Ferry services on the Daulatdia-Paturia route resumed at 6:45 AM on Saturday after remaining suspended for nearly 46 hours due to inclement weather and turbulent river conditions. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) had halted operations around 9 AM on Thursday as the Padma River became dangerously rough, posing risks to passenger safety. As the weather improved, authorities allowed the ferries to operate again, easing the travel woes of commuters.

A newly constructed marine drive road in Kuakata, built at a cost of BDT 48.6 million, was washed away by the Bay of Bengal during a cyclone on Thursday—before its official inauguration.
One-third of the 1,300-meter road has already been destroyed. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
Sources revealed that the project began construction at sea level without any feasibility study. The contract was awarded to three firms closely associated with then-Mayor Md. Anwar Howlader—also affiliated with ruling party leaders.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the existing 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum will be doubled to 50%, effective Wednesday.
Trump stated that this measure will revive the domestic steel industry, enhance national self-reliance, and reduce dependence on China.
Speaking at a rally, he said, “There will be no layoffs, no outsourcing—and every American steelworker will soon receive a $5,000 bonus.”
He further revealed a $14 billion investment in steel production in the Pittsburgh region through a joint venture between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that more than 1,000 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January this year. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal disclosed that 62% of these individuals were returned to India on commercial flights.

Meanwhile, the former Trump administration had earlier estimated that approximately 18,000 Indian nationals have illegally entered the US. Jaiswal also expressed concerns over the impact of the US government’s recent policies on international students, stating that these changes could significantly affect Indian students planning to enroll in American universities.

A tourist boat in Tanguar Haor, Sunamganj’s Tahirpur upazila, caught fire around 8 PM on Friday. The blaze destroyed 80% of the boat, but all 12 tourists onboard managed to escape safely. According to the fire service, the likely causes of the fire could include a gas cylinder explosion, a kitchen fire spreading, or an electrical short circuit.

Cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has criticized the BNP’s monopolization of Ziaur Rahman’s legacy. “I’ve always wanted to prevent any event about Ziaur Rahman from being limited to BNP members only. He is not the exclusive property of one party,” Farooki said. “The Awami League made a similar mistake in the past, and I hope BNP avoids repeating it.” He added that their current government is short-lived and cannot bring radical changes, but they are working to unite diverse cultural groups, including Chakma, Marma, and Garo communities, in national celebrations.

Muhammad Ubaidul Haque, who had resigned from his teaching post at Oxford University to join BRAC University, has now been reappointed by Oxford after BRAC unexpectedly cancelled his offer letter. Ubaidul has secured a new role as Academic Officer at Oxford’s Merton College. “My intention to teach at BRAC was fueled by patriotism,” he said. “But BRAC University never explained why they withdrew the offer. It was disheartening.” This marks his third position at Oxford, where he now serves in an independent academic role.

Abrar Faiyaz, the younger brother of slain BUET student Abrar Fahad, has received death threats via social media. A General Diary (GD) has been filed naming two individuals, including Shahriar Ibrahim, former president of Dhaka Metropolitan Student Union. According to the GD, Faiyaz had posted a comment criticizing the injustice under the current regime, which was later shared by Ibrahim with the caption: “Justify the killing of that JAS leader’s dog Abrar Fahad.” In the same post, a person named Nowaz Hossain Fardin commented: “He too will follow the same path.”

At a community reception in Japan, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus credited expatriates for helping Bangladesh recover from the brink of collapse. “The ousted regime left the treasury and banks empty. Without remittances sent by our overseas brothers and sisters, Bangladesh would not have survived,” he said. Dr. Yunus urged everyone to take ownership of the struggle, adding, “Great movements begin with just a few people. Now it has spread nationwide. We must realize the dreams of the students who gave their lives.”

Treatment services remained suspended for a third consecutive day at the National Eye Hospital following violent clashes between hospital staff and injured participants of the July uprising. Staff members have refused to return to work citing security concerns. The conflict escalated after a group reportedly vandalized the office of Hospital Director Prof. Dr. Khayer Ahmed Chowdhury on Wednesday, with both sides blaming each other for the incident.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday reaffirmed his country's full support for the transitional government in Bangladesh, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The support includes backing for initiatives on nation-building, reforms, and a peaceful democratic transition. Both leaders reiterated their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity for all. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued assistance in bilateral initiatives, including the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt and the Matarbari-Moheshkhali Integrated Infrastructure Development Program.

In an interview with Oman TV, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Muslim countries possess vast resources, exceptional human capital, rich cultures, and glorious heritage—tools necessary to play a key role in shaping a new global order.

He urged Muslim nations to stop waiting for direction from others and instead assert themselves in international affairs. Thanking Oman for its mediation efforts, he said, “Our rights are protected under international law. Under the Supreme Leader’s fatwa, Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and never will. But we will not give up our right to peaceful nuclear technology.” He condemned the killing of Iranian scientists by Israel and criticized the global silence on the Gaza genocide.

India's economic growth has declined to its lowest rate in four years, sparking concerns about further downturns due to US tariff policies. According to the BBC, the country recorded a 6.5% GDP growth in the 2024–25 fiscal year (April–March), compared to 9.2% in 2023–24.

Analysts predict the GDP growth could dip further to 6% in 2025–26. Despite plans by companies like Apple to shift production from China to India, the recent withdrawal of trade tariffs between the US and China may stall such investments.

Adviser Faruk-e-Azam stated that the roots of microeconomics, social business, and solution-oriented entrepreneurship lie in the soil of Chattogram. “Under Dr. Muhammad Yunus's leadership, these ideas grew from here and gained global recognition,” he noted.

Speaking at the Chattogram College Olympiad, he said trust-based banking—unlike traditional systems that rely on collateral and wealth—considers trust itself as capital. “This Olympiad is not just a competition of intellect, but a platform to shape future economic leaders, policy makers, and sustainable development advocates,” he added.

In a speech at Soka University, Tokyo, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned that current civilization is heading toward self-destruction due to environmental degradation. He reiterated his vision of the "Three Zeros"—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. Dr. Yunus proposed the creation of “Three Zero Clubs” where five individuals can pledge to avoid fossil fuel use entirely. He criticized profit-driven economic models that disregard ecological and social sustainability.