Qatari negotiators have departed Tehran after completing discussions focused on the ongoing conflict situation in the Middle East. A diplomat confirmed to AFP on Thursday that the talks, which continued until early morning, involved Iranian officials and were conducted in coordination with the United States.

The meeting took place at a time of heightened tension, as the United States and Iran have recently carried out retaliatory attacks against each other. The discussions were aimed at addressing the escalating hostilities and exploring possible de-escalation measures, though no specific outcomes were disclosed.

The timing of the Qatari delegation’s departure underscores the urgency of diplomatic efforts to manage the volatile regional situation, but the source did not provide details on any agreements or next steps.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said the European Union should be ready to impose new sanctions on Iran if the Middle East crisis does not ease. Speaking in parliament, she stated that if Tehran continues on the wrong path, the EU must be prepared to increase pressure through new targeted measures.

Meloni also sharply criticized remarks made by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir about Italy, calling them unacceptable for Italy and degrading for Israel. Her comments came as European countries continue discussions on adopting a tougher stance toward Iran amid escalating regional tensions.

The statement reflects growing concern within Europe about the direction of Iran’s policies and the broader instability in the Middle East, with EU members considering coordinated responses to maintain regional security.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s central assistant secretary general Muhammad Shahjahan claimed that efforts are underway to destroy the global Islamic economic model, not just one bank. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Chattogram city office in Dewan Bazar on Thursday, he said attempts to seize control of Islamic Bank and hand it to former owners would not be allowed. He urged depositors and supporters to defend the Islamic banking system.

Shahjahan further stated that the expected change following the national election after the July revolution had not materialized. He alleged that signs of fascism were visible in the current government’s activities, which began within its first 100 days in power. He also criticized the government for failing to hold local elections and instead appointing partisan administrators, calling it undemocratic.

The press conference announced that an eleven-party alliance will hold a grand rally on June 13 at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, relief from public suffering, and control of commodity prices. Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will attend as chief guest, with Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed as the main speaker.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has finalized a new draft code of conduct ahead of upcoming local government elections, including city corporations, municipalities, upazilas, district councils, and union councils. The draft imposes a strict ban on the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake technology, and the participation of high-profile figures such as the prime minister, ministers, and members of parliament in election campaigns. The proposal, signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, was published on the commission’s website for public and stakeholder feedback.

The draft introduces several new provisions to prevent technology abuse and ensure free and fair elections. Violations could lead to immediate cancellation of candidacy, with penalties including up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 50,000 taka. The rules also restrict social media use, sound levels, campaign materials, and public rallies. Candidates must register their social media accounts, and campaign noise is limited to 60 decibels. Use of helicopters, live animals, or government resources for campaigning is strictly prohibited.

The EC’s move signals an unprecedented effort to regulate digital campaigning and maintain electoral integrity across Bangladesh’s local elections.

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has directed that the ongoing pilot project for the expansion of purebred Black Bengal goats and native sheep be extended to all districts of Bangladesh. He made the announcement while addressing an orientation meeting of the Department of Livestock Services at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council seminar hall on Thursday.

The minister said the project aims to make small and marginal farmers economically self-reliant by promoting high-quality local breeds. He emphasized that the initiative will strengthen rural economies and improve living standards. Tuku also highlighted the importance of field-level officers in training and motivating farmers to adopt modern livestock management practices, including proper care, disease control, and responsible antibiotic use.

He further noted that the Black Bengal goat is a valuable indigenous breed with high reproductive capacity and strong market demand, making it a profitable livelihood source for rural communities. The meeting was chaired by Director General Md. Shahjahan Khan and attended by ministry officials, researchers, and farmers.

Chittagong University has launched a pilot phase of the JoBike service to ease student transportation on campus. The service was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan on Thursday morning in front of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU) building. Initially, 10 pedal-assist JoBikes will operate across five designated zones for 40 days, with a per-minute fare of 1.5 taka. Students can unlock and lock the bikes using a mobile app by scanning a QR code.

According to university officials, after the trial period, around 100 pedal-assist JoBikes will be introduced permanently, with the fare reduced to 0.8 taka per minute. The Vice-Chancellor said the relaunch marks a new convenience for students and expressed hope for its long-term success through responsible use. ChakSU’s communication and accommodation secretary Ishaq Bhuiyan noted that the service resumed after nearly five years, following student demand and discussions with JoBike CEO Mehedi Reza in 2025.

JoBike founder and CEO Mehedi Reza stated that within the 40-day trial, 50 additional e-bikes will be added, along with 20 parking points and a modern Jo Café for students.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad has strongly opposed the government’s initiative to make music, dance, drama, and fine arts compulsory in the primary school curriculum. In a statement issued to the media on Thursday, he called for the cancellation of the plan, arguing that it disregards the religious values, family culture, and social realities of the country’s Muslim-majority population.

Ahmad stated that the main goal of education should be to build morally upright, responsible, and patriotic citizens, not to impose controversial cultural practices. He pointed out that the primary education system still faces teacher shortages, infrastructural weaknesses, and quality challenges, and that introducing new subjects could divert attention from these fundamental issues.

He emphasized that moral and religious education should be prioritized to ensure children’s holistic development. Ahmad urged the government to respect public religious sentiments and cultural identity when formulating education policy and called on parents, scholars, educators, and social organizations to remain vigilant and vocal on the issue.

Bangladesh’s Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha has received the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 for its solar-powered floating school initiative in the Chalan Beel region. The award ceremony, organized by UNESCO Dhaka, took place at the Holiday Inn Dhaka City Centre on June 11, 2026. The event was attended by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj as chief guest, along with senior education officials and representatives from UNESCO.

