Bangladesh has finalized a draft trade agreement with the United States aimed at reducing the bilateral trade imbalance. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated that both parties are optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial deal before proposed U.S. tariffs take effect. Bangladesh has proposed increasing imports of U.S. wheat, cotton, oil, and Boeing aircraft. Former President Trump had postponed the imposition of a 37% tariff until July 9. In 2024, Bangladesh exported $8.36 billion worth of goods to the U.S. while importing $2.21 billion. So far, 28 meetings and document exchanges have taken place as part of the negotiation process.

The U.S. Congress has passed President Donald Trump’s controversial ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ with a narrow 218-214 vote in the Republican-controlled House. The bill, already approved by the Senate 51-50 with Vice President J.D. Vance’s tie-breaking vote, funds immigration enforcement, makes 2017 tax cuts permanent, and enables new tax cuts promised for 2024. The White House confirmed Trump will sign it soon. The bill could cut $930 billion from healthcare but may cause 12 million people to lose insurance coverage.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi is facing public outrage after expressing support for Israel's military actions and calling on Iranians to rise against their government. Speaking at a press conference in Paris just before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Pahlavi's comments drew sharp criticism. Rather than backing his call, many Iranians responded with renewed national unity. His failure to condemn Israeli attacks that killed hundreds of civilians, along with his opulent lifestyle, past associations with dictatorship, and disregard for Islamic sites like Al-Aqsa, have severely damaged his credibility, according to analysts.

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 118 Palestinians and injured over 581 others in Gaza within the past 24 hours, according to the local health ministry and media office. More than 300 deaths were recorded over 48 hours, with 26 incidents classified as mass killings. Civilian areas including shelters, homes, markets, and food aid centers were targeted. On Thursday morning, 33 people were killed at a food distribution site, 13 in a tent, and 16 in a school. Witnesses described the missile strikes as so intense that some victims were burned to death.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on individuals, entities, and vessels involved in smuggling Iranian oil under the guise of Iraqi exports. The U.S. Treasury revealed that the network, led by Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Said, has sold billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil since 2020 using falsified documents. Additionally, senior officials of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial institution in Lebanon, have been sanctioned. Their assets have been frozen, and all business dealings with U.S. citizens are now prohibited.

A Dhaka court has set September 15 for submitting investigation reports in four corruption cases against former military adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique and 18 others. The Anti-Corruption Commission filed the cases over the alleged embezzlement of Tk 812 crore from projects at Dhaka, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar airports. The accused include top former officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry and CAAB. The embezzlement involved radar installation, terminal expansion, and runway development works at three key airports in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced strict security measures and issued a set of guidelines for the observance of Ashura and Tazia processions. Participants are prohibited from carrying weapons, bags, or fireworks. Imambara organizers are advised to deploy volunteers and ensure backup power. CCTV monitoring, checkposts, and police presence—both in uniform and plainclothes—have been increased. Counter Terrorism Unit will sweep venues beforehand. Police urge public cooperation, especially as Hindu Rath Yatra will be held the same day.

Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam of the Military Operations Directorate announced that the army will take tough measures if mob violence or public disturbance occurs. He mentioned that anyone involved in damaging life or property will face strict consequences. The army has already arrested one individual linked to harassment of a former Chief Election Commissioner. The briefing also covered law enforcement efforts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Investigations will lead to action against army personnel involved in enforced disappearances if evidence is found.

The central bank has allowed commercial banks’ offshore banking units to use foreign currency deposits from expatriates as collateral for loans, provided the depositors give consent. Without consent, deposits cannot be used as collateral. If a borrower defaults, banks can notify depositors and recover the loan by mortgaging the deposit. This move aims to simplify loan collateral procedures. The directive is effective immediately and applies to loans given mainly to export zones and foreign-owned companies.

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country in the world to do so. The Russian Foreign Ministry accepted the credentials of a new ambassador from the Taliban-led administration. Russian officials expressed hope that this step will strengthen bilateral cooperation. In a meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Dmitry Zhirnov, the move was described as a model for others to follow, with Russia taking the lead in formal recognition.

Despite the peak hilsa season, fishermen in the Payra River area are struggling due to a significant decline in hilsa catches. Submerged chars at the river’s estuary and waste discharge from a nearby thermal power plant obstruct the natural tidal flow, preventing hilsa from entering and breeding in the river. This has severely impacted the livelihoods of over 14,000 coastal fishermen. Experts and locals are demanding urgent dredging of the submerged chars and better management of thermal plant waste to restore the river’s ecosystem.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that all Middle East crises, including those involving Iran, must be resolved through political and diplomatic means. During a one-hour phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump, the two leaders discussed the war in Ukraine, the Iran-Israel conflict, and various global issues. According to the Kremlin, Russia supports peaceful resolution to all international disputes. However, on the Ukraine issue, Putin reaffirmed that Moscow will not compromise on its strategic goals, although it remains open to negotiations.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese revealed that Israel has dropped 85,000 tons of explosives on Gaza—six times the power of the Hiroshima bomb—resulting in one of modern history’s most brutal genocides. Over 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, with actual numbers likely higher. Albanese condemned the role of arms companies profiting from the conflict and called for a full arms embargo on Israel. She urged global action to hold corporations accountable and stop the ongoing human rights violations.

The High Court has directed the Election Commission to immediately register the Bangladesh Samadhikar Party (BSP). This decision came after Susanta Chandra Barman, the party’s chairman, filed a writ petition seeking registration. The court issued a rule following the hearing and, after the final hearing, ordered the Election Commission to implement the registration without delay. This ruling removes any remaining barriers to the party’s official recognition, ensuring it can participate fully in the political process.

BNP publicity secretary Sultan Salauddin Tuku declared that Tareq Rahman will assume the role of Prime Minister once elections are held, emphasizing a democratic future for Bangladesh. Speaking at a blood donation event in Tangail commemorating the July uprising, he urged unity among the people and condemned fear and controversy around elections. Tuku highlighted the sacrifices made by BNP leaders and activists over 17 years, calling for fair elections and a collective effort to build a democratic Bangladesh.