Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor, has pledged to work with the United Nations to facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homes by next year so that they can celebrate Eid there. He emphasized that the international community should show solidarity with the Rohingya and their Bangladeshi hosts by providing real support through actionable steps. He expressed concern that due to funding cuts, only 40% of the aid allocated for 2025 would be available, potentially creating a humanitarian crisis.

The Higher Education Commission of Punjab, Pakistan, has imposed a ban on Indian dance and songs along with immoral and unethical activities in all public and private colleges. The Commission clarified that it is the responsibility of college administrations to ensure the moral and disciplined education of students. A circular stated that any violation of the ban would lead to strict action against the offenders.

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on ten oil tankers accused of illegally facilitating Iran’s global oil exports as part of its maximum-pressure strategy against Tehran. One of these tankers had been brought to Bangladesh for dismantling, but the new sanctions could halt the process. The vessel, a massive oil carrier, remains anchored in Bangladesh. The U.S. alleges that these ships play a key role in Iran’s oil supply network.

Police in Madaripur’s Shibchar have arrested Apel Mahmud (42), the owner of Shibchar United Hospital, on charges of raping a nurse. According to reports, Mahmud had repeatedly harassed the victim with inappropriate proposals. After she rejected his advances, Mahmud allegedly abducted her on December 20 last year, took her to Cox’s Bazar, and detained her in a hotel for three days, where she was raped. On December 25, he forced her to sign a non-judicial stamp paper falsely certifying a marriage before releasing her. Police arrested Mahmud on Thursday following an investigation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus joined thousands of Rohingya refugees for an iftar gathering in Cox’s Bazar. Upon their arrival at the refugee camp, they were welcomed by Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Advisor Faruq-e-Azam. Guterres engaged in discussions with Rohingya students and community leaders regarding their living conditions and future prospects.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, after visiting Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, said that he received two clear messages. First, the Rohingya want to return to their homeland in Myanmar. Second, they seek better living conditions in the refugee camps. He expressed concern over the drastic reduction in humanitarian aid from the U.S. and other countries, which has led to cuts in food rations. Guterres pledged to make every effort to address the situation and called on the international community to ensure the safety of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

The government of Panama has stated that it will take a strong stance to protect its sovereignty and the Panama Canal. This statement follows reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been exploring ways to gain control of the strategic waterway. Previously, the White House directed the military to consider increasing the presence of U.S. troops in Panama, reviewing options from enhanced security cooperation to possible control measures. In response, Panama’s Foreign Minister made it clear that the canal belongs to the people of Panama and will remain under their control.

On Thursday, Syria’s interim president Ahmed Al-Shara signed a temporary constitution, establishing an Islamic governance system in the country for the next five years.

This new constitution replaces the previous one, which was abolished in January. Al-Shara stated that it could take 4-5 years before a presidential election is held.

The Malaysian Immigration Department has arrested four Bangladeshi agents for illegally providing immigration services.

According to officials, these agents targeted migrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Nepal. They primarily assisted individuals overstaying their visas or with expired temporary work visit passes, charging them 2,000-2,500 Malaysian ringgit for special passes.

Authorities have also seized 134 passports belonging to individuals from multiple countries during the operation.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus visited two construction sites of the upcoming Cox’s Bazar International Airport to assess the progress.

Authorities briefed him on the latest developments, stating that 95% of construction work has been completed. The remaining work is expected to be finished by December this year.

Once operational, the airport is expected to handle 40-50 aircraft movements per day.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has accused European nations of escalating tensions and prolonging the war in Ukraine rather than seeking peace.

She pointed out that Germany and France have publicly admitted to violating the 2014-2015 Minsk agreements concerning eastern Ukraine. Additionally, she claimed that Britain discouraged Ukraine from engaging in negotiations with Russia in March 2022.

Zakharova warned that any move to establish foreign military bases in Ukraine would be deemed unacceptable by Russia.

An American Airlines flight bound for Dallas caught fire on Thursday afternoon. Fortunately, all 178 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated.

In a state of panic, many passengers rushed onto the aircraft’s wings. Twelve passengers sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. The airline reported that 172 passengers and six crew members were successfully transferred to the terminal.

American Airlines thanked the crew, DEN team, and emergency responders for their swift and decisive action in extinguishing the fire.

A mobile court operation in Chandpur Sadar on Thursday afternoon led to the demolition of three illegal brick kilns.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Asaduzzaman Sarkar from the District Commissioner’s Office. The brick kilns—Messrs. Afzalur Rahman Bricks Field, Messrs. BRS Bricks Manufacturing, and Messrs. AMS Bricks—were operating without licenses and were shut down permanently.

Chief Advisor Yunus has informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres that if the interim government implements a short reform package, elections can take place in December. However, if a comprehensive reform package is adopted, elections will be delayed until June.

He further stated that 10 political parties have already submitted their feedback on the reform reports prepared by six interim reform commissions. If these parties agree to the recommendations, they will sign the July Charter, outlining the country’s democratic transition framework.

Guterres has expressed full support for the reform process undertaken by the interim government.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the police, seized a locally-made firearm and five rounds of live ammunition in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar.

According to the Coast Guard’s media wing, acting on a tip-off, a joint team launched a raid in the Nonachhari Ashrayan Center area on Thursday afternoon. Upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, the armed gang fled the scene. A thorough search of the area led to the discovery and confiscation of the weapons and ammunition.