Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged the United Arab Emirates to lift its visa ban on Bangladeshi nationals and recruit more workers. He made the appeal during his visit to Dubai for the two-day World Government Summit, where he also held meetings with several UAE ministers. During these discussions, the UAE’s Minister of Trade proposed establishing Emirati industrial zones in Bangladesh, to which Yunus responded positively. He emphasized that Bangladesh could be developed as a hub for halal product manufacturing, benefiting from affordable labor.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Russia’s return to the G-7, calling its exclusion a “big mistake.” He emphasized that Russia should be part of the group, citing it was originally known as G-8. Trump also believes Russia is eager to rejoin. His comments come amid Canada’s presidency of the G-7 this year, although no immediate reaction has been received from Canada regarding his statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India’s tariff decisions do not concern the U.S., emphasizing a reciprocal approach to trade. During a meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi, Trump highlighted the need for fairness and mutual cooperation, aiming to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. He reiterated that the U.S. seeks equal trade opportunities. Following past tensions, India recently lowered tariffs on select American exports, including luxury motorcycles. Modi echoed Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” with his own version, “Make India Great Again.”

Interim Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has wrapped up his UAE visit after attending the World Government Summit in Dubai. During the trip, he met with key UAE ministers, discussing trade expansion, UAE investments in Chattogram Port, and lifting visa restrictions on Bangladeshi citizens. He urged UAE businesses to relocate factories to Bangladesh and agreed to establish a special industrial park for Emirati companies. UAE’s trade minister plans to lead a delegation to Bangladesh soon. The Chief Adviser is set to return home this evening.

Thousands of worshippers have gathered at the ongoing World Ijtema for the largest Jummah congregation, scheduled at 1:30 PM today. The prayer, held on the sacred night of Shab-e-Barat, will be led by Maulana Yusuf Bin Saad, the elder son of Maulana Saad. According to the Tablighi Jamaat’s media coordinator, Maulana Saad’s two sons arrived at the Ijtema ground early this morning. The second phase of the Ijtema officially began after the Fajr prayer, with an opening sermon delivered by Maulana Abdus Sattar.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus urged the public to uphold justice and embrace Islamic principles in all aspects of life. In his Shab-e-Barat message, he called on people to eliminate injustice, violence, and superstitions, replacing them with the values of peace inherent in Islam. He also extended his greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world, emphasizing the importance of repentance and divine blessings on this holy night.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite fugitive fascist leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled amid a mass uprising. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam confirmed that Bangladesh would send a formal diplomatic note to India regarding the matter. When asked whether foreign allies would be involved in Hasina’s extradition, the spokesperson stated that the interim government would decide. Bangladesh sent the extradition request on December 23 but has not yet received a response. Regarding a UN report’s potential impact, the spokesperson remarked that the findings are significant enough to shake global conscience.

During a bilateral meeting in Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump was asked about alleged U.S. involvement in Bangladesh’s recent regime change. Trump denied any deep state role and passed the question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Modi avoided commenting on Bangladesh and instead spoke about Ukraine. The discussion follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government amid a student-led uprising, with Awami League accusing the Biden administration of interference—an allegation U.S. officials have repeatedly denied.

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to increase arms sales to India following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At a press conference in New Delhi, Trump confirmed agreements to supply advanced F-35 fighter jets and expand India’s imports of U.S. oil and gas. Modi revealed that both nations aim to elevate bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, India is expected to spend over $200 billion in the next decade to modernize its military.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to present a proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting today, including tariff reductions, new trade agreements, and collaboration on China-related matters. These efforts are aimed at garnering the support of the Trump administration, according to Reuters. Since taking office, President Trump has been exerting pressure through tariffs on both allies and adversaries alike to secure new trade agreements, investments, and enhanced cooperation on law enforcement. In the past, Trump had labeled India as a “major trade abuser” and imposed additional tariffs on the country’s steel and aluminum industries.

A phone call took place between Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, and Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and close associate of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The conversation occurred Thursday night at 9 PM Bangladesh time. Musk, who was appointed to lead the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by Trump, aims to reduce government spending. Musk is the owner of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), and ranks among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

UAE Health Minister Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai. The minister appreciated Yunus’ participation and emphasized learning from global leaders like him. They discussed enhancing Bangladesh-UAE relations, particularly in trade, business, and healthcare. Yunus praised the UAE’s healthcare advancements and thanked them for hosting over one million Bangladeshis. Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain and other senior officials were also present.

Chittagong University (CU) has permanently expelled Law student Afsana Enayet Emi for assaulting Assistant Proctor Dr. Kurban Ali. Her academic certificate will also be revoked. Additionally, nine students have been suspended for two years for attacking teachers, students, and journalists. Two others have been expelled for religious defamation—one for two years and the other for one year. The decision was made in a disciplinary board meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. CU authorities confirmed that the expulsion list will be published soon.

UAE’s Minister of Health, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, met with Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai on Thursday. Thanking Dr. Yunus for his participation, the minister said, "Your presence has inspired the summit." He further remarked, "We learn from people like you." Al Owais also congratulated Dr. Yunus for his leadership in Bangladesh during this critical time. In response, Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the UAE for providing shelter to one million Bangladeshi expatriates.

Bangladesh has submitted all necessary documents under the prisoner exchange agreement in a diplomatic note to India regarding the return of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam confirmed this on Thursday, adding that India has yet to respond. When asked whether Bangladesh would share the recently published UN fact-finding report with India, he clarified that the report was prepared for Bangladesh and is publicly available. The government’s efforts to bring back Sheikh Hasina remain ongoing.