In light of escalating tensions following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has offered to mediate between Pakistan and India. In a message, Araghchi said, “India and Pakistan are our fraternal neighbors with whom we share centuries-old cultural ties. We are committed to fostering understanding between the two nations during these difficult times.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clarified that the decision to withdraw Tk 250 crore from risky banks and reinvest Tk 238 crore into ‘Green’ and ‘Yellow’ zone banks was a strategic move, not an individual decision by the chairman. “Certain media reports misrepresenting these transactions aim to malign Chairman Faruq Ahmed’s reputation,” the BCB stated, emphasizing that financial decisions prioritized security and were made collectively.

The funeral of Pope Francis has begun at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, drawing an estimated 250,000 mourners. Notable attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The ceremony is witnessing one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in recent history.

Dr. AYM Ekramul Haque, Convenor of the Purbachal Society, emphasized the need for a dedicated city corporation to address Purbachal’s ongoing infrastructure issues. Despite the long delay, essential facilities like security stations, expanded power grids, safe drinking water, sewerage systems, road maintenance, educational institutions, markets, hospitals, and recreational parks are still lacking. He urged the government to prioritize the area’s comprehensive development.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the NCP, asserted that the party has no links with remnants of fallen autocratic regimes. “If any of our members are involved in extortion, we will take strict organizational action,” he said. He also pledged full transparency, announcing that the names of donors and financial details will be audited and published through proper channels.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the Consensus Commission, stated that Jamaat-e-Islami’s contributions to the ongoing fight against fascism will always be remembered. “Despite facing judicial and extrajudicial persecution, Jamaat members have shown remarkable resilience,” he said, expressing hope that the party will play a vital role in rebuilding a truly democratic Bangladesh.

Indian authorities have detained more than 550 illegal Bangladeshi migrants during overnight raids across Gujarat, with over 100 individuals apprehended in Surat alone. The detainees reportedly entered India without valid documentation and were living using forged papers. After investigations are complete, they will be deported back to Bangladesh.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that Jamaat fears no external pressure when it comes to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He affirmed that Jamaat is committed to building a sustainable and credible democracy. “We seek moral accountability for the sake of the nation, not personal or party interests,” he said. He emphasized that Jamaat supports necessary reforms for the greater good of the country and is committed to democratic practices both within the party and the state.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced that separate roads will be built for the entry and exit of inter-district buses at Gabtoli Terminal. Buses to and from North Bengal will specifically use the new routes through the BRTC depot, aiming to ease congestion at the terminal.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus visited Bangladesh House in Rome on Friday, signing the official visitors’ book. He is currently in Italy to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, which will be held Saturday at Vatican City. Although the Pope’s tomb was intended to be modest, it will be located beneath the Basilica.

In Jashore, a woman working at a brickfield was raped by one man while another assisted in the crime. The arrested suspects are Akram Hossain and Rabbi Hossain. The woman, who had been working with her husband at the site for several months, was assaulted inside a brick-molding area. Both suspects have been sent to jail.

Two Bangladeshi nationals, Mohammad Musa and Krishna Chandra Roy, were arrested by police in West Bengal’s Goalpokhar area. Musa suffered severe injuries allegedly due to police beatings and is now in critical condition at North Bengal Medical College Hospital. They had entered India illegally for labor work and were apprehended while returning home.

Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Economic Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, held multiple meetings with World Bank and IMF officials. The U.S. has asked Bangladesh to detail its plans for resolving tariff issues and trade deficits by increasing imports from America, including offering tariff-free access to select products. The IMF has demanded clear actions on making the currency exchange rate more flexible, increasing revenue collection, and reforming the banking sector before releasing further loan installments.

Sarwar Tushar, Joint Convenor of the NCP, has demanded the cancellation of Awami League’s registration before any national election is held. He accused the party of conspiring with Delhi against Bangladesh’s interests and described it as a “secret organization.” He reiterated the NCP’s demand for a constitutional amendment through a public council election and condemned efforts to rehabilitate convicted criminals.

Executive Magistrate Sheikh Naushad Hasan led a raid at Kutkutitala Market in Naogaon, seizing 29.31 tons of government rice illegally stored by traders across two warehouses. Bags marked for food aid programs were also found. The accused traders, including Jahangir Babu, fled during the operation.