Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged prominent figures in Thailand to support Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN. Emphasizing Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, he stated, “We are proud members of both SAARC and BIMSTEC, and we strongly believe in regional cooperation.”
Speaking to Thai dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former Deputy Prime Minister, top business leaders, bankers, academics, and civil society representatives, the Chief Adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s aspiration to transition from a sectoral dialogue partner to a full-fledged member of ASEAN.
Highlighting the student-led mass uprising that led to the ouster of a repressive regime, he noted, “That movement marked the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh.”
The Chief Adviser expressed hope that leading ASEAN nations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia will extend their full support for Bangladesh’s membership in the regional bloc.

A young man named Riyad Hossain (34), who was detained in Pallabi on suspicion of robbery, died in police custody. His family claims Sub-Inspector Ashraful took a 20,000 taka bribe in exchange for Riyad’s release and returned the money after his death.

Police have denied the bribery allegation and claim there’s no evidence linking Riyad to any robbery, though they allege he was associated with a local criminal group. Riyad’s wife strongly refuted this, saying her husband was not a criminal and was beaten by police, not the public. The Officer-in-Charge countered that there is CCTV footage and denied police involvement in the death. He assured that any complaints about bribery will be investigated.

Despite strong opposition from Muslim communities and opposition parties, India’s Lok Sabha passed a controversial amendment to the Waqf Act on Wednesday. Critics are calling it a major blow to Muslim rights and Waqf property autonomy.

Opposition leaders argue that the new law drastically curtails the powers of the Waqf Boards, which oversee properties donated for religious and charitable purposes within the Muslim community. India’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, defended the bill, claiming it would increase transparency and government revenue.

Key provisions of the amendment include:
• Mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims and Shia members on Waqf Boards.
• Government officials, at the rank of Collector or above, can now investigate claims over properties declared as Waqf.
• Waqf properties generating over ₹100,000 in annual income will be subject to audits by state-appointed auditors.
• Women must transfer their inheritance property before declaring it as Waqf.
• Only devout practicing Muslims are allowed to dedicate property as Waqf.
• The power to determine whether a property qualifies as Waqf has been handed over to the administration.

Muslim leaders have condemned the legislation, calling it an unprecedented encroachment on religious freedoms and community rights.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with prominent Thai figures over breakfast before attending the BIMSTEC summit, where he pledged to hold free, fair, and inclusive elections after necessary reforms.

Recalling the July uprising, Yunus said, “In 1971, millions of men, women, children, and youth fought against a brutal military regime and sacrificed everything. In the past 15 years, however, citizens witnessed a steady erosion of rights and institutional decay.” He added that nearly 2,000 people, mostly youth and including 118 children, lost their lives while resisting an authoritarian regime.

“I accepted the responsibility of leading the interim government at the people’s request,” Yunus said, reaffirming a strong commitment to restoring economic stability and pursuing far-reaching reforms. He also outlined key components of the reform process.

In a bilateral meeting, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen regional economic cooperation for shared prosperity.

Earlier, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey met with Adviser Touhid and praised Bangladesh’s role in regional cooperation. Bangladesh reiterated its strong commitment to the BIMSTEC process as the incoming Chair. The Secretary General sought support for the upcoming 30th anniversary celebrations, which Adviser Touhid welcomed, encouraging the Secretariat to develop a comprehensive plan.

During their over 30-minute meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a range of bilateral issues. According to the Press Secretary, the talks were productive. Dr. Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, citing concerns over her provocative remarks made from India. The meeting also covered topics such as border killings and the long-standing dispute over Teesta river water sharing, with both leaders expressing commitment to resolving mutual concerns.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called upon BIMSTEC member states to work together based on mutual interests and shared benefits. Highlighting the region’s immense potential, he described its large population as a strength rather than a challenge, noting that BIMSTEC is home to one-fifth of the global population.

“Bangladesh embraces open regionalism and seeks inclusive cooperation grounded in justice, mutual respect, and common good,” Yunus stated. He emphasized joint efforts in renewable energy, cross-border electricity trade, and energy efficiency. He also stressed the importance of easing cross-border movement, particularly for the youth, to enhance trade and investment, calling these the keys to regional prosperity.

