On Thursday, President Trump announced that the United States has signed a trade agreement with China, potentially bringing an end to the protracted trade war. During his second term, Trump had imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing. “Yesterday, we signed a deal with China. We are starting to open China up—something that never really could have happened,” Trump said. The details of the agreement were not disclosed. US and Chinese officials had been working for weeks to finalize the deal, including a meeting in London earlier this month to address tariff disputes.

Washington is prepared to offer Iran a package of significant incentives in exchange for halting uranium enrichment altogether. According to CNN, the United States could provide $30 billion in support for civilian nuclear energy production, lift sanctions on Tehran, and return frozen Iranian funds. Despite the recent flare-up of hostilities between Iran and Israel, American and Middle Eastern officials have held behind-the-scenes talks with Iranian representatives over the past two weeks. Last Friday, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Gulf allies at the White House to discuss the proposal. The main condition: Iran must reduce uranium enrichment to zero.

Just a few years ago, Finland was known as a neutral European nation. Today, it stands as NATO’s northern frontline, right next to Russia. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Helsinki swiftly joined NATO, triggering a sweeping transformation in the country’s geography, military, and political stance.

The global economy faces heightened risks as the Middle East conflict and a looming U.S.-led tariff war unfold simultaneously. President Trump’s proposed tariffs, especially targeting China, could severely disrupt trade, while rising tensions between Israel and Iran may drive energy prices up. With global growth already slowing, these twin shocks amplify recession fears. Experts warn that even minor disruptions could now trigger a downturn, echoing past crises like the 1990 Gulf War. The IMF forecasts global growth at a sluggish 2.8% in 2025.

British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company (BATBC) will invest Tk 297 crore to expand production capacity at its Savar factory, following the closure of its Dhaka facility. Operations will shift to a new location in Ashulia from July 1. The investment will be financed through bank loans supported by internal funds. In Q1 FY2025, BATBC reported lower net profit and EPS compared to last year. The company paid a 300% cash dividend in FY2024 and maintains strong reserves and shareholder equity.

Following the end of the 12-day deadly conflict between Israel, Iran, and the U.S., Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem publicly expressed renewed loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Speaking in a video message, Qassem praised Khamenei’s courage and wisdom, emphasizing widespread support around Iran’s leadership amid ongoing tensions. Hezbollah, a Palestinian armed group, has consistently backed Tehran since Israeli and U.S. airstrikes began, reaffirming its commitment to stand with Iran under Khamenei’s guidance.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In a statement, Rubio emphasized that Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of working together to establish lasting peace between Israel and Iran and to maintain regional stability. Notably, Pakistan does not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel.

A critical shortage of locomotives has severely disrupted train services in Bangladesh’s Eastern Railway Zone. With only two-thirds of the daily engine requirement being met, many trains are delayed, canceled, or stalled mid-journey due to engine failures. Outdated locomotives and delayed procurement have worsened the crisis. Railway authorities are now working on importing 30 new engines and initiating long-term repairs. Until resolved, passengers are facing increasing uncertainty and service interruptions across key routes, including Chattogram, Dhaka, and Cox’s Bazar.

India has expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue with Bangladesh on all matters in an “appropriate environment.” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that there are established diplomatic mechanisms between Dhaka and New Delhi that can address every aspect of bilateral relations. According to reports, four experts have been invited to India’s Parliament for a discussion on the “Future of India-Bangladesh Relations.” Commenting on the recent meeting among Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan, Jaiswal said, “We continuously monitor developments in our neighborhood and assess how they impact India’s interests and security. While our relations with each country are unique, we evaluate them in light of evolving circumstances.”

A Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) candidate was unable to attend his first exam at the Government Mirpur Bangla College center after rushing his mother, who had suffered a stroke, to the hospital. The incident has drawn public sympathy and media attention. Education Adviser C.R. Abrar stated that the case is being reviewed with humanitarian consideration. He emphasized that efforts are being made to resolve the issue within the framework of public examination laws and regulations. "We stand in solidarity with the student during this difficult time," said Abrar, urging the candidate not to worry.

The Bangladesh Railway Authority has removed nearly 100 illegal structures, including shops, political party offices, a temporary market, and an unauthorized temporary temple from its land in Khilkhet. Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan explained that during last year’s Durga Puja, a group set up a temple on railway land without prior permission. Although conditional approval was later granted on the promise of removal post-festival, the group not only failed to dismantle it but also attempted to establish a permanent temple. Following repeated warnings, the Railway Authority cleared the site. The idol was respectfully immersed in the Balu River, maintaining religious decorum. Authorities have urged the public not to spread misinformation regarding the matter.

GOP leader Rashed Khan has issued a warning regarding the future of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement platform. He stated that if it becomes embroiled in further controversy, it could face the same disrepute as the Muktijuddho Mancha during the Awami League era. Previously, on March 7, Nahid Islam had remarked that the platform had evolved into a student organization and was now part of a political alliance under the National Citizens' Platform (NCP). According to him, the original identity of the Anti-Discrimination Movement no longer existed. However, Rashed Khan argued that a council of the platform was recently held, with NCP-affiliated leaders participating as voters. The election was conducted at the NCP office, indicating a revival of the original platform’s identity and nullifying Nahid Islam’s earlier claim. Khan cautioned that repeated controversies could tarnish the platform irreparably.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight en route to Singapore returned to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shortly after takeoff due to an engine malfunction. According to airport authorities, the issue was detected after the aircraft reached an altitude of 2,500 feet, prompting an immediate return to the airport. The flight landed safely with 154 passengers and seven crew members onboard. All were reported to be safe and unharmed. Authorities stated that a technical review is underway, and further decisions regarding the flight will be made accordingly.

A two-day program marking Social Business Day has commenced, bringing together leaders and entrepreneurs engaged in social business from around the world. The event is jointly organized by the Yunus Centre and Grameen Group, and will be inaugurated by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This year’s theme is: “The Most Effective Way to Ensure Healthcare for All is Through Social Business.” The event aims to address global disparities and limitations in sectors like healthcare, and to promote a sustainable, equitable, and humane value system. The program features five plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions, with participation from over 1,000 delegates, including more than 180 international guests from 25 countries.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the European Union to take immediate action against Israel for violating its human rights commitments under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. “While the EU has passed 18 sanction packages against Russia for its aggression toward Ukraine and Europe, it has failed to suspend its agreement with Israel—even though Israel is clearly violating Article 2 of that treaty,” Sánchez said. He stressed, “The EU must not delay any further. I will push for an immediate suspension of the agreement with Israel.” Meanwhile, the EU has so far responded only with calls for dialogue.