Donald Trump has called for U.S. military and commercial ships to be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. He wrote, “I have instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address this issue.” Trump also hinted that he would not rule out using economic or military force to regain control of the Panama Canal if necessary. Historically, the United States completed construction of the canal in the early 20th century but handed over control to Panama in 1999.

Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi has claimed that his country has 130 nuclear-capable missiles, including Shaheen and Ghaznavi missiles, ready to counter India. He asserted, “These missiles are not kept for display; you cannot even imagine where they have been deployed.” Abbasi warned that if India violates the Indus Waters Treaty and disrupts the flow of rivers into Pakistan, the country is fully prepared for a “full-scale war.”

Workers and representatives from 22 affected factories staged a protest in front of the Australian High Commission, demanding the return of embezzled funds from Australia’s Mosaic Brands and justice at an international court. Taslima Akhter stated that Bangladeshi workers hope the Australian government will promptly act through its High Commissioner to ensure their dues and protect 22 factories. She urged immediate efforts to recover nearly 2.5 billion BDT owed to workers and factories.

In Agra, members of the extremist Hindu group ‘Gau Raksha Dal’ opened fire on two Muslim brothers, killing one and injuring another while they were closing their family biryani shop. Gulfan Ali died on the spot, while Saif Ali was injured. In a video released the following day, two youths claiming to be members of the group confessed to the murder and threatened to kill 2,600 Muslims in retaliation for earlier incidents. Despite this, Agra police are framing the incident as a case of personal rivalry, although the group is known to have ties to the RSS.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser, paid his last respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, alongside leaders from over 130 countries. During the ceremony, Yunus exchanged greetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, former U.S. President Joe Biden, and leaders from Finland, Kenya, Montenegro, Ecuador, East Timor, Honduras, Iceland, Portugal, and Belgium, among others.

Amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that harsher sanctions could be imposed on Russian President Vladimir Putin, including banking restrictions. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately at Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, signaling continued U.S. pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin for a fourth round of talks in Moscow.

Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 49 illegal immigrants, including seven Bangladeshis, in a recent operation. The detainees include six Indonesians, 14 from Myanmar, four Nepalese, nine Indians, five Pakistanis, and two each from Nigeria and Yemen. All detainees have been placed in the Lenggeng Immigration Depot for investigation and further action.

The funeral of Pope Francis has begun at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, drawing an estimated 250,000 mourners. Notable attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The ceremony is witnessing one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in recent history.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking his first unexpected foreign trip of his second term. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Trump will join nearly 50 world leaders and 10 monarchs at the Vatican. Despite past tensions with the Pope over immigration policies, Trump stated he might meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the event, although Zelensky’s attendance remains uncertain.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan is prepared to cooperate with an independent international investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Rejecting India’s allegations as baseless, Sharif said, “As a responsible nation, we are ready for impartial scrutiny.” He also warned that any violation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty would be met with full force. Sharif reiterated that Pakistan has been one of the biggest victims of terrorism, losing around 90,000 citizens and suffering billions in economic losses.

Indian authorities have detained more than 550 illegal Bangladeshi migrants during overnight raids across Gujarat, with over 100 individuals apprehended in Surat alone. The detainees reportedly entered India without valid documentation and were living using forged papers. After investigations are complete, they will be deported back to Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has warned that the world should be concerned about the possibility of a full-scale conflict between two nuclear-armed nations. “Any clash between two nuclear powers is always a cause for concern. If the situation worsens, it could have tragic consequences,” he said. Tensions have already rattled the Indian stock market. Asif emphasized that serious cross-border firing incidents could escalate tensions into a “full-fledged war” with India. He assured that the Pakistan Army is fully prepared for any eventuality but expressed hope that diplomatic dialogue could still resolve the crisis.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus visited Bangladesh House in Rome on Friday, signing the official visitors’ book. He is currently in Italy to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, which will be held Saturday at Vatican City. Although the Pope’s tomb was intended to be modest, it will be located beneath the Basilica.

Commenting on renewed tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India following the Pahalgam attack, Donald Trump said such tensions are “nothing new.” He remarked, “Border skirmishes have been happening for 1,500 years; they will eventually find a solution one way or another.” Cross-border firing has reportedly increased since the attack.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Zahid Hossain, 27, from Naogaon for masterminding the abduction of 27 Bangladeshis in Libya. Victims were confined in a house, tortured, and ransom demands were sent to their families via videos. In one case, a ransom demand of 5 million taka was made, with 3.5 million paid through various bank accounts. Zahid has confessed to his crimes.