US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84, his family said in a statement on Tuesday. They said he died peacefully in the morning with family members by his side. “Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the statement said. Jackson worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He later ran twice for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017 and was hospitalised last November with a degenerative neurological condition. (PC: BBC)

Fresh political tension surfaced in Bangladesh during the swearing-in of the Tarique Rahman-led BNP government as Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party warned of street protests over the July Charter issue. The dispute centers on a second oath linked to constitutional reforms under the July Charter referendum. BNP MPs took oath as lawmakers but refused to take oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council. Jamaat and NCP had earlier threatened to boycott the ceremony if BNP avoided the reform oath. Later, both parties went ahead and took both oaths. Jamaat leaders alleged election manipulation and post-poll violence, calling the new ruling force “fascist.”

US President Donald Trump said he will be “indirectly” involved in nuclear talks with Iran set to begin in Geneva. Speaking on Air Force One, he called the discussions “very important.” Iran said the meeting will focus on its nuclear programme and possible lifting of US sanctions. Washington also wants to discuss Iran’s missile programme. Trump warned of consequences if no deal is reached. The US has increased its military presence in the Middle East. Iran has also carried out military drills. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching an agreement would be difficult but possible. (PC: Getty Images, Reuters)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said visas are not a right and can be withdrawn. Speaking in Budapest, he said no one is entitled to a US visa. He added that a visa is only permission to enter the country. Rubio warned that visas will be revoked if visitors act against US national security or interests. The policy applies to students, tourists and journalists. Last month, the US paused immigrant visa approvals for nationals of 75 countries. A group of lawyers and advocacy groups has challenged the order in a federal court in New York. (PC: AFP)

Muhammad Yunus stepped down as Bangladesh’s chief adviser after the election of a new government. In his farewell speech, he spoke about stronger regional ties. He mentioned Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” while outlining a plan for sub-regional economic cooperation. He proposed better trade, connectivity and maritime access through Bangladesh. His remarks may draw attention in New Delhi, as ties between India and Bangladesh have been tense. Yunus said his government focused on sovereignty and national interest. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by Tarique Rahman, won the recent election and will form the next government.

BNP chief Tarique Rahman will take oath as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday after his party’s election win. The ceremony will be held at the South Plaza of the Parliament Complex, not at Bangabhaban. State news agency BSS said the oath for cabinet members is set for 4:00 pm. Members of Parliament will be sworn in earlier at 10:00 am. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath. A BNP leader said, “As the leader of the majority party, our party chairman will be the Prime Minister.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to attend, along with leaders from Maldives, Turkey and Sri Lanka. (PC: HT)

Satellite images show a larger US military presence near Iran, including warships and fighter jets. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was located in the Arabian Sea, about 700 km from Iran, near Oman. It leads a strike group with three guided missile destroyers and about 90 aircraft. Reports say the USS Gerald R Ford carrier is also heading to the region. Analysts tracked at least 12 US ships across the Middle East. More F-15 and EA-18 fighter jets were also seen at bases in Jordan. A military expert said the deployment shows “more depth and sustainability” and acts as a deterrent force. (PC: BBC)

Bangladesh interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus resigned on Monday, a day before the new elected government is set to take charge. He announced his decision in a farewell national broadcast. Yunus said, “Today, the interim government is stepping down,” and urged that democracy and free speech should continue. He confirmed power would pass to the incoming government after the recent election. Tarique Rahman’s BNP won a clear majority with 209 of 297 seats. His oath ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at the Parliament complex. Yunus returned to lead the interim setup in August 2024 after Sheikh Hasina’s exit from office. (PC: HT)

A garment factory worker in Bangladesh was killed by a mob after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad, according to police and local reports. Dipu Chandra Das, 28, was taken from his workplace in Mymensingh after rumours spread. Investigators say he was beaten by a large crowd and later burned near a highway. Police said about 150 people took part and 22 have been arrested so far. An officer called it a “hate crime” and said more suspects are being traced. The killing led to protests and international concern. Authorities have promised compensation and support for the victim’s family. (PC: BBC)

Two female soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces were rescued by police after being chased by a crowd of ultra-Orthodox men in Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv. Videos showed the women running as officers formed a protective line. Police said 23 people were arrested. Stun grenades were used to break up the crowd. Three officers were injured and police vehicles were damaged. Reports said the soldiers were wrongly suspected of delivering draft notices. The IDF said they were on a home visit to another soldier. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident “unacceptable” and said it was the act of an “extreme minority.” (PC: BBC)