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.

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.

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.

Zulkarnaine Sayer has claimed that notorious criminal Subrata Bain worked with India's intelligence agency RAW, conducting covert missions in Bangladesh and other countries. Bain allegedly received commando training in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh along with associates Molla Masud and Golam Murtuza Babu. Missions included the assassination of a Nagaland separatist's wife and child, and the murder of Mustakim, a Bihari-origin kebab shop owner in Dhaka.

Faez Tayeb Ahmed, Special Assistant on ICT to the Chief Adviser, reported that a nationwide telecom disruption is underway due to storm surges and power outages caused by a low-pressure system. A total of 5,904 mobile network sites have gone offline. Severely affected regions include Barisal, South Sylhet, Tangail, Chandpur, Mymensingh, North Dhaka, Comilla, Noakhali, and South Chattogram.

On Sunday, climate activist Greta Thunberg and fellow campaigners will set sail for Gaza aboard a humanitarian vessel organized by the Freedom Flotilla. Their mission is to protest the ongoing war and blockade imposed by Israel. European Parliament member Rima Hassan, who will be aboard, stated that the goals include condemning the siege and genocide, challenging Israeli impunity, and raising global awareness. Earlier this month, a similar vessel Thunberg planned to board was damaged by a drone strike.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim of the International Crimes Tribunal has stated that formal charges against Sheikh Hasina will be submitted before the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holidays. The charges are being prepared under the International Crimes Tribunal Act of 1973. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun are also accused in the same case. Earlier, the legal adviser indicated a possible verdict before July.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in a bilateral summit during which six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed. Key agreements include a policy-based development loan to support economic reforms and climate resilience, and the construction of a dual-gauge double railway line between Joydebpur and Ishwardi (Phase 1). Tokyo will provide $1.063 billion in aid, including $418 million in development policy loans and $641 million for railway upgrades. Additionally, Japan will offer a $4.2 million grant for scholarships.