lower its loan interest rate from 3% to 1-2% and to waive commitment fees for Bangladeshi projects. In response, Ding Xuexiang announced that China would extend duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi goods until 2028, two years beyond Bangladesh’s expected graduation to a middle-income country.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has sought the support and guidance of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh. In response, Ban Ki-moon expressed confidence in Yunus’s leadership, stating, “Under your leadership, Bangladesh will prosper. The country has now found a globally respected leader.” Recalling his role in strengthening ties between South Korea and Bangladesh, Ban noted that Korea and Bangladesh were once on the same economic level, but Korea has advanced significantly.

Yunus remarked, “The people of Bangladesh are extraordinary, but political leadership has held us back.” During the meeting, Bangladesh Investment Authority Chairman Ashiq Mahmud announced that Kihak Sung would lead a 26-member Korean business delegation to the upcoming Dhaka Business Summit. The Chief Adviser also sought Ban Ki-moon’s assistance in resolving the Rohingya crisis and invited him to visit Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk in China to discuss bilateral issues, including Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant operations, wheat and fertilizer imports from Russia, and Gazprom’s gas exploration in Bangladesh.

Yunus confirmed that financial issues concerning the Rooppur project have been resolved, with payments being made through a designated account in Dhaka. Overchuk expressed Russia’s interest in increasing Bangladesh’s wheat and fertilizer imports and offering more scholarships to Bangladeshi students.

On the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day, US President Donald Trump extended his greetings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the people of Bangladesh. Trump emphasized the United States’ commitment to maintaining its partnership with Bangladesh, particularly during this transformative period. He noted that this time presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen democracy, economic development, and security. The US President also expressed hope for continued collaboration in enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region. The US Embassy in Dhaka conveyed his message.

A school principal in Gaibandha, Fatema Akter Mili, has come under fire for her aggressive behavior toward a journalist. Following the fall of the Awami League government, she had been missing from the school for months but reappeared on Wednesday for an Independence Day event. When questioned about allegations of corruption and irregularities, she lost her temper and verbally abused the journalist. In a viral video, she can be seen threatening journalist Mamunur Rashid, saying, “I will take off my sandal and beat you!”

Chittagong University has dismissed two faculty members and a technician. Assistant Mechanical Engineer Hadi Md. Rashid from the Science Workshop was removed for involvement in recruitment irregularities. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Shantanu Debbarman (Economics) and Assistant Professor Rifat Darina Kamal (Public Administration) were dismissed for traveling abroad without permission. According to Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Shamim Uddin Khan, there is no chance of reinstatement. Notably, the two dismissed faculty members did not respond to official communications, signaling their acceptance of the decision.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the occasion of Independence Day. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also extended his greetings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Xi Jinping emphasized that over the past 50 years, China and Bangladesh have upheld the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and beneficial cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

To mark Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) exchanged goodwill gestures with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Hili border checkpoint. At 10:30 AM, BGB’s Hili ICP Company Commander Asim Marak presented sweets to BSF’s Camp Commander Rohit Sharma, who reciprocated with flowers. Both sides engaged in a cordial interaction, reinforcing the tradition of exchanging gifts during national and religious festivities to maintain cross-border harmony.