Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on Japan to enhance its cooperation with Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of investment, fisheries, support for the Rohingya crisis, and youth development. During a meeting with JICA Vice President Miyazaki Katsura, he identified Matarbari as a strategically significant region and expressed interest in developing a blue economy. Dr. Yunus also raised issues related to employment opportunities for youth, Japanese language education, and support for women's participation in sports. JICA is currently considering a proposal to increase its development aid from 300 to 450 billion yen.

Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the OIC, M.J.H. Javed, met with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha to request continued support in maintaining international pressure on Myanmar regarding the Rohingya crisis. The OIC chief assured that the organization would continue advocating for Bangladesh across UN platforms until peaceful repatriation is achieved. Javed also urged financial support to sustain Gambia’s legal case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Myanmar’s alleged genocide.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susan Ryle, for a one-hour meeting at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Discussions included the upcoming national elections, Australia’s potential support for the Election Commission, and bilateral cooperation in education, agriculture, and investment. BNP leader Amir Khasru stated afterward that both parties showed interest in a free, fair, and participatory election. The meeting also touched on political stability, democratic governance, and Australia’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s electoral processes.

Mass uprisings should focus not only on changing governments but also on dismantling fascist mechanisms that produce authoritarianism, said Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of NCP’s southern region. Speaking at a rally in Nilphamari after visiting the graves of fallen protesters and an Urdu-speaking community camp, Hasnat called the current constitution an “Awami Charter” and demanded administrative reforms and a new constitution before any election. NCP leaders framed their march as a grassroots struggle for rights, justice, and systemic change.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Chattogram, July Uprising leader Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi called for the dismissal and prosecution of all police officers appointed during the Awami League’s tenure. The event was organized following a recent incident involving student activists at Patiya Police Station. NCP, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Democratic Student Union outlined four demands, including the permanent removal and trial of OC Nazmun Nur, the dismissal of Chattogram’s Superintendent of Police, police reforms, and the unconditional arrest of any identified pro-Awami League personnel in law enforcement.

A sociology exam for eleventh-grade students at Khulna Government BL College was canceled after a controversial question referencing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Dhanmondi-32 residence drew heavy criticism. The exam was suspended 90 minutes after it began, citing factual inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the question paper. Assistant Professor Nityaranjan Sarker, responsible for preparing the exam, has been issued a show-cause notice. A three-member investigation committee has also been formed. The principal noted that other institutions follow BL College’s question patterns, making the error particularly unacceptable.

A Bangladeshi man named Ibrahim (40) was reportedly shot dead by India's Border Security Force (BSF) near the Rodgram border in Naogaon’s Porsha upazila. According to his family, he was grazing cattle when BSF opened fire Thursday morning. As of 8 p.m., Indian authorities had not returned his body. Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) officials stated that the BSF has denied involvement. An investigation is underway, and communication with Indian counterparts continues.

The U.S. government has resumed accepting visa applications from international students, but Deputy State Department Spokesperson Mignon Houston warned that any misuse of student visas or disorderly conduct on campuses would not be tolerated. “A visa is not just an entry permit—it carries ethical responsibility,” she said. Houston also emphasized the importance of U.S.-India strategic relations, especially within the Quad framework and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Meanwhile, former President Trump expressed optimism over a new fair trade agreement.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam criticized calls for elections as mere distractions and demanded justice for those killed during recent mass uprisings. “We absolutely want elections and an elected government,” he said, “but those responsible for killings—including Sheikh Hasina and her associates—must face justice.” Speaking during a rally after visiting the graves of martyrs Rubel and Sajjad and a camp of Urdu-speaking residents in Syedpur, Nahid declared that the current constitution represents Awami League interests and must be replaced. He said the NCP would continue its movement despite threats, including violence. He also questioned the role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety.

The National Consensus Commission has announced that political parties have reached an agreement to amend Article 49 of the Constitution, which grants the President clemency powers. The proposed amendment would require the inclusion of victims’ families in the decision-making process. There was also consensus on establishing permanent High Court benches in all divisional cities, and keeping Supreme Court operations centralized in the capital. Commission Vice-Chair Professor Ali Riaz stated that these reforms aim to prevent abuse of power and decentralize the judiciary. The discussions are progressing toward a declaration expected in July.

Bangladesh is engaged in ongoing discussions with India over the sharing of transboundary river waters, and there is "no procrastination" in the process, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. Addressing reporters, he also confirmed that talks are underway to establish a UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka for a three-year period. The proposal remains at the draft stage and will be finalized only if both sides reach a consensus. Future governments may extend the agreement. He declined to comment further on the draft, saying it would be inappropriate before a final version is agreed upon. Regarding the 36 Bangladeshis reportedly detained in Malaysia, he stated that no official information has been received yet.

As ceasefire negotiations continue, Israel has intensified its attacks in Gaza, killing over 300 Palestinians in the last 48 hours alone, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly carried out at least 26 massacres, including an airstrike on a relief center that killed 33 people. American security forces have also been accused of shooting civilians waiting for aid. To date, more than 56,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 134,000 injured. A coalition of 130 human rights organizations has demanded the shutdown of the controversial GHF program, accusing it of weaponizing hunger.

A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet remains grounded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 19 days after an emergency landing due to adverse weather. Repeated repair attempts by British engineers have failed, and the UK is now considering transporting the aircraft back using a C-17 cargo plane—a rare move. The fifth-generation fighter was returning from joint exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft remains under Indian security supervision while arrangements are made.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in India's Lok Sabha, has sharply criticized the Modi government following reports that 767 farmers in Maharashtra committed suicide in the first three months of this year. He accused the government of providing no support to debt-ridden farmers struggling with rising production costs and of ignoring demands for loan waivers. Citing data from Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, he noted that many of the cases are either under investigation or declared ineligible for assistance. Gandhi condemned the government’s inaction, contrasting it with the loan write-offs granted to billionaires. In response, BJP leader Amit Malviya pointed out that over 55,000 farmer suicides occurred during the Congress era.

The Bangladesh Army will take legal action if any of its members are proven to be involved in cases of enforced disappearance, according to Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he confirmed that investigations are underway against several army personnel currently on deputation. He also highlighted the army's recent operations against terrorism and mob violence, reporting the recovery of 26 weapons, 100 rounds of ammunition, and the arrest of 23 militants. Two army personnel were killed during clashes with the KNF in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where significant arms were seized and many members of the Bawm community have returned home due to restored security.