The floating school project provides education to children in remote wetland areas where regular schooling is difficult, especially during the monsoon. Each boat is equipped with solar power and serves as a classroom, library, computer lab, or training center. Currently, Shidhulai operates 56 boats, including 26 classrooms and 10 libraries. The initiative was recognized for its innovative approach to literacy and inclusion in geographically challenged communities.

UNESCO’s representative in Bangladesh, Dr. Susan Vize, emphasized the transformative role of literacy in enabling informed decision-making and social participation. The recognition highlights the importance of locally driven, sustainable education solutions in climate-vulnerable regions.

The United States launched a missile strike on an Iranian cargo barge in the Gulf of Oman, according to Reza Shahidian, governor of Iran’s Sirik County. The 150-ton barge, owned by local residents of Sirik, was carrying essential goods from Oman’s Khasab port when it was attacked about five nautical miles from the coast. Passing vessels rescued all five crew members and brought them to Oman.

Following the strike, Iran’s central military command announced the complete closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The command warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be targeted. The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime route for global energy shipments, and its closure marks a significant escalation in regional tensions.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide details on casualties or the reason behind the US attack, leaving uncertainty about the broader implications of this confrontation.

Jordan has claimed to have destroyed 20 missiles fired from Iran, according to the country's military. The missiles were intercepted and brought down near Azraq in Zarqa province, about 80 kilometers east of Amman. Military officials said debris from the missiles fell to the ground, but there were no casualties or damage to infrastructure. Engineering units were deployed to remove the remnants and ensure no explosives remained.

According to reports citing a Jordanian military official, the missiles were launched from Iran and targeted the Azraq area. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran had earlier stated that it fired 12 ballistic missiles at Jordan’s Al-Azraq airbase for the second consecutive night. The incident marks an escalation in regional tensions involving Iran and neighboring states.

No immediate reports indicated further military response or diplomatic engagement following the interception, and the situation remains under observation.

Leaders of Khelafat Majlis expressed deep concern at a central executive meeting in Dhaka, alleging that India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has been pushing people illegally into Bangladesh over the past month. They said that India is bypassing established legal and diplomatic procedures for repatriation, such as prisoner exchange agreements and citizenship verification, and instead engaging in unlawful border intrusions. The leaders described this as an unfriendly act and contrary to international law.

The meeting emphasized that Bangladesh, as a sovereign state, cannot accept any unilateral push-in arrangement. The leaders urged India to respect existing bilateral agreements and refrain from forcing individuals into Bangladesh based on language or religion. They called on Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take a stronger diplomatic stance, lodge a formal protest with the Indian government, and, if necessary, raise the issue at international forums. The leaders also praised the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for its vigilance in addressing the situation.

In addition, the meeting voiced concern over rising crimes, inflation, power shortages, and instability in the banking sector, urging collective efforts to restore stability in the country.

Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kajol announced that the trial of the Ramisa rape and murder case will continue without interruption. He made the statement on Thursday, June 11, 2026, while speaking to journalists at his office. Kajol said that considering the sensitivity of the case, a special panel of state lawyers has been formed. The case is expected to appear on the High Court’s cause list next Sunday.

According to the report, on June 9, the death reference documents for convicts Sohel Rana and Swapna Akter, who were sentenced to death for the rape and murder of child Ramisa in Dhaka’s Pallabi area, reached the High Court. The death reference was sent after Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Tribunal for Suppression of Violence Against Children signed the verdict documents.

The Attorney General’s remarks indicate that the judicial process will move forward swiftly, with the High Court preparing to review the death sentences soon.

A fire broke out in the engine room of a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The cause of the fire has not been disclosed. Local authorities reported that the incident occurred about 21 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, Oman.

The incident comes shortly after Iran’s central military command declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz completely closed following recent U.S. attacks. Iran warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway would be treated as a target. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for global energy transport, and its closure has heightened regional tensions.

The timing of the tanker fire near the closed strait adds to concerns over maritime safety and the potential escalation of conflict in the region, though no link between the fire and the broader tensions has been confirmed.

Abdus Sabur Fakir, central executive member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South, said that if the upcoming national budget imposes additional tax burdens on the public, people will immediately reject it. Speaking at an Eid reunion and unit leaders’ gathering organized by the party’s Wari West Thana unit on Wednesday night, he alleged that signs of an anti-poor budget were already visible and that ruling party-linked traders had begun stockpiling goods ahead of expected price hikes.

Fakir also criticized the government’s handling of Islami Bank, accusing it of allowing politically connected individuals to loot depositors’ money. He claimed that those who once took control of the bank under the ruling party were now trying to do so under the opposition’s influence. He urged the government to cancel the appointment of the current Islami Bank chairman, Khurshid Alam, and replace him with an honest and competent person to restore public confidence.

Other Jamaat leaders at the event, including Dr. Abdul Mannan, also criticized the home minister for focusing on bank control instead of improving law and order and border security.

Three Indian sailors were killed when US forces struck an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, according to India’s Minister of Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that the bodies of the three previously missing sailors had been recovered. The attack occurred on Tuesday evening on a vessel named 'Settebello', which the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said was carrying Iranian oil and had failed to comply with US instructions.

The tanker, flying the flag of Palau, had 28 crew members on board, including 24 Indians, two Pakistanis, one Ukrainian, and one Russian. Earlier reports indicated that 21 Indian sailors had been rescued, while three were missing. Following the incident, the Indian government summoned a senior US diplomat in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jason Meeks, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, was called in for discussions.

The event has drawn attention to tensions in the region’s maritime routes, with India seeking clarification from the United States regarding the strike and the loss of its citizens.