In 2024, the United Kingdom received the highest number of asylum applications from Pakistan, with Afghanistan in second place—displacing Syria and Iran, which topped the list in previous years. British Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the newly elected Labour government is committed to reducing asylum processing delays and ending the costly practice of housing applicants in hotels. This move is expected to save the UK approximately £1 billion annually. Between 2011 and 2020, the UK received an average of 27,500 asylum applications per year. However, by 2024, the number has tripled to 84,200, prompting the government to declare the situation a crisis and prioritize reform.

BNP leader Hafiz Ibrahim stated that the party is ready for national elections, whether they are held in December or April. He mentioned a possible meeting in London between Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman to discuss the election timeline. Speaking at a rally in Bhola, he said BNP activists are campaigning nationwide. He highlighted past development under BNP rule and promised gas-based industries to tackle unemployment if re-elected.

Despite nearly $9 billion in increased remittance and export income, Bangladesh’s foreign reserves have hovered around $20 billion for 11 months. Declines in foreign direct investment, aid, and long-term loans, alongside higher import and debt repayment costs, offset the gains. The dollar crisis has eased, but reserves haven’t grown. Experts stress the need for political stability and investment-friendly policies to boost reserves. Bangladesh Bank expects a $3 billion rise in June with anticipated foreign loan inflows from global institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Two activists of the opposition BNP party have been arrested in connection with an attack on the homes of two army personnel in Putia Upazila, Rajshahi. The attack allegedly took place after the army personnel’s families refused to pay extortion money. The arrests were made during a late-night raid on Wednesday by military personnel. The detainees have been identified as Md. Sujon (32) and Shahin Akter alias Khokon (41). The two targeted soldiers—Tarikul Islam and Md. Al-Amin—are cousins. Tarikul’s father, Abdul Hannan, is a supporter of the ruling Awami League, and local BNP leader and Union Parishad member Rafiqul Islam allegedly demanded Tk 500,000 from him.

Former President Donald Trump has announced the launch of a new website—TrumpCard.gov—for registration in his proposed $5 million U.S. residency program, dubbed the "Golden Visa." The initiative offers a premium alternative to the traditional green card, aimed at attracting investors and job creators. Trump stated that thousands of people have already expressed interest in gaining access to "the greatest country and market in the world." He claims the program could help reduce the U.S. national deficit while bringing in high-value immigrants.

A tense calm has descended over Los Angeles following a night of curfews and mass arrests. However, multiple U.S. cities are already bracing for renewed protests. According to the BBC, federal authorities have arrested around 400 individuals in Los Angeles so far. Among them, 330 are undocumented immigrants, while 157 have been detained on charges ranging from assault to attempted murder of police officers and obstruction of federal operations.

Fierce fighting has erupted in Kyaukphyu, a strategic port city in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, as the Arakan Army advances against the military junta. The city is vital to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, hosting key oil and gas pipelines and infrastructure. China has deployed private security personnel to protect its investments. Over 40,000 civilians have been displaced amid escalating violence. Control of Kyaukphyu now symbolizes not just local power, but also a geopolitical contest for influence between regional and global powers.

A fish trader named Jasim Hawlader (30) was abducted, severely beaten, and hacked in an attack in Nesarabad, Pirojpur. He currently remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Jasim, also a local leader of the Guarekha Union Fishermen’s Association, was reportedly assaulted by a group led by Kislu Sikder, a known political enforcer. According to Jasim's brother, the attackers—numbering 20 to 25—used machetes, rods, and sticks. Jasim was tied up and slashed on his back and face before being beaten with metal rods.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), warned that holding elections under the old structure would prevent the realization of a new, democratic Bangladesh. Speaking in Rangpur, he emphasized the need for a decentralized power system and accountable governance. He criticized past governments for politicizing police and administration and urged reforms to restore dignity and service to citizens. Hossain also stressed improving healthcare and ensuring public representatives genuinely prioritize people's interests to achieve national progress.

Police recovered the body of an unidentified young man from the Matamuhuri River in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban early Thursday morning. Officer-in-Charge Mirza Zahid Uddin stated that the deceased is believed to be between 30 and 35 years old and was wearing a shirt and pants. No identification or contact information was found on him. The body has been sent to Bandarban Sadar Hospital for an autopsy. Locals suspect the man may have been a tourist.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has indicated that financial settlements could be considered as “one of the options” in dealing with relatively minor financial misconduct cases. In an interview with the Financial Times, Mansur stated that the central bank's response will be determined by the nature of the alleged actions of the accused individuals.

Mansur, who is leading Bangladesh Bank's efforts to recover assets siphoned off during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, mentioned that the bank aims to raise up to $100 million to pursue future international legal actions.

"The money was stolen," he said, stressing the moral and legal obligation of the UK government to assist in tracing and identifying the illicit assets. "Legally—and I would say morally as well—it is the UK’s responsibility to help in locating these funds," the chief advisor added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government has successfully resisted an opposition-backed motion to dissolve the Knesset. In a preliminary vote held on Thursday, 61 members of the 120-seat parliament voted against the proposal, while 53 voted in favor. The push for dissolution stemmed from ongoing tensions surrounding military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students. While some religious parties within the ruling coalition are demanding exemptions, several lawmakers are calling for an end to such privileges altogether.

President Donald Trump has announced that the long-anticipated trade agreement between Washington and Beijing has been finalized. The deal now awaits final approval from the heads of state of both nations.

According to Trump, under the new agreement, the United States will benefit from a total of 55% tariff concessions, while China will receive 10%. He further stated that China has committed to supplying the U.S. in advance with essential resources, including rare earth minerals and magnets.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote, “China will provide the United States with a full supply of magnets and critical rare minerals on a priority basis. In return, the U.S. will honor its promises to China, including allowing Chinese students access to American universities—something I’ve always supported!”

Police have recovered the hanging body of a woman named Habiba Begum (29) from Puthia upazila in Rajshahi.

The incident took place on Thursday morning. Habiba Begum, daughter of the late Khalilur Rahman, was a resident of the local Ashrayan Project (government shelter housing).

According to police, initial evidence suggests that she died by suicide.

Inspector Dulal Hossain said that Habiba had returned to her father’s home from her in-laws’ residence after Eid and had been staying there. Early in the morning, her family members noticed she was missing and started searching for her. Eventually, they found her hanging inside the bathroom with a noose around her neck.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

A passenger aircraft reportedly crashed at India’s Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, with 242 passengers on board. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Adani-operated airport premises, causing panic in nearby areas. The type of aircraft and the extent of casualties or damage remain unconfirmed. Social media footage showed smoke engulfing the skyline of Ahmedabad's upscale neighborhoods. Roads surrounding the crash site have been sealed off as a safety measure.