Dr. Yunus pointed out that intra-regional trade stands at only 5.9% and urged full implementation of the 2004 BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement to improve connectivity. He noted that Bangladesh, as Chair, will work to advance the group’s goals and welcomed reforms to enhance BIMSTEC’s effectiveness, placing regional interests above bilateral ones.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 12:10 PM local time on Friday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. This marks the first official meeting between the two since Dr. Yunus assumed the role of Chief Adviser of the interim government. The two leaders previously exchanged greetings during Thursday’s official banquet, where they were also seen engaged in a lengthy and cordial conversation.

At least 16 migrants have died in two separate boat capsizings in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday, authorities confirmed. The incidents occurred near the coasts of Greece and Turkey.

In Greece, seven bodies were recovered after a boat carrying around 30 migrants capsized. Initially, four bodies were found, with coast guard patrols later recovering three more. A search and rescue operation is still ongoing for the remaining passengers.

Meanwhile, off the coast of Ayvacık district in Turkey, another migrant boat sank, resulting in nine fatalities. Turkish authorities successfully rescued 25 others from the water.

These incidents highlight the persistent dangers faced by migrants risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 112 Palestinians, including women and children. Among them, 33 civilians—mostly children and women—were killed in attacks on three schools where displaced and persecuted Palestinians had taken refuge. Meanwhile, Israel has issued further evacuation orders for Palestinian families in southern Gaza. According to the UN, since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, nearly 280,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced. The President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that the recent killing of 15 medical and emergency workers by Israeli forces could amount to war crimes.

Basit Khan Musa (7), who was critically wounded in the head during the July mass uprising, has returned to Bangladesh after undergoing treatment in Singapore for five months and 12 days. Upon arrival, he was transported to Dhaka CMH in a military ambulance. Musa was shot while buying ice cream with his grandmother, Maya Islam, near their home in Meradia Hat on July 19. Tragically, his grandmother succumbed to her injuries the following day. The bullet entered one side of Musa’s head and exited the other. On October 22, he was flown to Singapore for advanced medical care. Musa is his parents’ only child.

A long-standing political feud led to a violent clash between Awami League and BNP supporters in Murutia village, Faridpur. The confrontation resulted in the vandalism of homes, with at least one Awami League supporter’s house set on fire. At least 12 people were injured in the conflict. The clash was reportedly led by Mintu Mia, son of former BNP leader Harun Mia, on one side, and Belayet Molya, a supporter of local Awami League leader and UP chairman Afshar Matubbar, on the other. The violence escalated after Awami League supporter Azizul Sheikh (41) was hacked during a heated argument, prompting both sides to engage in a full-scale fight with locally made weapons.

A violent clash erupted in Pallabi on Thursday evening, resulting in gunfire and physical assault. Mamun Hossain Bappi, a young man, sustained serious injuries in the incident, which stemmed from a family dispute between his cousin Hossain and another relative, Mamun. Witnesses reported that an argument escalated into a fight, after which Hossain’s associates attempted to forcibly take Mamun away. When locals intervened, Hossain’s men fired multiple rounds into the air to disperse them. Eventually, they struck Mamun on the head with a brick before fleeing the scene.

Over the past 15 months, 48 people—including men, women, and children—have lost their lives after being struck by trains in Akhaura. Among them, two young men were killed near a railway bridge in Gangasagar last Wednesday when they fell from the roof of an intercity train, reportedly while filming a TikTok video. Two others were seriously injured.

From January 2024 to April 2, 2025, railway police in Akhaura recovered the bodies of 13 victims, including two women and one child. In 2024 alone, 35 bodies were found—26 men, 9 women, and 2 children. Most of the deceased remain unidentified.

These tragic incidents occurred along the 100-kilometer railway stretch covering Akhaura-Ashuganj, Akhaura-Mandabag, and Akhaura-Mukundapur. Authorities continue to investigate and urge passengers to prioritize safety.

Following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, opposition parties across Turkey have launched widespread protests and called for a boycott of products from government-affiliated companies. On Wednesday, the movement gained momentum, with activists urging a one-day shopping strike. Some stores shut down in solidarity, condemning the arrest as politically motivated.

Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, denounced the boycott, calling it an attempt to harm the economy and a violation of fair trade principles. Pro-government voices, including football star Mesut Özil, have pushed back against the movement, using the hashtag “No Boycott, National Damage” to voice their opposition. However, Turkey’s President remains confident that the boycott will not succeed.