During the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The two leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest. Yunus also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra earlier the same day.

Bangladesh has taken over the BIMSTEC chairmanship for the next two years. Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and development. Member states unanimously adopted the Bangkok Declaration and the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision, which aim to guide the organization toward sustainable development and economic integration. Yunus urged BIMSTEC to take a more proactive role in engaging Myanmar to stabilize Rakhine State, thereby creating conditions conducive to the repatriation of displaced Rohingya. Upon receiving the chairmanship from Thailand, Yunus emphasized the need for an inclusive and action-oriented BIMSTEC.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. Yunus also met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Earlier, he met Thai Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa and Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Jiraporn Sindhuprai.

Following a bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, India issued a statement reaffirming its support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. Modi highlighted that cooperation between the two nations has delivered tangible benefits for their people and urged avoidance of rhetoric that could harm the diplomatic environment. On border issues, Modi emphasized the strict enforcement of laws to prevent illegal nighttime crossings. Expressing concern over the safety of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, he called for strengthened protection and transparent investigations. Modi congratulated Yunus on becoming the new BIMSTEC Chair and reaffirmed that all mutual concerns between India and Bangladesh can be addressed through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), tore a copy of the newly passed Waqf Bill in the Indian Parliament, denouncing it as unconstitutional. The bill proposes the inclusion of two non-Muslim members on Waqf boards, a move that has sparked strong objections from opposition parties. Critics argue that the bill gives the government greater control over Waqf properties—donated lands and assets dedicated by Muslims—which currently span 3.8 million acres across India. Owaisi alleged that the legislation violates Article 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and the right to manage religious affairs. “This bill is an attempt to seize Waqf properties under the guise of reform,” he warned. He also accused the BJP government of stoking communal tensions, predicting that district officials would soon label Waqf lands as government property, leading to mosque closures. Owaisi concluded by saying, “This law won’t lift Muslims out of poverty. It will safeguard ancient temples but not mosques.”

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged prominent figures in Thailand to support Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN. Emphasizing Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, he stated, “We are proud members of both SAARC and BIMSTEC, and we strongly believe in regional cooperation.” Speaking to Thai dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former Deputy Prime Minister, top business leaders, bankers, academics, and civil society representatives, the Chief Adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s aspiration to transition from a sectoral dialogue partner to a full-fledged member of ASEAN. Highlighting the student-led mass uprising that led to the ouster of a repressive regime, he noted, “That movement marked the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh.” The Chief Adviser expressed hope that leading ASEAN nations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia will extend their full support for Bangladesh’s membership in the regional bloc.

A young man named Riyad Hossain (34), who was detained in Pallabi on suspicion of robbery, died in police custody. His family claims Sub-Inspector Ashraful took a 20,000 taka bribe in exchange for Riyad’s release and returned the money after his death. Police have denied the bribery allegation and claim there’s no evidence linking Riyad to any robbery, though they allege he was associated with a local criminal group. Riyad’s wife strongly refuted this, saying her husband was not a criminal and was beaten by police, not the public. The Officer-in-Charge countered that there is CCTV footage and denied police involvement in the death. He assured that any complaints about bribery will be investigated.

Despite strong opposition from Muslim communities and opposition parties, India’s Lok Sabha passed a controversial amendment to the Waqf Act on Wednesday. Critics are calling it a major blow to Muslim rights and Waqf property autonomy. Opposition leaders argue that the new law drastically curtails the powers of the Waqf Boards, which oversee properties donated for religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community. India’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, defended the bill, claiming it would increase transparency and government revenue. Key provisions of the amendment include: • Mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims and Shia members on Waqf Boards. • Government officials, at the rank of Collector or above, can now investigate claims over properties declared as Waqf. • Waqf properties generating over ₹100,000 in annual income will be subject to audits by state-appointed auditors. • Women must transfer their inheritance property before declaring it as Waqf. • Only devout practicing Muslims are allowed to dedicate property as Waqf. • The power to determine whether a property qualifies as Waqf has been handed over to the administration. Muslim leaders have condemned the legislation, calling it an unprecedented encroachment on religious freedoms and community rights.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with prominent Thai figures over breakfast before attending the BIMSTEC summit, where he pledged to hold free, fair, and inclusive elections after necessary reforms. Recalling the July uprising, Yunus said, “In 1971, millions of men, women, children, and youth fought against a brutal military regime and sacrificed everything. In the past 15 years, however, citizens witnessed a steady erosion of rights and institutional decay.” He added that nearly 2,000 people, mostly youth and including 118 children, lost their lives while resisting an authoritarian regime. “I accepted the responsibility of leading the interim government at the people’s request,” Yunus said, reaffirming a strong commitment to restoring economic stability and pursuing far-reaching reforms. He also outlined key components of the reform process.

In a bilateral meeting, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen regional economic cooperation for shared prosperity. Earlier, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey met with Adviser Touhid and praised Bangladesh’s role in regional cooperation. Bangladesh reiterated its strong commitment to the BIMSTEC process as the incoming Chair. The Secretary General sought support for the upcoming 30th anniversary celebrations, which Adviser Touhid welcomed, encouraging the Secretariat to develop a comprehensive plan.

During their over 30-minute meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a range of bilateral issues. According to the Press Secretary, the talks were productive. Dr. Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, citing concerns over her provocative remarks made from India. The meeting also covered topics such as border killings and the long-standing dispute over Teesta river water sharing, with both leaders expressing commitment to resolving mutual concerns.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called upon BIMSTEC member states to work together based on mutual interests and shared benefits. Highlighting the region’s immense potential, he described its large population as a strength rather than a challenge, noting that BIMSTEC is home to one-fifth of the global population. “Bangladesh embraces open regionalism and seeks inclusive cooperation grounded in justice, mutual respect, and common good,” Yunus stated. He emphasized joint efforts in renewable energy, cross-border electricity trade, and energy efficiency. He also stressed the importance of easing cross-border movement, particularly for the youth, to enhance trade and investment, calling these the keys to regional prosperity. Dr. Yunus pointed out that intra-regional trade stands at only 5.9% and urged full implementation of the 2004 BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement to improve connectivity. He noted that Bangladesh, as Chair, will work to advance the group’s goals and welcomed reforms to enhance BIMSTEC’s effectiveness, placing regional interests above bilateral ones.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 12:10 PM local time on Friday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This marks the first official meeting between the two since Dr. Yunus assumed the role of Chief Adviser of the interim government. The two leaders previously exchanged greetings during Thursday’s official banquet, where they were also seen engaged in a lengthy and cordial conversation.

At least 16 migrants have died in two separate boat capsizings in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday, authorities confirmed. The incidents occurred near the coasts of Greece and Turkey. In Greece, seven bodies were recovered after a boat carrying around 30 migrants capsized. Initially, four bodies were found, with coast guard patrols later recovering three more. A search and rescue operation is still ongoing for the remaining passengers. Meanwhile, off the coast of Ayvacık district in Turkey, another migrant boat sank, resulting in nine fatalities. Turkish authorities successfully rescued 25 others from the water. These incidents highlight the persistent dangers faced by migrants risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 112 Palestinians, including women and children. Among them, 33 civilians—mostly children and women—were killed in attacks on three schools where displaced and persecuted Palestinians had taken refuge. Meanwhile, Israel has issued further evacuation orders for Palestinian families in southern Gaza. According to the UN, since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, nearly 280,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced. The President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that the recent killing of 15 medical and emergency workers by Israeli forces could amount to war crimes.