A Bangladeshi medical team has provided treatment to 227 people injured in a recent earthquake in Myanmar, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). On Friday alone, 150 patients received care, including two complex cancer surgeries and a critical orthopedic procedure. The team served at several facilities including the 1,000-bed General Hospital, the 50-bed Zabuthiri General Hospital, and the 100-bed Lewe Hospital, showcasing Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment in the region.

Ten Bangladeshi expatriates arrested in Saudi Arabia during the July movement celebrations—following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal from office—have returned home. They were among 12 arrested for hosting a feast and celebration. After serving eight months in prison, the Saudi authorities deported ten of them. Due to passport and paperwork issues, two others remain detained. Upon arrival, the returnees were received at the airport by government representatives. The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare has pledged support for their rehabilitation.

During a courtesy meeting with BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, Dr. Muhammad Yunus suggested hosting a dedicated youth summit during the next BIMSTEC conference in Dhaka, scheduled two years from now. Secretary General Pandey welcomed the proposal, calling the idea “excellent” and assuring it will be pursued with high priority. He also announced preparations are underway for a long-overdue trade ministers’ meeting — the first in 21 years. At the end of the summit, Professor Yunus officially assumed the role of BIMSTEC Chair on behalf of Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Armed Forces are continuing rescue and medical operations in Myanmar following a recent natural disaster, according to ISPR. On Friday, teams conducted rescue missions in Naypyidaw’s Zabuthiri Township and surrounding areas, retrieving one body and rescuing several people trapped in buildings, in cooperation with local authorities and fire services.
Bangladesh’s medical teams are providing care at the 50-bed Zabuthiri Hospital and the 100-bed Lewe Hospital. A coordination meeting was also held with representatives from Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry, fire department, and delegates from 16 other countries.

Hefazat-e-Islam has issued a statement condemning the passage of the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill in India, calling it a step toward state appropriation of Muslim religious institutions including mosques, madrasas, and orphanages.
The statement criticized the Modi government for earlier banning triple talaq, passing anti-conversion laws, and enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act, describing these as part of a systemic campaign against India’s Muslim minority. Hefazat termed it a “religious war” waged by Hindu nationalist forces against Muslims using legal and state machinery.

Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe informed Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, that 180,000 Rohingya have been verified for repatriation from the 800,000 currently residing in Bangladesh. The list was submitted in six phases between 2018 and 2020. Myanmar pledged to expedite verification of the remaining 550,000 individuals.
This is the first confirmed list and marks significant progress toward resolving the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Rahman expressed condolences for lives lost in Myanmar’s recent earthquake and confirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance.

New York City celebrated “Bangladesh Heritage Day” on Thursday at the official mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion, an event initiated by Mayor Eric Adams. Over 400 members of the Bangladeshi-American community attended the celebration. Among the distinguished award recipients were former Member of Parliament and editor of Weekly Thikana, M.M. Shaheen, and community activist Nurul Azim. In a brief address, Mayor Adams praised the Bangladeshi community, stating that their contributions are enriching New York City in numerous ways.

During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The two leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest. Yunus also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra earlier the same day.

Bangladesh has taken over the BIMSTEC chairmanship for the next two years. Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development. Member states unanimously adopted the Bangkok Declaration and the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision, which aim to guide the organization toward sustainable development and economic integration.
Yunus urged BIMSTEC to take a more proactive role in engaging Myanmar to stabilize Rakhine State, thereby creating conditions conducive to the repatriation of displaced Rohingya. Upon receiving the chairmanship from Thailand, Yunus emphasized the need for an inclusive and action-oriented BIMSTEC.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged prominent figures in Thailand to support Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN. Emphasizing Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, he stated, “We are proud members of both SAARC and BIMSTEC, and we strongly believe in regional cooperation.”
Speaking to Thai dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former Deputy Prime Minister, top business leaders, bankers, academics, and civil society representatives, the Chief Adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s aspiration to transition from a sectoral dialogue partner to a full-fledged member of ASEAN.
Highlighting the student-led mass uprising that led to the ouster of a repressive regime, he noted, “That movement marked the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh.”
The Chief Adviser expressed hope that leading ASEAN nations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia will extend their full support for Bangladesh’s membership in the regional bloc.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with prominent Thai figures over breakfast before attending the BIMSTEC summit, where he pledged to hold free, fair, and inclusive elections after necessary reforms.

Recalling the July uprising, Yunus said, “In 1971, millions of men, women, children, and youth fought against a brutal military regime and sacrificed everything. In the past 15 years, however, citizens witnessed a steady erosion of rights and institutional decay.” He added that nearly 2,000 people, mostly youth and including 118 children, lost their lives while resisting an authoritarian regime.

“I accepted the responsibility of leading the interim government at the people’s request,” Yunus said, reaffirming a strong commitment to restoring economic stability and pursuing far-reaching reforms. He also outlined key components of the reform process.

In a bilateral meeting, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen regional economic cooperation for shared prosperity.

Earlier, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey met with Adviser Touhid and praised Bangladesh’s role in regional cooperation. Bangladesh reiterated its strong commitment to the BIMSTEC process as the incoming Chair. The Secretary General sought support for the upcoming 30th anniversary celebrations, which Adviser Touhid welcomed, encouraging the Secretariat to develop a comprehensive plan.

During their over 30-minute meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a range of bilateral issues. According to the Press Secretary, the talks were productive. Dr. Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, citing concerns over her provocative remarks made from India. The meeting also covered topics such as border killings and the long-standing dispute over Teesta river water sharing, with both leaders expressing commitment to resolving mutual concerns.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called upon BIMSTEC member states to work together based on mutual interests and shared benefits. Highlighting the region’s immense potential, he described its large population as a strength rather than a challenge, noting that BIMSTEC is home to one-fifth of the global population.

“Bangladesh embraces open regionalism and seeks inclusive cooperation grounded in justice, mutual respect, and common good,” Yunus stated. He emphasized joint efforts in renewable energy, cross-border electricity trade, and energy efficiency. He also stressed the importance of easing cross-border movement, particularly for the youth, to enhance trade and investment, calling these the keys to regional prosperity.

Dr. Yunus pointed out that intra-regional trade stands at only 5.9% and urged full implementation of the 2004 BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement to improve connectivity. He noted that Bangladesh, as Chair, will work to advance the group’s goals and welcomed reforms to enhance BIMSTEC’s effectiveness, placing regional interests above bilateral ones.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 12:10 PM local time on Friday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This marks the first official meeting between the two since Dr. Yunus assumed the role of Chief Adviser of the interim government. The two leaders previously exchanged greetings during Thursday’s official banquet, where they were also seen engaged in a lengthy and cordial conversation.