A delegation led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will meet USTR representatives next week over a 37% retaliatory tariff. Adviser Bashiruddin said, “The cancellation of transshipment facilities will increase our costs by about BDT 2,000 crore. We’re engaged in round-the-clock talks.” He emphasized inflation is declining and purchasing power is improving, which may cushion families from rising product prices.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said they’ve submitted reform proposals and are hopeful of early elections. “The Chief Adviser himself said reforms will be based on national consensus. We’ve identified common grounds — with consensus, reforms can be done in a month.” He added that the U.S. delegation inquired about BNP’s economic and political policies, to which they assured larger structural reforms ahead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered northern Gaza on Tuesday and met with IDF troops. His office confirmed the visit, during which Netanyahu warned Hamas of “more strikes.” He showed Israeli soldiers a social media post by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, reiterating calls for Israel’s destruction. Over 51,000 Palestinians have reportedly died since the Israeli offensive began more than 18 months ago.

U.S. President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%. The White House cited China’s retaliatory actions, including a ban on exporting six heavy rare earth metals and magnets essential for military, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. The administration accused China of deliberately restricting critical materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony. The move is framed as part of Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid at the Naogaon Sadar Sub-Registry Office amid allegations of rampant irregularities and bribery. A service recipient said, “Nothing gets done here without paying bribes. If ACC carries out raids weekly, we’ll all benefit.” ACC officer Mehbuba Khatun Rita stated, “Collusion between sub-registry officials and deed writers is leading to harassment and unauthorized charges. We’ve collected documents and will send a full report to the commissioner.” Sub-Registrar Md. Hasanuzzaman claimed, “ACC didn’t show us anything specific. If they do, we will take action.”

Top leaders of the fascist allies of the ruling Awami League, Hasanul Haq Inu of JASAD and Rashed Khan Menon of the Workers’ Party, were presented before the court for a bail hearing. Standing in the dock, Inu smiled and told Menon, “Our day will come too.” Menon responded with a faint smile. Following the hearing, the court granted a petition to show them arrested in a new case. Both were then taken back to the holding cells under tight security.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the Election Commission (EC) is preparing for the upcoming national polls, targeting December for holding the election. The EC will announce its action plan by July. He stated that the commission plans to include all eligible voters who turn 18 before the official announcement. Law amendments may be required to facilitate this. Sarkar also mentioned planned consultations with political parties and law enforcement agencies in July and August to assess the feasibility of holding elections under current security conditions.

Students of public and private polytechnic institutes have announced a nationwide railway blockade on Thursday as part of their ongoing movement to press home six demands. While they called off today’s road blockade, their demands include cancellation of the 30% promotion quota for Craft Instructors to Junior Instructor posts, revocation of unauthorized appointments made in 2021, dismissal of those involved, reform of recruitment policies, and ending open-age admissions in Diploma Engineering courses. They also demand a four-year curriculum aligned with international standards and English as the medium of instruction, as well as the establishment of a separate Ministry for Technical and Higher Education, a Technical Education Reform Commission, and a dedicated technical university.

Fifty-five Bangladeshi fishermen who had been detained by the Arakan Army have returned to Bangladesh via the Naf River. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) attributed the successful repatriation to diplomatic efforts and coordinated actions. Colonel Ashiqur Rahman stated that the fishermen were detained for allegedly crossing into Myanmar waters. Arrangements are now being made to reunite the fishermen with their families.

The Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, met with the commission investigating the BDR mutiny. He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth, stating, “The nation is looking to the commission for answers—we must succeed.” Commission head Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Alam Fazlur Rahman said the investigation is progressing, with the final report expected by June. He noted the challenge of tracking people involved in a 16-year-old case, including 23 individuals currently abroad. Eight of them have agreed to testify.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the government is seriously considering BNP’s concerns and is committed to holding elections between December and June, as per the Chief Adviser’s promise. He stressed that elections will not be delayed beyond June and that BNP is genuinely invested in reforms. Referring to a positive meeting with BNP leaders, Nazrul dismissed allegations of government delay and reiterated the goal of conducting elections as early as possible within the declared timeframe.

Following a meeting with U.S. diplomats, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) adviser Nahid Islam criticized the administration for working in favor of BNP. He alleged that NCP activists are facing attacks while the authorities remain silent. Nahid stated that elections cannot be held under the current partisan administration and stressed the need for reforms to ensure a level playing field. He outlined the NCP’s key demands: institutional reform, justice, and constitutional assembly elections. Whether the NCP will participate in the polls depends on the implementation of these fundamental reforms.

After a meeting with a U.S. delegation, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party is closely monitoring the promises made by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus regarding the next election. Jamaat wants the election to be held before the upcoming Ramadan. He added that the party also expects judicial proceedings against the ruling Awami League.

In a letter to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir wrote that using development and reform as excuses to delay democracy is a flawed approach. He emphasized that true development can only occur through a functional democratic system, requiring institutional, legal, and policy reforms. Citing BNP’s 31-point agenda, Vision 2030, and Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program, Fakhrul called for the immediate announcement of a clear electoral roadmap by December to dispel public confusion. He urged the government to ensure timely elections to restore economic stability and justice.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed dissatisfaction following a meeting with the Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He stated that no concrete roadmap for the upcoming 13th national election was presented, with the Chief Adviser only indicating a timeline between December and June. Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s demand to hold the election by December and warned that failure to do so could lead to worsening political and economic conditions. He added that the party will decide its next steps after internal discussions.