The United States has expanded its military presence in the Philippines by deploying fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets in the ongoing “Cope Thunder 252” joint exercise. Thousands of U.S. and Philippine troops are participating in the drill amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

In response, China has conducted a ballistic missile test in the Indo-Pacific region, signaling growing military assertiveness. The joint exercises underscore deepening U.S.-Philippine defense ties against the backdrop of regional disputes involving China and its neighbors.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, has sent 300 kilograms of Rangpur’s famed Haribhanga mangoes as a gift to Dr. Manik Saha, the Chief Minister of India’s Tripura state.

The mangoes were transported via a Bangladeshi pickup truck to the Agartala port. Upon arrival, they were officially handed over to Chanchal Dey, an official at the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Tripura, by Debashish Nandi, Superintendent of Agartala Port.

During separate meetings with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia, both China and Canada committed to continued humanitarian support for the Rohingya crisis. China expressed interest in strengthening cooperation on medical tourism, water management, and investment, while reaffirming support for ongoing political reforms. Canada emphasized the need for sustainable economic relations and extended backing for Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts.

The United States has set two key conditions for Bangladesh during ongoing talks to waive the 35% tariff effective from August 1: investing in the U.S. manufacturing sector and ensuring labor rights in Bangladesh. Bangladesh aims to reduce the trade deficit by increasing imports of cotton, wheat, fuel, and purchasing Boeing aircraft. Despite challenges, both sides agree on most trade aspects. Discussions continue to finalize a bilateral trade agreement to protect Bangladesh’s interests amid growing U.S. tariff pressures.

The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a notice requiring applicants for F, M, and J visa categories to list all social media handles used in the past five years in their DS-160 application forms. The embassy stressed that failure to provide accurate information could result in visa denial and affect future eligibility. The reminder was posted on the embassy's official Facebook page.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain in Kuala Lumpur, reaffirmed China's support for a peaceful and fair national election in Bangladesh. He stressed that China stands by Bangladesh as a trustworthy neighbor and development partner. In light of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Wang described this as a historic milestone. He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in pursuing development based on its own needs and realities and expressed China’s interest in working with South Asian countries toward modernization and contributing to Asia’s resurgence.

Foreign Affairs Advisor Tawhid Hossain has clarified that Bangladesh has not formally joined any regional or global military or economic alliance and that trade policy negotiations with the United States remain ongoing. Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia, he emphasized that Bangladesh evaluates each proposal based on national interest and aims to build a long-term, balanced, and mutually beneficial partnership with the U.S. He also addressed Bangladesh's economic cooperation with Russia, bilateral ties with China, and its growing role in the ASEAN region.

India and China are cautiously working to normalize relations after years of border tensions. However, the unresolved 3,440-kilometer boundary, particularly the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh, remains a key obstacle. Top officials from both countries recently met in China, reaching limited agreements on border protocols and easing trade and visa restrictions. Both sides aim to maintain peace due to economic and geopolitical priorities — including China’s focus on Taiwan and India’s evolving ties with the U.S. Despite closer Russia-China relations and trade imbalances presenting challenges, both nations seek a stable, mutually beneficial relationship without immediate border resolution.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports. Lula asserted that Brazil is a sovereign nation and will not accept foreign interference in its democratic institutions or judicial system. He dismissed claims of a U.S. trade deficit with Brazil, stating that over the past 15 years, the U.S. has enjoyed a $410 billion trade surplus. Lula emphasized that Brazil would respond to unilateral tariff actions through its own legal and economic frameworks.

The second round of three-day tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States began in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Discussions covered nearly all major aspects of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Fayez Ahmed Tayeb joining virtually from Dhaka. Senior officials from U.S. agricultural, energy, trade, and copyright departments also participated. Bangladesh aims to finalize an agreement before the new U.S. tariffs — set to take effect on August 1 for 14 countries — come into force. Talks will continue through Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, effective August 1. The decision follows escalating tensions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently criticized Trump, calling him an “emperor.” The move is also seen as a response to Brazil’s stance on the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged suppression of free speech.

Brazil has threatened to retaliate with its own tariffs. The decision has already impacted Brazil’s currency and stock market, and analysts warn it may drive up food prices in the U.S.

To boost innovation and entrepreneurship, Bangladesh Bank has launched a BDT 500 crore ‘Startup Loan Fund’, offering loans at a 4% interest rate, with a maximum limit of BDT 8 crore per venture.

Banks and financial institutions will be required to contribute 1% of their 2021 profits to the fund annually. Entrepreneurs must be at least 21 years old, and the loan limit will depend on the age of the startup. The repayment term can extend up to 8 years.

Only banks or financial institutions with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 10% will be eligible to participate in the fund.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain has arrived in Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, scheduled from July 8 to 11. He is expected to return to Dhaka on July 12.

The visit has drawn attention amid growing criticism over the recent detention of 36 Bangladeshis in Malaysia over alleged militant links. During the trip, Hossain may hold meetings with Malaysian authorities to discuss the issue, as well as the upcoming visit of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to Malaysia in August.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has requested Belarus to establish a full-fledged embassy in Dhaka. Currently, Belarus operates only an honorary consulate in the city, with its main diplomatic mission located in New Delhi—causing delays in visa and consular services. Chowdhury emphasized that a full embassy would enhance bilateral diplomatic and commercial ties. The Belarusian ambassador responded positively, noting that it would require commitment from both governments. Bangladesh also promised to expedite overdue fertilizer payments to Belarus. Legal complexities surrounding prisoner extradition were also discussed. Both countries addressed shared concerns, including law enforcement cooperation, irregular migration, human trafficking, and trade.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has warned that the growing closeness between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh could pose a threat to India’s security and regional stability. He noted that these three countries are increasingly aligning with one another to serve their own interests, which is a matter of concern for India. Additionally, economic crises in the Indian Ocean region are exacerbating the influence of external powers, while frequent government changes in neighboring countries present further challenges to India’s security. Although the exact nature of China’s assistance to Pakistan remains unclear, General Chauhan emphasized the strong defense cooperation between the two nations.