The US Embassy in India has issued a warning to Indian citizens about overstaying their authorized visa duration in the United States. In an official notice, the embassy stated, “If you remain in the US beyond your authorized stay, you may be forced to leave the country and could face a permanent ban on future entry.” This advisory applies to Indian nationals holding limited-duration visas such as work, student, or tourist visas.

According to Bangladesh Bank, overseas credit card spending by Bangladeshis fell to Tk 361 crore in March — a 6.25% drop from February’s Tk 503 crore. Spending in India saw a sharp 72.26% year-on-year decline, falling to Tk 27.6 crore from Tk 106 crore in March 2023. Meanwhile, spending rose in the US (Tk 57.4 crore), UK (Tk 36 crore), and Saudi Arabia (Tk 35 crore). Domestic credit card transactions jumped 26.52% in March, reaching Tk 3,755 crore compared to February.

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has assured that the upcoming national budget will be responsible and sustainable. “It will not burden the next fiscal year,” he said. While the size of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) has been reduced, allocations will be increased in health and education. Around 2,500 doctors and healthcare workers will be recruited, and operating funds for the health sector will be adjusted accordingly. Provisions for repaying teacher welfare dues and other debts have also been included. The budget aims to control inflation, increase revenue collection, reduce foreign debt, improve implementation capacity, and ensure a sustainable economic framework.

Chaired by the Chief Adviser, the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a Tk 2.3 trillion Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year 2025-26—Tk 350 billion less than the previous year. Of the total allocation, Tk 1.44 trillion will come from the government’s own funds, while Tk 860 billion is expected from foreign assistance. An additional Tk 85.99 billion will be contributed by implementing agencies from their own sources, bringing the total ADP size to Tk 2.385 trillion.

Sector-wise allocation includes:

25.64% for transport and communications

14.8% for power and energy

12.42% for education

9.9% for housing and community facilities

7.89% for health

Together, these five sectors account for 69.93% of the total ADP allocation.

India has imposed a ban on the import of Bangladeshi garments through its northeastern land ports. From now on, shipments will only be allowed via Kolkata and Nhava Sheva seaports. Analysts say this move may be even harsher than U.S. tariffs on China. This development follows Bangladesh’s own restrictions, imposed about a month ago, on importing yarn through several land ports including Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, a former central bank governor and current economic adviser, criticized banks for failing to provide prompt customer service. He cited a recent case where a senior civil servant was kept waiting for an hour because the bank lacked sufficient cash—only to be paid after the branch borrowed money from the central bank. “This is unacceptable. Banks must ensure customers receive timely service,” he said. He stressed the growing importance of card-based transactions and warned that Bangladesh must overcome significant challenges to graduate from LDC status by 2026. Sharing his experience in Europe, he said, “Nobody accepts dollars there—only euros and cards. For businesspeople, credit cards are essential.”

In a diplomatic first, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, Jaishankar described the conversation as constructive. He thanked Muttaqi for condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and welcomed his rejection of “false and baseless reports” aimed at straining India-Afghanistan relations. Muttaqi also urged India to issue more visas for Afghan citizens, particularly those seeking medical treatment.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Barshapara village of Kotalipara, Gopalganj, on Friday morning over a dispute regarding a fish enclosure. At least 30 people, including a child, were injured in the conflict involving local UP member Ibrahim Fakir and Moksed Ali Fakir’s supporters. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the attack. The injured were taken to local hospitals. Police said the situation is now under control and no formal complaint has been filed yet.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Habibur Rahman has said the central bank will intervene if the USD exchange rate increases excessively. “We’ve taken preemptive measures to prevent banks from inflating the rate. Any manipulation will be met with strict action,” he warned.

Economist Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added, “Economic reform doesn’t require drastic changes. Countries like Japan turned their economies around in just 15 years.” He emphasized the importance of coordinated policy implementation. Notably, since allowing market-based dollar pricing two days ago, the market has remained stable with most banks trading around BDT 122 per dollar.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to set up manufacturing plants in India. Trump reportedly told Cook, “I don’t want you to build factories in India,” citing concerns over U.S. interests and trade imbalances.

He argued that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing countries in the world, making it a difficult market for American products. Trump added, “India can take care of itself. You can build in India if you want to take care of them. But I don’t want you to build there.”

Trump also criticized Apple's past investments in China, saying the U.S. tolerated it for years, but further offshoring—especially to India—is not something he supports.

The Government of Bangladesh has requested additional budgetary support and soft loans under more flexible terms from Japan, along with an extension of loan repayment periods. In response, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to support Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress. Both countries agreed to deepen political trust, prioritize development strategies, and work toward achieving a strategic partnership. The Foreign Ministry stated that Japan positively received Bangladesh's request for duty- and quota-free market access for Bangladeshi products even after LDC graduation. Discussions also included boosting market access for Bangladeshi fruits and vegetables, and further collaboration on Rohingya repatriation. Japan also pledged deeper involvement under the BIG-B initiative to ensure high-quality infrastructure in Bangladesh.

Media Adviser Mahfuz Alam assured British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke that the government is not interfering in media operations. He said several reforms have been undertaken based on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission. An ordinance addressing journalists' responsibilities and protection is also under consideration. Mahfuz highlighted the government’s production and broadcast of documentaries on the July Uprising and said more content will be released by August 5. The British envoy praised Bangladesh for its improvement in this year’s World Press Freedom Index.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam stated that although 266 murder cases have been filed against journalists since August 5, the government cannot be held responsible for them. He added that any attempt to protest false or misleading news is often misconstrued as an attack on press freedom. “The interim government is committed to institutionalizing press freedom,” he said. He encouraged media outlets to acknowledge past mistakes and regain public trust. The government, he noted, is also working to ensure journalist safety and expedite the accreditation process. “Journalism should be rooted in facts, not personal ideology,” he added.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Bangladesh must fulfill key reform commitments to receive the fourth and fifth tranches of its loan package. The economy remains under pressure, with foreign reserves yet to recover and the tax-to-GDP ratio significantly below target. The IMF also noted that the government has limited capacity to invest in poverty alleviation. Reforms, including a market-based exchange rate for the dollar, are critical to stabilizing the economy. It confirmed that further disbursements would be contingent on the timely and verifiable implementation of these reforms, per an agreement reached with the government.

In a fresh diplomatic row, India and Pakistan have expelled each other’s diplomats on charges of engaging in activities inconsistent with their diplomatic status. Pakistan’s foreign office stated that an Indian diplomat posted in Islamabad was asked to leave the country within 24 hours. In response, India declared a Pakistani diplomat in New Delhi persona non grata on similar grounds and also ordered him to leave within 24 hours. Neither side disclosed specific details of the allegations.