People have begun returning to their workplaces after celebrating Eid with family, leading to a noticeable rise in passenger flow at Daulatdia ferry and launch terminals in Rajbari. Despite the increase, there has been no major traffic congestion. On the Daulatdia-Paturia route, 17 ferries are on standby, with 15 currently in operation and two reserved. Authorities say all ferries will be deployed if pressure increases further, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free return journey for holidaymakers.

A UNHCR report reveals that 123.2 million people are now forcibly displaced worldwide—1 in every 67 globally. Conflict, violence, and disasters have driven this surge, with Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine accounting for the majority. Gaza faces extreme displacement, while returns remain unsafe and fragile. Despite some hopeful signs, such as refugee returns to Syria, the UN warns this crisis reflects not just human suffering but a global failure to resolve conflict and protect the vulnerable.

In 2024, the United Kingdom received the highest number of asylum applications from Pakistan, with Afghanistan in second place—displacing Syria and Iran, which topped the list in previous years. British Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the newly elected Labour government is committed to reducing asylum processing delays and ending the costly practice of housing applicants in hotels. This move is expected to save the UK approximately £1 billion annually. Between 2011 and 2020, the UK received an average of 27,500 asylum applications per year. However, by 2024, the number has tripled to 84,200, prompting the government to declare the situation a crisis and prioritize reform.

Despite nearly $9 billion in increased remittance and export income, Bangladesh’s foreign reserves have hovered around $20 billion for 11 months. Declines in foreign direct investment, aid, and long-term loans, alongside higher import and debt repayment costs, offset the gains. The dollar crisis has eased, but reserves haven’t grown. Experts stress the need for political stability and investment-friendly policies to boost reserves. Bangladesh Bank expects a $3 billion rise in June with anticipated foreign loan inflows from global institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Former President Donald Trump has announced the launch of a new website—TrumpCard.gov—for registration in his proposed $5 million U.S. residency program, dubbed the "Golden Visa." The initiative offers a premium alternative to the traditional green card, aimed at attracting investors and job creators. Trump stated that thousands of people have already expressed interest in gaining access to "the greatest country and market in the world." He claims the program could help reduce the U.S. national deficit while bringing in high-value immigrants.

A tense calm has descended over Los Angeles following a night of curfews and mass arrests. However, multiple U.S. cities are already bracing for renewed protests. According to the BBC, federal authorities have arrested around 400 individuals in Los Angeles so far. Among them, 330 are undocumented immigrants, while 157 have been detained on charges ranging from assault to attempted murder of police officers and obstruction of federal operations.

Police recovered the body of an unidentified young man from the Matamuhuri River in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban early Thursday morning. Officer-in-Charge Mirza Zahid Uddin stated that the deceased is believed to be between 30 and 35 years old and was wearing a shirt and pants. No identification or contact information was found on him. The body has been sent to Bandarban Sadar Hospital for an autopsy. Locals suspect the man may have been a tourist.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has indicated that financial settlements could be considered as “one of the options” in dealing with relatively minor financial misconduct cases. In an interview with the Financial Times, Mansur stated that the central bank's response will be determined by the nature of the alleged actions of the accused individuals.

Mansur, who is leading Bangladesh Bank's efforts to recover assets siphoned off during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, mentioned that the bank aims to raise up to $100 million to pursue future international legal actions.

"The money was stolen," he said, stressing the moral and legal obligation of the UK government to assist in tracing and identifying the illicit assets. "Legally—and I would say morally as well—it is the UK’s responsibility to help in locating these funds," the chief advisor added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government has successfully resisted an opposition-backed motion to dissolve the Knesset. In a preliminary vote held on Thursday, 61 members of the 120-seat parliament voted against the proposal, while 53 voted in favor. The push for dissolution stemmed from ongoing tensions surrounding military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students. While some religious parties within the ruling coalition are demanding exemptions, several lawmakers are calling for an end to such privileges altogether.

Police have recovered the hanging body of a woman named Habiba Begum (29) from Puthia upazila in Rajshahi.

The incident took place on Thursday morning. Habiba Begum, daughter of the late Khalilur Rahman, was a resident of the local Ashrayan Project (government shelter housing).

According to police, initial evidence suggests that she died by suicide.

Inspector Dulal Hossain said that Habiba had returned to her father’s home from her in-laws’ residence after Eid and had been staying there. Early in the morning, her family members noticed she was missing and started searching for her. Eventually, they found her hanging inside the bathroom with a noose around her neck.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

A passenger aircraft reportedly crashed at India’s Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, with 242 passengers on board. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Adani-operated airport premises, causing panic in nearby areas. The type of aircraft and the extent of casualties or damage remain unconfirmed. Social media footage showed smoke engulfing the skyline of Ahmedabad's upscale neighborhoods. Roads surrounding the crash site have been sealed off as a safety measure.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday for a one-day official visit. During the trip, he is scheduled to meet with the President of the UAE, accompanied by his delegation. The prime minister is joined by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has termed the visit as significant, highlighting its importance in strengthening bilateral ties.

As the Eid holidays draw to a close, workers are slowly making their way back to Dhaka. The joy of Eid celebrations still lingers on everyone’s faces.

After spending time with their loved ones, people are now heading back to their workplaces in the capital. Since early Thursday morning, crowds of returning passengers have been seen at Dhaka’s major transit hubs, including Joydebpur, Gabtoli, Kamalapur, and the airport. Some are traveling with family members, while others are alone.

Travelers expressed their happiness over a hassle-free Eid journey. They reported no significant traffic jams on the buses, and the absence of ticket scalping on the trains helped reduce travel difficulties this year.

After being closed for over two weeks, the outpatient department of the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital reopened partially on Thursday. While emergency and outpatient services are now available, all other hospital operations remain suspended. Law enforcement, including police, RAB, and Ansar personnel, were visibly present at the facility. An Ansar member stated that the situation remains under control as of today. The hospital had been shut down following a violent clash between freedom fighters from July and hospital staff, which left several injured.

The World Bank will resume investments in nuclear energy after a long pause, aiming to help developing countries meet rapidly increasing electricity demand. President Ajay Banga confirmed the move, citing collaboration with the IAEA for safety and regulatory support. The initiative includes upgrading existing plants, expanding small modular reactor (SMR) use, and boosting grid infrastructure. Banga emphasized aligning energy access with national development goals. The World Bank will also support carbon capture and coal plant repurposing to enhance sustainable energy transitions.