Israel has reportedly incurred nearly $3 billion in damages during its recent conflict with Iran, according to Bloomberg. Internal assessments indicate that Iranian missiles successfully penetrated Israeli defense systems during a two-week retaliatory barrage, causing significant damage to infrastructure. The attacks were part of Iran's “True Promise III” operation, during which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched 22 missile strikes targeting Israeli cities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that a truce could be achieved within a week. Speaking at a diplomatic event on the Congo-Rwanda agreement, Trump said he had recently spoken with key figures working toward peace. Hamas has indicated willingness to release remaining hostages under any ceasefire agreement. However, Israel insists that the conflict will only end once Hamas is completely disarmed and dismantled.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has granted permission for Jewish settlers to engage in music, dance, and unrestricted movement within the Al-Aqsa compound in the West Bank. This decision directly violates long-standing agreements regarding the sacred site’s management. The move follows lobbying by several Jewish religious organizations that met with Ben-Gvir three weeks ago. During the meeting, he reportedly said, “I want the sound of music to echo throughout the entire Al-Aqsa compound,” intensifying tensions in the already volatile region.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now over 1,220 days long, has seen Russia escalate its military actions, aiming to fully annex Ukraine. Ukrainian forces face nearly 700,000 Russian troops, especially around strategic areas like Pokrovsk. The US has paused military aid, but Europe and Canada pledged $35 billion in support for early 2025. The UK and Norway are providing technical assistance, while Ukraine develops its own missile technology. Ukraine’s ambitions to join NATO and the EU continue, despite Russia’s concerns and EU’s sanction disagreements.

At least nine Iranian journalists have been killed during the recent 12-day war with Israel, according to a report from Iran's Basij Media Organization. The head of the organization, Morteza Kar Amouzeian, stated that these journalists were victims of targeted Israeli strikes. He added that over 10 other journalists were injured and are currently receiving treatment. Amouzeian called the attacks a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and vowed to pursue legal action through international channels to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The Barishal Canal in Madaripur, once a vital waterway for trade, is being excavated after years of encroachment and pollution halted its water flow. Spanning 8 kilometers, the canal had been clogged by illegal structures, causing severe waterlogging. The district and municipal administrations have launched a joint initiative to reclaim and dredge the canal, starting from the Itarpool area. Locals welcome the move, saying restored water flow will boost agriculture on hundreds of bighas of land and help revive the region's traditional water transport.

India declined to sign the SCO defense summit's joint statement after it failed to mention the recent deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists. Citing unaddressed concerns on terrorism, India criticized what it viewed as a pro-Pakistan bias. The Indian defense minister condemned countries supporting cross-border terrorism. The incident heightened India-Pakistan tensions, with claims of airstrikes and retaliations until a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced—though India denied any third-party mediation.

Several explosions were heard in Eslamshahr, located in western Tehran, late Friday night. In response, Iranian authorities immediately activated air defense systems in the area. Videos shared by Iran International captured repeated blasts accompanied by flashes of light in the sky. However, the exact cause of the explosions and details about casualties or damages remain unclear. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Iran succeeds in enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels, it may face renewed bombing campaigns.

Despite the end of the annual fishing ban, hilsa remains scarce in the Padma and Meghna rivers, leaving Chandpur fishermen with disappointing catches. Supply at local markets has dropped sharply, pushing prices to record highs—up to Tk 3,000 per kg. Buyers are crowding fish markets but often leave empty-handed due to limited availability. Traders and fishermen blame poor river conditions, though experts remain hopeful that catches will rise with continued rain as the peak hilsa season approaches.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria has welcomed recent promises by Syrian authorities to protect the rights of minorities, calling the move “encouraging.” However, the Commission also reported continued violence against the Alawite community. Paulo Pinheiro, Chair of the UN Commission, stated that the Syrian government has granted investigators “unrestricted access” to coastal areas affected by recent violence. “Despite this progress,” he said, “we continue to receive reports of killings, arbitrary arrests, and the confiscation of property belonging to Alawites who fled during the March violence.” Pinheiro noted that the Commission has documented the abduction of at least six Alawite women this spring by unidentified individuals—two of whom remain missing. He praised the Syrian government's formation of a special investigative committee to look into these incidents, citing official statements that “numerous suspected attackers” have already been arrested. In addition, Pinheiro condemned the recent Daesh (ISIS) attack on a church, describing it as a grave act of religious violence.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Parwar has expressed optimism about an emerging electoral alliance among Islamic parties ahead of the upcoming national elections. Speaking to reporters, Parwar said, “Islamic scholars and religious leaders in the country have realized the urgent need for unity among all Islamic forces in this election. Efforts are underway in that direction, and we firmly believe that a consensus among the parties will be reached very soon.” He further stated, “Victory in the upcoming national election is the only way to fulfill the dreams of those visionaries who could not live to see the birth of a truly Islamic Bangladesh. By preserving the ideals of Islamic forces, we can repay our debt to them.” Parwar also elaborated on the organization’s vision: “Our mission is to shape public opinion in favor of Islamic values and prepare competent individuals to lead the nation. Through this effort, we will witness the triumph of faith, please our Creator, and—God willing—earn His forgiveness and paradise.” He concluded by emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to ensure a free and fair election, which he described as a crucial chapter in the nation's political history.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana declared during a party meeting in Durgapur that she has risked her life fighting against what she described as the "fascist rule" of the Awami League. “I stood alone against 300 MPs of an illegitimate government,” she said. Rumeen emphasized her commitment to the nation and promised to transform the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency if elected. “I will work for the development that people aspire to,” she affirmed.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that district courts cannot impose nationwide injunctions, a decision seen as a major legal win for the Trump administration. Former President Donald Trump welcomed the ruling, stating, “I was elected with historic public support, but far-left judges have been trying to undermine presidential authority and override the will of the people.” The decision comes after months of legal clashes over immigration and social policies, with the administration criticizing district judges for overreaching their jurisdiction.

Dhaka has seen a significant improvement in air quality, now ranking 47th globally—down from 11th just a day earlier, according to Swiss-based IQAir. As of 10:13 AM, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 56, a sharp drop from Friday’s 102. Meanwhile, Jakarta, Indonesia topped the list of most polluted cities with an AQI of 181, followed by Kampala (166), Medan (159), Lahore (158), and Batam (145).

Umama Fatema has formally announced her departure from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement following the formation of its new National Council. She cited internal politics, online and offline pressure, smear campaigns, and attempts to sideline her despite her role as spokesperson. Fatema revealed she initially voted in the council elections with hopes of positive change but later withdrew her support. Expressing deep disappointment, she said the platform has been hijacked by opportunists and no longer holds promise. Concluding her statement, she said she would not forgive those who wronged her and urged students to focus on their education, ending with, “Fi Amanillah.”