Bangladesh will continue supporting UN peacekeeping operations, Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said during a reception for injured peacekeepers. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman noted the country's unmatched contributions to global peace and honored 168 fallen peacekeepers. Bangladesh has actively participated in peacekeeping since 1988 and currently deploys 5,180 personnel in nine missions. The event was attended by top officials, diplomats, and UN representatives. Earlier, the day began with the “Peacekeepers Run/Rally 2025” held in Dhaka and divisional cities.

In a meeting, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasiruddin stated that the Election Commission has not yet received the verdict from the Appellate Division. Once the copy of the verdict is received, they will analyze the legal aspects and decide on the next steps. He also mentioned that the term of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will expire on June 1. The Election Commission issued a gazette on April 27 declaring Ishrak as the mayor after his appeal. However, his swearing-in was halted after an appeal was filed against the gazette.

A Dhaka court has granted an 8-day remand for Subrata Bain in an arms case. Speaking to the press earlier, Bain said, “Write the truth. I have a family too. I’ve remained silent since 1987. In 2022, I was brought back to the country in handcuffs and held in the ‘Mirror Room,’ where I was beaten with iron rods. At 3 AM on August 5, I was dumped on the street.” He added, “I carry a weapon to survive — who wants to die?” During the hearing, Bain requested that his prayers not be missed while in custody. The court directed police to accommodate the request.

When asked by Nikkei Asia about the reason for his resignation, the Chief Adviser stated that while he had not discussed this matter in Bangladesh, addressing it in Japan would cause major issues. According to Nikkei Asia, Dr. Yunus had told Nahid Islam that if political parties fail to agree on reforms and election deadlines, he might consider resigning. In response, Dr. Yunus remarked that discussing this matter abroad could cause significant problems, as he had not raised the issue in Bangladesh. He also highlighted that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, approximately $234 billion had been siphoned out of Bangladesh. Furthermore, $11-12 billion worth of funds have been identified and confiscated within Bangladesh. Dr. Yunus stressed that if such funds were recovered, they would be spent on education and healthcare, with the aim of transforming the lives of the poor and aiding young entrepreneurs.

At a seminar in Tokyo, NBCC Chairman Mikio Kesagayama announced Japan’s readiness to welcome 100,000 Bangladeshi workers over the next five years. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, present at the seminar, said the government will do everything necessary to create employment opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan. Yunus witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding. Watami Group President Miki Watanabe added that their school in Bangladesh currently trains 1,500 students annually, with plans to double that number.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any actions that could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran. "I told him this is not the right time," said Trump. "We are making good progress with Iran, and I believe they are willing to reach a deal. If we succeed, many lives could be saved."

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that all types of visitor entry at the Secretariat will be suspended on Mondays and Thursdays indefinitely. In a circular issued by the Public Security Division on Wednesday, authorities were instructed to take necessary actions based on the decision made at the Advisory Council meeting.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has suspended all launch services on internal river routes from Barisal River Port due to adverse weather. Launch operations on the Daulatdia-Paturia route have also been halted temporarily. Services will resume once the weather improves. As of Thursday morning, strong winds and moderate rainfall prompted Signal No. 3 for Payra Port and Signal No. 2 for Barisal River Port.

Government employees opposing the "Government Jobs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025" observed a one-hour work stoppage today. In a press conference, they announced plans to submit memorandums to three advisers on Sunday—Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Roads Adviser Dr. Fauzul Kabir Khan, and Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan. On Monday, they plan to meet Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud. The Unity Forum also urged continuation of work stoppages at divisional commissioner and DC offices nationwide.

The Appellate Division has stated that the Election Commission (EC) will decide whether BNP leader Ishraq Hossain will be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. A full bench of seven judges, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered this observation on Thursday while disposing of a related petition. Earlier, the High Court had dismissed a writ seeking the cancellation of the EC’s gazette and court ruling that declared Ishraq as mayor.

Artist Farzana Wahid Sayan has announced her decision to sever ties with the newly formed political party NCP, citing their celebration of ATM Azharul Islam’s acquittal and alignment with Jamaat-e-Islami. In a social media post, she criticized the party’s alliance with Jamaat and silence over the controversial transfer of Nadira Yasmin. She wrote, “I am officially boycotting the new party from today.”

The US Court of International Trade in New York has suspended tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from several countries. The court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing retaliatory tariffs. The decision follows two lawsuits filed over the issue. In response, the Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal.

An unexpected explosion occurred around 7:40 PM Wednesday behind the Diamond Harbour police station in West Bengal, where confiscated gunpowder was being stored. Fire services quickly brought the situation under control, and no casualties or significant damage were reported. Authorities believe rain may have prevented a major disaster, though the cause of the ignition remains unclear.

Elon Musk has announced the end of his term as a “special government employee,” a role he assumed under the Trump administration in January to head the Office of Government Efficiency (DoGE). “I believe this cost-cutting agency can become integral across the government,” said Musk. Thanking President Donald Trump for entrusting him with this responsibility, Musk stated he is stepping down as his official tenure ends. He expressed hope that the agency would grow stronger over time.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has dismissed claims made in the US Defense Intelligence Agency’s annual report, which suggested that China is seeking to establish military presence in Bangladesh. “The report’s information is untrue. China has no such intentions,” said the ambassador. The DIA report had listed Bangladesh among several countries—including Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—where China is allegedly exploring military footholds.