Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in a bilateral summit during which six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed. Key agreements include a policy-based development loan to support economic reforms and climate resilience, and the construction of a dual-gauge double railway line between Joydebpur and Ishwardi (Phase 1). Tokyo will provide $1.063 billion in aid, including $418 million in development policy loans and $641 million for railway upgrades. Additionally, Japan will offer a $4.2 million grant for scholarships.

When asked by Nikkei Asia about the reason for his resignation, the Chief Adviser stated that while he had not discussed this matter in Bangladesh, addressing it in Japan would cause major issues. According to Nikkei Asia, Dr. Yunus had told Nahid Islam that if political parties fail to agree on reforms and election deadlines, he might consider resigning. In response, Dr. Yunus remarked that discussing this matter abroad could cause significant problems, as he had not raised the issue in Bangladesh. He also highlighted that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, approximately $234 billion had been siphoned out of Bangladesh. Furthermore, $11-12 billion worth of funds have been identified and confiscated within Bangladesh. Dr. Yunus stressed that if such funds were recovered, they would be spent on education and healthcare, with the aim of transforming the lives of the poor and aiding young entrepreneurs.

At a seminar in Tokyo, NBCC Chairman Mikio Kesagayama announced Japan’s readiness to welcome 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, present at the seminar, said the government will do everything necessary to create employment opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan. Yunus witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding. Watami Group President Miki Watanabe added that their school in Bangladesh currently trains 1,500 students annually, with plans to double that number.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any actions that could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran. "I told him this is not the right time," said Trump. "We are making good progress with Iran, and I believe they are willing to reach a deal. If we succeed, many lives could be saved."

The US Court of International Trade in New York has suspended tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from several countries. The court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing retaliatory tariffs. The decision follows two lawsuits filed over the issue. In response, the Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has dismissed claims made in the US Defense Intelligence Agency’s annual report, which suggested that China is seeking to establish military presence in Bangladesh. “The report’s information is untrue. China has no such intentions,” said the ambassador. The DIA report had listed Bangladesh among several countries—including Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—where China is allegedly exploring military footholds.

Speaking at the Nikkei Forum, Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated, “We are preparing for a free, fair, credible, and participatory general election that ensures justice, equality, freedom, and human dignity. This will usher in a peaceful and effective democratic transition.” Stressing the need to turn Asia’s interdependence into cooperation, he added, “Asia’s strength lies in the diversity of its economies, cultures, and political systems.” Dr. Yunus also expressed concern over the vast amounts spent on war while millions face hunger, and highlighted the humanitarian crises in Myanmar caused by civil war and natural disasters.

A Bangladeshi laborer, Asad Mia (50), died while illegally extracting coal in a quarry deep in India’s Meghalaya hills. His body was brought back to his village in Chanpur, Tahirpur. In the past year, at least 18 Bangladeshi workers have died under similar circumstances, often due to unsafe conditions in unregulated coal pits operated by Indian coal exporters or smugglers.

During a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus affirmed that Bangladesh will hold a general election by June next year, regardless of the situation. He said this election will help advance the reform agenda initiated by the interim government, which is prioritizing three key areas: reform, justice for past crimes, and conducting credible elections. He also noted significant economic progress, including banking sector stabilization, reserve rebuilding, and improved debt repayment. Taro Aso thanked Dr. Yunus for fostering political stability and underscored the importance of holding the election on time.

In a rare speech from the throne, Britain’s King Charles III emphasized that the relationship between the United States and Canada is founded on mutual respect and shared interests. Speaking at the Canadian Parliament for the first time in nearly five decades, King Charles said both nations are committed to achieving transformative benefits for their people. He praised Canada’s efforts to strengthen ties with global trade partners, aligning with the values and needs of the modern world.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus arrived in Japan at 11:15 AM (Bangladesh time) on Wednesday for a four-day official visit. He had departed from Dhaka at 2:10 AM on Tuesday night. According to the Press Secretary, key issues on this visit include sending 100,000 skilled workers to Japan and attracting increased investment, especially in projects like Matarbari-Moheshkhali. Dr. Yunus is also scheduled to meet with JICA officials.

India has raised concerns over Bangladesh’s reported plan to reopen Lalmonirhat Airport, which has been abandoned for 54 years. Indian media outlet NDTV claims that the airport, located just 20 kilometers from India’s border and close to the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, is being revived with Chinese assistance. However, Google Maps shows the actual distance is approximately 160 kilometers. In response, India is reportedly planning to reopen Kailashahar Airport in Tripura, which was closed in the 1990s but played a significant role during the 1971 war. Bangladesh Army recently confirmed its interest in operationalizing Lalmonirhat Airport.

Subrata Bain, once listed among 23 top criminals during the BNP-led coalition government, has been arrested along with an associate in a secret three-hour joint operation led by the military in Kushtia. He had been on the run for years. Earlier in January, his disciple Molla Masud was arrested in Murshidabad, India, by Kolkata police. Indian authorities discreetly informed Bangladeshi intelligence about the arrest. Masud faces over 30 criminal cases, including the high-profile murders of BNP leader Kamal Majumder's nephew Mamun and Old Dhaka's infamous 'Murgi Milon', as well as numerous extortion charges.

A video from French President Emmanuel Macron’s Vietnam trip has gone viral, showing his wife Brigitte seemingly swatting his face as they disembark from a plane. Macron responded with humor, saying, “In the video, I was joking with my wife, and suddenly it’s being treated like a geopolitical catastrophe. People are interpreting it in bizarre ways.” He added, “Yes, the videos are real—but the way they’re being distorted and weaponized is even more alarming.”

Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique announced that the Chief Adviser will embark on a four-day official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31, departing Dhaka late on the night of May 27. During the visit, Bangladesh and Japan are expected to sign seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Bangladesh will also seek $1 billion in budgetary support from Japan. Additionally, Japan’s Soka University will confer an honorary doctorate on Dr. Muhammad Yunus during the visit.