The global market faces turmoil following news that U.S. President Donald Trump may remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, shaking investor confidence and causing a record drop in the dollar’s value. The dollar hit its lowest level against the euro in nearly four years, with fears of political interference undermining the Fed’s credibility and future interest rate clarity. Meanwhile, the euro, pound, yen, and Swiss franc strengthen amid rising global economic uncertainty and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts.

Researchers in China’s Yunnan Province have identified 20 new viruses in bats, including two genetically similar to deadly Hendra and Nipah viruses. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, analyzed kidney samples from 142 bats collected between 2017 and 2021. Finding viruses in bat kidneys raises concerns about contamination of nearby fruit and water sources through bat urine. Scientists stress the importance of vaccine development and ongoing research to prevent future outbreaks, although no immediate threat is currently expected.

The Ministry of Education has announced a special grant of Tk 64.1 million to support 7,100 individuals and institutions, including 101 educational institutions, 250 teachers and staff, 4,047 secondary school students, and 2,702 college and university students. Priority has been given to underdeveloped institutions, teachers suffering from serious illnesses, and financially disadvantaged, disabled, transgender, and meritorious students from marginalized communities.

Hindu devotees across Bangladesh have celebrated the annual Rath Yatra festival of Sri Sri Jagannathdev with vibrant processions. ISKCON Bangladesh extended its gratitude to the government for its cooperation in organizing the event.

In a statement, ISKCON noted that the sacred Rath Yatra of Sri Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra Maharani, and Sudarshan Maharaj was observed peacefully and festively throughout 2025.

The organization expressed deep appreciation to the interim government, law enforcement agencies, the power and health departments, fire service and civil defense, and all related public bodies for their sincere support in ensuring the festival’s smooth execution.

The statement also commended political parties, the media, volunteers, and the general public for their contributions to making the event a success.

A suicide car bombing in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region has left at least 13 soldiers dead and 24 others injured. According to security officials, the attacker detonated an explosive device near a vehicle belonging to the bomb disposal unit. A Taliban-aligned militant faction led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur has claimed responsibility for the attack. Reports indicate that nearly 290 people have died in militant attacks across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since the beginning of this year.

Bangladesh is maintaining ongoing discussions to finalize a tariff agreement with the United States. In the latest round of talks held on Thursday, Dr. Khalilur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation, while Brendan Lynch, the U.S. Assistant Trade Representative, headed the American side.

According to the Press Wing, substantial progress has been made during these discussions. Dr. Rahman, the former Head of Trade Policy at UNCTAD, stated that both parties are working diligently to conclude the agreement swiftly.

Sources indicate that the agreement aims to secure relief from the additional 37% tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. A draft of the agreement has already been sent to Bangladesh by the U.S., and Dhaka has submitted its feedback to Washington for further review.

A massive funeral procession was held in Tehran on Saturday morning for more than 60 Iranians killed in recent Israeli attacks. The mourners included high-ranking military officials, nuclear scientists, journalists, and many civilians including women and children. Coffins draped in Iranian flags were carried from Tehran University to Azadi Square. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the ceremony. Reports indicate that the total number of Iranian casualties in the conflict has reached over 600.

Employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in Bangladesh have launched a complete shutdown demanding the removal of its chairman. Though a few staff entered the office in the morning, by 11 a.m. security forces had closed the main gate, effectively sealing off the NBR headquarters in Agargaon. Leaders of the NBR Reform Unity Council said they were blocked from entering the premises, prompting all levels of staff to stage a sit-in. “There can be no meaningful dialogue without the chairman’s removal,” they declared, as officials from across the country arrived to join the protest.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned Donald Trump to refrain from making “disrespectful and unacceptable” remarks about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if he wishes to pursue a nuclear agreement with Iran. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to sovereignty and resilience, stating, “We will never allow others to dictate our destiny.” He further added that Iran would not hesitate to reveal its full military capabilities if provoked, cautioning Israel against underestimating Iranian strength.

Israel has reportedly incurred nearly $3 billion in damages during its recent conflict with Iran, according to Bloomberg. Internal assessments indicate that Iranian missiles successfully penetrated Israeli defense systems during a two-week retaliatory barrage, causing significant damage to infrastructure. The attacks were part of Iran's “True Promise III” operation, during which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched 22 missile strikes targeting Israeli cities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that a truce could be achieved within a week. Speaking at a diplomatic event on the Congo-Rwanda agreement, Trump said he had recently spoken with key figures working toward peace. Hamas has indicated willingness to release remaining hostages under any ceasefire agreement. However, Israel insists that the conflict will only end once Hamas is completely disarmed and dismantled.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has granted permission for Jewish settlers to engage in music, dance, and unrestricted movement within the Al-Aqsa compound in the West Bank. This decision directly violates long-standing agreements regarding the sacred site’s management. The move follows lobbying by several Jewish religious organizations that met with Ben-Gvir three weeks ago. During the meeting, he reportedly said, “I want the sound of music to echo throughout the entire Al-Aqsa compound,” intensifying tensions in the already volatile region.

The Barishal Canal in Madaripur, once a vital waterway for trade, is being excavated after years of encroachment and pollution halted its water flow. Spanning 8 kilometers, the canal had been clogged by illegal structures, causing severe waterlogging. The district and municipal administrations have launched a joint initiative to reclaim and dredge the canal, starting from the Itarpool area. Locals welcome the move, saying restored water flow will boost agriculture on hundreds of bighas of land and help revive the region's traditional water transport.

Several explosions were heard in Eslamshahr, located in western Tehran, late Friday night. In response, Iranian authorities immediately activated air defense systems in the area. Videos shared by Iran International captured repeated blasts accompanied by flashes of light in the sky. However, the exact cause of the explosions and details about casualties or damages remain unclear. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Iran succeeds in enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, it may face renewed bombing campaigns.

Despite the end of the annual fishing ban, hilsa remains scarce in the Padma and Meghna rivers, leaving Chandpur fishermen with disappointing catches. Supply at local markets has dropped sharply, pushing prices to record highs—up to Tk 3,000 per kg. Buyers are crowding fish markets but often leave empty-handed due to limited availability. Traders and fishermen blame poor river conditions, though experts remain hopeful that catches will rise with continued rain as the peak hilsa season approaches.