The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to establish diplomatic missions in five new cities as part of efforts to strengthen ties with Europe and South America, boost trade, and engage more effectively with Bangladeshi expatriates. Adviser Asif Mahmood revealed that new missions will be opened in Dublin (Ireland), Oslo (Norway), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Frankfurt (Germany), and São Paulo (Brazil), considering the evolving global geopolitical landscape and Bangladesh’s transition from LDC status.

Top leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met with a delegation from an international human rights organization in Dhaka on Monday. The delegation praised Jamaat’s organizational structure, grassroots activities, and constructive role in the country’s political landscape. The delegation expressed hope that Jamaat would contribute positively to the development of human rights in Bangladesh. The meeting was attended by Jamaat leaders Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and Barrister Abu Bakar Mollah.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has called on the interim government to quickly initiate steps for a democratic transition, referencing recent discussions held in London. He expressed hope that the decisions reached in those talks would soon be formally communicated to the Election Commission. However, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin stated that he only knows about the London declaration from media reports and declined to comment further.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has stressed the urgent need for an independent electoral system in Bangladesh, stating that without judicial independence, any government can slide into fascism. Annie alleged that political opponents, including himself, have faced harassment, torture, and even enforced disappearances. He mentioned that the recent meeting between BNP’s Tarique Rahman and the chief adviser has set the stage for possible elections. Annie was acquitted today in an explosives case alongside eight others.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance in a phone call on Sunday, declaring unequivocally that Iran should never possess nuclear weapons. Von der Leyen stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire. Speaking from the G7 Summit in Canada, she also warned that Iran-manufactured drones and ballistic missiles are wreaking havoc in both Ukraine and Israeli cities, calling for unified global action against the threats.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to render the entire Zionist regime uninhabitable. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have executed an individual convicted of espionage for Israel’s Mossad agency, according to state media. The execution was carried out amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. Additionally, four more individuals suspected of ties to Mossad have been arrested, Iranian officials confirmed.

A leaked memo reveals the Trump administration is planning to impose travel bans on 36 additional countries if they fail to meet U.S. security standards within 60 days. The move would significantly expand existing restrictions, which already fully ban travel from 12 countries and partially restrict seven more. Affected nations span Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. The administration claims the measures are necessary to safeguard the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other national security threats.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, stating that all diplomatic efforts to halt Tehran’s nuclear program have so far failed. Speaking with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq via phone, Merz emphasized that preventing further escalation between Iran and Israel is now the top priority. The German leader thanked Oman for its diplomatic initiatives and mediation efforts in nuclear negotiations.

The World Bank and ADB are urging the commercialization of Bangladesh’s rural electrification sector, sparking backlash from the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB). CAB accuses the government of ignoring corruption and consumer interests while following a foreign-driven privatization agenda. A government-formed committee has proposed turning rural electricity cooperatives into companies, bypassing consumer input. CAB warns this could hike prices, increase imports, and worsen inequality. They recommend nationalization and unified service rules instead of commercialization to protect rural consumers.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that five Shariah-based banks will be merged into one before the national election. No employees will lose their jobs, though some branches may be relocated. The decision follows major financial irregularities and high default rates — 76.69% of loans are non-performing. The merger excludes Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, which will remain separate. Legal efforts to recover laundered money abroad are ongoing, with a focus on both court proceedings and out-of-court settlements.

Nvidia is no longer including China in its revenue and profit forecasts due to strict U.S. export controls. CEO Jensen Huang said the chances of these restrictions easing are slim in the near term. The U.S. now requires a license to export Nvidia’s advanced AI chip, the H20, to China. As a result, the company anticipates a revenue drop of up to $8 billion in Q2 (April–June) and is turning its focus to other global markets.

The mayor of San Mateo Piñas in southern Mexico’s Oaxaca state was shot dead in her office on Sunday. According to local authorities, four armed individuals stormed the office, killing Mayor Lilia García and another municipal official. Two police officers were injured in the attack. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, and federal agents and military forces have been deployed in the area. Mexican officials suspect powerful drug cartels may be behind the escalating violence targeting public officials.

Two BNP leaders have been detained following clashes in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, over demands to dissolve the party’s local convening committee. The district detective police arrested them Sunday night. One of the detainees, committee member Helal Uddin, was released Monday morning, while the other, Parvez Ahmed, remains in custody. The BNP has recently dissolved committees in eight units across the district, forming new convening committees. Parvez and his supporters rejected the new committee, leading to rival processions and eventual violent confrontations.

During the 15 days surrounding Eid-ul-Azha, Bangladesh witnessed 379 road accidents, resulting in 390 deaths and 1,182 injuries, according to the Bangladesh Passengers Welfare Association. Additionally, 25 rail accidents led to 25 deaths and 12 injuries, while 11 incidents on waterways claimed 12 lives with 6 people still missing. Altogether, 415 accidents across road, rail, and waterways caused 427 fatalities and 1,194 injuries. The association urged the government to declare at least four consecutive holidays before Eid to ensure safer travel during the festive season.

BNP’s Tarique Rahman criticized Sheikh Mujib and Sheikh Hasina for curbing press freedom in Bangladesh. NCP leader Sargis Alam echoed the sentiment, further highlighting the rising trend of media misinformation. Sargis alleged that many media outlets deliberately publish unverified reports for political motives or TRP gains, later deleting them after the damage is done. He stressed that while press freedom is essential, misuse must be addressed with laws and proper investigations.