OpenAI's annual revenue has reached $10 billion as global demand for AI surges, doubling from $5.5 billion just six months ago. The company is on track to meet its 2025 revenue target of $12.7 billion, excluding Microsoft licensing fees. Despite a $5 billion loss in 2023, revenue growth has helped OpenAI bounce back. With 500 million weekly active users and plans to launch an AI-powered hardware device by 2027, OpenAI is poised to become a dominant force in the tech industry.

Sugar prices in the global market may decline in the 2025–26 season due to expected production increases in India and Brazil. BMI forecasts a 26.3% rise in Indian output, while Brazil may boost production by shifting from ethanol to sugar due to lower oil prices. Although production in Brazil and Thailand may slightly dip from earlier estimates, overall supply is set to grow. Falling prices have already been observed in global markets, with traders selling more in anticipation of further declines.

The National Consumer Rights Protection Movement has raised alarm over the reactivation of a powerful syndicate reminiscent of past fascist regimes, which it claims is once again manipulating the sacrificial leather market. The group has called for resistance against what it described as both domestic and foreign conspiracies to destroy Bangladesh’s leather industry.

Despite the Ministry of Commerce setting the price of cowhide between BDT 60 and 65 per square foot, hides were reportedly sold at BDT 55 to 60—similar to last year’s rates. Activists blamed a behind-the-scenes “price manipulation game” by syndicates for the artificially low prices.

“This must stop,” said movement leaders. “We’ve seen the jute industry collapse due to similar tactics. We cannot allow the leather industry to suffer the same fate.”

Bangladesh informed the U.S. Deputy Labor Minister Keith Sonderling that only 15% of its 75 million workers are in the formal sector. The rest are informal workers. In a Geneva meeting, Labor Adviser Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain highlighted efforts to ensure fair wages, safe workplaces, and labor reforms. Discussions also focused on U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation in labor rights, skills training, and improving conditions in the RMG sector. The U.S. expressed interest in offering technical support to boost labor standards.

BADC is facing a severe fertilizer storage crisis in Chattogram due to inadequate government warehouse capacity. Despite a 16,500-ton storage limit, 28,000 tons are being stored, with three warehouses set for demolition by December. Slow progress on new warehouses is worsening the issue. Two ships carrying 60,000 tons of TSP are stuck offshore, adding costs. BADC has proposed using abandoned jute mill warehouses, but no action has been taken. Officials stress urgent construction of new facilities to avoid supply disruptions.

The Kaikhali border in Satkhira, near the Sundarbans, has emerged as a key route for women and child trafficking due to its unfenced, riverine terrain. Traffickers operate from temporary camps and use small boats to transport victims to India. Despite rescue operations, locals report many go unaccounted for. Weak law enforcement and few convictions worsen the crisis. The BGB claims to be actively patrolling, but rights groups call for stronger action as trafficking cases rise sharply, especially during the monsoon season.

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.