Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Apple CEO Tim Cook not to set up manufacturing plants in India. Trump reportedly told Cook, “I don’t want you to build factories in India,” citing concerns over U.S. interests and trade imbalances.

He argued that India is one of the highest tariff-imposing countries in the world, making it a difficult market for American products. Trump added, “India can take care of itself. You can build in India if you want to take care of them. But I don’t want you to build there.”

Trump also criticized Apple's past investments in China, saying the U.S. tolerated it for years, but further offshoring—especially to India—is not something he supports.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that there will be no real progress on the Ukraine conflict unless he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin face-to-face. Trump had expressed interest in traveling to Turkey for direct talks with Putin as part of his initiative to end the war in Ukraine.

However, Putin did not visit Turkey on Thursday, and Trump also canceled his trip. Prior to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had publicly invited Putin to meet in Turkey on the same day.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has highlighted the crucial role of cold storage chains in strengthening the country’s agricultural economy and ensuring food security. Speaking at an event, he noted that cold storage operators are preserving mango pulp, tomatoes, carrots, meat, dates, and other perishable goods, which significantly supports the sector. He also revealed that a Korean company has shown interest in storing onions. Other speakers emphasized the importance of improving cold chain infrastructure to maintain consistent supply and reduce waste of perishable products.

The government has issued a directive banning the planting, extraction, and sale of eucalyptus and acacia (Akashmoni) trees to protect the environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity. According to the notification, all tree plantation initiatives—whether by government agencies, private organizations, or individuals—must now prioritize indigenous fruit-bearing, forest, and medicinal plant species. This move is aimed at fulfilling both national and international environmental commitments by avoiding aggressive, non-native tree species.

At the biennial Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting, the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development. The meeting emphasized the need for reforming governance, enhancing institutional capacity, and protecting human rights—especially in light of climate-related challenges and political changes. In 2024, the UN committed $215 million in development support. So far, 40 million people have gained access to social protection services, 580,000 children have benefitted from child protection programs, and 5.6 million adolescent girls have received the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.

In Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, two alleged muggers were caught by locals while attempting a robbery. One of them, Rakib (28), a resident of Bhola’s Nurabad area, died after a mob beating. The other, Milon (35), was handed over to police. ADC Jewel Rana confirmed that a regular case is being filed over the incident.

Jagannath University (JnU) Professor Dr. Roich Uddin announced that teachers and students will begin a mass hunger strike after Friday prayers, demanding justice and protection of their rights. “Despite being attacked by the police, we’ve received no response from the administration even after 35 hours,” he said.

A rally of current and former JnU members is scheduled for 10 AM on Friday at the protest site. Additionally, May 14 will be observed as a “Black Day” at JnU to protest the police attacks on teachers, students, and journalists.

Dr. Rais Uddin, General Secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, has announced a campus shutdown until student demands are met. “We urge the government to accept our legitimate demands,” he said. “If they are accepted, we’ll return to campus within two minutes.” He warned that no force could remove them from the streets if their concerns go unheeded. “Our teachers and students are already on the streets—there’s no point in reopening the campus unless the demands are resolved.”

India has conducted a full-scale military exercise titled Teesta Prahar in the Teesta Field Firing Range of West Bengal, located near the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor—popularly known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’. The operation was held from May 8 to May 10 as part of the country's wartime preparedness strategy.

According to an Indian Army spokesperson based in Guwahati, the exercise demonstrated the military's "joint combat strategy" and readiness in the challenging riverine terrain of the Teesta basin. Officially released videos and images show the use of artillery tanks, helicopters, surface-to-air missiles, and advanced drones during the operation.

Rayhan Apu, convener of the ‘July Warriors’ group and a gunshot survivor, admitted that putting up their banner on an abandoned building formerly used as an Awami League office was a mistake. The building, cleaned by his group last Wednesday, was assumed to be vacant and abandoned. “We never occupied the property,” he said. “Since it was state-owned land previously leased to the Awami League, placing our banner and claiming it as our office was inappropriate.” The banner has since been removed. Apu said they would now pursue legal avenues to revoke the existing lease and apply for a new one.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has instructed police officers to remain on maximum alert to prevent any sabotage activities by banned political groups. He emphasized that the police must uphold professionalism and discipline while staying vigilant against destructive plots. The Commissioner also urged police personnel to maintain high standards in conduct, uniform, and service. Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he directed intensified monitoring to prevent extortion, snatching, and counterfeit currency circulation at sacrificial animal markets, asserting that no criminal activity should be allowed to occur there.

The Chief Adviser-led Council of Advisers has approved the final draft of the “National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.” The meeting also formed a committee to revise and evaluate the draft of the “Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance for Families of July Uprising Martyrs and Injured Protesters, 2025.” The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will provide secretarial support to the committee. The council also reviewed the advisory report on the “National Gene Bank Management Policy 2024” and approved the reconstruction plan for urban infrastructure under the “National Urban Policy 2025.” Additionally, it decided to update the 2011 rules under the “Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010.”

Fayez Ahmad Tayyab, Assistant to the Chief Adviser, warned telecom operators to reduce internet prices or face strict action. "We’ll bring up issues like dues, licensing, and performance reviews during bilateral talks if prices aren’t reduced," he said. The BTRC has already initiated discussions and regulatory measures. "We don’t want to block anyone’s path, but affordable, quality internet must be ensured for the public," Tayyab stated. BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari added that lowering internet costs is not solely a BTRC issue but a challenge for the entire ecosystem.

In a video message, Expatriate Welfare Adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed that Malaysia has finalized a list of 7,926 Bangladeshi workers from a pool of 17,000 who were previously unable to migrate. He held official meetings with Malaysia’s Home and Human Resource Ministers and informal talks with the Trade Minister. "These workers will soon be able to travel and start working in Malaysia," he said. Nazrul added that Malaysia could recruit between 100,000 to 150,000 foreign workers in the coming months, with Bangladesh receiving top priority. He also mentioned efforts to legalize undocumented Bangladeshis and introduce multiple-entry visas.

Twenty-seven individuals accused under the Explosives Control Act in the 2009 BDR mutiny case were released on bail from Kashimpur Central Jail. Earlier, the court had granted bail to 40 defendants, including these 27. Previously, 178 individuals acquitted of murder charges had also secured bail under the explosives case, bringing the total number of bailed individuals to 218. Former BDR members and their families expressed joy following the release.